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Harry Styles Talks Changes To Lifestyle, Learning To Slow Down Following Hiatus

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 10:21am

Singer-songwriter Harry Styles, formerly of One Direction fame, announced his fourth solo studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally on January 15, 2026, bringing an end to a years-long hiatus away from touring, new music and, for the most part, the spotlight. Now, Styles is reflecting on what his time away taught him and the changes he's made to his lifestyle, even as he returns with a brand-new album and an upcoming tour.

Styles' most recent album was Harry's House, released in 2022, which coincided with his most recent tour, Love on Tour. That concluded in 2023, marking approximately three years since Styles has taken to the road. Fans were anxiously awaiting both new music and new tour dates, but Styles was trying out a lifestyle change—one which had the music star focusing on slowing down and enjoying the little things in life.

Speaking to The Times, Styles shared what his time spent away entailed as well as the long-term lessons he took away from that era.

"At the end of the tour, the idea of taking time out felt insane. I didn’t know if I could do it. But it was the right time for me. We’d finished the tour in July, and I was turning 30 in February. It was time for me to stop for a bit and pay some attention to other parts of my life," Styles said.

The singer continued, "Presented with this time, I drove [to Italy], and I thought, I’m going to enjoy doing this. When I was in Rome, the city just taught me how to slow down. Italy became so important to me because I was so used to everything moving so quickly and being on the go, but then I remember going to a café and sitting and having a coffee and thinking, 'I don’t remember the last time I sat down and had a coffee—if I’ve ever sat down and just had a coffee.' I was suddenly learning, through my friends, that eating a meal is more than just sitting down and refueling. I realized the pleasure in just being in the moment of what you’re doing. The Romans are the best at that; that’s their speciality. The pace they’ve taught me has been so special."

This time away also allowed Styles to experience things he would have missed otherwise. He explained, "Also, in that time, my sister [Gemma Styles] had a baby, and at any other time in my life, I would have missed a lot of that. To be there to get to know my niece as she’s growing up, it’s so obvious to me what’s real. It was really obvious that was where I wanted to be."

Although Styles is now headed back on tour, he expressed the long-term lessons he will take away as he enters this new phase of life.

"It was important to get away from the image I had of myself. Since I was young, I’d been seeing this version of me that other people see and that was constantly being mirrored back at me. That’s especially the case in the way we use social media now, for everyone, and I’m not immune to that. In having time away from everything, it’s allowed me to have conversations with myself on a deeper level that I didn’t have time to explore before. I’ve made small changes, like not having Instagram on my phone anymore. I feel so much healthier in my relationship with this world that I’m stepping back into," Styles said.

Styles' upcoming tour, Together, Together, will begin this May in Amsterdam and conclude in December in Sydney.

Where Travel Experts are Staying in Milan for the 2026 Winter Games and Beyond

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 10:10am

Host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milan, Italy is a city of contrasts. It’s historic yet forward-looking, polished yet deeply lived-in. One moment you’re standing in front of the Duomo, the next you’re ducking into a quiet café in Brera, or experiencing a luxury vintage market on a random street corner, or browsing the latest collections in the Quadrilatero della Moda. Where you stay matters here, not just for convenience but for how the city unfolds and reveals itself around you.

With the Milan Cortina Olympic Games already in motion, the city is undoubtedly experiencing renewed global attention, drawing travelers who want to experience Italy’s design, culture and culinary capital after the crowds. Early spring months like March and April are arguably smart times to visit Milan, landing just after Fashion Week when hotel demand softens and excellent deals emerge across luxury and boutique properties alike. The weather in March, April and May is another advantage, with milder temperatures that make walking neighborhoods like Brera, Navigli and Porta Nuova far more enjoyable than the peak summer, crowded months. Spring also brings a full calendar of exhibitions, art fairs and aperitivo season along the canals, making early 2026 an ideal moment to experience Milan at its most dynamic yet enjoyable.

Between my repeat trips to Milan and the travel journalists, experts and other seasoned travelers I asked, these 7 hotels in Milan are the most highly recommended. Each pick stands out for its location, service and experience, whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a special occasion, or want to be close to the city’s most iconic sights.

Related: What to Do in Milan for the Winter Olympics, According to PBS' Host of Dream of Italy

Best Milan Hotels Best Overall & Best Near Major Sights: Park Hyatt Milano

If proximity or comfortable luxury is your priority, in my opinion, it’s hard to beat Park Hyatt Milano. Located just steps from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the hotel places guests in the absolute heart of the city while maintaining a sense of calm once you step inside.

Like other travelers and experts, I recommend this hotel for visitors who want to maximize sightseeing without sacrificing comfort. I felt the rooms were extremely spacious and quietly luxurious, a rarity in such a central location, and the service was consistently polished.

Traveler reviews frequently highlight how easy it is to walk everywhere, from museums to shopping to aperitivo spots. Though you won’t have to go far for the latter, as Mio Lab—one of the best bars for classic Italian cocktails in the city—is right on-site. Other perks of staying here: Breakfast at the hotel is served under a glimmering glass dome, La Cupola Lounge; you'll also find a subterranean spa with jacuzzi and steam rooms and Beppe D'Elia hair salon within the hotel has truly unique and beautiful, ornamental hair jewelry for purchase.

Pro tip: If you’re honeymooning or looking to splurge, consider staying in one of architect Flaviano Capriotti’s recently redesigned Signature Suites, which amp up the luxury factor with details like local Verdi Alpi marble, rich wood paneling, double-sided fireplaces and custom furnishings.

Simply put—Park Hyatt Milan is the right choice if you want a high-end experience that doesn’t feel overly formal.

Related: I’ve Covered Italy for Decades—Here’s How I’d Do the Milan-Cortina Olympics RIght Now

Best Accessible Luxury: Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife Courtesy of NH Collection Milano CityLife

"Milano is generally more expensive than most other major Italian cities. When I need a place to stay without entirely breaking the bank and simultaneously not sacrificing comfort, Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife has that fair medium," advises travel content creator Kaitlyn Rosati, founder of the travel blog No Man Nomad. "It's not a budget hotel by any means, but in comparison to some other 4 and 5-star hotels in the city, I've found it's the best bang for a soundproof good night of sleep."

Reviewers love the rooftop pool and bar with panoramic city views, a rare perk in the city that makes relaxing after sightseeing especially memorable. Many rooms here have terraces or skyline views, and the nearby City Life shopping district is an alternative draw to Milan's more boutique and luxury-focused shopping scene.

Pro tip: Having at NH Collection Hotels across the world myself, I can vouch for their staff's friendliness, willingness to go above and beyond, and the frequent upgrades I've experienced as a repeat traveler which is always a welcomed perk.

Best Classic Hotel: Hotel Principe di Savoia

For a stay that captures Milan’s grand hotel tradition, Hotel Principe di Savoia remains a favorite. Long considered one of the city’s most iconic addresses, the hotel delivers classic elegance without feeling frozen in time. Rooms lean traditional with rich fabrics and generous layouts, while service is attentive and old-school in the best possible way.

"As a longtime travel writer, one of my golden rules is to never splurge on a city hotel," says Juliet Izon, also author of The Encore."After all, why bother when you're hardly in the room and out exploring instead? But I'll admit I didn't follow my own advice when I traveled to Milan for the first time, drawn hopelessly to the history, elegance and beauty of Hotel Principe di Savoia. There may be no more storied address in the global fashion capital than this Dorchester Collection property, and I can assuredly say that almost a hundred years later, the hotel retains all of its charm."

Izon notes that the staff is kind and the beds are sumptuous. "Even a simple walk through the lobby makes you feel like some sort of minor Italian royal," she adds. "I'd also like to give a special shout out to the travel crib they provided for my daughter, which was the most beautiful collection of children's linens I've ever seen in a hotel."

Guest reviews mirror Izon's experience, so you can expect to be truly looked after here, especially when it comes to concierge recommendations. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who appreciate heritage hotels and want to experience a more formal side of Milanese hospitality.

Related: The One Mistake Tourists in Italy, According to a Local

Best for First-Time Visitors: Room Mate Giulia

Room Mate Collection

First-time visitors need a hotel that makes the city feel approachable, and Room Mate Giulia does exactly that. Located near the Duomo, it offers a central base paired with a relaxed, modern atmosphere that helps newcomers find their footing quickly.

Experts often recommend it for its friendly vibe and smart design. Rooms are compact but bright and comfortable, with playful touches and color palettes that feel current without being distracting. A small spa and sauna are welcomed perks, as is a breakfast buffet that stays open until noon so you never feel rushed in getting the day started.

The staff is frequently praised in traveler reviews for being welcoming and helpful, especially when it comes to navigating the city. For travelers who seek better value and want a stylish stay, Room Mate Giulia is an excellent introduction to Milan.

Best for Fashion and Shopping: Bvlgari Hotel Milano

Few hotels feel as intrinsically linked to Milan’s fashion identity as Bvlgari Hotel Milano. Tucked behind a discreet entrance near Via Montenapoleone, one of the world’s most storied streets for shopping, the hotel feels like a private retreat for those who know exactly where they want to be.

Experts love it for its understated glamour. Rooms and suites are sleek and serene, and the lush private garden is one of the city’s most unexpected luxuries. Complemented indoors by beautiful floral displays, the contemporary luxury of the hotel can be seen in almost every detail, like the spa’s pool with glimmering gold-leaf tiles or its lounge that celebrates the women muses of the storied fashion house through a striking series of photographs.

Traveler reviews often highlight the sense of exclusivity and tranquility, particularly impressive given the hotel’s central location.

Since the hotel is walking distance to the top fashion houses and some of the world’s most luxurious shopping, it’s a favorite and magnet for celebrities and the fashion elite during Fashion Week—Bvlgari Hotel Milano is the right choice if you’re a traveler who wants to shop all day and retreat somewhere that feels calm, luxe yet refined.

Best Dining (& Breakfast for That Matter): Portrait Milano

"I've spent a lot of time in Milan since I usually fly into MXP for my frequent visits to Italy, and after staying in many hotels in the city, my favorite for both convenience and dining is Portrait Milano," says Rosati. "Located in Quadrilatero della Moda, or Milano's Fashion District, Portrait Milano has one of my favorite incentives in Milan with their nightly ‘spaghettata di mezzanotte,’ or free midnight spaghetti. As long as you buy a drink at 10_11 Bar, every night, a cart rolls around serving complimentary spaghetti with oil, garlic, and chilis. This is rooted in Italian traditions where friends would go to someone's apartment to eat this exact dish after a late night of drinking and socializing," she adds.

Beyond the enticing midnight tradition, Portrait Milano is widely celebrated by travelers for its elegant design that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a stylish Milanese home. Those that enjoy this residential-like feel can expect elegant interiors blending historic architecture with contemporary style, and a not-to-be-missed breakfast with a view of the property's "secret garden" complete with Instagram-worthy pastries and cakes.

Related: Stanley Tucci is Heading to the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina

Best Romantic Hotel: The Carlton Milan

The Carlton Hotel Milan

“What the Rocco Forte brand—and more specifically, designer Olga Polizzi—does so well across its entire portfolio is create superbly inviting, refined spaces imbued with history and presence. Each feels cohesive yet distinct, and The Carlton Milan is no exception,” says travel writer and expert Lindsay Cohn. “Set on Milan’s stylish Via della Spiga, the 71-key hotel is intimate and elegant. It's the kind of place you want to steal away to with someone special to sip cocktails at the atmospheric bar, indulge in treatments at the Irene Forte Spa, and sink into plush beds in richly ornamented rooms,” she adds.

Beyond its refined design and intimate scale, The Carlton Milan gets high marks for how seamlessly the staff anticipates needs, from perfectly timed aperitivo hours to thoughtful in-room touches that make each stay feel personal. Rooms are luxurious, cocoon-like in nature, with our experts pointing out that this is the place to stay if you want a sense of privacy, intimacy and effortless elegance for an anniversary, honeymoon or a stylish weekend getaway.

Related: The 8 Best Hotels in London Right Now, According to Travel Experts

Will Stephen King’s 'The Mist' Remake Change That Devastating Ending?

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 10:01am

Mike Flanagan is developing a new film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Mist, with plans to write and direct. The announcement has revived a familiar question. Will this version revisit the ending that made the 2007 movie a pop-culture lightning rod?

The Mist began as a King novella and was adapted in 2007 by director Frank Darabont. The premise is simple: an unnatural mist rolls into a small town, people take shelter and soon experience otherworldly and deadly creatures that they cannot explain. The characters' survival becomes as much about human behavior as it is about what’s outside.

Over time, the film’s legacy has narrowed to its final minutes, which remain one of the most debated endings in modern horror.

Related: Beloved 1980 Stephen King Novel Sets Remake Release Nearly 20 Years After Original Adaptation

Flanagan is an especially notable choice for the remake because his recent work tends to treat horror as character-driven rather than purely driven by external terror. His previous Stephen King adaptations include Gerald’s Game and Doctor Sleep, both of which emphasized emotional stakes and ethical pressure. That approach fits well with what is at The Mist's core; showing how quickly fear can reorganize a group and how belief can escalate without evidence.

Why this remake sparks the same argument immediately

King’s novella and Darabont’s film share the same setup, but they part ways at the finish. The book’s ending is bleak and unsettled, but it also offers a glimmer of hope. The movie chooses a more definitive and brutal ending. That divergence is why any new adaptation raises an obvious question: will it follow the film’s conclusion, return to King’s version, or try a third route?

Spoiler warning

The following describes the shape of the 2007 film's ending, but not the full sequence.

The film’s finale hinges on a desperate and irreversible choice made with limited information, followed by a twist that arrives moments too late. It forces the audience to think about consequences of the decision itself as well as the panic that made the decision feel inevitable.

What to revisit before the new version

The novella is short. It's a relatively quick read and is an obvious place to start if you want to catch all the nuance. And while the 2007 film is remembered mainly for its shocking ending, a rewatch can bring new context to the subtleties of who gains influence, how quickly people accept a convenient story, and what happens when fear overtakes everything. (There is also a 2017 miniseries that diverges considerably from the source material, but if you're looking for a focused way to get the background on adaptations, stick with the novella and 2007 film).

For now, the remake’s headline is the attachment of Flanagan to a King property that still provokes an unusually strong reaction. Whether the next version earns that reaction on its own terms will depend on the one thing audiences already care about...what kind of ending it chooses, and why.

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The Monkees Scored a Top 10 Hit 20 Years After Their First Smash

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:54am

The Monkees were no strangers to chart success, but their final Top 40 hit came two decades after their first smash song.

It was 1987 when The Monkees recorded what would be their final Top 20 Billboard hit. "That Was Then, This is Now" was a way to capitalize on the band's resurgence in popularity after their late '60s series aired on MTV.

However, not all of The Monkees participated in the recording. Only Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz provided vocals for the compilation album Then & Now...The Best of The Monkees.

The accompanying music video was filmed on July 25, 1986, at the Arena at Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. The clip contained a then-and-now series of segments, trying to recreate a '60s vibe while bringing the band into the present day.

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Davy Jones reunited with The Monkees that same year for a 20th-anniversary tour following the single's success. He participated in the recording of the band's first collection of studio songs in two decades, Pool It!, which was released in August 1987.

The album marked the band’s first collection of original songs in many years. It was the first band recording that included Tork since 1968's experimental Head.

RELATED: The Four-Letter Word That Got ‘The Monkees’ Censored

Mike Nesmith opted not to participate in the album's recording. However, he did make a surprise appearance during the tour's stop at Los Angeles' Greek Theater.

Following Pool It!, the band recorded Justus in 1996. It was the first Monkees album to feature all four original members since 1968.

The LP consisted of 12 tracks, from a reworking of 1968's "Circle Sky" to newer tracks "Never Enough," "Oh, What a Night," and "It's Not Too Late."

The album was promoted via The Monkees 30th anniversary tour. Only Dolenz, Tork, and Jones performed for the U.S. dates. Nesmith joined them for the overseas leg of the tour.

The Virginian Pilot spoke to Tork who said of that tour, "We get all ages, and they scream. They actually scream. It's amazing. Sometimes there's three generations sitting together. The age range has changed quite a bit since the '60s. Back then, it was, oh, 13 to 17 or so. Now, it's 13 to 46 or 47."

Micky Dolenz is the sole surviving Monkees member. Davy Jones died in February 2012, Peter Tork in February 2019, and Michael Nesmith in December 2021.

This Is Hands-Down the Biggest Daily Supplement Mistake Doctors See People Make

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:50am

About 75% of Americans take some kind of supplement regularly, making it a common practice in the U.S.

If you're part of that group, it's understandable to wonder about your own supplement intake after seeing yet another person rave on social media about how taking a particular nutrient changed their life. Some supplements have data to support their positive health impacts on things like sleep and mood, which can make navigating this even more confusing. 

If you’re dealing with a health concern or just don’t feel like yourself, taking a supplement probably seems like a good idea—and it very well may be. But this can be a tough area of health to navigate. “Dietary supplements are available over-the-counter and without a prescription, which often leads people to believe that they are safe,” says Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a toxicologist at MedStar Health. 

Couple that with the fact that supplements aren’t tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and doctors have some concerns. “Even though the reported benefits of some dietary supplements are marketed heavily on television, the internet and social media, these claims may not always be backed up by scientific evidence,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. But there’s one common daily supplement mistake that she and other doctors say they keep seeing people make that’s especially troubling. 

Whether you’re considering taking a new supplement or are already on one, doctors say it’s important to be aware of this very common—and potentially serious—mistake. 

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This Is Hands-Down the Biggest Daily Supplement Mistake Doctors See People Make 

Fiordaliso/Getty Images

It’s taking a new supplement without talking to your doctor first. While they often seem harmless, “supplements can have significant drug interactions,” says Dr. Jamie Alan, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. 

Dietary supplements can have serious side effects, including liver damage, Dr. Johnson-Arbor points out. “They can contain contaminants, and may also interact with other medications."

Related: The One Supplement To Avoid if You’re a Woman Over 50, According to a Gerontological Nutritionist

Beyond that, there’s likely a reason you’re taking a supplement—and you’re not getting it checked out if you’re hoping it will go away with supplements, says Dr. Daniel Chandler, M.D., primary care physician at Tufts Medical Center. “If you’re taking a supplement, it’s probably due to a symptom or side effect that you have undiagnosed,” he says, noting that taking a supplement instead of seeing a healthcare provider will only delay your care and increase the odds that the underlying issue will get worse.

Ultimately, doctors want you to check in with a licensed healthcare provider before taking a new supplement. “I would recommend checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting to avoid any potentially concerning interactions,” Dr. Alan says. 

Related:I Took Magnesium Before Bed for 6 Months and It Completely Transformed My Sleep

Some Supplement Ingredients Are More Concerning Than Others

The most concerning supplement ingredients are those with potential drug interactions or that have their own side effects. “Some dietary supplement ingredients can interfere with how the human body processes, or metabolizes, medications,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. “This means that the use of certain supplements can increase or decrease the effectiveness of other medications, potentially leading to toxicity or ineffective treatment.”

St. John’s Wort is one of the most concerning supplements doctors flag for this reason. “It can interact with numerous medications, including blood thinners and oral contraceptives, leading to an increased risk of bleeding or unintended pregnancy,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains. 

Calcium supplements can interact with levothyroxine, bisphosphonates (like alendronate and ibandronate), and certain types of antibiotics, leading to reduced absorption and decreased effectiveness of the prescription medications, according to Johnson-Arbor.

Even garlic supplements can increase bleeding risk, and ginseng can interact with blood thinners, Dr. Chandler points out. Further, a vitamin K supplement may reverse the impact of warfarin, a common blood thinner, making it less effective, Dr. Chandler says. Even biotin, which plenty of people take to support hair and nail growth, can mess with medical testing. “If you’re taking a lot of biotin and we test your kidney function, it will make your kidneys look worse than they actually are,” he notes. 

Unfortunately, those are just a few to be wary of. “There are others, too,” Dr. Alan says. 

Related: Gastroenterologists Are Begging People To Avoid This One Common Fiber Mistake

Is It Ok To Take Multivitamins Without Talking to Your Doctor?

Multivitamins seem pretty mild, and Dr. Alan says they generally are. “Most multivitamins have very minimal drug interactions and should not be a problem for most people,” she says. 

Most components in a multivitamin are water-soluble, which means you’ll pee out anything you don’t need, Dr. Chandler says. “It may be a waste of money, but generally not much harm,” he says. 

Still, if you’re taking medication, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor before taking any kind of new supplement, even a multivitamin. “Even the benign-sounding vitamins and minerals found in multivitamin supplements can interact with certain medications,” Dr. Johnson-Arbor says. 

Overall, doctors just want you to be open with a healthcare provider about your supplement use, whether it’s a multivitamin or a specific nutrient. “I’m worried about drug interactions and your kidneys,” Dr. Chandler says. 

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125 Math Trivia Questions for Kids and Adults

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:40am

If you're looking for a way to make your next get-together with family and friends more fun, engaging and even educational, try out some of these mathtrivia questions to get everyone's brains going. Who doesn’t enjoy being challenged with fun—yet tough—questions with a bit of competition thrown in? At the very least, you’ll walk away from the game having gained more mathematical knowledge to impress people with in the future.

For some of us, calculating numbers just does not come easily, but for others, it's a load of fun! Hosting a math trivia night can help to make arithmetic more fun and hopefully more easily accessible for everyone. Grab some fun snacks, put on some entertaining music and get the party started!

If you’re looking for a wide variety of trivia questions and answers for your next game night and you just can't get enough algebraic knowledge, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. Below, we have math trivia for kids, questions about famous mathematicians, mathematical symbol trivia, hard math questions and so much more. There’s bound to be something that everyone will enjoy in the list!

Related: Give Your Mind a Workout! 101 Brain Teasers That'll Improve Your Memory

125 Best Math Trivia Questions

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  1. Question: What fraction represents the odds of flipping a coin four times in a row and each time it landing on heads?
    Answer: 1/16.
  2. Question: Binary number systems, often found in computer programming, use only which two digits?
    Answer: 0 and 1.
  3. Question: What number is the product of every prime number that is less than 10?
    Answer: 210. (2x3x5x7=210)
  4. Question: What do you get if you divide 30 by ½ and then add 10?
    Answer: 70.
  5. Question: What is the square root of -1 called?
    Answer: Imaginary number.
  6. Question: What comes after a trillion?
    Answer: Quadrillion, then quintillion.
  7. Question: Which term refers to any non-prime whole number other than 0 and 1?
    Answer: Composite number.
  8. Question: This number equals the sum of any integer and its negative.
    Answer: 0.
  9. Question: The length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs whose lengths are 6 and 8 is what number?
    Answer: 10.
  10. Question: In Einstein’s famous equation, E=MC², the constant used to express the speed of light is represented by which letter?
    Answer: C.
  11. Question: Using only addition, how do you add eight 8’s and get the number 1000?
    Answer: 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1000.
  12. True or False: -40ᵒ Celsius is equal to -40ᵒ Fahrenheit.
    Answer: True!
  13. Question: What value represents the sum of the first five prime numbers?
    Answer: 28. (2+3+5+7+11=28)
  14. Question: What mathematical constant represents the natural logarithm of 1?
    Answer: 0.
  15. Question: What is the product of the first three prime numbers?
    Answer: 30. (2x3x5=30)
  16. Question: Solve: - 15+ (-5x) =0.
    Answer: x=-3.
  17. Question: Roll three 6-sided dice to generate three place value digits. What’s the biggest number you can make out of these digits? What’s the smallest number you can make?
    Answer: The biggest is 666 and the smallest is 111.
  18. Question: Is 51 a prime number?
    Answer: No.
  19. Question: 5 people give each other a present. How many presents are given altogether?
    Answer: 20.
  20. Question: What number is equal to the number of square inches in a square foot?
    Answer: 144.
  21. Question: What statistical measure of central tendency represents the middle value in a data set when the numbers are arranged from smallest to largest?
    Answer: Median.
  22. Question: When I was 12 my brother was half my age. I’m 40 now, so how old is he?
    Answer: 34.
  23. Question: I have 20 candies. If I share them equally with my friends, there are 2 left over. If one more person joins us, there are 6 candies left. How many friends am I with?
    Answer: 6 people altogether, so 5 friends.
  24. Question: What is 1.92÷3?
    Answer: 0.64.
  25. Question: This number equals the sum of the first three perfect cubes.
    Answer: 36 (1+8+27=36).

Related: 185 Trivia Questions for Teens To Get the Party Started (And Test Your Smarts)

Math Trivia Questions for Kids
  1. Question: Is zero an even number?
    Answer: Yes!
  2. Question: What is the smallest prime number?
    Answer: 2.
  3. Question: What is 50% of 14?
    Answer: 7.
  4. Question:  A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 run away. How many does he have left?
    Answer: 9, the ones that didn't run away!
  5. Question: First celebrated in San Francisco in 1988, what mathematical holiday is celebrated annually on March 14th?
    Answer: Pi Day.
  6. Question: How many sides does a pentagon have?
    Answer: 5.
  7. Question: Which word describes an angle greater than 90 degrees?
    Answer: Obtuse.
  8. Question: Which value is the only whole number that cannot be represented using Roman Numerals?
    Answer: 0.
  9. Question: Which number looks the same upside down as it does right side up?
    Answer: 8.
  10. Question: A movie theater screening starts at 2:35 pm. The movie lasts for 2 hours, 32 minutes, after 23 minutes of previews. It takes 20 minutes to get home from the movie theater. What time should you tell your family that you’ll be home?
    Answer: 5:50 pm.
  11. Question: How many feet are in a mile?
    Answer: 5280.
  12. Question: 5 people meet; each shakes everyone else’s hand once. How many handshakes take place?
    Answer: 10.
  13. Question: A fraction is known as improper if it is greater than what number?
    Answer: 1.
  14. Question: If you have 30 red socks, 20 white socks, and 10 blue socks, how many will you pick to get at least 1 matching pair without looking?
    Answer: 4.
  15. Question: 3 monkeys share a bunch of bananas. The first monkey takes 3 bananas. The second monkey then takes half of the remaining bananas. The third monkey takes the last banana. How many bananas were in the original bunch?
    Answer: 5.
  16. Question: Which type of symmetry can be found in Starfish, whose limbs radiate from one central point?
    Answer: Radial symmetry.
  17. Question: Eight of my pets aren’t dogs, five aren’t rabbits, and seven aren’t cats. How many pets do I have?
    Answer: 10 pets. (5 rabbits, 3 cats, 2 dogs)
  18. Question: I add six to 11 and get five. How is this correct?
    (Hint: What time is it?)
    Answer: Adding 6 to 11, referring to adding hours on a clock. So after 12, the count resets, so 11 + 6 = 5 o’clock.
  19. Question: I am a number, but when you add ‘G’ to me, I go away. What number am I?
    Answer: One. Add a 'G' and that makes 'gone!'
  20. Question: How do you make 7 even?
    Answer: Remove the 's'!
  21. Question: A group of people collects $529. If each person contributes an amount in dollars equal to the total number of people in the group, how many people are in the group?
    Answer: 23 people (23 x 23 = 529).
  22. Question: When is “8 + 10 = 6” true?
    Answer: When you’re telling time! (8am + 10 hours = 6pm)
  23. Question: Which type of symmetry can be found in butterflies, whose wing patterns form a vertical mirror image?
    Answer: Bilateral symmetry.
  24. Question: A mouse costs $10, a bee costs $15, and a spider costs $20. Based on this, how much does a duck cost?
    Answer: $5 ($2.50 per leg).
  25. Question: What unimaginably large number can be represented by 10 raised to the power of 100?
    Answer: A Googol!

Related: 202 Pop Culture Trivia Questions and Answers to Test Your Celebrity IQ

Famous Mathematicians Trivia
  1. Question: Which famous French physicist and mathematician is best known for formulating Pascal’s Triangle?
    Answer: Blaise Pascal.
  2. Question: Which famous British computer scientist and mathematician is known for leading the team of cryptographers who broke the German Enigma Code during World War II?
    Answer: Alan Turing.
  3. Question: In which 2014 film does Benedict Cumberbatch play Alan Turing? It highlights how his team cracked the German Enigma Cold during WWII.
    Answer:The Imitation Game.
  4. Question: In the famous Netflix show Stranger Things, the young characters frequently refer to which branch of mathematics as it relates to an alternate dimension, which they call the upside down?
    Answer: Quantum mechanics.
  5. Question: Which famous Greek mathematician and author of The Elements is known as the “Father of Geometry?”
    Answer: Euclid.
  6. Question: In the 2016 film Hidden Figures, three African-American women mathematicians—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson—contributed to the launch of which NASA space mission?
    Answer: The Mercury-Atlas 6 Mission. (John Glenn's famous orbit of Earth)
  7. Question: Also known as Leonardo of Pisa, which famous Italian mathematician is best known for discovering a sequence where each number is the sum of the two previous numbers?
    Answer: Fibonacci.
  8. Question: In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, actor Jeff Goldblum played Dr. Ian Malcom, a mathematician who specialized in what mathematical principle?
    Answer: Chaos theory.
  9. Question: Which famous English mathematician, credited as the inventor of calculus, also had a deep interest in alchemy and spent many years of his life conducting secret experiments in the hope of discovering the fabled Philosopher’s Stone?
    Answer: Sir Isaac Newton.
  10. Question: Which famous German mathematician has a rival claim to Sir Isaac Newton as the inventor of calculus?
    Answer: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
  11. Question: In which famous fiction novel by author Dan Brown does the main character solve puzzles and other historical mysteries by using the Fibonacci sequence and other math-related clues?
    Answer:The Da Vinci Code.
  12. Question: Which famous mathematician and philosopher developed the Cartesian coordinate system in the 17th-century?
    Answer: René Descartes.
  13. Question: In this 2001 film, Russell Crowe plays real-life mathematician John Nash, who is best known for his contributions in the field of game theory. What film is this?
    Answer:A Beautiful Mind.
  14. Question: Which mathematician developed continental drift, a mathematical model that explains the movements related to plate tectonics?
    Answer: Alfred Wegener.
  15. Question: Which famous architect is known for using complex geometric concepts and designs in his works, which include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California?
    Answer: Frank Gehry.
  16. Question: Which famous German mathematician is best known for his contributions in the field of statistics and the Gaussian distribution, which we know today as the normal distribution curve?
    Answer: Carl Friedrich Gauss.
  17. Question: Who said, "I never failed in mathematics… before I was 15, I had mastered differential integral calculus"? Hint: He also created E = mc2.
    Answer:Albert Einstein.
  18. Question: Which famous Greek mathematician is known for having accurately calculated the circumference of the planet Earth using only shadows and some simple geometry?
    Answer: Eratosthenes.
  19. Question: Who is considered to be the "first true mathematician"?
    Answer: Thales.
  20. Question: Which mathematician provided the exact numerical value of pi, developed a system for large numbers to be expressed and the method of exhaustion?
    Answer: Archimedes.
  21. Question: In which 1997 film does Matt Damon’s character play a Harvard janitor who is also a natural genius in mathematics?
    Answer:Good Will Hunting.
  22. Question: Which mathematician is recognized as the world's first computer programmer?
    Answer: Ada Lovelace.
  23. Question: Which famous Iranian mathematician became the very first woman to win the Fields Medal for mathematics in 2014?
    Answer: Maryam Mirzakhani.
  24. Question: Which mathematician worked on abstract algebra and the theory of equations? He also set forth a solution to the polynomial equation.
    Answer: Évariste Galois.
  25. Question: Often found in tile patterns and in the artwork of M.C. Escher, what concept refers to the repeated arrangement of interlocking figures and shapes?
    Answer: Tessellations.

Related: 35 Pi Day Trivia Questions and Answers You Don't Want To Miss

Mathematical Symbols Trivia
  1. Question: What’s the value of π?
    Answer: 3.14.
  2. Question: If 5x = 20, what is x?
    Answer: 4.
  3. Question: Found naturally in pinecones and sunflowers, the spiral arrangement of structures and seeds follows which geometric sequence?
    Answer: The Fibonacci Sequence.
  4. Question: In gambling and investing, the term “Perms and Combs” is often used, where “Perms” refers to Permutations, a set where the order matters, and “Combs” refers to a set where it does not. What is that set called?
    Answer: Combinations.
  5. Question: The ≥ symbol represents what phrase?
    Answer: Greater than or equal to.
  6. Question: In math, the "!" symbol is used to indicate a _____, which represents the product of the sequence of every positive integer leading up to the given number.
    Answer: Factorial.
  7. Question: This mathematical constant represents the ratio between a circle’s circumference and its diameter.
    Answer: π. (Pi).
  8. Question: In math, ∠EFG can be used to describe an angle with a vertex at which point?
    Answer: F.
  9. Question: Rounded off after two decimal places, the mathematical constant pi (π) is often approximated as what number?
    Answer: 3.14.
  10. Question: The cornerstone of Newton’s Law of Gravity, which mathematical constant is equal to approximately 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N(m/kg)²?
    Answer: G (The Gravitational Constant).
  11. Question: Dedicated to the goddess Athena, which famous Greek temple is believed to feature the Golden Ratio in its architectural design?
    Answer: The Parthenon.
  12. Question: This mathematical constant represents the ratio between a circle’s circumference and its radius.
    Answer: τ (Tau).
  13. Question: What does the ∞ symbol represent the concept of?
    Answer: Infinity.
  14. Question: What’s 0! (zero factorial)?
    Answer: 1.
  15. Question: In set theory, the ∅ symbol represents which set?
    Answer: Empty.
  16. Question: Rounded off after two decimal places, the Golden Ratio (φ) is often approximated as what number?
    Answer: 1.62.
  17. Question: The fraction (8x⁴)/(2x) reduces to what number?
    Answer: 4x³.
  18. Question: The ∑ symbol, known as sigma, is used to represent what?
    Answer: Summation.
  19. Question: What mathematical constant represents the square root of negative one?
    Answer: i (imaginary number unit).
  20. Question: In calculus, the ∫ symbol represents what?
    Answer: Integral.
  21. Question: In set theory, the ∪ symbol represents the what of two sets?
    Answer: Union.
  22. Question: In exponential mathematics, e⁰ is equal to this integer.
    Answer: 1.
  23. Question: The √ symbol is used to denote the what of a number?
    Answer: Square root.
  24. Question: In math, the ≈ symbol, which resembles a wavy equals sign, is to represent what?
    Answer: Approximation.
  25. Question: Due to their unique molecular structure of ice crystals, snowflakes always form what type of prism?
    Answer: Hexagonal prism.

Related: 101 Science Trivia Questions and Answers To Test Your Knowledge

Hard Math Trivia Questions
  1. Question: An icosahedron is a polyhedron with 20 faces, each of which is what shape?
    Answer: A triangle.
  2. Question: What is the sum of all the angles in an octagon?
    Answer: 1080°.
  3. Question: What number should come next in this series? 36, 34, 30, 28, 24
    Answer: 22.
  4. Question: Linda is 54 years old and her mother is 80. How many years ago was Linda's mother times her age?
    Answer: 41 years ago. Linda was 13 and her mother was 39.
  5. Question: A dad is 42 years old, and his son is 6. So, in how many years will the father’s age be four times his son’s age?
    Answer: In 6 years (father will be 48, and the son will be 12, making 42 = 4 × 12).
  6. Question: Is 64 both a perfect square and a perfect cube?
    Answer: Yes.
  7. Question: What number should come next in this series? 22, 21, 23, 22, 24, 23
    Answer: 25.
  8. Question: If 1=3, 2=3, 3=5, 4=4 and 5=4, then 6=?
    Answer: 3 (the word 'six' has three letters).
  9. Question: Which mathematical constant is used as the base value of the natural logarithm and can be approximated to 2.72?
    Answer: e (Euler's Number).
  10. Question: A prism has the same relationship to a pyramid as a cylinder does to a what?
    Answer: Cone.
  11. Question: There is a three-digit number. The second digit is four times as big as the third digit, while the first digit is three less than the second digit. What is the number?
    Answer: 141.
  12. Question: Which mathematical property of numbers states that the order of the terms when performing addition or multiplication does not affect the end result?
    Answer: The Commutative Property.
  13. Question: On a farm, there are ducks and cows. There are 18 legs and 7 heads in total. How many ducks are there?
    Answer: 5 ducks and 2 cows.
  14. Question: A school has 120 students. 75 of them play baseball, 60 play soccer, and 30 play both. How many students play neither sport?
    Answer: 15.
  15. Question: The sum of the interior angles in a triangle will always equal what number?
    Answer: 180.
  16. Question: The day before yesterday, I was 25. The next year I will be 28. This is true only one day in a year. What day is my Birthday?
    Answer: December 31.
  17. Question: If 13 x 12 = 651 & 41 x 23 = 448, then, 24 x 22 =?
    Answer: 924.
  18. Question: What classification refers to any number that can not be expressed as a fraction with an integer in the numerator and an integer in the denominator?
    Answer: Irrational number.
  19. Question: One friend jumps every 1/3​ of a minute. Another jumps every 31 seconds. When will they jump together?
    Answer: After 620 seconds.
  20. Question: What number comes next in this series? 53, 53, 40, 40, 27, 27
    Answer: 14.
  21. Question: Which field of mathematics is concerned with the sines, cosines, and tangents of angles?
    Answer: Trigonometry.
  22. Question: How do you get an answer of the number 100 by using four sevens (7’s) and a one (1)?
    Answer: 177 – 77 = 100 or (7+7) * (7 + (1/7)) = 100.
  23. Question: What number is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by both 6 and 8?
    Answer: 24.
  24. Question: In 1975, John Playfair simplified Euclid’s famous axiom about what—claiming they will never meet?
    Answer: Parallel lines.
  25. Question:If 72 x 96 = 6927, 58 x 87 = 7885, then 79 x 86 = ?
    Answer: 6897.

Up Next:

Related: 80 Space Trivia Questions and Answers That Are Out of This World

Fitness Legend Denise Austin Turns 69 and Wows Followers by Dancing in a Floral Bikini: ‘This Is 69!!!'

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:38am

Fitness tycoon Denise Austin is stepping into 69 in a bikini and looking great.

The workout legend, who rose to fame thanks to her line of exercise tapes and DVDs that got millions of Americans moving, went on to become a force in the movement for activity and even served as a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Now known for her Fit Over 50 magazine and app, the dynamo is still going strong. On Friday, she took to Instagram to share a photo of herself stepping outside on her 69th birthday in a floral bikini. With her bouncy blonde hair and phenomenal body, it's hard to believe she's 69. It's safe to say her dedicated fitness regimen is working well!

View this post on Instagram

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Austin Loves a Throwback Post

In a recent Instagram post, Austin shared a photo of herself wearing one of her old white leotards in 1988. Flash forward to 2026, and Austin still has the same leotard and wears it with style.

“Here I am in 1988 ..The ‘then’ photo is from one of my first VHS cover photoshoots!! And the ‘now’ is from my recent Fit Over 50: Vitality for Life Magazine cover shoot!! So fun!” Austin captioned the photo set.

View this post on Instagram She Recruited Her Daughter, Katie, for Side-by-Side Photos

In a recent side-by-side Instagram post, Denise shared a photo of herself from back in the ’90s wearing her trademark blue leotard and a bright yellow jacket. In the present-day photo, her daughter Katie Austin wears the same outfit. Clearly, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree!

View this post on Instagram Why She Keeps Those Legendary Leotards

Since many people wonder why Austin has held onto her treasure trove of ’80s leotards, the workout queen recently shared that they’re important keepsakes from her past.

“I saved all of my leotards from back in the day, from the ‘80s and ‘90s, which I used to wear on my videos and on my TV show,” she told Fox News. “I’m so happy I kept them all because [my daughter] Katie loves to wear them. My other daughter, Kelly, loves to wear them too."

Related: Fitness Icon Denise Austin, 68, Sports Same White Leotard Over 37 Years Later in New Side-By-Side Photo

David Cassidy Hated This Hit 1971 Partridge Family Song — Here’s Why

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:37am

In the early 1970s, David Cassidy shot to fame as the lead singer of the Partridge Family. The made-for-TV band, which featured Cassidy, his stepmother Shirley Jones, and several session musicians, scored multiple hits during their accompanying sitcom’s heyday from 1970 to 1974, including “I Think I Love You“ and “I Woke Up in Love This Morning.”

But there’s one song that Cassidy absolutely hated—and he threatened to quit The Partridge Family TV show over it.  The song was “Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted,” and it was a single from the group’s second album, Up to Date, which was released in February 1971.

In his 1994 memoir, C’mon, Get Happy…Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus, Cassidy admitted that he “balked’ when he was presented with the song.

“I didn't think ‘Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted’ was a good song at all, and I hated the idea that they wanted me to talk—not sing—in the middle of it,” he shared.

Cassidy feared the "talking" gimmick was too commercialized and revealed that music producer Wes Farrell freaked out when he refused to sing it.

“I had no say in what I was to perform, I was just supposed to follow orders,” Cassidy wrote. “I swore to them I’d never talk on a record. I almost quit the show over the issue.”

The actor and singer recalled producers shutting down production on The Partridge Family while they hashed the issue out with Screen Gems and Bell Records. While he felt the song would be the “kiss of death” for his career, Cassidy finally obeyed his manager and went through with the recording session.

“Even after we finished making that record, though, I begged them not to release it,” Cassidy reiterated in his book. “It was horrible. I was embarrassed by it.”

David Cassidy hated his vocals on the song

“Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 2 million copies. But Cassidy, who died in 2017 at age 67, never really made peace with the original recording.

In an interview posted by The Lost 45s, he described the song as “one of the worst vocal performances in the history of recording.”

“It was with such restraint, and they had me do that little talking bit in the middle, which is the most embarrassing moment in my entire career!” he added. “That one was a real difficult pill for me to swallow, because I really didn’t like the song.”

RELATED: 1970 No. 1 Hit Ranked One of  the ‘Top Love Songs of All Time’ Was by a Made-for-TV Band

Cassidy explained that producers thought his singing voice was too “husky," so they would adjust the track speeds to make him sound younger. “They did that on that particular record and I really hated it,” he said.

He also credited the  massive success of the band’s previous hit, “I Think I Love You,” for fueling “Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted.”

A change of tune

Early on, Cassidy expressed his disdain for his Partridge Family persona. In 1972, he told Rolling Stone, “There’ll be a time when this whole thing will be over. … I’ve had to sing when I was hoarse. I’ve had them with a gun at my head, almost, saying ‘Record, ’cause we’ve gotta get the album out by Christmas!’ I’ll feel really good when it’s over.”

Despite his annoyance with it all, Cassidy eventually performed "Doesn’t Somebody Want to Be Wanted” in his concerts. In one of his final shows before his death, The Partridge Family star introduced the song as “extraordinarily lame” when he first recorded it, but admitted he grew to enjoy it. Cassidy even hammed it up when he got to the spoken word part.

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The 2026 NBA All-Star Game Has a New 3-Team Format: Here's When and How to Watch

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:27am

You've never seen an NBA All-Star Game like this. Not only is the annual event moving to NBC and Peacock, but it’s also tipping off much earlier—5:00 p.m. ET—because of the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.

But the biggest change is happening on the court: The NBA's new 3-team, round robin tournament replaces the traditional 48-minute game. Confused? You are not alone, but we've got you covered.

Read on for everything to know about this weekend's 2026 NBA All-Star Game and events—including full rosters, how to watch and a complete explanation of the new format.

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What time does the 2026 NBA All-Star Game start?

Because of NBC's Winter Olympics coverage—plus the new four-game format—the 2026 NBA All-Star Game has a significantly earlier start time than in previous years. The action starts at 5:00 p.m. ET.

How to watch and stream the game

You can watch the game on NBC or you can stream it live if you have a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.

Related: Sprite Fans Score New Collectible Cans Thanks to NBA Collab

What is the new USA vs. World format?

Instead of one 48-minute match, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature a three-team round-robin tournament. The teams are as follows:

  • Team World: The league's best international players
  • USA Stars: The top next-gen American hoopers
  • USA Stripes: The elite NBA veterans

The event consists of four mini-games. Each of the first three games will be played as a single 12-minute quarter.

  • Game 1: Team World vs. USA Stars
  • Game 2: USA Stripes vs. the Winner of Game 1
  • Game 3: USA Stripes vs. the Loser of Game 1
  • The Finals: The two teams with the best records will face off in the Championship Game. (If every team finishes with a 1–1 record, the two finalists will be determined by point differential.)
  • The Stakes: To encourage competition, each player on the winning team will take home $125,000.
Who is playing in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game? While LeBron James and Steph Curry are both NBA All-Stars, Curry will sit out the 2026 game due to injury.

Photo by Michael Owens on Getty Images

USA Stars
  • Anthony Edwards — Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Cade Cunningham — Detroit Pistons
  • Chet Holmgren — Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Devin Booker — Phoenix Suns
  • Jalen Duren — Detroit Pistons
  • Jalen Johnson — Atlanta Hawks
  • Scottie Barnes — Toronto Raptors
  • Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers
USA Stripes
  • Brandon Ingram — Toronto Raptors
  • De'Aaron Fox — San Antonio Spurs
  • Donovan Mitchell — Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Jalen Brunson — New York Knicks
  • Jaylen Brown — Boston Celtics
  • Kawhi Leonard — Los Angeles Clippers
  • Kevin Durant — Houston Rockets
  • LeBron James — Los Angeles Lakers

Note: Steph Curry was voted a starter, but will not play due to injury.

Team World
  • Alperen Şengün — Houston Rockets
  • Deni Avdija — Portland Trail Blazers
  • Jamal Murray — Denver Nuggets
  • Karl-Anthony Towns — New York Knicks
  • Luka Dončić — Los Angeles Lakers
  • Nikola Jokić — Denver Nuggets
  • Norman Powell — Miami Heat
  • Pascal Siakam — Indiana Pacers
  • Victor Wembanyama — San Antonio Spurs

Note: Karl-Anthony Towns and Norman Powell were originally on the USA Stripes roster, but following Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injuries, they moved to Team World in order to balance the tournament.

Related: Meet NBA Star Steph Curry’s Favorite Teammate: His Wife, Ayesha Curry!

Who is performing at the 2026 NBA All-Star game? Brandy will perform the National Anthem.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez on Getty Images

John Tesh

The Long Island native will perform "Roundball Rock"—his iconic NBA on NBC theme song—before the game starts.

Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan—who hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia—will sing the Canadian National Anthem, "O Canada."

Brandy

The triple threat singer, songwriter and actress will perform the U.S. National Anthem.

Who is competing in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest today?
  • Carter Bryant — San Antonio Spurs
  • Jaxson Hayes — Los Angeles Lakers
  • Keshad Johnson — Miami Heat
  • Jase Richardson — Orlando Magic

One notable absence this year is three-time slam dunk champion Mac McClung, who declined to participate while he focuses on signing a long-term NBA contract.

Who is in the NBA All-Star 3-Point Shootout today?
  • Devin Booker — Phoenix Suns
  • Kon Knueppel — Charlotte Hornets
  • Damian Lillard — Portland Trail Blazers
  • Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers
  • Donovan Mitchell — Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Jamal Murray — Denver Nuggets
  • Bobby Portis — Milwaukee Bucks
  • Norman Powell — Miami Heat
When are the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout?

The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The start time is much earlier so that it does not conflict with NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics.

How to watch and stream the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout

The competitions will air live on NBC and Peacock.

Next up: LeBron James’ Net Worth in 2026 and How the Basketball Superstar Became a Billionaire

Craft Lovers Need This $15 Storage Bin With Removable Inserts From Aldi

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:25am

If you've ever dumped out a tote of craft supplies just to find one tiny bead or the exact shade of embroidery floss you need, you already know the struggle. Crafts are fun. Hunting through chaos? Not so much. That's why every serious DIY fan needs a smart storage solution that keeps everything visible, organized and easy to grab. As usual, Aldi has quietly delivered an Aldi Find that makes getting organized feel much more satisfying.

The Kirkton House Storage Bin with Removable Inserts is just $14.99 at Aldi, and it's basically a dream storage solution for anyone into crafts. Designed with six removable inserts, this bin lets you customize your setup depending on what you’re working on. The bin measures approximately 15.75 inches long, 11.81 inches wide and 8.85 inches high, and each insert is perfectly sized for smaller supplies. Whether you're separating beads from buttons or organizing thread, ribbon and stamping tools, this Aldi find adapts to your creative process.

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Kirkton House Storage Bin with Removable Inserts, $14.99 at Aldi

Aldi

What makes this Aldi storage solution especially useful for crafts is the flexibility. Working with tiny seed beads one week and scrapbooking supplies the next? Keep the inserts in to create smaller compartments, or remove them to fit larger items such as paint tubes, fabric or paper pads. The removable trays make it easy to grab just what you need for a project instead of hauling your entire craft stash to the kitchen table.

Portability is another win. Many crafters don't have a dedicated studio, so supplies move from room to room. A sturdy bin with inserts helps keep delicate items from shifting, mixing or breaking in transit. If you've ever opened a container to find your carefully sorted buttons completely jumbled, you know why this matters. It protects your investment in your crafts while saving you time and frustration.

It's also a major efficiency upgrade. Instead of rummaging through drawers or multiple boxes, you can see and access what you need quickly. That visibility makes projects smoother and cleanup faster. And let's be honest, the easier it is to tidy up, the more likely you are to start your next creative project without dread.

Aldi is known for practical, affordable finds, and this Aldi find fits right in. For $15, you get a customizable storage solution that works for beads, markers, embroidery floss, card-making supplies and more. If your craft corner is starting to look more chaotic than creative, this simple fix can keep your supplies organized and your inspiration flowing.

Related: Aldi Is Selling a Versatile $8 Home Upgrade That's a Lifesaver on Laundry Day

Walmart Has a 3-Pack of ‘Very Toasty’ Fleece-Lined Joggers on Sale for $24

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:15am

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While there are a plethora of layering options to keep your upper body warm, it’s difficult to add additional layers to your bottom half. That’s why thick pants are essential for the winter. If your thickest pair still leaves you shivering, you may want to consider adding this trio of Galaxy by Harvic Fleece Jogger Sweatpants from Walmart to your closet. 

This set of joggers normally retails for $59, which is already an amazing price considering you’re getting three pairs! However, they’re currently on sale at Walmart, so you can nab the entire pack for just $24! 

Galaxy by Harvic 3-Pack of Fleece Jogger Sweatpants, $24 (was $59) at Walmart

You can choose either regular or cargo-style sweatpants in 11 color combinations. Hues include gray, navy, black, red, olive, and more! The sizes range from small to 2XL, and reviewers said they fit true to size. However, these pants are designed with a loose-fit, so you may want to size down if you prefer a sleeker silhouette. 

Crafted from a cotton and polyester blend, these sweatpants are designed to keep you warm even during the coldest of days. One shopper commented that they feel “warm and cozy” and said that the pants are “great for colder fall days and really cold winter days.” A second reviewer said “they are very toasty and perfect for longer periods outside.”

They’ve racked up over 4,100 five-star ratings, with many reviewers raving about the plush fabric and comfy fit. The interior is lined with fleece, and shoppers described the material as “incredibly soft” and “so comfortable.” These pants feature a ribbed elastic waistband designed to follow your movements without digging into your waist. They also have an adjustable drawstring so you can perfectly tailor the band to your fit.

Related: Walmart’s $4 Hoodie Is 'Soft,' 'Cozy,' and It Comes in 24 Colors

There are thick cuffs at the hem, giving these pants the classic jogger design with a tapered silhouette. While stylish and trendy, they’re also functional, preventing cold air from entering and trapping in your body heat. The sweatpants also have two roomy side pockets with zipper closures to keep your belongings secure. Customers noted that the pockets are deep enough to fit their phones. Certain styles have two additional cargo pockets.

Striking the perfect balance between comfort and style, these pants will keep you comfy and cozy all day while adding a sporty aesthetic to your look. Create a relaxed sweatsuit by styling them with a sweatshirt and sneakers. If you want to dress them up, tuck the legs into a pair of boots and throw a sweater and jacket on top for a cozy, wintery outfit. Alternatively, if your home tends to get cold in the winter, these pants are cozy enough to lounge around in. 

Why wait until the official Black Friday when you can now score the Galaxy by Harvic Three-Pack of Fleece Jogger Sweatpants for just $30 right now? That’s $10 per pant! Be sure to hurry and snag a set from Walmart while your preferred style and size are still in stock — they’re already flying off the shelves! 

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This Irish Castle is the Ultimate Wuthering Heights-Inspired Valentine's Retreat

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 9:10am

If the release of Emerald Fennell's new Wuthering Heights film has you craving windswept moors, ancient stone walls and a love story for the ages, you don’t have to settle for the silver screen. Tucked away on 500 acres in County Clare, Ireland,Dromoland Castle offers a real-life portal into the "Romantasy" world that readers and moviegoers are currently obsessed with (legend has it Charlotte Brontë actually honeymooned right here in County Clare, perhaps drawing inspiration from the wild, rugged coastlines for the very worlds the sisters created). With its misty lakes and jagged turrets, Dromoland feels like a Brontë novel come to life, situated on the cusp of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and conveniently located a mere 15 minutes from Shannon Airport. "From the moment you drive up the avenue and see the first glimpse of the Castle and LoughDromoland and the castle turrets, you immediately feel like you have been transported back in time," says Resort General Manager Mark McSorley.

Related: I Went to Ireland in the Fall, And Here Are the 10 Things You Must Do if You Visit

A Lineage of Kings and Forbidden Love

D

Dromoland’s magic lies in its ability to blend myth, history and atmosphere. The castle itself is a striking example of Gothic Revival baronial architecture, rebuilt in the early 19th century for the O’Brien clan, who are direct descendants of Brian Ború, one of Ireland’s last High Kings. According to McSorley, the history is as dramatic as any script, as "tales of forbidden love, deceit and strong male and female family characters run right through the O Brien lineage." Guests can step directly into these stories with a castle historian or wander the 500-acre estate, where "solitude and peace are never far away with the ancient woodland to roam, peppered with wild deer and ancient yew trees." For those seeking the whimsy of a Brontë setting, the grounds feature a temple built by Sir Edward O'Brien in honor of his beloved racehorse, Sean Buí, which still offers "a sweeping view down a tree lined avenue towards the Castle."

Related: The Cozy Delaware Riverfront Town That's Quietly Becoming a Favorite Weekend Escape

Living the Fairytale in the Turrets

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With 96 guest rooms and suites, Dromoland offers a stay for every kind of romantic fantasy, ranging from "a gracious stateroom filled with character and fine antiques" to "a cozy nook in the turrets." While these structures date back to the 1600s, there has been a significant surge in demand for turret accommodations lately, driven by travelers looking to immerse themselves in the "romantasy" aesthetic. McSorley notes that the turret rooms are especially beloved because "they harp back to a time of childhood and of prince and princess romantic fairytales, and everyone wants to feel like royalty at some time in their life." For longer stays, multi-room suites with private corridors add a sense of seclusion that feels quietly aristocratic and deeply intimate. The interior public rooms further retain this country house character, featuring "high-ceilinged halls, classic fireplaces, chandeliers, and period furnishings that echo aristocratic tastes of the 19th century."

Dining by Candlelight and Harp Earl of Thomond

Brian Arthur

Dining at Dromoland reads like a scene from a gothic romance, particularly within the Earl of Thomond, the castle’s signature restaurant. It "transports guests back to a bygone era, with sweeping chandeliers, high ceilings and venetian drapery." McSorley notes that "guests really feel like they have stepped into a chapter of a love story set in a grand castle," as they dine by candlelight accompanied by the castle harpist. For the full experience, the Tasting Menu offers "a taste of Clare from many local artisan producers," and the restaurant ensures all palettes are catered for with a dedicated vegan Tasting Menu. The room provides "one of the best in the castle with views out over Lough Dromoland," making it a show-stopping moment for a first visit to an Irish castle.

Related: Yes, Disneyland Paris Has a Fine-Dining Restaurant and Its Michelin-Starred Chef Serves Dishes Straight Out of the Films

Winter Magic and the Wild Atlantic Way

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While many flock to Ireland in the summer, wintertime offers a specific kind of moody, romantic magic. "Winter in Ireland is truly special as the summer days are replaced by wintry Irish skies, where fireplaces blaze at the Castle," says McSorley. Beyond the gates, the setting is perfectly positioned for exploration, with guests drawn to the "world renowned Cliffs of Moher" and the "karse landscape of The Burren, a UNESCO site that takes travelers of the grid to truly switch off." After a day of exploring fishing villages like Doolin and Liscannor, there is no better way to settle in than with "a hot Irish whiskey in hand or a comforting Afternoon Tea in the Gallery." It's a place "perfect for travelers seeking escapism, emotional storytelling and an immersive, storybook experience."

Related: Disneyland Paris Reveals New World of Frozen Experience—And It’s Giving Us Literal Chills

Markiplier Opens Up About the Blowout Success of His 'Iron Lung' Film Adaptation

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:59am

You may not have known the name Markiplier prior to several weeks ago. Markiplier (real name Mark Fischbach) is a popular YouTuber and gamer known in particular for his commentary on horror games like Five Nights at Freddy's. He's used to reaching massive audiences online. What he didn’t expect, he told Slasher Radio in a recent interview, was seeing his first feature film, Iron Lung (based on David Szymanski's indie horror game) climb to the top of the U.S. box office, then stay there long enough to make an impact.

Speaking with host Bones, Markiplier described the moment the scale of the release started to register. It was when the theater count kept rising. That was when the 'shock' set in that people were actually going to see it on the big screen. When opening weekend arrived and Iron Lung landed at #1, he was in disbelief.

'You know for that first Thursday, Friday, Saturday and we were number one,' he says. 'I was just like, I'm going to make so many jokes about this. This is super funny. And I thought it was going to be one day. And then I got another day. I'm like, okay, all right, enough guys. You can stop watching it.'

A key part of the conversation centered on how the film was made: independently, and with Markiplier determined to keep control.

'Content creators aren't treated with the most respect, for good and bad reasons,' he said. 'They're not taken seriously as much, and that's kind of the thing that I'm trying to change. And when I've been able to self finance and produce something for me, in my rare circumstance where I have a large following, I don't have to take a deal that's going to give up control of this movie,' he explained.

That choice, he explained, was also impacted by how long he had to work to get his shot. It was '14 years to launch and have success in a project,' he said. 'That's a long time, but it's not the longest anybody's waited to get their chance. So yeah, I think that carrying it across the threshold and doing it independently kind of is important in that aspect.'

Markiplier also said filmmaking wasn't necessarily always the plan. He said he always wanted to make higher-production work, and expected his experience would build gradually with larger crews, bigger shoots, and more complex projects, until a feature film became the next step. Even then, he described the cycle of his confidence collapsing mid-process.

Related: These New Horror Movies Will Make You Jump Out of Your Seat—Plus, a Full Release Schedule

The longer grind on Iron Lung really hit after he has written the script back in 2022.

'I only had weekends to work on it. I have a bunch of other things with my YouTube channel and podcast and clothing company so really I only had time on weekends to to make it happen, which is why it stretched so long,' Markiplier explained. 'And then I had to live my own life, you know. My my wife and I we got married. We'd been planning that for like a year and so there was a lot of tenuous scheduling. Yeah, it was a threeish year total grind to get it to this point,' he says.

On adapting Iron Lung from Szymanski’s game, Markiplier said the priority was capturing the game’s atmosphere: confinement, uncertainty, and tension. He described conversations with Szymanski about the larger world around the story, and the challenge of expanding the experience without breaking the rules that made the game work.

Before wrapping, Bones asked about a Five Nights at Freddy’s crossover with Dead by Daylight. Markiplier said it wasn't really his thing, but he supports creative collaborations if they’re handled with respect. If something fails, he said, it still matters that people tried.

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How a 1962 Country Hit Broke Barriers and Became an All-Time Great Love Song

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:52am

In 1962, a groundbreaking country song not only broke barriers but also captured hearts to become one of the most enduring love songs of all time.

Ray Charles revolutionized American music by blending soul with country in the albums Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (Volumes 1 & 2). His innovative approach not only broke racial and genre barriers but also brought country music to a wider, more diverse audience.

Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music (Volumes 1 & 2) was the first country album recorded by a Black artist to achieve crossover and mainstream success.Billboard placed "I Can't Stop Loving You" at No. 10 on their list of Top 50 Love Songs of All Time.

The outlet wrote, "Back in 1958, Don Gibson wrote two songs one hot afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn., 'Oh Lonesome Me' and 'I Can’t Stop Loving You.' Four years later, Charles only needed to hear the first two lines of the latter before deciding to record it for his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music."

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Per the Country Music Hall of Fame, Charles' soulful renditions of “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Born to Lose” helped those songs become crossover standards. The entertainer embraced country music as a key element of his repertoire beginning in the 1960s and continued to do so throughout his career.

"I Can't Stop Loving You" hit the top of the Billboard music charts on June 2, 1962. The song remained on the charts for an astonishing 18 weeks in total.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Willie Nelson shared his thoughts on Charles' influence on the genre in a statement shared on the Country Music Hall of Fame website. “Here’s Ray Charles doing country songs, introducing those songs to millions and millions of people who, otherwise, would have never had a chance to hear them.”

Additionally, Nelson told The Tennessean in 2006, “When Ray did ‘I Can't Stop Loving You,’ that was probably the time when country music was heard by more people than ever before. He kicked country music forward 50 years. Before him, a lot of people had probably never heard of songs by Don Gibson or Hank Williams.

The official OPRY website shared Charles's remarks about his love of country music from his 1978 autobiography, Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story. “I just wanted to try my hand at hillbilly music. After all, the Grand Ole Opry had been performing inside my head since I was a kid in the country.”

Charles was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022. He was honored by the OPRY in 2018, celebrating his profound impact on country music.

Ray Charles died at 73 on June 10, 2004.

A Fresh New Bakery Find at Costco Brightens Winter Mornings

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:46am

If you're a regular Costco shopper, you know the bakery is often where the best surprises show up. This week, a new breakfast option has joined the lineup, offering a bright twist that feels especially welcome in the final weeks of winter.

Cranberry Orange Bagels have been spotted in stores, bringing a citrus-forward flavor to the fresh selection. If you have tried their cranberry-orange bisconies in past seasons, you already know how appealing this sweet-tart pairing can be. Combined with the freshness shoppers expect, this addition has the potential to become a go-to morning pick.

You can see the new find in a TikTok posted on February 12 by @discovering_costco:

@discovering_costco

This is my favorite so far!! Meet the cranberry orange bagel 👀 A sweet-tangy twist on a bakery classic—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or toasting with cream cheese. If you spot this new Costco bake, grab it while it’s fresh 🛒✨ #costcohaul #costcobakery #bagel #costconew #bakedgood

♬ Homemade With Love - JongJunior

Citrus flavors can bring balance to baked goods, and these bagels lean into that contrast. Small pieces of cranberry and orange are visible throughout, adding color and texture to each slice. As @discovering_costco noted, they have a pleasant aroma, and the flavor is a mild orange-cranberry blend. The value only adds to their appeal, with a dozen Costco bagels priced at $7.99. Because they are packaged in two six-count sleeves, you can also mix and match flavors.

Related: Two Bakery Favorites Return to Costco as a Sweet Midwinter Pick-Me-Up

Like other Costco bagels, they are generously sized, making them perfect for a quick breakfast and more. Toasted with butter, they offer a simple, comforting start to the day, while cream cheese adds richness that balances the fruit notes. For anyone who enjoys building breakfast sandwiches, the subtle citrus brightness pairs well with eggs, bacon, sausage, turkey, or chicken without overpowering other ingredients.

Costco's bakery bagels.

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How to Store and Freeze Costco's Cranberry Orange Bagels for Maximum Freshness

Bagels have a dense crumb and chewy crust, which helps them hold up well during storage. They can also be frozen to maintain quality and extend shelf life when wrapped properly to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.

If you plan to freeze them, slicing first makes it easier to toast straight from the freezer. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture freezing and storage guidance, frozen breads maintain optimal quality for about three months, though they remain safe beyond that if kept continuously frozen. When ready to use, they can be thawed at room temperature or toasted directly from the freezer.

For short-term storage, keeping bagels in a sealed bag at room temperature is usually sufficient for a few days.

As with many Costco bakery items, availability can vary by location as new products arrive. For anyone who enjoys trying seasonal additions, this citrus-inspired bagel offers an easy way to change up the morning routine.

'60s TV Darling Honors Late Husband With New Love-Themed Book 'Romancing With the Stars'

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:37am

For Kathy Garver, this Valentine’s Day carries a deeper meaning than most years.

The Family Affair star is celebrating the release of her new book, "Romancing With the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories," a project that arrives just months after the loss of her husband of nearly five decades, David Travis.

“It is here!! So excited!” Garver wrote on Facebook, announcing that the book is now available in hardback, soft cover and ebook formats. “'Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories has finally emerged' … We know you are going to enjoy it and find new insight into increasing your own relationships with your loved ones while admiring and receiving insight into how and why our selected marriages last so long!”

RELATED: 'Family Affair' Star Kathy Garver Makes Major Career Announcement After Grammy Nom

Co-written with Doug Hartline, the book explores enduring Hollywood love stories and the qualities that helped those relationships stand the test of time. Garver describes it as both “entertaining and moving,” with carefully fact-checked stories designed to inspire readers in their own relationships.

But the theme of lasting love is especially personal for the 80-year-old actress.

Last August, Garver shared the heartbreaking news that Travis had passed away from cancer.

RELATED: Rarely-Seen 'Family Affair' Child Star, 65, Nearly Unrecognizable in Recent Public Sighting

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my dear, sweet husband David Travis, who passed away from cancer early in the morning of August 30, 2025,” she wrote at the time.

Reflecting on their nearly 50-year marriage, Garver described her husband as “the real celebrity in our family” and “my best friend and the love of my life.”

“When we married nearly 5 decades ago, I worried if he could really be happy with a very public person like myself,” she wrote. “It is true what they say about opposites attracting one another.”

RELATED: ’60s TV Darling ‘Filled With Gratitude’ For Grammy Nom at 80 Years Old

On her website, she said the lyrics to Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” came to mind when she thought of Travis, calling him private, hard-working and endlessly supportive throughout her decades in television, film and voiceover work.

Now, with "Romancing With the Stars" debuting on Valentine’s Day, Garver is inviting readers to reflect on love in all its forms, from classic Hollywood romances to her own deeply personal story.

Fans have already embraced the release. After Garver shared a photo of the page where her own chapter begins, one commenter wrote, “We all know that is a great couple with a wonderful love story.”

RELATED: From Child Star to Grammy Nominee, Kathy Garver Vows ‘I’m Not Done Yet’

In response to a fan asking whether an audiobook version is planned, Garver confirmed she will be recording one soon — a fitting next step after earning her first Grammy nomination for her audiobook narration of Carol Connors' memoir Elvis, Rocky and Me.

For Garver, whose career has spanned more than six decades, this latest project represents both a professional milestone and a heartfelt tribute to a love story that shaped her life.

As she wrote in her Valentine’s message to fans: “It will make a great present for your loved one. Just saying! ❤️ 💕”

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Elvis' Granddaughter Riley Keough Has 'That Presley' Look in New Magazine Cover 

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:34am

Riley Keough is carrying on her famous family's striking genes.

Keough, the eldest granddaughter of the late Elvis Presley, recently posed for a new fashion magazine cover, where her resemblance to her family members was on full display.

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Riley Keough Poses in Chanel For 'Stunning' Magazine Cover

Keough, 36, graces the cover of the next Harper's Bazaar Germany issue, which shows the Daisy Jones & the Six star sporting an oversized tweed jacket and a silky, multilayered cream skirt, both designed by Chanel.

In the cover shot, Keough sports jet-black hair, much like her grandfather's signature color, that brings out her distinctive facial features and highlights just how strong the Presley family genes are.

View this post on Instagram

Keough uploaded a photo of the magazine cover to Instagram on Saturday, Feb. 14, where some of her followers took to the comments to note how "stunning" the actress looks.

"Beautiful picture," one of her fans wrote under the post, while another pointed out, "That Presley in you."

How Many Grandchildren Does Elvis Presley Have? 

Riley Keough is the oldest of Elvis' four grandchildren.

Lisa Marie Presley, the King of Rock and Roll's only child, was a mother to three daughters and one son. She shared her two youngest daughters, 17-year-old twins Harper Vivienne Ann and Finley Aaron Love, with ex-husband Michael Lockwood.

Lisa Marie welcomed Riley, as well as her son Benjamin Keough, during her first marriage to Danny Keough. Benjamin tragically preceded his mother in death when he died by suicide at the age of 27 in July 2020. 

Lisa Marie died less than three years later in January 2023 following a small bowel obstruction. She was 54.

Prior to her death, Lisa Marie became a grandmother to Riley’s first child with husband Ben Smith-Petersen, a daughter named Tupelo Storm, who was born via surrogate in August 2022. 

Riley and her husband have since welcomed a second child, though the child’s name has not been revealed publicly.

Related: Lisa Marie Presley's Teen Daughter Replicates Her Mom's Signature Smolder in New Photo

The Italian Way To Make Chocolate Cake 10x Better, According To Legendary Chef Lidia Bastianich

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:33am

There’s a specific, soul-stirring chemistry that occurs the moment chocolate meets roasted hazelnuts. For many of us, it's a "jar and a spoon" kind of memory, a nostalgic comfort tucked away in the back of the pantry. But in Italy, this legendary pairing, known as gianduja, is more than a snack—it's a cultural heartbeat.

It's a flavor profile I've spent a lifetime admiring, from the heady scent of toasted nuts wafting through the squares of Florence to the quiet corners of my own kitchen. Recently, I did a deep dive into the classic combo by tasting and ranking the best chocolate hazelnut spreads on the market, but I quickly realized that while a swipe of spread on toast might satisfy a fleeting craving, truly elevating these flavors into a centerpiece dessert requires the touch of a master.

Enter Lidia Bastianich. The Emmy-winning chef, cookbook author, and matriarch of Italian cooking has a rare gift for stripping a dish down to its soul, and her Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake (or Torta Gianduia) is the perfect example.

Bastianich’s secret to making a chocolate cake ten times better isn’t found in a complicated professional technique or an esoteric gourmet ingredient. Instead, it’s a bold, "more is more" embrace of one of Italy’s favorite pantry staples. As Bastianich tells Parade, "The two most recognized Italian dessert flavors are hazelnut and chocolate. Adding this gianduja to a chocolate cake screams Italian flavor and deliciousness."

By folding an entire jar of the spread directly into whipped egg whites, Bastianich transforms a simple chocolate cake into a decadent, nutty celebration dessert. It's a reminder that sometimes the most luxurious results come from the most straightforward ideas.

To confirm that this cake was as delicious as I suspected, I whipped it up at home. Read on to learn exactly how to make it—plus, info and intel from the chef herself.

Related: The Award-Winning 74-Year-Old Cake Recipe That’s Full of Vintage Charm

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What Makes This Cake So Special?

Bastianich's Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake, which is known as Torta Gianduia in Italian, takes the classic chocolate-hazelnut pairing and turns it into a proper dessert. Flourless by design, this Northern Italian cake skips height in favor of richness, delivering a dense, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that feels worlds apart from a standard American chocolate cake, which is known for being tall and fluffy.

Her recipe pushes the indulgence even further by folding the creamy richness of a full jar of chocolate-hazelnut spread into freshly ground, toasted hazelnuts. This one-layer wonder may look humble on the cooling rack, but its true decadence reveals itself with the first bite. Naturally moist and intensely nutty, it bridges the comfort of a childhood favorite with the elegance of classic Italian dolci.

In Italy, gianduja is more than just a flavor. The combination has deep historical roots and was born from the spirit of resourcefulness.

"Gianduia...had its origin in the Middle Ages," Bastianich explains. "Cocoa, a product used to make chocolate, was being imported and was expensive. To extend the volume of the chocolates being made, hazelnuts were added to the mix." What began as a practical solution eventually became a beloved confection.

For Bastianich, that connection to the past is personal. "Chocolate was a special treat when I was young in the aftermath of WWII," she remembers. "We used to eat it with bread and almonds and walnuts, but I recall the explosive flavor in my mouth when I had the first Gianduja chocolatino."

That sense of awe, the idea that something so simple could feel so extravagant, is baked right into her Torta Gianduia. In the end, this dessert isn’t about excess. It’s about concentration: of flavor, of history, of pleasure. A small slice goes a long way, and that’s exactly the point.

Ingredients Needed

Courtesy Theresa Greco

For Bastianich, great baking comes down to great ingredients and simplicity. "This cake exemplifies this," she says.

To make this dessert, you'll need unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, bittersweet chocolate, lightly toasted hazelnuts, eggs, sugar, a jar of chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella), kosher salt and brandy.

Related: I Tried Ina Garten's Famous Chocolate Cake and It's the Love of My Life

How To Make Lidia Bastianich's Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake

When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

To build the cake’s chocolate backbone, melt four ounces of bittersweet chocolate in a double boiler and set it aside to cool slightly.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

While the chocolate rests, toast the hazelnuts in the oven until they smell extra nutty, which should take about 15 minutes. Remove the nuts from the baking sheet and wrap them in a kitchen towel while they're still warm.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Rub the towel aggressively back and forth to remove the skins from the nuts. Grind the toasted, skinned hazelnuts in a food processor until fine but not pasty.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Next up: the eggs, which are key to achieving this cake’s unique texture. By separating the eggs, Bastianich ensures both structure and lift: the yolks bind the rich spread into a silky batter, while the whipped whites “trap” millions of tiny air bubbles that expand in the oven.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Once you've separated the eggs, you'll start with the whites. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Set the whites aside. In a separate bowl, use the paddle attachment to cream one stick of butter with an entire jar of your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread until light and aerated.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Beat in the egg yolks, a pinch of kosher salt and a tablespoon of brandy, which adds flavor and helps emulsify the dense spread into a smooth, cohesive batter. Stir in the melted chocolate and ground hazelnuts.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

To lighten the mixture, stir about a quarter of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate base, then gently fold in the remaining whites, taking care not to deflate them.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

Let the cake rest for ten minutes before removing the springform ring, then cool completely before serving.

Related: The Italian Way To Make Mac & Cheese 10x Better, According To Legendary Chef Lidia Bastianich (Exclusive)

Lidia Bastianich's Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake: My Honest Thoughts

As a self-proclaimed devotee of both Nutella and deep, dark chocolate cakes, I can say with full confidence that this recipe is next-level. It isn't just a dessert; it is an experience in texture and taste. The density of the crumb, the rich, thick chocolate-hazelnut profile, and the silky texture were all perfectly on point.

Every bite of Bastianich’s Torta Gianduia feels like a sophisticated upgrade to a childhood favorite, a testament to her expertise as a matriarch of Italian cooking. When you follow her lead and lean into high-quality ingredients, the results are truly transformative.

I won't lie to you, though, the procedure is a bit involved. Between the double boiler, the food processor, the stand mixer and the multiple bowls for separating eggs, my kitchen was a total wreck by the time the cake went into the oven.

Courtesy Theresa Greco

However, the moment that first warm, nutty aroma began to fill the air, the mountain of dishes in the sink became a distant memory. It was so incredibly worth the effort, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My only lingering thought is how this would taste with authentic Piedmontese hazelnuts sourced directly from Italy. Consider this my official note to self: it's time to plan another trip to Italy for that purpose alone.

Related: I Tried the Viral 2-Ingredient Japanese Cheesecake Hack and the Internet Is 100% Correct

What To Serve With This Dessert

CTheresa Greco

While this cake is an absolute showstopper on its own, I went straight to the expert to see how Bastianich would round out the experience. Her favorite accompaniment?

"I love to have a caffè ristretto, corretto—corrected with a teaspoon of grappa," she tells Parade. "It brings my favorite Italian dessert palate to my senses."

There's something undeniably elegant about a sharp, bitter espresso cutting through the velvety richness of hazelnut spread. However, if you’d prefer to linger over a glass of wine, I have a pairing that might just rival coffee. A Sicilian Marsala, such as Florio Superiore Riserva, complements this cake beautifully, with subtle nutty notes that echo the chocolate and hazelnut and a gentle sweetness that balances the cake’s richness. It’s an indulgent pairing, and my favorite way to enjoy this dessert.

3 Tips for Making This Dessert

If you're giving this recipe a go in your kitchen, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Temperature matters

For a smooth batter that mixes together easily, it's best to have your ingredients at room temperature. About 30 minutes before you start cooking, set out the butter and the chocolate hazelnut spread. Pull the eggs out of the fridge and separate them into bowls. They'll be easier to separate when they're cold, but will mix into the batter better at room temperature.

2. Prep the pan

To make sure the tender cake releases easily from the pan, it's important to butter and flour the pan well. You can also use cocoa powder instead of flour to dust the pan, which will disappear against the color of the cake.

3. Let it cool

It's tempting to dig into the cake while it's still warm, but the cake will slice more easily and taste its best when it's fully cool. To make sure the cake comes out of the pan cleanly, release the sides of the springform pan after the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely on the pan bottom. When you're ready to serve the cake, slide a spatula (or two) under the cake and carefully transfer it to a platter.

Up Next:

Related: I Tried Giada's Easy Tiramisu and It's an 'Undeniably Good' Make-Ahead Dessert

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Amazon Has a 'Sleek' and 'Spacious' Storage Cabinet for 37% Off That Gives Off Modern Farmhouse Vibes 

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:30am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

It's frustrating when your home doesn't have enough space for your everyday essentials. That's why we're always looking for ways to upgrade our space so that it's convenient and doesn't overcrowd our other furniture. Usually the best solution for extra storage is a cabinet, and it just so happens that Amazon has a great storage cabinet on sale for 37% off right now.

The Sauder Select Storage Cabinet was originally priced at $270, but has been reduced to $170 in the white and oak hues. The black and gray colorways are also on sale but for a slightly higher cost of approximately $15 more. The cabinet is 16.1 inches long, 29.61 inches wide, and 71.1 inches tall, so it's fairly sizable to store a large amount of items but narrow enough that it won't take up an overwhelming amount of space.  

Sauder Select Storage Cabinet, From $170 (was $270) at Amazon

Courtes

The cabinet, made of engineered wood, contains double-doors with magnets that you can open easily but also ensure it stays closed. There are four adjustable shelves that account for different size items. Therefore, the furniture can assimilate as anything — pantry, home office, and craft storage. The overall design offers a modern style so that it can be placed in nearly any room, and a more farmhouse-feel with the wooden colorways like oak. 

Over 900 Amazon shoppers have already stocked up on this cabinet in the past month, citing it as "perfect for additional space." With over 2,280 five-star reviews, customers described the "sleek" cabinet as "spacious," "sturdy," "lightweight," and "very functional." There is some assembly required but shoppers assured in the reviews that it's fairly "easy" to put together. Plus, the shipping is quick, so you can organize yourself in no time. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Super Comfy' $80 Bean Bag Lounge Chair Is Perfect for Gaming and Movie Nights

"The box itself was super well-packed, and even had thick cardboard attached to each edge for extra support," another shopper said. This shopper recommends laying all of the pieces out before assembling to ensure best results.  

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 Pick up this convenient storage cabinet while it's 37% off on Amazon! 

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7 Romantic Destinations Travel Insiders Are Booking in 2026—And One Is a U.S. National Park

Sat, 02/14/2026 - 8:10am

When it comes to romance, we often wait for the "big zero" birthdays (40th, 50th, 60th...), the 25th anniversary, or the retirement party to finally book that dream trip. But waiting for a milestone is the fastest way to let a decade slip by without a passport stamp.

Expert travelers Kathryn Romeyn and Kelli Acciardo, authors of the highly anticipated new book, The Bucket List Romantic Escapes: 1000 Ideas for Couples’ Adventures (Rizzoli, March 2026), have scoured the globe for the most swoon-worthy spots. Their advice for travelers looking for a little romance is clear: Stop circling dates on next year’s calendar.

"There’s no greater adrenaline rush than booking a spur-of-the-moment trip," Acciardo says. "A just-because escape somewhere sexy and new can be all it takes to reignite that spark, slow down and rediscover the thrill of experiencing an unfamiliar place together."

Whether looking for a wellness reset, the convenience of a two-bathroom suite (the real key to a happy marriage!) or a hidden gem that hasn't been ruined by social media, these are the 7 most romantic places to visit once in a lifetime.

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View this post on Instagram 1. The High-End Adventure: Japan

If you're looking for a destination that prioritizes peace and high standards, Kathryn says Japan is the non-negotiable choice. It’s the perfect place for couples who want to trade the usual resort experience for a different form of discovery. In Japan, that feeling is rooted in a cultural philosophy called Omotenashi—the practice of anticipating a guest’s needs before they are even expressed.

The Draw: "It’s just exquisite," says Romeyn. "Soaking in steamy private onsen hot springs, searching for star-shaped sand on an island beach, or paddling a canoe through the reflection of Mt. Fuji." It’s the ultimate high-end recharge that feels surprising and unforgettable.

Related: I'm a Travel Advisor—This is the Destination I've Booked Most in the Past Six Months

2. The Romantic Value Find: U.S. National Parks

You don't need a private jet to experience a world-class "spark." Acciardo points out that some of the most profound romantic moments are hidden in our own backyard for the price of a $30 entry fee.

The Draw: For a budget-friendly but high-impact date, look to the stars—literally. Acciardo suggests the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve for next-level stargazing or watching the synchronized fireflies in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. It’s raw beauty that allows you to focus on each other rather than a hefty bill.

Related: 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg (and Pigeon Forge)

3. The "Money is No Object" Splurge: Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique

For those ready to cash in the "rainy day" fund for something truly spectacular, Romeyn points to this private island retreat. This is for the couple that wants 360-degree service and total seclusion.

The Draw: "Kisawa Sanctuary is an absolutely spectacular, truly one-of-a-kind place, oozing with romance and privacy," Romeyn shares. Expect private starlit dinners of made-to-order pizzas served from a tuk-tuk and villas that offer at least an acre of private space. "It is the literal definition of paradise."

4. The Domestic Boutique Gem: The Point, Upper New York State

If you prefer a Gilded Age aesthetic over a modern beach club, this 11-key retreat on Saranac Lake is a smart splurge that removes every ounce of travel friction.

The Draw: This former Rockefeller estate is the only Adirondack Great Camp open to the public. "It feels worlds away and uniquely yours," says Acciardo. "Spend your days snowshoeing for spiked toddies in the winter, or taking an electric wooden boat out for a spin in summer. It’s the true epitome of secluded romance."

Related: Psst...This Catskills Retreat Hosts a Secret Weekend Just for Dog People

5. The Lowcountry Luxury: The Dunlin, South Carolina

For a location-based convenience play that feels like a warm hug, look to the banks of the Kiawah River. It’s accessible Southern charm at its most refined.

The Draw: Acciardo is incredibly fond of the escapes found in the romance-soaked Lowcountry. Specifically, The Dunlin on Johns Island. Here, you'll find green gingham, wicker and a landscape "thrumming with the sounds of wrens and swaying marshland." It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend that feels like a week-long escape.

6. The European Fairytale: Venice, Italy

While many 2026 trends point toward "dupe" destinations, Romeyn insists that some classics are classics for a reason. Venice remains the gold standard for a reason: no cars, just connection.

The Draw: "Venice is just a total fairytale," Romeyn says. "There’s something so romantic about not being able to get in a car and instead walking everywhere, ideally hand-in-hand, or going by boat." It’s the ultimate pedestrian-friendly luxury.

Related: The Luxe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Is Adding an Enchanting New Route—and the Destination Is a Dream

7. The "Spark Rekindler": African Safari

If you’ve been together for decades and feel like you’ve "seen it all," it’s time to head to the bush. There is nothing like a high-stakes wildlife encounter to bring a couple closer together.

The Draw: "To me, the ultimate spark rekindler is an African safari," says Romeyn. "Being that close to spectacular wild animals is electrifying. On safari, you’ll discover an entirely new world together, and maybe unearth new parts of your relationship, too."

And if you take one piece of advice from these experts, let it be this: Explore the edges of your comfort zone. As Romeyn puts it, "Don’t play it safe. Opening yourselves up to an unexpected place, together, will bring you that much closer."

Rizzoli

The Bucket List Romantic Escapes: 1000 Ideas for Couples’ Adventures is available for pre-order now and hits shelves March 3, 2026.

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