If your man has gone from “dud” to “stud” during your relationship, it might be time to jump on TikTok’s latest trend.
“Boyfriend glow-ups” are booming on social media, and the trend is exactly what it sounds like – women posting then-and-now comparisons of their partners before and after they got their hands on them.
The “before” shots usually show guys looking like they just rolled out of a college dorm room. Then cut to present day: tailored haircuts, upgraded fits, and a vibe straight out of “Esquire.”
The transformations we’ve seen range from full-blown rebrands to subtle tweaks to “wait, what changed?” (The “Is this a glow-down?” videos are also fun.) But the best of the best are less “fixer-upper” and more “HGTV-level renovation.” Common upgrades include cooler wardrobes, trimmed facial hair, and the kind of confidence that comes with being loved and styled by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Because they’ve been working on you for years, and they finally get to brag. Sure, it’s about growth, partnership, love. But more than that, it’s about the joy of watching them go from “graphic tee and flip-flops” to “knows how to layer.” If your boyfriend used to dress like a background character in a 2005 sitcom and now turns heads at brunch, go ahead and flex.
Choose the right soundtrack
If your guy has gone from “not” to “hot” during your tenure and you’ve got the receipts, then“When Did You Get Hot?” by Sabrina Carpenter is everyone’s song of choice. It’s become the unofficial soundtrack of the glow-up movement. (Like, if you’re not using it, are you even doing the trend right?)
Elton John has never been one to do things the ordinary way, and his latest reveal proves it.
The Rocket Man had both knees replaced last year, and instead of tossing those old kneecaps in the medical waste bin, he had them baked, polished, and turned into JEWELRY.
His right kneecap is now a gold-plated necklace that looks like something Indiana Jones would try to smuggle out of a tomb. On the back, there’s a Latin phrase engraved that translates to “I will no longer bow to any man.” (Which makes sense, because you really can’t bow without kneecaps.)
The left one was a little smaller, so it got turned into a brooch. Basically, Elton has officially become the only man alive who can say, “Oh this? It’s made from my actual skeleton.”
The process wasn’t so simple.
Elton’s designer explained they literally had to bake the kneecaps to dry them out. Once baked, they turned porous like pumice stone, so they were painted with acetate and polished until they looked less like body parts and more like treasure.
It might sound a little morbid, but Elton himself seems delighted by the idea. In fact, he talked about it in a short film released online, and fans can catch his comments about the kneecap jewelry around the 11-minute mark.
Fans are reacting the way you’d expect: half horrified, half impressed.
Some are calling it creepy, others are saying it’s peak Elton John energy. Honestly, it kind of fits perfectly. This is the same guy who’s worn sequined Dodgers uniforms, feathered headdresses, and even waddled out on stage dressed as Donald Duck. Compared to that, kneecap jewelry feels … elegant?
If nothing else, Elton’s found a way to turn major surgery into a flex. Most people leave the hospital with a scar and a physical therapy bill. Elton John leaves with accessories that belong in a museum.
If you’ve paid for a wedding lately, you know booze isn’t cheap. 57% of couples spring for an open bar, but the average cost of alcohol at a wedding is around $2,400.
So that might help explain this new trend: credit card machines at the bar.
One couple in the U.K. went all in, using card readers like the ones you see at restaurants to help pay for their honeymoon. They also had QR codes posted with the message: “Don’t be tight, pay for our flight!” Then they funneled the money into their honeymoon in Mexico. (So yes, you were technically buying them margaritas before they even left the country.)
They didn’t share how much they made, but they said their guests “absolutely loved it.” (Which might be true… after the third gin and tonic.)
To be fair, they did this instead of accepting wedding gifts. The couple had been together for 14 years, already had a home and appliances, and didn’t really need another air fryer. They just figured it’d be more fun, and more practical, to let people swipe for their shots instead of wrapping up a blender.
The credit card company said they’re hoping this catches on at other weddings. Because nothing says romance like tapping your AmEx while the DJ plays “Shout.”
And honestly, what’s next? Venmo requests from the bride during the bouquet toss? A QR code on the cake that says, “Chip in for the frosting?” Maybe the best man will pass around a contactless reader during his speech… like a church collection plate, but with more tequila shots.
Is it ever too early for a little Christmas cheer? According to at least one Costco in Florida, the answer is a firm “Nope!”
Despite the calendar clinging to summer until September 22nd, and Halloween candy still ruling the seasonal aisle, a Royal Palm Beach shopper recently spotted full-blown Christmas displays at their local Costco. We’re talking trees, lights, and yes, oversized Santa inflatables just chillin’ next to the Halloween snack packs. Somewhere, a pumpkin weeps.
It’s a familiar debate this time of year: when exactly should the holidays begin? Are we really skipping from sunscreen to sleigh bells with barely a pit stop for pumpkin pie?
Online reactions were mixed. One person summed it up with a dramatic, “Costco already has Christmas trees on sale!?! Good Lord!” Which, honestly, feels like the correct reaction when it’s still iced coffee weather and someone’s trying to sell you a snow globe.
But not everyone is clutching their pearls. Others are embracing the early yuletide blitz, pointing out that the sooner it’s out, the better the deals. Why wait for Black Friday when you can score a fake tree before the fall equinox?
And let’s be honest, someone out there is already blasting Mariah Carey in their car, pretending there is snow on the ground. So maybe Costco is just giving the people what they want… three months ahead of schedule.
Still, for those who prefer a more traditional rollout of the holidays, this trend can feel like Christmas creep gone wild. What happened to savoring the spooky vibes of Halloween? Or letting Thanksgiving have its moment before it’s steamrolled by Rudolph?
So what’s the right answer? Should Christmas hit store shelves in September, or should we all agree to wait until the day after Thanksgiving, as the holiday gods (and most radio stations) intended?
For now, it’s clear: Costco isn’t waiting for Santa’s signal. Christmas is here, ready or not.
Mark Hamill has been part of one of the most beloved trilogies in movie history, but he had a chance to be a part of another trilogy … and immediately said hard pass.
The Star Wars legend revealed he was once offered a role in the infamous horror sequel The Human Centipede 2.
But luckily, his Jedi wisdom told him to turn it down. He said, “That was an easy one. I said, ‘No, don’t send the script.’ The premise alone… I’ll never see one, and I really resent the fact that some human being thought of that concept of sewing people together, mouth to anus. Goodbye, and never enter my life again.’”
And honestly? Fair.
Even fans who love horror movies often admit The Human Centipede series is more about gross-out factor than storytelling.
For someone like Hamill, who has spent decades cementing his reputation as one of pop culture’s most beloved actors, the idea of joining a franchise built around body horror was a no-go from the start.
That doesn’t mean he avoids intense films altogether. His new movie, The Long Walk, is dark and heavy, but Hamill clarified that he just doesn’t have much love for gore-fests. “I get the appeal of ‘Friday the 13th’ and all those horror, slasher, gore movies, but they’re just not for me,” he said.
Fans online have been quick to side with him, joking that Luke Skywalker dodged an even greater dark side than Darth Vader. After all, the internet never forgets, and nobody wants their IMDb page forever tied to a movie about people sewn together in a line.
What started as a war of words online nearly turned into an actual brawl this weekend, as country music’s brooding poet Zach Bryan and Southern rocker Gavin Adcock came this close to throwing hands at the Born & Raised Festival in Oklahoma.
According to fans at the scene, things escalated when Zach spotted Gavin from across a barbed-wire fence and immediately hopped it, straight-up military crawl style. Crowd-shot video shows the “I Remember Everything” singer bee-lining toward Gavin before being intercepted by security just in time.
Yes, there’s video. Yes, it’s chaos.
Fans are calling it “pure cinema” — mostly because the whole thing unfolded while “White Trash Story” was blaring in the background like it was scored by the universe itself.
It’s not totally clear what triggered the near-skirmish, but it’s no secret that the two have been trading not-so-subtle jabs online. Bryan, who wasn’t even billed to perform at the festival, later made a surprise appearance with Gabriella Rose, joining her on stage for a duet of “Madeline.” And yes, he looked…calm. Collected. Like he hadn’t just tried to WWE his way through a headliner.
Adcock, for his part, stuck to the game plan and hit the stage as scheduled — minus any steel-cage grudge match. His crew was quick to pull him away before anything could pop off, clearly aware that “viral fistfight at a music festival” is not the kind of PR you want right before showtime.
Meanwhile, social media is eating it up. The memes, the rewinds, the slow-mo clips of Zach going over that fence like it’s Normandy — it’s all making the rounds. And fans of both artists are picking sides faster than you can say “banjo drop.”
Whether this ends in a public apology, a diss track, or another surprise stage invasion remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure — country music beef just got way more entertaining.
Sharon Osbourne has spoken publicly for the first time since the loss of her husband, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, and her message was one of deep gratitude.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Sharon thanked fans for their overwhelming support during what she described as some of her darkest days. “I’m still having trouble finding the words to express how grateful I am for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown on social media,” she wrote. “Your comments, posts, and tributes have brought me more comfort than you know. None of it has gone unnoticed, in fact, it’s carried me through many nights.”
Ozzy’s passing on July 22nd left the music world shaken, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists, fans, and friends around the globe. Sharon, who was not only Ozzy’s wife of more than 40 years but also his longtime manager, has remained a steady presence in the public eye through decades of rock-and-roll chaos, reality TV fame, and personal challenges.
Alongside her statement, Sharon also shared a glimpse into a new activity she and daughter Kelly Osbourne recently tried together: falconry.
She posted a video from the outing, calling the experience “nothing short of magical.” Sharon explained that the connection you make with the birds of prey is based entirely on trust, confidence, and mutual respect. “They’ll choose to perch on you only if they sense you are safe and unafraid of them. It’s a bond I know all too well,” she reflected, subtly tying the lesson back to her own life experiences.
The choice to share falconry, rather than a traditional tribute or memory, feels very Sharon: unexpected, strong, and symbolic. It suggests she is leaning on both family and new adventures as she navigates life without Ozzy by her side.
For fans, the statement was a reminder of the tight bond the Osbournes have always shared with the public. From “The Osbournes” reality show in the early 2000s to Ozzy’s decades of music that defined heavy metal, the family has always invited fans into their world. And in this moment of grief, Sharon made it clear that the love is very much felt and appreciated.
While it may take time before Sharon shares more about how she and her family are processing Ozzy’s loss, her message this week showed resilience, gratitude, and a glimpse at how she’s finding light amid the heartbreak.
“Miami Vice” premiered on NBC September 16, 1984. But it was 40 years ago this month that its exciting theme song by Jan Hammer was released as a single.
By that November, it would be a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 – something that’s only happened four other times. And if you can name the other four songs, wow… did you go to school for this or something?!
Three of them hit America’s eardrums in the ’70s – oddly enough, two were also instrumentals, extremely rare for #1 Top 40 songs. The other was a one-hit wonder in the early ’90s by a band that didn’t actually exist. (Hint: Don’t even try to guess that one.)
Soul Train – “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)“
The first TV theme to top the charts was “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” better known as the theme to “Soul Train.” It has a few moments where some background singers are heard, but it’s instrumental for the most part. The creator and host of “Soul Train,” Don Cornelius, refused to allow any references to the name of the show when the single was released. That’s why the artists, MFSB, adopted the alternate title. It went #1 in 1974.
S.W.A.T. – “Theme from S.W.A.T.”
The second instrumental to win the top spot on the charts was “Theme from S.W.A.T.” by Rhythm Heritage. On February 28, 1976, radio stations were playing the cop drama theme more than any other song. It featured Jeff Porcaro on drums and Ray Parker, Jr. on guitar. (Yeah, the “Ghostbusters” guy.) If you don’t think you recognize it, skip to :24.
Welcome Back, Kotter – “Welcome Back”
John Sebastian’s “Welcome Back” hit #1 in May 1976, just a few short months after “Theme from S.W.A.T.” topped the charts. (Man, people were really into theme songs in ’76!) Producers had loved the song so much, they changed the title of the whole show. It went from “Kotter” to “Welcome Back Kotter” to match the lyrics. Even though comedian Gabe Kaplan was in the title roll, John Travolta became the breakout star of the series and even he had a hit song that year – “Let Her In“ hit #10 thanks to John’s newfound fame.
Miami Vice – “Miami Vice Theme”
It had been nearly a decade since a TV theme topped the charts when Jan Hammer’s synthy ode to stylish Miami cops hit the scene in 1985, then hit #1 later that year. It was the last instrumental to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 until “Harlem Shake“ seized the crown in 2013.
The Heights – “How Do You Talk to an Angel?”
You might know the song, but probably not the show. “The Heights” followed the exploits of a fictional band, but the show never found success. The theme song was a huge hit though, landing at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two full weeks. The show lasted only one season on Fox before it got the axe. The cancelation came less than two weeks after the show’s theme song topped the charts. Ouch.
It’s been over 30 years since a TV theme song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and I know what you’re thinking: “What about that Friends song!?” Nope, not even “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts could do it, only rising as high at #17 in 1995. (It did hit #1 in Canada though, if you care aboot that.)
Brick Taylor has been covering music, television, and film since the ’80s. He is a modern day historian of ‘what is old is new again.’ “It’s all cyclical,” Brick said in a recent interview. “Look at ‘S.W.A.T.’, for instance. That TV show from the ’70s was made into a movie in 2003, then revamped as a TV series again in 2017. Not to name drop, but I saw Tom Cruise at an Oscars party that year and told him Hollywood’s outta fresh ideas. He nodded, then said he had to leave early to make another ‘Mission: Impossible’ sequel.” Brick then excused himself from the interview because it was an open bar.
Ancient F-words, Facebook haters, and Turd Ferguson. Here’s what was in the news 10 years ago this week.
Historians found the oldest known use of the F-word
A researcher at Keele University in England found three examples of everyone’s favorite four-letter word while going through some medieval legal documents from 1310 and 1311. Or technically, it was part of a longer 15-letter word… err, name?
Records showed that a man who went by Roger Fuckebythenavel was in and out of court back in the early 14th century. Or to put it in more current terms, his name was “Roger The-Guy-Who-Tried-To-Have-Bellybutton-Sex.” It apparently wasn’t his god-given name. (Ya don’t say!) But it was what people around town called him.
The historian suggested it may have been a term used for a “dimwit,” someone so dumb they might think that’s how babies are made. Or, it could have been a reference to “an actual attempt at copulation by an inexperienced youth, later reported by a rejected girlfriend.” In other words, “14th century revenge porn.”
The earliest known reference to the word “Fuck” is in the Chester county court plea rolls of Dec 8, 1310. A man by the name of ‘Roger ‘Fuckebythenavele’ is named 3 times as part of a process to be outlawed. Mr Fuckebythenavele was discovered by Dr Paul Booth of Keele University pic.twitter.com/6A7KAwmOCM
Season 7 of “The League” had just premiered on FXX when fans discovered one of the main actors on the show had been lying for years about being in the Twin Towers on 9/11. He claimed he was working at Merrill Lynch on the 54th floor of the South Tower when the first plane hit. But he never worked for Merrill Lynch, and they didn’t even have an office there at the time. The lie coming to light basically ended his career.
People had been calling for a 👎 option for years, and Zuck suggested it might finally happen, but it never came to fruition. Facebook instead added its “Reactions” emojis in 2016: 👍, ❤️, 😂, 😲, 😢, and 😡. They apparently decided that an actual thumbs down button might begin to sow hatred and anger in an environment that’s otherwise filled with constructive and well-meaning content. 👀
A “Jeopardy” contestant got Alex Trebek to say “Turd Ferguson”
Contestant Talia Lavin didn’t know the answer to the Final Jeopardy question. So she wrote, “What is The Love Ballad of Turd Ferguson (p.s. Hi Mom).” Fans of Norm MacDonald’s Burt Reynolds character in the “SNL”sketch reveled in the stunt, with Mashable.com calling her an “American hero.”
Cinnamon Toast Crunch debuted a selfie stick spoon
The gimmicky product was intended for the social media addicted and chronically self-absorbed. Folks who made it to the CTC website fast enough were able to score one for free, plus $7 shipping – a $7 they’ll never get back.
A guy won the lottery, didn’t tell his wife, and divorced her
It happened in China. He won $725,000, filed for divorce, and didn’t claim the prize until the split was finalized. He got his wife to sign the divorce papers by offering to take on all $40,000 of their debt… without mentioning he was sitting on much more than that. A judge ordered him to pay her $180,000, and he still had to cover the debt himself.
Arnold Schwarzenegger took over “Celebrity Apprentice”
Donald Trump was running for president and couldn’t do it anymore. “The New Celebrity Apprentice” lasted only a season before Arnold departed, blaming Trump’s divisiveness for the low ratings.
7-Eleven started delivering a “Date Night Pack”
The collection of date night essentials was only available in select cities. For $20, you got a tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a Hershey’s chocolate bar, a can of Red Bull, a pack of Trident gum, and a three-pack of Trojan Ultra-Thin condoms. #Romance
A “Mary Poppins” sequel was announced
Eventual star Emily Blunt hadn’t signed on yet. But ironically, she was also in the news the same week for joking that the Republican debate made her regret getting her U.S. citizenship. She quickly apologized for the comment. “Mary Poppins Returns” came out in 2018 and made over $360 million worldwide.
Jon Hamm finally won an Emmy for “Mad Men”
He’d been snubbed for six seasons, but finally got his award four months after the show had wrapped up that May. Other Emmy winners in 2015 included “Game of Thrones” for Best Drama, “Veep” for Best Comedy, and Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win Best Actress in a Drama Series for “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Once upon a time, “breakfast in bed” was the ultimate romantic gesture. Now? For a lot of people, it’s just a one-way ticket to sleeping in a pile of toast shrapnel.
A while back, a bizarre survey found 80% of people say crumbs in bed ruin their sleep. Which sounds fine… but raises a disturbing follow-up: are the other 20% totally fine rolling around in bacon bits and scrambled egg fossils?
Still, plenty of people risk it. 35% admit to eating in bed, usually late-night snacks like cookies, chips, and popcorn. (Basically the three foods most-scientifically-designed to generate maximum crumbs.)
But here’s the kicker: 33% say eating in bed is a dating deal-breaker. And among Millennials, that number jumps to 38%… even though Millennials are also the most likely to sneak snacks under the covers. Talk about sleeping with the enemy.
So yeah, breakfast in bed might sound sweet… or satisfy sudden snack cravings you’ll regret later. But if you don’t want your sheets to double as a sandpaper exfoliator, be REAL CAREFUL about your execution.
![Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6nPTZqnIfFM/hqdefault.jpg)
