“Movie icon Wings Hauser took flight in the arms of his film & music partner, Cali Lili Hauser at their studio this weekend.”

“Born in Hollywood, proud Academy member and prouder son of Academy Award winning writer, director, producer Dwight A. Hauser and loving mother Geraldine T. Hauser, Wings Hauser’s one of a kind, legendary career spanned 58 years in movies, tv & music working alongside many of the greatest artists in the industry and earning their respect. His recent and upcoming releases along with his living wish is handing the torch to the love of his life, Cali, requesting she continue the work embodying their partnership, their love story and honoring his legacy.

Wings asks movie and music lovers in lieu of flowers or cards that they please show ongoing support for current and future projects by the award winning sustainable indie film and music studio , a sea-life and butterfly sanctuary hand-built by the Hausers ( Cali Lili Indies) Cali Lili Indies Pictures Words Music In Motion FeMt0 Studi0 releasing social / environmental justice themed films and songs, as well as monarch butterflies and the source of both title and title track for an upcoming feature length documentary produced by La-La Land Entertainment: “

Wings Hauser, born Gerald Dwight Hauser on December 12, 1947, was an American actor, director, and screenwriter known for his intense performances and rugged on-screen presence. He gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for his work in action films, thrillers, and television dramas.

The post ‘Vice Squad’ Star Passed Away At 78 appeared first on Local Reads.

Many people notice an increase in anxiety, becoming more worried about health and responsibilities, and research shows that grief from a parent’s death can lead to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It also alters your perspective on others—particularly those who complain about their parents—because you would give anything to hear your parent’s voice or see their quirks again. Grief isn’t just emotional—it impacts your body, too.

Many people experience physical symptoms of grief and neglect their own health during this period. Over time, you begin to live with a persistent sadness, recognizing that grief doesn’t go away but evolves, becoming part of who you are. Holidays and special occasions take on a different meaning, often bringing a sense of emptiness, but with time, you learn to create new traditions.

As the years pass, you may also gain new perspective on your parent’s flaws and see them as complex, imperfect humans doing their best.

Grieving also brings emotional complexity—feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, relief, and numbness can surface unpredictably. It’s important not to suppress these emotions, as they’re a natural part of the healing process. The death of a parent can also shift family dynamics. Relationships with siblings may become strained or strengthened, depending on how everyone copes.

You might find yourself reaching for the phone to call your parent, only to remember they’re no longer there—a painful reminder of the daily absence they’ve left. Yet, through this grief, you begin to understand how powerful love truly is. The sorrow you feel is a reflection of the love you shared. As time moves on, you carry that love with you, shaping the way you remember your parent and the life you continue to build without them.

The post 10 Things About You That Will Change When You Lose Your Parents appeared first on Local Reads.

It felt more like strategy than love—and I had a gut feeling something wasn’t right.

I put my life on hold, dropping out of college and picking up two jobs to care for Max. We moved into a tiny apartment, barely making ends meet, but filled with warmth and effort. I filed for guardianship, even as my aunt falsely accused me of neglect.

Thankfully, our kind neighbor—who looked after Max while I worked—stood by me in court, helping to limit Diane’s access to supervised visits only.

Everything changed when I overheard Diane one night, saying they’d gain access to a trust fund once they had custody. I didn’t even know Max had one. I recorded her and Uncle Gary planning how to use the money for vacations and a new car. I sent the recording to my lawyer. At the next court hearing, the truth came out. The judge granted me full guardianship and acknowledged my dedication by offering housing assistance.

Now, two years later, Max is doing great in school and I’m working full-time while studying online. We share quiet nights, cartoons, and popcorn—and above all, we share trust. Life isn’t easy, but we’ve built a home together. When Max says, “You never gave up on me,” I remind him: I never will.

The post My Aunt Tried to Take My Brother—But I Discovered Her Real Reason appeared first on Local Reads.

Ellen’s experience highlighted how COVID affected many people’s muscles and joints, especially as reduced mobility became common during lockdowns.

The NHS explains that inactivity can worsen existing aches, and many COVID patients noted increased back pain, with a Malta study finding that post-COVID, 49% reported back pain, up from 30% before the pandemic.

This symptom aligns with other illnesses too, so back pain doesn’t necessarily indicate COVID, and can occur with conditions like flu or pneumonia.

The post ‘I had no idea that was a symptom.’ appeared first on Local Reads.

1. Loose cloves: Avoid bulbs with cloves that are widely separated or have lost their papery skin. These are more prone to mold, sprouting, and spoilage. Choose tightly packed bulbs with intact skin for better protection and storage life.

2. Soft cloves: Gently press the bulb—if it feels mushy or soft, it’s likely spoiled. Firm garlic indicates freshness, while soft ones shrink quickly and can develop mold.

3. Wrinkled or damp skin: Garlic with wrinkled or soft skin may not have been dried properly after harvest, making it more vulnerable to mold and shorter-lasting. This could also mean it was harvested prematurely. If bought, let it sun-dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, ventilated area.

4. Overly white bulbs: Very white garlic, often imported (commonly from China), is easy to peel but milder in flavor and lower in nutrients. For richer taste and better health benefits, choose locally grown garlic, especially purple-skinned varieties. Careful selection ensures your garlic adds maximum flavor and goodness to your meals.

The post Even if they are given for free, you shouldn’t take them appeared first on Local Reads.

I smiled sweetly, said I’d head to the store, then drove straight to Target instead. I spent hours sipping coffee, trying on jackets, and debating throw pillows. When I finally texted, “Still at the store. Traffic’s wild ,” I imagined the chaos I’d come home to—and I was right. For once, I chose peace over panic, and it felt incredible. I felt more in control than I had in years.

The house was a disaster. Kids were running wild, his mom picked at burnt frozen pizza, and Alex was red-faced, fumbling with whipped cream. I poured myself a glass of wine, raised it to his mom, and said, “Cheers!” I was calm, composed, and completely detached from the madness. It was his mess now, and I made sure he knew it.

That night, Alex tried to argue, but I reminded him I’m his wife, not a maid. The next morning, he cleaned the kitchen on his own. Weeks later, he suggested planning the next family visit together. It was the first time he truly acknowledged the imbalance. And from that moment on, he never dared to dump surprise hosting duties on me again.

The post My Husband Dropped a Last-Minute Family Visit on Me—And Expected Me to Play the Perfect Host” appeared first on Local Reads.

I was stunned. That money was Edith’s final gift to our children untouchable in my mind and heart. But Gaby saw it as a pot to dip into for her own girls. Trying to keep the peace, I offered a solution: “We’ll create a fund for your daughters from our joint income.” She was furious. “So you’re choosing them over us?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m honoring the woman who helped build this family and protecting her daughters’ future.” From that day on, Gaby’s mask slipped. Tensions rose. The cold shoulders, the guilt trips, the bitter remarks all confirmed what I feared: she hadn’t married us, she’d married into opportunity.

Still, I stood my ground. I’d protect Edith’s legacy no matter the cost. Gaby learned that manipulation doesn’t work on a man who’s already lost everything once. Some lessons are painful but necessary. In the end, I chose what mattered most: my daughters, their future, and the promise I made to their mother.

The post She Wanted My Late Wife’s Money for Her Kids—I Taught Her a Harsh Lesson appeared first on Local Reads.

 Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

 Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Dried Chipped Beef	4 ounces
Unsalted Butter	1/4 cup
All-Purpose Flour	1/4 cup
Whole Milk	2 cups
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce	1 teaspoon
Toast (white, sourdough, etc.)	As needed (4-6 slices)
Fresh Parsley (optional)	For garnish

 Instructions

1. Rinse and Chop the Beef
   Rinse the dried chipped beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels and cut into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Beef
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped beef and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it’s just beginning to brown and release a savory aroma.

3. Create the Roux
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and butter mixture. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste. This roux is the foundation for your creamy sauce.

4. Add the Milk Slowly
   Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.

5. Season and Simmer
   Add black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring often, until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency that clings to the back of a spoon.

6. Toast the Bread
   While the sauce simmers, toast your bread slices until golden and crispy. You can use white bread, sourdough, or even biscuits for a Southern twist.

7. Assemble and Serve
   Lay the toast on plates and ladle the hot creamed chipped beef generously over the top. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness.

The post Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast appeared first on Local Reads.

After rushing her to the hospital, doctors confirmed her death was caused by an electric shock.

The cause? A damaged phone charger left plugged in. During an inspection, authorities found the burnt charger beneath her sheets, still connected to power.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a powerful reminder: never use phones while charging and regularly check chargers for damage. Even familiar items, like smartphones, can pose unexpected dangers. Stay vigilant.

Even in safe spaces, accidents can happen.

The post Never use phones while charging and… appeared first on Local Reads.

My parents were high school sweethearts, a perfect couple who worked together through hard times. Mom believed Dad’s humble contracting job was enough—until she didn’t. After her high school reunion, she left Dad for Vincent, a wealthy, polished man with a mansion and fancy lifestyle. Dad stayed in their modest house, quietly holding onto their past.

Years later, I married Jason, a hardworking plumber who reminded me of Dad’s kindness and grit. When Mom invited me to her birthday brunch with a “plus guest,” I brought Jason, hoping for peace. Instead, Mom pulled me aside, saying Jason didn’t belong among her wealthy friends and insisted he leave.

Jason left calmly, but moments later, a pipe burst, flooding the party. Vincent refused to help. Then Jason returned, calmly fixing the problem with Dad guiding him over the phone.

Mom, humbled and tearful, apologized and asked Jason to stay. We left together, and weeks later, Mom left Vincent and returned to Dad’s home, rediscovering the love and life she had forgotten.

Sometimes, the people who quietly fix what’s broken—without fame or wealth—are the ones who truly matter.

The post Mom Threw My Husband Out of Her Birthday Party — All Because He’s ‘Just a Plumber appeared first on Local Reads.