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'Family Ties' Premiered 44 Years Ago; Creator Gary David Goldberg Later Said Michael J. Fox Never Showed 'an Ounce of Self-Pity' After His Diagnosis

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 4:04am

Family Ties premiered on NBC 44 years ago today, and the bond between its creator and its biggest star lasted long after the Keatons signed off.

The sitcom ran for seven seasons, from Sept. 22, 1982, to May 14, 1989, and made Michael J. Fox a star as the young Republican Alex P. Keaton. Fox won three straight Emmys for the role, starting in 1986. Guest stars included a young Tom Hanks and Deborah Foreman, weeks before Valley Girl made her famous.

A Second Show Together

In a 2001 Television Academy interview, Fox said he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s while making the 1991 film Doc Hollywood. He had no idea how long he could keep working, he said, so “every decision I made after that was skewed.”

Years later, Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg called him out of the blue about doing another show, which became ABC’s Spin City in 1996. Fox described their bond as both paternal and fraternal.

What Goldberg Saw on Set

Goldberg, who died in 2013 at 68, told the Television Academy in 2007 that the Spin City staff knew early on that Fox had an unnamed health problem. Goldberg did not hear the word Parkinson’s until Fox called him in, shortly before Fox went public in 1998. He said the team was devastated, but Fox was not.

“There was not nor is there now an ounce of self-pity,” Goldberg said.

As the disease progressed, the show had to wait until Fox was ready and sometimes sent the studio audience home. Goldberg said that maddened Fox, who prided himself on his work ethic. Leaving the show in 2000 was completely Fox’s decision, he said.

Why the Show Kept Going

Goldberg wanted to keep Spin City going, but only if Fox was on board. He loved the idea, since it meant nobody would lose their job. Fox had already pushed to add Heather Locklear to the cast, a move Goldberg called a stroke of genius. Charlie Sheen took over as the lead, and Goldberg said the replacement had to be the opposite of Fox, not a lighter version of him.

Fox launched his foundation for Parkinson’s research in 2000, the same year he left. On Sept. 14, Fox, 65, got a standing ovation as he accepted the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmys.

'Godmother of Punk' Celebrates Her 68th Birthday

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 4:01am

On her 68th birthday, “Godmother of Punk” Joan Jett stands as a true pioneer who has spent more than five decades shattering expectations in music.

When the musician blew onto the radio airwaves in the late 1970s, she wasn’t just playing guitar; she was practically tearing down the doors of a music industry that didn’t quite know what to do with a young woman playing loud, unapologetic rock and roll. The legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist stands as a true pioneer who carved out her own path from the very start.

Jett was born on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. According to Britannica, Joan Larkin (her given name) is the eldest of three children. The family moved first to Maryland and then to Los Angeles, where, as a teen, she began hanging out at clubs on the Sunset Strip, changing her surname to Jett in the style of ’70s rocker Suzi Quatro.

Britannica reported that it was at that time that Jett met record producer Kim Fowley, who wanted to put together an all-female rock band. Soon, Sandy West, Lita Ford, Jackie Fox, and Cherie Currie were hired, and together, they became The Runaways.

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Tracks like “Cherry Bomb” got The Runaways noticed, but when the band split up at the end of the decade, major record labels were hesitant to back Jett as a solo artist. After facing rejection by over 20 different labels, Jett took matters into her own hands.

She teamed up with producer Kenny Laguna, sold records right out of the trunk of his car, and launched Blackheart Records in 1980. It was a gutsy move that made her one of the first female artists to own her own record company, setting a new standard for independent artists everywhere.

That fierce independence paid off massively. Backed by her band, the Blackhearts, Jett reimagined The Arrows‘ 1975 song “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” and turned it on its head. In 1982, the track spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jett followed that whirlwind success with “Bad Reputation,” with another cover, the 1968 hit by Tommy James and the Shondells, “Crimson & Clover,” which reached No. 7, and “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah),” that peaked at No. 20. Jett had one other Top 10 tune, “I Hate Myself For Loving You,” in October 1988.

Beyond the chart-topping numbers and her 2015 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jett’s true impact lies in how she opened the floodgates for generations of musicians, male and female, who followed.

Decades after hitting her first chords, Jett is still out on the road, bringing that signature, no-nonsense energy to stages across the globe. Happy birthday to the one and only Godmother of Punk.

Related: ’70s New Wave Legend Known as the ‘Angry Young Man’ Turns 72

Walmart’s $60 Floating Nightstand Set Turns Empty Walls Into Stylish Bedside Storage

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 4:00am

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Running out of room for bedroom storage? Before you squeeze another piece of furniture beside the bed, take a look at the walls. That space above and around your nightstand often goes unused, but floating shelves, cabinets, and nightstands can turn it into useful storage while keeping the floor clear. For smaller bedrooms, it’s a simple way to make the most of the space you already have. 

The Costway 2-Piece Modern Floating Nightstand Set at Walmart does just that, and it’s currently on sale for $60, down from $70. That works out to just $30 per nightstand, which is a steal for a two-piece set. You can also buy a single nightstand for $36 if you only need one. Outside the bedroom, the pieces can also serve as living room side tables or end tables in a study, giving you plenty of ways to put it to use outside the bedroom. 

Costway 2-Piece Modern Floating Nightstand Set, From $60 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Each wall-mounted nightstand measures 16.5 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 11.5 inches high, giving you enough surface space for a lamp, phone, book, or other bedside essentials. One Walmart shopper praised the size of the nightstands, calling them “perfect for small spaces.” Since the space underneath them stays open, there are fewer places for dust and debris to collect, making it easier to clean around the bed. The floating design also helps keep a smaller bedroom from feeling crowded. 

There are also two pull-out drawers on each nightstand for keeping chargers, reading glasses, books, and other bedside essentials within reach. Each drawer can hold up to 11 pounds, while the tabletop supports another 11 pounds. That givies you plenty of capacity for the things you like to keep close by. Mounting hardware is included, so you’ll have everything you need to get them on the wall. 

The nightstands come in three versatile colors: black, white, and gray. Prices vary by color, but every option is currently under $66 at Walmart. 

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Related: Dolly Parton’s $30 Floral Ceramic Pumpkin Brings the Country Icon’s Love of Fall Straight to Your Home

Whether you place them beside the bed or use them in a guest room, the Costway 2-Piece Modern Floating Nightstand Set gives you extra storage without taking up valuable floor space. Now for as low as $30 per piece at Walmart, this is a great time to grab one while the sale lasts!

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Heather Graham, 56, Stuns in a Sheer Lace Dress at Her Latest Red-Carpet Appearance

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 4:00am

Heather Graham just took her ageless looks to the red carpet in a sheer dress.

The beautiful actress, 56, broke onto the scene in films like Drugstore Cowboy and License to Drive, and later solidified her role as a Hollywood staple in hits like Boogie Nights and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. But in her most recent red carpet appearance, the blonde star headed to the premiere of What Happened to Doris? during Fantastic Fest 2026 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas, and showed off her fashion savvy. In a sheer black lace dress that perfectly complemented her long, blonde hair, Graham was more stunning than ever.

Rick Kern / Getty Images

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Graham Looks Incredible at 56

John Lamparski / Getty Images

Graham looks absolutely stunning at 56, leading many to wonder what her trick is. She recently told Retreat Magazine that she doesn’t drink alcohol or use drugs, and she gets plenty of sleep. A healthy diet and workout regimen keep her body and mind going strong. However, she also believes in keeping her head straight.

“I think what matters most is how you feel inside. Decide that you’re hot and enjoy your life. What other people think of you is none of your business. If you feel good about yourself, no one can take that away from you. Pursue the things that fill you with joy, and surround yourself with loving people,” she told the publication. “Also, I do affirmations. I think they are very powerful. I work on strengthening my inner loving parent muscle, so I can be supportive and loving to myself. One of my affirmations is: ‘This is the best time of my life.’”

Did Heather Graham Grow Up in Hollywood?

Graham didn’t come from a Hollywood background. The actress is now estranged from her parents after cutting them off in her twenties because they didn’t approve of the films she starred in.

“My father’s really religious, and they were, especially my father, very critical of everything I was doing,” Graham told the Guardian earlier this year. But ending that relationship was beneficial, she found. “It didn’t feel like a healthy dynamic. I stopped talking to them and, I have to say, that was a huge relief. I felt like, at that moment, my life opened up with a freedom. I didn’t need to please them.”

Feeling like she wasn’t raised with self-esteem, Graham feels like she finally found it as an adult.

“As I detached from my family, I built my own sense of self-esteem. Sort of like a detective, I went through my past and looked at how I developed certain ways of thinking that weren’t the healthiest, and basically just went on a journey to be happier,” she noted.

Related: Heather Graham, 56, Rocked Instagram With a White Bikini Video and Fans Can’t Stop Calling Her Ageless


Merrell’s 'Supportive' Water-Resistant Hiking Shoes Offer a 'Great Grip' for Uneven Fall Trails

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 3:15am

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If your fall weekends usually include trails, orchards, or long walks on uneven ground, your everyday sneakers may not always cut it. Fortunately, Merrell’s Ontario SP Lace SE Shoes offer more support for outdoor plans, and they’re on sale for just $100 at REI, down from $180. They come in two colors, black and peppercorn, and are available in sizes 6 through 10, including half-size options.

The shoes feature nylon ripstop, suede, and full-grain leather uppers, plus padded collars for ankle comfort. Their tongues are designed to help keep dirt, leaves, and other small debris out, while their removable foam footbeds add cushioning. They also have a protective plate built into the soles to help shield your feet from sharp rocks, and the rubber outsoles provide extra grip on outdoor surfaces.

Merrell Ontario SP Lace SE Shoes, $100 (were $180) at REI

Courtesy of REI

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You can wear these for much more than hiking, too. They’d work well for apple orchards, foliage walks, gravel paths, or any fall outing where you expect to spend a few hours outside. The suede panels and chunky shape also give them a more outdoorsy sneaker look, so they don’t feel out of place once you leave the trail.

One shopper said they’re “comfortable and supportive” and added that the shoe “looks good and improves my stature.” Another said they have a “good fit” and are “true to size,” though the laces can come loose if they’re not double-knotted. A third reviewer called them “so comfy” with “a great grip.”

Related: Clarks’ Leather Slip-on Sneakers Are ‘Comfortable Right Out of the Box,’ Now 40% Off

You can pair the peppercorn color with cozy leggings, cargo pants, or jeans and a fleece for a casual fall outfit, while the black option offers some more versatility. REI also notes that the shoes are water-resistant, not waterproof, so they can handle damp grass or light rain, but they’re not made for deep puddles or very wet conditions.

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If you want something sturdier than your everyday sneakers but don’t need a full hiking boot, the Merrell Ontario SP Lace SE Shoes are a super practical middle ground. Be sure to snag your favorite color and size at REI for $100 while they’re still 44% off and in stock.

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Quote of the Day: Cleanthes Worked Night Shifts as a Water Carrier to Study Philosophy by Day. Then He Took Over Ancient Greece’s Leading Stoic School

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 2:45am

How do you react when life messes up your plans? Often, when we experience delays or setbacks, our instinct is to fight back. We spend energy wishing reality were different. 

Yet, no matter how much we protest, life moves forward. Centuries ago, an ancient thinker learned this lesson not in a lecture hall, but through years of grueling physical labor.   When Cleanthes arrived in Athens in the third century BCE, he had almost no money. Deeply drawn to the emerging Stoic philosophy taught by Zeno of Citium, Cleanthes faced a practical dilemma. He needed to earn a living, but he refused to give up his daytime studies or rely on wealthy patrons.   

To support himself, Cleanthes took on heavy manual labor in the dark. Night after night, he hauled water for private city gardens and kneaded dough for bakeries. When public officials grew suspicious of how a young man with no apparent income spent his days studying philosophy, Cleanthes was summoned to court. He brought the gardener and baker as witnesses to prove he earned his keep through honest, exhausting work.   Impressed by his self-reliance and grit, the Athenian court offered him a public stipend, but Cleanthes declined it, choosing instead to maintain his independence. 

He went on to study under Zeno for nearly two decades, eventually succeeding him as the second head of the Stoic school.   From a lifetime spent quietly accepting hardship while pursuing his purpose came a powerful reflection on how humans relate to external forces beyond their control.   

Quote of the Day by Cleanthes

“Fate leads the willing and drags the unwilling.”   

This single line, preserved through Stoic fragments and later cited by the Roman philosopher Seneca, summarizes a foundational principle of Stoic thought. Cleanthes did not view “fate” as a reason to be passive or helpless. Instead, he recognized that life inevitably presents events that exist entirely outside individual control.   

Related: Quote of the Day: Pope Francis on Having an Open Heart, Staying Confident and Never Giving Up

The Deeper Meaning of Cleanthes’s Quote

Cleanthes’s quote offers a choice in how we handle adversity. In plain terms, the circumstances of life are going to unfold whether we accept them or not. The variable is not the event itself, but our internal reaction to it.   When Cleanthes speaks of the “willing,” he refers to those who practice radical acceptance.

To be “willing” means recognizing what is outside your control. Take a sudden job loss, a canceled flight, a health diagnosis. Think about choosing to cooperate with reality rather than waste energy denying it. By walking alongside life’s changes willingly, you maintain your agency, calm, and capacity for rational action.   

Conversely, the “unwilling” are those who resist the unchangeable. When we respond to unavoidable setbacks with bitterness, denial, or rage, the circumstance does not alter. Rather, we xget dragged along kicking and screaming, compounding our own suffering in the process.   

Cleanthes’s life as a night-shift water carrier embodied this principle: rather than lamenting his lack of wealth, he accepted his situation, carried the water, and kept his mind focused on what mattered most. His words remind us that while we cannot always choose the path, we can always choose how gracefully we walk it.  

 More Quotes From Cleanthes

“He needs little who desires but little.”  

 “He has his wish, whose wish can be to have what is enough.”   

“Lead me, O Zeus, and thou O Destiny, whithersoever I am by you appointed to go; for I will follow without hesitation.”   

“Ignorant men are like the deaf, who hearing hear not.”   

“Property is a trap; the more you hold, the more you are held.”   

“Why do we wander in search of external goods? All good is within us.”  

Next: Quote of the Day: More Than 2,300 Years Ago, Aristotle Connected Overcoming Fear With Being ‘Truly Free’—And We’re Still Wrestling With the Same Problem Today

Walmart’s ‘Gorgeous’ Woven Seagrass Basket Set With Pottery Barn Vibes Contains Clutter for Under $25

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 2:30am

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As an amateur home decorator, I can never have enough baskets. Spare blankets that usually get tossed over the sofa? Basket. Board games stacked precariously in the living room? Basket. The collection of chargers, remotes, magazines, and miscellaneous items that take over the coffee table? You get the idea.

Baskets can give everything a home while keeping clutter neatly contained and, more importantly, mostly out of sight. That’s why this deal on Better Homes & Gardens’ Large Rectangle Checkered Seagrass Storage Baskets at Walmart caught my eye. Usually $29, it’s currently marked down 21% to $23, giving you an attractive storage solution for under $25 that you won’t feel compelled to shove into a closet when company comes over.

Better Homes & Gardens Large Rectangle Checkered Seagrass Storage Baskets, $23 (was $29) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Alternating sections of dark and natural fibers create chunky squares around all four sides of these black-and-tan baskets, with weave variations adding texture. A thicker woven border finishes the open top, while rope loop handles at either end give you an easy grip when pulling one from a shelf or carrying it from room to room. 

Sold as a set of two, each rectangular basket measures about 16.25 inches long, 13.4 inches wide, and 12.2 inches high, giving you plenty of open storage. In the living room, I’d dedicate one to throws and the other to books, magazines, or tech. The open top means you don’t have to fuss with a lid every time you need something, which is especially useful for items you’re constantly taking out and putting away.

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You can easily move these baskets to other rooms as your storage needs change. Slide them beneath an entryway console to catch scarves, hats, reusable shopping bags, or dog-walking essentials, or put them at the bottom of a bedroom closet to hold sweaters and accessories. In a guest room, one could hold extra towels and linens so visitors don’t have to search for them, while a playroom could use the generous size to corral stuffed animals, blocks, or other toys at the end of the day. Even an office could benefit from one for notebooks, extra cords, and supplies you want nearby without spreading them across your desk.

Need somewhere to toss the things that don’t exactly fold down small? The round versions measure 17 inches wide and deep by 18.11 inches high and can hold decorative pillows, plush toys, and even rolled yoga mats. While the discount is slightly smaller at 18%, the set still drops from $43 to $36.

Walmart shoppers call these baskets “sturdy” and “gorgeous,” comparing the design to similar styles at Pottery Barn. “These baskets are very cute,  well-made, and on trend,” one shopper wrote, adding that they’re “great for organizing.”

Related: Walmart’s $30 Scalloped Wicker Baskets Make Bathroom Storage Look Much Prettier

Give the miscellaneous pile a permanent address. Shop the Better Homes & Gardens Large Rectangle Checkered Seagrass Storage Baskets for $23 at Walmart while it’s 21% off!

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1973 Movie, Filmed in the Desert Near Mono Lake, Named Among 'Greatest Noir Westerns' of All Time

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 2:24am

Clint Eastwood’s 1973 Western High Plains Drifter has been ranked among the “10 Greatest Noir Westerns,” highlighting the dark film’s mix of mystery and moral conflict. 

The movie was filmed on location near California’s Mono Lake, where Eastwood had an entire frontier town built for the production.

Released in 1973, High Plains Drifter stars Clint Eastwood as a mysterious stranger who rides into the isolated mining town of Lago. Collider recently placed the movie at No. 6 on its list of the 10 Greatest Noir Westerns, describing it as a stylish Western with a dark moral world.

The film was Eastwood’s second directing effort. He also played the lead character, known only as the Stranger.

American actor and director Clint Eastwood on the set of his movie ‘High Plains Drifter.’

Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

According to Collider, the movie stands out because it combines the Western genre with film noir. Traditional Western stories often center on heroes and lawmen, while noir stories tend to feature characters with complicated morals. High Plains Drifter brings those ideas together through a stranger whose reasons for helping Lago are not what they first appear to be.

In the story, the people of Lago hire the Stranger to protect them from three dangerous outlaws who are expected to return after being released from prison. The Stranger agrees, but he soon takes control of the town.

As the story unfolds, the town’s dark past comes to light. The people of Lago had played a role in the death of Marshal Jim Duncan, who had discovered that the local gold mine was operating illegally on government land.

The Stranger’s actions force the townspeople to face what they had done and what they had allowed to happen.

Collider described High Plains Drifter as “a ghost story wrapped in a revenge Western, complete with a bow made of moral lessons.”

The film also uses strong visual details to create its unusual mood. Lago is filled with bright red buildings, while the score and the Stranger’s mysterious behavior add to the feeling that something supernatural may be happening.

One of the most interesting facts about High Plains Drifter is how much of its fictional town was actually built in the California desert.

IMDb‘s production trivia states that Universal Pictures wanted the movie to be filmed on a studio lot. Eastwood instead had an entire town constructed in the desert near Mono Lake in the California Sierras.

The location helped give the movie its wide, empty Western landscape.

The town of Lago was not just a simple movie set. Many of its buildings were complete, three-dimensional structures, which allowed some interior scenes to be filmed on location.

According to IMDb, the town was built about 300 miles from Hollywood. A 46-person technical crew and 10 laborers worked 10 hours a day for 18 days to build 14 houses and a two-story hotel.

The buildings were later burned down after filming was completed.

The movie was also made efficiently. IMDb records that High Plains Drifter finished under budget and two days ahead of schedule.

The desert surrounding Mono Lake gives Lago a remote and isolated feeling, matching the story’s setting and the Stranger’s mysterious arrival from the wilderness.

High Plains Drifter was produced by The Malpaso Company and Universal Pictures and written by Ernest Tidyman. Alongside Eastwood, the cast includes Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan, Jack Ging, Stefan Gierasch and Billy Curtis.

The movie was released in theaters on April 6, 1973. It was made for a reported $5.5 million budget and earned $15.7 million at the domestic box office.

Rotten Tomatoes currently lists High Plains Drifter with a 91% Tomatometer score from 33 reviews and an 85% audience score based on more than 25,000 ratings.

The movie has also remained part of discussions about Eastwood’s work as both an actor and director. Its combination of a mysterious hero, a corrupt town, revenge, supernatural elements and a striking desert setting helped give the 1973 film a distinct identity among Western movies.

Related: 1983 Chevy Chase Movie Ranked Among Best Movies of the 1980s

One of Rock's Most Distinctive Voices, Inspired by Leonard Cohen, Turns 69 Today

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 2:20am

Few artists have spent nearly half a century making darkness sound quite as beautiful as Nick Cave.

Born Sept. 22, 1957, in Warracknabeal, Australia, Cave grew up in rural Victoria before emerging from Melbourne’s post-punk scene with the Boys Next Door, which evolved into the ferocious and influential Birthday Party. After that band dissolved in 1983, Cave formed Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, beginning one of rock’s most enduring and continually evolving creative partnerships.

Today, Cave turns 69.

Long before he developed his own unmistakable baritone and songwriting style, Cave found inspiration in another famously dark-voiced songwriter, Leonard Cohen.

“The sister of my best friend told me, ‘I’ve got this new record you’ve got to hear, come around to my place and give it a listen,'” Cave told the Recording Academy in a 2024 interview. “She put on Songs of Love and Hate. The first song ‘Avalanche’ just blew my mind. The earned wisdom in that voice spoke to me in a way that no other music has ever spoken to me.”

Cave eventually created a musical world entirely his own. With the Bad Seeds, his songs have moved from the violent, feverish post-punk of the 1980s through murder ballads, blues and gospel to some of the most intimate examinations of love, faith, grief and mortality in contemporary rock. The band’s 1988 song “The Mercy Seat,” about a condemned man awaiting execution, became one of Cave’s signature compositions and was later covered by one of his own musical heroes, Johnny Cash, on American III: Solitary Man in 2000.

Cave’s creative world has rarely been solitary. He famously joined Kylie Minogue for 1995’s haunting murder ballad “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” which became the Bad Seeds’ biggest international single, reaching No. 2 in Australia and the Top 10 in numerous European markets. His collaborators have included PJ Harvey, Shane MacGowan and Cash, while his decades-long creative partnership with Bad Seeds multi-instrumentalist Warren Ellis has extended well beyond the band.

Together, Cave and Ellis have composed acclaimed scores for movies including The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road and Lawless. Cave also wrote the screenplays for The Proposition and Lawless. His connection to cinema stretches back even further: German filmmaker Wim Wenders, an early admirer, featured Cave and the Bad Seeds performing in his 1987 classic Wings of Desire.

By the 2010s, Cave’s commercial success had caught up with his longstanding critical reputation. Push the Sky Away became the Bad Seeds’ first No. 1 album in Australia in 2013 and reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200. Three years later, the devastating Skeleton Tree climbed even higher in the U.S., reaching No. 27 — Cave’s highest position on the Billboard 200.

The honors accumulated as well. Cave entered the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007, and Push the Sky Away earned Cave and Ellis the Ivor Novello Album Award in 2014. In 2017, Cave was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the performing arts and his contribution to Australian music and culture.

Yet Cave has never settled comfortably into the role of elder statesman. His music changed dramatically following the death of his 15-year-old son Arthur in 2015, with grief, faith and the possibility of finding meaning after catastrophic loss increasingly entering his work. After the tragedy, Cave received a note from Leonard Cohen himself.

“When my son died, out of the blue, Leonard sent me an email that said, ‘I’m with you, brother, LC.’ That simple, beautiful gesture helped me. For that kindness alone I owe him.”

That journey continued with the Bad Seeds’ 2024 album Wild God. Rather than retreating into darkness, Cave made a record filled with an almost defiant sense of joy and hope. Critics responded with some of the strongest reviews of his career: Wild God earned a Metacritic score of 89 based on 21 reviews, while The Guardian called it a “masterpiece” and praised its “radical optimism.” The album reached No. 66 on the Billboard 200, and Rolling Stone Australia gave it 4.5 stars and marveled at Cave’s longevity.

“At 66, Cave’s output is freakishly prolific, particularly when considering that as a young man with fierce hair and wild eyes, he wasn’t expected to see his prime,” noted the review.

And Cave remains a formidable live performer. Reviewing a 2026 Bad Seeds concert in Australia, The Guardian described an “electrifying crescendo of faith, fury and fragile joy,” nearly four decades after the band released its debut album.

At 69, Cave is still doing what he has always done: finding new, inventive ways to write about the oldest subjects imaginable — love and death, faith and doubt, sorrow and joy.

The darkness is still there, but these days, Cave seems increasingly interested in what might shine through it.

Related: 1988 Pop Song, Recorded in Berkeley, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

The Surprising Reason Melissa McCarthy Joined Netflix's New JonBenét Ramsey Series; 'I'm Very Fond of Patsy'

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 1:54am

In a new cover story for Variety, actress Melissa McCarthy speaks with Editor-at-Large Kate Aurthur about her role as Patsy Ramsey, the mother of the slain child pageant star at the center of the upcoming Netflix series The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey. In the wide-ranging interview, the Oscar-nominated actress, 56, opens up about the surprising reason she took the role and what she learned about the case—and herself—in the process.

Related: Melissa McCarthy’s Net Worth and How the Comedy Star Made It

Playing Patsy Ramsey and Examining the Public’s Reaction

When the script for The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey first came across McCarthy’s desk, she said her initial impulse was to turn it down.

“I said, ‘Oh, no. I have no interest in that.’ I didn’t think it was any of my business to do, I guess?” McCarthy recalled.

But it was her desire to get back to work that changed her mind.

“I spent a lot of years not working, and somebody took the time to ask me — I should take the time to look into it,” she recalled.

After looking deeper into the case decades later, McCarthy was struck by how the Ramsey family had been treated by the public and media following the 1996 murder of their 6-year-old daughter. McCarthy, who was 26 at the time, thought back to her fascination with the tabloids that lined grocery store checkout lanes.

“I was really floored by the lack of humanity that had been shown to that family,” McCarthy said. “I have a very vivid memory of standing in a grocery store and looking at a tabloid and thinking, ‘“’How could you dress a little girl like that?'”

In preparing for the role, McCarthy came to accept a newfound compassion for Patsy Ramsey and the tragedy the family experienced. This case was a turning point in how the media covered tragedy. For one of the first times, a child’s trauma garnered wall-to-wall coverage as if it were a sporting event “like Wimbledon,” she said.

“This might sound nuts: I’m very fond of Patsy. I have so much compassion for them, what they went through, and go through currently,” McCarthy said.

When asked whether she had personally formed an opinion about the case, McCarthy shared her take.

“Yes. Just my personal feeling. My heart says no one in the family could have done that,” McCarthy revealed. “Which I probably am not supposed to say. But shooting that, I had to pick. I had to have that for myself, if nothing else.”

McCarthy hopes viewers will series the series and “realize, “Oh, God. I was part of that — I did that,” it gives us a little of our humanity back. And the hope is not to dredge it up for that poor family again.”

Netflix describes the limited series as an exploration of “one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in American history, and the devastating personal and public reckoning that followed the death of JonBenét Ramsey on Christmas night in 1996.”

All episodes of The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey premiere Dec. 10 on Netflix.


Related: Netflix Reveals First Look at Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen as JonBenét Ramsey’s Parents

Related: Melissa McCarthy Looks Incredibly Svelte at 56—Her Birthday Video Has Fans Doing a Double Take

Dolly Parton’s ‘Colorful’ Garden-Inspired Mosaic Plate Set Is Great for Gifting

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 1:45am

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Dolly Parton fans will be happy to know that while much of Walmart’s selection of Dolly’s decor line has sold out, some kitchenware options are still available. The queen of country’s popular collection offers a mix of warmth, personality, and a little bit of sparkle built into practical pieces that look just as at home on a weekday dinner table as they do when you’ve got people over. 

One of the standout pieces from the lineup is the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Accent Plates set. For a charming set of statement plates designed for both display and everyday use, it’s an easy way to bring personality to the table for less.

Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Accent Plates, $30 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Few symbols are more closely tied to Dolly Parton than the butterfly; a motif that reflects both her softer, whimsical side and the strength behind her decades-long career. Inspired by her beloved “Iron Butterfly” persona — a nod to her balance of grace and grit — this four-piece accent plate set brings that imagery into the home in a way that’s playful, personal, and unmistakably Dolly. 

Each plate features a mosaic-inspired print that mimics the look of hand-laid glass, giving every piece a jewel-like shimmer. The set includes two butterfly designs alongside two floral blooms, all in vibrant shades of pink, red, and blue that feel lively. Look a little closer, and there’s an added detail fans will appreciate: Dolly’s signature is printed on each plate.

Made from durable stoneware, they’re microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Measuring 7 inches long, 6.3 inches wide, and just shy of an inch high, they’re sized for small bites, desserts, or salads, and arrive in a gift-ready box that makes them an easy pick for collectors, Dolly fans, or anyone looking to give a sweet holiday gift.

Even though the collection recently launched, fans shared their thoughts on this charming set. “These little colorful plates are wonderful for snacks,” one said. “They just make you happy,” one shopper wrote.

Related: Walmart’s Freestanding Floor Cabinet Is ‘Super Cute’ for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Entryways

If you’re looking to add Southern charm to your summer table, the $30 Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Accent Plates are an easy way to do it. Shop the set now at Walmart before it sells out!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

A Haunting 1845 Poem Must Have Inspired This Marshalls’ Spooky 2-Tier Cake Stand

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 1:05am

Halloween decor doesn’t always need a skeleton, a ghost or enough fake cobwebs to make your living room look like it’s been abandoned for 30 years (the mess my kids make does that for free). Seriously, though, sometimes, all you need is a black bird and a little literary drama. And if that immediately makes you think of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven … same.

There’s something wonderfully spooky about a raven. There are the glossy black feathers, the mysterious reputation or simply the fact that seeing one perched somewhere feels a little more ominous than spotting your average backyard bird. It brings just the right amount of gothic atmosphere to a Halloween display without veering into cheesy.

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Made in India 20-inch Two-tier Cake Stand, $15 (reg. $29.99) at Marshalls Shop It!

That’s why I love the idea of letting one take center stage on the dessert table. A raven perched above your Halloween treats, like this Made in India 20-Inch Two-Tier Cake Stand at Marshalls? Now those cupcakes have a backstory. Put it among candles, moody florals and a few dramatic desserts and you’ve got a setup that feels more old-world gothic than Halloween aisle. In my opinion, that’s a much more interesting way to celebrate spooky season.

Related: Aldi’s Floating Witch Hats Will Make Your Space Look Like Something Out of ‘Harry Potter’

The cake stand is 20 inches tall and 12 inches round, so not terribly big but large enough to be useful. It has a black picket fence-like border that adds to the spookiness, with that little feathered friend sitting right at the very top.

At Halloween, I’d think beyond cake with this one. The two tiers give you plenty of room to build a seriously fun spread, whether that means piling it with cupcakes, cookies and chocolate-covered treats or turning it into a little candy station. If you’re hosting, you could even use it for savory bites like olives, crackers, cheese cubes and nuts. The height makes whatever you put on it feel more like a display than just another plate of food.

Frankly, you don’t have to put food on it at all. Use the tiers to create a Halloween centerpiece with flameless candles, mini pumpkins, dark florals or little potion bottles. Since it has that raven perched on top, you could really lean into the gothic vibe with black candles, moody desserts and a few old books nearby.

Related: Dylan’s Candy Bar Just Dropped a Bunch of Spooky Sweets to Kick Your Halloween Up a Notch

Martha Stewart’s ‘Elegant’ 3-Tier Bookcase Is a Stylish Way to Display Plants, Books, and Decor

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 1:00am

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While hidden storage is great for keeping clutter out of sight, sometimes you want your favorite things to be seen. Display storage gives you a stylish way to organize everyday essentials while showing off books, plants, photos, and favorite decor. 

One stylish pick is Martha Stewart’s Emmett Storage Display Bookcase. Right now, it’s on sale for 40% off at Wayfair, bringing the price down from $274 to just $167. With its combination of open shelving and a streamlined design, it gives you a practical way to add storage while keeping your space looking elevated.

Martha Stewart Emmett Storage Display Bookcase, From $165 (was $274) at Wayfair 

Courtesy of Wayfair

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The bookcase comes in a walnut wood grain finish with polished brass accents for a warm, sophisticated look, while a sleek black option is also available if you prefer something more understated. Its clean, minimalist silhouette puts a modern spin on the classic bookshelf, making it easy to work into a variety of decorating styles without overwhelming the rest of your room.

It features three spacious engineered wood shelves with a melamine finish, which is designed to hold up to everyday use. Raised edges along the back and sides help keep books and decor from slipping off, while the vertical steel support posts give the bookcase a sturdy foundation. Together, these details make it useful for both practical storage and displaying your favorite pieces.

The bookcase weighs about 53 pounds, giving it a substantial feel without making it impossible to work with during setup. Each shelf can hold up to 44 pounds, so there’s plenty of room for books, plants, framed photos, candles, and other decorative pieces. Adjustable floor glides also help keep it level while also preventing the base from damaging floors. 

Related: Wayfair’s ‘Space-Saving’ Armchair Includes a Matching Ottoman and Hidden Storage

Assembly is required, but everything you need is included, along with step-by-step instructions to make the process straightforward. Once assembled, the open design makes it easy to use the bookcase in just about any room. Place it in an entryway for decorative accents, in the living room for books and plants, or in a bedroom for photos, candles, and other personal touches.

One shopper described the shelf as a “stunning addition” to their living room, adding, “It is so sturdy and very sleek with a modern flare!” Another said it’s “high quality and very elegant,” writing, “I love the walnut wood color. It’s also very durable and easy to put together.”

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If you’re looking for a display bookcase that adds useful storage without overwhelming your space, the Martha Stewart Emmett Storage Display Bookcase is worth a look. With Wayfair’s current 40% discount, you can get it for $167 and save more than $100 on a stylish piece that’s designed to keep your favorite things organized and on display.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 12:20am

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers ways to travel through snow, famous team mascots, players from a legendary college football program and terms related to America’s pastime.

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 Tuesday, September 22, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, September 22, 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 September 22, 2026

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

  • Yellow: Cold-weather fun.
  • Green: TC Bear is another one.
  • Blue: Fighting Irish.
  • Purple: National pastime.
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: EQUIPMENT FOR SNOW ACTIVITIES
  • Green: MLB MASCOTS
  • Blue: NOTRE DAME QBS
  • Purple: BASEBALL _____

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 #729 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?
  • EQUIPMENT FOR SNOW ACTIVITIES: SKI, SLED, SNOWBOARD, TUBE
  • MLB MASCOTS: BLOOPER, MR. MET, SLIDER, WALLY
  • NOTRE DAME QBS: BOOK, CLAUSEN, QUINN, REES
  • BASEBALL _____: BAT, CAP, CARDS, REFERENCE

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: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, September 21, 2026

Anne Hathaway Will Campaign This Awards Season in an Unexpected Category, 13 Years After Her Oscar Win

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 12:04am

Everyone’s favorite Princess Diaries breakout has had quite the year when it comes to headline-making news.

Between her baby bump and those standout turns in both The End of Oak Street and The Odyssey, Anne Hathaway continues to prove she is Hollywood’s “it” girl all these years later.

Regarding the latter film, Variety just reported that Hathaway, 43, is set to campaign for her work in Christopher Nolan‘s wildly successful film, which also stars Matt Damon and Tom Holland (as well as plenty others).

The kicker? Those who have seen The Odyssey have probably been wondering if she’ll push for award nominations in either the Lead Actress or Supporting Actress category. Variety confirmed on Monday, September 21 that the Devil Wears Prada star will campaign for supporting — despite the fact that she portrayed Penelope, aka lead character Odysseus’ wife in the summer hit.

This is worthy of note for those keeping a close eye on The Odyssey since another scene-stealing supporting turn came from fellow actress Samantha Morton, who brought the villainous Circe to life on-screen. Could they both be Oscar-nominated in the same category come 2027?

As cinephiles well know, Hathaway has already won the supporting actress Oscar before — in 2013 for her performance as Fantine in Les Misérables. She was nominated for the Best Lead Actress Academy Award four years earlier for Rachel Getting Married.

Anne Hathaway Is Cast in Yet Another High-Profile Sequel

Last month, the Interstellar actress revealed via social media that she’ll be joining Tom Cruise in the long-awaited Days of Thunder sequel. The 1990 NASCAR film also starred Nicole Kidman and Randy Quaid.

On August 30, Dennis Quaid‘s eccentric brother, 75, took to social media to share his rather unfiltered thoughts on Days of Thunder 2 casting Hathaway alongside Cruise, 64. Find out more here.

Walmart’s New 100% Cotton $8 Long-Sleeve Is a Fall Layering Staple — ‘You Can’t Beat the Price’

Tue, 09/22/2026 - 12:00am

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Dressing for fall weather isn’t always easy. With fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable conditions, this transitional season calls for versatile pieces that strike the perfect balance between lightweight and warm. Layers are your best friend, and we’re not just talking about outerwear — base layers are equally important. The ideal base should be versatile enough to complement any outfit, cute enough to wear on its own, and sleek enough to layer under jackets, sweatshirts, and sweaters without feeling bulky.  

If you’re looking to stock up your fall wardrobe, check out this Scenario 100% Cotton Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee at Walmart. While pieces made of 100% cotton can cost a pretty penny, you can score this top from the retailer’s new budget-friendly clothing line for just $8! Shoppers noted that it’s great quality and said that “you can’t beat the price.” This long-sleeve is available in six colors, including black, deep indigo, pink, maroon, heather gray, and white. Sizes range from XS to XXL, and shoppers noted it fits true to size. 

Scenario 100% Cotton Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee, $8 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made purely of cotton, this top is lightweight and breathable. While it offers ample coverage, shielding your skin from cool fall breezes, it promotes airflow, preventing your body from overheating should the temperature rise. The fabric is soft to the touch, keeping you comfortable all day long. Cotton is also a gentle material, making this top ideal for those with allergies and sensitive skin. 

A capsule wardrobe staple, this long-sleeve top has a basic design, featuring a classic crew neckline. It boasts a relaxed fit that drapes straight down, so it should skim your body without clinging to your skin. The loose yet sleek silhouette provides plenty of room to move around without looking sloppy and makes the top a dream for layering. You can wear other pieces on top of this tee without a bulky look or feel. 

The hem of this top ends below the hips, allowing you to wear it multiple ways. You can tuck it into the waistband of your pants for a polished look, leave it untucked for a laid-back vibe, or tuck half of it in for an effortlessly chic feel. 

Scenario 100% Cotton Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee, $8 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This top’s versatility is unmatched with seemingly endless style possibilities. From a casual day full of errands to dressy photoshoots at a pumpkin patch, this top is fit for the occasion and will complement anything you wear it with. You can pair it with some jeans, leggings, or sweatpants for relaxed days, and just as easily don it with skirts, slacks, or palazzo pants for elevated outings. 

It’s no surprise that this top has racked up nearly 200 five-star ratings since its late-summer release. “A great tee at an incredible price,” one reviewer raved. A second customer said that it “works so well for layering.” A third person noted that the fabric is “soft to the touch” and added that the sleeves are “comfortable.”

Whenever this top needs a refresh, you can toss it into the washing machine. Shoppers noted that it washes well. Because it’s 100% cotton, you should wash it in cold water to prevent it from shrinking. 

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Related: The North Face’s Packable Rain Jacket Is a Travel-Friendly Layer for Wet Weather

Simple and versatile, the Scenario 100% Cotton Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee is bound to be in constant rotation all season long. Don’t hesitate to snag it at Walmart for just $8! With a price this sweet, you may even be tempted to buy multiple colors. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Mon, 09/21/2026 - 11:45pm

Today’s NYT Strands answers all relate to things that signal a change from one phase or period to another.

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 #933 on Tuesday, September 22.

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: “Day and night shift.“

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Goodbye, summer.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

  • SW
  • CH
  • TR
  • PR
  • FA (SPANGRAM)
NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is mostly vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 22

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, is FALLEQUINOX.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Tuesday, September 22?
  • SWITCH
  • CHANGEOVER
  • TRANSITION
  • PROGRESSION
  • SPANGRAM: FALLEQUINOX

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, September 21, 2026

Dolly Parton's Charming $12 Coffee Mug Will Bring 'Pure Joy' to Your Everyday Routine

Mon, 09/21/2026 - 11:30pm

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If you’re the type who makes a beeline for your coffeemaker first thing in the morning, you know there is nothing quite like that first sip. And if your morning routine could use a little perk-up, we can’t think of anything sweeter than this Dolly Parton Caffeine Coffee Mug to do the job. It’s an amazing deal at Amazon, reduced from its usual $18 to just $12 right now. That’s the lowest price it’s been in at least 90 days, making now the time to snap it up!

Not only does this Dolly Parton drinkware play on one of her most famous choruses with characteristic wit and charm, but it’s also just plain adorable. Emblazoned with “caffeine, caffeine, caffeine, caffeine,” it’s very likely to make “Jolene” a part of your daily soundtrack — even if you only hum the tune to yourself every time you reach for the cup!

Dolly Parton Caffeine Coffee Mug, $12 (was $18) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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At 16 ounces, it’s just the right size for everyday coffee and relaxing cups of tea, and it’s built to last. The ceramic material is substantial, yet light enough that it won’t feel cumbersome in your hands. You can also safely place it in both the dishwasher and microwave without risking the integrity of the mug or its rich rainbow tones. 

The design, of course, is what sets this Dolly-themed mug apart from virtually anything else. Shades of blue, yellow, orange, and pink are so vibrant that they’ll instantly brighten up even the most bleary-eyed mornings. Fittingly, the final “caffeine” lyric wraps exaggeratedly around the mug right in tune to the actual song.

Even the packaging is cute. The mug arrives nestled in a pink gingham box dotted with foil-stamped rhinestones, adding a little glitz whether you’re planning to give it to the Dolly enthusiast in your life or just want to treat yourself to something fun and uplifting.

It’s received five stars across the board, with Amazon shoppers praising everything from its comfort to its artful motif. One person noted it’s “just right to hold comfortably,” adding that it brings “pure joy” to their days. Another person put it simply, stating that the mug is a “must-have for any Dolly fan.”

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Related: Dolly Parton’s $30 Floral Ceramic Pumpkin Brings the Country Icon’s Love of Fall Straight to Your Home

Whether that’s you or someone else, there’s no doubt the Dolly Parton Caffeine Coffee Mug is sure to be a hit. At 34% off, it’s also well worth picking up if you’re doing some early holiday shopping for your nearest and dearest. Pick it up while it’s on sale at Amazon for a limited time.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Mon, 09/21/2026 - 11:25pm


Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers pointing words, decorative additions, common responses and beverages with something missing from their names.

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 #1199 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, September 22, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday’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 Tuesday, September 22
  1. Words that point to specific people, objects or ideas.
  2. Fancy up.
  3. Choices you can make.
  4. Drink up!

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 Tuesday, September 22:

1. DEMONSTRATIVES: THAT, THESE, THIS, THOSE
2. EMBELLISHMENT: ACCENT, DETAIL, FLOURISH, TOUCH
3. OPTIONS ON A MULTIPLE CHOICE SURVEY: AGREE, DISAGREE, NEUTRAL, OTHER
4. BEVERAGES WITH ACUTE ACCENTS REMOVED: CAFE, PATRON, ROSE, THE

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: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, September 21, 2026

Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1921 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Mon, 09/21/2026 - 11:04pm

Today’s NYT Wordle answer refers to something you might do to build excitement.

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 #1921 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two vowels in today’s five-letter word.

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: You might do this to encourage a fire’s flames to grow.

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 #1921 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, is STOKE.

-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)

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