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Let’s face it: unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw with an unlimited shoe budget, it’s a feat to afford every single shoe that you dream of having in your closet. Not only that, but it’s an overwhelming task to keep all those shoes in order, let alone be able to wear them all.

If you’ve ever felt like sizing down your footwear collection in favor of a few staple shoes, it could be time to consider what kicks to toss and which ones to keep.

There are a lot of benefits to just keeping around fewer shoes: it’s more cost-efficient, you get more space in your closet back and you don’t have to sort through all your footwear. The catch? This will work best if you narrow down your shoes to just three pairs.

That might sound a little impossible, but according to stylist Aimee Smale—the founder and Creative Director of Odd Muse—it can be easy enough as long as you prepare for the seasons and choose the right fabrics and colors.

Below, she offers advice on what three pairs of shoes are a must-have in your closet, and why they’re the only essentials you need.

Related: 8 Best Ways To Style Ankle Boots Over 40, According to a Celebrity Stylist

The 3 Essential Pairs of Shoes Every Capsule Wardrobe Needs

Puzzled about how you can live off of a few sets of shoes? Smale says there are actually only three essential pairs you need: slingback kitten heels, ballet pumps and thong sandals.

1. Slingback kitten heels

She suggests a slingback kitten heel as a simple transition shoe. These will come in handy if you need to go from the corporate world to drinks after work, for example.

“A trusty pair of slingback kitten heels can really take you from the office to a nice dinner,” she tells Parade.

A slingback kitten heel can do the most, especially if you want to show up well-dressed but don’t want to put in the extra effort after a long day. That’s why Smale recommends it, as it’s the essential shoe that will always make you look assembled minus the overthinking.

“They elevate an outfit just the right amount so that you don’t feel overdressed but put together enough so you feel like you can take on your busy working day,” she says.

2. Ballet pumps

The second pair that’s a must in the closet is a pair of ballet pumps. According to Smale, there’s no reason why someone shouldn’t have a pair, especially in a soft beige color.

In particular, they just tend to go with just about anything, which is a huge plus if you’re only keeping essential shoes in your closet.

“A beige ballet pump literally goes with every single outfit,” she reveals.

This is a vital shoe that deserves a spot in your closet. They’re easy-going, but also comfy enough that you don’t need to resort to running shoes or a sneaker instead.

“Not only are they comfortable, but they are much cuter than a trainer; never destroy a good outfit with an ugly shoe, I say,” she states.

3. Thong sandals

Her third suggestion is a shoe that made a big comeback this summer: the thong sandal. Smale is all over the trend, calling them her “newest obsession.”

“I prefer mine heeled just so they give a little more to an outfit than a flip-flop,” she notes.

More than just a great summer shoe, the thong sandal is an important piece of footwear since they’re “the least distracting shoe” you can pull out of the closet.

“As a business owner, I tend to be running late to a lot, so just knowing that I can’t go wrong with these shoes with any outfit, it just makes my morning that little bit easier,” she shares.

Related: 9 Best Ways To Style Loafers, According to a Celebrity Stylist

How To Style the 3 Shoe Archetypes for Any Occasion

Not sure how to navigate wearing each of these shoes? Smale explains below how to map out outfits, based on which shoe you wear.

1. How to style slingback kitten heels

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

These are perfect for a work outfit or to wear out with friends, says Smale. But dressing them up or down depends on the activity of the day.

“I would wear these to the office with jeans or our simple statement trousers just to give my outfit a little elevation,” she explains. “Then I would wear the same outfit to a dinner in London with my partner or drinks at Soho House.”

2. How to style beige ballet pumps

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Ballet pumps are perfect for everyday style, and they can easily work depending on what season you’re wearing them in.

“A beige ballet pump can be worn with any mini dress or pair of shorts this summer for an everyday look, but can then easily be switched to wear with a pair of jeans as we come into autumn and winter and need to transition our looks but not our footwear just yet,” Smale states.

3. How to style a thong sandal

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

The thong sandal might be the most versatile of them all, a shoe that Smale describes as being able to “wear everywhere.”

“I can wear them with my Odd Muse cream culottes and matching top shopping all day in Paris or with my bikini cover-up to an all-day drinking beach club in Saint-Tropez,” she says.

How To Choose the Right Colors and Materials for Maximum Versatility

Depending on the shoe, Smale says she goes with neutral colors, while others might gravitate towards classic black.

“I always say my version of the classic black is the beige, green and cream tones, and that goes for my shoes too,” she shares.

For example, the fashion brand founder says that she loves the look of her slingback kitten heels in the iconic Gucci canvas print. On top of them being a neutral color, the sleek leather trim is a plus for her.

“I’ve worn them to death so much, so I have had to get them re-heeled numerous times,” she shares.

She also prefers the beige, nude color of her Chanel ballet pumps, which are the perfect hue and material for everyday life, she tells Parade.

With all that said, it’s crucial to look for a shoe that comes in various materials. Pointing to her ballet pumps—a favorite in her wardrobe—they usually come in tweed, leather or satin. And she says these tend to go with every outfit in the closet.

“I always love to have them in my bag, so if I want to switch from heel to flat, I am always prepared,” she notes.

When she thinks of other shoes, like thong sandals, it’s true that they tend to be a little more forgiving with colors that work best for her. After all, a shoe like this one is versatile, and looks good in a rotation of various tones and materials.

“For my thong sandals, I love to rotate a few pairs; whether it’s between suede, raffia or a simple cream, you can never go wrong with a beige-tone shoe,” she reiterates. “I think it’s time we ditch the black.”

Related: Ballet Sneakers Are the New Shoe Trend You Have To Try—Here’s Why

How To Transition Your 3-Pair Shoe Wardrobe Across Seasons

When it comes down to it, Smale neglects to change out shoes through the seasons since she looks for high-grade footwear.

“If I’m being honest, a lot of shoes stay the same throughout the months because I really love to invest in a good quality pair,” she shares.

However, there are a few shoes that she tries to switch out, especially if they exclusively work for one season only.

When looking at the slingback kitten heels, Smale suggests switching them out for a “long faux leather heeled boot” when transitioning from warm weather to the winter season. She loves to style these boots in a camel color with a mini dress, especially one with a “white cap sleeve.”

This way, you still get to enjoy the sleek nature of the shoe without wearing something too exposed when it’s cold.

“I like to keep my shoes extremely simple so they can complement most of my outfits I own, but in the winter, when I wear my long leather boots, they are the outfit themselves,” she states.

Swapping out the ballet pump is also an easy choice. Smale explains that she will usually opt for a pair of loafers. These are usually best in either suede or leather, she says, which are perfect choices for the colder weather.

“It’s certainly a style I am trying to lean more into, but I think they can be styled in such a chic way for work and for drinks,” she shares.

When it comes to thong sandals, she tends to move towards a shoe that is more closed off but still has a heel to it, such as a closed-toe slingback.

This way, whether it’s for an indoor event or during the holiday season, she gets to swap out for a shoe that’s still fun but polished.

“I’m not sure if it’s because it’s party season, but I always prefer a taller heel in the winter over a kitten heel in the summer,” she suggests.

Up Next:

Related: Stylist Says These 6 Fashion Choices Can Make You Look Frumpy Without Realizing It

Source:

• Aimee Smale is the founder and Creative Director of the fashion brand Odd Muse.

Adobe-lined blocks of the map-dot town of Mesilla, New Mexico, can be viewed as a living museum of famed outlaw Billy the Kid’s old stomping grounds.

Just about as timeless as a quaint main square can remain with the upgrades modern society requires, it’s certainly a far cry from Albuquerque—or even New Mexico’s second-largest city close by, Las Cruces.

Related: Al Capone’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served Nearly 100 Years Later at ‘Miami Beach’s Oldest Restaurant’

Billy the Kid used to roam these streets, frequenting Mesilla enough that the old courthouse and jail where he was once held now serves as a Billy the Kid-themed gift shop. Directly across the street was another one of his known haunts: the Corn Exchange Hotel, where the notorious outlaw once dined.

The Corn Exchange Hotel may no longer exist by name, but La Posta de Mesilla certainly does, occupying the same historic adobe compound and preserving much of its Old West charm.

There are no rooms to rent these days, but this old-timey eatery still serves one of the foods the Corn Exchange was known for in Billy’s day: steak.

In fact, beef was on Billy’s mind right up until the end. On the night he died, a hungry Billy grabbed a butcher knife and headed to Pete Maxwell’s place, reportedly to cut himself some fresh beef for supper—only to encounter Sheriff Pat Garrett and be shot dead.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Favorite Meal Is Still Served at the California Restaurant She Visited for Decades

La Posta sits on the same historic Mesilla Plaza where Billy was convicted of murdering Sheriff William Brady before escaping custody and ultimately being killed by Garrett while on the run.

Dying at just 21 years old, one of America’s most notorious gunslingers didn’t live long, but his legend is still etched in time, especially in Mesilla, where you can live like ‘the Kid’ for a day—or at least a meal—at what is now La Posta de Mesilla.

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As much as we love the versatility of a sandal, come fall, there’s not a more practical or convenient shoe choice than a slip-on shoe, especially for things like workdays, super long walks or less-than-smooth terrains like dirt and gravel. They give you the same breathable feel as a sandal, but with a bit more structure and support, making them a smart in-between option during this early-fall season.

Right now, Amazon has a standout pair from Clarks that fits the bill perfectly. The Breeze Roam Slip-Ons are up to 48% off right now on Amazon thanks to an Early October Prime Day Deal, bringing the original $70 price tag as low as $36. With a crochet-like look, they’re an easy, wear-on-repeat pick that works across all early fall plans. Shoppers can snag them in either navy, light tan, black, or black and white.

Clarks Breeze Roam Slip-Ons, From $36 (were $70) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The upper of these flat slip-ons features a detailed perforated construction that combines fine pinprick holes with larger petal- and leaf-shaped cutouts, creating a subtle floral pattern that adds both visual texture and airflow. This design not only gives the shoe a more elevated look than a standard slip-on but also adds breathability and airiness in warmer weather. A softly elasticized topline is built in for a secure, flexible fit that moves with your foot without feeling restrictive, while the rounded toe is a classic, versatile shape that works across a range of outfits.

A 25-millimeter platform provides a slight lift without compromising stability, and the layered outsole features slim stripe detailing along the sidewall for a more modern, sneaker-inspired finish. Inside, the shoe is equipped with Clarks’ cushion-soft foam footbed, which is removable and designed to deliver shock absorption and consistent underfoot support. The base is finished with a flexible, textured thermoplastic rubber outsole that enhances traction and durability, making the shoes suitable for a variety of surfaces.

These shoes come in three easy neutral shades that go with just about everything, making the style simple to work into your everyday rotation. Shoppers especially love how easy it is to find the “perfect fit,” with regular-width sizes running in half increments from 5 through 12, plus narrow and wide options available as well. Pricing can vary depending on the size, color, and width you choose, so it’s worth double-checking before adding to cart.

Courtesy of Amazon

Reviewers had plenty to say about these “cushioned” and “stretchy” slip-ons, calling them “comfortable” and “lightweight,” adding that they offer “great support for all-day comfort.” One shopper noted that the fit is “true to size” and added that they “are holding up well” so far with frequent wearing.

Related: Amazon’s Narrow Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is a Genius Fix for Cluttered Bathrooms 

If you’re looking for a shoe that’s equal parts comfortable and versatile, this $36 pair is a must. Grab the Clarks Breeze Roam Slip-Ons now at Amazon while they’re still up to 48% off.

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Tucked conveniently between Disneyland Park, Disney Adventure World, and the surrounding resort hotels, the lakeside promenade Disney Village has long served as the main nightlife artery for travelers looking to grab a late-night bite, pick up souvenirs, or unwind over a drink.

Now, that entire experience is receiving a sophisticated, ground-up reimagining.

Walt Disney Imagineering Paris is deep into a multi-year master plan to transform Disney Village into a stylish lifestyle destination in its own right. The dated industrial columns and neon arches of the past are steadily giving way to warm brickwork, natural timber, steel architectural lines, and expansive glass facades that invite you to peek inside.

Related: Disneyland Paris Just Announced a Major New Disney Princess Experience

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Leading this latest wave is the grand debut of Disney Wonders, an all-new retail flagship boutique where classic storytelling takes center stage and acting as a visual love letter to animation artistry. Two show-stopping chandeliers featuring more than 40 character portraits illuminate the floor, while backlit display boxes celebrate heroes from Star Wars, Toy Story, and Peter Pan. Even the registers continue the charm, detailed with custom sketch illustrations brought to life by Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and Pixar’s Luxo Jr. desk lamp.

Disney Parks Blog

The culinary landscape across the promenade is also getting a substantial upgrade. Following the runaway success of Brasserie Rosalie, which introduced authentic Parisian cafe culture and fresh seafood along Lake Disney in 2023, the same hospitality team is preparing to open Casa Giulia by late 2026. Set right at one of the village’s primary gateways, the two-story Italian trattoria will feature lush garden greenery, terrazzo floors, regional pastas, and handcrafted spritzes, alongside an express window serving hot focaccia, pizza by the slice, and gelato.

Disney Parks Blog

Related: Disneyland Fans Will Have to Say Goodbye to a ‘Perfect Dark Ride’ in 2027

Nearby, family-favorite Vapiano is undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation to expand its outdoor terraces and natural light, while the iconic Annette’s Diner—a resort fixture since opening day in 1992—will shut its doors for a nostalgic refresh, returning in 2027 with restored vintage jukeboxes and colorful booths inspired by 1950s classic cars.

Even nighttime entertainment outside the parks is stepping into the modern era. The sprawling Pathé Cinema is launching a rolling renovation through 2027 that adds plush luxury recliner seating, an updated Häagen-Dazs cafe terrace, and high-tech projection screens.

Whether you are popping in for holiday shopping among glowing snowflakes during Disney Enchanted Christmas or settling in for an espresso by the water, the evolution of Disney Village makes winding down outside the turnstiles feel just as magical as being in the front row of the parade.

Related: Why This Is the Most Elegant Character Dining Experience in Disney History

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If you’re anything like us, you can’t wait for the fall weather. Now that the heat has started to break, you can spend nights around a fire pit at night roasting s’mores or hosting all-day barbecues without complaining about how sweaty you are. And if you want to do those things in style, you may want to pick up a new patio set for additional space. Right now, you can get this “beautiful” 4-piece patio set (complete with rocking chairs!) for $90 off at Walmart, and shoppers said it’s “perfect for entertaining.” 

The Lofka 4-Piece Patio Set is on sale now in three colors: black, light gray, and dark gray. This patio set includes a loveseat, a glass table, and two rocking chairs. Its mid-century modern design would look wonderful outside any contemporary home. The furniture pieces will completely transform your space, creating a luxury poolside environment right in your own backyard. Assembly is required, but shoppers said it was easy to put together.

Lofka 4-Piece Patio Set, $110 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The “comfortable” loveseat measures 54 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 31 inches high. It adds extra seating and makes a great place to read, nap, or tan outside. The rocking chairs measure 23 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 29 inches high. They feature an ergonomic design and padded cushions for maximum comfort. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical destination while relaxing outside in the sun, rocking back and forth, and sipping on your drink of choice. 

The table measures 30 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 15 inches high. It features UV-resistant glass and a steel frame, so it’s “sturdy” enough to hold your morning coffee, daily smoothie, or late-night glass of wine. If you’re hosting, you can also display a centerpiece or place snacks on the table for guests. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Crafted from strong rattan, the furniture is waterproof and rustproof, so you can safely keep it outside before, during, and after family gatherings and pool parties. You’ll be able to enjoy time lounging outside no matter the weather, with shoppers stating that the “durable” set is “great for daily use.” They also said that its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces, such as apartment patios. 

Related: Walmart’s Comfy Loveseats Are Perfect for Small Spaces, and Under $200 

“We can sit on this set for long hours without any discomfort,” one shopper said. “This set adds a lot of warmth to our outdoor space,” another shopper said. “It feels cozy and inviting.” 

Hurry, because this deal won’t last long. Snag the Lofka 4-Piece Patio Set while it’s on sale for $110 at Walmart. 

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Are you ready to delve back into the world of Divergent? That’s just one of the new releases happening this week that are sure to disrupt your sleep schedule.

The start of October brings more horror, fantasy, and cozy spooky romance every single year, and 2026 is no different. The biggest problem you have is picking the first book, because you will want to read everything!

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘The Sixth Faction’ by Veronica Roth

Let’s just start with the step back into the world of Divergent. As soon as Veronica Roth said that she was bringing a new story in the world of Tris and Four, we all knew we needed it. The Sixth Faction is not a continuation of the story. Instead, it’s set in an alternate universe. What if Tris never chose Dauntless?

If you love sprayed edges, then this is a must-have. There are all sorts of theories about what the title of the novel means. Could there be a secret sixth faction, or is it possible that the Divergent have a faction of their own? What if someone doesn’t choose a faction at all, and what happens at the ceremony that changes Tris’ journey? Run, don’t walk, to the story on Tuesday!

Courtesy of Berkley XO ‘Reap & Sow’ by Charlotte B. Plumb

If you’re a fan of romantasy that involves demon deals, sacrifice, and a strong female lead who is going to figure things out for herself, then you need to read Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb. The story follows Eda, a woman who finds herself needing to make a deal with a demon called Kit’rath if she wants to save her brothers from certain death.

Kit’rath has his own dark tale as to why he’s in the human world. He’s spent decades avoiding people, and he doesn’t want anything to do with Eda. But then, something in him changes. It’s an adventurous tale that involves prison breakouts, a loyal familiar who brings plenty of humor, and moral questions about making deals with demons, especially when they affect people other than yourself.

Courtesy of Delacorte Press ‘The Pools’ by E. Lockhart

E. Lockhart is back with another piece of fiction. The Pools is another supernatural tale, where five people go to a set of hot springs and something mysterious happens. Nobody understands why it happened, and if they can fix the situation, but Lexie, who is affected in two ways, makes it her mission to find the answers.

The Pools is an interesting read, mainly because of the way the story is told. There’s a poetic pattern to the story, and it feels more abstract than the likes of We Were Liars and Family of Liars. It is certainly a must-read, and once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. I guarantee by the end you’ll be left with emotions and feelings that you didn’t think possible, and you’ll need to read it again.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Portrait of a Haunting’ by Madison Tyler Nelson

October brings the best horror movies, books, and TV shows, and with that in mind, you won’t want to miss Portrait of a Haunting by Madison Tyler Nelson. It’s a story of a woman who can see spirits, but for Tatum Alexander, this is more of an affliction than a gift. She definitely does not aspire to be Melinda from The Ghost Whisperer.

Tatum is also trying to hide the fact that she’s the daughter of Amarina, an artist famously known for murdering her lover and using his blood in her last painting. Well, she needs to reckon with the past when her best friend is murdered and the spirits are coming after her. The only way to save herself is to find the killer while reckoning with her trauma, and that is a horror in itself. Once you get into this, you will not be able to put it down.

Courtesy of Ace Books ‘The Haunted Librarian’ by Auralee Wallace

Sometimes, you just want a cozy fantasy, and The Haunted Librarian by Auralee Wallace will offer you that. We follow Amelia Bates, who finds herself caught out in the rain. That shouldn’t be a problem, right? It happens to us all, but she needs to find cover, and that’s in a library. Only, it’s not exactly safe for someone who sees ghosts.

Amelia soon finds out that she is not alone. There’s a talkative librarian and three quirky spirits causing paranormal havoc. With the future of the library under threat, she needs to find a way to save it. It’s a fun fantasy thriller that is just perfect with a hot cup of cocoa and a log fire video on YouTube.

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘Life Out of Order’ by Audrey Niffenegger 

You love The Time Traveler’s Wife, and now it’s time to delve back into the universe. Life Out of Order by Audrey Niffenegger is one of the most anticipated books this fall, bringing the story of Alba DeTamble. She has never been able to live her life in order of actual events thanks to the gene that makes her time travel.

Alba wishes she could have a normal life, but as she heads to the riot-torn streets of a dystopian Chicago, a digital museum of forgotten artifacts, and the timelines that are to come, she needs to lean on her supportive anchor, Zach, to find a way to thrive in an unstable world. It’s a beautiful tale that will bring up something new every time you reread it.

Courtesy of Viking ‘The Paris Files’ by Eva Jurczyk

October is a month for horror for sure, but you don’t need jump scares to feel the chill. A good mystery thriller will do that, and The Paris Files by Eva Jurczyk is the one to check out this week. It’s a character-driven thriller that takes us deep into the heart of Paris, with the city becoming a character of its own.

Genie St. Onge jumps straight into a relationship with Jacob Ford, but when he goes missing, Genie has to figure out what happened. People say he left her, but Genie knows that wouldn’t have happened by choice. On top of that, the police have suspicions about her story, and we’re taken on a wild ride trying to work out if we can trust the narrator or not.

Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing ‘Fangs’ by K.L. Speer

You got your deluxe copy of Bones last month, and now it’s time to add the sequel to your collection. The new deluxe version of Fangs by K.L. Speer is out, and it continues the story of Ember Cutler. When she ran, the girl who disappeared into the desert was not the same girl to come out.

This is more than a dark romance. There’s a dystopian element to it that will draw you in, and there’s a psychological horror part to the story that leaves you with emotions you didn’t think plausible when you first pick it up. What would you do as past and present identities start to collide? Sometimes, you have to make a choice about who you want to be.

Courtesy of Delacorte Press ‘Twisted Vows’ by I.V. Marie

Calling all Immortal Consequences fans. We warned you that I.V. Marie had a prequel novella coming, and now it’s time to read it! Twisted Vows is one of October’s biggest releases, and this is a look at how August and Wren meet. It’s set 18 years before Immortal Consequences, with Wren just learning that she’s dead.

Part of me does wish that this was a novel and not a novella. There are elements of the story that I would have loved to see extended, but it’s a great leap into the romance that we all fell in love with in the main novels. If Immortal Consequences and Ruinous Ends are still on your TBR, you can jump into this one first. It won’t ruin the main stories, as it is a prequel.

Ed Sheeran has played several recent Loop Tour shows with no opener on the bill.

Saturday night in Atlanta, he had one. Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s “Know Before You Go” post earlier that day listed only a “special guest” before his 8 p.m. set.

It was Isaac Slade, the former frontman of The Fray.

Slade, 45, played a short set before Sheeran went on, including “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me,” according to reports from the show. You know at least one of those.

“How to Save a Life” is certified Diamond by the RIAA, at 11 times platinum. “You Found Me” sits at 7 times platinum. Both certifications came through on the same day, Aug. 13, 2025.

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What Slade Said Onstage

In video from inside the stadium, Slade spoke to the controversy that’s followed the tour since September.

“Everybody seems to be taking sides in this world and that’s good,” Slade told the crowd. He called what’s happening in Gaza “wrong,” and said getting through it means “we’re going to need people to step into that middle place, that common ground.”

He also struck a hopeful note. “We will find a way through this together,” he said.

Related: Ed Sheeran’s Tour Keeps Losing Acts and the Internet Has Some Wild Replacement Ideas

Why Sheeran Needed an Opener

Macklemore played two Loop Tour shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium last month. He shouted “Free Palestine” and performed his protest song “Hind’s Hall.”

Days later, he was off the tour after Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft and other venues reportedly threatened to cancel shows he was part of. Finneas, Lukas Graham and the backing band Beoga then quit in solidarity with Macklemore.

Sheeran told fans in Philadelphia on Sept. 19 that he’d been “making mistakes” and was “so, so sorry” for how it all unfolded.

Slade and Sheeran Go Back

This wasn’t their first time on the same stage. In August, Slade joined Sheeran in Toronto for “How to Save a Life,” with Beoga playing on it too. That’s the same Beoga that quit the tour weeks later.

Before bringing Slade out, Sheeran told the crowd he’d been a fan of Slade’s “music, his songwriting,” and called it part of his “formative years as a teenager.”

Slade had left The Fray in 2022. In his own announcement that March, he wrote that he’d told the band “five or six years ago” that he was “getting ready to call it,” and that “now it’s finally time.” The band kept going without him.

Sheeran’s U.S. run wraps Nov. 7 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. The tour ends Dec. 11 in Mexico City.

Next: Ed Sheeran Cries Alone Onstage in Philadelphia: ‘I Am Making Mistakes. I’m So, So Sorry. I Don’t Want to Disappoint Fans’

Dakota Johnson opened her third turn hosting Saturday Night Live on Oct. 3 by talking about her love life, starting with her “two very public, very lame breakups with two very awesome musicians.”

Then her “literal therapist” walked out.

It was Taylor Swift, and she turned down the job on the spot.

“I’m not your therapist, actually,” Swift told her. “You just show up once a week at my house with an empty bottle of wine and ask if I want some.”

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What Really Happens at Swift’s House

By Swift’s account, Johnson then flops on her couch and overshares. When Swift tries to call it a night, Johnson’s answer is “Sleepover, yay!”

Swift has the ending handled. “Then I give you a Pedialyte and my security drives you home,” she said, patting Johnson on the back.

The Breakups Behind the Bit

It was Johnson’s first time hosting since two splits. She dated Coldplay frontman Chris Martin from 2017 until 2025, then split from singer Role Model this summer after less than a year together.

She compared dating musicians to her new thriller, Verity, and then got specific. “Some of them don’t wear shoes, some of them are terrible in bed,” she said. “Some people leave concerts with merch, and I leave concerts with a two-and-a-half-year relationship.”

Her friends don’t judge her for any of it, she added. They’re “actually really supportive,” which is when Swift walked out.

Once Swift said her piece, Johnson went right back to the subject. Dating musicians, she argued, is a public service, one that’s “saving you a lot of money on Zoloft.” Her “you’re welcome” went out to America, England, parts of Ireland and “Cleveland, allegedly.”

She didn’t explain the “allegedly.” In September, she and Machine Gun Kelly sparked dating rumors after photos showed them heading into Swift’s Tribeca apartment.

Swift Came Back With Cake

Johnson turns 37 on Sunday, Oct. 4, and Swift came back at the end of the show with a birthday cake.

The two are fresh off a project together. Johnson stars with Colin Farrell in the video for Swift’s “Patient Zero,” which Swift directed. It premiered at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 27.

If you’re keeping score, it’s Swift’s ninth time on SNL by one count: four as musical guest, one as host and four cameos.

It’s been nearly 50 years since Elvis Costello released his very first studio LP.

The English singer-songwriter, 72, has scooped up a pair of Grammy Awards in the decades since — and to mark 49 years since My Aim Is True hit the shelves, a new expanded edition of the beloved album was just released.

And it’s an epic box set that spans across five CDs, according to Costello’s website. Here’s the breakdown:

• Disc 1 — The 2026 remaster of My Aim Is True from the original 1977 analog master tapes
• Disc 2 — The Blue Print: Acoustic recordings and demos recorded before My Aim Is True
• Disc 3 — The Stranger In The House: How Declan MacManus became Costello in 28 songs
• Disc 4 — Becoming The Attractions: As they took charge of the My Aim Is True songs “and then went mad”
• Disc 5 — Covered In Clover: The first and last time Costello and Clover played My Aim Is True live in 2007

The collection also includes a 72 page liner essay by Costello, along with unseen photographs, handwritten lyrics from his notebooks and diary entries from 1976 as he was making his debut album.

A 2026 remaster of the original album is included, while a 180-gram black-vinyl edition is due October 16, according to uDiscover Music.

Unfortunately, the box set has already sold out on Costello’s website — but luckily in this modern age, fans can listen to it all digitally via platforms such as Spotify.

Learning More About Elvis Costello

Few artists in rock history have reinvented themselves as brilliantly or as often as the New Wave legend, who turned 72 in August.

From the furious, punk-rock energy of “Pump It Up” to the heartbreaking vulnerability of “Alison,” the London-born icon was known as the poet of post-punk rock. Find out more here.

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers everything from NFL stats and iconic plays to Arizona’s 2001 co-MVP and Charlotte’s football team.

have some desire to get, you’ll be exploring gym class basketball games, Pennsylvania football, Lone Star arenas and words that complete phrases that end with “away.”

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, October 4, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, October 4, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on October 4, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Ja’Marr Chase’s stats.
• Green: NFL plays that went down in history.
• Blue: High-performing Diamondback player.
• Purple: Keep pounding!

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: STATS FOR A RECEIVER
• Green: FAMOUS FOOTBALL PLAYS
• Blue: ASSOCIATED WITH RANDY JOHNSON
• Purple: PANTHERS

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #741 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• STATS FOR A RECEIVER: RECEPTIONS, TARGETS, TOUCHDOWNS, YARDS AFTER CATCH
• FAMOUS FOOTBALL PLAYS: MINNEAPOLIS MIRACLE, PHILLY SPECIAL, THE CATCH, WIDE RIGHT
• ASSOCIATED WITH RANDY JOHNSON: 2001 WORLD SERIES, ARIZONA, BIG UNIT, SEATTLE
• PANTHERS: CAROLINA, FIU, FLORIDA, PITTSBURGH

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: Breville’s ‘Insane’ New Gadget Hopes to Change the Way You Experience Your Morning Coffee for Good

Originally premiering 15 years ago in 2011, Ryan Murphy’s anthology series American Horror Story has been lauded by critics and viewers over the years for being some of the wildest and yet incredible pieces of media to grace our small screens. With over 140 awards being granted to the series, it’s safe to say that it has withstood the last decade and a half as one of the best shows on TV in recent years.

In late September of 2026, the thirteenth season of American Horror Story (often shortened to just AHS) began airing, aptly titled simply 13. On Rotten Tomatoes, the review aggregation site for both TV and Film, the show currently ranked the number one “Best Show on Hulu.” AHS sits atop the list among other shows like the limited series Furious and the Fox hit, Murder in a Small Town.

AHS: 13 marks the return of series regulars who fans came to love, such as Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, Frances Conroy, and Jessica Lange. The series premiered on FX on September 24th, streaming on Hulu.

While there are crossovers between seasons from time to time, AHS is an anthology series, meaning that each season is its own story and acts as a standalone mini-series. That being said, Murphy has described this most recent season as his “Avengers-style crossover between all the seasons, with characters coming together to defeat the ultimate evil.”

AHS: 13 follows hospice caretaker Ben DeSoto who suffers from triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13. After surviving a plane crash that occurs on Friday the 13th, Ben takes a job at the mysterious residential building, The Apollyon, which is inhabited by characters from previous seasons of the show. Eerie and frightening things begin to happen around Ben and his patient, leading him to the conclusion that things are not as they should be at The Apollyon.

American Horror Story: 13, as well as all previous seasons of the series, are streaming on Hulu.

New episodes of season 13 drop every Thursday now through October 29th.

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Related: Highly Anticipated Adaptation of This Steinbeck Classic Is Now the No. 1 Newest Series on Netflix

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle might make you want to head to Dave & Buster’s.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #945 on Sunday, October 4.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “Grab your tokens“

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Bet you can’t beat my score.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• AS
• FR
• CE
• PO
• SC
• AR (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for October 4

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Sunday, October 4, 2026, is ARCADEGAMES.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, October 4?

• ASTEROIDS
• FROGGER
• CENTIPEDE
• PONG
• SCRAMBLE
• SPANGRAM: ARCADEGAMES

Related: I Tried Peter Fonda’s Blender Breakfast—and It’s the Only Smoothie I’ll Drink From Now On

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle explores a range of topics, including excessive amounts, Wang Chuqin’s area of expertise, judiciary accessories, and things that don’t make noise.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1211 on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, October 4, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, October 4

1. More than enough.
2. China’s unofficial national sport.
3. “This court finds you guilty on all counts.”
4. Like an Angel investor.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Sunday, October 4:

1. CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT: BUNCH, HEAP, LOT, STACK
2. TABLE TENNIS NEEDS: BALL, NET, PADDLE, TABLE
3. PARTS OF A JUDGE COSTUME: COLLAR, GAVEL, ROBE, WIG
4. SILENT ___: AUCTION, FILM, PARTNER, TREATMENT

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: Eartha Kitt’s Chicken Wings Are the Effortless Weeknight Dinner You’ll Want to Make on Repeat

Ever been curious to know if you’d have what it takes to bond with a dragon and survive the threshing? Well, now you can find out. If you’re brave and quick enough.

Fans of Rebecca Yarros’ international smash-hit Empyrean series have been gifted a brand new, interactive experience that puts them smack in the middle of the threshing.

The threshing is an annual event taking place every October 1st where new cadets attending the Basgiath War College attempt to find a dragon and bond with it, making it their mount and pairing for the rest of their lives. The threshing is highly dangerous and fatal; cadets not only pose a threat to each other as they try to make sure they bond with a dragon, but facing off with said dragons can result in instant death through decapitation or instant incineration.

Now, lovers of the Empyrean series can explore their own threshing through the site, Dragonkind.

Through an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure/point-and-click system, users get sorted into their specific military wing, section, and squad before participating in the challenge of attempting to bond with a dragon. Don’t make it through and get scorched or killed some other way? You have to wait four hours before you attempt again. And according to Yarros, no matter what you do, there’s approximately a 10% change you’ll be incincerated no matter what.

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Needless to say, the fan reactions on social media have been…intense. And objectively pretty entertaining.

@genevievejpn

Studying Threshing Day like a damn textbook because I keep getting incinerated on Dragonkind 😮‍💨 as of right now, I’m waiting for my 8th attempt at bonding with a dragon 🐉 #fourthwing #threshingday #dragonkind #empyreanseries

♬ original sound – Genevieve Nguyen 📚 @rallyali__

@Rebecca Yarros we need to talk cause I know I should be a scribe but GIVE ME A DRAGON😭 #threshingday #dragonkind #xadenriorson #violet #fyp

♬ In The Hall Of The Mountain King – Julian Gallant & David Tobin & Jeff Meegan @bookedfortwo

show us your beautiful babies in the comments!!! 🐉❤️‍🔥 #threshingday #dragonkind #rebeccayarros #fourthwing

♬ DEMONS by Doja Cat – DojaFantasy (fan account)

Additionally, according to Yarros, there are several easter eggs on the website currently and there plans to expand the experience. The release coincided with the publication of the aptly titled Threshing Day, a book of one-off stories all centering characters from the books and their individual threshings.

Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm are out now and available wherever books are sold. The Empyrean series will contain five books; Yarros is currently working on the fourth full-length novel in the series.

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Related: Best-Selling Novel by Rebecca Yarros Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of 2026’ by Goodreads

Today’s NYT Wordle puzzle describes a type of home that might be built by someone inexperienced.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1933 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There is one vowel in today’s Wordle.

What kind of letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

A hint for Today’s Wordle is: How you might describe Shrek’s home or Grunkle Stan’s house on Gravity Falls.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle Answer for #1933 on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Sunday, October 4, 2026, is SHACK.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Tom Hanks is one of the most celebrated actors of the modern screen era. So when he says a movie is great, it’s great. Right?

Well, critics and moviegoers in April 1968 might beg to differ.

The film in question is Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Although it’s now widely regarded as a masterpiece decades ahead of its time, the initial reaction was decidedly mixed when it premiered in 1968.

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The film first screened in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 1968, before opening in New York and Los Angeles, and the reception was lukewarm at best. Some viewers even walked out.

Meanwhile, several prominent critics weren’t kind to Kubrick’s ambitious science-fiction epic. Case in point: The New York Times critic Renata Adler famously described it as somewhere between “hypnotic” and “immensely boring.”

Tom Hanks Has Seen It More Than 100 Times

In a Deseret News feature in which stars were asked to name their all-time favorite movies, Hanks hesitated for no time.

“Absolutely, ‘2001’ (1968) is my favorite movie of all time. All the rest of the movies ever made just pale in comparison,” he said.

He then explained what fascinated him about the film: that Kubrick took the laws of physics seriously, particularly when depicting zero gravity.

“Very few films bother to do that,” Hanks said.

And Hanks’ admiration for the film didn’t stop there. In a later interview, he said he had seen 2001 roughly 120 times.

​The actor also discussed his affection in a Q&A with the app Letterboxd, telling its users, “I still watch it a couple of times a year. … I could walk you through 2001: A Space Odyssey and not stop talking once during the entire film. So I don’t know if you want to have that experience.”

That makes his affection for Kubrick’s famously slow-burning space epic about as definitive as it gets.

2001: A Space Odyssey Was Also Named Greatest Film by ‘Time Out‘

The latest version of Time Out‘s list of the 100 best movies of all time puts 2001: A Space Odyssey at No. 1.

The list, updated in September 2026, was written by senior film critic Joshua Rothkopf and film writer Matthew Singer and edited by global film editor Phil de Semlyen. Time Out‘s editors acknowledge the ranking isn’t meant to be a definitive canon, but their current list still puts Kubrick’s 1968 science-fiction masterpiece at the top. The Godfather is No. 2, Citizen Kane is No. 3, and Psycho is No. 38.

Released in 1968, Kubrick’s sci-fi opus was light years ahead of its time. Encompassing millions of years of human evolution, the film stars Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood as astronauts aboard the Discovery One, sent toward Jupiter after a mysterious artifact is discovered on the moon.

But 2001 is less concerned with traditional plot than with revolutionary visual effects and big ideas about evolution, isolation, humanity’s place in the universe, and artificial intelligence. Time Out praises the film’s ambition and audacity, calling Kubrick’s vision of the future “prophetic” decades after its release.

The current acclaim is a far cry from some of the film’s earliest reviews.

When 2001 premiered in 1968, critics were divided. The New York Times critic Renata Adler famously found the film somewhere between “hypnotic” and “immensely boring,” while Pauline Kael called it “monumentally unimaginative.”

The film’s reputation changed dramatically over time. By the early 1970s, 2001 was increasingly recognized as a major cinematic achievement, and it has since become one of the most celebrated films in movie history.

Related: 1993 Val Kilmer Classic Named the ‘Very Best Film Ever Made’

Growing up in Sayreville, NJ, Bernie Hogya dreamed of being a rock star. He even played in a KISS cover band. But when fellow Sayreville native Jon Bon Jovi beat him to his goal, Hogya channeled his creativity in a different direction…one that eventually led to big-time ad agency Bozell & Jacobs, where he was hired as an art director. It was at Bozell & Jacobs that Hogya and copywriter Jennifer Gold Mantz created the star-studded Milk Mustache campaign in 1995, which ran for nearly 20 years and featured an astoundingly diverse array of celebrities, from Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow to Taylor Swift to Martha Stewart to Dennis Rodman.

Now, Hogya is opening up about the experience in the book Milk Mustache: The stars. The stories. The staches., published by Schiffer on Sept. 28.

“I knew while we were doing it that the Milk Mustache campaign was special, but I don’t think I fully appreciated what a remarkable ride it was until I started putting this book together,” Hogya tells Parade. “For nearly 20 years, I got to walk onto sets with people I’d admired my entire life — and somehow it became my job to put milk mustaches on them. It changed my career, but it also gave me a lifetime of stories.”

© Marketing Board of America’s Milk Companies

The book features a foreword by Whoopi Goldberg (who participated in the campaign despite her lactose intolerance) in addition to 125 ads, shot by legendary photographers including Annie Leibovitz, and highly entertaining tales from behind the scenes. We asked Hogya to share some of his favorite memories with Parade, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.

Elton John

© Marketing Board of America’s Milk Companies

“For a while, we weren’t even sure Elton John was going to show up,” Hogya said. “When we finally got word that he was on his way to the studio, I said, ‘Let’s make this easy for him. Just get some shots of him. Don’t even worry about the milk mustache. We’ll add it in retouching later.’ But once we got going, Elton stopped and called out, ‘Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Where’s my milk mustache?’ He then had so much fun that he stayed for lunch. And like that, he went from not coming to not wanting to leave.”

KISS

© Marketing Board of America’s Milk Companies

“Gene Simmons arrived early and was asked to put on his makeup before the rest of the band showed up for some lighting tests,” Hogya recalled. “Gene looked around and said, ‘Let me put it on THIS guy,’ pointing at…me. I actually said no because I thought I needed to keep an eye on the photography. Looking back, it may have been the single dumbest professional decision I ever made. And I’ve never stopped wondering what it would’ve been like to rock and roll all night…and party every day.”

Alex & Eddie Van Halen

© Marketing Board of America’s Milk Companies

“At one point Eddie asked me if I played guitar. I said, ‘Not to you, I don’t,'” Hogya remembered. “A few minutes later, we were sitting knee-to-knee on folding chairs playing guitars together. I remember thinking, ‘How in the world did my job lead to this?’ Then, during the photo shoot, Eddie shouted, ‘What are we doing? This is rock and roll! We can do whatever we want!’ He stuck his chin into his glass of milk—giving himself a milk goatee—then poured the rest of it over his brother Alex’s head. Click. We had the shot.”

Steven Tyler

© Marketing Board of America’s Milk Companies

“Here’s the scene: I’m in line at my local convenience store, grabbing an iced tea, when my phone rings,” Hogya began. “I dig it out of my pocket, answer, and hear, ‘Hey Bernie! It’s Steven! Steven Tyler!’ Somewhere in the conversation he suddenly started singing ‘Walk This Way’ to me over the phone. There are moments in advertising you just don’t learn how to prepare for in art school.”

Milk Mustache: The stars. The stories. The staches. is available for purchase now.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Written When Guitarist Was ‘Flat on His Back,’ Has One of the Most Iconic Riffs of All Time

Ken Urker’s family is pushing back against his ex-fiancée Gypsy Rose Blanchard following his sudden death, with his sister Autumn Urker saying relatives are upset by the public comments Blanchard has made since he died.

Autumn, 31, told the Daily Mail that the family has yet to hear directly from Blanchard and strongly objected to some of what she has said publicly.

Why Is Ken Urker’s Family Upset With Gypsy Rose Blanchard?

“We are disgusted with her statements!” Autumn told the outlet. “She hasn’t even called my mother or any of us yet.”

Autumn remembered her brother as devoted and someone who stood by the people he loved. “My brother was a good father, a good brother, a good son and a good friend,” she said.

“And we were all lucky and blessed to have known him.” She also described him as a “great man” who “didn’t care if you were broken,” adding that “he would still love you” and “still fight for you.”

What Is Autumn Urker Disputing?

In a separate interview with the U.S. Sun, Autumn accused Blanchard of misrepresenting details surrounding Ken’s death.

“Gypsy had no right to lie and say that it was because of some text that she sent to him,” she said, referring to reports that Ken was found after he failed to respond to a birthday message.

Autumn also disputed claims that Blanchard and Ken were engaged and planning another child.

Were Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker Still Together?

Autumn said the former couple had already separated. She claimed they “were not together” and had split “over a month ago,” adding that Ken had ended the relationship.

Blanchard and Ken have a daughter, Aurora Raina, 1, whom they welcomed in December 2024.

What Has Gypsy Rose Blanchard Said Since Ken Urker’s Death?

Ken was found dead at his Raceland, Louisiana, home Thursday, October 1, on his 34th birthday; TMZ was the first to confirm.

Blanchard later told People she believed he died from an overdose, though an official cause has not been confirmed. “I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” she said. “He was not in a good state of mind lately.”

She also remembered Ken in an emotional Instagram statement. “Ken was an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved,” she wrote. “He will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance and even death can never erase.”

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

One of the biggest hard-rock songs of all time came from the legendary band Heart after their record label at the time, Mushroom Records, spread a rumor about two members of the band without their consent in an attempt to increase publicity. This track, “Barracuda,” became one of Heart’s biggest hits of their career.

The song was born from a mess of issues that Heart had with their record company as they were working on their second album.

One of these problems specifically targeted band members and sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, with the record label reportedly releasing a made-up story insinuating that the two had an incestuous relationship in order to get the group more attention, good or bad. It all came to a head when a radio promoter came up to Ann at a concert and referenced the rumor.

Nancy recalled the story to American Songwriter years later: “He was like… ‘So, Ann, how’s your lover?’ And she goes, ‘Oh, yeah, Mike’s great!’ And he goes, ‘No, no, I mean your sister, haha!’ So, the insinuation that we were lovers was, of course, not anywhere near true and really sleazy and inappropriate.”

The Mike referenced in the story was band manager Michael Fisher, whom Ann was in a relationship with at the time. Ann told Nancy about the encounter and the sisters had “a lot of anger around it, insult around it.” The two quickly used all that anger as inspiration to write a new song, finishing it by the next day.

Talking about how quickly the song came together to become a huge hit, Nancy added, “It was really powerful. It just fell into place like the good ones usually do. It’s sort of a galloping steed. It’s a monster of a song.”

Soon after, Heart left Mushroom Records and signed a new deal with the CBS subsidiary Portrait Records. The band released its next album, Little Queen, in 1977, with “Barracuda” as the first official single.

Related: 1986 Rock Classic Was Legendary Band Heart’s First No. 1 40 Years Ago Today

The song was very successful, peaking at No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, while it also charted well in many other countries. It broke into the Top 10 in Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa, and Germany.

But even decades after “Barracuda” was first released, it remains both one of Heart’s biggest tracks and one of the best hard-rock songs ever. Ultimate Classic Rock ranked it at No. 41 on its list of the “Top 100 Classic Rock Songs,” while the song has featured on many other similar lists.

Related: 1971 Country-Rock Hit, Written By a 26-Year-Old Rocker After Bandmate’s Death, Is Among The ‘Greatest Rock Song Lyrics’ 55 Years Later

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Whenever you want to lounge around and unwind, you don’t need all that light from your overhead fixtures. Not only does it rack up your electricity bill, but it also glares into your eyes, creating a less-than-ideal environment for relaxing. What you need is some ambient lighting that’ll deliver a soft and cozy glow. Floor and table lamps are great options, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique and sure to make a statement, check out this Fountwell LED Bookshelf Lamp at Walmart. 

Available in four charming designs, including a few Halloween-themed versions, this lamp seamlessly blends form and function. There’s no better time than right now to snag one because it’s currently on sale. Normally retailing for $10, which is already a fantastic price, this piece is now marked down to just $9. This lamp is also available in two-packs and three-packs. Those normally retail for $22 and $30, but they’re now on sale for $18 and $27, respectively. 

Fountwell LED Bookshelf Lamp, From $9 (was $10) at Walmart

Image (lantern)

Shop at Walmart

Mimicking the design of a street lamp, this piece features a metal arm where the light dangles from. Lending itself to the vintage-inspired aesthetic, it boasts ornate scrollwork and has a black finish. The design of the arm slightly varies depending on the style you choose, but they all have an old-timey feel. Shoppers loved the appearance of these lamps, describing them as “adorable.” They also mentioned that it’s “well made.”

You can choose from three Halloween designs, including a jack-o’-lantern with wings, a ghost with wings, and a witch hat with star cutouts. They capture the essence of creepy-cute, adding a touch of whimsy to your home and making it look ready for the spooky season. If you prefer something a bit more evergreen, you can get this lamp in the lantern design for year-round use. 

Fountwell LED Bookshelf Lamp, From $9 (was $10) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Designed to blend in with your books, this lamp is fixed on a slim panel that you can tuck in between two books. It creates a magical facade, making the arm look like it’s floating. Because this lamp takes up minimal space, it’s ideal for small and large homes alike. It’s made of durable metal, and you can easily clean it by wiping it down with a dry cloth. 

Just as practical as it is decorative, this lamp is fitted with an LED light bulb that’ll illuminate your space with a cozy glow and highlight your book collection. With its warm tone, the light will transform your space into a relaxing oasis that’s perfect for lounging, movie nights, reading, and more. Plus, this lamp has a cordless design so you won’t have any unappealing cords cluttering your space.

Shop More Unique Lamps 

• Postlucky LED Skull Light, From $20 (was $30) at Walmart
• Daybetter RGB Jellyfish Table Lamp, $19 (was $31) at Walmart
• Fanhao Himalayan Pink Salt Moon Lamp, $18 (was $23) at Walmart

Related: Give Your Fall Front Porch a Spooky-Cute Touch With Target’s $13 Reversible Pink Ghost Doormat

Whether you need to replace your overhead lighting with something softer or just want to get your home in the Halloween spirit, the Fountwell LED Bookshelf Lamp is definitely worth checking out. Head to Walmart and snag it on sale for just $9! 

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