Old man smell is the new thing … Teenage boys have decided that the sexiest thing in the world is ... smelling like an old dude. In the newest trend sweeping high schools and junior highs, boys from 13 to 18 are collecting vintage colognes, from as far back as the early '90s. They're stealing them from the dusty shelves of older relatives and scouring eBay and other resale sites, where used bottles of the old stuff are going for as much as $150. Big favorites include Le Male, which hit the market in 1995, and Acqua di Giò, which launched a year later. They're long gone from malls, but teens are lining up to find them. In fact, about 44% of boys ages 12 to 14 and 57% ages 15 to 17 use fragrance, according to market-research firm Mintel.
Is it time to dumb down your phone? “Dumb phones” – basic, low-tech devices that are simply for calling and texting – are making a comeback, especially for those looking for a digital detox. A phone with no apps, no internet, and no constant buzzing can be just the thing for people who just need a break from it all. Experts say going more low-tech with your phone can relieve stress, help you sleep better, and even give you more time in the day. You don’t have to completely ditch your smartphone, but trading it in for an old-school flip phone every now and then could be a lifesaver for your mental health.
One tough mother … A California woman has gone viral and earned the respect of virtually every mother on the planet – after she gave birth right on the front steps of her house. The dramatic scene was captured on her Ring doorbell camera. Natasha Downing was 39 weeks pregnant with her second child and was leaving with her husband and toddler son to go to the birthing center to have her daughter. But as soon as she stepped outside the house, her water broke and labor very quickly progressed. She knew the baby was coming right then and there, so she squatted down and gave birth to a baby girl. Her husband wrapped her up with the baby in her arms and called for an ambulance. Natasha and the baby, Lillybella, are doing well. She says, "It sounds like it would be a traumatic birth, but it was very healing and really amazing."
Beware of cider … No Fall festival is complete without a cup of fresh apple cider, but if you're going to indulge in the seasonal beverage, you may want to do so sparingly, because it could be bad for your health. Health officials warn that fresh apple cider, which is typically unpasteurized, may contain harmful bacteria that could lead to foodborne illness and make you sick, especially if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Apple orchards are not required to pasteurize or heat-treat their juices. Bottles that are sold should be refrigerated and contain a label warning the product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Apple orchards are not required to include a label on single cups of cider that are sold.
A grand voyage … If you've saved up enough vacation time, and a lot of money, and want to hit the high seas for a while, Celebrity Cruises has a grand new voyage for you. Coming in 2026, Celebrity is offering its Grand Voyage cruise, which will sail from Vancouver on September 13th, 2026 and visit 55 destinations in 15 countries over the course of 110 days. Travelers will visit everywhere from Alaska and Hawaii, to New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia, where the voyage will come to an end. Bookings for the cruise will open in December, but no price has been announced just yet.