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Prolific horror author Stephen King is revealing the often-heard complaint he hears from fans of his work.

During a joint June 2026 interview on the horror and true crime podcast, The Last Podcast on the Left, alongside his son, author Joe Hill, King noted that he's killed off quite a few characters in his countless novels, short stories, and novellas. He said while his fans can handle the demise of most humans, they draw the line at a passing of a dog.

"But, you know, the thing is when children die, or adults die in books, that's one thing. Don't let a dog die," said the Cujo author during the interview.

According to King, fans were particularly unhappy with a scene involving a dog in his 1979 novel, The Dead Zone.

"I've never heard the end of it," said King while recording the podcast episode.

When asked if he laughs when writing a character's death, King replied, "How twisted do you think I am?" He also refrained to answer if he plans out certain characters' deaths when writing his books. Instead, King asked his son to answer the question.

"I mean, sometimes I know I'm working towards a big scene. Sometimes I have like a set piece in my mind, and so I'm working towards that," replied Hill, who has written popular horror books like Horns and Heart-Shaped Box.

Hill clarified that he was taken aback about the deaths of one of his characters in his dark fantasy book, King Sorrow, published in 2025.

"A few characters died in the last one, King Sorrow. And when one of them died, it took me by surprise. I didn't realize that was going to happen, and I felt a little bit shaken up by it," said Hill during the podcast interview.

He said, however, that his 22-year-old son immediately guessed which King Sorrow "character was going to be the first one to die." According to his son, he made the death obvious in earlier parts of the book.

"And I thought, 'I did?' Because I had no clue," said Hill.

Metallica turned a local controversy into a stadium singalong during the band's latest stop on its M72 World Tour.

The heavy metal band performed at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on June 28, with guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo covering Tom Jones' "Delilah" during the show. The moment stood out because the song has been banned from Welsh rugby events at the same venue in recent years.

Hammett and Trujillo performed the song as part of their regular "doodle" segment, a part of the concert in which the two musicians play a song connected to the city or region they are visiting. In Cardiff, that meant turning to one of Wales' most recognizable performers.

"Delilah," released by Jones in 1968, has long had a complicated place in Welsh culture. The song was once treated like an unofficial rugby anthem and was often sung by crowds at matches. However, its lyrics, which describe a man killing a woman after finding her with another man, drew notable criticism.

Principality Stadium removed the song from its halftime playlist in 2015, and choirs were later barred from performing it before Wales rugby matches in 2023. At the time, officials said they were aware that the song was "problematic and upsetting" to some fans due to its lyrics.

Jones publicly pushed back against the decision during a 2023 concert in Cardiff, telling the crowd, "You can't stop us singing 'Delilah.'" He also added that while officials could stop a choir from performing the song, they could not stop the crowd from singing it. The moment seemed to echo those comments, as the musicians led the crowd through the song while fans sang most of the lyrics.

Metallica's Cardiff performance came as the band continues its massive M72 World Tour, which has supported its 2023 album, 72 Seasons. The Cardiff show also included major tracks such as "Creeping Death," "Fuel," "Nothing Else Matters," "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman."

Metallica formed in Los Angeles in 1981, with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich becoming the core of a band that helped define thrash metal in the decade that followed. The current lineup features Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett and Trujillo, who joined the band in 2003.

For a group built on heavy riffs, massive tours and decades of live spectacle, this moment at Cardiff offered something different. Rather than simply playing another expected hit, Metallica leaned into the city's musical history and revived a song that still carries debate inside the very stadium where they performed it.

Related: Popular Rock Band Announces New 2026 Tour Dates With Special Guests

Queens of the Stone Age surprised the audience with this fan-favorite.

On Monday night, the rock band played their first show opening for System Of A Down at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden. To get things started, Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) played a song they haven't performed since 2008.

After playing a recording of "Afternoon Delight" by the Starland Vocal Band, which frontman Josh Homme is known to play over the venue speakers during their pre-show, QOTSA kicked off their set with their song, "Run, Pig, Run" from their 2007 album, Era Vulgaris. According to Stereogum, it was the first time in 18 years since they performed that song live.

Though "Run, Pig, Run" is not considered QOTSA's mainstream radio hits and is considered one of the lesser-streamed tracks from Era Vulgaris, it is highly praised by dedicated fans and critics as a uniquely dark and "psychotic" standout.

The song, which serves as the final track of Era Vulgaris, is a grim metaphor for being hunted, and explores the themes of paranoia, betrayal and the inevitability of facing consequences. The title and chorus frame the narrative in a predator-and-prey scenario, where the speaker is warning or taunting someone running for their life, echoing the idea that there is "no safe place to hide."

The music matches the dark themes with unhinged and loud guitar riffs, making use of a dramatic and evil-sounding chord progression. A standout feature of the track is the jarring, wonky mid-song synth bridge, which gives the song a frantic and fever-dream atmosphere. "Run, Pig, Run" is also known for an iconic drum sequence, which is usually only played live.

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Though a popular rock band now, Homme is aware that their music isn't a "very easy first-listen band," and he has been told many times that it has taken some of his fans up to nine listens before becoming hooked.

"Because we're building off of all these other records, I like to write songs that are cousins of other songs. But it means that, even when our songs are simple, they're somehow a little bit complicated," Homme told Ultimate Guitar in an interview. "I have people all the time telling me, 'Until the ninth listen, I didn't get it.' And I [say], 'But you went back nine times.' Thank God you're doing that."

Josh Homme of Queens of Stone Age performs on the concert as a part of 'Corona Capital Sessions 2025' at Estadio Banorte on November 12, 2025 in Monterrey, Mexico.

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Formed in Seattle in 1996 by Homme, who was a big part of the Palm Springs music scene before through his previous band Kyuss, he created QOTSA originally as a solo project, releasing a self-titled debut in 1998 through Loosegroove Records. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, other musicians joined QOTSA, eventually making it a full-fledged rock band. The lineup has changed multiple times throughout the years, but its current members are Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore.

Queens of the Stone Age broke into the mainstream in 2002 with the release of their third studio album, Songs for the Deaf, which includes the singles "No One Knows" and "Go with the Flow."

Since their formation 30 years ago, QOTSA has released a total of eight studio albums, with their most recent being In Times New Roman… in 2023.

Queen of the Stone Age performing at a music festival on July 26, 2025.

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QOTSA will be on tour throughout the summer, opening for various bands. Throughout July, the rock band will be on the road with System Of A Down around Europe, alongside Acid Bath. Then, starting Aug. 4, the group will be supporting the Foo Fighters on their stadium tour around North America, up until late September. In addition, QOTSA will be performing at Aftershock in Sacramento on Oct. 4, then in Iceland on Oct 24 with the Virgin Orchestra.

Tickets for their upcoming summer concerts and fall performances can be found on Queens of the Stone Age's official website.

Related: 2000s Rock Icon Reveals Near Death Experience From 40 Years Ago

Related: '70s Rockstar Neil Young, 79, Performs This Controversial Song For The First Time in 28 Years

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Revisiting the games you grew up with is kind of magical, right? Between those colorful plastic pieces and the familiar game board, it conjures up all kinds of memories, even if one of those is someone inevitably arguing over who got to go first. Even if you don't remember every rule, you probably remember the feeling: the excitement of climbing a ladder, the groan that escaped when you landed on a chute and the determination to make it back to the top before anyone else.

As kids, those game boards felt like entire worlds. The winding paths, bright colors and oversized illustrations practically begged you to climb inside. Who didn't secretly wish they could zip down one of those giant chutes just for the fun of it? Even the simplest games felt like an adventure.

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Licensed Classic Boxed Board Game Silk Touch Throw, $19.98 at Sam's Club

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Seeing those familiar designs pop up years later is such a delight, like with this Chutes and Ladders Classic Boxed Board Game Throw Blanket. It's basically like wrapping yourself up in those memories—the ultimate comfort. Measuring 50 by 70 inches, it's pretty generously sized for curling up on the couch or adding a playful touch to your favorite reading chair.

The throw is made from silky-soft 100 percent polyester, and it strikes a nice balance between cozy and lightweight, making it comfortable enough for everyday use. The blanket is also available in other game night favorites like Candyland, Connect Four, Monopoly, Sorry! and Scrabble. I just happen to have a special place in my heart for Chutes and Ladders, which, fun fact, came out in 1943.

Related: Marshalls' 2-Pack of Washable Rugs Comes in the Most Magical Cottagecore Print

What's fun is that these blankets come packaged in a book-style display box, so they also make an adorable gift for anyone who still smiles at the thought of family game night.

"This material is soooo soft and silky," says a Sam's Club shopper in their review. "Good thickness and standard large size, and high quality. The packaging is very nice too, makes it an awesome gift box."

Make these even more giftable by pairing a blanket with the accompanying game for a retro game night that will have everyone reliving the whimsy of childhood.

Related: Aldi's 2-Pack of Gorgeous Woven Baskets Corral Clutter In Such a Chic Way

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A go-to pair of sneakers that works with pretty much anything in your wardrobe can be hard to come by. Many styles make you look like you're about to run a marathon when you're really just heading out to grab a bite to eat or go grocery shopping. For casual but cute sneakers you can slip into without thinking twice, we love Sorel. And right now, REI has an incredibly versatile pair of Sorel shoes for 50% off during its Fourth of July Deals event.

The Sorel Ona Ave Slip-On Sneakers have a lace-free design that makes them especially easy to wear. What makes them especially easy to buy right now is the price tag. Currently, REI has all four colors on sale for just $50, down from the usual $100 price. You can also find these same sneakers on sale at Amazon for as low as $50 in white, $50 in tan, $55 in black, and $60 in beige, though prices and availability vary by size.

Sorel Ona Ave Slip-On Sneakers, From $50 (was $100) at REI

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Designed with an elastic band across the top to keep them from sliding off your feet, these slip-on sneakers are super easy to wear. These durable leather shoes are lined with soft textile fabric and feature removable foam insoles, giving you the option of ultra-cushioned support when you need it. The rubber bottoms feature molded tread that keeps your steps stable, even on slippery surfaces. Several reviewers said they've walked miles in these shoes, wearing them all day long without their feet aching.

According to shoppers, the style is "super comfy and casual without looking athletic," which makes these shoes a "versatile" option for pairing with all sorts of outfits. A reviewer explained that they've worn them "with jeans, pants, or casual skirts and dresses" and received many compliments.

Customers were also impressed by the "beautiful neutral" color options, with several people sharing that they own multiple pairs of these "stylish and comfortable" sneakers. One reviewer raved, "I'll be wearing these a lot this summer!"

Available in women's half sizes from 5 through 12, the manufacturer recommends sizing down, as these shoes run large. Multiple shoppers confirmed that purchasing a half-size smaller than their usual size made for a perfect fit.

Shop More Deals

• Columbia Alava Sandals, $30 (was $75) at REI
• Vans Crosspath XC Shoes, $72 (was $145) at REI
• The North Face Clyffe Shoes, $70 (was $140) at REI

Related: Patagonia's 'Roomy' and 'Durable' Backpack Will Keep Your Travel Gear Organized, and It’s Nearly 50% Off Right Now

If you need a versatile sneaker to wear for every outing this summer, you won't want to miss the chance to snag the Sorel Ona Ave Slip-On Sneakers while they're on sale for half off at REI.

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'Start Me Up' by The Rolling Stones actually started life as a 1975 reggae track called 'Never Stop'.

The iconic British rock band originally recorded the song in a very different style but ultimately shelved it. When, in the 1980s, they needed material for their Tattoo You album, they rediscovered the forgotten rock-and-roll outtake of the song among the reggae takes.

“It was one of those things we cut a lot of times; one of those cuts that you can play forever and ever in the studio,” Richards said in a 1983 interview, per the American Songwriter.

He added about the making of the hit 1981 song, which was originally part of the Some Girls sessions, “Twenty minutes go by, and you’re still locked into those two chords. … Sometimes you become conscious of the fact that ‘Oh, it’s 'Brown Sugar' again,’ so you begin to explore other rhythmic possibilities. It’s basically trial and error. As I said, that one was pretty locked into a reggae rhythm for quite a few weeks. We were cutting it for Emotional Rescue, but it was nowhere near coming through, and we put it aside and almost forgot about it.”

In 2003, Keith Richards expanded on how they transformed 'Start Me Up' from a reggae song into the rock track we all know and love now. “I was convinced—and I think Mick was—that it was definitely a reggae song. And we did it in 38 takes," he said, per Far Out Magazine.

"And somewhere in the middle of a break, just to break the tension, [drummer] Charlie [Watts] and I hit the rock and roll version. And right after that, we went straight back to reggae. And we forgot totally about this one little burst in the middle until about five years later when somebody sifted all the way through these reggae takes," he explained.

When they discovered the song, no one remembered making it in the first place. "But we leaped on it again. We did a few overdubs on it, and it was like a gift, you know? One of the great luxuries of the Stones is we have an enormous, great big can of stuff. I mean, what anybody hears is just the tip of an iceberg, you know. And down there is vaults of stuff. But you have to have the patience and the time to actually sift through it.”

Mick Jagger decided to add his trademark steamy lyrics, but according to producer Richard Buskin, Richards was unhappy. "After they cut it, I said, ‘That’s bloody great! Come and listen.’ However, when I played it back Keith said, ‘Nah, it sounds like something I’ve heard on the radio. Wipe it’.”

The record producer added some context to Richards' dislike of the song: “Of course, I didn’t, but he really did not like it, and I’m not sure whether he likes it to this day. I don’t think it’s one of his favorite songs, although it’s obviously everyone’s favourite guitar riff; his guitar riff. Maybe because Keith loves reggae so much, he wanted it to be a reggae song, but that wasn’t to be.”

The song in its final form is one of the band's biggest songs. It often opens their tour and is a favorite in sports venues. 'Start Me Up' entered at number 1 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It’s summertime. Which, these days, apparently means wild snowstorms on one side of the country and record-breaking heat on the other. No matter the forecast, Foreigner’s 1977 hit “Cold as Ice” is the perfect rock song for keeping it cool.

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Released in July 1977 as the second single from the British-American rock band’s self-titled debut album, the track was another Top 10 hit, following their first, “Feels Like the First Time,” which climbed to No. 4. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Cold as Ice” helped propel its parent album to No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

“I must admit though that I was surprised when it went into the Top 10 in America,” guitarist Mick Jones, who wrote the song with fellow founding member and lead singer Lou Gramm, recalled to Classic Rock magazine. “But then we were a new band, and everything was exciting and surprising at the time. I guess radio was ready to see what we had next.”

​Described as a “bad-girl critique,” the song is about a heartless lover who prioritizes material things over love and will eventually “pay the price.” According to Jones, the coldhearted character he had in mind wasn’t based on anyone in real life, but rather “the sort of woman Joan Crawford would play in a film.”

But clever lyrics can take a song only so far. It was also the music that turned “Cold as Ice” into a rock radio staple. The track’s pop-rock sensibilities, driving piano riff, simmering tension, and explosive chorus all made for the perfect storm of ’70s rock. 

​“It’s a strange, quirky little song, basically a pop song written back to front,” Jones said. “I knew it was the poppiest song we’d done, which I was a little worried about, but everybody seemed to dig it.”

Nearly 50 years later, it’s clear fans never stopped digging it.

Far from becoming frozen in time, “Cold as Ice” has continued to work its way into the zeitgeist, finding new generations of listeners through television series including Arrested Development and Stranger Things, films like Everybody Wants Some!!, and even the hip-hop genre, with rap duo M.O.P. sampling the track for their 2000 song of the same name.

“I don’t think we’ve ever played a Foreigner show without playing 'Cold as Ice,'" Jones said, reflecting on the track's endurance. "It’s a big one for the fans. … I guess it’s part of our identity now.”

Related: 1970 Supergroup Hit, Featuring a Legendary Classic Rock Cameo, Became a Timeless Anthem

With the popularity of thrillers, mystery movies, and horror films on the rise, it seems that audiences are looking for suspense when going to the cinema. The publication Collider showcased several popular films chock-full of unease with a ranking of "the 10 most suspenseful movies of all time."

The list, published in June 2026, featured stressful films like 2007's Zodiac, Psycho from 1960, and 2009'sInglourious Basterds. Collider gave the title of the "most suspenseful movie of all time" to the 2019 Safdie brothers-directed film Uncut Gems. According to the publication, the film, co-written by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, and Ronald Bronstein, treats viewers to a humorous but upsetting ride with plenty of bumps.

Josh Safdie Shared That a Real-Life Person Inspired the Character of Howard in 'Uncut Gems'

The Safdie brothers discussed coming up with the idea for the film, which focuses on jeweler Howard (Adam Sandler), in a 2019 Entertainment Weekly roundtable. While sitting with his brother and the film's stars, Sandler, Julia Fox, and Idina Menzel, Josh explained that Howard was loosely based on one of his father's employers.

"The inspiration for the movie, I mean, we started with stories that our dad used to tell us. Our dad used to work for a guy who's not not Howard, and he used to tell these pulp-like stories that we used to love hearing. They were all so tense and funny," said Josh during the interview.

During the Entertainment Weekly roundtable, Sandler shared that he spent time with jewelers and gamblers in New York City, with the Safdie brothers' help, to prepare for the role of Howard.

"I went and studied. You guys hooked us up with getting the in out, in 47th Street. We got to know the block, got to do a lot of sitting there watching different jewelers sell stuff. They taught us the game a bit. And then gamblers became a big part of it, so you guys set us and me up, and all of us up, with hanging out with gamblers and watching games," said Sandler to Josh and Benny.

“L” is the letter that starts so many positive words, including “love” and “light.” Which is why it wouldn't surprise us if you are keen on naming your little boy something that starts with the 12th letter of the alphabet, or are thinking about doing so. That said, regardless of what letters are important to you as being part of your son’s name, trying to find the perfect moniker for your little one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we took the time to research the 75 best boy names that start with "L" that you can consider for your sweet son to take one less task off your plate while you prepare for his arrival (or taking care of him if he has already been brought into your world). 

We’ve separated these baby names into several categories covering cute names, unique “L” names, biblical names and some of the best “L” boy names around. This makes it easy to quickly scan for the sections that are most relevant to your brainstorming sessions. Don’t worry, we also included their origins and meanings. 

Make sure to save this list of “L” names for boys to your phone or computer so you can have it handy for fast access when you need it. You’ll be glad you did. 

Related: 125 Lovely Girl Names That Start With ‘L’

75 Best Boy Names That Start With 'L'

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1. Liam — A popular boy’s name of Irish and German origins that can mean “willing to protect" or “desiring protection.” 
2. Lamar — While you might recognize this boy’s name as that of the basketball player, Lamar Odom, this name of French origin means “the pool.” 
3. Leon — If you’re raising your little boy to be as strong as a lion, this name with Greek, Latin and Spanish origins means “lion.” 
4. Lennox — If you’re a fan of elm trees, it’s hard to go wrong with this name of Celtic and Scottish origins that can mean “elm grove” or “with many elm trees.” 
5. Landon — A simple yet sweet name of British origins for your sweet boy that means “long hill.” 
6. Lee — A three-letter name with British, Irish and Chinese origins that can mean “plum,” “poet” or “meadow.” 
7. Lincoln — You might be familiar with this name of British origins, meaning “lake colony” or “town by the pool,” as it is the last name of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.  
8. Larry — A five-letter name with Latin and British origins that means “crowned with laurel.” 
9. Lenny — If you want your boy to be bold, this name with German and Greek origins that can mean “brave as a lion,” “bright one” or “shining,” can be a great fit. 

Related: 75 Gorgeous Swiss Names for Baby Girls and Boys

Unique Names That Start With ‘L’ for a Boy 

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1. Lennon — This unique moniker of Irish origin can mean “blackbird,” "sweetheart" or “lover.”
2. Lyndon — Another name you might recognize from a former president, Lyndon B. Johnson. This name of British origin means “linden tree hill.” 
3. Luis — A Spanish name that means “famous warrior.” This is also not pronounced like other English variations; instead, it sounds like "loo-EES."
4. Leonel — You may have guessed that this six-letter name of British, Latin, Greek and French origins means “lion cub” or “little lion.”
5. Leandro — Similarly, this name of Greek and Roman origins means “lion man.”
6. Lachlan — Suitable for those who enjoy scenic fjords, this Irish name means “from the fjord land” or “from the land of lakes.”
7. Loyal — This British moniker means “firm in allegiance” or “faithful.”
8. Langston — A long British name meaning “long stone.”
9. Linden — A six-letter name of German and Roman origins that means “linden tree.” 
10. Levon — Another name of Greek origin meaning “lion.”
11. Lex — A short yet powerful name of Greek origin that can mean “defender of mankind,” “help” or “protect.”
12. Lino — You may not be surprised to learn that this Greek name can mean “flax” or “linen.”
13. Lundy — A unique, cute-sounding name with Scottish, Irish, Norse, Norwegian and French origins that can mean “from Lundie,” “grove” or “of the glade.” 
14. Lennard — Another name referring to a lion that is of both Dutch and German origins, meaning “brave lion.”
15. Langdon — This long name of British origin means “long hill slope.”
16. Laird — If you’re looking for a Scottish name, this one means “lord” or “lord of the land.”
17. Laramie — You might think of this name, of French and German origins, as meaning “arbor” or “canopy of leafy boughs” if you’re from Wisconsin or familiar with the city.
18. Lev — This name of Russian and Hebrew origins can mean “lion” or “heart.”
19. Lysander — You’re free to choose this name of Greek origin that means “liberator” or “releasing men.”
20. Lennart — If you’re seeking a longer, stronger name for your little boy, this one of German and Scandinavian origins means “lion strength.”
21. Leonce — A French name meaning “lion.”
22. Lathan — “Barn” or “dweller at the barn” are the meanings of this name with British and Norse origins.
23. Lorenz — A name with Latin and German origins that can mean “laurel wreath: or “from laurentum.”  

Old-Fashioned Boy Names That Start With 'L' 

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1. Louis — Another name with German and French origins that means “famous warrior.” You might recognize this name from the character in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
2. Lewis — While this name may sound the same as the one above, this one has British and German origins and can mean “famous in battle” or “renowned warrior.” 
3. Leland — If you are raising him in an area with many meadows, consider this name of British origin that means “meadow land.”
4. Lawrence — A name of Latin origin that means “from Laurentum,” an ancient Roman city on the west coast of the Italian Peninsula. This can be a particularly suitable name if you’re from Italy or like history.
5. Leonard — A formal German name that can mean “lion strength,” “descendant” or “lover.”
6. Lionel — Yes, like Lionel Richie. This name, with French and German origins, means “lion cub” or “young lion.”
7. Leroy — This French name means “the king.”
8. Lucien — There’s no denying that your son will light up your world, making this French name meaning “light” an excellent choice. 
9. Leif — If prioritizing your family’s lineage is important to you, this name with Scandinavian and Norse origins meaning “heir” or “descendant” is fitting.
10. Lyle — If you and your future son are from an island, consider this name with British, Scottish and French origins that means “island” or “from the island.”
11. Luther — This name of German origin can mean “famous warrior,” “freedom” or “army of the people.” You might also recognize this name, as it is the middle name of Martin Luther King Jr.
12. Lloyd — This Welsh name means “gray-haired.”
13. Loren — “From laurentum” or “laurel” is the meaning of this name of Latin origin. 
14. Linus — If you’re a fan of Charlie Brown and his friends, you might recognize this name of Greek origin, meaning “flax” or “flaxen-haired.”
15. Ludwig — This two-syllable name of German origin can mean “famous warrior” or "glorious in battle.”
16. Lowell — A name with French, British and Latin origins that means “young wolf.”
17. Lorne — A Scottish name that can mean “fox” or “from Lorne.”
18. Leopold — There’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of this name of German origin, meaning “bold people.” 

More Parade Name Inspiration:

• 125 Baby Boy Names Starting With ‘A’ That Are Perfect for Your Adorable Prince
• 155 Traditional Boy Names That Are Trending for Girls
• 125 Native American Names for Your Baby That Have Gorgeous Meanings
• 125 Baby Boy Names That Start With ‘S’ for Your Shining Star
• A-Z List of 260 Short Boy Names That Are Simple and Sweet

Cute Boy Names That Start With 'L'

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1. Larson — This name has Scandinavian, Latin, Roman and Swedish origins and can mean “son of Lars” or “from Laurentum.” 
2. Lynden — Another name with German and Dutch origins that means “Linden tree.” 
3. Lance — A popular boy’s name with German and French origins, meaning “land” and “spear.” It's also the name of NSYNC member Lance Bass.
4. Landry — With French and German roots, this name can mean “ruler” or “one who dominates the lands.”  
5. Link — This name of one of my favorite Hairspray characters (and also one of the main characters of The Legend of Zelda) has British origins and can mean “link,” “ring,” “lake” or “colony.” 
6. Louie — This name of German origin means “famous warrior.” 
7. Lyon — This four-letter name with French, Greek, Irish and Spanish origins literally means “lion” or “brave warrior. 
8. Loki — Yes, like the Marvel character and the Norse god of mischief. This Norse name means “lock.” 
9. Luca — This Italian name means “light” and is what your son will surely be. 
10. Lawson — If his father’s name is Lawrence, this British name meaning “son of Lawrence” can be a solid pick.  
11. Luciano — He’ll never let anyone dim his light with this four-syllable name with Portuguese, Latin, Spanish, Italian and Roman origins that can mean “shining” or “light.” 
12. Logan — This Scottish name means “hollow.” 
13. Leonardo — This strong-sounding name of German origin means “brave as a lion” or “lion-hearted.” 
14. Lesly — This Scottish name means “garden of holly.” 
15. Leap — You certainly won’t be taking a leap of faith when you opt for this name of Cambodian origin that means “good fortune.” 

Related: 125 Weird Baby Names for Parents Who Think Outside the Box

Biblical Boy Names That Start With 'L'

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1. Levi — Since your little boy is a new addition to your family, this Hebrew name, meaning “joined,” can be perfect. This is also the name of one of the sons of Jacob and Leah, along with a few other characters in the Bible. 
2. Lazarus — This name, with Greek, Latin and Hebrew origins, means “God has helped.” It’s also the name of Lazarus of Bethany (later Saint Lazarus), whom Jesus raised from the dead four days after he died. 
3. Lucas — A name of Latin origin that can mean “bringer of light.” While this name isn't in the Bible, it's a variation of a popular biblical name, Luke.
4. Luke — You likely recognize this name from one of the four Gospels in the Bible. It is of Greek origin and means “From Lucania.” 
5. Luka — A four-letter name of Latin, Greek and Italian origins that means “bright,” "shining" or “from Luciana.” This is also a variation of Luke, therefore making it a slightly more unique, yet still biblical, moniker.
6. Luc — This shorter name with Latin, French, Greek and Welsh origins also means "bright,” "shining” or “from Luciana," and is another fun variation of the biblical "Luke."
7. Lazaro — If you believe your God has helped, you will likely like this name, with Italian, Hebrew, Portuguese and Spanish origins that mean “my God has helped.” It's also a variation of Lazarus.
8. Lazarius — This eight-letter name with Latin, Greek and Hebrew origins also means “God has helped.” It's another variation of Lazarus.
9. Leor — A Hebrew name for your little boy that means “light” or "brightness" and can represent the many times light is used in the Bible, such as the burning bush Moses saw in Exodus.
10. Leviticus — This moniker, which is also the third book of the Torah and the Old Testament in the Bible, has Latin, Greek and Hebrew origins and means "Book of the Levites."

Up Next:

Related: 75 Tremendous Boy Names That Start With ‘T'

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Summer has just begun, and we’re already receiving extreme heat warnings and seeing high heat indexes across the country. With a heatwave forecasted for this weekend in many states, you may be inclined to just stay indoors. However, if you have any outdoor events planned, Walmart’s Mibote Handheld Rechargeable Misting Fan is a fantastic way to get relief from the sweltering summer temperatures. 

Right now, you can score this portable fan on sale for less than $20 at Walmart with a limited-time flash deal. Normally retailing between $19 and $21, it’s now marked down to just $17 in three colors, including black, khaki, and pink. 

Mibote Handheld Rechargeable Misting Fan, $17 (was $21) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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When you’re lazing on the beach, having a picnic at the park, exploring a new city on vacation, or waiting in line at the amusement park with no air conditioning in sight, this fan can help keep your body temperature comfortable and regulated. It has four wind speeds to choose from, and many reviewers raved that the airflow is strong 

This two-in-one device has a water chamber, so you can spritz yourself with a refreshing mist as the fan blows, which should instantly help cool you down. The mist can run for up to 15 minutes straight until the water runs out, but this fan comes with a 30-milliliter bottle so you can refill it while you’re on the go. 

Designed for easy portability, this fan weighs less than half a pound and measures only 5.7 inches tall and 2 inches wide. It has a slim handle that’ll fit comfortably in your hand, so you can walk around while holding it up to your face and neck. Whenever the fan isn’t in use, you can stash it away in a backpack or purse without it taking up much room. This fan comes with a carrying strap so you can also dangle it on your wrist for easy access. 

Mibote Handheld Rechargeable Misting Fan, $17 (was $21) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

“This fan is lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for hot days,” one reviewer raved. “The mist is refreshing and helps you cool down quickly.” Another shopper said that it’s “perfect for travel, outdoor activities, and keeping cool on the go.” A third customer described this fan as “small but very powerful.” 

Depending on what speed the fan is running at, the battery should last between three and nine hours. It has a built-in battery that you can recharge with any USB-C cord to its full capacity in as little as three hours. 

This fan is simple to use, equipped with three buttons to control the power, fan speed, and mist setting. An LED screen displays the battery life and speed, so there's no guesswork involved. 

Shop More Deals 

• Cowin Pedestal Misting Fan, $99 (was $160) at Walmart
• Roronova Wearable Fan, $17 (was $31) at Walmart
• Lemolifys Portable Neck Fan, $23 (was $40) at Walmart

Related: Amazon's $17 'Fluffy' Blanket Is a Cooling Favorite for Hot Sleepers — and It Comes in 15 Colors

Beat the summer heat with the Mibote Handheld Rechargeable Misting Fan at Walmart. Be sure to snag it while it’s still on sale for just $17 with a flash deal! 

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Vintage is very much in at the moment, but true antique pieces are definitely not within everyone's price range. Luckily, you can get the heirloom look for less thanks to Target, especially when it comes to charming dinnerware. Right now, the retailer is selling a truly gorgeous dinner bowl for an unbeatable price.

Threshold's Stoneware Legacy Heirloom Dinner Bowl in the Blue Floral Toile design is a beautiful addition to any dinnerware collection. Donning a gorgeous light blue and white color scheme in a timeless toile print, this dinner bowl features a slightly scalloped edge with an elegant feel. This dinner bowl is giving major vintage vibes without the marked-up price tag. After all, it retails for just $7! Score.

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Threshold Stoneware Legacy Heirloom Dinner Bowl Blue Floral Toile, $7 at Target

Target

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Constructed from sturdy, durable stoneware, this dinner bowl is built to last. What's more, it is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making it ideal for everyday use, although it's definitely pretty enough to reserve for special occasions, too, if you prefer!

This dinner bowl has a capacity of 23.95 fluid ounces, making it a generous size, too. This would be ideal for serving soups, salads, pasta and more.

Related: Dolly Parton's 5-Section Stoneware Serving Platter at Target Is Made for Summertime Hosting

Target shoppers love these charming floral stoneware dinner bowls, giving them an average rating of 4.7 stars on Target.com, with 100 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend them to others. Fans of the dinner bowls rate them highly for the design, value and ease of cleaning.

"Beautiful pattern, love the French blue toile!! Microwave and dishwasher safe," wrote one fan in a five-star review on Target.com.

"When I first saw this bowl, I was drawn to its classic blue and white floral design. It is timeless and I am glad to see it in dinnerware from Threshold. This bowl is beautiful and perfect for soups, pastas, fruit and snacks. It is also dishwasher and microwave safe, which makes it so practical for everyday use," said another fan in a five-star review on Target.com.

You can pick this up in select Target stores or on Target.com. Each one retails for $7.

Related: Dolly Parton's 4-Section Stoneware Platter Set Is the Definition of Pure Whimsy

Jennifer Lopezbelieves in embracing breakups. 

The singer and actress opened up about her thoughts on dating in a recent episode of the social media talk show SubwayTakes, hosted by KareemRahma. 

"We should have a party when we break up. People should say, ‘You broke up? Congratulations.' Because one, you made a decision. Two, it was probably the best thing for everybody," Lopez said. 

The Wedding Planner star is against the stigma surrounding heartbreak. 

“Breakups are not a failure,” she explained. “I honestly feel like it's a launchpad into your next best self."

Lopez revealed that she believes the “winners” are the ones being broken up with. 

“If you go around your life and you're breaking hearts … you're the loser,” she said.

The "On the Floor" singer continued that the end of a relationship comes with a lot of emotional development and learned lessons. 

"I just feel like the biggest growth spurts I've had emotionally, mentally, psychologically have always come from a heartbreak. And that's not just in romantic relationships, that's in work heartbreaks, all of it. It's the only time you dig. You’re like, ‘What the f--- happened? How do I do this? Why do I keep doing this? Or why didn't that happen? What could I have done better?’ You change yourself,” she said. 

Most recently, Lopez was married to BenAffleck from 2022 to 2025. They were previously engaged in the early 2000s but broke up in 2004. Before him, the actress was married to MarcAnthony from 2004 to 2014. The couple shares a pair of 18-year-old twins, Max and Emme. 

Her first marriage was to OjaniNoa from 1997 to 1998. This was followed by her second husband, CrisJudd, whom she was with from 2001 to 2003. 

While Lopez is believed to be currently single, she shared some insight into the type of guys she tends to go for. 

“I don't discriminate. I like skinny guys. I like a little chunk around the middle. I like beards. I like clean-shaven. It doesn't matter. I like the person inside,” she said.

Tori Spelling is unpacking her relationship with death and loss.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 star appeared on the June 30 episode ofInside of You with Michael Rosenbaum to talk about the loss of her co-star Shannen Doherty and her father, Aaron Spelling.

“I had more of an emotional, outward reaction when Shan passed than my own father," the 53-year-old told the host.

When Rosenbaum asked why she thinks that is, Spelling replied: "I was younger then — I mean it was 20 years ago," she explained. "I think I had every feeling so repressed. I didn't know how to deal with my feelings.” In her mind, she had to “just go on.”

Her repression wasn't because she didn't love her father. She called the late TV producer "everything to me" and a "Daddy's girl."

“He's still my hero,” she said on the podcast, “. . . and I think about him every single day in my life." Television producer Aaron Spelling died on June 23, 2006, at the age of 83 from complications after suffering a severe stroke a few days earlier. Spelling was famously close to her father, who helped launch her career on TV.

But it was different when his co-star Shannen Doherty died in June 2024, after a decade-long battle with metastatic stage 4 breast cancer.

“When she passed, it was this thing — and maybe it's because we're getting older, and it's kind of a you start to think of your own mortality and what's going to happen. And it's like, ‘Wait, friends my age are passing and this can happen.' That was a hard one. It was a hard one,” Spelling explained.

Doherty hit her harder than Luke Perry's, another co-star who passed away too young. “When Luke passed, I was still in my mode of like, ‘Go on, go on.'" Perry died in 2019 at the age of 52.

“It was only like when Shan passed, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can't stop crying.' And this is so un-me,” she said. “But I also like grew up thinking crying was a sign of weakness.”

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Just got a fresh pedicure? That means that you need to show it off with some fashionable shoes. JCPenney has you covered with comfortable sandals that you can sport all summer long, with one of our favorite styles stemming from Clarks. The brand is known to provide arch support, comfortability, and trendiness, with the Clarks Laurieann Ruby Sandals for 40% off being the latest on our shopping wishlist. 

The sandals initially cost $100, but have been reduced to just $60 during a limited-time sale.. The sizes range from 6 to 11, including half sizes, at a standard medium width. The style is marked to run slightly large, so it's recommended to go down a half size. If you're unsure, utilize the available size chart and customer reviews of a similar size for best results. You can shop the design in a classic tan color. 

Clarks Laurieann Ruby Sandals, $60 (was $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

We love this brown hue because it's super versatile and will match with nearly any outfit. The design features a 1.25-inch flat heel, rounded toe, hook and loop closure on the straps, and three adjustable straps on the top of the foot. The leather sandals have a fabric lining and polyurethane sole. The insole consists of a synthetic foam footbed that's contoured for customization and intended to provide a considerable amount of cushioning. 

The sandals have a unique stitching on the straps and small openings throughout the design that make them even more breathable. Shoppers described the shoe as "very comfortable," "stylish," "wonderful," and "very convenient." One reviewer even owned a similar Clarks pair for two years and found them to have "great" arch support. 

"I got these for my 92-year-old mom," another customer wrote. "She is not able to wear any regular type shoes because of problems with her fleet. These Clarks sandals are great for her." You can easily wear them throughout the seasons and dress them up or down, whether it's a casual, professional, or more elevated setting. 

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Merliah Bali Wedge Sandals, $60 (was $100) at JCPenney
• Easy Spirit Traciee Slide Sandals, $41 (was $65) at JCPenney
• Easy Street Lani Wedge Sandals, $45 (was $60) at JCPenney

Related: JCPenney’s 'Breathable' $7 Cotton T-Shirt Is 'Great for Travel' and Comes in 23 Colors

These are the type of sandals that will last you years. However, deals this good don't usually last long. Make sure to shop these classic Clarks sandals for 40% off at JCPenney now! 

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There is a good reason to stop actors from doing their own stunts. If they're hurt, then they can't do the scenes that rely completely on them.

But some action stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger did their own stunts during the height of their fame. Eraser director Chuck Russell explained why he was impressed with the star when they worked together.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Eraser' Free-Fall Scene

Schwarzenegger, 78, played a Witness Protection specialist named Eraser in the 1996 movie. Eraser protected Lee Cullen (Vanessa Williams), who blew the whistle on the sale of an electromagnetic rifle.

"The atmosphere on set was quite exciting, being the ringmaster of quite a big circus on a show like that. But I came from a stuntcraft background as a kid. So stunt safety was a really big deal to me, and Arnold appreciated that from day one," Russell, 68, told PEOPLE.

He explained that Schwarzenegger used a descender stunt rig, which was new technology at the time. "Arnold was the first actor I'm aware of to use a stunt rig. We call it a descender rig, which is designed to drop you to a free-fall beat, but it has a braking system so a human being can do it. It was a relatively new piece of gear," Russell said.

The technology is used when Eraser falls out of a plane. He was dropped from a tall Warner Bros. stage instead of it being a real plane.

"What I call action-acting is a real gift for those who have it," the director said. "Arnold certainly is one. Action is character, so it's unique to be able to bring a believable edge in that tone and make it work in those scenes."

Related: ‘The Real Wolf of Wall Street’ Calls Out Leonardo DiCaprio’s Portrayal of Jordan Belfort

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Ever Use a Stunt Double?

TriStar Films

The actor did use stunt doubles and people to stand in for his scenes over the years. Peter Kent talked to Cracked about doing that work for the action star for 15 movies.

"I wasn't supposed to be a stuntman," Kent, 69, said. "When James Cameron brought me on for The Terminator, he only hired me as Arnold's stand-in for lighting."

Cameron, 71, asked Kent if he did stunts. He lied and said yes because he wanted the pay. This was dangerous since stunt doubles train to do their job safely and then join a union. The stunts he did for The Terminator involved driving cars and shooting guns full of blanks.

Kent returned for Terminator 2 and wore prosthetics to look like the star, unlike first movie. "If you watch, say, the tanker chase, you'll see me with the Arnold mask, climbing from the pickup to the tanker," he said. "But only in the original cut. In the remaster, released to theaters this year, Jim went over and put Arnold's face in digitally."

The action movie industry has changed a lot throughout the years. Schwarzenegger took a risk using new technology to free fall. Stunt doubles went from using prosthetics to having the action star's face digitally put on top of their own. It's more work, but action done practically makes movies hold up throughout the years.

Related: Why Dennis Hopper’s Ex-Wife Believes He Haunted Her After His Death

Serena Williams may have lost her Tuesday match at Wimbledon, but the legendary athlete's adorable daughters made the experience less painful.

Williams, 44, lost her Tuesday match to Maya Joint in three sets, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, PEOPLE reported. However, it was the presence of her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and the duo's two daughters, Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2, that stole the show. Joined by their aunt, Venus Williams, the adorable little girls cheered on their mother as she battled it out on the court. While Adira sat in her father's arms for most of the event, Olympia stood alongside him and enjoyed some popcorn as she cheered for her mom.

Photo by Andrew Matthews - PA Images on Getty Images

Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS on Getty Images

Photo by Karwai Tang on Getty Images

Photo by Anadolu on Getty Images

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Will Serena and Venus Williams Play Doubles at Wimbledon? When?

Yes! On Thursday, July 2, Venus and Serena will return to the Grand Slam stage to battle it out with Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. They last competed together at the 2022 US Open. As a team, they have won Wimbledon six times, including in their most recent appearance in 2016.

View this post on Instagram What Has Williams Said About the Challenges of Parenting?

Williams has previously shared that while she may be an athletic icon, she believes the real sign of being a star is being someone your children can count on.

“I feel like everybody’s a champion,” she told PEOPLE in 2024. “You don’t have to be winning Wimbledon or a gold medal to be a champion. Being a champion is really just being there for your kids. I think that’s a huge champion.”

However, that doesn’t mean you always feel great. As an athlete, a founder of a beauty company, and a busy mom, Williams knows a thing or two about being exhausted.

“Being a champion is understanding that you’re not going to be a champion every single day. There’s no way you can win every single day. I need to take this advice to myself,” Williams said. “But it’s really just about giving your best effort in whatever you’re doing, just do the best that you can on that day. Some days, you will be able to make a better effort. Some days, just waking up is a big effort. You just have to give what you can on that day.”

Related: Serena Williams Looks More Svelte Than Ever in New Bathing Suit Snaps After Dropping 31 Pounds

With its September premiere, Neagley expands the Reacher series franchise by breaking out the fan-favorite character who is not the subject of any novels by Reacher bestselling author Lee Child, but has been plucked from Bad Luck and Trouble, Without Fail, The Hard Way and Die Trying and given her own TV universe, which delivers an original gripping mystery packed with unexpected twists.

View this post on Instagram

Here’s everything we know about Neagley Season 1, including premiere date, cast and if Alan Ritchson is expected to make a cameo.

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What is the Neagley Season 1 release date?

Neagley premieres with all eight episodes dropping on Wednesday, Sept. 16, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Maria Sten

Photo Credit: Sabrina Lantos/Prime

What is the plot of Neagley?

The synopsis reads: “Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) is a private investigator in Chicago and former military protege of Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) in the Army’s 110th Special Investigations Unit. When she learns that a beloved friend from her past has been killed in a suspicious accident, she becomes hell-bent on justice. Using everything she’s learned from Jack Reacher and her time as a member of the 110 Special Investigators, Neagley puts herself on a dangerous path to uncover a menacing evil.”

Related: Resurfaced ‘American Idol’ Clip Shows Alan Ritchson Serenading Judge in Viral Throwback Moment

Who’s in the Neagley cast? Keno (Jasper Jones), Renee Birdwhistle (Adeline Rudolph), Frances Neagley (Maria Sten), Hudson Riley (Greyston Holt)

Photo Credit: Shane Mahood/Prime

Maria Sten as Frances Neagley View this post on Instagram Greyston Holt as Detective Hudson RileyAdeline Rudolph as Renee BirdwhistleJasper Jones as KenoMatthew Del Negro as Pierce WoodrowDamon Herriman as Lawrence ColeWill Alan Ritchson appear as Jack Reacher in Neagley?

As the photo above attests, he will play a part in Season 1 of Neagley, but it hasn’t been revealed how big a part as yet.

Related: Alan Ritchson of ‘Reacher’ Returns to Reality TV

Is there a Neagley trailer?

One has not yet been released but check back closer to the premiere date for a first look. In the meantime, Prime Video posted some of Neagley’s best moments from Reacher. Check it out.

How many episodes are in Neagley Season 1?

Season 1 of Neagley will be eight episodes, all of which will drop on Sept. 16.

Maria Sten

Photo Credit: Sabrina Lantos/Prime

How to watch Neagley

Neagley is an Amazon original, so it streams exclusively on Prime Video.

Where can I watch previous seasons of Reacher?

All episodes of the first three seasons of Reacher are streaming now on Prime Video.

Related: 'Reacher' Season 4 Is Arriving Sooner Than Expected! Here's Everything to Know

Iconic '70s rocker Peter Gabriel has released his newest single, "I Belong to the Sky." The news was shared to Instagram on Tuesday morning, eliciting a wave of fan support in the comments section.

The track marks the seventh single from his upcoming album o\i—the highly anticipated follow-up project to his 2023 record i/o. True to Gabriel's signature conceptual style, the release schedule of the album's singles has aligned strictly with the lunar cycle, with "I Belong to the Sky" coinciding with the Strawberry Moon. Every month, Gabriel has dropped a new song from the project, with the full track list set to be completely unveiled to the public on December 23 during the Cold Moon.

o/i Track List So Far

January — "Been Undone"
February — "Put the Bucket Down"
March — "What Lies Ahead"
April — "Till Your Mind Is Shining"
May — "Won't Stand Down"
May — "A Hard Lesson"
June — "I Belong to the Sky"

Peter Gabriel, English singer Kate Bush and Steve Harley on stage at the Bill Duffield benefit concert, at Hammersmith Odeon, on May 12th, 1979 in London, England.

Pete Still/Redferns

Gabriel has enjoyed a highly successful six-decade-long music career. He is most widely known for being the original frontman of the beloved progressive rock band Genesis. After departing from the group in 1975, he launched an equally successful solo career, releasing 10 full-length studio albums. The enduring fan support backing his 11th record attests to his lasting influence among rock music lovers.

In the comments section of the post, fans posted messages praising the new song and expressing their excitement for the upcoming record.

View this post on Instagram

Users wrote:

"There are no words to express gratefulness for all the music you have written. 🙏🏻💝"

"Ooooh, what a great melody!!!!Another great tune that makes us wait for the whole album!! 👍👍"

"Nice Pic, Wonderfull music and Many Thanks for your music (Solo/Genesis). GOAT🙌"

"My favorite song so far on the new album. Thank you! ❤️ ☁️ 🎵 8 minutes of groove that moves me. 🙌 "

Related: 1974 Rock Classic, Famously Resurged 44 Years Later, Became a Breakthrough Radio Anthem

With a songwriting catalogue that features some of the most important music ever created, there's no doubt that John Lennon changed the world. His partnership with Paul McCartney throughout their tenure with The Beatles spawned some special, revolutionary, and oftentimes musically complex songs.

With tracks like "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "Day in the Life," there's no shortage of musical experimentation across the band's catalog. In a new interview however, the legendary singer's son Sean Lennon spoke about the song that he finds "shockingly complex," and the story behind its composition. That song is "Because."

View this post on Instagram

The story goes that Yoko Ono was playing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano, and Lennon took notice and asked for her to write the chords down backwards. These chords became the basis for the chords in the song.

It's so interesting learning this and then listening to the two iconic songs next to each other. It's so obvious, I don't know how I didn't notice the similarities sooner. The song is a particularly interesting one in in The Beatles' discography as well, as it comes just before "The Long One," the nine song medley that completes "Abbey Road." As one of the last songs the band ever released, it occupies this interesting place as a statement that they're still innovating, still experimenting, and still pushing the envelope.

Fans were shocked to hear the origins of such a unique song, taking to the comments to share their reactions.

"Because is my absolute favorite Beatle song!!"

"Omg that makes so much sense, mind freakin blown! 🤯"

"❤️Because is a song that feels like the first time you ever heard it every time you ever hear it. Profound. Genius. Eternal gift to the universe. ❤️"

The worlds and sounds that The Beatles created will forever intrigue and captivate audiences. There's no doubt that the genius of the band was one-of-a-kind.

Related: 1978 Classic, Originally Written for Singer's Son, Is Ranked the 5th Most Successful Song Ever

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Long before he was the “father of our country,” leading the fledgling continental army, George Washington was an ambitious young Virginia militia leader fighting alongside the British on the brutal colonial frontier.  

With its release date strategically timed just ahead of America’s 250thbirthday, Young Washington is a historical biopic centered on Washington’s disastrous early military failure in the 1750s, one that ignited the French and Indian War—but steeled the leadership skills that would later galvanize his pivotal role in the birth of America’s rebellion against England.

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Who plays George Washington in the new movie?

London-born British actor and 22-year-old William Franklyn-Miller, a former teen model, stars as Washington. You may have seen him previously on TV (Medici, Jack Irish) or in smallish films (Spring Breakaway, Donji Rescue). If you were a teen girl on social media a decade ago, when he was 12, you might remember that he was voted the most beautiful boy in the world after a pic of him went viral online.

His portrayal of a dashingly handsome Washington, with piercing blue eyes, a messy shock of dark hair and a chiseled jawline, certainly ranks high on the historical hunk-o-meter. He definitely creates a dishy new visage for the guy on our one-dollar bills. And he rocks that tricorn hat.

Related: George Washington Quotes

Who else stars in Young Washington?

The supporting cast is rounded out by some familiar faces. Mary-Louise Parker (from Showtime’s Weeds) plays George’s mom, Mary. Kelsey Grammer (TV’s Frasier) is Lord Fairfax, an upper-class land-baron muckety-muck. Ben Kingsley (who won an Oscar for Ghandi) adds to his extensive list of character roles as Robert Dinwaddle, the governor of Virginia. And Lord of the Rings fans might recognize Andy Serkis (he was Gollum!) as Edward Braddock, a decorated British officer who leads his soldiers on a bloody battlefield charge.

Speaking of battlefields, there’s a lot of those in Young Washington. Cannonballs kaboom, bullets fly, bodies fall, blood spurts. But there are softer moments too, as when young George courts a comely socialite, Sally Cary (Mia Rodgers, who played Taylor on HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls). But like Washington’s first military excursion, that romance also ends in disappointment.

Young Washington reminds viewers that America wasn’t always America. It was a wilderness patchwork of colonial settlements and British overlords, French excursionists, Native Americans holding onto what was once their land, and slaves. One soldier eyes a couple of slaves, sent to fight in the “stead” of their landowner, and wonders why the militia doesn’t give them guns so they could help in the battle. “They might shoot us,” his fellow militiaman replies. “Wouldn’t you?”

Related: U.S. Presidents Trivia

Does Young Washington have religious themes?

Young Washington is the newest movie from Angel Studios and the Wonder Project, which typically focus on Christian themes. Director Jon Erwin’s previous films include House of David, I Still Believe, a miniseries about Moses, a doc on the Christian band Casting Crowns, and I Can Only Imagine, based on a song by Mercy Me. There’s an undergirding of faith, divine purpose and redemption in Young Washington as well, like when Mary sends her boy off to war with a blessing and a balm; “Go, as God’s servant,” she tells him. George says he’s guided by the hand of “providence.” A group of Native American warriors, awed when he survives a vicious battlefield encounter, solemnly tells him he’s been chosen for protection “by the spirit.”

I guess the French commander chopped to pieces earlier by tomahawks wasn’t chosen, or protected. As they say in France, c'est dommage.

The movie’s messaging extends to its overriding theme that losers can become winners, failures can lead to success, and small players can become big leaders. “Even a pawn can take a king,” George’s father (John Foss) tells his young son over a game of chess.  

Is Young Washington worth watching?

As the movie ends, Washington’s army is newly bedecked in the colors of America: uniforms of red, white and blue. It’s a fitting close to this rip-roaring slice of rah-rah American history carved by war, wrapped in Sunday school homilies and served up as an Independence Day appetizer for audiences primed for red-meat patriotism, rousing underdog tales and real-life heroes.

My final thought: Reminds us losers can become winners, failures can lead to success, and small players can become big leaders.

Quick Young Washington Facts

Rating: PG-13
Running time:
Release Date: Thursday, July 2
Streaming: Expected to arrive on streaming services in 45 to 60 days.

Next, 50 Songs About America To Add to Your Independence Day Playlist