The Lighter Side
The Lighter Side

The Lighter Side

@thelighterside

As MTV begins shutting down music-only channels, people discuss what the 'final video' should be
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As MTV begins shutting down music-only channels, people discuss what the 'final video' should be

On August 1, 1981, gaggles of Gen X-ers gathered around TV sets in the U.S. (and later around the world) to watch the launch of something about which many had only dreamed. No, it wasn't our own 80s-inspired moon landing. It was the MTV (Music Television) channel, which was set to show music videos on a 24/7 cycle. Much like the 1969 moon launch (which MTV features in its logos), it was an opportunity for a new generation to celebrate something, frankly quite cool.Their first music video? Aptly, "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. (Second was Pat Benatar's "You Better Run," followed by Rod Stewart's "She Won't Dance with Me.") My best friend and I watched for hours as David Bowie, Elvis Costello, The Cars, Duran Duran and many others took the channel by storm. For decades, it brought musical legends together, evolving both musically and artistically—gathering big-name directors to bring music to life. Over the years, there were spin-offs, reality TV programming, and award shows, cementing MTV as one of the biggest elements of the Gen X zeitgeist. Music video for "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles www.youtube.com, The Buggles VEVO So when stories went viral suggesting that MTV was "shutting down" its music channels entirely, the internet went a little haywire. Jeff Luce writes in Parade, "By the end of the year, MTV’s remaining 24-hour music channels will shut down globally across multiple regions, closing a chapter that’s been open since the early days of cable television."While this is true for the U.K. and other parts of Europe, the good news is the plug is not yet pulled for the U.S. I reached out to writer and past MTV VJ Dave Holmes, who shared, "MTV Europe is ending its music video-only suite of channels (MTV Hits, MTV Jams, etc.), and the story has gone through the social media game of telephone to become 'MTV IS GOING OFF THE AIR.' It's not. MTV Hits/Classic/etc. in the U.S. are staying put, and even MTV Europe will remain on the air."But once that genie jumped out of the bottle, it got a lot of people mourning something they probably haven't watched in a while. Many social media posts began lamenting "the end of an era," and the fact that it's not entirely global hasn't stopped people from debating what the "last video should be." Story lamenting the end of MTV music as we know it. www.youtube.com, Rock Feed There were so many discussions, "community notes" had to be added, which claimed, "Not true in the USA." Still, the discussions became rather sentimental. A Threads user called @Jexarjexon wrote, "MTV's final fade-out. The era is officially ending. As of December 31, 2025, MTV will stop airing its 24/7 music video channels globally. The last neon echo of an entire generation's soundscape—gone. Let's do this right. If you were in charge of MTV's final music video ever…what would it be?" They add, "My take is it should go out the way it began with The Buggles and 'Video Killed the Radio Star.'"The comment section had opinions. While many seemed to be in consensus that The Buggles pick makes the most sense, a few offered their points of view. Some joked it should be a spoof called "TikTok Killed the Video Star," suggesting Weird Al take that on. Duran Duran's "Rio" video. www.youtube.com, Duran Duran VEVO Others offer their 80s and 90s favorites, from A-ha to Oasis. One Threader writes, "'It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)' by R.E.M. One and only." Another believes a play on media is the way to go, like "Radio, Radio" by Elvis Costello.This person gives a few options. "A few choices leap to mind. 1) Bohemian Rhapsody. One of the first 'videos' that proved it could almost be an art form. 2) 'Money for Nothing…'I want my MTV.' 3) The Buggles. Just to close the circle."And perhaps this was the most Gen X answer ever. "It wouldn't be a music video. It would be Beavis and Butt-Head laughing for 24 hours straight." Beavis And Butthead rock out. Giphy Beavis and Butthead 90s TV

Here’s How to Get a Free Burger at Shake Shack on New Year’s Eve
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Here’s How to Get a Free Burger at Shake Shack on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is here. It’s hard to believe we only have a few more hours left in 2025. Before the year ends, you should probably have one more delicious meal, right? If you like burgers, then we’ve got a deal you can’t pass up. For one last day, on December 31, you can get a free burger at Shake Shack. All you have to do is spend $10, and you can enjoy a burger for free. “Saved my favorite for last. get a ShackBurger for free* with a $10+ purchase ‘til 12/31 use code ‘SHACKCHEER,’” Shake Shack shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shake Shack (@shakeshack) A Free Shake Shack Burger Sounds Pretty Darn Delicious It’s not hard to spend $10 at Shake Shack, so getting that free burger on New Year’s Eve is a must. And if you’ve never tried it before, check it out on social media. Shake Shack’s Instagram is full of kind messages about the company. “Hi! I went to the theater district NYC location last week and I am still thinking about what a positive experience I had. Kudos to management and all of the workers – they made a very welcoming experience, you can tell they put in a lot of effort and it makes a huge difference. wishing them a merry Christmas,” a customer shared on Instagram. “We’re stoked to hear you had a great experience! We’re lucky to have awesome team members at all our Shacks. Happy Holidays!” The company replied. The customer’s experience aligns with Shake Shack’s commitment to quality and its team members. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our purpose to Stand for Something Good, we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment where every Team member can thrive. Our culture is built on great people who embrace ongoing learning and help us grow every day,” the company website boasts. This story’s featured image is by James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Iconic Child Actor’s New Movie Roll Will Blow Your Mind
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Iconic Child Actor’s New Movie Roll Will Blow Your Mind

If you learned that the human head weighs 8 pounds from the movie Jerry McGuire, we’re about to blow your mind. Jonathan Lipnicki was only 5 years old when he was cast in the film and stole America’s heart with the now-iconic line. Here’s the wild part- the movie came out nearly 30 years ago, and Jonathan is now a married father of three. He continues to act and will appear in the upcoming psychological thriller, Williston, alongside Matt Walsh and Geneva Carr. “The psychological thriller follows three landmen who descend on Williston, North Dakota, to secure the rights to the last remaining undeveloped parcel of land—owned by a Native American man who harbors a deep hatred for the oil industry,” he shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jonathan Lipnicki (@jonathanlipnicki) Jonathan Lipnicki Can’t Wait for the Movie to Come Out Jonathan Lipnicki told Deadline all about the upcoming project. “I had the pleasure of working briefly with Adam on his debut feature, Anywhere, and was eager to collaborate with him again,” he explained. “When he brought me Williston—a play he had brilliantly adapted into a film—it presented a rare opportunity to explore the moral ambiguity of three deeply distinct personalities confined within a gripping, contained arena. We couldn’t have asked for more compelling performances than those delivered by Geneva and Matt—they brought extraordinary depth and complexity to their roles. It’s intense, unsettling, and profoundly challenging.” “Congrats my friend – you were terrific in Anywhere, I can’t wait to see what this talented bunch does with this film!” A fan shared. “Wonderful Jonathan!!!! Way to GO and so excited to see it!!!! I was filming with @kirk_roos and @mrmattwalsh simultaneously on ANOTHER SHOOT in Tulsa! This sounds incredible! “Arts & Crafts!” is abounding, HOORAY!!” Another friend shared. This fan can’t wait to see Jonathan Lipnicki’s new film. “That’s fantastic news! I’m super excited for you!!” They wrote. This story’s featured image is by  Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Make Sweet Charitable Donation for Babies in Need
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Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Make Sweet Charitable Donation for Babies in Need

Prince William and Kate Middleton understand the importance of giving back to those in need. They’ve also worked very hard to instill in their children the importance of stewardship. William and Kate, along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, spend many hours every year doing charitable work and helping others. Though we sometimes see their efforts, they often do their charitable work out of the public eye. Recently, The Baby Bank revealed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis made a thoughtful donation to the organization. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheBabyBank (@the_baby_bank) The Baby Bank Lauded the Royal Family for Their Contribution The Baby Bank shared that the royal family made a kind donation to the organization this year. “2025 saw The Baby Bank turn 10 years old. As we reflect on this, we are overwhelmed by the constant support of our community as well as schools, organisations and businesses that have come together to provide collective donations. These have included new winter clothing from @primark Bracknell following some staff fundraising, preloved clothing donations from St Edmund Campion school, a number of collections from @hartbeepsberkshire baby & toddler classes, beautiful Billie’s baby clothing courtesy of @lorrainekellysmith https://www.instagram.com/rosiekellysmith/@rosiekellysmith and essential practical everyday items chosen by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ children@princeandprincessofwales. These items helped us efficiently reach families far and wide and support thousands of children this year,” The Baby Bank shared. Followers loved reading about The Baby Bank’s success and the royal family’s contributions. “I love this and I see how many families you help. I know personally mum‘s from my community have really benefited from your donations. I’d love to support you guys in 2026. I think you are such an important part of the community,” someone shared on Instagram. It’s always nice to see kindness in our world and children learning the importance of helping those in need. This story’s featured image is by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Emma Heming Willis Shares the Exact Moment She Fell in Love with Bruce Willis
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Emma Heming Willis Shares the Exact Moment She Fell in Love with Bruce Willis

When Emma Heming met Bruce Willis, she never could have imagined the life they’d have. The pair share daughters Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. Bruce also has three adult daughters, Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout, with his ex-wife, Demi Moore. The family is quite lucky. They operate as a unit, even though many might consider their arrangement nontraditional. Their bond became even stronger with Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in 2022 and eventually frontotemporal dementia the following year. Despite Bruce Willis’ health challenges, Emma Heming Willis continues to celebrate their love. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Heming Willis (@emmahemingwillis) Emma Heming Willis Remembers the First Kiss Bruce Willis Gave Her Emma Heming Willis posted a photo of a sweet memory with Bruce Willis on Instagram on December 30. “18 years ago, he became my boyfriend,” Emma wrote. “With one kiss on the top of my head, time stood still. I’m so lucky to know this kind of love.” Many fans shared messages of love with Emma and Bruce. “20 years ago when he was hanging out with his website pals, I knew he was waiting for the right woman to come along and even told him so. And you were exactly the person to complete his life. You were so blessed to find each other. My heart breaks that you couldn’t have more quality years together but I know your love will endure forever,” someone wrote. “We just celebrated 40 years of the date we met. I was 23. He was 24. I never thought I wouldn’t have this fabulous man a part of my life,” another person wrote. “I understand.” Even though Bruce Willis cannot tell Emma Heming Willis he loves her, it’s still very clear. Frontotemporal dementia families totally understand. “My younger brother was diagnosed with FTD a couple of years ago. It’s heartbreaking watching someone lose their ability to communicate. As a caregiver I thank you for giving us a voice,” a fan shared. This story’s featured image is by Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images