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Nearly every Magic Kingdom park in the world includes Main Street U.S.A., Walt Disney’s reimagination of a classic American downtown at the turn of the last century, drawn from his own turn-of-the-century childhood. But Marceline, Missouri wasn’t the only inspiration for one of Disneyland’s most iconic features.

Disney artist Harper Goffdrew on his own childhood nostalgia while drafting concept art for what became Main Street, U.S.A. His youthful inspiration? A former military outpost on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, better known as Fort Collins, Colorado.

A set designer who met Walt Disney while shopping for model trains, Harper Goff was tapped to create concepts for a parcel of land in Burbank, California. After the local government rejected Disney’s proposal, both he and Goff were able to dream bigger. Main Street U.S.A. acquired features from Disney’s hometown like the aptly named Hotel Marceline and the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner. But it also developed elements that are familiar to anyone who has strolled through Fort Collins’ Old Town district, including the famous Disneyland Railroad, Fire Station, and City Hall.

Harper Goff was born in Fort Collins in 1911, just a few years after the Disney family moved to Marceline. Like his future boss, Goff was the son of a newspaperman (albeit one who owned the Fort Collins Express-Courier) and an avid fan of trains. He grew up in a modest brick duplex on Howes Street, just a mile away from the stone-and-brick commercial district that had steadily replaced the city’s eponymous Fort over the previous 50 years. 

Goff spent the halcyon years before World War I riding the town trolleys past splendid Victorian and Romanesque buildings, including the historic Linden Hotel, the Avery Blockand the Fort Collins Post Office, which was built the year Goff was born. Much of the gorgeous architecture and easy energy that stuck with Goff is still in full swing a hundred years after his youth in Fort Collins. 

RiverNorthPhotography / Getty Images

Catch some of the OG Main Street U.S.A. magic for yourself, and start exploring Fort Collins’ Old Town from the Armstrong Hotel, an independent property that opened in 1923, when Goff was almost thirteen. It was home to the first chapter of the American Automobile Association, better known today as “AAA.”

The arrival of the automobile early in Goff’s childhood, including the construction of the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States just north of Fort Collins, may have helped inspire early Disneyland attractions like the Horseless Carriages. The Street Cars on Main Street U.S.A. also have a Fort Collins equivalent–you can still ride a restored 1919 heritage streetcar between City Park and Old Town on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays May through September.

Related: Disney Fans Are About to See Disneyland’s Origin Story Like Never Before

When you get hungry, grab a bite at The Silver Grill, the oldest restaurant in Old Town. This friendly eatery has been slinging classic breakfasts since 1933. Get the Colorado Trout and Eggs, centered around fresh mountain fish right off the griddle. Or grab one of the Silver Grill’s astoundingly large, fluffy cinnamon rolls–-a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Literally around the corner is Old Firehouse Books, which has been part of the northern Colorado independent bookseller community since 1980, although the shop didn't move to the Fort Collins historic firehouse and former City Hall until 2009. Pick up a copy of Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the Worldby Richard Snow or Fort Collins: a Brief Historyby Barbara Fleming to learn a little more while you explore.  

Next up, head to Choice City Drug. The eclectic aisles aren't packed with Disney souvenirs like the Main Street U.S.A. Emporium, but you will almost certainly find a unique treat or handy item. Choice City Drug has been serving Old Town Fort Collins since the 1870’s, and the current owners have been behind the counter since the 1990s. There's even a little bit of an Epcot vibe here, thanks to the unexpected selection of European groceries like German stollen bread and spaetzle. 

Mona Makela Photography / Getty Images

The founder of Choice City went on to co-establish the Poudre Valley Bank in the handsome Victorian Loomis Block, occupying the corner of Walnut and Linden Streets. Although the Poudre Valley Bank long since merged with other institutions, the elegant structure remains one of the gems of Old Town, and was one of Goff’s chief inspirations for Disneyland.

“We had banks that looked like banks, you know, and there was a Victorian city hall,” Goff once explained in an interview. “I was born in 1911 and these buildings were around when I was a kid. When I started working on {Main Street USA}, I had photographs of Fort Collins taken. I showed them to Walt, and he liked them very much. Disneyland's City Hall was copied from Fort Collins...so was the Bank building and some of the others."

Another memorable building Goff incorporated into his Disneyland concepts was the old Union Pacific train station on Jefferson Street. It was built the year Goff was born, and he remembered the wide, grassy median that once sat between the station and the surrounding streetscape. Today, the brick facade houses a Rodizio Grill Brazilian steakhouse, and the square opposite features colorful murals by a new generation of artists. You can also explore theFC Mural Project on foot through Old Town (and the rest of Fort Collins, for that matter) any time. 

Related:Disney World Just Dropped an Opening Date for Its Next Huge Fall Addition—and Insiders Are Already Thrilled

Just down the street is the beloved Aggie Theater. Originally built in 1906 as a furniture store, the interior burned down in the 1950s and was rebuilt as a movie theater soon after. In the early 2000s, the defunct cinema found new life as a concert venue, and for the last twenty years has attracted national touring acts includingJohn Mayer, Colorado favorites like the String Cheese Incident, and early-career icons like Imagine Dragons. Fort Collins is also home to the electronic music artist Pretty Lights, and the Aggie hosted many of the producer’s early sell-out shows.

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As much as some things have remained the same in Old Town, and would be recognizable to Goff today, others have evolved with the times. Check out the local creative scene at maker spaces like Petrichor Collective, which hosts workshops, meditation events, art salons, and even cult movie screenings on the regular. The Center for Creativity is another third space housed in a 1904 library built with funds from Andrew Carneige. Trimble Court has served as a co-op art gallery since the 1970s with dozens of artists whose work spans painting, glass, jewlery, hand-thrown pottery and more. The first Friday of every month, Petrichor, Trimble, and other galleries in Old Town collectively host self-guided Art Walks. 

Keep an eye out as you stroll for the numerous public artworks in Old Town and in surrounding neighborhoods, from laser-cut metal Garden Sculpture 01 by Robert Klose in Old Town Square to the 1981 Campbell's Tomato Soup Can signed by Andy Warhol that sits a mile south on the Colorado State University campus.

If you’re wondering, Goff played a role in designing Disney’s beloved Haunted Mansion, but no one of the historic homes in Fort Collins inspired that particular Disneyland attraction. That said, there are still more than a few happy haunts to meet in FoCo. Fort Collins Tours offers guided history tours of Old Town, as well as a family-friendly Ghosts and Goodies outing that blends sweet treats in Old Town with the city’s haunted lore.

Related: Disney Restores Cinderella Castle to Its Classic 1971 Opening Day Colors

Rebel Wilson may be best known for her appearances in the Pitch Perfectmovies, but in the nine years since Pitch Perfect 3 (and with Pitch Perfect 4reportedly in the works but with no confirmed release date), the actress, singer and comedian has found a range of other ventures and endeavors to keep her busy.

In addition to her two children—the youngest of whom Wilson and her wife, Ramona Agruma, just welcomed in May of this year—Wilson has been expanding her expertise with a range of projects on which she is a director, writer and/or producer. That includes her directorial debut with The Deb and her upcoming project Girl Group, for which Wilson is a director, writer and producer.

Being a busy working mom hasn't kept Wilson from new business ventures, though. In fact, Wilson has just partnered with digital health and weight management company Noom, for which she is the Chief Wellness Ambassador, on a brand-new campaign that stars none other than Wilson's oldest daughter, Royce.

Bridging motherhood, her Hollywood career and her health journey, Noom's "Lose for Keeps" campaign highlights Wilson's microhabits to stay healthy while navigating the hectic demands of parenthood and the food noise that can come with it. The new campaign also launches Noom's "Microhabits Challenge," a free feature that offers users a range of quick, healthy habits (including some of Wilson's own) that can be incorporated into daily routines.

As part of the campaign, Wilson stars in two new spots, "Training Wheels" and "Mute Button." The latter shows Wilson navigating food noise in the midst of a chaotic family morning, acknowledging that, for those who have stopped taking GLP-1s, that noise can come back. In addition to touching upon Noom's role in keeping that noise at bay, the ad features a precious moment between Wilson and Royce.

To get an even more behind-the-scenes look at Wilson's 'mom mode' and her adorable dynamic with her daughter, fans can also check out the hilarious blooper reel, in which Wilson asks Royce not to "upstage" her.

In the fall of 2002, teen magazines were facing an existential crisis. The safe, bright, bubblegum pop world of boy bands and “not so innocent” pop girlies was fading away. Christina Aguilerawas now X-tina with black streaks and a “Dirrty” new attitude.Justin Timberlake, fresh from his breakup withBritney Spears, was suddenly a mature solo star. But the biggest shift? The rise of punk-rock with a pop twist. It took over TRL, the airwaves, and the pages of our magazines. Tattoos, heavy guitars, and bad girls were in. Particularly a 17-year-old Canadian with a penchant for tank tops with neckties, baggy pants, and heavy eyeliner. If memes were a thing in the early aughts,Avril Lavignewould have been the “IDGAF” poster child.

Her "anti-Britney" schtick made her an instant superstar. Her debut smash single, "Complicated," spent 16 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. As CosmoGIRL!’s entertainment editor at the time, I was thrilled to book her for our "rising star" column, ready to give our readers an intimate look at the punk princess with the relatable lyrics. We knew we’d found the voice of a generation.

While Avril was one of the few breakout stars who actually went on to become a CosmoGIRL! cover girl, 24 years later, I still cannot hear any of her hit songs without cringing at the memory of the single most awkward, painful, and agonizingly difficult celebrity interview of my decades-long career.

Recently, while digging through my archives for my nostalgia Substack, The Teen Mag Time Machine, I unearthed the original, unedited audio transcript of that fateful phone interview. Listening back to it is even worse than I remembered. Had the "skater punk" rebel been giving me an edgy rock-and-roll attitude as part of her “shtick,” I might have been okay with it. Instead, I was talking to a bratty (and exhausted) teenager who clearly did not want to be there. Her act of defiance was giving me a series of exhausted, one-word replies followed by pointed yawns.

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The One-Word Brick Wall

It’s an entertainment journalist’s job to pull out stories, color, and specifics. I could tell as soon as Avril got on the line that it would be tough to get her to warm up, but I deployed every trick in the playbook: follow-up questions, softball prompts, and shared high school experiences.

Avril threw up a brick wall at every turn.

I started by congratulating her on “Complicated” and asking if her success had sunk in yet. She replied: “Yeah, I don't know. I don't get very overwhelmed by things for some reason. I seem to be taking everything okay. I mean, I like get excited but I'm not like ‘Oh My G-d’ and like I don't freak out or anything.”

Honestly, I was ready to work with that. But it was downhill from there.

When I asked where she got the deep emotional insight for her hit lyrics at just 17, she answered: “Um... I don't know, I just write whatever I go through.”

When I asked about her songwriting process with her guitar player, Evan, and what their latest collaboration was about, she offered: “Um... My life, and what it's like right now.”

When I tried to dig into her rebellious streak, asking what kind of trouble got her grounded, she hit me with: “Um... I don't know, I can't really think of anything.”

I got her to admit that in school, “my teachers hated me . . . because I never did my work. I never paid attention in school.” So I naturally followed up by asking if she was writing lyrics instead. Her reply? “I do remember writing a couple of songs in class but not very many.”

I perked up later when she explained what was it was like figuring out who wanted to hang simply because she was famous.

“I usually can tell if it's a real friend or not...I'm really good at reading people,” Avril revealed. I asked, “What's something that people do that you know they’re not being sincere?” I could hear Avril’s eyes rolling back into her head as she answered: “I just can tell when they're like fake and just say like, ‘Hi!’ and like whatever . . . I don't know. I can totally tell.”

The absolute rock bottom of the 34-minute interview came when I asked her to explain how she lived the “creed” of being skater punk—the very subculture she was the poster child for.

Me:“What is skater punk?”

AVRIL:“I don't know, like sometimes I'm just like I want to go punk, like a little f*er, and I used to skateboard and I love skateboarding.”

Related: 2003 Hollywood Heartthrob Walked Away From a 7-Year ‘Superman’ Deal and “Unconscious Money”

The Ultimate Editorial Salvage Job

Looking at a transcript full of "I don't know" and "whatever" is pure panic. Avril eventually admitted she had pulled an all-nighter the night before and was simply too tired to think. Even the lightning round was painful. She named Johnny Resnick of the Goo Goo Dolls as her inspiration; when I asked what she said when she met him, she said, “nothing.” Her good luck charm? A thumb ring gifted by a "famous person” she wouldn't name. I guessed Steven Tyler, and though she replied with a stoic “no,” I secretly think I was right.

Finally, the interview equivalent of pulling teeth without anesthesia ended when Avril abruptly cut me off with: “I have to go, because I have another interview that I'm supposed to be doing right now.”

Related: Chad Michael Murray Addresses the 2003 Mistake That Landed Him in the Middle of the Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan Feud (Exclusive)

I know how difficult it is to be 17 and famous. I built a career interviewing many “Avrils” who were uncomfortable and unsure how to present themselves. I knew to be patient and give them grace. I expected Avril to lean into being the “anti-Britney,” but I didn't have much to work with.

To make the piece come together, I had to channel my best Dr. Frankenstein and cobble together fractions of sentences and turn sleepy, disjointed mumblings into cohesive paragraphs that painted her as an insightful, fierce, "old soul." Reading the final version that ran in the October 2002 issue of CosmoGIRL!, you would never guess she was anything but thoughtful and profound. We spun a teenager who was literally yawning into the phone into a commanding pop-rock savior.

The Teen Mag Aftermath

The funniest part of this disaster? I wasn’t the only one struggling. Not long after my interview ran, One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton, then a VJ on MTV’s TRL, admitted to me in a separate interview that Avril was the absolute worst guest they had to deal with, finding her to be “very apathetic.” We actually printed Hilarie's candid complaint!

Decades later, looking back at the stark contrast between the audio tape and the glossy pages of the magazine is a wild reminder of how the Y2K pop-culture sausage was really made. We did our best to make a budding star seem cool and likable, even when the reality on the other end of the line was a sleepy 17-year-old desperately wishing she could just hang up and take a nap.

Want to hear about Lauren’s Y2K adventures in teen magazines? Head over to The Teen Mag Time Machine, and check Parade.com next week for another excerpt!

Next, Lindsay Lohan’s Lost 2004 ‘Mean Girls’ Interview Just Surfaced—and Her Real-Life Celebrity Roommate Will Shock You (Exclusive)

Before it became an inescapable radio smash and an iconic movie theme, 1981’s “For Your Eyes Only” had the potential to be a disaster.

The studio behind the 1981 James Bond film of the same name originally tapped new-wave icons Blondie to helm the track. However, Debbie Harry and the band walked away when producers rejected their original song.

According to Far Out Magazine, the film's producers wanted the band to perform the song written by composer Bill Conti and lyricist Michael Leeson. However, Blondie reportedly refused to do so and backed out of the project.

In an interview with The Guardian, Harry said of the project, "The James Bond thing was a misunderstanding about what they wanted – but so many things have gone right that I don’t dwell on inconsistencies or regrets or think, 'God, that ruined my life!'”

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The Blondie-written version was a high-energy rock song which they wrote at the height of the success of their LP Parallel Lines and its hit single, "Call Me." In contrast, Conti and Leeson's song was a moody ballad.

Instead, Conti took a chance on a rising Scottish newcomer named Sheena Easton to sing his Bond theme. The high-stakes gamble paid off, turning a chaotic behind-the-scenes studio battle into one of the most unforgettable chart-topping hits of the decade.

Before recording "For Your Eyes Only," Easton had a huge pop music hit in the United States with the song "Morning Train (Nine to Five)." It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1981.

Still, Conti was reportedly unsure about entrusting his song to a relative newcomer. However, Easton told Variety that she was unaware of the behind-the-scenes upheaval.

“To be honest, I’ve heard that story and maybe that comes from Bill’s point of view, but from my point of view, I never heard any of that,” she explained. “When it was brought to me, it was literally done as a fait accompli."

She added, "It was, you know, they want you to do the next Bond song and are you interested? And it’s like, yeah! Of course I’m interested! Please, who would say no to that? So I was never told about any of the behind-the-scenes [discussions] at the time.”

The pop superstar explained that the pressure to perform to expectations was enormous. Easton shared that producers "sat in an anteroom, and they were anxious to make sure this kid hadn’t screwed up their theme song,” she says.

“They wanted to make sure they had bet on the right horse, basically. It almost felt like there was a judge and jury sitting right outside the studio.”

Additionally, Sheena Easton didn't just sing the iconic James Bond track; she became part of the film itself. She is the only artist in the film franchise's history to perform a theme song on-screen during the title sequence.

Forty-five years later, "For Your Eyes Only" is proof that total studio chaos can actually produce a hit. Between pivoting away from Blondie and putting Sheena Easton front and center, it remains one of the best pop music surprises.

Related: 1983 Nostalgic No. 1 Country-Pop Duet Still Feels Like a Warm Memory 43 Years Later

In the U.S., overall beer consumption has been on the decline since 2022. In fact, beer sales in the country went down by three percent in 2025, KCRA reported recently.

Conversely, light beer consumption is on the rise, with industry experts predicting the light beer market to continue to grow, per Stellar Market Research.

Light beer can be a healthier choice than traditional beer in a few ways: it typically has a lower concentration of alcohol, it's often lower in carbohydrates and calories and it is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, per Healthline.

But which light beers are the best? To find out, Parade spoke with two experts in the world of beer: Ashton Guerrero, Head Brewer at Lakewood Brewing Company in Texas, and Wyndee Forrest, co-owner and founder of CraftHaus Brewery in Las Vegas.

Below, both beer pros share some of their favorite light beers on the market, with Guerrero explaining that "these examples have a clean, crisp malt character, restrained bitterness and enough hop or grain complexity to keep the beer interesting without becoming heavy or overwhelming."

Plus, Forest is making it known that "light beer doesn't always need to be light in color" — so some of the nine of the best light beers on this list may surprise you!

Related: 22 Types of Beer To Begin Your Quest To Find Your Favorite Brew

What Is Light Beer?

In the U.S., "light beer" is a category of beer that has a lower alcohol by volume (generally, 5 percent or less). But in Europe and other parts of the world, the meaning of "light beer" can vary.

In fact, light beer can refer to a beer that is "light in alcohol, light in color or light in body," according to Forrest.

But something that all light beers have in common is that they "should quench a thirst and not challenge your palate or overpower food. That sparkling pint should brighten any occasion and leaving you wanting another round."

What Makes a Light Beer Good?

According to both Forrest and Guerrero, a good light beer is one that you could drink all night long.

"Light beer should make you want to enjoy multiples in one sitting," explains Forrest. "You shouldn't have to overthink a beer style when you're enjoying it and that's exactly light beer's superpower."

Additionally, "a great light beer stands out by delivering plenty of flavor while remaining highly drinkable, which is a difficult balance to achieve," according to Guerrero.

"The best light beers finish clean and encourage another sip, making them ideal for warm weather, social occasions or extended drinking sessions," Guerrero adds. "A truly exceptional light beer combines refreshment, consistency, and subtle flavor in a way that appeals to both casual drinkers and experienced beer enthusiasts."

Related: The Bartender-Approved Way to Make Cheap Beer Taste 10x Better

These Are 9 of the Best Light Beers

Below are nine of Forrest and Guerrero's recommendations for light beers. While some of the beers on this list may not be classified as "light beer" by U.S. standards, our beer experts explain why they are, in fact, light—as well as delicious and refreshing.

1. Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen

Woods Wholesale Wine

Forrest is a big fan of Paulaner's Oktoberfest Märzen, as it "holds a beautiful copper hue, frothy pillowy head and goes down a little too easy."

That last quality is important for an Oktoberfest beer, as it is "intended to be consumed in large quantities thanks to its annual celebration in Germany."

Where to Buy It: The Booze Outlet
Price: $54.90/6-pack

2. Austin Beer Garden Brewing Industry Pils

Austin Beer Garden Brewing

Whenever Guerrero visits Austin, Texas, picking up a can of Austin Beer Garden Brewing's Industry Pils is a must.

"It is brewed in the traditional German pilsner style, offering a crisp, clean finish with excellent balance between malt sweetness and firm hop bitterness," Guerrero says. "It has a bright floral and herbal hop aroma, refreshing carbonation and exceptional drinkability that make it enjoyable in nearly any setting.

Where to Buy It: Austin Beer Garden Brewing
Price: $7.50/glass

3. CraftHaus Brewery Czech Plz

The Czech Plz at CraftHaus Brewery, which Forrest owns, is her "personal go-to" on a hot day in Las Vegas, Nevada, thanks to its "crisp, light and refreshing" flavor.

As she explains, Czech pilsners "are known for their crisp and refreshing finish with a little bit of a spicy bite from old world Czech Saaz hops."

Where to Buy It: Total Wine & More
Price: $11.99/6-pack

4. Real Ale Brewing Company Hans' Pils

Goody Goody

Real Ale Brewing Company's Hans' Pils is a German-style pilsner "that combines a crisp malt backbone with a refreshing, spicy hop character." According to Guerrero, this beer "delivers a clean, dry finish and just enough bitterness to keep each sip flavorful without becoming overwhelming, making it an easy beer to enjoy pint after pint." It's also only available in the state of Texas.

Where to Buy It: Goody Goody
Price: $9.59/6-pack

5. Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager

Whisky & Whiskey

Hitachino Nest's Yuzu Lager, which is a Japanese rice lager, is made with rice in addition to malted barley, which gives it a "light bodied and delicate flavor profile," per Forrest.

"It's revered for its dry finish with no lingering malty sweetness to stick around," she says, adding that it offers a blank palette for adding in fruit, which allows "the fruit to shine clearly."

Where to Buy It:Whisky & Whiskey
Price: $127.99/24-pack

6. Lakewood Brewing Co. Stub's

At Lakewood Brewing Co., where Guerrero serves as Head Brewer, the Stub's Texas Pils offers "light bready malt flavors with corn and is complemented by floral and herbal hop notes, finishing clean and dry with a smooth, refreshing bitterness."

Guerrero adds that this light beer "blends traditional German brewing influences with a Texas craft beer character" and that its approachable flavor makes it a good choice for warm weather. It's also only available in the state of Texas.

Where to Buy It: Lakewood Brewing Co.
Price: $8.99/6-pack

7. Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel

Good Pour

As Forrest always says, a light color isn't a requirement for a light beer. So even though Ayinger's Altbairisch Dunkel is technically a dark German lager, it drinks more like a light beer than a dark one.

"Its almost chestnut brown hue is misleading because it's fermented with a lager strain so its finish is deceptively light," she says. "This beer style is the best of both worlds, rich malt backbone and light on the palate."

Where to Buy It: Good Pour
Price: $14.99

8. Modelo Especial

Modela

Major beer company Modelo makes a light beer called Especial, which is a lightly-sweet, Mexican-style lager. Guerrero recommends this brew, noting that it has an "exceptionally smooth, crisp, and easy-drinking character" as well a "clean, refreshing finish that appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers."

Where to Buy It: Walmart.com
Price: $10.72/6-pack

9. Firestone Walker 805

Firestone Walker

Firestone Walker's 805 is a blonde beer — a category of beer that Forrest describes as "a little more flavorful cousin of a typical American Light Lager." She notes that this beer is sweet, has a low alcohol by volume and pairs well with food.

Where to Buy It:Walmart.com
Price: $15.87/12-pack

Up Next:

Related: 6 Underrated Wine Regions in the U.S. That Isn't Napa

Sources:

• Ashton Guerrero, Head Brewer at Lakewood Brewing Company
• Wyndee Forrest, co-owner and founder of CraftHaus Brewery

There's no denying that for many travelers, the most daunting part of the entire journey is simply navigating the airport terminal. Making sure your luggage isn’t overweight, bringing your carry-on and personal item through security, and keeping track of all of your valuables can lead to some stressful moments. As someone who has traveled to over 40 countries, I know a thing or two about how to manage airport stress.

Most of my travels are done solo, so keeping track of my valuables becomes extra important–which can also mean extra anxiety-inducing. When I see fellow travelers going through the airport with a chic-looking bag that doesn’t even zip at the top and that’s it, my heart rate immediately goes up.

I prefer to keep things like my wallet, passport, meta glasses, cash, and phone as close to my body as possible. Fortunately, keeping your essentials locked down doesn't have to look messy—here's how to pull it off seamlessly before your next flight.

Related: I Traveled The World For A Year With One Suitcase—This Shoe Packing Trick Saved Me

Fanny Packs Are The Perfect Travel Companion

Although fanny packs hit their peak in the '80s and ‘90s, they've had quite the resurgence in the past 10 years. From popular, everyday brands like Lululemon and Target to luxury brands like Prada and Louis Vuitton, you can find a good fanny pack just about anywhere. I almost always travel with a fanny pack, and find that it makes my airport experience significantly less chaotic.

Run by travel creator Mitch, the YouTube channel Project Untetheredfocuses on practical tips and tricks designed to simplify the travel experience. In one video titled “BEST Way to Pack Carry-On Luggage, According to SCIENCE," Mitch demonstrates various different ways to pack, and ultimately shows the audience the methods that make the most sense. At the end of the video, he shares a final tip which he calls the “stress stabilizer strategy."

According to Mitch, one of the best ways to combat airport anxiety is as simple as wearing a fanny pack. By keeping your most important documents and items physically attached to your body, the persistent worry of misplacing them completely melts away. He even conducted a survey revealing that using a fanny pack can reduce a traveler’s stress by 41%. Respondents noted that this setup is especially life-saving at TSA checkpoints, providing peace of mind because every single valuable is locked down in one secure, predictable spot.

While it’s smart to stay organized, keep in mind that certain airlines occasionally count a fanny pack as your official personal item, requiring you to stuff it into your backpack or carry-on before boarding. I’m all for following the rules, but this is one minor technicality that's incredibly easy to bypass. To keep my fanny pack safely on my body during boarding, I simply layer a large sweatshirt or jacket over it. By keeping it hidden right under my outer layer, I can walk onto the plane hands-free and completely hassle-free.

Related: The One Item To Never Leave Out Of Your Carry On, According to Travel Experts

There Are Also Travel Sweatshirts Designed To Reduce Airport Stress, Too @sarahcramos

‼️in case you missed it the first time‼️ @Comfrt VIRAL airplane mode hoodie is back in stock! #comfrt #airplanemode #travel #tiktokshopcreatorpicks #travelessentials

♬ original sound - Sarah Ramos

Lately, my TikTok feed has been flooded with ads for a viral sweatshirt by the brand Comfrt called the “Airplane Mode Hoodie.” It basically acts as a wearable fanny pack—making it an absolute game-changer for travelers who don't want to wear a traditional waist bag but still want to keep their valuables secure. You just throw it on before heading to the gate, and you're completely set.

Related: I Traveled The World For A Year With One Suitcase—This Shoe Packing Trick Saved Me

This clever design features a built-in eye mask right inside the hood—perfect for blocking out bright cabin lights and catching some shut-eye mid-flight without having to pack a separate mask.

Beyond the hood, the sweatshirt is packed with hidden, zippered pockets specifically tailored for travel gear. A small compartment on the arm perfectly fits Bluetooth earbuds, while a larger, strategically shaped pocket keeps your passport secure. Additional compartments are built to easily house daily essentials like your wallet, lip balm, and phone.

Whether you opt for a classic, retro fanny pack or a viral, pocket-loaded sweatshirt, making your next transit day completely hands-free is the easiest trick to upgrading your travel routine—and keeping your peace of mind intact.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Trip to Napa With a Single Carry-On

Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher“ was one of the biggest music videos of the 1980s. Not only did it star bandmates David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Eddie and Alex Van Halen, but it featured their “kid” counterparts, which included a child actor from one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.

Fresh on the heels of playing schoolyard bully Grover Dill, the sidekick to yellow-eyed Scut Farkus ( Zack Ward) in the film A Christmas Story, Yano Anaya was cast as the child version of Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony in “Hot for Teacher.” At the time, the young actor couldn’t believe his luck.

In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, Anaya, now 54, revealed the wild session for the wild music video.

“I was thirteen years old, and Van Halen was one of my favorite bands at the time,
 he shared. “I’d done some commercials and a movie, A Christmas Story, before that, so when I got a message from my manager on the answering machine that I had an audition to play the part for Michael Anthony Jr. in an upcoming Van Halen video, I swear to God I was so excited. In my mind, I was thinking, ‘Holy crap, I look just like Michael Anthony – this is my job.’”

“I went to an audition in Hollywood, then I got a callback two days later, then two days after that I got the call that I actually got the job,” he recalled.

Anaya noted that the video shoot, which took place at  John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, California, spanned four days and that he spent time with the band in their trailer after boldly knocking on the door. He recalled that when Roth questioned why there was a kid in the trailer, Alex Van Halen told him, “Don’t worry about it, man, he’s part of the cast, he’s hanging out with us.”

The 5-minute and 32-second “Hot for Teacher” video told the story of nerdy Waldo and his unruly classmates, who were younger versions of the Van Halen band members. It included some provocative scenes that sparked controversy.

In the Classic Rock interview, Anaya admitted to being embarrassed when a director instructed him to grab the leg of one of the bikini-clad “teachers” who was dancing on a table in one scene.

“I looked at my mom: ‘Should I actually do that? Is that okay?’ And my mom was like: ‘Do your job, son,’” he recalled. “I was so embarrassed to do that.”

Despite the awkward moments, Anaya has said that the “Hot for Teacher” video was the job of a lifetime.

In an interview posted by J. Dun’s Video Nasties, the actor recalled, “When it came out, man, you know, for me personally, Van Halen was like the number one band on in the world to me, at 14 years old. And you know they were a garage band,  there they were rough, they were cool, and I loved their music, and when I got the job as Michael Anthony Jr. it was like a dream come true.”

“I mean, when I got that message that I was going on an audition for Van Halen ‘Hot for Teacher, oh my God, I was like, 'No way.’ So I was super excited about going on the audition, and I rocked it, and I got hired.”

Of hanging with the band behind the scenes, Anaya recalled, “We played card games and money games and coin games and beer games, and it was just, I mean they made they made my experience with them last a lifetime, man.”

Described as “one of the most famous and creative clips to ever air on MTV, “ the "Hot for Teacher” video was ranked the No. 1 Van Halen video of all time by Ultimate Classic Rock.

Check out Anaya in a classic scene from A Christmas Story below.

Related: 1979 Rock Classic, Reimagined from 1975 No. 1 Hit, Remains a Timeless Breakup Anthem 47 Years Later

Collider recently named the best mysteries packed with plot twists. The number one novel on the list was The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. The book, which was a New York Times bestseller, won multiple literary awards.

The Secret Keeper is a historical novel about an actress who investigates a murder committed by a family member in the past. It has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 25,000 reviews.  

Related: 1939 Crime Novel, Named One of the Best Mystery Books of All Time, Was Adapted for Film Twice

In a Goodreads interview, Morton revealed that the first scene in the book was the first scene that she came up with. “Ideas for The Secret Keeper began to percolate years ago, and a half-finished version of Chapter One sat in an old notebook for ages before I finally started work on the book officially,” she explained. “I'd long carried the stubborn image in my mind of a teenage girl at the top of a tree—it was a warm, summer afternoon, the scene infused with the peculiar potency of its adolescent narrator—and I knew the idyllic picture would be shattered by something shocking. I just wasn't sure exactly what that something would be.”

Morton also spoke about how she plots and structures big twists when writing. “I got myself into many a tangle when I was working on The Secret Keeper, and my noticeboard is littered with notes I had to write to myself to keep my thoughts in order,” she revealed. “Plotting is one of my favorite parts of writing, though, and the structuring involved in sleight of hand—making readers feel comfortable with what seems to be happening while ensuring the truth is hidden in plain sight—is a bit like playing an elaborate game. Writing can be such a solitary pursuit, but putting the narrative puzzle together in a way that will be fun for my reader reminds me that storytelling is, by its nature, a shared activity. I like that.”

Related: 1963 Bestseller, Recommended as a Summer Beach Read, Became a Timeless Coming-Of-Age Classic

Morton has also written The House at Riverton, The Forgotten Garden, The Distant Hours, The Lake House, The Clockmaker’s Daughter, and Homecoming.

Some other books that made Collider’s list of best mysteries packed with twists were The Husband’s Secret, Gone Girl, Shutter Island, The Twyford Code, The Maltese Falcon, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Rock icon Mick MacNeil helped pave the way for '80s rock music as an award-winning keyboardist for one of the most celebrated rock bands of an era.

Born on 20 July, 1958 in Barra, Scotland, MacNeil's passion for music began at a young age, when he played the accordion on kids' television as a teenager. He'd also perform at cabaret clubs and play covers of Drifters songs, saving up his paychecks to be able to afford to buy music equipment.

In 1978, MacNeil joined rock band Simple Minds as its keyboard player and a primary lyricist. Shortly after MacNeil joined the band, Simple Minds released its debut album, Life in a Day. Released in April 1979, the record peaked at No. 30 on the U.K. Official Album Chart and its single of the same name reached No. 62 on the Official Singles Chart.

Although the debut album was a success, a few years later, Simple Minds would go on to release a career-defining hit that topped charts around the world.

"Don't You (Forget About Me)" was released on Feb. 20, 1985 in the U.S. and immediately became a huge hit. Reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was written for the cult classic comedy-drama movieThe Breakfast Club, becoming the movie's iconic track that plays during the legendary opening and closing scenes.

"Everybody's got their own memory of what happened," the Ivor Novello Award-winner explained during a 2025 interview. "... I was on a plane, I was with Charlie [Burchill, Simple Minds' guitarist,] and I think we're flying from Los Angeles to somewhere and this guy was really raving about the band."

The man in question was producer Keith Forsey, who handed MacNeil and Burchill a cassette tape. MacNeil said that the tape was left unplayed for quite some time, but it was eventually discovered to have featured a "song for a movie we've been asked to do."

Hesitant at first, the band was skeptical to take the offer as it wasn't a song that they had written, but they eventually accepted due to "pure pressure."

"It was all done in a day, even just a few hours."

In 1990, MacNeil parted ways with Simple Minds, citing the relentless touring schedule and loss of enthusiasm for playing massive stadium show. Since leaving the band, he has enjoyed his own successful solo career, releasing a solo album, People, Places, Things, in 1999, along with a critically acclaimed instrumental album, Themes from Glory Days, in 2026.

Related: Original Member of Iconic '70s Heavy Metal Band Turns 77

For millions of children growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was no stage character more beloved than Annie. With her bright red dress, boundless optimism, and iconic songs, the orphan who had Daddy Warbucks wrapped around her finger became a childhood hero for an entire generation. Though Annie has been reprised many times on stage and on film, Andrea McArdle’s performance in the original 1977 production of Annie transformed her into one of Broadway’s biggest stars and established her portrayal of the red-haired orphan as the one every future Annie would be measured against.

How Andrea McArdle Became the Original Annie @broadwaybybroadway

Andrea McArdle performs “Tomorrow” from the Broadway production of ANNIE in 1977.

♬ original sound - AJ Hunsucker-Hogan

Few musicals before Annie became a phenomenon quite like the 1977 debut. A cast full of children was rare, and young audiences in the theater or listening to the cast album at home immediately saw themselves in Annie herself.

McArdle didn’t just originate the role of the precocious orphan; she defined it. Her powerful voice, natural charm, and emotional depth were the perfect match for "Tomorrow" and "Maybe." McArdle’s performance catapulted Annie from a stage character into a cultural icon.

Children memorized the songs, copied her hairstyle, and imagined themselves taking center stage as Annie. Families returned to the theater again and again to experience the magic of McArdle’s transformative performance. Piano recitals inevitably included a version of "Tomorrow." Kids chose Annie-themed Halloween costumes, requested Little Orphan Annie birthday party themes, and chose the show's songs for school chorus performances.

Related: 1979 Figure Skating Pair Ended 29 Years of American Heartbreak With This Legendary Performance

Why Andrea McArdle’s Performance Became the Gold Standard @shane.griz

#tonyawards #tonysmonth #history #tony #broadway #theatre #musical #theatrekid #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #annie #musicaltheatre #musicals #classic

♬ original sound - shane.griz

Originally cast in the chorus, McArdle stepped into the lead role during rehearsals. Her powerhouse vocals on "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life" catapulted her into an overnight sensation at 12 years old and earned her a Tony Award nomination.

To this day, few performers are as uniquely associated with a theater performance as Andrea McArdle is with Annie. Her portrayal captured the optimism, determination, and heart that made the character so beloved, creating the blueprint that future actresses would follow.

The Enduring Legacy of Annie

Nearly five decades later, Annie remains one of the most influential Broadway musicals of all time, and Andrea McArdle’s performance continues to be the one all others are measured against.

For countless Gen X theater fans, watching McArdle transform into Annie wasn’t just a Broadway moment—it was a core childhood memory that still feels as magical today as it did in 1977.

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Skrape is making its long-awaited comeback after 22 years, but this time performing under the new name Skrapegoat.

After the group's disbandment in 2004 following the release of their second and final studio album, Up the Dose, under RCA Records, the nu metal band, fronted by Billy Keeton, has teased fans with a major career update.

In an Instagram update, the rebooted band proudly introduced Skrapegoat, promising to deliver new music to fans.

After hearing Keeton's plans for the band's revival earlier this year, fans can now look forward to the beginning of a new chapter with an entirely new lineup, offering a mix of brand-new songs and familiar material.

“The announcement was met with an enthusiastic response from longtime supporters eager to hear Billy's unmistakable voice once again. Although the original announcement had only a brief opportunity to reach fans, the excitement surrounding the existing catalog and the promise of new music confirmed one thing: This project deserved to move forward,” the caption reads.

View this post on Instagram

Despite the delay to the band's revival due to legal objections over Skrape's identity and trademark rights, the group chose to continue under a new name.

“As the vision continued to take shape, legal objections from certain members of the original lineup brought the project to an unexpected standstill. Months were spent working toward a resolution. When it became clear there was no immediate end in sight, the decision was made to move forward under a new identity,” the announcement stated, referring to the trademark and naming rights dispute.

While the band has confirmed that it is now embarking on a new era, Skrapegoat's only confirmed member at this stage is Keeton.

In a parting message, the frontman expressed gratitude for the positive response from fans that helped convince him to continue the project despite the challenges facing the project.

"When I announced this project, I honestly didn't know what to expect," he said, as mentioned in an Instagram post. "The response reminded me how much these songs still mean to people, and that meant everything to me. Once it became clear certain people wanted to take the focus away from the music, we had a decision to make. We could look backward, or build something new. We chose to keep moving forward, and I'm even more excited about SKRAPEGOAT than when this all started."

Founded in 1997 in Orlando, Florida, Skrape was anchored by Keeton and drummer Will Hunt, who later joined Evanescence, as its two core members.

The band released two studio albums, with New Killer America serving as its debut record and Up the Dose as its sophomore and final album, before remaining active until 2004, when it disbanded.

Related: 1991 Rock Song, Written by One of the 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time, Became a Timeless Anthem

When you think of culinary capitals of the world, your mind may jump to places like Paris, France, for its classic cafés and elegant bistros. Or maybe you think of Lima, Peru, which has become a hub for creative culinary visionaries. But you don’t need to leave the United States to go on a dining journey at what UNESCO has designated a creative city of gastronomy, because San Antonio, Texas, has what foodies are looking for. 

The home of the Alamo, the Spurs, and a vibrant dining scene, San Antonio was recently listed among the best cities in the United States by Travel and Leisure, which gave it an 82.38 score out of 100 in its latest ranking among other American treasures like Charleston, South Carolina, Honolulu, Hawaii, and the top winner, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Related: This New England Hidden Gem Was Just Named the Best New Bar in America

In 2017, UNESCO named San Antonio a creative city of gastronomy, only the second city in the country to receive the honor after Tucson, Arizona. San Antonio’s bold dining scene benefits strongly from the city’s rich history, combining Native American, African American, Mexican, and European traditions into a melting pot that’s all about flavor and innovation. 

Take a stroll along the River Walk for waterfront dining, where you can find sports bars, sweet treats, and a variety of venues serving international cuisine. Boudro’s has a section of its website dedicated solely to guacamole, but you won’t want to skip Texas classics on the menu like mesquite-grilled quail or the prickly pear margarita. Speaking of Texas classics, if you’re looking for a steakhouse after visiting the Alamo, Bohanan’s is a quick walk away from the historic site. It’s one of the top steakhouses in the city according to Trip Advisor rankings, but if you ask local Reddit users, it’s “the only answer.” 

Related: These Artsy, Food-Loving Mountain Towns Make the Perfect Fall Getaway—Here’s What You’ll Love Most

For Tex-Mex, Mi Tierra Café in San Antonio’s historic market square has been delighting diners since 1941 with its authentic dishes, colorful ambiance, and 24/7 service. And if you’re willing to travel away from the city center, there’s the incomparable Los Barrios Restaurant, which prides itself on its casero-style cooking and its puffy tacos, which are so iconic that owner Diana Barrios Treviño was invited to the White House to prepare them for the 2010 Congressional Picnic. The family-owned restaurant empire has expanded since its humble beginnings (it sits on the site of a former Dairy Queen), and now boasts two sister restaurants: Viola’s Ventana, and La Hacienda de Los Barrios. 

These restaurants only scratch the surface of what’s available in San Antonio, and while there’s nothing quite like walking around a new city and stumbling on a fantastic spot, with such an overwhelming array of choices, consider leaning on this handy guide from Visit San Antonio, which gives recommendations based on both cuisine and location. 

Next: I Cruised on the New Star Princess—The Hidden Speakeasy and Next-Level Cocktails Are the Real Show

2 Broke Girls star Kat Dennings sparked nostalgia by taking fans back nearly a decade with an interesting throwback photo.

The actress, who won over viewers with Max Black's signature wit and sarcastic charm on the hit sitcom, shared a rare photo with co-star Beth Behrs, who played former socialite Caroline Channing.

In an Instagram post, Dennings uploaded a black-and-white snapshot of the pair smiling together, showing their closeness on set.

The actress simply captioned the post with yellow and red heart emojis, a subtle nod to the colors of their iconic diner uniforms.

The comment section was filled with fans gushing over the Instagram post, with the majority requesting a reboot or a reunion with a new season.

2 Broke Girls cast members Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs and Jennifer Coolidge.

Darren Michaels/CBS via Getty Images

“SEASON 7 PLEASE. This show saved my life so many times and now I need another dose of it,” a commenter said.

“PLEASE DO MORE SEASONS!!!!” another echoed.

“Yes, bring Max and Caroline back,” one wrote.

View this post on Instagram

“I love this. Hope this means a reboot of 2 Broke Girls love that show,” a follower added.

The same sentiment was shared by a fan begging for a new season, noting, “Please bless usss withhhh another season of the legendary 2 Broke Girlsssss.”

The nostalgic post even drew a response from Behrs, who commented, “We so cute tho.”

In a 2018 post, Behrs revealed that the photo was taken during their final photoshoot as Max and Caroline, affectionately referring to the duo as "Maxoline."

CBS introduced the comedy sitcom 2 Broke Girls in 2011, which follows the story of two young women who form an unlikely friendship.

The show's debut made history as the network's highest-rated comedy launch since 2001, eventually drawing 19.2 million total viewers.

2 Broke Girls ran for six seasons before CBS canceled the sitcom in 2017.

As mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter, the decision wasn't entirely because of ratings. The network also had a crowded lineup of comedy series and wanted to make room for new shows, including Young Sheldon, which later became one of CBS' biggest hits.

View this post on Instagram

At that time, Dennings penned a heartfelt message on social media thanking fans for supporting and embracing the sitcom throughout its six-season run.

“We’ve had a wonderful 6 seasons as Max and Caroline and we thank all of you for watching and enjoying it along with us. We are so proud of our time on 2 Broke Girls and of all the things this experience.

Related: ‘2 Broke Girls’ Star Stuns With Her Appearance Nearly 15 Years After Show Premiere

“Take Good Care of My Baby” was a rock and roll song released by Bobby Vee in 1961. The tune spent fifteen weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and three weeks in the number one spot. The song also reached number one in Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

“Take Good Care of My Baby” was covered by many other artists over the years, including Donny Osmond, Frankie Valli, and Shaun Cassidy. It was also performed by the Beatles for an audition, although that version has never been officially released.

In an interview with Gary James, Vee spoke about the differences between performing in the ‘90s and when he first started performing in the ‘50s. “I remember when I was first starting out in the late 50's, and everybody at that time said rock 'n roll was gonna die,” he said. “I was 15 years old when I started, and I certainly didn't believe that was true. I thought anything that feels this good and makes me want to tap my foot like this can't be a passing fad like everybody says. Of course, they were wrong, and here we are in the 90's, and it's alive and well, and getting programmed all over the country, and really all over the world. So it's been a great journey.”

He continued, “Working conditions alone are better today. We're traveling better and eating better. The equipment is better. Back in the 60's, we had to play the string parts on 'Take Good Care Of My Baby' on a B-3 organ, and now, we've got all of the electronic toys to play with. So that part of it is really fun. And, we do a wide variety of shows, so it keeps it interesting. As long as people want to hear the old songs, I enjoy performing them.”

Related: English Musician, Who Was in Two Iconic Rock and Roll Bands, Turns 44 Today

Vee had thirty-eight Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “Run to Him,” “Come Back When You Grow Up,” “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes,” “Rubber Ball,” “Devil or Angel,” and “How Many Tears.”

Vee died in 2016 at the age of 73.

Often, we think of life after 50 as the start—or at least gateway—to our golden years. If you're in a marriage or long-term relationship, you've likely weathered several storms together, like raising children, the deaths of family members, establishing careers and financial freedom and even perhaps losing it in a layoff. People may look at you and yours and think, "They've got through so much together and are ready for their true happily ever after."

Yet, relationships aren't static. Over the last decade, we've seen some high-profile, later-stage splits, like those of Melinda and Bill Gates and Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness. It turns out, relationship and marriage problems after 50 are actually pretty common, even if you've been together for more than half of your lives.

"Marriage after 50 can change because of identity shifts," says Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks. "Careers often slow down or end, children leave home and couples are now left with more time together. This can expose differences or problems that perhaps were masked by 'busyness' before."

You may think that money is at the root of marriage problems at this stage. After all, you may ride off into the sunset of your career with a 401 (k) but find it challenging to adjust to life without a paycheck hitting your bank account every two weeks.

But psychologists agree that retirement-related marriage problems involve so much more than money, and not addressing them can lead to long-term resentment in marriages, one of the most common gray divorce causes. So, what do older couples fight about most if it's not money? We asked three psychologists, and they all agree that this one specific conflict creates the most relationship issues over 50. They also share tips for reconnecting with your spouse.

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Usually Causes Divorce Over 50—They All Said the Same Thing

The #1 Thing Couples Over 50 Fight About: Boundaries With Loved Ones

According to three psychologists, boundaries with loved ones are the most common source of late-stage marriage conflict. This topic is what older couples fight about most because it often involves clashes in values and goals for post-retirement empty nesting, so it naturally starts many marriage problems after 50.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Instantly Apologize ‘For the Mess’ When Guests Arrive, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

Why Boundaries With Loved Ones Cause More Conflict Than Money

Loyalty is at the heart of many relationship issues in couples over 50, but to whom? Not necessarily one another.

"Many people feel a strong responsibility to their children, grandchildren or aging parents," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "One partner may believe family should always come first, while the other values more privacy and boundaries."

She says these differences can lead to constant arguing in older couples, especially when at least one party has a complicated relationship with the word "no."

"Denying a family member in need can make you feel sad, anxious or guilty," says Dr. Michele Leno, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and the host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele. "However, making yourself too accessible can generate marital conflict."

Dr. Saidi adds that it doesn't help that our identities are often tied to long-held roles within families—the "good child" who always rescues Mom and Dad, the "fun parent" who always says yes and the caretaker who loves when the kids call for help. In these instances, she says setting limits becomes "more emotionally loaded than practical disagreements over budgeting."

The more this conflict persists, the worse it can get.

"Small frustrations have a way of building up when they are ignored. and can turn into bigger problems that are harder to fix," Dr. Hafeez tells Parade.

Related: Psychologist Says the 1 Phrase That Instantly Shuts Down a Confrontational Person Isn’t What You Might Think

5 Other Unexpected Triggers for Late-Stage Marriage Conflict

Besides boundaries with loved ones and money, there are some other causes of resentment in long-term marriages and relationships that can bubble up during life after 50. From empty nest syndrome in relationships to changes in physical appearance, here are five other surprising sources of late-stage marriage conflict.

1. An empty nest

In the trenches of caring for a newborn baby, you may have longed for a DINK (double-income, no-kid) life. When children leave for college or their first home, you have a chance to embrace it, but may surprisingly find yourself (or partner) dealing with empty nest syndrome. One potential source of this feeling in relationships is the realization that your marriage needed work for a while.

"Once children leave home, some couples realize they have focused so much on parenting that they have neglected their relationship," Dr. Hafeez says. "This transition can leave both partners feeling disconnected."

2. Retirement differences

Retirement marriage problems often stem from different views and desires on how to spend post-work life.

"One spouse may want to travel and stay busy, while the other prefers a quieter lifestyle," Dr. Hafeez states. "Suddenly, spending much more time together can also expose long-standing differences."

Plus, one partner who wants to see the world may resent the person "making" them stay in one place, or the homebody may grumble through every step of a backpacking trip throughout Europe, fueling the fire.

3. Different social needs

Beyond the whole travel vs. Netflix-and-chill debate during retirement, Dr. Saidi points out that couples may also have different social capacities. It's the whole introvert-versus-extrovert conflict.

"One partner may want more solitude while the other seeks more social connection," Dr. Saidi says. "This can lead to misinterpretation of needs as rejection."

Related: A Psychologist Is Begging Parents and Grandparents To Prioritize This One Surprising Thing Each Day

4. Geography

You may have weathered other moves or enjoyed life in one spot. But if one person wants to move, such as "flying South" after spending decades in the Northeast, Dr. Leno says it can create tension. This conflict can become especially difficult to navigate if couples never talked about moving or had long discussed staying put and growing old together in the family home.

"Once you feel settled in your current home, starting over in another state may be the last thing you care to think about," she shares.

But the other person may want a lower cost of living or warmer weather, triggering tension and resentment with each bill that comes in and with every day the temperature dips below 40 degrees.

5. Changes in physical appearance

You said "I love you" and promised it was forever, so it may shock you when you suddenly feel... less attracted to your partner as they age naturally. But it does happen.

"Some are visual and prefer as much consistency, appearance-wise, as possible," Dr. Leno says. "While generally viewed as shallow, a partner may have a hard time resisting their feelings around this matter."

Related: Psychologist Says if You Go Quiet When You’re Upset, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

How To Stop the Arguments and Reconnect After 50: 3 Tips

Marriage after 50 can feel like a timeline shift, with retirement, kids getting older and starting life on their own and parents having health issues. It's tough to navigate, but psychologists say reconnecting with your spouse is possible if you go about it intentionally.

1. Focus on communication

Communication is key, especially when it comes to problems, but Dr. Hafeez says it's important to make time to talk about topics that aren't focused on conflict. She says it fosters emotional connection, which can help when you do notice small issues because you're less likely to turn them into bigger fights if it's with someone you feel united with on so many other levels. When problems do arise—and they will—take a beat.

"Learning to pause before reacting during disagreements is another helpful habit, because harsh words spoken in the moment are often the ones people regret most," she advises.

2. Embrace change

Dr. Saidi says that old agreements may not fly, such as rushing to bail a now-adult kid out of financial struggles or cooking five-course holiday meals. She reports that it's important to renegotiate roles to reduce conflict around whether roles are outdated. Dr. Hafeez adds that this process can build your bond.

"Learning to adapt to change helps couples stay connected rather than drift apart," she tells Parade. "The goal is not to avoid change, but to learn how to face it together."

3. Create new shared experiences

Life changes and so do relationships, but you don't have to stop trying new things. Sign up for the pottery class you walked by on the way to your kids' soccer games and said, "If we only had the time" in unison. Take the bucket list trip you've dreamt about since your wedding day. Your time is now—together.

"Connection in later life comes from renewal rather than repetition," Dr. Saidi states.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 4 Psychologists the One Phrase That Escalates Every Argument—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks.
• Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., is a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind.
• Dr. Michele Leno, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and host of Mind Matters with Dr. Michele.

Summer travel season is here, and along with passports, sunscreen, chargers and snacks, more travelers are adding GLP-1 injectables to their packing lists. As medications like these become increasingly popular, the big question isn’t just where you’re going—it’s how you’ll bring your dose safely along for the ride. Whether you’re road-tripping to The Poconos in Pennsylvania, flying across the country to Orlando, or heading overseas to Europe on a cruise, a little planning can keep your medication protected, your schedule on track, and your trip from getting derailed. The one thing experts want travelers to know before they zip up their suitcase: how you pack your GLP-1 matters more than you may think.

Related: Grab Your Keys—These Are the 50+ Best, Can't-Miss Road Trips Throughout the U.S.

Traveling by Plane with a GLP-1 A well-thought out packing plan helps for smooth travel. Source: Getty Images / Credit: Dinara Ilikaeva.

Travelers taking GLP-1s or other prescription medications should do research before leaving home, especially when flying or going abroad, said Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, spokesperson and pharmacist at GoodRx in New York, “The most important thing is to plan ahead if flying or going abroad is checking airline policies such as reviewing TSA medication guidance, and confirming medication rules in the destination country, since some FDA-approved drugs may be restricted abroad,” she said.

TSA rules may be more flexible than travelers expect. Woodcock notes that prescription medications are generally exempt from TSA’s standard 3-1-1 liquid rule, which means medically necessary liquids, injectable medications, insulin, and GLP-1s can be brought through security in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. She also says coolers and ice packs are allowed if needed, but travelers should tell the TSA officer during screening because those items may need extra inspection.

Woodcock also recommends keeping prescriptions in carry-on luggage and, whenever possible, in their original labeled packaging so they are protected from temperature swings, easier to identify at security, and not lost with checked bags.

How to Keep Your GLP-1 at the Right Temperature

For temperature-sensitive medications such as GLP-1 injectables or insulin, both Woodcock and LaTasha Perkins, MD, a family physician in Washington, D.C., emphasize that storage instructions matter. Woodcock advises using an insulated travel case with frozen gel packs, while keeping a barrier between the medication and the ice so it does not freeze; she also cautions that if a medication “has been frozen, exposed to extreme heat, or looks or smells unusual,” travelers should not use it until speaking with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

For GLP-1 medications, there is actually a bit of flexibility that makes traveling easier: if you don’t have access to a refrigerator on the road, you can typically allow most of these medications to reach room temperature and still use them safely and effectively. The most important catch to remember is that once the medication leaves the refrigerator and warms up, it cannot be re-refrigerated later and must be used within a strict timeframe.

These room-temperature storage limits vary significantly by brand (and all must be kept below 86°F / 30°C):

• Zepbound & Mounjaro: Up to 21 days
• Ozempic: Up to 56 days
• Wegovy: Up to 28 days

Always check your specific prescription guidelines before letting your medication sit out. Because it's easy to misjudge ambient temperature on the go, travelers should always make a conscious effort to keep an eye on their environment. Perkins is even more direct about heat exposure: “Throw it away, as it’s no longer effective,” she told Parade, adding that travelers should avoid leaving GLP-1 medications in cars or direct sunlight.

Planning for Refills and Missed Doses on the Road

Both experts also stress consistency and preparation to prevent missed doses, side effects, or refill problems while away. Woodcock recommends packing enough medication for the trip “plus a few extra days,” setting phone reminders, staying close to the usual dosing schedule, and keeping an updated medication list with dosages, prescriber details, and pharmacy contact information.

Another important point from Woodcock, the pharmacist, is to have a backup plan for refills or medical questions away from home. Woodcock advises contacting a pharmacist or healthcare provider if medication is lost, doses run out, multiple doses are missed, side effects appear unexpectedly, or the medication may have been damaged by heat or cold. She also suggests keeping an updated medication list with medication names, dosages, prescriber information, and pharmacy contact details, which can save time if a traveler needs help from a provider who doesn’t know their medical history.

And, finally, as a pharmacist Woodcock suggests traveling with a proper sharps disposal container or another FDA-cleared disposal option, which is a practical detail many travelers may overlook until they’re already on the road.

Related: Traveler’s Medical Emergency Shows Important Carry-On Lesson - Parade

Plan Your GLP-1 Start Date Around Your Trip

For travelers taking GLP-1 medications, Perkins, the family physician, says the smartest move is to treat the medication like part of the trip planning—not an afterthought. Instead of starting a new GLP-1 right before vacation, she recommends giving the body time to adjust before departure. “Don’t start a new medication right before a trip—be on it for a few weeks first or wait to start it until you get back from your trip,” Perkins says. Even minor dose changes should be discussed with a doctor beforehand, especially when a vacation will involve long flights, unfamiliar foods, packed sightseeing days, or limited access to regular medical care.  

Food can also play a big role in how travelers feel while taking GLP-1s. Because changes in appetite, nausea, and bloating may be more noticeable when routines are disrupted, Perkins recommends packing familiar, easy-to-tolerate snacks in case local meals are too rich, unfamiliar, or unappealing. For international trips, that could mean bringing “things like crackers, trail mix, granola bars, things that travel well if appetite is low,” she says. She also notes that “other foods you’re not used to can worsen nausea,” so travelers may want to balance trying local cuisine with reliable options from home. Having access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of meal choices can also help travelers stay comfortable while still enjoying the destination.

Time-zone changes are worth planning for, especially since GLP-1s are generally taken once a week. Perkins says travelers should know their dosing day and adjust for the local time: “It’s taken once a week, so know which day of the week you take it on and make note of the time change.” A few hours’ difference usually matters less than staying on the same day, she says, but missing a dose can disrupt the routine: “The most important thing is to make sure to not miss the dose—it won’t work if you don’t take it,” Perkins told Parade.

Perkins also suggests thinking through the “what ifs” before leaving home. If nausea happens on the road, she says some travelers may find relief with ginger tea, but more serious symptoms should not be brushed off as ordinary travel discomfort. Vomiting that makes it difficult to keep fluids down can raise the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia, and symptoms such as severe vomiting or low blood pressure should prompt medical attention. Travelers far from home may need to look beyond their usual doctor and seek local care; on a cruise, for instance, Perkins notes that there should be a doctor on board who can assist.

Related: Is River Cruising Only for Retirees? 5 Surprising Truths from a Cruise Pro - Parade

The Bottom Line

The takeaway: a smoother trip starts with planning. Pack familiar foods, map out your dosing schedule across time zones, know where to get medical help if needed, and stay connected to a trusted clinician. Perkins says a local doctor can offer fluids or guidance on over-the-counter options when symptoms go beyond mild, while a regular family physician remains an important home base. “It’s important to have that home base physician who knows you,” she says. With that preparation in place, travelers can spend less time worrying about their GLP-1 medication and more time enjoying the destination.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Experts for the Ultimate River Cruise Destination—They All Said the Same Thing

Even if you happened to miss the official celebration of National DOLE Whip Day this month, it's never the wrong time to hunt down Disney’s absolute most iconic treat. For decades, the mere mention of this tropical soft-serve has been enough to make theme park regulars plan an entire afternoon around a single snack break.

Writing for the Disney Parks Blog, contributor Dara Cadzow perfectly captured why the obsession shows no signs of slowing down:

"This iconic soft-serve delicacy has had Disney fans obsessed since its introduction in 1984, and one bite makes it pretty clear why. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it looks!"

While most casual visitors think they have to stand in a massive line at Magic Kingdom's Aloha Isle just to get a taste of the classic pineapple flavor, the footprint of this dessert has quietly expanded across the entire property. In fact, there are now 53 different locations serving up DOLE Whip across the four theme parks, water parks, and resort hotels. Even better, the culinary teams have moved far beyond standard cups to create highly creative, unexpected, and adult-friendly versions that most travelers walk right past without noticing.

Related: Navigating the parks with dietary restrictions? Read about How to Eat Gluten-Free at Disney World.

The Unexpected Magic Kingdom Twists

Disney Parks Blog

If you're strolling through Adventureland under the friendly eye of the Orange Bird at Sunshine Tree Terrace, you can branch out into vibrant options like DOLE Whip Orange or Strawberry. The park has also quietly tucked elaborate character-themed sundaes into its menus. Over at Storybook Treats in Fantasyland, you can find the Rapunzel Sundae, which layers a shortcake base with DOLE Whip lemon and wild berry soft-serve before topping it off with berry compote and edible sugar flowers.

For something completely out-of-the-box, Tomorrowland's Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies serves up the Space Ranger Float, a high-contrast mix of lime DOLE Whip and vanilla soft-serve swirled together with Sprite, green apple pearls, and festive sprinkles. And if you want a side of sit-down history with your snack, the Jungle Skipper Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen offers the Enchanted Orange Dream, which blends the classic orange DOLE Whip with vanilla soft-serve inside a specialized orange candy-rimmed glass.

Related: Disney World Just Dropped an Opening Date for Its Next Huge Fall Addition

Elevated and Boozy Treats for Adults

Disney Parks Blog

If you're enjoying a more grown-up, relaxed afternoon away from the park crowds, some of the absolute best iterations of the treat are the alcohol-infused versions found at the resort lounges and Disney Springs. At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can bypass the standard lines and head straight to the Barefoot Pool Bar or the Oasis Bar & Grill to order a Frozen Margarita blended with lime DOLE Whip and a dusting of chili-lime seasoning, or grab the Frosty Pineapple made with premium rum.

Over at the BoardWalk Inn, a waterfront stroll down the turn-of-the-century Atlantic City-themed promenade leads straight to BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, home to the Captain’s Seaside Sensation, an adult-friendly DOLE Whip smoothie spiked with spiced rum. If you are exploring the upscale dining scene at Disney Springs, Wine Bar George elevates the frozen dessert even further by utilizing it in masterfully balanced, slushie-style libations like their famous Frozcato and a unique Frozen Old Fashioned crafted with orange DOLE Whip.

Related: Disney World's Carousel of Progress Closes Its Current Chapter After 30 Years

Hidden Resort Gems and Water Park Masterpieces

Disney Parks Blog

For a truly quiet, stress-free respite, some of the most unique flavor mashups are hidden right inside the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. At Disney’s Old Key West Resort, the casual Good’s Food to Go counter serves up a brilliant, destination-specific twist featuring a key lime DOLE Whip swirled alongside vanilla soft-serve and finished with a crunchy topping of graham cracker crumbs.

If you are cooling off at the water parks, the creative serving styles reach an entirely new level. Over at Typhoon Lagoon’s Snack Shack, you can order a massive, plant-based DOLE Whip Bathtub Sundae that combines the pineapple, strawberry, and orange flavors into a single shared dessert, or try the watermelon DOLE Whip finished with savory chamoy and a shake of chili-lime spice. At Blizzard Beach's Lottawatta Lodge, guests can find limited-time seasonal variations like a peach DOLE Whip served as a warm-and-cold Streusel Cobbler Sundae.

No matter where you find yourself on property, the sheer variety proves that this legendary treat has officially evolved far beyond its humble 1980s roots. The next time you pull up your My Disney Experience app to order a snack, skip the basic pineapple cup and seek out one of these hidden culinary gems instead.

Related: The Absolute Best Eats at Animal Kingdom Ranked, According to a Disney Food Author

Some songs instantly transport listeners somewhere else.

Released in early 1970, "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse captured the carefree spirit of a young man completely enchanted by a woman whose "hair is kinda wild and free." Built around one of pop music's most infectious choruses, the song became an international smash, spending five weeks at No. 1 in the U.K. before climbing to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Related: 1980 One-Hit Wonder, Revived 9 Years Later, Made Billboard History

Ironically, the group behind the hit barely existed when the record took off.

According to Wayne Jancik's "Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders: Revised and Expanded," vocalist Tony Burrows recorded the song with session musicians after songwriter and producer Tony Macaulay recruited him to sing the bubbly new composition. Burrows recalled that Macaulay needed "a session singer to bring to life a bubblegummy tune called 'Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes).'" Barry Mason, who co-wrote the song, later said it had been "dashed off in 40 minutes" in Macaulay's London apartment.

Once "Love Grows" became an unexpected sensation, Macaulay had to assemble a band so the song could be performed on television. The musicians who had been playing together as Greenfield Hammer were quickly reintroduced to audiences as Edison Lighthouse, giving the newly minted hitmakers a face to match the record racing up the charts.

Related: 1981 Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 45 Years Later

Burrows' remarkable chart run made him one of pop music's unlikeliest secret stars. Jancik notes that Edison Lighthouse was only one of several studio-created groups for which he supplied lead vocals. During the same period, Burrows also sang hits for Brotherhood of Man, White Plains and the Pipkins, recalling that he once appeared on Top of the Pops performing for three different groups in a single show, changing clothes between appearances.

Related: 1976 Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Greatest Live Album, Spent 97 Weeks on the Chart

"I was actually singing lead on three different group records that were on the charts at the same time," Burrows recalled to Jancik.

More than 50 years later, the song found a surprising second life. After going viral on TikTok in early 2022, Billboard called "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" "one of the biggest-growing streaming hits of 2022," reporting that its on-demand audio streams surged nearly 1,500% in just 10 days as a new generation embraced the sunny pop classic.

Whether heard on oldies radio, in films and television, or through social media, "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" remains a joyful reminder that some melodies never lose their magic.

Related: 1960 Classic, Written by a 15-Year-Old, Set a Billboard Record That Still Stands

Born 93 years ago today, on July 20, 1933, in Providence, R.I., Cormac McCarthy became one of the most distinctive voices in American fiction.

He wrote violent, beautiful books set in the rural South and the desert Southwest, and he did it while ignoring most of the rules of punctuation. McCarthy famously refused to use quotation marks. He also skipped semicolons and most other marks, believing a clean page and clear prose made the dialogue easier to follow. The style became his signature, a wall of unbroken text that pulled readers straight into the story.

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The Books That Made Him

His 2006 novel The Road, a bleak story of a father and son crossing a ruined America, won the Pulitzer Prize and was later adapted into a film starring Viggo Mortensen. His 2005 novel No Country for Old Men became a Coen brothers film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Earlier work like Blood Meridian built his reputation as a writer of stark, unflinching prose.

Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel Was Ranked ‘Darkest Book of All Time’ on Goodreads

A Late-Career Surge

McCarthy spent decades as a critics' favorite before wider fame arrived. Famously private, he gave almost no interviews for decades, and his 2007 sit-down with Oprah Winfrey was his first on television. The Road and the No Country adaptation turned him into a household name in his 70s, and he kept writing into his late 80s, publishing two linked novels in 2022. He died in June 2023 at 89. Ninety-three years after his birth, his stark, violent novels still rank among the most gripping dark fiction ever written.

Next: 1964 Classic Children’s Book, Banned by Some Libraries, Among ‘Best Books Ever’ on Goodreads

Sixty-three years ago this week, a song about a place that never existed put surf music at the top of the charts for the first time.

On the Billboard Hot 100 dated July 20, 1963, Jan & Dean's "Surf City" sat at No. 1, and it stayed there for two weeks. It was the first surf song ever to reach the top spot beating the Beach Boys there.

The twist is who helped write it. "Surf City" was co-written by Brian Wilson, the creative force behind the Beach Boys, a rival act climbing the same charts. Wilson started the song, then handed the unfinished idea to Jan Berry, who completed it with him.

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One Songwriter, Two Bands

The arrangement was unusual. Wilson was busy turning his own group into hitmakers with tracks like "Surfin' U.S.A." yet he gave one of his best early hooks to another act. "Surf City" and its promise of "two girls for every boy" became a bigger chart success than anything the Beach Boys had released to that point.

Related: 1976 No. 1 Hit From a Former Beatle, Lasting Nearly 6 Minutes, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

A Sound That Defined a Summer

Jan and Dean rode the moment into a run of California hits, including "The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena)" and "Dead Man's Curve." Berry died in 2004. Wilson, long regarded as one of pop's greatest architects, died in June 2025 at 82. Sixty-three years after "Surf City" topped the charts, the song that opened the door for surf music still sounds like summer.

Next: 1971 Classic, Ranked Among ‘Most Essential Folk Songs’ of All Time, Became a Nostalgic Anthem