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'70s Legend's Classic Song Hits 1 Billion Streams After 49 Years
Music legend Bill Withers reached a remarkable milestone after one of his classic tracks made it to Spotify’s Billions Club.
Known for his smooth and soulful voice, he is the legend behind timeless hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me,” making these his signature songs.
Today, his enduring impact is celebrated by many as the music streaming platform adds his song to its curated Billion Club playlist.
For the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, his 1977 song "Lovely Day" crossed the one billion stream mark 49 years after its release.
In a post shared by Spotify, Withers’ song was featured among January's latest additions to the platform’s elite playlist.
View this post on InstagramThe late singer-songwriter joins fellow award-winning singers like Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” Pink for her song “Try” as well as Lorde for her 2013 track “Ribs.”
Unfortunately, he wasn't able to witness the milestone after Withers died at the age of 81 in 2020.
From Chart-Topping Hit to Guinness World Record ContenderAccording to reports, the “Ain’t No Sunshine” hitmaker passed away due to heart complications as confirmed by his family at the time.
Written by Withers himself alongside renowned songwriter and producer Skip Scarborough, “Lovely Day” was part of his sixth studio album Menagerie.
The song features an iconic mix of R&B and soul melodies, making it instantly recognizable, especially because of its smooth and laid-back groove.
Posed portrait of Bill Withers, 1972.Gilles Petard/Redferns via Gett
Besides the upbeat melody, the lyrics focus not only on having a good day but also on having a connection or relationship that harbors a positive vibe despite the challenges.
According to a report by Volt, the song was inspired by his co-writer whom he described as an “optimist."
"Skip was a very nice, gentle man," he said, adding "The way Skip was, every day was just a lovely day. He was an optimist. If I had sat down with the same music and my collaborator had been somebody else with a different personality, it probably would have caused something else to cross my mind lyrically. It was a combination of the music and the person and the ambiance in the room."
With its cheerful beat and uplifting lyrics, “Lovely Day" became a chart-topping success, reaching No. 7 on the U.K. Singles Chart.
On top of this, Withers’ song holds one of the longest sustained notes in American pop music history, lasting an impressive 18 seconds, as mentioned by the Guinness World Records.
On the other hand, Withers’ song making it to Spotify’s Billion Club proves its lasting appeal across generations.
Related: ‘80s Rock Band’s Classic Song Hits 1 Billion Streams After 47 Years
New TikTok Trend Has Target Employees Fuming: 'Just Stop'
I'll be honest, I don't totally hate this trend. If I were a teenager again, I probably would be doing the same thing with my friends and my digital camera (iPhones were nowhere to be found). It feels harmless on the surface. But while some Target employees love the new trend making the rounds on TikTok, others are begging shoppers to stop.
The Seasonal Aisle Photoshoot TrendA recurring TikTok and Instagram trend shows creators staging full-on photoshoots inside Target's seasonal aisles. Think Valentine's Day decor, pumpkin-filled Halloween displays or sparkling Christmas shelves. Influencers and teens pose with themed merchandise, style mini shoots among heart-shaped pillows or holiday garlands and post away.
The appeal is obvious. Target's seasonal sections are bright, colorful and perfectly styled. They're basically ready-made backdrops that change every few months. Instead of building a set or buying decorations, creators can walk into a store and instantly have an aesthetic scene. Some even highlight specific Target finds as part of their content, blurring the line between shopping trip and content creation.
Target's own social media sometimes leans into this energy, showcasing new collections in a way that feels interactive and photo-friendly. So it's not shocking that shoppers have taken the idea and run with it.
Why Some Employees Want This Trend to EndWhile the trend may look fun online, some Target employees are less amused. A Reddit thread discussing a viral Valentine's Day photoshoot sparked plenty of commentary. One person wrote, "People will do anything to get that sweet, sweet internet attention." Others joked that at least the displays might end up properly zoned if shoppers are rearranging things to make them look cute.
Related: Target's 'Hysterical' $5 Stoneware Mug Is the Ultimate Anti-Valentine's Day Find
But the bigger concern from employees is disruption. Photoshoots can leave seasonal aisles messy, especially if items are moved around for the perfect shot and not put back correctly. During high-traffic periods such as holidays, staff are already working hard to restock popular items. Having groups linger for extended periods to film content can slow that down and make it harder for actual shoppers to browse.
Some commenters said stores may even ask people to leave if they're clearly not shopping and are just using the space for content. Others noted they've seen similar behavior at Dollar Tree, especially in stores located near high schools where teens gather after class.
Ultimately, the trend falls into a gray area. For many shoppers, it feels playful and harmless. For employees tasked with keeping shelves organized and customers moving smoothly through the store, it can be frustrating. If you're tempted to join in, the key is simple: be quick, be respectful and leave the aisle exactly how you found it. That way, everyone can enjoy Target's seasonal magic without the side of employee eye rolls.
Related: Target Just Stocked a $12 Tee That Was Everywhere in the 2000s
‘RHOBH’ Alum Taylor Armstrong Issues Apology Amid Jill Zarin Firing Drama
Though no longer on Bravo or E!, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong felt compelled to respond to her Super Bowl Instagram Story post, which appeared to criticize Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.
During the Super Bowl, Armstrong shared an image of herself in a gladiator costume alongside the viral cat meme, writing, “Were you entertained? I am embarrassed for the NFL and Apple for the Super Bowl halftime show totally in Spanish with a Cuban flag!!”
Armstrong's comments came at the same time former Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin posted a video blasting Bad Bunny's performance. Zarin's video quickly went viral before she deleted it, which led to her being fired from the upcoming E! series The Golden Life, which featured original and early RHONYcast members. Zarin has since been replaced by Dorinda Medley for the show.
Zarin has apologized for the video, and now Armstrong has shared her own apology in an Instagram Story. "I sincerely apologize and plan to learn from this in the future," Armstrong wrote. "America is special because people from every culture and background can come here, share their talent, and make their dreams come true. That diversity is something I truly respect."
Armstrong insisted that she didn’t intend to offend anyone’s culture or language with the post. "And I'm deeply sorry to those who I have hurt," she wrote. "I should have taken more time to reflect on my thoughts instead of impulsively posting misinformation in the moment. I apologize to the Latin community and anyone else I may have offended. I'm always learning, always growing, and I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my heart and move forward with more thoughtfulness."
Despite posting on her Instagram Story, Armstrong’s posts drew a slew of angry comments, with many saying they are no longer fans of hers. Since leaving RHOBH, Armstrong has appeared on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Season 2 and The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 17.
Princess Diana’s Tragic Death Profoundly Affected John F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wife, Carolyn Bessette: Insider
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy seemed to have it all as John F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife, living a life of American royalty. But the tragic death of Princess Diana reportedly left a lasting mark on her.
Carole Radziwill, Kennedy's cousin and a former Real Housewives of New York star, shared details of how the Princess of Wales' death impacted Bessette in the 2025 CNN documentary, American Prince: JFK Jr. “It was very profound,” she said in the documentary, as reported by In Style.
“I mean, Princess Diana, she was our age, pretty much. The underlying way in which she died, which was being literally hounded to death by paparazzi. That lesson was definitely not lost on Carolyn.”
PEOPLE Magazine quoted Kathy McKeon, a former assistant to Jacqueline Kennedy, who revealed how Bessette struggled with the press as they followed her every move after her engagement and marriage to Kennedy. The following commentary between McKeon, Kennedy, and Bessette reportedly took place on the day of Diana's funeral, September 6, 1977.
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McKeon explained, “John said, ‘Tell Carolyn how my mom handled photographers.’ I said, ‘She was nice to them—she smiled and gave them one good picture.’ He said, ‘Carolyn, did you get that? You’re treating them all wrong.’ She said, ‘I hate those bastards.’“
“She couldn’t take that,” McKeon added. “She wasn’t brought up with it. John was. Carolyn wasn’t. She wanted peace and quiet and for nobody to bother her.”
RELATED: Princess Diana’s Secret NYC Hotel Rendezvous With JFK Jr.
Kennedy's George Magazine colleague, Gary Ginsberg, compared Bessette's issues with the paparazzi as similar to Diana's. His quotes were reprinted by Us Weekly.
“Princess Diana was living that struggle [with the paparazzi] so publicly, her fights with the paparazzi during that period [were notorious],” Ginsberg said. “I’m sure Carolyn was watching it and feeling like she was the American version of it. It probably just increased her sense of isolation and frustration.”
Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997, when her driver, Henri Paul, lost control of the vehicle she, Dodi al-Fayed, and Trevor Reese-Jones were passengers in while trying to evade paparazzi in Paris, France. Only Jones survived.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy died just 22 months later, on July 16, 1999, when the plane her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., piloted crashed into the Atlantic Ocean en route to a family wedding at Martha's Vineyard. Her sisterLauren Bessette was also on board. All three perished on impact.
The FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette begins February 12 at 9 p.m. ET, with three episodes, titled "Pilot," "The Pools Party," and "America's Widow." For the next six weeks, a new installment will air on Thursdays and stream on Hulu, a total of nine episodes.
What Happened to JFK Jr.? All About The American Icon’s Tragic Death
To most Americans, he was known as John John—John F. Kennedy, Jr., the eldest son of America’s 35th president John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy, made an indelible and heartshattering impression on the country at the tender age of three years old, when the toddler gave his father’s flag-draped casket a final salute as it passed him at the 1963 funeral of the assassinated POTUS.
In the decades that followed that tragedy, the world continued to keep a close eye on JFK Jr., who forewent the family business of political office to become a district attorney and later magazine publisher in New York City. Kennedy’s classic handsome looks, uber-famous family and high-profile romances with the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Daryl Hannah and, most notably, Carolyn Bessette (to whom he was married from September 1996 until their deaths in July 1999) garnered intense media scrutiny, which only intensified when 'John John' succumbed to the so-called “Kennedy curse” and died at the age of 38.
Here is everything you need to know about what happened to JFK Jr.
Related: JFK Jr.’s Famous Friends Give Glimpse Into His Private Life in New Doc
John F. Kennedy Jr., as well as his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette, tragically died in a plane crash on July 16, 1999. Kennedy, who had his pilot's license, was flying the Piper Saratoga light aircraft from Fairfield, New Jersey, around 8:30 in the evening, with plans to drop Lauren off at Martha’s Vineyard before the couple continued on to Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, to attend the wedding of his cousin Rory Kennedy. However, the airplane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean before the flight could reach Martha’s Vineyard, killing all aboard.
The plane was reported missing after it failed to arrive on schedule, prompting a search for the aircraft and its passengers. Navy divers recovered the bodies of John, Carolyn and Lauren from the ocean floor on July 21. The next morning, their ashes were scattered at sea from the Navy destroyer USS Briscoe off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.
“We are filled with unspeakable grief and sadness by the loss of John and Carolyn and Lauren Bessette. John was a shining light in all our lives and in the lives of the nation and the world that first came to know him when he was a little boy,” the Kennedy family said in an official statement, per The New York Times.
“He was a devoted husband to Carolyn, a loving brother to Caroline and an amazing uncle to her children, a close and dear friend to his cousins and a beloved nephew to my sisters and me. He was the adored son of two proud parents whom he now joins with God. We loved him deeply and his loss leaves an enormous void in all our lives.”
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The official investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Lauren Bessette was most likely due to pilot error, specifically "Kennedy's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a descent over water at night, which was a result of spatial disorientation." (Spatial disorientation is "a state characterized by an erroneous sense of one's position and motion relative to the plane of the earth's surface,” per the Federal Aviation Administration.) Exacerbating conditions include haziness as well as the darkness of night factored into the accident, per the NTSB’s findings.
The NTSB report noted that Kennedy, who had logged 310 hours as a pilot, had limited experience flying at night. As reported by ABC News, he had turned down an offer by one of his flying instructors to accompany him the evening of the fatal flight, saying he “wanted to do it alone,” per federal investigators.
When and where did JFK Jr. die? UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, are on hand at the Municipal Art Society gala at Grand Central Terminal. They turned out to celebrate the terminal's renovation. (Photo by Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
Based on official reports, it’s believed that John F. Kennedy Jr. died around 9:40 pm the evening of July 16, 1999, about an hour after setting off on a private night flight to New England from New Jersey. The plane crash that killed the Kennedy man took place about 7.5 miles from Martha's Vineyard on the coast of Massachusetts.
Related: New Ryan Murphy Series 'American Love Story' Examines John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's Romance
In his last will and testament, John F. Kennedy Jr. originally planned for his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, to inherit his estate upon his death. “I give all my tangible property (as distinguished from money, securities, and the like), wherever located, other than my scrimshaw set previously owned by my father, to my wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” the will reads.
However, because Bessette-Kennedy died alongside her famous husband in a plane crash, Kennedy’s sisterCaroline Kennedy Schlossberg and her three children (Rose, Tatiana and John) became the primary beneficiaries. At the time of his death, JFK Jr.’s estate was worth up to $100 million, the New York Post reported.
What are conspiracies about JFK Jr.’s death?As has become custom with anything to do with the Kennedy family (more on that in a minute), conspiracies about what “really” happened to John F. Kennedy Jr. have swirled ever since his death in 1999.
Theories have proposed the involvement of everything from the CIA to the Israeli government. Some conspiracists claim that JFK Jr. was assassinated à la his father to prevent him from going into politics; others surmise that the plane crash was actually due to an explosion, with the American government subsequently covering up the crash site in the aftermath.
However, official word from the National Transportation Safety Board was that the fatal crash was due to spatial disorientation plaguing the pilot.
Related: Look Back at Photos of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette on the Anniversary of Their Death
The so-called “Kennedy Curse” is a perceived pattern of tragedy, death and other misfortunes within the Kennedy dynasty in America.
That includes the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy in the 1960s; the premature deaths of JFK’s infant children Arabella and Patrick; the numerous plane crashes that have claimed the lives of Kennedy family members (including John and Carolyn, JFK’s brother Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. and sister Kathleen Kennedy were killed in plane crashes in 1944 and 1948, respectively), as well as drug overdoses, skiing accidents and accidental drownings.
Despite the series of very unfortunate events, the Kennedy clan has publicly denounced any claims of a curse.
When Does 'The Pitt' Season 2 Episode 6 Come Out? How and Where to Watch
The "you-know-what" is beginning to hit the fan on The Pitt (and we're not talking about the disimpacted bowels that we saw in last week's episode). Following up the sepsis cliffhanger, Robby (Noah Wyle) pulls rank over Langdon (Patrick Ball), using this as yet another reason for his resentment towards his former protege. The arrival of a prisoner patient gives a tragic look at life locked up. And it all ended with Louie's (Ernest Harden Jr.) life on the line, as Robby and Langdon work together to try to resuscitate their favorite patient.
What will happen this week on The Pitt Season 2? Here's everything you need to know about the new episode airing tonight.
Season 2, Episode 6 of The Pitt will air on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
What time does The Pitt come out tonight?As per usual, new episodes of The Pitt will drop at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Related: ‘The Pitt’: What Is Worse Than MRSA? Dr. Langdon’s Latest Patient Diagnosis, Explained
What will happen in The Pitt Season 2, Episode 6 tonight?Of course, we have to pick right back up with Louie flatlining, which closed out the last episode. Hopefully Robby and Langdon will be able to put their tension aside and be able to tag-team saving the life of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's favorite patient. Then there's the matter of Debbie (Mara Klein), as her condition worsens into a flesh-eating disease, putting her life at risk.
What is The Pitt Season 2 release schedule?Here is the release schedule for the rest of The Pitt Season 2.
Episode 6: Feb. 12Episode 7: Feb. 19Episode 8: Feb. 26Episode 9: March 5Episode 10: March 12Episode 11: March 19Episode 12: March 26Episode 13: April 2Episode 14: April 9Episode 15: April 16Related: Emmy Winner 'The Pitt' Returns for Season 2: What to Know
Desi Arnaz Kept Up a Sweet Tradition With Lucille Ball Long After Their Divorce
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz kept up an anniversary tradition after their divorce, despite both marrying other people.
In a clip from the upcoming Catchy TV programming segment Catchy Loves Lucy, the I Love Lucy legends’ daughter, Lucie Arnaz, revealed that her father marked his wedding anniversary to Ball every year until he died—more than 25 years after they split.
"He sent her red and white carnations on every anniversary for the rest of his life," Lucie, 74, said, per People magazine.
In his 1976 memoir, A Book, Arnaz wrote that during his marriage to Ball, he sent her red and white carnations every year on their anniversary and continued to do so even after their marriage ended.
In the more recent book, Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television, author Todd Purdum noted, “Lucille’s favorite flowers were actually lilac, but carnations would become Desi’s signature gift bloom for the rest of their lives.”
Ball and Arnaz wed on November 30 at the Byram River Beagle Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, per Today in Connecticut History. They divorced in 1960, with Ball marrying Gary Morton the following year and Arnaz marrying Edith Mack Hirsch in 1963.
RELATED: Maureen McCormick’s Husband Had No Idea She Was Famous
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz remained ‘connected’ after their divorceIn the Catchy Loves Lucy interview, Lucie Arnaz noted that her famous parents had a newfound respect for one another after their 1960 divorce.
“Truth be told, after they were divorced, that came back in kind of a wonderful way," she said. "They started to respect each other in a different way. A lot of the fear was gone ….She called him, weekly, for advice...and he would advise.”
“It was a good time in their lives, I think, that period when they were still connected but not married,” she added. “They had other lives with other people that, I don't know that they ever loved them the same way they loved each other, but they were good for them.”
Lucie previously revealed that after her parents split, her father bought a house near her mother’s residence in Palm Springs, CA.
“Even after my parents divorced, my father bought a house right down the street, so my mother would be able to just say, “Okay, bye. See you later,” she told Palm Springs Life in 2025.
She also revealed that the last time her parents spoke on the phone was on their wedding anniversary on November 30, 1986, two days before Arnaz died from lung cancer at age 69.
“He was very, very sick,” Lucie told CBS Sunday Morning in a 2025 interview. “And I just held the phone to his ear, and all I could hear her saying was, ‘I love you’, like five times in a row. And he listened, and he said, ‘I love you, too, honey.’ And then he said, ‘Good luck with your shows.”
2000s Rocker Announces First World Tour in 10 Years
John 5 is ready to make a comeback to familiar stages after announcing an upcoming tour.
The renowned musician’s signature riffs and high-energy performance are set to fill the global stage again.
In an Instagram post, the former guitarist of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie unveiled the string of performances scheduled in the U.K. and Europe.
Throughout May, the 55-year-old musician will perform during the first and second weeks in the U.K., continuing the tour across England in the third and fourth weeks.
According to him, the upcoming tour will be his first performance in the U.K. after a decade and his debut show in Europe.
John 5 performs at HopMonk Tavern on January 24, 2026 in Novato, California.Steve Jennings/Getty Images)
“WE’RE DOING THIS. 10 years since my last U.K. solo tour… and I’m finally hitting Europe for the FIRST time ever. I cannot wait to see everyone over there at the shows! Let’s get weird!” the caption reads.
The tour will begin on the south coast of England, starting in Southampton, before moving through the east coast and other key cities, including Exeter, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Chester, Wolverhampton, London, Milton Keynes, Southend-on-Sea and Brighton.
After this, John 5 will embark on the next leg of the tour, which will kick off in the Netherlands, followed by performances in Germany, Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic before returning to Germany to conclude the European leg.
View this post on InstagramIn addition to this, tickets will be on sale on Feb. 13 and will offer a VIP meet and greet for fans, giving them the chance to meet John 5 up close, take photos and get exclusive memorabilia.
John 5 U.K. and European Tour Dates 2026May 5: Southampton — The 1865
May 6: Exeter — Phoenix
May 7: Bristol — Thekla
May 8: Manchester — Club Academy
May 9: Newcastle — Newcastle University
May 10: Glasgow — Slay
May 12: Chester — Live Rooms
May 13: Wolverhampton — KK’s Steelmill
May 14: London — Underworld
May 15: Milton Keynes — Craufurd Arms
May 16: Southend On Sea — Chinnerys
May 17: Brighton — Concorde 2
May 19: Tilburg — Hall Of Fame
May 20: Leeuwarden — Neushoorn
May 22: Ghent — Winter Circus
May 23: Cologne — Club Volta
May 24: Hamburg — Molotow
May 26: Krakow — Hype Park
May 27: Prague — Rock Café
May 28: Munich — Live Evil
The series of shows this year is in support of his new solo album Ghost, released in October 2025.
His 11th studio album features 10 tracks, including "The Ghost" and "Moon Glow" as well as collaborations with notable musicians such as Tommy Lee, Stephen Perkins, Kenny Aronoff and more.
'Southern Charm's Craig Conover Shares What 'Sucked' About Dating Charley Manley
Craig Conover revealed why his romance with Charley Manley may not have gone the distance on Southern Charm. The budding relationship seemed full of flirtatious sparks, but Craig now shares why they never became a couple.
Reflecting on his time with Charley, Craig believes friction with her close friend Salley Carson may have dampened their connection. "When we FaceTime [Charley's] just laughing," he said on Bravo's Southern Charm AfterShow. "It sucked because she quieted herself to make other people comfortable."
Drama arose when Salley admitted she had feelings for Craig after spending nights in his hot tub, especially now that he is single. When she expressed interest on Southern Charm, Craig immediately friend-zoned her. Knowing Salley had romantic feelings, Charley felt caught in the middle—torn between pursuing a romance and navigating her friend's rejection.
During their canoe date, Craig told Charley he was excited about their potential romance but admitted comments from other cast members made it difficult. Rumors and gossip within the group seemed to chip away at any chance of a true relationship.
Charley said she didn’t want to discuss what others were saying. "Like, how about we don't talk about Salley on this date?" she told Venita Aspen. "I want to make this opinion on my own. Let's just get to know each other."
Craig insists the canoe date was meant for them to connect. "Let's just be us," he told Madison LeCroy. "Instead, she was so guarded that you're like, just what are we doing here? You could hear a pebble drop."
In a previous episode, Charley explained in a confessional that she was dealing with a lot of uncertainty about Craig’s intentions: "Yes, I like Craig, and I definitely think he's interested in me too. But my thing is I don't feel like I should have to interpret anything. I feel like a guy should be like, 'I like you. Let's hang out.'"
Southern Charm airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
Amazon Has an ‘Adorable’ LEGO Tiny Plants Set on Sale That Will Ship in Time for Valentine's Day
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The joy that a beautiful LEGO set can bring to your world is unmatched. Even those who are fully grown can probably remember the satisfaction they felt upon completing a project as a child. It's the rare toy that feels just as exciting in adulthood, but the beauty of the LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set is that it's designed especially for grown-ups to build.
Featuring everything you need to construct nine gorgeous, miniature plants, the $50 set is currently marked down to just $40 at Amazon. That's a sweet 20% discount on a 758-piece collection that will absolutely dazzle you when it's fully built. The plants are "adorable and make great forever decor," according to one pleased shopper.
LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set, $40 (was $50) at AmazonThe arid, tropical, and carnivorous LEGO plants feature rich colors, delicate petals, swaying leaves, and even lifelike cactus "spines" that add an accurate dimension to the compact garden. Highlights of the set include a towering anthurium and an exquisitely designed pitcher plant with lean, tube-like cups. Other plants in the collection include a jade, false shamrock, Venus flytrap, red sundew, prickly pear, pincushion, and succulents.
All of the plants are nestled in terracotta pots, contributing to the set's realistic feel. It's the perfect choice for builders of all skill levels, providing an enjoyable outlet to bring some of nature's beauty to your home. There are so many ways to display them, too. You can arrange them collectively as a little indoor garden or spread them throughout your home.
Related: Amazon’s 'Dainty' $10 Gold-Plated Heart Necklace Will Arrive in Time for Valentine’s Day
"Building it was relaxing and fun — ideal for adults looking for a creative break," a reviewer wrote. "This LEGO Tiny Plants set is absolutely charming! The designs are detailed and elegant, with a great mix of colors and styles." Another customer said they're "absolutely delighted," noting the "remarkable attention to detail."
Invite some of the outside world into your home with this discounted collection — no watering can needed! Pick up the LEGO Botanicals Tiny Plants Set while it's 20% off at Amazon today.
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4 Zodiac Signs Face a Love Wake-Up Call This Valentine's Day
Four zodiac signs are about to experience dramatic love transformations this Valentine's Day—and astrologers say the cosmos is to thank (or blame). Cupid’s arrows are flying, as Valentine's Day quickly approaches. Love is in the air with the cosmic energy building in anticipation. Whether you’re single, figuring it out, or coupled up, you may wonder what the astrology of Valentine’s Day 2026 will hold, as well as personalized insights based on your zodiac sign.
For four signs, this Valentine's Day won't just be romantic—it will be a wake-up call to your life, values, and relationship-defining. Although everyone has confection hearts and cheesy romcoms, and all star signs will be affected, only four zodiac signs will experience major love life transformations. Expert astrologers say that the lives of four star signs will significantly transform this Valentine’s Day: Aries, Libra, Sagittarius, and Scorpio. These signs will experience significant changes in their love life following this pivotal day of love. Read on to learn more about the astrology of Valentine’s Day and to discover which zodiac signs will be most impacted.
EXPLORE: Love Planet Venus Reaches Its Peak—4 Zodiac Signs Manifest Love & Blessings
Valentine's Day falls on February 14, 2026, and will be influenced by an Aquarius sun and a Capricorn moon. The Saturn-ruled position of our emotional moon creates a stoic, if not subdued, atmosphere for what is typically a heart-centered holiday. The Aquarius sun radiates a friendly yet aloof energy, while the reserved emotional vibes from the Capricorn moon add to this overall tone. Since neither zodiac sign tends to be particularly sentimental, Valentine’s Day may feel somewhat casual. Nevertheless, a deeper, more serious undercurrent is also present.
Although not much typically happens on Valentine’s Day, the cosmic forecast for February 13 features a significant event: Saturn's entry into Aries. Taskmaster Saturn governs maturity, restriction, boundaries, and responsibility, so its movement into a new sign the day before sets a serious tone for Valentine's Day. Saturn in Aries can either restrict or strengthen passion, depending on the individual. Some may need to develop emotional maturity to find the love they seek, while others may need to cultivate patience as their love lives unfold. Regardless of the circumstances, this historic transit will pave the way for four zodiac signs to experience a pivotal life transformation on Valentine’s Day.
CURIOUS?: What the First Letter of Your Name Reveals About Your Spiritual Purpose
Which 4 Zodiac Signs Will Transform this Valentine’s Day?Keep reading, and look for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.
AriesDrop the tough guy act, Aries. The jig is up this Valentine’s Day. Like anyone else, you crave affection, love, and connection. However, Saturn being in your sign sets forth a serious tone in your first house of selfhood. You may feel like you cannot open up to your partner about what you want or be honest with yourself if you’re looking for love. Saturn could easily corral your passion if you’re not careful. Let this V-Day be an opportunity to catalyze your love life by owning that you long for romance instead of pretending that you’re perfectly fine as is. Giving yourself this chance could change how your love life pans out the rest of this year.
COSMIC INSIGHT: Saturn in Aries Begins a Karmic Three-Year Cycle—4 Zodiac Signs Are Most Affected
LibraYou deserve better in your romantic relationship, Libra. As a Venusian sign, you may look forward to this romantic holiday. However, you could feel differently about the status of your love life, since Saturn in Aries will run a strict program in your seventh house of marriage. Whether you’re single or coupled up, Saturn will still ask you what you truly want in an ideal commitment. Valentine’s Day may be a wake-up call if your romantic life isn’t where you want it to be. Saturn asks you to hold yourself and your partner to a higher standard in love. Put your foot down and be firm about your expectations to drive change for the better.
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ScorpioRomance shouldn’t be a chore, Scorpio. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your lover or partner; however, you may feel differently this year. Saturn in Aries has begun transiting your sixth house of work, so you may feel overwhelmed by how much you have on your plate on top of managing your love life. Work and health, along with other priorities, could easily come before love. V-Day will ultimately ask you how willing you are to prioritize your dating life. Ideally, love should be the kind of work you want to do, not have to do. Be honest with yourself, so that love never feels like a hassle.
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SagittariusIs love and sex a priority right now, Sagittarius? Valentine’s Day will put your romantic and sexual needs into the spotlight. Saturn in Aries will encourage you to be serious about your desires. If there’s something you crave, then why not work toward it? Sure, it might take a while, and you may face rejection or setbacks along the way. But Saturn wants to help you create lasting sensual and romantic passion in your life. Think of this Valentine’s Day as a chance to be upfront about what you want. You have a chance to pivot your love and sex life as long as you assume responsibility for your desires.
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Disney Wish Is Sailing to Europe for the First Time—And the Ports Are Straight Out of a Fairytale
The first time I stepped onto a Disney cruise ship, I didn’t totally know what to expect. I sailed late last year on the Disney Destiny—Disney’s third Wish-class ship—and within minutes of boarding, I understood why fans are so loyal. The “heroes and villains” theme wasn’t subtle (in the best way): encounters with Maleficent, a Lion King dinner experience, a full Hercules stage show, Cruella De Vil’s piano bar, Doctor Strange-inspired cocktails at The Sanctum and beautifully crafted drinks at Merida’s coffee bar. It felt like being dropped into the middle of the movies I grew up on—that same wide-eyed magic I remember feeling the first time I watched Peter Pan.
After that sailing, I understood why fans talk about the Wish-class ships the way they do. From the princess-fairytale charm of the Disney Wish to the adventure energy of the Disney Treasure, each one has its own personality. And now, for the first time ever—much to Disney fans' delight—the Wish is heading to Europe.
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View this post on InstagramAs part of Disney Cruise Line’s newly announced Summer 2027 itineraries, the ship will reposition from Port Canaveral and sail three- to 10-night European cruises visiting ports like Zadar, Trieste near Venice and Hellesylt, Norway—blending that fairytale-at-sea feeling with the real-life castles and coastlines that inspired Disney stories in the first place.
As the Disney Parks Blog puts it, “Each itinerary blends cultural discovery, breathtaking coastlines and the signature storytelling that defines a Disney Cruise Line vacation.”
Summer 2027 will stretch far beyond Europe. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will return to Alaska from Vancouver with six-, seven- and eight-night sailings through glacier-lined fjords and mountain landscapes. According to Disney, “With peaceful fjords, mountain landscapes and coastal towns rich in local culture, these voyages are perfect for families ready to experience the beauty and history of Alaska.”
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Caribbean fans will still have plenty of sunshine to choose from. The Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will offer a mix of three- to ten-night Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries, many including stops at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
And then there’s the fleet’s newest and largest ship, the Disney Adventure, which will continue sailing three- and four-night itineraries from Singapore through August 2027. Disney describes the experience this way: “These voyages bring memorable Disney entertainment and exceptional service to guests throughout Southeast Asia, with adventure waiting at every turn.” For many Disney fans, it’s an excuse to pair a cruise with exploring an entirely new part of the world.
Booking windows open first for Castaway Club members on February 16, followed by general booking on February 23. After sailing on the Destiny and seeing what the Wish-class ships can do, watching one of them head to Europe feels like a whole new reason to book again. And if Europe has been on your family’s someday list, Summer 2027 just made that dream feel a little more possible.
Related: All That’s New and Noteworthy on Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship, Disney Destiny
Etiquette Expert Warns Against This Common Housewarming Gift
Picture this: You've been invited to your first housewarming party and have no idea what to get your host. Do you even need to bring a gift? How much should you spend on it? Do you know this person well enough for something sentimental? Before you continue spiralling, don't panic! According to the Co-President of The Emily Post Institute, Lizzie Post, you might not actually have to bring something as a guest.
“The point of the housewarming party actually is not about getting or giving gifts at all. They're totally optional,” she tells Parade.
According to the etiquette expert, the point of a housewarming party isn't so that the host can get free housewares.
“It's about warming your house—whether it's a new apartment or it's the house you finally built—with the presence of people you know," she explains. "It makes the house feel more familiar.”
Still, even though a housewarming party—per the Emily Post Institute—should really be gift-optional, you may not feel comfortable showing up empty-handed. Maybe you've been to a few recently for people in the same friend group, and it's kind of expected at this point. Or maybe it just feels wrong to show up without something to thank the hosts for the invite. Whatever the reason, if that's the case, there is one common housewarming gift you should avoid at all costs, according to Post.
Related: Should You Bring a Gift to an Engagement Party? Etiquette Experts Weigh In
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So, what is the common housewarming gift that you might want to think twice before bringing? Good ole alcohol.
On the surface, a good bottle of wine feels like the perfect housewarming gift. It's easy to buy, budget-friendly and is just impersonal enough that you don't have to worry about clashing with the homeowner's tastes. But, according to Post, it's actually a major no-no.
“It's a bad idea to give alcohol as a housewarming gift because it's a risky gift in general,” she says. “You don't always know where someone's at with alcohol in their life.”
Even if you know for sure that your host enjoys a glass of wine, gifting alcohol can still be a dicey endeavor.
“I have friends who, while I might know them to drink a bottle of wine out at a dinner or to serve one at their house, I don't really know what flavors they like,” she explains. “I don't speak the language of wine well, so I don't know whether that bottle I'm grabbing from the grocery store or the corner store is really a good bottle or not.”
Alcohol isn't the only housewarming gift you should avoid. Post also cautions against giving artwork, houseplants and pets. And that last one is non-negotiable.
“Pets are a responsibility. They are a living, breathing being, and they deserve that kind of respect and consideration when someone's thinking about bringing one into their home,” she states.
Related: 8 Things You Should Always Bring as a Guest That No One Tells You About
Believe it or not, there are endless possibilities when it comes to housewarming gift alternatives to wine or alcohol. Choosing the right one, however, depends on the setting. If, for example, you are invited to a housewarming party or group event, something that everyone can enjoy—an appetizer or “a classic plate of cookies”—is a perfectly respectable gift. Granted, baking cookies from scratch takes more time and effort than running to the grocery store, but Post assures Parade that buying cookies or ordering food for the get-together is also acceptable.
If you want to give your host a more personal gift, she says that “something for the home is always thoughtful.” She suggests “a nice cutting board that could be used also to serve on, or a little serving platter, or a small set of decorative bowls.”
Post cautions against gifting plates and utensils, as these can be “a bit more personal to the person and their style,” but an accent plate or decorative candlesticks will do the trick.
Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You to Never, Ever Show Up to a Party at This Time
Finding it hard to come up with something? Try thinking of something that your host might not think to buy for themselves, but will likely use in the future.
“I had a friend—this wasn't for a housewarming—but she had come to stay, and she gave me a little set of placemats and napkins. Delightful! I actually pull them out and use them,” she shares. “Items like that, entertaining wear, I think, is a really great category to look into. And the best part is there's such a price range in it and such a great style range. You can really find something you feel good about gifting.”
If you're gifting to a close friend or relative, she suggests trying something a bit more intimate, like a nice picture frame. If you don't have a lot of time, then just the picture frame will do, but if you are able to put a bit more time and effort into your gift, consider printing out a photo of the two of you to go with it.
“It's less common today because people just [think], ‘Oh, I've got the photos on my phone,’” she notes. “But I think in some ways that makes it a little more special to have it in a frame somewhere.”
Up Next:
- Lizzie Post is the great-great-granddaughter of renowned etiquette expert Emily Post. She is co-president of the Emily Post Institute, co-host of the Awesome Etiquettepodcast, and co-author of Emily Post's Etiquette—The Centennial Edition(which, she assures Parade, would also make a great housewarming gift).
Nicole Curtis Speaks Out After HGTV Cancelled ‘Rehab Addict,’ Shares Angry Messages and Texts
Nicole Curtis is speaking out after HGTV cancelled Rehab Addict, and she’s sharing the angry messages and private texts that followed.
Radar Online posted a video on Wednesday, Feb. 11, showing Curtis using the n-word while filming — the same day the series was scheduled to return to television. In the clip, Curtis appears to realize what she had said and asks the crew to "kill" the moment. However, the footage was not destroyed and later surfaced online.
After the video went viral, HGTV said in a statement that once they were made aware of the clip, they "have removed the series from all HGTV platforms," adding, "Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees - it does not align with the values of HGTV." The show cancellation came only days after Curtis announced the series' return.
Nicole Curtis had to break the news to Grama Fay.Curtis said she was unaware the footage existed. She shared on her Instagram Story that the clip was brought to light by TMZ. She also posted a text exchange with a reporter. In the messages, Curtis said that while she is grateful to HGTV for her 15-year career, her focus is now on being a parent, her relationships, and her community. "I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone," Curtis added.
She also posted a note to fans on Instagram, explaining that there is more to the story but that her family comes first and she needs to focus on being a mom right now, adding that "I will take the time to be as I've always been with you, transparent and honest."
Despite her response, Curtis has received a wave of angry messages. Her Instagram post quickly filled with critical comments, with many followers questioning her explanation. Curtis went on to highlight specific direct messages in her Instagram Story, some of which included expletives and even threats.
The story continues to unfold.
Defining 1989 R&B Classic LP Gets Major Grammy Honor
Janet Jackson's defining 1989 R&B classic album has achieved one of the Recording Academy's most prestigious honors.
The entertainer's Rhythm Nation 1814 has just been inducted into the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame. The honor is extended to those recordings that "exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old."
"It's a privilege to recognize these influential recordings as the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement. "Each selection reflects the creativity, craft, and cultural impact that recorded music can carry across decades. We're honored to help preserve these works and celebrate the artists and communities behind them, so their legacies continue to inspire generations to come."
Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum, added, "The Grammy Hall Of Fame is a vital bridge between music's past and present—honoring recordings that changed the way we listen, create, and connect. We're proud to celebrate this year's class at the Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala this May."
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Jackson was just 23 when her concept album, featuring a fusion of new jack swing, industrial funk, and pop, hit the charts. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Rhythm Nation 1814 paved the way for socially relevant pop music.
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In 1990, Jackson told Rolling Stone she was hopeful this collection of songs would be impactful. “I felt that I could reach that audience through the type of music that I do. I’m not the first person to do this – I know that. I know that I won’t be the last.
Rhythm Nation 1814 would top the Billboard 200, produce seven Top 10 singles, and earn seven Grammy nominations across its album and single releases.
Jackson joins other 2026 inductees into the Grammy Hall of Fame, including 2Pac, Radiohead, Alice Coltrane, Bertha "Chippie" Hill, Ella Jenkins, Eric B. & Rakim, Funkadelic, Heart, Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, The Rouse Brothers, Selena, and The Soul Stirrers.
According to the Recording Academy's website, "The inducted recordings will be honored at the Grammy Museum and Recording Academy's Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala on May 8, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA, with performers to be announced at a later date."
From a Secret Wedding to a Tragic End: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Complete Relationship Timeline
As a new generation prepares to discover their Love Story onscreen, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's real-life romance stands as one of the most fascinating—and devastating—chapters in the family's tragic history.
Now—more than 25 years later—their relationship takes centerstage in Ryan Murphy’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, premiering this Thursday, Feb. 12 on FX/Hulu. The series stars newcomer Paul Anthony Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn. The highly-anticipated show will depict “the complex and heartbreaking journey of a couple whose private love became a national obsession.”
As the handsome son of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, he dated Madonna and Daryl Hannah before falling for Carolyn, a fashion publicist. Both fans and paparazzi couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous couple, following their every move, from black-tie outings to their surprise island wedding. Many hoped that John—who co-founded the political and lifestyle magazine George with Michael J. Berman—would run for President one day with Carolyn at his side. But in 1999, their Love Story here on earth ended in a fatal plane crash that stunned the world and left the nation reeling.
Read on to find out more in Parade’s timeline of how JFK Jr. and Carolyn met, details of their wedding—and sadly, their tragic deaths.
JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette: Their Complete Relationship Timeline1992When JFK Jr. walked into Calvin Klein's VIP showroom in 1992, he had no idea that a simple wardrobe fitting would change his life forever. Sparks flew when Carolyn Bessette—a publicist and VIP associate for the designer label—was assigned to handle his fitting. In JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography, JFK Jr.'s former assistant RoseMarie Terenzio recalls, "He had gone to pick out some suits and she helped him—she was the handler for a lot of the [Klein] VIPs. He asked for her number and they went out on a few dates."
In May of 1992, the pair was spotted engaging in an hourlong conversation at a charity event in Manhattan. But at the time, JFK Jr. was still on-and-off with actress Daryl Hannah.
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Daryl Hannah attend a New York Knicks game in 1994. 1994In 1994, John and Hannah broke up and after his mom’s passing in May 1994, he and Carolyn officially started dating. In JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography, John's friend Brian Steel reflected on those early days. "He went out on a date or two with Carolyn and he’s like, 'I want you to find out as much as you can about Carolyn—I know you know people, like, you know, nightclub people, restaurateurs," he said. "I know you know people that went to college with her.”
Later that year, Steel said John was smitten at his birthday party: "He was so enthralled, like a kid in a candy shop."
1995After a year of dating, JFK Jr. proposed to Carolyn over the Fourth of July weekend in Martha's Vineyard. He popped the question while the two were fishing on a boat, but she didn't say yes right away. According to friends, she didn't accept his proposal until three weeks later!
Related: Firestorm Erupts Over Ryan Murphy’s New JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Series
1996On Feb. 25, 1996, onlookers watched as John and Carolyn engaged in a heated argument in New York's very public Central Park. The New York Daily News subsequently ran photos showing John allegedly trying to remove Carolyn’s engagement ring from her finger.
"The cause of this infamous fight, and the many that followed, stemmed from Carolyn’s ongoing complaint that John let people walk all over him," writes historian and John's close friend Steven M. Gillon in America’s Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr.
Ultimately, the loving couple moved on from the spat and pivoted to their top-secret wedding plans. On Sept. 21, 1996, they tied the knot in a small church ceremony on Georgia’s Cumberland Island—shockingly, their wedding plans did not leak to the press beforehand.
The world was dazzled by John and Carolyn’s official wedding photo, which showed him kissing her hand with her iconic Narciso Rodriguez minimalist silk slip gown on full display. Carole Radziwill—who was married to John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill—would later tell the Daily Mail, “It was the most famous wedding of the year, the decade. And no one but the 32 close friends and family who arrived, knew.” (Just weeks after the plane crash, Anthony Radziwill lost his longtime battle with cancer and died at the age of 40.)
John and Carolyn walk with their dog in January 1997. 1998In March 1998, John and Carolyn attended the Miami wedding of their friends—Betsy Reisinger and Kenan Siegel. In her 2024 book, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Elizabeth Beller wrote that the Kennedys looked head over heels in love at the ceremony and reception. (Ryan Murphy's new series is based on her book.)
1999 The couple arrives at what would be their final public outing—the annual John F. Kennedy Library Foundation dinner and Profiles in Courage awards on May 23, 1999.Photo by Justin Ide/Boston Herald on Getty Images
In 1999, John and Carolyn worked to improve their marriage. The book The Kennedy Heirs noted, “John didn’t want to be one of those Kennedy men who didn’t care how his wife feels.”
John’s former assistant Terenzio writes in her 2012 memoir Fairy Tale Interrupted that she urged Carolyn to join him at the wedding of his cousin—Rory Kennedy—at the Kennedy family compound in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
But the couple never made it there. On July 16, 1999, JFK Jr., Carolyn and her 34-year-old sisterLauren Bessette died when their plane—which JFK Jr. was piloting—crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
After a five-day search, Navy divers recovered the bodies of John, Carolyn and Lauren. All three were cremated and buried at sea on July 22, 1999. The National Transportation Safety Board later determined that Kennedy’s spatial disorientation in the hazy weather had caused him to lose control of the flight.
Family members return from John F. Kennedy, Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Lauren Bessette's burial at sea on July 22, 1999.While the official report provided facts, it could never fully explain the hole left in American culture. Decades later, John and Carolyn's legacy lives on—the tragic heroes of a love story that captivated the world and ended far too soon.
Up next: Everything to Know About FX’s ‘Love Story: John F.Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’
1969 No. 1 Hit Ranked the ‘Top Bubblegum Pop Song’ Was by a Fictional Band
In the late 1960s, the bubblegum pop music genre was in full force, with bands like The Strawberry Alarm Clock, the Lemon Pipers, and The Cufflinks frequently appearing on the Billboard Top 10 charts. But there was a bubblegum band that stood out for their No. 1 hit—because they weren’t a real band at all.
In a list compiled by Rock Cellar magazine, the 1969 chart topper “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies was ranked the top bubblegum pop song. The tune, written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, beat out songs such as “Simon Says” by the 1910 Fruitgum Company and “Yummy Yummy Yummy” by The Ohio Express for the top spot on the list.
“Sugar, Sugar” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1969 and remained there for 4 weeks. It also ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 Singles list that year.
The Archies were a cartoon bandThe Archies weren’t a real band but instead were fictional musicians from the Archie Comics series and cartoon show. On TV and in magazines, the Archies featured lead singer and guitarist Archie Andrews, bass player Reggie Mantle, keyboardist Veronica Lodge, percussionist Betty Cooper, and drummer Jughead Jones.
In real life, the Archies were singers Ron Dante and Toni Wine, as well as a group of session musicians managed by legendary producer Don Kirshner.
In an interview with Music Life magazine, Kim recalled answering a call that went out to “every single songwriter asking if they had any songs that would be good for The Archies.”
“So, the genius Jeff Barry and I came up with'Sugar Sugar,' and we made a brilliant record,” he said. “I do remember that certain things have happening in my life that travel with me, and ‘Sugar Sugar’ is one of them. It was a moment of inspiration that took 10 minutes to finish.“
Dante revealed why he agreed to provide vocals for fictional singer Archie Andrews on “Sugar, Sugar.” “I was there during the writing process. I felt it had a really good beat,” he told Goldmine magazine of the song. “I wanted my vocal to be soft like Donovan’s delivery on songs like ‘Mellow Yellow.’”
He added, “There is a rumor that this was offered to The Monkees and they turned it down. That isn’t true.”
Wine, who sang the parts for Betty and Veronica using multi-tracking, said the song was “catchy.” “It had a great hook, it was very singable, and we laughed — we had a good time doing it," she told NPR in an interview.
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‘Sugar, Sugar’ was considered fluff—at firstKim also noted that “Sugar, Sugar” was originally considered “fluff” by some radio stations, but when it was named the No. 1 song of 1969, he was “blown away.”
"The year of Woodstock, the year that we landed on the moon, the year everyone was talking about Charles Manson and The Beatles were breaking up… there was this song that just showed up,” he told NPR in 2019.
“Sugar, Sugar” received even more credibility when it was covered by several big-name performers.
“Wilson Pickett recorded the song, and that version sold a million copies and went to number four on the Billboard R&B Chart,” Kim told Music Life. “Ike and Tina Turnerrecorded the song, and if you ever hear that version, you will be blown away by Tina’s performance. And then Bob Marleyrecords the song, and then Tom Jones and Gladys Knight and other people. … Although I think it’s still The Archies version that is the one most people recognize and want to hear.”
Macy's Has Stunning Comforter Sets Starting at $24 During Its Presidents Day Sale
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Refreshing your bedding is one of the simplest ways to give your bedroom a spruce without breaking the bank. Swapping in a new comforter set can make your space feel more cohesive and put-together, giving your home an easy upgrade that doesn't require tools, paint, or multiple trips to your local hardware store.
For high-quality bedding that won't cost a fortune, look no further than Macy's. As part of its Presidents Day sale, the retailer is offering up to 75% off top-rated comforter sets. Among the stunning options, there are a wide range of prints, colors, and designs that are sure to complement any style of decor. Shop our top five picks below, starting at just $24.
Charter Club Sorrento 3-Piece Full/Queen Comforter Set, From $50 (was $200) at Macy’sCourtesy of Macy's
Featuring a pretty floral print inspired by the Italian countryside, this set makes any bedroom feel bright, cozy, and ready for spring. It comes with everything you need to revamp your sleep space, including two 20-by-26-inch pillow shams and a 90-by-96-inch comforter. Made of 100% cotton with a plush polyester fill, the medium-weight comforter is breathable yet warm enough to fend off chilly nights, making it perfect for transitional weather.
Sunham Plaid 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $80) at Macy’sGet two looks for the price of one with this reversible farmhouse-style comforter set. Made for year-round use, you can use the cheery black, red, green, and white plaid side during the holiday season and flip to the more neutral black-and-white side for the rest of the year. Crafted from 100% polyester with a polyester fill, the lightweight comforter can be used on its own during warmer months and layered with a blanket or quilt in the winter.
Splendid Layla Floral Comforter Set, $36 (was $120) at Macy’sThis top-rated comforter set is equal parts chic and cozy, thanks to its stylish reversible design. One side features a romantic blue-and-white floral print that's full of cottagecore and farmhouse charm, while the other has a sleek geometric pattern that works for more contemporary decor. In addition to including two shams and a midweight comforter, it comes with a white ruched throw pillow, adding the perfect finishing touch to your bedroom upgrade.
Related: Walmart's Bestselling 3-Piece Floral Quilt Set Is Now Just $28 and Radiates Spring Vibes
ienjoy Home Moonlight Stars Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $49 (was $140) at Macy'sCourtesy of Macy's
Printed with a white-and-gray moonlight star pattern, this bedding will bring a whimsical, celestial touch to any space. The comforter is made of 100% imported microfiber for optimal softness and reverses to a solid light gray color, so you can easily switch up the look of your room whenever you want a refresh. It's also oversized enough to fit deep mattresses and has a microdown fiber alternative filling that's ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Charter Club Coastal Medallion 3-Piece Comforter Set, $50 (was $200) at Macy'sAdd coastal vibes to your room with this stunning three-piece bedding set, which features a bold medallion print in soft tones of blue, green, and white. Made of 100% cotton with a polyester fill, the comforter is certified Oeko-Tek Made for Green, meaning it's been tested for harmful substances and produced sustainably. The entire set, which shoppers describe as "soft and silky," is also machine washable for easy care.
Shop More Deals- ienjoy Home Classics Premium 4-Piece Sheet Set, $30 (was $86) at Macy's
- FluffCo Cotton 2-Piece Pillow Case Set, $26 (was $29) at Macy's
- LuxClub Rayon 3-Piece Deep Pocket Sheet Set, $35 (was $100) at Macy's
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Amtrak’s New Airo Trains Might Be the Most Scenic Way to See the Pacific Northwest
I’ve spent enough time on the Acela that the conductors probably recognize my face.
As a Bostoner who moved to New York City for twenty years—and is now back home in Boston—the Amtrak Acela has basically been my lifeline. It’s how I kept jobs, friendships, holidays and family commitments in two cities going at the same time. For the most part, it worked. You booked. You boarded. You got there.
But let’s be honest: the Wi-Fi could be sticky. The lines at South Station were often long and confusing. The old boarding process at Penn Station could feel like a competitive sport. And when the quiet car wasn’t quiet? We all noticed. Over time, though, things started improving.
The opening of Moynihan Train Hall made the New York experience dramatically better— brighter, calmer, more organized. Boston’s South Station has also updated its boarding process with ticket-scanning turnstiles, making it far less chaotic than it used to be. And last August, the launch of NextGen Acela marked a major turning point, with upgraded trainsets, more seats and improved onboard systems. In its first month alone, more than 60,000 customers rode the new trains. It’s been a noticeable leap forward in just the past year. Now, that modernization push is expanding beyond the Northeast.
Related: A Hogwarts Train Experience is Coming for Harry Potter Fans
At a preview event in WashingtonD.C. this week, Amtrak leaders joined federal transportation officials and executives from Siemens Mobility to unveil the first of a brand-new fleet: Airo. These next-generation trainsets are designed to improve comfort, reliability and connectivity across multiple routes nationwide.
The first Airo trains will enter service on Amtrak Cascades, serving the Pacific Northwest corridor between Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, BC and Eugene, Oregon. All eight Cascades trainsets are expected to complete manufacturing in 2026.
That same year will mark a key milestone for the Northeast Regional, as its first Airo trainsets complete production and begin testing, with passenger service expected to begin in 2027.
In total, 83 Airo trainsets are planned for deployment across routes nationwide. Together with NextGen Acela, they represent one of the most comprehensive fleet overhauls in Amtrak’s history—expanding capacity and modernizing the customer experience at the same time. And the excitement around passenger rail isn’t limited to Amtrak.
Related: This Surprising Amtrak Upgrade Might Change How You Travel
In Florida, Brightline has continued expanding its higher-speed service. Los Angeles is preparing for new rail connections. Meanwhile, the legendary Orient Express is launching new luxury routes, and destinations ranging from the English countryside to Saudi Arabia’s deserts are also seeing their own premium new lines.
For someone like me—who has spent decades relying on trains to move between two major cities—it’s genuinely exciting to see upgrades that were promised years ago actually starting to roll out. I’ve taken enough European trains to know how good rail travel can be, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like we’re inching closer to that standard here.
For one weary Amtrak warrior, the momentum is more than welcome.
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Where to Score the Best Food Deals for Valentine's Day 2026
Valentine's Day is coming in hot, and if you're still scrambling to put together last-minute plans, don't worry, you're not alone. Between work, taking care of the family and a winter season that just doesn't want to quit, it's easy to get distracted leading up to the romantic holiday. A little planning always goes a long way, but there's nothing wrong with seeking some help when you need it most.
Thankfully, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner, a meal to go or an indulgent dessert this Valentine's Day, plenty of restaurants are ready to help make the holiday as special as possible, even if you're short on time.
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Best Valentine's Day Food Deals View this post on InstagramAs Valentine's Day approaches, you might be wondering who can help with last-minute plans. With so many restaurants and fast food spots rolling out special deals, deciding where to eat can quickly become overwhelming. To make it easier, we've rounded up the best food offers by category, from fast food deals to restaurant specials and extra indulgent desserts. Browse the selections below to find an option that fits your plans so you can focus on what really matters: your date.
Best Valentine's Day Food Deals at Fast Food Restaurants- Chick-fil-A: Offering heart-shaped trays for catering orders for the first time, including 30-count nuggets, 10-count Chick-n-Minis, 10-count Chick-n-Strips, 12 chocolate fudge brownie halves and six chocolate chunk cookies.
- Chronic Tacos: On Feb. 14, loyalty members receive free churro bites with caramel dip. Online only.
- El Pollo Loco: Score a Chicken Meal for two for just $12. Valid Feb. 13 and 14.
- Jack in the Box: Shoppers can snag two Cluck Sandwiches and two small fries for $8 for Valentine's Day.
- Long John Silver's: Buy one, get one free platters with promo code PLTRBOGO online or in-app from Feb. 9–14. Seacret Society members can also mix and match two combos for $6 each.
- Moe's Southwest Grill:Rewards members can enjoy BOGO entrées on Feb. 14. Valid online, in-app and in-store. Single-use only.
- Papa John's: The infamous heart-shaped pizza is here, starting at $11.99. Offer valid through Feb. 15.
- Pizza Hut: Also jumping on the heart-shaped train, fans can score a medium one-topping Heart-Shaped Pizza for a limited time through Feb. 22.
- QDOBA: Buy one entrée and drink, get a free entrée on Feb. 14 only.
- Teriyaki Madness: Buy one bowl and two drinks, get a free bowl. In-store only, Feb. 14–20.
- Applebee's: The fan-favorite $6 Mucho Smoocho Sips are back, including three fruit-flavored cocktails: Tipsy Cupid, Prickly Ever After Rita and the nonalcoholic Prickly Melon Rush.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Score the "Sweet Deal for Two," available Feb. 9–15. Includes one starter, two entrées and one dessert starting at $60 for dine-in or takeout.
- Carrabba's Italian Grill: Dine in for a four-course Valentine's dinner for two for just $65, available Feb. 5–15. Includes a shared appetizer, a shared soup or salad, two entrées, and a shared dessert.
- Dickey's Barbecue Pit: Buy one Smoked Ham and Cheddar sandwich, get one free Feb. 14 and 15 only. Use promo code LOVECUE online or mention the promotion in-store to redeem.
- Fazoli's:Rewards members can score a $20 Dinner for Two Feb. 12–16 at participating locations. Includes two spaghetti or fettuccine alfredo entrées, two small drinks and two desserts.
- Hooters: Buy 10 wings, get 10 free boneless wings on Feb. 14 at participating locations.
- Morton's The Steakhouse: Offering a Valentine's Day prix-fixe menu for two starting at $179, available Feb. 6–15. Includes starter, entrée and dessert to share. Optional add-ons are available for an additional cost.
- Outback Steakhouse: Enjoy a four-course meal for two starting at just $65. Offer valid through Feb. 17.
- P.F. Chang's: Head in for a five-course dining experience for two starting at $89.99. Dine-in only, from Feb. 12–16. Reservations required.
- Round Table Pizza: Large heart-shaped cheese or pepperoni pizzas are available for $19.99 Feb. 9–15 at participating locations. The pizza chain is also offering 14 percent off large or XL pizzas Feb. 13–16 with code RTP258.
- Ruby Tuesday:Cupid's Dinner for Two starts at $49.99, and it's available all month long. Choose from two all-you-can-eat Garden Bars, two select entrées and one shareable dessert. Also available: two new limited-time cocktails and half-priced bottles of wine till Feb. 28.
- Taco Cabana:My TC! Rewards members can receive BOGO Combo Meals on Feb. 13 and BOGO Taco Plates on Feb. 14.
- TGI Fridays: Enjoy a three-course Valentine's Meal for Two for $50, available Feb. 13–15 at participating locations. Includes crave-worthy appetizers, two signature entrées and ends on a dessert.
Related: Costco Shoppers Are Racing to the Bakery for These Cute Valentine's Day Treats
Best Valentine's Day Deals for Takeout- DoorDash: Not food per se, but you can get $10 off your first retail order of $30 or more with promo code DDLOVE, valid through Feb. 14. This applies to retail items and restaurant gift cards, though you can always use it to grab last-minute flowers, chocolates or a gift card to your loved ones favorite restaurant if you're in a pinch.
- Grubhub: Get $20 off $50+ on Chipotle orders on Feb. 14 and 15. You can also take advantage of no delivery or service fees on restaurant orders over $50. Additional in-app deals include $20 off $50 spent at Sweetgreen and 7-Eleven, and $10 off $50 spent at Baked by Melissa, Magnolia Bakery, Levain Bakery, Krispy Kreme, Just Salad and Jersey Mike's.
- Auntie Anne's: Customers can grab heart-shaped original and cinnamon sugar pretzels on Feb. 13 and 14 while supplies last.
- Cinnabon: From Feb. 9–22, rewards members can receive 20 percent off a CinnaPack at participating locations. The reward must be applied at checkout, is single-use only, and is not valid with other offers or third-party delivery.
- Dairy Queen: The Red Velvet Cake Blizzard Treat is featured as February's Blizzard of the Month. While you're there to try it, you can score two Valentine's Cupcakes for only $6.
- Insomnia Cookies: Enjoy the "Warm Cookies, Hot Date" pop-up Feb. 12 and 13 at select locations with a $30 preset menu including six cookies, two milks and dipping sauces. Valentine's cookies and Heart Cookie Cake are available for a limited time, and "Cookies with Benefits" six-pack is available for delivery. On Feb. 13, select bakeries are also offering a themed 12-pack gift box, with the first 50 purchases receiving a plush keychain.
- Krispy Kreme: Indulge in the Valentine's Day Collection available through Feb. 14, featuring themed doughnuts including I Love You a Choco-Lot, Teddy Bear Cookies & Kreme, You're Berry Sweet and Sprinkled with Love.
- Shake Shack: Buy one True Love Shake, get one free on Feb. 14 only.
- Shipley Donuts: Valentine's doughnuts are available through Feb. 14, starting at $1.49 each or $13.49 per dozen. Deal includes themed heart-shaped assortment boxes.
- The Original Rainbow Cone: The Sweetheart Menu available through Feb. 28. BOGO free Rainbow Cones on Feb. 14 with code VALENTINE online or mention in-store.
Related: Dollar General's Cutesy $2 Valentine's Day Find Is Perfect for Last-Minute Gifting
