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Exclusive First Look at ‘Hope Valley: 1874,’ the ‘When Calls the Heart’ Prequel Starring Bethany Joy Lenz
Hearties! March is just around the corner and that only means we're a few short weeks away from the premiere of the When Calls the Heart prequel series, Hope Valley: 1874! Fans are excited to see how Hope Valley (previously Coal Valley) came to be.
We got a first look at the show a couple of weeks ago and Parade is excited to bring you an exclusive look at the latest spot for the new series. Read on for more!
What Is Hope Valley: 1874? Everything to Know About the When Calls the Heart PrequelHope Valley: 1874 follows Rebecca Clarke (Bethany Joy Lenz) and her daughter as they travel from her home city of Chicago to the Western Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old-daughter, Sarah (Mila Morgan). On their journey, Rebecca’s wagon breaks down and she has no choice but to accept help from local rancher and confirmed bachelor, Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres).
Despite Rebecca’s best intentions to remain unattached, her daughter’s future and the people she meets during her stay—including the guarded Tom and tenacious pioneer woman Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy)—ultimately compel her to put down roots and make a fresh start.
When Does Hope Valley: 1874 Premiere on Hallmark+? Full Release ScheduleHope Valley: 1874 premieres on Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026 on Hallmark+, the network's streaming platform. New episodes will premiere on Thursdays beginning March 26, 2026.
Where to Watch Hope Valley: 1874: How to Stream the Prequel SeriesHope Valley: 1874 will stream exclusively on Hallmark+.
Related: Say 'Fromage!' Take a Look at Savoring Paris With Bethany Joy Lenz
Meet the Cast of Hope Valley: 1874, Including Bethany Joy Lenz and Benjamin Ayres- Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca Clarke
- Benjamin Ayres as Tom Moore
- Jill Hennessy as Hattie Quinn
- Roan Curtis as Olivia Quinn
- Lachlan Quarmby as Constable Alexander Vaughn
- Chelsea Hobbs as Peggy McCabe
- Brad Abramenko as Nash McCabe
- Jedidiah Goodacre as Clayton Cooley
- Mila Morgan as Sarah Clarke
Related: Rosemary’s Silent Film Changes Hope Valley (Exclusive)
What Happens in the Hope Valley: 1874 Premiere? Episode 1 DetailsIn the series premiere of Hope Valley: 1874, Rebecca (Lenz) and her young daughter, Sarah (Morgan), travel west to start a new life. They meet rugged rancher, Tom (Ayres), and discover the boardinghouse Rebecca purchased is not as promised.
Watch the Hope Valley: 1874 TrailerExclusive: Parade Reveals a New First Look at Hope Valley: 1874You hoped for it and we do! Check our this Parade exclusive first look image and promo ofHope Valley: 1874 below.
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PARADE Exclusive - Hope Valley: 1874 - First Look Promo (0:30)Tom Welling Reveals Why He Didn’t Hang Out With His ‘Smallville’ Castmates
Actor Tom Wellingstarred as Clark Kent, AKA Superman, throughout the 10-season run of the hit WB series, Smallville.
Welling spoke about his time on the show, which ended in 2011, during a February 2026 panel at the Vancouver FanExpo 2026, alongside his former Smallville castmates, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, and James Marsters. Welling said he didn't socialize with his co-stars outside of the Smallville set because he wanted to go home after he finished up his scenes.
"I only saw everybody on set because I don't know about you guys at your jobs, but the last thing you really want to do, when you're not working is hang out with your co-workers," said Welling. "I would be done at like 6:00 in the morning on a Saturday and have be back at set Monday at 5:00 [am]. I would just go home and do nothing and hang out with my dogs. I didn't have any bandwidth for anything else."
Tom Welling Got Candid About Starring as Clark Kent in a 2025 InterviewWelling got candid about starring in Smallville during a July 2025 episode of his former castmate, Michael Rosenbaum's podcast, Inside of You. The Cheaper by the Dozen actor referenced that he and Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor, co-host a Smallville-themed podcast, TalkVille. Welling said he realized he now looks at the show with more fondness than he expected.
“What I found is I tend to remember more good things than bad things [from Smallville]. Whereas I think when I was going through it, I wasn’t very happy most of the time,” said Welling during the podcast episode.
He suggested the job was stressful because of the long work hours and the amount of responsibilities he had as the show's leading star.
"I had a responsibility to every single person there to be there and to do my stuff," said Welling in the podcast interview.
He also said he didn't have a sense of pride for being a Smallville star when the show was originally airing.
"I'm proud of it now where I don't think I was proud of it when we were doing it. And I'm not sure why because it's hard," said Welling to his former castmate.
He clarified that there were "good moments" during his time filming the superhero show.
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Sheriff’s Office Inconsistencies Raise Timeline Questions
On Sunday, Feb. 22, the search for Nancy Guthrie will enter its fourth week. As authorities work to comb through thousands of potential leads, there has yet to be a tip that has led to an arrest. At the time of this writing, no suspect or person(s) of interest has been identified and the public is just as baffled about what exactly happened to Nancy, 84, and why.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, TMZ posted an updated complete timeline based on what authorities believe to be true. Nancy left her home in the Catalina Foothills (north of Tucson, Arizona) at 5:32 p.m. local time, got in an Uber, and arrived at her daughter Annie Guthrie's home several minutes later. As far as the public is aware, this checks out; authorities verified this information fairly early on in the case and even spoke with the Uber driver, though the details were not made public.
What happens from that point forward has not been publicly verified, though it's unclear if authorities have been able to conclude that the next few hours played out as they suspect.
After dinner, Nancy's son-in-law Tommaso Cioni drove her back home. Authorities say that Nancy was in her driveway at 9:48 p.m. local time, as they verified that her garage door opened at that time. The garage door closed two minutes later. It's unknown if there is any video evidence of Nancy walking into her home.
Nancy's Google Nest doorbell was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. and her pacemaker disconnected at 2:28 a.m. While the reports indicate that Nancy's pacemaker disconnected from her phone at that time, it seems more likely that it disconnected from a data box inside her home. Earlier this month, Parade spoke with Dr. Srihari S. Naidu, who is triple board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology, who confirmed that there's not an app that connects a pacemaker to a cell phone—at least not one that he's aware of.
The next day, Sunday, Feb. 1, Nancy was supposed to go to a friend's house to watch a church service via a livestream. When she didn't show up, someone presumably called to check in on her. When she couldn't be reached, that person called Annie, who went to her mom's house. At 12:03 p.m. a call to 911 came in.
Social media has been left baffled by the aforementioned timeline due to some inconsistencies from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. For example, during a press conference, Sheriff Chris Nanos said that law enforcement went to the scene on "Saturday night," which can be seen in the video below beginning at the 4:44 mark.
Shortly after, Nanos reads the timeline from a monitor in the room, and states the dates and times that are part of the department's official timeline, which has been released to the public.
However, on an evidence site set up by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the "Missing Endangered Adult" report was filed by the department on January 31, 2026 — the day before Nancy went missing, which has caused more confusion.
"Oh my God. What on earth is going in here?! If he did misspeak, how did he confuse night & day as to when they first went to the house? He should at least know if they got there in the daytime or at night! I cannot imagine how the Guthrie family must feel. Praying for them," one person wrote on X in response to the above video.
"So, she’s been missing since Saturday????" someone else said.
According to Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz, a sheriff's department spokesperson offered the following explanation for the January 31 date.
"That date is reference to the video date range in which we are requesting for the public to send us a video. It has nothing to do with the missing report timeline - it’s simply for evidence request purposes."
Regardless, the timeline questions are coming up around the same time that chatter about the case going cold. The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains that they are still actively investigating and they are constantly going through all of the tips they've been receiving for weeks.
READ NEXT: Savannah Guthrie’s Mom: Sheriff Shares Major Update — But Questions Remain
Liza Minnelli Reflects on 'One in a Million' Friendship with Princess Diana
As the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, Liza Minnelliwas surrounded by celebrities from the day she was born, but one of her most famous pals was the iconic Princess Diana.
Related: Liza Minnelli Details ‘Passionate’ 1970s Affair With Martin Scorsese in New Tell-All
"I met Princess Diana at movie premieres, fundraisers and the like, and we became friends," Minnelli recalls in an excerpt of her upcoming memoir shared by The Times on Feb. 21. "We’d catch up and meet for tea. Sometimes she’d come to my hotel and we’d have lunch... We talked girl talk, and could have spent weeks together."
Minnelli says she felt moved to "protect" the British royal, and they "fiercely guarded each other’s privacy," especially because of the constant public attention and private pressure King Charles III's first wife dealt with.
"She was a great lady, under siege from the moment she entered the royal family," Minnelli explains, saying that Diana often "spoke candidly" about her marriage and the pressure that came with it. "I told her about my own experiences. It was honest and real. We understood each other," she writes. "She was one in a million."
The duo took an iconic photo together in 1991, and Minnelli shares what they were muttering to each other that caused Diana to giggle for the legendary picture.
Princess Diana and Liza Minnelli in 1991Getty
"We had some great laughs at the party after the London premiere of my film Stepping Out in 1991," Minnelli shares. "Sitting at a table with two Cokes, we smiled for the cameras. When they turned away, Princess Diana whispered, 'It’s good to see you, feisty lady!' I laughed and said, 'Good to see you, too!' We had a long conversation that night."
Minnelli was devastated by Princess Diana's death on Aug. 31, 1997, but she was touched to learn the special way the royal had honored their friendship while she was alive.
Related: Liza Minnelli Claims Behind-the-Scenes Drama Soured Her Viral Oscars Moment With Lady Gaga
"After her separation from Prince Charles, she decorated her private quarters at Kensington Palace with memorabilia that meant something to her," writes Minnelli. "I later learnt that, among a handful of framed photographs on her living room mantelpiece, there was a picture of me."
Liza Minnelli’s book, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir as Told to Michael Feinstein is will be released on on March 10.
I Tried 18 Popular Peppermint Teas and the Winner Was Abundantly Clear
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True confession: I’ve never really been a big coffee person. I’m a tea girlie through and through, and I say that proudly. My day usually starts with some form of black tea (Earl Grey) or green tea (matcha or sencha), which carries me through the morning until lunchtime. After that, I pivot to herbal teas, with peppermint high in the rotation. It’s a brew that's somehow both cozy and refreshing.
Peppermint tea is especially popular in the colder months, when warm mugs are basically an accessory, but it also makes a refreshing warm-weather drink when it's steeped, chilled and served over ice. Because it's decaf, it's also a perfect tea for kids. My two little ones are big fans and enjoy a lightly steeped mint tea, heavy on the honey.
Some people, especially those who aren't as tea-obsessed as I am, assume that all mint teas are pretty much the same. But after years of sipping mug after mug of the comforting drink, I know that's not the case. I have some go-to brands at my house, but I wondered how they'd stack up to other options in a head-to-head taste test.
To find the best peppermint tea, I lined up a wide range of brands, from grocery store staples to specialty blends, and started brewing. I also reached out to a few tea experts to get the info, tips and tricks I needed to know as I sipped my way through the contenders.
This tasting really highlighted the fact that peppermint teas vary wildly in aroma, intensity, freshness and overall drinking experience. Some brews tasted vibrant and cooling, with that clean, menthol lift you want from peppermint. Others were flat, dusty or surprisingly muted. Read on to find out which peppermint teas are worth buying—and which ones should stay on the shelf.
Related: The Simple Way to Make the Best-Ever Iced Tea, According to a Tea Sommelier
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Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Before we jump into the tasting, let's back up for a moment and learn a little bit about what we're drinking. Peppermint tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made by steeping dried peppermint leaves in hot water. Unlike black or green tea, it doesn’t come from the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis), which means it contains no caffeine.
As delicious, cozy and relaxing as mint tea is, since it isn't derived from a tea plant, it isn’t actually “tea” at all, which is something I learned from tea sommelier Jee Choe, founder of Oh, How Civilized.
"Because it’s an herbal infusion, with the flavor coming from the peppermint essential oils in peppermint leaves, and not a true tea, you can steep it longer without it getting bitter," she tells Parade. Although it won't get bitter, the longer you steep mint tea, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Spike Mendelsohn, celebrity chef, restaurateur and co-founder of Just Ice Tea, explains that peppermint itself is actually a hybrid plant. “Peppermint is a blend of water mint and spearmint,” he says, noting that it thrives in cooler growing conditions. Much of the peppermint used in the U.S. is grown in Oregon and Washington, where the leaves are typically harvested before flowering and air-dried at a low temperature to preserve flavor.
Related: I Swapped Coffee for Green Tea and The Results Have Been Life-Changing
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What To Look for When Shopping for Peppermint TeaCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
When shopping for peppermint tea, leaf quality matters more than you might think. Choe explains that “whole loose peppermint tea, where you can see large chunks of leaves, is going to be higher quality than tea bags, which often contain tiny bits and dust of the peppermint leaves.” Those larger pieces retain more essential oils, which result in a more aromatic, flavorful cup. She also notes that with loose-leaf tea, you’re more likely to get a cleaner, fresher-tasting infusion overall.
Tea bags are a convenient and accessible option, especially for everyday sipping, but if you’re looking for the most vibrant, full-bodied peppermint flavor, loose-leaf options tend to deliver a more pronounced, minty experience.
Related: The Best Way to Sweeten Iced Tea, According to Ina Garten
The Best Way to Brew Peppermint TeaCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
As with all teas, the temperature and timing make a big difference in your finished drink. Choe recommends brewing peppermint tea using water that's between 208–212°F. She typically steeps her mint tea for about five minutes, using a timer, but if you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can let it sit for longer.
Mendelsohn recommends a similar brewing method, explaining that gentler heat helps preserve the herb’s natural brightness and aromatic qualities. While peppermint can handle high temperatures, using water that’s hot but not aggressively boiling allows the mint’s clean, cooling flavor to shine rather than taste flat or cooked.
Peppermint tea can be enjoyed hot, iced and or even cold-brewed. One of Choe's favorite ways to drink it is by steeping peppermint tea with a small amount of gunpowder green tea, which creates a crisp, invigorating mint-green blend. (As a fan of both mint and green tea, I'm definitely going to give that combo a try!)
Related: I Tried 17 Popular Dunkin’ Hot Drinks and Ranked Them Worst to Best
How I Tested These Peppermint TeasCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
I filled my electric kettle high and got the water boiling. While that was happening, I lined up my mugs. I brewed each tea according to the package directions, then sniffed and sipped each one while it was hot to get a good understanding of the flavor. I then chilled the teas to get a different perspective, took another taste and got ranking!
Related: We Asked 'The Water Sommelier' to Rank His Favorite Bottled Waters and His Answers Surprised Us
18 Popular Peppermint Teas, Ranked From Worst To BestA quick shopping note on some of these teas: The prices and package sizes below are what I tested and what were seen in store. Availability and prices online might differ slightly.
18. Tazo Organic Refresh Mint Tea, $4.29 for 16 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea tastes familiar (hello, teenage years running to Starbucks!). The peppermint flavor is strong, but the added peppermint oil gives it a more commercial feel. It was enjoyable, but it was less nuanced than the rest of the lineup, which is how it ended up at the back of the pack.
Related: We Tried 10 Aldi Coffees and the Winner Tastes Way More Expensive Than It Is
17. Lidl Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.49 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
I was excited to try this organic, affordable option. This tea has very subtle aromatics and makes a light-bodied brew. The peppermint flavor was present but muted. It's definitely drinkable, but it's not a cuppa that I look forward to sipping.
16. Benner Tea Co. Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.29 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This Aldi brand tea was smooth and easy-drinking with a light peppermint flavor and pale color. The aromatics were minimal, so it didn't have much of a minty lift. It was pleasant enough, but it was a bit forgettable.
15. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Peppermint Tea, $4.99 for 40 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
The mint inside the bag is almost ground, and the brew is light in both color and flavor. It tastes clean and herbal but lacks punch. The finish is calm and refreshing. This option is best for those who want a very mild cup of tea. If you're looking for a budget buy, this might also be the one for you. Forty tea bags for $4 is a good deal, especially considering it's organic.
14. Trader Joe’s Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.99 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea is dependable and easy-drinking with a mild peppermint flavor, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of aromatics or depth. After tasting stronger options, it feels a bit flat. That said, it's still a fine budget-friendly choice and is good for keeping in the house for kids and folks who aren't as particular about tea as I am.
Related: 31 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe’s (If You Can Find Them)
13. Super Herb Tea American Peppermint Tea, $15.00 for 36 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This is a very smooth, light peppermint tea that’s easy to sip throughout the day. The flavor is clean and bright without much intensity. It’s refreshing but understated. It makes a pleasant, very nice cup of tea. It is on the pricey side, though, and I'm not sure the quality matched the price tag.
12. The Republic of Tea Organic Mint Fields Tea, $13.75 for 36 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea includes a noticeable hint of lemon, which lightens both the color and flavor. The peppermint flavor is clean and fresh, but softer than most. A slightly sweet finish makes it feel bright and approachable. This is good for those who prefer a gentler mint tea. It's also another pricey option.
Related: We Asked a Floridian to Taste & Rank 11 Orange Juice Brands and the Winner Surprised Him
11. Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Herbal Tea, $4.99 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This iconic box with its wax-paper liner is packed with nostalgia. The flavor is classic and calming with medium peppermint strength. It leans more herbaceous than sweet. It's familiar, cozy and easy to drink. It's also very accessible and available at most major grocery stores.
Related: I Tried All 15 New Items from Starbucks’ 2026 Winter Menu and Have a Clear Favorite
10. Yogi Purely Peppermint Tea, $6.99 for 16 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
The aroma of this tea is fairly subtle, but the flavor hits harder than expected. It delivers a bold, cooling peppermint finish that lingers. I found it almost medicinal tasting, which I didn't mind. It's clean and straightforward and prioritizes flavor over fragrance. It's a solid choice for folks who are looking for a punch of mint flavor.
9. Harney & Sons Organic Peppermint Tea, $9.00 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea landed squarely in the middle of the pack. The flavor is strong and pleasant, though slightly dusty compared to the higher-ranked options. The leaves aren’t fully ground, which helps maintain some depth. It's dependable, but wasn't a standout. Harney & Sons is one of my favorite tea brands (their Earl Grey is my go-to), but their peppermint tea fell a little flat for me.
8. Tea Forté Peppermint Verbena Tea, $18.00 (loose leaf)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This isn't a purely peppermint tea, but the subtle lavender and verbena notes pair beautifully with the mint. The cup feels balanced, lightly sweet and calming. The peppermint is present without overpowering the blend. This tea has an elegance to it, which would make it nice for serving at brunch or as an after-dinner drink.
7. Tea with Tae Peppermint Tea, $8.99 for 5 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea delivers a clean, straightforward peppermint flavor with whole mint leaves visible in the bags. It tastes very fresh and finishes with a satisfying cooling sensation. It's a strong and well-balanced option with deep flavor. Bonus: The packaging is super chic, which would make it a great gift for the tea lover in your life.
Related: The Viral McDonald’s Iced Tea Ordering Hack We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
6. Oliver Pluff & Co. Peppermint Tea, $14.00 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This tea feels serious and intentional from the moment you open the tin. The aroma fills the room, and the peppermint flavor is intense and gritty. There’s a slightly bitter finish that adds depth and the brewed tea is bold, confident and impressive. The packaging is beautiful, making this another good gifting option. I didn't rank it higher because it's on the expensive side and the flavor is so intense that I'm not sure this would an everyday brew for me.
5. Teapigs Peppermint Leaves Tea, $9.99 for 15 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Deeply aromatic with large peppermint leaves, this brews a darker cup with bold mint flavor. The intensity is impressive without tipping into bitterness. It finishes long and cooling, making it especially memorable. The packaging is rustic and cute and the flavor is 10/10.
4. Steven SMITH Teamaker Peppermint Leaves Tea, $13.99 for 15 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
One of my all-time favorite tea brands, Smith makes a beautiful peppermint tea. It's bold, vibrant and incredibly fresh. I even visited the Steven Smith Teamaker HQ in Portland, OR (highly recommend!), which deepened my appreciation for their sourcing and craft. The leaves are large, bright and aromatic and sourced from the Pacific Northwest. The cup of tea is clean, cooling and deeply refreshing.
Related: I Tried Every Flavor of Chobani Coffee Creamer To Find the Best One for Your Morning Brew
3. Rishi Tea & Botanicals Peppermint Tea, $36.00 (loose leaf)Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
The exceptional leaf quality shines through with herbaceous, focused peppermint flavor in this tea. Even with just one ingredient, the freshness and clarity are unmistakable. This cup of tea was clean, cooling and deeply satisfying from start to finish. It's not as accessible as the top two picks, but it's worth special ordering if you're a peppermint tea fan.
2. Bigelow Peppermint Herbal Tea, $3.49 for 20 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Bigelow is classic peppermint tea in the most nostalgic sense. It’s bright, very peppermint-forward and somehow tastes like a candy cane even though the only ingredient is mint leaves. For me, this is a top tea forever and always, especially for the price point.
1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Tea, $5.99 for 16 tea bagsCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
This was the clear winner. The flavor is bright, grounding and strongly herbaceous with a soothing, clean finish. It balances intensity with calm better than any other tea in the lineup. It's reliable, comforting and the gold standard. Plus, it's a good value and very accessible. You can buy it at grocery stores and at big-box stores like Walmart and Target.
Up Next:
Related: How To Make Hot Chocolate 10x Better, According to a Cooking Show Champion
Sources:- Jee Choe, founder of Oh, How Civilized.
- Spike Mendelsohn, celebrity chef, restaurateur and co-founder of Just Ice Tea.
Groundbreaker Geri Jewell, 69, Who Played Cousin Geri on ‘The Facts of Life,’ Is Thriving in New Photo
Geri Jewell broke boundaries on The Facts of Life, and she's doing better than ever these days!
The actress and stand-up comedian, 69, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at eighteen months old. She later went on to become the first disabled actor to have a recurring role on a TV series with her role on The Facts of Life.
These days, Jewell is thriving. In a recent Facebook post, the actress, who also deals with hearing loss, smiled brightly as she reconnected with one of her high school teachers.
Cousin Geri's Introduction on The Facts of LifeJewell was first introduced on The Facts of Life in 1980 as ritzy New Yorker Blair Warner's cousin. Her character ended up being featured on 12 episodes of the popular series. Here's a look at Geri's introduction to the gang at the Eastland School:
In a 2015 interview with VICE, Jewell explained how she ended up on the series.
"I performed for the second annual Media Access Awards. Norman Lear and [The Facts of Life star] Charlotte Rae were in the audience that night. Norman came up to me afterwards and said, “You know you’re really funny, kid, but you’re way before your time.” And I said, “So wait a couple weeks,” Jewell recalled.
Life After The Facts of LifeAfter her run on the popular '80s series ended, Jewell continued her stand-up career. In 2002, she ran into NYPD Blue creator David Milch at a pharmacy while recovering from spinal cord surgery. Dressed in pajama bottoms and feeling lousy, Jewell was embarrassed to be seen in her state. However, Milch was a fan of her comedy work and he offered her a role on his upcoming HBO series, Deadwood. Jewell describes being offered the opportunity to star on the western as "amazing." Here's a look at Jewell discussing how the tremendous opportunity fell into her lap.
Jewell is also the author of a 2011 memoir, I’m Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond.
Pillsbury Launches Vibrant New Take On Its Classic Cake Mix
Pillsbury is giving fans a new version of its famous Funfetti cake mix.
The popular boxed baking mix typically features a yellow cake with rainbow "confetti" style sprinkles buried throughout (get why it's called Funfetti now?). But all of that is changing, as Pillsbury is releasing a new, even more colorful version of Funfetti.
Fresh from announcing its recent collaboration with candymaker Mars Inc., resulting in a limited-edition Snickers Cookie Dough, eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted another newcomer in the baking aisle: Funfetti Swirl Cake & Cupcake Mix.
Pillsbury Adds a Swirl of Color to Funfetti Boxed Cake MixAccording to an official description, the new Funfetti Swirl Cake Mix will turn dessert into "a masterpiece of colorful swirls and delicious flavor in every bite."
It appears to be very similar to the limited-edition Melted Snowman (blue and white) and Elf on the Shelf (red and white) Funfetti that was made available earlier this winter, but this new addition stands out as its most vibrant and colorful option yet.
Related:Pillsbury’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Pastry Is Perfect for Tea Time
Each box contains one pink pouch and one blue pouch, and together yield 24 perfectly swirled cupcakes (or a single 13" x 9" cake) with pops of pink, purple, and blue. All at-home bakers need to add a few eggs, vegetable oil, and water before swirling the batter and pouring it into a pan.
The company calls it "a delightful and creative way to elevate cakes and cupcakes while having fun doing it," and fans appear to wholeheartedly agree.
"Goodbye to the days of putting 2 cups of mix aside to dye and swirl," one celebrated on Facebook.
"WOW!" a second wrote on Instagram. "They are gone fancy!"
"That funfetti looks so good," another gushed.
So far, the new item has been spotted on shelves at select Target stores, but it doesn't appear to be exclusive to the retailer. Parade was able to unearth online listings for the product at several grocery store chains, including King Soopers which is part of the Kroger family, so we would presume it will be landing at the rest of the related stores as well (City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Mariano's, Pick'n Save, Ralph's, QFC, etc.).
Pillsbury's new Funfetti Pink & Blue Swirl Cake appears to be only in the early stages of release, as the company hasn't even officially announced its arrival. So if it's not available near you just yet, it doesn't mean that it won't be! We would expect the newcomer to be more widely available as we inch closer to the first day of Spring (March 20), making it a festive, fun option for upcoming Easter desserts (and way easier than trying to construct that 1970s Bunny Cake).
To find it at a store near you, try Pillsbury's online product finder (prices may vary).
Next: Peanuts-Themed Duncan Hines Baking Mixes Are Coming Soon—and They Sound So Good
10 Years Ago, This Acclaimed Folk Horror Launched Three Major Hollywood Careers
The Blair Witch Project may have popularised a whole subgenre of movies through its found-footage aesthetic - there'd be no Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, or Late Night with the Devil without it - but the stars and makers of this 1999 game-changer could never replicate the same success. Robert Eggers' The Witch, however, has proven to be a very different beast indeed.
Released theatrically 10 years ago after making waves at Sundance Film Festival, The Witch (subtitled A New-England Folktale) was one of the earliest jewels in A24's crown. Set during the 1630s, the story concerns a Puritan family who are stalked by an evil presence in the forest that hugs their farmland. For his feature-length debut, writer-director Eggers enlisted Ralph Ineson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Kate Dickie to play the main characters of William, Thomasin, and Katherine.
The Witch earned its $4 million budget back tenfold at the box office, and to this day sits on an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. For Eggers, Ineson, and Taylor-Joy, the acclaimed indie was a springboard to even greater professional heights.
Ralph Ineson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Robert Eggers discuss "The Witch" at Apple Store Soho on February 16, 2016 in New York City (Mike Pont/WireImage).Since wielding sorcery in the dark New England woods, filmmaker Eggers has cultivated a solid working relationship with actor Willem Dafoe in his subsequent projects: The Lighthouse, The Northman, Nosferatu, and the upcoming Werwulf, which is due out on Christmas Day. Their partnership on The Lighthouse legitimised Eggers as a master of his artform, to a certain extent, given the fact he'd never worked with a genuine A-lister before. Robert Pattinson's involvement only strengthened that notion, too, while Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were all waiting in the wings to collaborate with Eggers across the next decade.
His non-negotiable attention to historical details, language, and constant period settings has allowed Eggers to stand out in an industry lacking auteurs. Only Guillermo del Toro can hold a handle to him in their unique corner of movie production.
Then there's the curious case of gravel-voiced Ineson, who'd been working regularly in the TV sector for two decades up until The Witch. The actor's most widely-seen parts occurred in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's original The Office(as Chris Finch), and HBO's Game of Thrones(Iron Islands soldier Dagmer Cleftjaw), but from 2016 onwards, he's truly flourished. How about these for some eye-catching credits: the award-winning miniseries Chernobyl, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Green Knight, The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Creator, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Frankenstein. Ineson is also something of a lucky mascot for Eggers, having appeared in all of the director's projects to date.
Finally, The Witch gave the world its first proper introduction to future megastar Taylor-Joy, who was still in her teens when it premiered. She would go on to get hired by M. Night Shyamalan (for Split and Glass), Edgar Wright (Last Night in Soho), David O. Russell (Amsterdam), Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two and Part Three), Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders), Scott Frank (The Queen's Gambit), and George Miller (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga). For anybody that knows just how highly the latter's predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road, is regarded, Taylor-Joy's casting as the titular heroine illustrates her standing as a performer.
Happy anniversary, The Witch!
Liza Minnelli Details 'Passionate' 1970s Affair With Martin Scorsese in New Tell-All
"He was a diabolically handsome man who shared my love for film. I was a director’s daughter who respected Marty’s role and authority," writes Liza Minnelli about her 1970s affair with director Martin Scorsese in an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, shared by The Times on Feb. 21.
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The pair began working together on New York, New York shortly after the success of Taxi Driver. Scorsese and Robert De Niro were reuniting for another film, and they had already pegged Judy Garland's daughter for the project. "They wanted me — only me — for the female lead," she remembers. "I could just see it all: a return to the Oscars. A gracious speech and a second award, a homecoming to the winner’s circle."
"Marty and I quickly got swept up in a passionate romance," she admitted, despite her being married to her second husband, Jack Haley Jr., at the time, and Scorsese being married to Julia Cameron. Minnelli joked that their "love affair had more layers than a lasagna," as they shared their Italian heritage, "volcanic tempers," and a passion for making movies.
Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Liza Minnelli, and Al Pacino in 1981Getty
"He was a diabolically handsome man who shared my love for film. I was a director’s daughter who respected Marty’s role and authority," she said of the reasons they were drawn to one another.
Minnelli says the two "couldn't get enough of each other" and it was "the worst kept secret on set." Drugs, which both have admitted to battling later in life, were the third party in their relationship. "On the set, in between takes and in the evening. We were constant companions and I was there beside him. Line by line. Nothing good could come of it," she writes.
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As their unexpected romance blossomed, the film struggled. They shot for two months longer than expected, blowing their $7 million budget by $5 million. The project's rough cut was more than four hours, which Minnelli described as "impossible to market," even though she was "over the moon" about her iconic final song, "New York, New York," from the musical.
"The movie did not live up to box-office expectations," she admits. "Thankfully Marty and Bobby went on to have amazing film careers. I did not."
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"Once the fire was lit, it burnt us all," she said of her and Scorsese's romance. "[However,] I’m not here to judge or apologize, because it was deeply compelling at the time."
Liza Minnelli's book, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! My Memoir as Told to Michael Feinstein is set to be released on on March 10.
51 Years Ago Today This Single Redefined a Rock Icon
51 years ago today, David Bowie made a move that few rock stars at the height of their fame would dare attempt.
On February 21, 1975, the released “Young Americans,” a single that signaled a dramatic departure from the glittering glam persona that had defined his early ’70s success. The man who had soared into pop culture as Ziggy Stardust pivoted sharply into what he famously called “plastic soul,” embracing American R&B with a confidence that both surprised and divided fans.
The track—later featured on the Young Americans album released a month later in March 1975—wasn’t just an experiment. It was a reinvention. Bowie traveled to Philadelphia to record at Sigma Sound Studios, immersing himself in the rich textures of the city’s soul movement. Producer Tony Visconti, who had worked with Bowie since 1968, recalled the initial resistance they faced. “We were going to the birthplace of so many hits,” Visconti told The Post in March 2025. “But [Kenny] Gamble and [Leon] Huff, they didn’t want to work with us.” He added, “They actually said, ‘We don’t want no white boy stealing our music’ or something like that.”
Undeterred, Bowie built his own soul-infused band, bringing in musicians like Andy Newmark, Willie Weeks, David Sanborn, and a rising Luther Vandross on backing vocals. And that reinvention also led to an unexpected chart milestone later that year.
During the Young Americans sessions in New York, John Lennon stopped by the studio—and what began as a loose jam session turned into something much bigger. Bowie and guitarist Carlos Alomar had been working on a groove when Lennon started improvising over it, playfully repeating a word that caught Bowie’s attention: “Fame.”
The song went on to become Bowie’s first No. 1 hit in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100, proving his reinvention paid off at the highest level.
Bowie died in 2016 at 69 from liver cancer.
Eric Dane's Widow Rebecca Gayheart Spotted for First Time Since His Death
Eric Dane's widow, Rebecca Gayheart, was spotted for the first time since the Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star's death.
On February 19, Dane died at 53 following a battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife, Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia. 14. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 but withdrew the filing in March 2025, shortly before Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April.
In photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Gayheart, 54, was spotted during a visit to the Los Angeles house where Dane lived leading up to his death. His widow was photographed leaving the home while wearing a tan trench coat and glasses and carrying a large black purse.
See the photos of Gayheart in her first public outing since Dane's death.
In a November 2025 interview on the Broad Ideas podcast, Gayheart spoke about Dane's ALS battle and what she hoped to model for their daughters.
“We show up for people no matter what," she explained. "He is our family. He is your father. We will get through it the best we can.”
Related: Conan O’Brien Breaks Silence on Rob Reiner’s Death
Still, Gayheart admitted the situation was "super complicated," as she and Dane had been separated for years.
“I don’t know if I’m doing it well or if I’m doing it the wrong way or the right way,” she confessed. “I’m just showing up and trying to be there for them. I guess time will tell.”
In the wake of Dane's death, his friends organized a GoFundMe to benefit his daughters. Euphoria creator Dan Levinson and his wife, Ashley, donated $27,000—and as of writing, more than $145,000 of the $250,000 goal had been raised.
Dane sent a final message to Billie and Georgia in an episode of the Netflix series Famous Last Words, which was released after his death.
“Live right now in the present,” he told them. “The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it, cherish every moment.”
In the heartbreaking episode, Dane offered three other important bits of advice. He concluded, "Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
Next: Eric Dane Sends Direct Message to Fans From Wheelchair Amid ALS Battle
Major Blockbuster Franchise Is Coming to Netflix in March
With February coming to an end, streaming lovers everywhere are anxious to learn which new and exciting titles will be hitting Netflix in March. Enter: the entire Jurassic World franchise.
The films include Jurassic World (2015), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), along with the 2025 release Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Fans are particularly excited for Jurassic World: Rebirth. Starring big names like Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, the film grossed between $869 million and $886 million at the global box office.
Netflix is also home to two Jurassic World animated series, Camp Cretaceous and Chaos Theory, available to stream now.
The new additions are a part of Netflix’s broader licensing deal with Universal. Under that agreement, Universal movies stream on Peacock first and then move to Netflix during a later window.
In addition to the Jurassic World films hitting Netflix, March is shaping up as a huge month for the streamer’s original and returning content. March kicks off with The Actors Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA and hosted by Kristen Bell, streaming live on March 1.
Netflix also rolls out new and returning series like ONE PIECE Season 2 (March 10) and Virgin River Season 7 (March 12), alongside fresh originals such as the limited Spanish drama That Night and part two of Beauty in Black Season 2.
The month peaks with the highly anticipated feature film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (March 20), starring Cillian Murphy, and the music documentary The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus other Netflix originals, including Furies Season 2 and the Brazilian series Radioactive Emergency.
Anime fans are also in luck, with titles like Steel Ball Run and Beastars.
Led Zeppelin Only Performed This Classic Song Live Once
Fifty-four years ago today, February 21, 1972, Led Zeppelin released “Rock and Roll / Four Sticks” as a 7-inch single in the United States. While “Rock and Roll” quickly became a staple of the band’s live shows, its companion track, “Four Sticks,” developed a very different legacy.
In fact, Led Zeppelin only ever performed “Four Sticks” live once.
The notoriously complex track from 1971’s Led Zeppelin IV made its lone onstage appearance on May 3, 1971, at KB Hallen in Copenhagen, Denmark—months before the album was even released. A rare bootleg recording confirms the performance, but the band never attempted it again as a full unit.
The reason? “Four Sticks” was famously difficult to execute.
The song alternates between unusual time signatures of 5/8 and 6/8, which are not standard rock rhythms, and proved so tricky in the studio that it nearly didn’t make the album at all. According to long-told band lore, drummer John Bonham ultimately rescued the track. Inspired after seeing Ginger Baker’s band Air Force, Bonham reportedly came into the studio, grabbed two drumsticks in each hand—giving the song its title—and powered through two takes that locked the arrangement into place.
Unlike many Zeppelin classics, “Four Sticks” contains no traditional Jimmy Page guitar solo. Instead, the band locks into a dense, hypnotic groove built around Bonham’s thunderous drumming, John Paul Jones’ bass and synthesizer textures, and Robert Plant’s Eastern-inspired vocal melody.
Though the band shelved it from future tours, the song didn’t disappear entirely. Page and Plant revisited it in 1972 during sessions in India with the Bombay Symphony Orchestra, recording an orchestral version later released as “Four Hands.” Page and Plant would also resurrect the track during their 1994 “Unledded” MTV sessions.
Still, as far as Led Zeppelin’s original lineup is concerned, “Four Sticks” remains one of the rarest entries in their live catalog—a deep cut played just once, but permanently etched into rock mythology.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Bracelet Nick Jonas is Wearing for Priyanka Chopra
Nick Jonas has officially leveled up from 'supportive husband' to a 'whole green forest' in the eyes of his fans, a term coined by social media users to describe a partner whose positive traits surpass even the standard 'green flag' status. While the Jonas Brothers singer is no stranger to public displays of affection for his wife, Priyanka Chopra, his latest accessory is sparking a conversation about culture-aware appreciation and modern marriage.
The buzz began on February 19, when Jonas posted a seemingly casual video to his Instagram account. In the clip, he’s seen making a spicy Bloody Mary, a nod to Chopra’s character 'Bloody Mary' in her new pirate-action film, The Bluff. However, as he shook the cocktail, eagle-eyed viewers caught the gold- and black-beaded string wrapped around his wrist.
View this post on InstagramThe piece is a mangalsutra bracelet, a contemporary take on the traditional necklace given by a groom to a bride during a Hindu wedding ceremony. Derived from the Sanskrit words mangal (auspicious) and sutra (thread), the jewelry symbolizes the sacred bond of marriage and is traditionally believed to ward off negative energy while protecting the couple’s union.
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While Chopra frequently wears her own mangalsutra (often in modern, diamond-studded designs) Jonas’s decision to wear a masculine version of the marital symbol marks a significant departure from tradition. Historically, the mangalsutra is worn only by the wife. By adopting the symbol himself, Jonas is being hailed for a gesture that suggests marital commitment is a shared, visible responsibility rather than a one-sided one.
'Nick Jiju is the best," one fan commented, using the Hindi term for 'brother-in-law,' a title bestowed upon him by the Indian public shortly after the couple’s 2018 nuptials. 'This man is wearing a Mangalsutra bracelet for wifey,' another fan posted. '🫠🫠🫠🫠 I’ve melted❤️.'
The timing of the reveal coincides with the promotional push for The Bluff, which premiered in Los Angeles on February 17 and is set for a February 25 release on Prime Video. Throughout the press tour, Jonas has been a constant fixture by Chopra’s side. At the premiere, he was photographed fixing the train of her custom leather armor gown, but it was the subtle black beads on his wrist that people really noticed.
This isn't the first time Jonas has leaned into his 'National Jiju' persona. He has previously spoken about his deep respect for Hinduism, noting that he and Chopra are raising their daughter, Malti Marie, to understand and value both their backgrounds.
Dermatologists Love These Amazon Skincare Products for Women Over 50 — and They Start at Just $14
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The skin's needs change dramatically from one decade to the next. What worked for you in your 20s may not deliver the results you need by the time you reach your 50s. Hormones and genetics both play significant roles, affecting everything from texture to appearance. Lifestyle choices, from diet to sun exposure, can also have an effect.
One of the most crucial culprits, though, is the natural loss of structural support that occurs over time. "As we age, there is a gradual decline in collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, resilient, and able to 'snap back,'" explained Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD. "This breakdown weakens the skin's support system and leads to laxity.'
Among the most crucial components of an effective anti-aging skincare protocol are hydration, sun protection, and antioxidants. As the skin produces less oil, it can start to look crepey. That's where products like fatty moisturizers and oils come in, restoring suppleness and leaving your complexion supple and glowy.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable, since it both prevents future damage and guards against further collagen loss. Plus, according to Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, a board-certified menopause practitioner and the founder of Bare Aesthetic Medspa, a few active ingredients can make an enormous difference in both the look and feel of your complexion. "Peptides, retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid send messages to the skin to behave younger, but consistency is key."
In short, your usual skincare routine may need an overhaul to ensure that you're giving your complexion what it needs to stay smooth, soft, and healthy. The good news is that you don't need to commit to a complex multi-step regimen. A few thoughtfully formulated products can go a long way in giving your skin the nourishment and care it needs to look its best.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $25 at AmazonHaving tried and tested countless moisturizers over the years, I eventually concluded that nothing could ever come close to this cream. It has a lightweight consistency, with ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and prebiotic thermal water working together to lock in moisture and protect the skin's barrier from damage. One application lasts for hours, and a little bit goes a long way. Ideal to use day or night, it sinks into the skin quickly and can also be worn under makeup.
Aveeno Intense Moisture Skin Relief Hand Cream, $21 at AmazonCourtesy of Amazon
The same protein n loss that affects your face can also leave your hands thinner and drier, explained Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Orentreich Medical Group. "Collagen and elastin are essential for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity," she said. She recommends this soothing hand cream that's enriched with triple oat and shea butter to intensely hydrate the skin without leaving behind a greasy finish.
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum, $28 (was $35) at AmazonMoisturizers alone aren't typically enough to address the needs of over-50 skin. "Serums can be powerful because they deliver high concentrations of active ingredients that support collagen production, boost hydration, improve texture, and smooth fine lines," Dr. Palm noted. One that earns routine praise is this blend of vitamin C and peptides. It's designed to treat a myriad of concerns, from sagging to sallowness, and provides important daily antioxidant protection.
EltaMD UV Lotion Face and Body SPF 35 Sunscreen, $35 at AmazonThe risk of developing skin cancer increases with age, and adults over 50 are encouraged to get regular screenings. Adding this broad-spectrum SPF 35 can help you take proactive measures to protect your skin, too. It contains hyaluronic acid to soothe and soften skin while protecting it from harsh rays. Conveniently, it can be applied from head to toe for comprehensive full-body coverage. It's unscented, too, so even those with sensitive skin can wear it comfortably.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum, $14 (was $27) at AmazonCourtesy of
Your skin works hardest overnight, soaking up revitalizing ingredients and supporting the natural repair process. This nighttime formula contains a medley of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, instantly wrapping your skin in soothing moisture to leave your skin soft and dewy by morning. You can never really have too much moisture during midlife, when skin naturally becomes more crepey and dry. A serum like this delivers both barrier support and hydration to keep skin healthy.
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This Is Hands-Down the Most Underrated Way To Walk for Heart Health, Cardiologists Say
If you're looking to add more movement to your days, walking is arguably one of the easiest ways to do that. Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise suitable for those starting their fitness journey and even those who are already quite fit. When it comes to walking, most people think that hitting 10,000 steps per day is the ultimate goal—but there's actually way more to it than that.
Despite its simplicity, walking is often underestimated. Because it doesn’t require special equipment, gym memberships or a steep learning curve, it can be easy to overlook just how powerful this habit can be when done thoughtfully.
Many people also assume that all walking is created equal, when in reality, the way walking shows up in your daily life—and how consistently you return to it—can influence the benefits you experience over time. From stress levels to cardiovascular markers, walking has been linked to a wide range of positive health outcomes, which is why experts continue to study what makes it most effective.
"Walking is an excellent form of low-impact exercise that can have many significant health benefits and can be sustainable in the long-term," says Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD,an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution. "The most important aspect for all exercise is consistency and finding something you enjoy."
Ahead, we spoke with cardiologists about the best way to walk for heart health. Spoiler alert: It's not necessarily about hitting 10,000 steps.
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The most overlooked way to walk for heart health is breaking it up into small increments throughout the day.
"These 'movement snacks' are easy to fit into daily life, lower the barrier to getting
started, and help people stay consistent," says Dr. Alan Rozanski, MD, behavioral cardiologist and director of nuclear cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Luke. "Biologically, frequent movement counteracts the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, improves blood sugar control, and repeatedly stimulates circulation and blood vessel function."
According to Dr. Nefthi Sundeep, MD,pediatric cardiologist at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, research presented at an American Heart Association Conference in 2021 showed that taking more steps per day, either all at once or in shorter spurts, may help you live longer.
"The investigators found that study participants who took more steps in short spurts lived longer, regardless of how many steps they had in longer, uninterrupted bouts," he explains. "The benefits leveled off at about 4,500 steps per day in short spurts."
When it comes to walking in small increments, Dr. Heather Shenkman, MD, cardiologist and board advisory member at 1MD Nutrition, generally recommends aiming for about 30 minutes per day. However, those minutes can be broken up into shorter walks throughout the day.
This can look like going on short five to 10-minute walks each hour if you work from home or even taking some time to walk your dog a few times per day, whether that's around your apartment complex or to the nearby dog park.
"Think of it like brushing your teeth: doing it briefly but often works far better than one long, heroic session you can’t keep up," says Dr. Robert Ostfeld, MD, cardiologist and director of preventative cardiology at Montefiore Health System. "And here’s the key: something you’ll actually do beats something you plan to do. Walking sprinkled throughout the day is sustainable, and sustainability is what changes hearts."
Related: Cardiologists Swear by a Heart Health ‘Rule’ That’s Shockingly Easy
How Many Steps Should You Walk per Day for Heart Health?In terms of step count, you're probably familiar with the idea that 10,000 steps should be the daily goal; however, that's not necessarily true.
A study published in Lancet Public Health indicated that walking 7,000 steps per day was strongly linked to significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk and mortality in large cohort studies and systematic reviews, according to Dr. Sundeep.
Additionally, even walking 4,000 to 5,000 steps per day or adding 500 to 1,000 steps to a lower overall step count is associated with positive heart health benefits, although to a lesser degree, according to the American Heart Association.
When it comes to walking, it's not just the steps that are important but also the pace.
"A good guideline is walking at a pace where you can still carry on a conversation but would feel winded if you tried to sing," says Dr. Shenkman. "That level of effort raises the heart rate enough to improve cardiovascular fitness without placing unnecessary stress on the body. For patients who are already active and medically cleared, incorporating periods of faster walking can add benefit, but it’s not essential for heart protection."
Related:10,000 Steps a Day? Here’s the Real Number Your Body Actually Needs
What Are the Health Benefits of Walking?There are several health benefits of walking outside of improving cardiovascular health.
"Regular walking can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce insulin resistance and diabetes risk, decrease inflammation, improve blood vessel function and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and premature death," says Dr. Ostfeld.
Related:Why Experts Say This Health Number Matters More Than Cholesterol for Stroke Risk
Who Shouldn't Be Starting or Increasing Walking?Although walking is generally safe and beneficial for most people, it's still recommended to talk with your care team before changing or adding anything to your exercise regimen.
"Anyone with new or concerning heart symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heart rhythms or unexplained shortness of breath—as well as those recovering from illness or living with significant joint, balance or nerve problems—should check with a healthcare professional before starting or increasing walking," says Dr. Rozanski. "In most cases, walking doesn’t need to be avoided; it simply needs to be adjusted, whether that means a slower pace, supportive footwear, an assistive device, or a supervised program. The goal is to stay active in a way that is safe, comfortable, and sustainable for your body."
Up Next:
Sources:- Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution
- Dr. Alan Rozanski, MD, behavioral cardiologist and director of nuclear cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Luke.
- Dr. Nefthi Sundeep, MD, pediatric cardiologist at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.
- Taking more steps daily may lead to a longer life. American Heart Association.
- Dr. Heather Shenkman, MD, cardiologist and board advisory member at 1MD Nutrition.
- Dr. Robert Ostfeld, MD, cardiologist and director of preventative cardiology at Montefiore Health System.
- Ding, D., Nguyen, B., Nau, T., Luo, M., Del Pozo Cruz, B., Dempsey, P. C., Munn, Z., Jefferis, B. J., et. al. Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health, 10(8), e668–e681.
'80s Mystery Series Ranked 'Most Influential' Drama of the 1980s
When it comes to TV, books, and movies, crime dramas and mysteries couldn’t be more popular. Murder, She Wrote, the classic 1980s mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher, is one of the most beloved TV crime dramas of the era. The show is still impactful forty years later and was just ranked “the most influential” drama of the 1980s.
Murder, She Wrote Ranked Among the Most Influential of the 1980sRanking the most influential TV shows of the 1980s, according to Collider, Murder, She Wrote is listed as the second most influential TV show of the decade and holds the top spot among dramas. According to the site:
“The murder mystery and police procedural genres are exploding right now, and that’s thanks to early shows of the type like Murder, She Wrote. Angela Lansbury shone as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer and amateur detective whose deep knowledge about crime causes her to see things differently and notice details others don’t. This skill, in turn, helps law enforcement solve real-life crimes.
Murder, She Wrote was one of the first shows to explore the idea of an amateur detective, someone who had a knack for solving crimes but wasn’t technically in law enforcement. She was also one of the first female leading ladies in a crime drama, ushering in many more who followed.”
How Long Murder, She Wrote AiredMurder, She Wrote premiered on CBS on September 30, 1984, and ran for 12 seasons, concluding on May 19, 1996. The series had an impressive run of 264 episodes, followed by four made-for-television movies that aired between 1997 and 2003, all starring Lansbury and extending the life of the franchise even further.
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The Show’s Setting and Lasting InfluenceThe show was set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, and helped define TV’s cozy mystery genre. Its focus on character-driven storytelling, minimal graphic violence, and puzzle-style plotting made it popular with a wide, multigenerational audience.
Lansbury’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher became iconic, earning the Hollywood legend multiple Emmy nominations and cementing Jessica Fletcher as one of TV’s most memorable female protagonists. The role placed Lansbury at the center of an enduring pop culture legacy.
Murder, She Wrote paved the way for many procedural dramas and mystery series that feature amateur sleuths, charming communities, and strong female characters.
Famous Guest Stars and Why the Series EndedIn addition to the show’s lasting influence, Murder, She Wrote featured an impressive roster of famous faces in guest-starring roles. Over the years, the series included appearances from Tom Bosley, William Windom (who had a recurring role as Dr. Seth Hazlitt), Jerry Orbach, Courteney Cox, George Clooney, and many more.
Murder, She Wrote ended after 12 successful seasons in 1996. Despite the conclusion of the weekly series, it remains a staple of classic television and continues to find new audiences thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.
Michael Imperioli Says Many 'Sopranos' Characters Would’ve Been 'Trump Supporters'
Though The Sopranos ended in 2007, the show’s cultural impact is everlasting. The question remains, however, how exactly would the story unfold if it were set in 2026?
Michael Imperioli, who played the complicated Christopher Moltisanti on the award-winning HBO original, has a few thoughts.
“The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants. I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the U.S. and what they’re doing to immigrants,” Imperioli told The Independent in an interview published on February 15.
“The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough,” he added, referring to Donald Trump. “So how do they reconcile those things? When Italians came over – and people forget this, or they don’t want to see it – a lot of them were undocumented.”
The Sopranos, set in New Jersey, premiered on HBO on January 10, 1999, starring James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, and Imperioli, among others. The series ran for six seasons, concluding on June 10, 2007.
Over its six-season run, The Sopranos won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series (2004 and 2007), and five Golden Globe Awards, including Best Television Series – Drama. The show also earned numerous Screen Actors Guild Awards and Peabody recognition for its cultural impact.
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Gandolfini, won three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Tony Soprano. Gandolfini died on June 19, 2013, at age 51 after suffering a heart attack while on vacation in Rome, a loss that continues to be mourned today by fans and across the entertainment industry.
The Saddest Country Song of the 2000s Will Break Your Heart
Few songs have the power to stop listeners in their tracks quite like this heartbreaking country ballad. More than two decades after its release, the emotional narrative told by these lyrics continues to leave audiences in tears.
The track’s haunting narrative and unforgettable imagery have cemented its place among the most tragic songs in country music history, resonating with fans who still revisit it when they need a good cry.
That song is "Concrete Angel," released in 2002 and performed by Martina McBride. Rolling Stone ranked the track the "saddest country song of all time," in a chart created in September 2019.
"I've certainly had a lot of people tell me when I'm performing at shows what the song means to them," said the song's co-writer Rob Crosby. "The fact that a few kids have seen the music video, which flashes the number for Child Help USA, and have been able to escape a bad situation is a gratifying thing."
The song tells the story of a young girl suffering from severe child abuse.
"Concrete Angel" is one of McBride's biggest hits—and she almost didn't record it.
"If I remember right, I had heard this song for the previous album. I hesitated to record it because I thought it might be too heavy," she told Billboard in 2021. "But in the end I followed my gut, which was telling me I needed to do it. It has become one of the most streamed and watched songs in my entire catalog. I think, in the end, it’s a healing song for many."
If you're looking to round out your sad country songs playlist, Rolling Stone has "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams and "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss in its two and three spots.
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Who Will Win ‘The Traitors’ Season 4? After Watching Every Episode, Here Are Our Predictions
Despite the label of "the gamers," The Traitors is a very different type of social strategy show. You can't really chart momentum from round to round, with suspicions constantly changing. With the Traitors functioning as the main characters of the show, it's tough to segment out a "winner's edit." Heck, Lord Ivar Mountbatten and Dolores Catania have stood at the end of a season victorious, when they had less screentime than Lala.
That said, there are only six players left going into Thursday's finale of The Traitors Season 4. The remaining Faithful are Johnny Weir, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins and Tara Lipinski. Their job is to take down the dynamic duo of Traitors in Rob Rausch and Eric Nam. Will they be able to nail both Traitors and take home the prize money? Or will one — or both — cloaked men make it to the end?
Ahead of the finale and reunion on Feb. 26, here's who we think is most likely to win The Traitors Season 4.
Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
With so much happening the last day, there are many different scenarios we can forecast for The Traitors finale. Almost all of them, however, do not involve Tara standing at the end. The Olympian has been professing to both the players and the camera how clueless she feels at this game. But some players feel like she may be putting on an act while, in actuality, she skates circles around them.
Going into the Round Table last episode, Tara wanted to make an effort to stay in the background to not get saddled with the blame if she's wrong. But, of course, the best-laid plans are paved with good intentions. Natalie Anderson was livid when she backed off their communal suspicions of Rob, accusing her of "taking advantage" of her and manipulating her to set her up for failure. Now, of course we know that was not Tara's intention at all. But, going into the finale, Tara is far and away seen as one of the shadiest players. If she's not murdered at the start of next episode, I can't imagine she's not voted out at some point just to eliminate any uncertainty.
Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
The Dancing with the Stars legend ranks this low for one specific reason: I think he's getting murdered at the top of the finale. The dancer has been spinning in circles as of late, feeling like he has nobody left after losing his closest ally Kristen Kish. It seems like the two people he has the most trust in are Eric and Rob, which in theory means he could be someone easily kept around. But Mark also seems to be onto one of his traitorous allies, mentioning how Eric is acting too quiet to not be suspected. As much as the Traitors might feel they have him in their corner, there's also a good chance he could get wise and eventually turn on them. So, just as he echoed Kristen's feelings on Eric, he may suffer the same fate as well.
Related: Dorinda Medley Reveals the Biggest Change She Made Before Her Return to ‘The Traitors’ (Exclusive)
4. Johnny Weir Johnny Weir on 'The Traitors'Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
Between The Traitors and the Winter Olympics, Peacock subscribers have gotten plenty of Johnny and Tara commentary the past couple of weeks. We've seen Johnny become public enemy number one due to his association with Traitor Candiace Dillard Bassett. As a result, he came clean about his incredibly tight relationship with Tara, helping seemingly clear his name. Now he walks into the finale with not only his number one ally, but also completely correct reads on who the Traitors are.
The issue is, he has the wind blowing against him. There's a good chance that he gets murdered, wanting to break up the figure skating pair but keep in the bigger smokescreen in Tara. Even if he and Tara both survive to the Round Table, Eric, Rob and Maura would be a locked-in bloc that carry the day on any vote. The best chance Johnny has of winning is if Mark is murdered, Tara gets banished, and he is able to somehow get Maura on his side to take out both Eric and Rob. Otherwise, his game is practically put on ice.
Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
The man with the "magic" ear has been very much seen and not heard during his time in the castle. Of course, a major reason for that the past couple of episodes is because of his traitorous heel turn, recruited by Rob to join him in the turret. Paranoid to say or do the wrong thing, Eric has receded even more into the background. And his behavior has not gone unnoticed, as everyone at the end of last episode realized it truly was the quiet ones you have to look out for.
That said, Rob and Eric are set up in a really good position going into the finale. With assumingly Maura on their side, they carry the numbers at the Round Table. Then they just need to get rid of one person at the Fire of Truth (or convince the others to stop the game) and they're golden. But Eric's game could come crumbling down in two possible scenarios. While Maura is dead-set on Rob not being a Traitor, the Faithful could convince her on Eric, and she could flip on him at the Round Table. Or Rob could get greedy in the end, deciding there's only room in this game for one cloak-wearer and turning on him. So it's safe to say the man once defiantly tied to a tree is certainly not out of the woods yet.
Related: Cirie Fields Explains Why Rob Rausch Is ‘Killing It’ on ‘The Traitors’ Season 4 (Exclusive)
2. Maura Higgins Maura Higgins on 'The Traitors'Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
Right now, Maura is arguably the most locked-in person to make it to the final reveal. While the endgame is an opportunity for everyone to look suspicious, she hasn't had any heat on her since Ron Funches had the false theory he heard her footsteps when in the forest. Additionally, she is absolutely deadset on Rob not being a Traitor, to the point that she blanched at the mere concept of it at the Round Table. For Rob to succeed, he knows he has to keep her around, as that's a guaranteed number on her side.
Since we've been getting so much of Maura's blind trust in Rob as of late, it's possible the show is setting us up for a massive turn at the eleventh hour, where she sees the error of her ways and turns on her Love Island bestie. But the much more likely scenario for Maura to win is that she goes along with Rob, then gets outvoted by the two other Faithful at the Fire of Truth, incidentally banishing him in the process. So, because she is the most likely to be a part of that final group of Faithful, she is therefore the most likely to benefit from a Faithful win.
Euan Cherry/PEACOCK
Make no mistake: The Traitors Season 4 has been the Rob Rausch Show. Probably the most unlikely casting choice for a Traitor has turned out to be one of its most inspired, as the Love Island star has benefited from his low-key personality and Southern charm to project as one of the most "Faithful of the Faithful." All the while, though, he's been making moves behind the scenes, planning savage blindsides of the Faithful and Traitors alike. It's to the point where he's even gotten comparisons to Cirie Fields, who some argue is the best Traitor to ever play the American verison.
Granted, Rob faced far and away the most heat on him last episode. And he was able to escape thanks to Tara and Natalie turning on one another, plus Johnny and Mark backing away from turning on him due to his power of the Dagger. And, given that Johnny still has him top of mind as a Traitors suspect, he's certainly not out of the woods. But, even though he's used the Dagger, he pretty much has a locked-in extra vote in Maura. He and Eric are going to vote together, and Eric has much more suspicion on him than Rob. So, unless the Faithful are going to mount a coup at the eleventh hour, it looks like we'll be watching the snake wrangler slither through to the end, becoming a champion in the process.