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Small bedrooms come with their own set of decorating challenges, especially when your closet is already overflowing. Fortunately, you don’t need a massive wardrobe to create more room for your clothes. Walmart currently has a 2-in-1 dresser with an attached clothes rack that makes it easy to add storage without taking over your space.

The Edx Dresser With Hanging Rack has four fabric drawers with wooden fronts on one side and a clothing rack on the other, giving you a spot for folded clothes, hanging pieces and even shoes. It’s currently on sale for $37, down from $70, making it a wallet-friendly pick for apartments, nurseries, guest rooms and other small spaces.

Edx Dresser With Hanging Rack, From $37 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Measuring 11.4 inches deep, 29.9 inches wide and 43.4 inches tall, this dresser makes the most of vertical space. At nearly 44 inches tall, it offers three times more storage than the average four-drawer dresser, making it a practical option for cramped bedrooms, nurseries and studio apartments. 

Its four-drawer configuration includes two large and two medium-sized drawers, which can be used to organize clothing and smaller essentials. The drawers accommodate up to 60 t-shirts, 40 pairs of pants and more than 200 pairs of socks. There’s also open space underneath for several pairs of shoes.

The steel frame clothing rack has room for more than six adult coats or about 15 long-sleeve shirts and can hold up to 50 pounds. Its reversible design also lets you install the rack on either side, making it easy to customize the setup to fit your space. The dresser also includes an anti-tip kit to help keep it securely in place. 

It comes in three colors: black, white and rustic brown. Prices vary by color, but you can snag any option for under $45. For shoppers who need more space there’s also a six-drawer version for $74 that includes an LED backlight.

Walmart shoppers said the dresser was easy to put together and had plenty of room for clothes. One reviewer who purchased it for their son said it made his room “better than before” because it could hold so many items. Another described the dresser as “sturdy” and “good quality.” 

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Related: Walmart’s 4-Tier Rolling Cart Easily Squeezes More Storage Into Kitchens and Laundry Rooms, Now 54% Off

For as low as $37, the Edx Dresser With Hanging Rack is an inexpensive way to add multiple types of storage to a small space. Head to Walmart while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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.

In 1967, one of pop music’s greatest songwriters handed a secret weapon to a television cast that cemented their place in music history.

Carole King’s sharp songwriting handed The Monkees their most iconic sound with the tune “Pleasant Valley Sunday.” The track surged to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, turning the quiet anxieties of modern suburban life into an enduring pop-rock anthem.

The song celebrated its 59th anniversary in July 2026, leading Micky Dolenz to reflect on its legacy. On Instagram he wrote, “This month in 1967, The Monkees released “Pleasant Valley Sunday.”

Dolenz continued, “Written by the extraordinary Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 11 in the U.K., and somehow, it still feels just as much fun to sing all these years later. Do you remember where you first heard ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday?’ Tell me your story in the comments.”

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Fans were quick to respond to Dolenz’s post. They shared their recollections in its comments section.

“Post Cereal put a 45 on the back of boxes of selected cereals. It was a box of Honey Comb cereal with the record stamped in plastic on the cardboard. To play the 45, I had to cut a square out of the box with the 45 in it and put it on the record player. Fun memory. The record itself was blue, and I only got a few plays out of it,” shared one follower.

A second fan wrote, “San Clemente, California. Every week we watched The Monkees and discussed the episode in the schoolyard the next day.”

“I used this song as my example of a ballad for an English class in high school and my teacher gave me an A,” recalled a third Instagram user.

A fourth social media user concluded, “My family was taking a road trip vacation through the Eastern states the summer of 1967. My mother had a new car, a ‘67 Chevelle Malibu, and we’d dial in the local top 40 AM radio stations. More often than not, we’d see a little town called ‘Pleasant Valley,’ and my sister would launch into this song. This was played a lot, and the Beatles’ single ‘All You Need Is Love.’ Great memories.”

Per Songfacts, Goffin and King wrote this song about the street they lived on, Pleasant Valley Way, in West Orange, New Jersey. Medium reported that the song hailed from a time when King and Goffin had found success writing top 20 hits for artists such as The Shirelles, Little Eva, The Drifters, Bobby Vee, and The Righteous Brothers. However, Goffin was reportedly unhappy with suburban living.

The outlet excerpted King’s biography, A Natural Woman, which explained Goffin’s distaste for a quieter way of life. “Gerry did not enjoy living in the suburbs, an opinion he vigorously documented in a song called ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday.’”

While many 1960s tracks fade into history, “Pleasant Valley Sunday” remains celebrated by modern music fans. From commentary on contemporary suburban culture to its placement on modern classic rock playlists, the song’s biting commentary and iconic guitar riff continue to resonate with today’s listeners.

Related: 1968 Monkees Box Office Flop, Co-Written By a Three-Time Oscar Winner, Shattered Their Squeaky-Clean Image Forever

One of Elvis Presley‘s most successful commercial singles climbed to the top of the charts exactly 66 years ago today.

On August. 15, 1960, the King of Rock and Roll’s mega-hit “It’s Now or Never” began what would turn into a five-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also had a massive run on the UK charts, spending 8 consecutive weeks at the top (plus an additional week when it was re-released in 2005).

The song sold more than 20 million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles of Elvis’ entire career.

According to American Songwriter, Elvis was inspired to record the track after hearing the Italian standard “O Sole Mio” while in Germany during his 2-year Army service. He reached out to his publisher, Freddy Bienstock, with the idea of covering the song, and Bienstock then got in touch with songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold, who reportedly penned the English lyrics in just half an hour.

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Elvis is said to have struggled in the studio while recording, as Schroeder said, “Elvis wanted everything to be right; almost to the point of having tears in his eyes because he—Elvis—felt himself to be struggling to get the result that he envisaged in his head.”

Ultimately, Elvis’ insistence on making the recording absolutely perfect paid off. Not only is “It’s Now or Never” one of the biggest commercial hits from Elvis’ own catalog, but it’s also one of the best-selling physical singles in music history.

According to Far Out Magazine, Elvis’ “Now Or Never” is tied for the No. 5 best-selling physical singles of all time, along with USA for Africa’s “We Are the World” and Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You.” The top four songs on the list include Bing Crosby – ‘White Christmas’ – 50million

The Best-Selling Physical Singles of All Time

These are the Top 5 best-selling physical singles of all time, according to Far Out Magazine (2022): 

1. “White Christmas” Bing Crosby, 50 million
2. “Something About the Way You Look Tonight”/”Candle in the Wind (1997)” Elton John, 33 million
3. “In the Summertime” Mungo Jerry, 30 million
4. “Rock Around the Clock” Bill Haley & His Comets, 25 million
5. “I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston, 20 million
6. “It’s Now or Never” Elvis Presley, 20 million
7. “We Are the World” USA for Africa, 20 million

Related: 1972 Ballad Made Famous By Elvis Presley Became a Grammy-Winning Hit for a Country Icon 10 Years Later

Bridget Fonda thought she was just getting started. In a 1992 interview promoting Single White Female, the actress looked ahead to a long Hollywood career, hoping she would eventually make a film as lasting as The Grapes of Wrath, Coming Home or Easy Rider. More than three decades later, her comments carry a striking sense of hindsight.

At the time, Fonda was proud of her family’s Hollywood legacy but determined to find her own path. The daughter of Peter Fonda and niece of Jane Fonda, she acknowledged that carrying the famous surname could be daunting. “I try not to think of it because it can weigh up on you,” she said in the interview with Bobbie Wygant. “I found in school, that came up in my mind and it started to become daunting,” she recalled, explaining that she ultimately decided to let her own instincts guide her career.

Still, Fonda hoped she could eventually create something that would stand alongside her family’s most celebrated work. “I’m proud of my family,” she said. “And I hope that I’ll do something that can stand out the way that the films my dad and my aunt and my grandfather did.”

She was also looking far into the future, telling Wygant, “I’ve got a ways to go, hopefully I’ll be working for a long time,” before adding that she hoped to find “the film that really changes somebody’s life.”

Instead, Fonda’s acting career lasted roughly another decade. After marrying composer Danny Elfman in 2003 and welcoming their son in 2005, she stepped away from Hollywood to focus on her family and embrace a quieter, more private life. Years later, she made clear she had no plans to return, saying it was “too nice being a civilian.”

Even at the height of her career, however, acting could take an emotional toll. While discussing Single White Female, Fonda admitted the role had been difficult to film. “It was a tough summer, emotionally,” she said, explaining that she had gone through a lot while making the movie. “As much as I was excited to get it out of myself, it’s just like you’re exercising some fears and things and at the same time you sort of just get drained.”

As we get older, it’s completely natural for our bodies and skin to display signs of aging. We primarily see this on our faces and necks, but it’s also fairly common on our hands.

On the hands, mature skin can manifest as wrinkles, loose skin, dryness, roughness and more noticeable veins and tendons, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. These features can sometimes result in the hands looking a bit bonier or smaller.

Again, these changes to the hands are totally normal. However, if you are unhappy with how your hands are evolving as you age, there is one easy and natural way to flatter your hands: with a manicure.

But what type of manicure is best at elongating mature hands? As it turns out, there are a few nail shapes, lengths and colors that are up to the task.

To learn more, we spoke with Jacqueline Pham, a New York-City based nail artist and celebrity manicurist for Color Street. Pham’s nail art has been featured in magazines including Vogue and Allure, and her celebrity nail clients include Tiffany Haddish and Nick Jonas.

Keep reading to learn more about the three nail shapes of “old money nails” that can help elongate mature hands and make them look extra beautiful.

Related: Anne Hathaway’s ‘Clean Girl’ Nails Are the Manicure Trend Everyone Is Asking For Right Now: How To Recreate the Look

How To Prevent Hands From Showing Signs of Aging

Besides aging, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) notes a few activities that can accelerate signs of aging on our hands: smoking, unprotected sun exposure and fast weight loss.

To prevent your hands from displaying signs of aging, the ASDS recommends keeping your hands moisturized with a product containing vitamin C, as well as using sunscreen on your hands whenever you go outside during the day.

Related: 25 Minimalist Nail Ideas That Are Subtle Yet So Stunning

What Is an ‘Old Money’ Manicure?

An “old money” sensibility or fashion sense involves being subtle in your display of wealth.

So when it comes to an old money manicure, you’ll want to do your nails in a natural, clean and delicate way that evokes quiet luxury. This manicure simple and subtle and avoids bright colors and funky designs.

Related: 9 Nail Colors That Look Especially Good on Women Over 60, According to Manicurists

3 Nail Shapes To Elongate Mature Hands, According to a Celebrity Manicurist

Here are the shapes that are especially flattering for aging hands, according to a nail artist.

1. Soft almond

Mariia Demchenko / Getty Images

“If your hands have become more delicate over the years, soft almond is one of the most flattering shapes you can choose,” Pham tells Parade. While an almond nail comes to a point at the end, much like an actual almond, a soft almond nail involves filing the point into a softer, more rounded tip.

“This shape naturally elongates the fingers because of the gently tapered shape,” she explains, adding that this look is “refined,” and “gives the ‘old money’ or ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic that works for mature hands.”

To achieve a soft almond nail at home, use a glass nail file to “file the sides slightly inward and soften the tip into a rounded point,” Pham says.

The best color for a soft almond manicure, she explains, is a sheer pink or creamy nude. Or, you can even pair it with a classic French manicure.

Related: Why ‘Safe’ Nail Colors Can Actually Make Mature Hands Look Older

2. Oval

Inessa Bologova / Getty Images

Whether your nails are long or short, oval is a classic shape that can help elongate the fingers.

“Oval nails visually lengthen the nail bed while keeping the hands looking soft and elegant,” Pham explains. “The shape never goes out of style and is true understated elegance, complementing every nail length.”

Plus, oval nails are pretty easy to do yourself. Just “round the tip evenly while keeping the sides slightly tapered,” she says.

For an oval manicure, she recommends a soft shade, such as ballet pink, ivory or beige to “keep it simple and classic.”

Related: How To Get the Perfect Princess Nails, According to a Professional Nail Technician

3. Squoval

Mariia Demchenko / Getty Images

If you like the look of square nails but aren’t sure about going quite so rigid, try squoval nails.

“Squoval nails combine a square shape with softened corners for a clean, polished finish,” Pham explains. “This classic shape gives mature hands a sophisticated appearance without looking trendy.”

To achieve squoval nails, start by filing straight across the tip of your nail to create a square shape. Then, “gently round the corners” using a glass nail file.

Pham advises using a classic ballet slipper, rosy beige, greige or glossy nude shade for a squoval mani.

Up Next:

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

Sources:

• Jacqueline Pham, manicurist and nail artist.
• What Can Make My Hands Look Younger? American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• Aging Hands. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

Courtney Love has a new record almost ready to go, and a health scare behind it that she’s just now opening up about.

In an Instagram video posted Friday, Love, 62, gave fans a long-awaited update on her upcoming album. It’s finished, she said, and she put everything into it. But getting there wasn’t easy. Back in 2019, while traveling in England, everything fell apart at once. “My body just exploded,” she said.

What followed was a stretch in and out of hospitals that she never talked about publicly at the time. Love said she dropped to around 100 pounds and lost all her hair. At one point, doctors told her plainly that she wasn’t going to make it. But she didn’t buy it.

Love explained that her instinct to push back against bad news traces all the way back to childhood, when she says adults would try to convince her that what she was seeing wasn’t real. That same stubborn streak, she said, is what kept her from accepting the doctors’ prognosis in 2019. Somehow, against the odds they gave her, she pulled through.

“I’m healthy, which is amazing,” she said.

Love didn’t specify what caused the health crisis, and she’s kept those details private even now, focusing instead on what came out of it. Much of her time in the hospital, she said, doubled as writing and recording time for the album she now considers some of her most personal work.

Looking ahead, Love said touring and performing are what she wants most. “I want to tour more than anything,” she wrote in the post’s caption. “And I want to sing. That’s what keeps my soul and body happy.”

Six years after doctors weren’t sure she’d survive, Courtney Love is not only still here, she’s getting ready to get back on stage.

It’s hard to imagine Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy” sounding any other way. The upbeat song became one of the biggest hits of the 2010s, but before Williams, 53, released it himself, another famous singer had already recorded a version.

CeeLo Green recorded “Happy” before Williams ultimately decided to release the song himself.

Williams wrote the song with Chad Hugo and produced it for the soundtrack to the 2013 animated movie Despicable Me 2. The track was eventually released as part of the film’s soundtrack and became the centerpiece of Williams’ solo career during that period.

But the song could have taken a very different path.

Green recorded a version of “Happy,” and Williams has said he originally intended for the singer to release it. According to reports, Green’s label ultimately decided against releasing his recording.

That opened the door for Williams to put his own version of the song out into the world, and the rest is pop music history.

“Happy” became a worldwide phenomenon after its release in 2013. It topped the charts in numerous countries and spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song was also nominated for Best Original Song at the 2014 Academy Awards.

Its success went far beyond the charts. The song became closely associated with Despicable Me 2, while its accompanying music video (which featured people dancing and singing along to the song) helped turn “Happy” into a global cultural moment.

Williams also received four Grammy nominations for the song at the 2015 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Green, meanwhile, had already established himself as a major singer and songwriter through hits including “Crazy,” his Grammy-winning collaboration with Gnarls Barkley, and “Forget You.”

It’s impossible to know whether “Happy” would have become the same worldwide sensation with Green behind the microphone. But knowing that he recorded the song first gives one of the 2010s’ most recognizable hits a very different backstory.

RELATED: 1909 Music Pioneer Leo Fender Created the Iconic Guitar That Changed Country Music

If you consider yourself a true thrill-seeker, your ears probably perk up whenever the self-proclaimed “Thrill Capital of the World” makes a big move.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has officially kicked off vertical construction on its next major roller coaster. The park shared a sneak peek of the milestone in a teaser video across its social media channels, showing heavy construction cranes and equipment rolling onto the cleared site of the former Golden Bear Theater.

While Magic Mountain has kept the official ride details close to the chest, public construction permits filed last year reveal that the park is planning the world’s very first installation of a Vekoma Thrill Glider model.

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Related: Six Flags Great Adventure Announces Return of Fan-Favorite ‘Wild Ride’ for 2026

A Big Sigh of Relief for Southern California Coaster Fans

For local enthusiasts, seeing physical steel go vertical comes as a welcome relief after months of quiet site clearing. Theme park expert Robert Niles of Theme Park Insider notes that the prolonged development timeline had some fans wondering if the coaster had hit a wall.

“The slow pace of development for the ride fueled speculation that perhaps Six Flags was stepping away from the project,” Niles pointed out, explaining that after watching lengthy delays on nearby attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm’s MonteZOOMa overhaul and Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, “local fans have developed a heightened sense of skepticism about new local roller coaster projects.”

Thankfully, that waiting game is paying off across the region. With MonteZOOMa back in action, Fast & Furious in soft previews, and Magic Mountain officially raising steel, Southern California’s coaster renaissance is full steam ahead.

While Six Flags has not yet revealed the attraction’s official name, theme, or debut date, the company recently hinted that a formal announcement about the project is right around the corner. Already boasting a world-record lineup of 20 coasters, Magic Mountain’s latest addition is set to push that historic count even higher.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning ‘Final Destination’ Into a Maze—With a Gruesome Twist

Costco may not have brought its famous churros back to the food court, but the bakery is giving fans a delicious new reason to get excited. Think soft, buttery crumb cake, plenty of cinnamon sugar, and little bites of churro goodness tucked inside its famous muffins.

And the timing couldn’t be better. With back-to-school season underway, these make an easy grab for rushed mornings, a treat to toss in a lunchbox, or a snack to bring along to after-school practice.

Check them out in this August 13 Instagram from Rachel (@discovering_costco):

View this post on Instagram Costco’s New Crumb Cake Muffins Put a Churro-Inspired Twist on a Bakery Classic

Photo by Maury Page on Unsplash

The bakery’s new Crumb Cake Muffins are priced at $6.99 and sold in a pack of eight. It’s Costco item #2095472, which you can use to check availability at your local warehouse online or in the app. At about 87 cents each, they’re an affordable treat to keep around for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break.

They have a soft, moist cream cake base with a generous crumb topping, but the real surprise is what’s hiding inside. As Rachel points out in the video, churro bites appear right on the ingredient list. When she cuts one open, you can clearly see them distributed throughout the cake, along with a crunchy, churro-like layer baked into the bottom.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Cake Is a Slice of Pure Bliss With Coffee

She notes that everyone in her household was a fan of the muffins and says they were even better when warmed up. They make a natural pairing with coffee or tea for breakfast, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside could just as easily turn one into dessert.

If you can’t or don’t want to finish all eight at once, you can store them in an airtight container and freeze them to enjoy later.

For anyone who’s been missing Costco’s food court churro, these muffins bring those cinnamon-sugar flavors to the bakery in an entirely new way, making this one late-summer find that’s a must-add to the cart.

Chick-fil-A is making it a little easier to satisfy a breakfast craving after the usual breakfast cutoff.

Starting Aug. 24, the fast-food chain is bringing its new Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches to restaurants nationwide, and unlike many breakfast items, the sandwich will be available beyond the morning hours.

The new menu item will come in two versions. During standard breakfast hours, from opening until 10:30 a.m., customers can order a breakfast-sized Chicken & Waffles Sandwich.

But once the breakfast menu ends, the larger entrée version will be available from 10:30 a.m. until close.

Both versions combine sweet and savory flavors, featuring a maple-flavored waffle, Chick-fil-A chicken filet, three strips of applewood-smoked bacon and honey butter spread. Each sandwich also comes with classic syrup, and customers can choose an Original, Spicy or Grilled chicken filet.

The Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches aren’t the only new additions coming to the menu this fall. Chick-fil-A is also introducing two limited-time S’mores-inspired drinks: the S’mores Milkshake and S’mores Frosted Coffee.

The S’mores Milkshake combines Chick-fil-A’s Icedream dessert with chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles, marshmallow-flavored syrup and marshmallow-flavored whipped topping.

The S’mores Frosted Coffee mixes cold-brewed coffee with marshmallow-flavored syrup, Icedream, chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles.

The new offerings are part of Chick-fil-A’s yearlong “Newstalgia” celebration, which is highlighting familiar flavors with new twists as the brand celebrates its 80-year heritage.

The Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches previously received a limited-time test in 2025, and Chick-fil-A says the response helped pave the way for their nationwide launch.

So, starting Aug. 24, you won’t have to make it to Chick-fil-A before 10:30 a.m. to get your chicken-and-waffles fix. 

RELATED: Costco Just Dropped a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit Dupe for Less Than $2

Jennifer Grey had to do something no actor wants to do: assure everyone she is, in fact, still alive. The Dirty Dancing star says she started getting calls from worried friends after Matthew Modine shared a seemingly ominous message about her on Instagram.

Modine posted the famous Irish blessing, “May the road rise up to meet you,” alongside a photo of Grey and the word “Sailing,” ending with, “Until we meet again.” His follow-up commentary may have only added to the confusion: “Not sure why people think this is about death. Think that’s more about you than the poem! Death is a consequence of life. Don’t worry about it.”

The heartfelt message apparently sounded a lot like a farewell to some followers, prompting Grey to jump into the comments with a very reasonable question for her Full Metal Jacket co-star: “Do you think I died?”

“Yo! @matthewmodine what are you doing here?! I’m getting calls from people who think I died,” Grey wrote. “What is the meaning of this post? Do you think I died?”

Modine seemed genuinely confused about why the poem would prompt anyone to assume Grey had died. “Sister — I have no idea how or why people assume that Irish poem or this lovely photo memory evokes thoughts of demise. Go figure,” he replied. “Hope you’re super duper.”

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It wasn’t just Grey’s friends who apparently interpreted the post as a farewell. One commenter wrote, “I was thinking the same,” while another admitted, “The way my heart stopped until I saw your proof of life comment.”

Thankfully, Grey is very much alive. The actress did, however, recently experience a loss when her mother, Jo Wilder, died in July at age 94. Grey revealed on Instagram that her mother died “on her own terms” on July 4, just one week after learning she had lung cancer. In a heartfelt post, she wrote that her mother “chose grace over fear,” adding that leaving the world with dignity “is an honor, not a tragedy.”

As for the photo that sparked the confusion, Modine and Grey go way back. The image is from Wind, the 1992 sailing drama in which the pair played romantic leads. Modine starred as competitive yacht sailor Will Parker, while Grey portrayed Kate Bass, his former lover and sailing partner.

The time has come to get ready for another release of new books. As we close in on the end of the summer, the release numbers drop a little. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something worth checking out!

Aug. 18, 2026, will bring fantasy, romantasy, adventure, and so much more. The seven picks are certainly going to keep you up all night, as you say “just one more chapter,” and you’ll find yourself wondering what’s next after you finish.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Mutual Discord’ by Liana De la Rosa

We have to start with a romance that is going to have you questioning everything at first. After all, Mutual Discord by Liana De la Rosa has a romance that you would probably think shouldn’t happen. Sofia is a girl’s girl, and when she realizes that she’s falling for her best friend’s boyfriend, she has to keep things casual and step away.

So, why is she pulled to Alex? What secrets is this man keeping from everyone? Will Caitlin even understand as the truth comes out? If you’re worried about the cheating trope, please don’t! There are some storylines that will leave your jaw dropping to the floor, and Sofia is a smart and wonderful influencer whose heart really is in the right place.

Courtesy of Slowburn ‘The Poison Daughter’ by Sheila Masterson

When it comes to romantasy, The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson is where it’s at. Now, you may have already read it, or you may recognize it. That’s because this was self-published last year, but now it’s getting a new traditional release in hardback and audiobook! Plus, it’s being adapted into a series, so we can definitely not complain.

The Poison Daughter follows the story of a young girl who is able to kill with just a kiss, and that’s the way she prefers it. She’s even been used as a tool by her family to get rid of enemies. However, she’s thrown for a loop when one guy seems to be completely immune to her poison, and now she has to fight the growing feelings for him.

Courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers ‘The Glam Reaper’s Guide to Slaying’ by Bill Crisafi

For those who find graphic novels are more their thing, The Glam Reaper’s Guide to Slaying by Bill Crisafi is out this week. This is a lot of fun, but it’s also a non-fiction self-help book, which isn’t all that clear from the start. Putting graphic novel and self-help together is an ingenious way to tap into another market and really connect to people.

It’s not always easy to fight your inner demons. Sometimes, you just need someone to remind you about who you are, and that’s the Glam Reaper’s job. Glam moves from world to world, helping Miss Phillip, Orange Frog, and so much more. It’s time to shake off the negativity and slay.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Something About September’ by Julia McKay

Do you still need a cozy contemporary romance? It’s almost fall, so of course you do, and Something About September by Julia McKay is perfect for that. It has the second-chance love trope that is sure to draw you in, while also having a character deal with loss and grief.

Rebecca has just 30 days to fix up her late grandmother’s diner. There’s only one contractor in town who can do it: Cort Adams. Of course, the two have a history, as Cort rejected Rebecca’s advances a year ago, and she’s wanted to avoid him forever. Sometimes, life has other plans, and we get the forced proximity trope that allows for love to blossom.

Courtesy of Tor Books ‘Time to Play’ by Erin Ampersand

For those who adore the LitRPG genre, Time to Play by Erin Ampersand is the one to check out this week. It’s the story that Dungeon Crawler Carl author Matt Dinniman recommends, and it’s set to take you on a wild adventure. Yes, there is something wild happening to the planet; people enter a game, and one mom has to keep her kids safe.

It all starts as a normal day. A mom of three kids is just trying to keep her head above water, getting soccer uniforms ready and thinking about dinner. Well, then her cell phone goes dead, and suddenly a voice tells her (and others) that the planet has been selected. For what, exactly? A high-stakes intergalactic game that is just as terrifying as you would think. Now, Meghan needs to keep her kids safe and teach them how to fight — yes, even the toddler!

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘Ideal Life’ by Evelyn Skye

When you want fantasy with some time travel, Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye will have you covered. This one is an interesting take on the “what if” trope. There are elements of Sliding Doors when you consider the ramifications of how Talia Morgan uses her newfound abilities, and it certainly leads to a lot of questions within the romance that is at the heart of the fantasy.

A glitch in Talia’s app leads to her whole dream and business crumbling overnight. However, when she wakes up with a mysterious watch, she has the chance to go back in time to prevent the glitch. What else can she do in 24 hours? What happens when you start rewriting the past? There are always consequences to actions.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘Better Than Revenge’ by Bea Fitzgerald

Finally, we have something for the mystery/thriller fans out there. Better Than Revenge by Bea Fitzgerald offers something perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo if it met Thelma and Louise. This is a story of a feud that consumes, and it brings up the question of just how far that feud can go.

Nadine and Harper have been rivals from the first day they met at drama school. That’s consumed their lives, with Nadine believing that she has finally done it when she beats out Harper in every single category for best actress. Only, winning doesn’t offer the closure Nadine needs, and she needs to understand why that is. Was there something more between them?

Related: 9 New Books You Cannot Afford to Sleep On Coming in August 2026

Weezer’s new movie has a surprising connection to Keanu Reeves.

Before Keanu Reeves was reportedly cast as their onscreen villain, Weezer and his band Dogstar had already crossed paths way back in 1992.

That’s when Weezer played their very first live show, opening for Dogstar in Los Angeles. Three decades later, the two bands even recreated that original gig at LA’s Lodge Room in 2024 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Weezer’s Blue Album. Now, that long history is reportedly getting a cinematic twist, as Weezer’s long-teased scripted movie, said to pit the band against Reeves’ Dogstar in a fictional rivalry, is finally finished and headed for release in 2027.

According to Louder Sound, guitarist Brian Bell confirmed the update while attending the LA premiere of Green Day’s new film, Nimrods. Asked by radio station Alt 98.7 whether Weezer had ever considered making their own movie, Bell didn’t hold back. “We already have,” he said. “I’m not supposed to talk about it. But yes, it’s in the can. It’s gonna be incredible. You’ll see it in 2027.”

The movie is reportedly a mockumentary that will star Keanu Reeves as the antagonist, with the story potentially revolving around a rivalry between Weezer and Reeves’ band, Dogstar. The film has been described as a cross between Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. And that’s where the story gets a little more interesting.

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It was first teased by frontman Rivers Cuomo during Weezer’s surprise appearance at Coachella in 2025, when he revealed that the band had been making a movie in Los Angeles. Reports have also linked Juliette Lewis, Eric André, Johnny Knoxville and Ben Schwartz to the project, although many details about the film are still being kept under wraps.

Meanwhile, Dogstar is currently on its All In Now Tour, including a New York City show at Webster Hall on Aug. 19.

With Dogstar currently on the road, fans have plenty of opportunities to wonder whether Weezer might make a surprise appearance. The bands have already reunited onstage once. So a surprise Weezer cameo at a Dogstar show wouldn’t be the wildest twist in this three-decade friendship. 

As Elvis Presley fans gather at Graceland to mark the emotional conclusion of Elvis Week, one of the King’s most iconic former flames made a poignant pilgrimage back to the legendary Memphis estate.

Linda Thompson returned to the home where she once lived alongside Elvis Presley, describing her homecoming as a deeply “bittersweet” journey filled with cherished memories and enduring love for the late icon.

The songwriter and former actress was given special access to the rooms she and Presley lived in during her visit. Typically, those quarters are roped off to visitors, where fans can only stand on the perimeter of and look inside.

Stepping back into the private living quarters, where she helped design key areas of the mansion during their four-year relationship in the 1970s, Thompson reflected on the quiet, personal moments behind the public spectacle of Elvis’ fame.

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In a caption of an Instagram photo slideshow, Thompson wrote, “Elvis Week in Memphis at Graceland is both a celebratory occasion and a somber one. We remember the man who changed not only music, but so many of our lives as well.”

She said of the poignant pilgrimage, “Coming back to the home where I lived for 4 1/2 years with Elvis is bittersweet, with so many incredible memories. I am always honored to be here in the company of others who revere and love Elvis.”

The images captured Thompson standing in Graceland’s den, otherwise known as the Jungle Room. She also posed inside the kitchen, near the living room, the hallway leading to the upstairs suite, and the Meditation Garden.

There were also photos with singer Tony Orlando, Sweet Inspirations vocalist Estelle Brown, musician Larry Gatlin, Elvis historian Tom Brown, friend Jerry Schilling, and Linda’s brother Sam Thompson. They were guests during Elvis Week, recalling how their lives intersected with the King of Rock and Roll.

Fans were thrilled with Thompson’s intimate photos. They shared their remarks in the post’s comments section.

Tom Wargacki/WireImage

Tom Wargacki/WireImage

“The memories that must come to you when you are there. I get a lump in my throat visiting Graceland, so I can imagine it’s emotional for you. So, thanks for celebrating him with all of us!! Elvis left a beautiful legacy with his spirit and love. I’m very glad that you’re a part of celebrating his legacy – you were the lady of the manor at Graceland for many years.”

Another penned, “You make the occasion what it is, Linda!! You are such a big part of his life and legacy!! Thank you for your selfless generosity in sharing stories with the fans!!”

Thompson lived with Presley from 1972 through late 1976, for four and a half years. Per her book, A Little Thing Called Life: On Loving Elvis Presley, Bruce Jenner, and Songs in Between, she said she would always love the King of Rock and Roll.  

“I did not break up with him because I didn’t love him anymore. I’ll probably love him till the day I die,” she said, per The Commercial Appeal. “In fact, I’m sure I will.”

Thompson continued, “There’s always a place in my heart for him. But I wanted more for my life. I wanted to be a mother. Live a more normal life.”

Linda Thompson’s visit stood out as a clear highlight of Elvis Week, an annual celebration honoring Elvis Presley’s life and legacy at his iconic Graceland home. The memorial week culminates with the solemn candlelight vigil on August 16, marking 49 years since the music legend passed away at age 42.

Related: Elvis Presley’s Longtime Love Shares Rare Photos of Their Private Life Together

If there’s one question I get asked the most by people planning their first cruise it has to be:

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony?

After spending a lot of time on cruise ships, I can tell you that the answer isn’t automatically yes.

I love a balcony. Give me a cup of coffee, the ocean, a robe and nowhere I need to be for the next half hour and I’m very happy. I can just stare out at the sea and do nothing but decompress. But if I’m being completely honest I’ve also been on cruises where I’ve looked at that balcony with the chairs and table all set up for me on the last day and realized I barely used it.

So, I don’t think the real question is, “Is a balcony cabin worth it?” I think the real question should be:

How are you planning to spend your cruise?

For this cruise expert, that’s how I gauge what type of room I’ll be booking. The one thing that should determine whether you spend hundreds, or thousands, of dollars more for a balcony is HOW you vacation.

Is your cabin going to be your private retreat where you’ll spend time reading, relaxing and just spending time as a couple or just decompressing from your day to day, then YES, you should consider the upgrade.

For a lot of cruisers, their cabin is basically the place where you shower, change clothes and sleep before running back out to enjoy the ship. If that’s how you vacation, then keep your money. It’s really that simple.

Related: 10 Best Free Caribbean Beaches Worth Skipping Cruise Excursions For

Know what You’re Actually Paying For

Nico De Pasquale Photography / Getty Images

Most of the major cruise ships offer some variation of four basic cabin types: interior cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony or veranda cabins, and suites.

An interior cabin generally doesn’t have a window. An ocean-view cabin gives you a window or porthole, but it doesn’t open. A traditional balcony cabin gives you a sliding glass door leading to your own outdoor space, usually with two chairs and a small table.

Look at the website before you choose, because different ships offer different balcony styles.

Bloomberg / Getty Images

For example, Royal Caribbean has some balcony cabins that face inward toward Central Park or the Boardwalk rather than out toward the ocean. To me it’s like having an apartment in the city, and personally I’m there for the ocean. If you love city life, then go for it.

Celebrity Cruises has traditional Veranda staterooms as well as Infinite Verandas on their Edge Class ships. Instead of stepping through a door onto a completely separate outdoor balcony, an Infinite Veranda incorporates that area into the room, with a floor-to-ceiling window that can lower to bring the outside in. They feel like a sunroom with the window closed and make the room feel larger, but they don’t have that “traditional” balcony feel.

Norwegian Cruise Line has more traditional balcony cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Personally, there’s something special about opening a door and physically stepping outside. I also like the added light that a balcony brings to the room. But I don’t ALWAYS book one, especially if I know there are no port days to enjoy it on my cruise.

Related: I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap

When a Balcony Is Absolutely Worth It

MWayOut / Getty Images

If I’m cruising in Alaska, I have to have a balcony.

If scenery and wildlife are a major part of the experience, it essentially becomes an excursion. Waking up to see the glaciers, whales, dolphins, and eagles flying overhead from your balcony is the reason you took the trip.

You don’t have to get dressed. You don’t have to go upstairs and compete for a spot along the railing. You don’t even have to take a shower. You can step outside with your coffee and watch exactly what you came for from your own private space.

For me, scenic itineraries are absolutely the deciding factor. Greece, Iceland the Mediterranean, Hawaii, the Norwegian fjords or any coastal cruises are on my must have a balcony list.

If seeing where you’re going is a major reason you’re taking the cruise, the balcony isn’t simply part of the room. It’s part of the trip.

Related: The Golden Rules of Stress-Free Cruising, According to a Lifelong Traveler

Sea Days Change the Equation Too

I also put a much higher value on a balcony when an itinerary includes several sea days.

On a port-intensive cruise, I might leave the ship at 8 a.m., spend the entire day exploring, return exhausted, have dinner, see a show, go to the casino and fall into bed.

How much balcony time am I really going to get?

Compare that with a transatlantic cruise where every day is a sea day. Suddenly that balcony has a job. It becomes my reading room. My lazy morning breakfast coffee spot.My quiet place. My escape from the crowded pool deck. And mostly it’s simply the place where I sit and do absolutely nothing. And on my vacation, I like doing nothing and relaxing.

I recently read a discussion among cruisers about paying $700 more for a balcony on a 13-night transatlantic. The consensus was that it was worth the upgrade, just because of the number of sea days. A lot said the extra private outdoor space was especially valuable on a longer sailing. But there were some who made the opposite argument. If they weren’t going to use the balcony, they’d rather put that $700 toward another cruise.

And that perfectly illustrates my point. There is no right or wrong answer.

It Goes Back to the Question of How You Want to Cruise

Anthony Devlin / Getty Images

This is where you have to be truthful with yourself. Not fantasy-vacation, I want to do what I see on Instagram kind of thing. Really think about what it is you’re looking to get out of your experience.

We all have an imaginary version of ourselves when we book a trip.

Imaginary Vacation—I get up early, order room service, sit peacefully on the balcony drinking coffee while watching the sunrise, reads three chapters of a novel and contemplate the meaning of life.

Real Vacation—I check the schedule they left in my stateroom the night before while getting dressed because there’s somewhere I want to be.

Which one are you?

If you love hanging around your cabin, a balcony can change your entire cruise experience. But if you’re out from breakfast until midnight, you may be spending hundreds of dollars on two chairs you rarely sit in.

Think about your habits before automatically upgrading to a balcony.

Couples May Appreciate It for a Completely Different Reason

I love my husband; I really do. But after 46 years of marriage, we each need “our space.” Cabins are small (even large cabins feel small). They get to feel smaller the longer the trip. Going out to the balcony and closing the door behind me, well…it keeps us happily cruising.

Barry Winiker / Getty Images

Sometimes an Inside Cabin Is the Smarter Choice

The obvious is that they’re less expensive. They’re wonderfully dark for sleeping (there’s a lot to be said for this if you wake up at the first sign of light). And if you spend almost no time in your room, why pay for something you aren’t going to use?

I’d much rather see someone book an inside cabin and take the cruise than decide cruising is too expensive because they think they have to have a balcony. You don’t. You have an entire ship to experience with a LOT of outdoor space.

There are open decks, lounges, pools, restaurants and observation areas. You can find a favorite chair overlooking the ocean and let the cruise line pay for your balcony.

An ocean-view cabin can be a good compromise as well. You get natural light and can see what’s happening outside without paying the full balcony premium. Ocean-view cabins generally cost less than balcony cabins, although pricing can vary by ship and sailing, and just like those balconies, some lines have small portholes while others look like a big picture window.

For the right itinerary, I’d happily take that savings and spend it somewhere else like specialty restaurants, the spa, excursions or another cruise!

So, Is a Balcony Cabin Worth It?

Bloomberg / Getty Images

Yes and no. Don’t book a balcony because someone told you that’s the “right” way to cruise. Don’t book an inside cabin simply because it’s cheaper. Simply decide what you want from your vacation and book the least expensive cabin that gives you the experience you’re looking for because that leaves more money for the thing I’m always thinking about before I’ve even finished unpacking after I cruise.

The next one.

Related: 7 Reasons You Should Book an Older Cruise Ship for Your Next Vacation, According to a Cruise Expert

Ted Danson is one of the most familiar faces in television, and his stunning daughter, Kate Danson, looks just like him.

Ted, 78, rose to stardom as Sam “Mayday” Malone on the beloved NBC comedy series Cheers. He later appeared on shows like Becker and The Good Place. But of all his roles, Danson favors being a dad. The TV favorite hit the red carpet with his wife, Mary Steenburgen, and his daughter Kate at the 28th Television Academy Hall of Fame ceremony at LA Live in Los Angeles. One look at Kate makes it clear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Boasting the same height and facial structure as her father, Kate is absolutely stunning.

LISA O'CONNOR / Getty Images

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Danson Hit the Red Carpet With His Grandkids

Along with Steenburgen’s daughter, Lilly McDowell, Steenburgen and Danson recently headed to the red carpet premiere of the Apple TV+ pickleball film The Dink at The Atrium at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, California. But it was their three granddaughters who officially stole the show alongside their proud grandparents. 

Check out the sweet photo of the adorable crew below:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Steenburgen’s Perspective on Parenting

Steenburgen and Danson have been married since 1995. The couple each has two children from previous marriages. While Steenburgen passed on one unnamed major role earlier in her career, she said it all worked out in the end because she ended up with Danson.

“The truth is, I don’t really feel I should have, because if I had done that, I might not have met Ted, and then Kate and Alexis wouldn’t be my stepdaughters,” Steenburgen said on an episode of The Daily Beast‘s “Obsessed” podcast. “All the ways that my life would be different are impossible to imagine.”

What’s Next for Ted Danson?

Danson is set to join Elizabeth Banks, Katey Sagal, and Rob Delaney in an untitled Apple TV+ series, Variety reported last month. Here’s a look at the official logline for the show.

“Fresh off a messy divorce, Heidi (Banks) sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids. But when she stumbles into coordinating her father’s (Danson) retirement community sexcapades, Heidi is forced into an unlikely alliance with his girlfriend’s perpetually single son,” it reads.

Now that sounds like a fun one!

Related: Remember Lilith From ‘Cheers’? Bebe Neuwirth, 67, Is Absolutely Stunning With Her Graying Hair

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If you deal with tired, achy feet, you know how important footwear with good arch support can be for staying comfortable throughout the day. With summer winding down, now is a great time to find a supportive pair that still looks cute — like this popular podiatrist-approved brand that’s on sale at Nordstrom Rack. 

Right now, the Vionic Ramsey Sandals are marked down from $130 to as low as $38 — up to 70% off. Known for its arch support, this strappy orthopedic sandal is built to keep you comfortable whether you’re running errands or out for a long walk. One Nordstrom Rack shopper said they were “very comfy” and “easy to slip on.” 

Vionic Ramsey Sandals, From $38 (was $130) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Finding a sandal that’s comfortable on your feet yet stylish enough to pair with your favorite outfits isn’t always easy. These sandals check both boxes with its sleek design and adjustable hook-and-loop ankle strap that make them easy to slip on and off. 

They are designed with Vionic’s Vio Motion technology, which includes built-in arch support to help encourage natural alignment. They also have shock-absorbing cushioning to help soften each step and a structured footbed that keeps your foot feeling grounded and supported.

Shoppers said the sandals live up to the hype. “Love these sandals,” one reviewer wrote, adding that they were “so comfortable” and had “lots of support.” Another said the sandals were “fashionable” and sold at a “great price.”

The sandals come in three versatile colors — black, cream, and tan. While prices vary by size and color, most sizes are currently marked down to under $70. The brand says the sandals run true to size in whole sizes only, so those who wear a half size should order up.

Shop More Deals

• Bali Jelly Flat, $15 (was $35) at Nordstrom Rack
• Skechers Swift-Fit Go Walk Flex Glimmer Up Sandals, From $32 (were $75) at Nordstrom Rack
• Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals, $35 (were $50) at Nordstrom Rack

Related: Shoppers Walked Miles in These Podiatrist-Approved Flip-Flops With ‘Excellent Arch Support’

If you need a supportive, easy-to-wear pair of sandals for the rest of summer, the Vionic Ramsey Sandals are worth checking out. Shop them at Nordstrom Rack for up to 70% off before your favorite sizes and colors sell out! 

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Slipknot has confirmed the rumors: Sid Wilson is out. 

“Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson,” the post read. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.” However, just as quickly as it appeared, the post vanished from the band’s account. But Knotfest, the festival founded by Slipknot, captured and reposted the same statement.

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The timing wasn’t exactly random. Rumors that Wilson had been pushed out first surfaced in late July, but guitarist Jim Root seemed to shut them down at the time, telling fans not to “believe everything you read” and to wait for more information. Turns out, the wait is over, and the rumors were right all along.

Since the deletion, Slipknot has gone silent. No follow-up, no clarification, nothing from Wilson either.

Fans, on the other hand, have plenty to say. Many jumped straight to the theory that the band is falling apart for good. “All hope is gone, all band is gone,” one fan wrote, while another put it more bluntly: “Just disband already.” One commenter tied it to the band’s history of lineup changes, writing that Slipknot has “had like 50 people in their band,” calling it a revolving door.

Others connected the news to Wilson’s personal life, pointing to his reported split from Kelly Osbourne earlier this year. “Wedding called off and fired in same year,” one fan wrote. “Must be something bad.” Not everyone was ready to assume the worst, though, one fan pushed back, asking simply, “What if he wanted to leave to do solo DJ stuff, or sort himself out?”

With no explanation from the band and the original post gone, most fans were left exactly where they started: confused. “It’s been deleted from their page!” one pointed out, while another asked point-blank, “Can someone explain what happened?”

For now, those questions remain unanswered.

While Debbie Harry of Blondie often wrote most of the band’s tracks with Chris Stein, in 1980 they landed a No.1 hit covering a track by the Paragons.

The Jamaican group may not be very well-known to fans, as they incorporated a ska and rocksteady sound into their music that would morph into reggae. Starting in the 1960s, the Paragons released several studio albums, with “The Tide is High” becoming one of their more recognizable successes.

Written and performed by Jamaican singer John Holt, the track was released on their On the Beach album with Duke Reid for his Treasure Isle label. The song gained attention in the UK and was popular in Jamaica, but failed to gain international recognition and enter the U.S. charts.

Thirteen years later, “The Tide is High” would get a new life during the rise of the new wave genre, when Harry and Stein heard the track on a compilation tape they bought in London. They felt it was too good a track not to record, especially as they were looking for a new edge to their sound for their album Autoamerican. The band made a few gender changes to the song’s original lyrics, and gave it more of a reggae style accompanied by horns and strings.

According to Smooth Radio, both Harry and Stein were huge fans of the ska revival that was happening in the early 1980s and even asked The Specials to do the backing vocals on the track. The English band ultimately rejected their offer. When Blondie finished the album, including “The Tide is High,” and handed it to their record label, they were reportedly indifferent to their bold take.

Blondie would prove them wrong as their cover of the Paragons’ track landed them at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and their fifth No. 1 hit on the UK singles chart. The track would also reach the same status in Canada and New Zealand and land in the Top 5 in multiple countries.

“All of our songs are part of a larger movement, so it’s virtually impossible to choose. All I can say is the only song I knew for sure was going to be a hit before we recorded it was ‘The Tide Is High,'” said Stein in 2022.

“The original was so fantastic. I knew what our position was at the time: If we had the ear of the public and if we did a successful version of this thing, it would be successful.”

Their cover of “The Tide is High” would also become a favorite of none other than John Lennon. His son, Sean Lennon, told Rolling Stone in 2006 that it was the one “modern song” he remembers his father constantly listening to amid his love for tracks from the 1940s.

“When I hear that song, I see my father, unshaven, his hair pulled back into a ponytail, dancing to and fro in a worn-out pair of denim shorts, with me at his feet, trying my best to coordinate tiny limbs,” he said.

Years later, the song entered the charts and became a No. 1 hit across Europe when covered by British girl group Atomic Kitten.

Related: 1968 Folk Song, Produced by Paul McCartney, Launched an 18-Year-Old Singer’s Career 

Long before it became a staple of 1960s pop music, the phrase that launched Tom Jones’ sultriest hit wasn’t written in a studio.

Instead, it was pulled straight from the playbook of one of cinema’s biggest playboys. While the singer initially had his doubts about taking on the track, the story behind its signature line proved to be as wild as the Hollywood social scene that inspired it.

The phrase “What’s New Pussycat” was lifted straight from actor Warren Beatty‘s phone calls, reported Medium. The outlet wrote, “[Warren] would wake up, day or night, and get on the phone, and call everyone he knew, starting each conversation (with a woman) with “’What’s new Pussycat?’”

Film producer Charles Feldman immediately claimed the line as the title for his upcoming film, loosely based on the actor’s romantic exploits. Beatty dropped out of the movie before filming began, but the 1965 screwball comedy, starring Peter O’Toole, Peter Sellers, and written by and starring Woody Allen, kept the famous title and was a big hit.

Warren Beatty/Bela Zola/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

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But Beatty learned a valuable lesson from his experiences with the film. He told Deadline, “I learned a big lesson, which was, you better be in charge. And that’s when I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do this Bonnie and Clyde thing, and I can only fire myself or walk out on myself, or whatever.”

Ultimately, What’s New Pussycat needed a soundtrack, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David were hired to pen the title track. Bacharach wanted Jones to sing the movie’s theme.

Speaking about “What’s New Pussycat,” Jones told Rolling Stone, he wasn’t initially sold on the tune. “When Burt convinced me to do that song, it took a while,” he explained.

Jones added, “He did say, ‘This is not a rhythm & blues song.’ Soul music had kicked in by then, and I wanted to do Wilson Pickett songs, Solomon Burke, Sam and Dave, and Otis Redding. But I wasn’t getting the songs.” 

Still, Jones recognized a golden opportunity: the song’s playful swagger fit his rising sex symbol image like a glove. Throwing his full vocal power behind the track, he recalled his mindset going into the studio: “I thought, ‘I’m going to punch the s*** out of it on ‘What’s New Pussycat?'”

He continued, “Burt said, ‘That’s what I want. It’s a crazy song for a crazy film. I have to have a voice of authority.’ It’s sort of a backhanded compliment: ‘I’ve got to have you, but this is the song,'” he says with a laugh.

The gamble paid off. “What’s New Pussycat?” exploded into a top-three hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It remained on the chart for 12 weeks and remains a Tom Jones classic.

Related: 1968’s Controversial Classic, Written in Two Hours, Remains One of Tom Jones’ Most Beloved Songs