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If you work for yourself or at home often, you know how tough it can be to be productive and stay on top of your schedule. Being "productive" can mean many things, and while it's sometimes easy to fall into bad habits, now, in our modern age, there are tools to help you use your time more wisely. Whether you're interested in better time management, want to track your personal goals or stay more organized, there are some great apps out there that can help. I would know. I tried 9 free productivity apps for a few weeks, and two of them really surprised me.

At the start of my productivity app journey, I'll be honest, I wasn't totally sure any of them would be for me because I tend to fall off the wagon with that stuff. But if you're similar, don't worry; I changed my mind pretty quickly once I began using them.

From AI note-taking and tracking my reading goals, to keeping my to-do lists and calendar organized, I tried them all this month. For all my thoughts on some of the most popular free productivity apps—including TickTick, Notion, Todoist and Plaud—and the ones that really surprised me, take a look ahead.

Related: Psychologist Reveals That People Who Write Out To-Do Lists by Hand Share These 7 Unique Traits

What Are Productivity Apps?

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While there are many different types of productivity apps, here's a breakdown of the most common types. Productivity apps are designed to help you be more efficient in all areas of your life by supporting the organization of tasks, time management and streamlining your workflow. Some also allow you to set personal goals. Many of them focus on calendar management, notes, to-do lists, project-tracking and some even have "focus" modes to help you forego distractions.

Many productivity apps can also be accessed on multiple devices, making them the perfect companion to help you stay organized. While productivity apps are great for individual use, they can also work in a team setting, maximizing workplace efficiency and keeping everyone on deadline for certain projects or tasks.

Related: This One Thing Shaved Nearly an Hour Off My Workday—and Now I’m Telling Everyone To Do It

9 Best Free Apps for Productivity, Ranked From My Least to Most Favorite9. Day One: Daily Journal & Diary

Apple App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free, Silver - $49.99 per year, Gold - $74.99 per year

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Day One's app in any way. In fact, it's a great app for those who love to keep a digital journal. It tracks your entries, provides a calendar and includes the ability for you to create different journal subcategories within the app.

While I know many find gratitude and general journaling super productive and love making it part of their day, I've never been as good at keeping up with daily journaling. It is a nice way to create a simple task list for yourself during the day if you wish, but if you're looking for something a little more wide-reaching, I would skip this one.

8. Fantastical Calendar

Apple App Store rating: 4.2/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Individual - $4.75 per month; Family - $7.50 per month; Team - $4.75 per user, per month

Fantastical is a great free option for those who need to consolidate their calendars. It's also great for reminders and basic to-do lists. The top feature of this app is that you can get a comprehensive view of your entire day, week, month, quarter or year, which is perfect for extremely busy people.

However, I do wish this app had more in terms of detailed tracking and to-do lists. For example, other apps I used allowed me to set task times and had more goal-oriented features like adding what time my workday started and ended.

Related: 10 Free Printable Goal-Setting Worksheets That'll Help You Achieve Anything

7. Plaud: AI Note Taker

Apple App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Plaud Intelligence Pro Plan (Monthly) - $17.99 per month; Plaud Intelligence Pro Plan (Annual) - $99.99 per year; Plaud AI Annual Unlimited Plan - $239.99 per year

The Plaud app is perfect for anyone who has a job that requires rigorous note-taking. Whether that's during a meeting or—if you're a journalist (like me)—to transcribe interviews. This app transcribes audio with pretty good accuracy and is great at identifying multiple speakers (something I've found lacking in other transcription services). It can also convert audio recordings into structured, easy-to-follow notes or to-do lists, making it great for maximizing efficiency.

While I consider note-taking and transcribing an important part of my job, I only ranked this one a little lower on the list because there were apps I found more comprehensive. Another downside is that the free version is pretty limited. If this app is something you'd want to use often, you'll most likely have to pay for the premium version.

6. Todoist

Apple App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars
Pricing: Beginner- free; Pro - $5 per month; Business- $8 per user per month

Todoist targets those who work in a team setting. It allows you to do things like create a shared task list, assign responsibilities, and comment and share files. While this app is designed with team project management in mind, you can still use it individually as a personal task manager to organize your daily life, track due dates and organize projects. You can also create both work and personal tabs to keep a better tab on things.

With the basic free plan, you can track up to five projects, which isn't bad if you're just using it as an individual. I liked how easy and intuitive this one was. There were a few apps I liked more that allowed for more detailed task managing, like setting times and creating a focus mode.

5. Notion

Apple App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Plus - $10 per month; Business - $20 per member per month

Notion offers a lot in terms of organization. It allows you to create tables, boards and calendars with built-in AI summaries of the content to allow you to digest the information quicker. This is a great one for those who really like to customize and detail out their day or tasks.

While I enjoyed this app, I try to be careful about relying on AI too much in my daily life. While it can be helpful, it isn't perfect, and you might miss certain things if you're only using that to analyze your workflow and take care of other tasks.

Related: 50 Career Goals That'll Help You Climb That Corporate Ladder in No Time

4. Awesome Habits

Apple App Store rating: 4.8/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Premium - $1.99 monthly, $12.99 yearly or a $22.99 lifetime purchase

I really liked Awesome Habits because its ethos aligns with my own philosophy. I've always found it hard to stay consistent on larger goals or things like New Year's resolutions since they sometimes feel daunting. Instead, I try to focus on building better daily habits because, slowly but surely, you achieve your goals much more easily. Awesome Habits is the perfect companion app if you feel the same way. It helps you adopt smaller and easier changes every day to work toward your larger goals. That way, success feels more achievable.

This app includes the ability to sync with Apple Health and to create small goals like "eat three servings of fruit today" or "reduce alcohol for the next week." You can also check your stats over time to track your progress. While this app feels more personal goal-oriented, I appreciated how easy it was to use and the way it helps you make small changes that eventually make a big impact.

Related: ‘I’m a Neuroscientist, and This 10-Second Habit Can Instantly Boost Your Focus’

3. Routinery

Apple App Store rating: 4.7/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Premium - $7.99 per month or $39.99 per year

Routinery offers really detailed ways to organize your day, from to-do lists with time breakdowns to helping you set reminders for small daily tasks like taking your pills. It's a really good habit-tracking and routine-focused app that's similar to Awesome Habits. You can even add details and notes to each of your timed tasks for added context.

It helps you build change over time through smaller daily shifts, which I really loved. I also liked that I could add both personal and work tasks to it. While this one is less work-focused, it's great for keeping you on your routine every day.

2. Focus Traveller

Apple App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Premium - $0.99 a month

Focus Traveller is a bit of a different type of productivity app. Instead of focusing on organization, it's a productivity timer designed to help you stay 100% focused and features animated mountain-climbing visuals that are extremely cute. It also has ambient sounds and Apple Music integration along with detailed progress tracking. You can also access daily logs of your progress so you can monitor your productivity over time.

While this app is less about calendar organization and task management, I enjoyed how cute the visuals were and the soft, ambient music. It really did help me focus when I had a lot of work to do, and it was interesting to track my productivity overall. If I know I'm tracking my own progress, it then motivates me to be even more productive.

1. TickTick

Apple App Store rating: 4.9/5 stars
Pricing: Basic - free; Premium- $3.99 per month or $35.99 per year

I found TickTick to be the most comprehensive of all the productivity apps I tried. It has a lot of features. You can create to-do lists, manage your schedule, make an Eisenhower matrix to boost efficiency, create reminders and tasks and it integrates seamlessly with other apps like Notion, just to name a few. If you're someone who likes everything in one place, this is the app for you.

I loved using it to manage both my personal and work tasks. It made planning my days so much easier, and I found that I got things done so much faster than when I wasn't using the app.

Related: 275 Motivational Quotes for Work

The 2 Free Productivity Apps That Surprised Me the Most1. Focus Traveller

As I mentioned above, Focus Traveller isn't your typical organization-heavy productivity app, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using it. As a freelance writer, it's definitely harder to focus some days, so it really pays to have something like this handy to help keep me on track with deadlines and work efficiency.

The app was really easy to use, and I just loved the little animated visuals. Your little "traveler" makes its way up a mountain with the more progress you make—if you're a visual learner or enjoy things like it, it adds a bit of motivation to the experience. It also just made the experience of using the app so much more fun, and you can even earn badges for your progress. It's the little things in life, right?

2. Awesome Habits

While TickTick was my absolute favorite for a more organized life, I was surprised at how much I loved Awesome Habits because it helped a lot with personal goal-setting. Normally, I don't write down any personal goals like "eat more servings of fruit today."

Usually, I'll just try to do it, but I was surprised by how much I loved having that visual reminder of the daily goals and habits I was trying to set—it really helped keep me on track. Making those smaller changes to my lifestyle every day has helped build better habits overall. I also used it to up my workout schedule, and that went really well, too.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says if You Need Background Noise To Focus, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

If you're a fan of high-stakes thrills and lakeside nostalgia, the wait is officially over. Today, May 9, Cedar Point opens its gates for the 2026 summer season. While it's known globally as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World," this Sandusky landmark remains a destination for those who understand that the park’s true soul is rooted in its 19th-century origins as a grand lakeside retreat.

To walk onto the peninsula today is to walk through 156 years of American leisure history. Long before the first steel loop was forged, Cedar Point was a simple bathing beach that opened in 1870, where guests arrived by steamboat to escape the summer heat.

The nostalgia is baked into the very skyline, starting with the Grand Pavilion, which opened in 1888 and stands as the park’s oldest building. This Gilded Age masterpiece once hosted bowling alleys and grand auditoriums, serving as the social hub of the peninsula.

Related: The Roller Coasters Amusement Park Superfans Are Most Excited to Ride in 2026

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Nearby, the Hotel Breakers, which debuted in 1905, remains one of the most storied hotels in the Midwest. It has hosted everyone from Abbott and Costello to six U.S. Presidents, and its iconic rotunda—recently refreshed for 2026—still features historical park décor that honors its "Grand Dame" status.

Even the mile-long stretch of white sand remains the park's original attraction; it is the same beach where legendary figures like Knute Rockne and Gus Dorais perfected the forward pass while working as lifeguards in 1913.

Related: This Unlikely 'Mining Town' Was Just Named the No. 1 Theme Park in the U.S.

This year is particularly significant as the park prepares for America's 250th celebrations. From June 29 to July 4, Cedar Point will host a Star-Spangled Celebration to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial, featuring skydiving demonstrations and the Ohio National Guard’s 122nd Army Band. In a move to honor those who have served, the park is introducing Veterans VIP Parking this year, with exclusive spots at the front of the main lot near the Main Gate.

Even the park's newest thrills pay homage to the "Roller Coast" legacy. Siren’s Curse stands as North America’s tallest and fastest tilt coaster, using state-of-the-art tech to provide a 160-foot drop that feels like a modern evolution of the park's 1892 Switchback Railway. Meanwhile, Top Thrill 2 pushes the boundaries of speed and height on the same soil where the first "race through the clouds" began over a century ago.

For those looking to turn their visit into a summer-long pilgrimage, the new Regional Gold Pass now includes access to sister parks like Kings Island and Canada’s Wonderland, making it easier to explore the heritage of the Great Lakes. Whether you’re here for the Happy Friar’s Fresh-Cut Fries Fest, a staple since 1942, or a sunset walk on the boardwalk, Cedar Point’s 157th season proves that the classics never go out of style.

Related: This Summer’s Biggest Travel Hack? These 8 Under-the-Radar Regional Theme Parks

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If you're a fan of vintage style, you will absolutely adore this pretty 3-piece comforter set at Kohl's. It adds so much retro charm to any space, and it can easily fit into any home design style. Plus, it goes without saying that it's ultra cozy too.

Peri's Retro Scroll 3-Piece Comforter Set is available in a full/queen size and comes with one comforter and two coordinating pillow shams. The comforter measures 88 inches by 92 inches, and the pillow shams each measure 20 inches by 26 inches.

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Peri Retro Scroll 3-Piece Comforter Set, $210.36 at Kohl's

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The comforter set features a light blue hue that feels super calming, and it comes complete with pretty floral and swirly embroidery that adds so much retro charm to the piece. The woven construction feels super cozy to sleep underneath, thanks to a blend of polyester fill and a cotton shell. This comforter set is machine-washable for easy cleaning too.

This comforter would be perfect for styling with throw blankets and accent pillows for a comfy, layered look in a primary bedroom or a guest room. The solid color of the comforter set makes it easy to combine with other colors and patterns. You could also pair the comforter set with some fun sheets in a bright floral print for a contrasting but still coordinated style. Or, you could opt for a solid sheet set for a more polished look. It's totally up to you and your personal preference. This comforter's solid color and subtle embroidery make it a fit with any sheet set.

Related: Five Below's 4-Piece Sheet Set Is Soft, Breathable and Chic

Kohl's shoppers love this comforter set, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars on Kohls.com. Fans write that they appreciate the comforter set for its weight, style and soft feel.

"This Peri Home Comforter Set was perfect," wrote one fan in a four-star review on Kohls.com. "The comforter is super soft and the design is really pretty. It fit perfectly on my queen size bed. I normally like an oversized comforter, but this fits great!"

Another shopper in a five-star review on Kohls.com wrote, "Such a beautiful retro scroll queen comforter set. This comforter is just the perfect addition to my guest bedroom making it stylish and inviting to my guests. It's super soft and I think it could be used for summer or even winter."

You can find this comforter set on the Kohl's website and in select Kohl's stores nationwide. It is currently on sale for $210.36, so snag it while you can at a great price.

Related: Target's New 3-Piece Quilt Set Is a Cottagecore Dream Come True

In 1973, Alice Cooper released one of his most iconic songs with “Billion Dollar Babies.” The title track from the rocker’s sixth studio album peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album itself soared to No. 1.

Written by Cooper, Michael Bruce, and Reggie Vinson, “Billion Dollar Babies” was a satirical take on decadence. “The Billion Dollar Babies concept was simply making fun of ourselves,” Cooper told Classic Rock in an interview. “Here was a band nobody would touch three years ago, and now we’re the biggest band in the world. We’d look at each other and go: ‘We’re like billion dollar babies’.”

The title track also featured an unlikely pairing between the gritty shock rocker and Scottish folk-pop singer Donovan.

Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “Billion Dollar Babies” among the greatest rock duets of all time, on a list topped by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s "Ain't No Mountain High Enough.”  “It’s the duet the world didn’t know it needed,” the outlet noted. “Alice Cooper, the king of shock rock, joining forces with ‘Mellow Yellow’ crooner Donovan. Impressively, the unlikely pairing works to perfection, thanks largely to the dynamic between Donovan’s falsetto and Cooper’s demonic growl.”

Cooper explained how the duet came to be

Cooper asked Donovan to join in on the song on the fly. In a video interview, the “School’s Out” singer noted that he was well aware of the singer and his nice, “wonderfully written songs, such as “Sunshine Superman.” “He’s had like eight number ones in a row or whatever,” Cooper said of Donovan.

“The first time I met Donovan, we were recording ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ in London at Morgan Studios, and we realize we needed a British voice that was going to mimic my voice,” Cooper recalled. “And I said, 'Who's here in the studio?' And they said, ‘Donovan's next door.’ And I went, ‘Oh, this will be great.’ Because he's got that great British voice, you know. And I went into the studio. I walked right in the studio, and he was doing something. I said, ‘Donovan, I'm Alice Cooper. Hi.’ Oh, hi. I said, ‘Come on.’ I said, ‘It's time to sing rock and roll.’"

RELATED: ‘70s Hard Rock Icon Recorded Soft Rock Hit ‘Totally Out of Spite’

Cooper said Donovan readily agreed and did both talking parts and falsetto vocals and harmonies on “Billion Dollar Babies.”

“He had so much fun doing that song,” Cooper said. “And it was really fun to have Donovan on that. I like the idea of taking somebody out of their comfort zone and putting them in a place where they didn't normally go to, you know.”

RELATED: 1981 Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

Donovan also spoke about the unlikely collaboration

Donovan once admitted he didn’t know who Cooper was when he first met him at Morgan Studios in  London, but that he always liked to be “experimental.” In an interview posted by Classic Rock Revisited, he said, “Alice introduced himself to me, and he played me the track. It was power chords, of course.  …Alice said, ‘Would you like to try a vocal?’ I thought he meant a background vocal. I said, 'It is very hard to climb on top of those guitars. I am going to have to do a falsetto.’”

Donovan pointed to bands like Yes and Led Zeppelin that had lead singers who had to cut through powerful guitars.

"When I was with Alice, I knew I would have to climb up over the guitars, and Alice told me to have a go at it,” he explained, “I went in and sang this piercing falsetto and sang, 'Biiillllion dollllar babbbbieeeees.' I can do things with my voice like that. Alice said, ‘That’s it man, let’s record.’ I think I did about half the vocals on that song.”

Donovan described the unexpected  experience of  working with Cooper as “extraordinary.” “It was really extraordinary to be a part of that song,” he added. “‘Billion Dollar Babies' went to number one. I also did the talking part on the song, ‘We go dancing nightly in the attic.' It was all like a horror movie; it was all tongue in cheek.”

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Daytime Television has told many love stories and hosted many weddings since its inception. But as the 1980s kicked off, no marriage before, or since, has achieved the cultural phenomenon that occurred when Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) married Laura Webber (Genie Francis), in what many describe as one of the top moments in soap opera history.

TV Guide released a list of the best soap opera moments of all time. In the list, topical stories such as Marlena’s possession on Days of Our Lives and the heartbreaking story of BJ’s heart on General Hospital ranked highly, but it was the star-studded wedding between Luke and Laura that made its way to number one on the list.

When the characters first interacted, nobody could have expected a wedding between the two, or that a record-breaking 30 million viewers would tune in to watch the moment unfold.

Luke Spencer arrived in town in 1978 to assist his sister, Bobbie Spencer (Jacklyn Zeman), in breaking up Laura Webber (Francis) and her then partner Scotty Baldwin (Kin Shriner). Throughout the storyline, Luke targeted Laura and was doing whatever it took to cause terror in her life. But when Laura got injured in a car accident, Luke decided that he had had enough and would no longer do anything to harm Laura.

Luke managed the local Campus Disco and eventually hired Laura to work there. Elsewhere in Port Charles, Luke was also working for the local criminal Frank Smith.

On October 5, 1979, Luke and Laura's lives would forever change. After having a horrible day, Luke began heavily drinking. Laura checked on him at work, and it was then that Luke forced himself on Laura and sexually assaulted her at the disco.

As the storyline progressed, Scotty eventually learned of Luke’s involvement with the attack and was infuriated. This led to an altercation on a yacht, which led the world, including Frank Smith, who was looking for Luke, to believe he was dead. When in reality, he was on the run, this time with Laura by his side.

The Summer of 1980 saw Luke and Laura go on the run in search of The Left-Handed Boy, which would serve as a means to put Frank Smith away for good. Many twists and turns occurred, but throughout the adventure, Laura and Luke both developed feelings for each other and ultimately fell in love.

Following the revelation that the Left Handed Boy was a statue with gold bars hidden inside it, Luke and Laura made their way back to Port Charles, but they found it difficult to navigate a relationship, given Laura’s connection to her husband Scotty, as well as the town knowing what Luke had previously done to Laura.

That was until 1981, when Luke, Laura, and World Security Bureau agent Robert Scorpio (Tristian Rogers) saved the world from the evil Mikkos Cassadine, who planned to use a diamond named the Ice Princess to freeze the world.

GENERAL HOSPITAL - 11/16/81Elizabeth Taylor portrayed Helena Cassadine, the vengeful and rich widow of mad scientist Mikkos, for a five-show guest stint in late 1981 on Walt Disney Television Daytime's "General Hospital". "General Hospital" airs Monday-Friday, 3-4 p.m., ET, on the Walt Disney Television Network. Displeased with the prospect of the couple's marriage, Helena arrived in Port Charles days before the wedding, blaming Luke and Laura for her husband's death. Unknown to anyone, she placed a curse on the two lovers during the wedding reception. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Having heard rumors that Luke and Laura would not be wed anytime soon, Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor contacted the General Hospital studio and negotiated an appearance on the soap opera, but only under the condition that the pairing would be married.

Thus, after saving the world, Laura divorced Scotty, and on November 16, 1981, Luke and Laura were wed.

Following the nuptials, Mikkos' widow, Helena Cassadine (Taylor), made an appearance, placing a curse on the pairing that would never find happiness.

Los Angeles, CA - 1981: (L-R) Shell Kepler, Sharon Wyatt, Bianca Ferguson, ackie Zeman, Kin Shriner appearing in the ABC tv series 'General Hospital', Luke and Laura's wedding. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

Luke and Laura enjoyed their wedding and reception, but the event had its fair share of drama when Laura tossed her bouquet, which was caught by none other than her ex-husband, Scotty. This led to an immediate confrontation between Luke and Scotty.

Afterward, Luke and Laura left Port Charles in their car and began their married life together.

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Throughout the years, the couple would have many ups and downs, as both spent time away from each other, and at times were believed to be dead, but ultimately stayed a part of each other's lives in some respect until the very end.

On July 27, 2015, Geary retired from the soap opera and made his final contract appearance. He would return once again on May 4, 2017, to help mark the departure of his longtime co-star Jane Elliot.

On January 3, 2022, it was revealed that Luke had passed away in a cable car accident in Austria, and following Geary’s passing in 2026, the ABC soap opera paid tribute to the late star by airing a retrospective look at his storylines throughout the years.

Francis continues to air as Laura, and the impact that the couple had is still felt in the storylines today as their children and grandchildren continue to propel the soap opera forward.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on Hulu.

Time sing the Piano Man a song, and that song is "Happy Birthday." Billy Joel, the Kennedy Center honoree and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, turned 77 on May 9th, 2026.

Billy Joel was born in the Bronx, New York in 1949 before moving to Long Island with his family at the age of one. Despite his mother and father both being Jewish, Joel was not raised particularly religious. At the age of four when he would "bang around" on the family piano, his mother enlisted in him piano lessons. After his parents divorced in 1957, his father relocated to Europe and Joel began playing at a piano bar to help support himself, his mother, and sister. After missing an exam he would have needed in order to graduate high school, Joel instead opted to not finish and start pursuing his music career saying:

"I told them, 'To hell with it. If I'm not going to Columbia University, I'm going to Columbia Records, and you don't need a high school diploma over there."

In 1970 Joel signed a contract with Family Productions and recorded his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor. Despite the owner of Family Productions claiming they invested over $450,000 into Joel, the album was not successful. However, the tour for Cold Spring Harbor which kicked off in the fall of 1971 started to grow interest in Joel and his music.

In 1972, WMMR-FM radio in Philadelphia played a live broadcast of Joel performing, and their late-night weekend DJ played the subsequent recording multiple times. Because of this, the song "Captain Jack" became a most requested song for the station and an underground hit on the East Coast. It also garnered the attention of Herb Gordon, a Columbia Records executive, who would end up bringing Joel to Columbia that same year.

While living in LA and working on his record for Columbia, Joel worked in the piano bar at The Executive Room under the pseudonym "Bill Martin." It was at this bar that Joel would write "Piano Man" about it and its patrons. Joel's first album with Columbia would end up being Piano Man, released in 1973.

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Joel would go on to record Streetlife Serenade in in 1974 and Turnstiles two years later, before recording what would be his big breakthrough, The Stranger in 1977 which "established Joel as a household name." The Stranger was certified multi-platinum and Rolling Stone ranked The Stranger the 70th greatest album of all time on their list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

In 1978, Joel would perform for the first time at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Over the years, Joel has gone on to perform his residency at MSG and played over 150 shows at the venue. This makes him the record holder for the most performances at MSG.

Joel has received numerous accolades over the course of his career and is one of the most honored and decorated musicians of modern times. He has received seven honorary doctorates, six Grammy awards, and a Tony Award. To commemorate his 100th MSG performance, Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaimed July 18th to be Billy Joel Day in New York state.

With such an iconic and prolific career, it's hard to imagine music without Billy Joel.

Related: Billy Joel's Daughter Shares Update on His Health

On May 9, 1980, the horror genre was forever changed. The release of Friday the 13thinspired one of the longest-running horror franchises and has become a cult classic.

The film follows teenage counselors as they attempt to reopen Camp Crystal Lake, a summer camp with a grim history of drownings and murder. They are killed off one by one by a secret killer. 

It was directed by Sean S. Cunningham and starred Kevin Bacon, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Jeannine Taylor, and Mark Nelson.

Friday the 13th was one of Bacon’s very first roles. He would later act in projects such as Footloose (1984), Apollo 13 (1995), A Few Good Men (1992), and Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011).

"There was no transportation," Bacon said in a 2019 interview with GQabout the filming process. "I think they would drop me off on the way back at a bus stop, and I would have to get the bus stop and try to get back to Manhattan."  

The film reportedly had a production budget of $550,000. It made $5,816,321 on opening weekend and grossed $59,754,601 worldwide. It was a hit.

"I would say the number one photograph that's shoved in front of me from fans to sign is one of me dead," Bacon revealed. "And that's always been a little strange to me."

According to Collider, the film “didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it definitely helped create a roadmap for future slashers that many adhered to for years to come.”

Although Friday the 13th may not have originated showing the killer’s POV, “it was used in a more pronounced way to add mystery and tension while keeping the plot moving,” the publication argues.

In a 2016 interview with the Daily Dead, King shared the importance of composer HarryManfredini.

“He gave each character a little libretto. So even when the killer isn’t onscreen, but they’re around, you hear their theme,” she said. “I don’t really think that had been done before.” 

The slasher reveals the killer to be Pamela Voorhees, whose son Jason was drowned at the camp 20 years earlier. She blamed the councilors' negligence for his death. (Spoiler!)

“In terms of women not being victims, or a woman being the killer, it hadn’t really been done before,” King said. “And who would have ever guessed that the killer could have been a woman? A sweet lady, too, Betsy Palmer. No one saw that coming.”

The Friday the 13th franchise spans 12 films, with the last movie released in 2009.

For travelers who value authentic charm and family-owned hospitality, today represents a major milestone in American leisure history. Today, Saturday, May 9, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari officially opens its gates for a landmark 80th season.

While it's known today as a world-class destination for high-speed thrills, its origins are uniquely nostalgic. Founded in 1946 by Louis J. Koch as Santa Claus Land, it was the first themed amusement park in the world, born from a desire to create a magical sanctuary for children visiting the town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Eight decades later, the park remains a masterclass in how to modernize a destination without losing its historic soul.

Related: 8 Under-the-Radar Regional Theme Parks

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The park’s true claim to fame lies in its world-renowned collection of wooden roller coasters, which have turned this quiet corner of Indiana into a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts. The journey began with The Raven, a terrain-hugging wooden coaster that put the park on the map in 1995. This was followed by The Legend, themed after the Headless Horseman, and finally The Voyage, which is frequently cited as one of the best wooden coasters on Earth for its staggering amount of airtime and underground tunnels. These rides are celebrated for their "pure" coaster experience—relying on gravity, timber, and the natural forest landscape rather than high-tech gimmicks.

This commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed by the wider travel community. In the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards announced just last week, Holiday World secured major national honors. The park’s flagship wooden giant, The Voyage, was voted the #6 Best Roller Coaster in the country, while Wildebeest reclaimed its throne as the #1 Best Water Coaster. The park also reached the podium as the #2 Best Outdoor Water Park in the nation. These accolades arrive at the perfect time, as the park kicks off its "longest operating calendar" in its 80-year history, totaling 134 days of operation for the 2026 season.

Related: This Museum Was Designed By I.M. Pei—And It's in the Midwest

Beyond the thrills, Holiday World has maintained its legacy by sticking to a philosophy of radical hospitality. For 80 years, the park has famously resisted the trend of nickel-and-diming guests, offering free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking as a standard part of the experience. This commitment to value is a direct evolution of the Koch family’s original vision for a park that felt more like a home than a commercial enterprise. Even as the park has expanded to include Splashin’ Safari—home to the world’s longest water coasters like Mammoth and Wildebeest—it has kept its small-town, family-run atmosphere intact.

For those visiting during this 80th-anniversary season, the 2026 calendar is packed with nods to the past. The park is celebrating its milestone with various events and opportunities for guests to revisit the magic that started back in 1946.

Those arriving for opening weekend will find shorter lines and a first look at the anniversary exhibits, while also getting a chance to experience the newest addition to the lineup, Good Gravy!, a family-friendly coaster that leans into the park's Thanksgiving-themed section. Whether you are there for the record-breaking airtime of the wooden "big three" or a quiet walk through the holiday-themed lands, Holiday World’s opening day proves that after 80 years, the spirit of Santa Claus Land remains the heart of the experience.

Related: The Virginia Landmark That Became a Premier Destination for Coaster Enthusiasts Turns 51 Today

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The outdoor entertaining season is finally upon us. Your lawn looks lush, everything in your planters is blooming, you threw down a pretty rug on your patio, and now, you need a table and chairs where everyone can gather. Furniture for dining al fresco with family and friends is well worth the investment, but you don't have to spend a ton to get a great setup. Walmart has you covered with a complete outdoor dining table set on sale for under $150.

Normally $280, the Tlsunny 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Table Set is now priced as low as $147. It's available in your choice of six chair colors, including beige, brown, gray, black, sky blue, and navy, though prices vary slightly by color. With a glass-topped table, seating for four, and a spot to place an umbrella, you can host everything from sunny brunches to evening dinners in comfort and style.

Tlsunny 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Table Set, From $147 (was $280) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walamrt

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The table measures 31.3 inches long on each side and is 28.3 inches tall, making it an ideal choice for a small patio, deck, or garden. Made with a powder-coated metal frame and reinforced glass, it's rust-resistant, easy to clean, and can support up to 110 pounds. In the center, there's a designated spot to place a standard-sized patio umbrella to help keep the table and chairs shaded.

Each chair is ergonomically designed with curved armrests and a high back with adjustable support covered in breathable fabric to keep you and your guests cool and comfortable. The fabric is also water-resistant and dries quickly, allowing you to use the chairs poolside. These durable chairs can support up to 330 pounds and are stackable for easy storage when not in use.

It's worth noting that the brown and sky blue colors of this set ship for free, while the other options require a shipping fee between $16 and $20. Even with shipping costs included, you won't pay more than $170 for any color, which is still $110 less than the original price. The table is also available with an iron top, which is slightly larger, and priced at $200 for the set.

Related: Walmart's 'Pretty' $24 Outdoor Area Rug Has a 'Bright and Beautiful' Reversible Design

Shoppers were impressed by this patio set's design, noting that it's "easy to put together." One customer said it's a "nice size for a small porch" because the table is compact, but offers enough space to seat four people comfortably. 

A reviewer who purchased the table and chairs for their beachfront vacation home called them "perfect" for entertaining. They added that "the chairs stack nicely," which made the set easy to store safely inside when they're away.

Shop More Deals

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From summer barbecues to evening cocktails with friends, the Tlsunny 5-Piece Outdoor Dining Table Set is exactly what you need for hosting all season long. Snag it now for as little as $147 while it's on sale at Walmart!

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When Brynne Weaver first released Butcher & Blackbird, it quickly became a talking point for many. This was more than just a dark romance. It brought the comedy to the genre, and yes, it has completely ruined pizza for a lot of people!

If you haven’t listened to the audiobook yet, you’ll want to. It’s ranked second on the list of best duet narration audiobooks by Goodreads users, with Lights Out by Navessa Allen just ahead of it. These two books are way ahead of their competition, making it clear that readers want more of these dark, ruinous loves.

‘Butcher & Blackbird’ Narrators Bring Their Characters to Life

Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers voice the characters of Rowan and Sloan, as they find themselves constantly crossing paths. They draw us into their stories, capturing our hearts with every hilariously written trope. And in true romance fashion, it does end with a HEA, but it’s not easy to get there.

The story follows Rowan and Sloan, two rival murderers who end up finding a bond with each other. Maybe they can find someone to soothe their pitch-black souls. Whether it’s California or Texas, Boston or West Virginia, the two hunters end up forming a pact that involves murder, mayhem, and some cookies and ice cream — in a scene that will lead to you struggling to think of them the same again.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House The First in the ‘Ruinous Love’ Trilogy

This is just Weaver’s first book in her Ruinous Love trilogy. It can be read as a standalone if you’d like, but you can then follow on with Leather & Lark (which is going to ruin pizza) and then Scythe and Sparrow (which will ruin candy floss), as they are all interconnected stories. The connection? Rowan is just one of three brothers, and not all of them want to be in the business they’ve found themselves in.

Oh, and there are animals in each one. Barbara will always have a special place in my heart! While the other two haven’t made it as high up on the Goodreads list, they are still certainly worth listening to as audiobooks.

At the tender age of eight, Toby Keith got his very first guitar. Growing up in Clinton, Oklahoma, he spent summers in Fort Smith, Arkansas, working odd jobs at his grandmother's supper club and sneaking up on the bandstand to play with whoever was performing that night. And by the time he graduated from high school in 1979, he had two passions—football and music—and one practical plan: follow his father into the Oklahoma oil fields.

So that's exactly what he did. During the day, he worked as a derrick hand, but spent his nights fronting a honky-tonk band called Easy Money. In fact, his pager would sometimes even go off mid-set, sending him from the stage straight to the rig. But when the Oklahoma oil industry collapsed in 1982, he decided to try out for the USFL's Oklahoma Outlaws as a defensive end. While he didn't make the team, he never stopped playing music. Keith's big break finally came when a flight attendant who'd seen him perform gave his demo tape to a Mercury Records producer. In 1993, his debut single "Should've Been a Cowboy" hit No. 1 and went on to become the most-played country song of the entire 1990s.

What followed was the kind of career most artists dream about: 32 No. 1 hits, more than 40 million albums sold and—just three days before his death—election into the Country Music Hall of Fame. But Toby Keith didn't build his life on accolades—he built it with faith. And that faith would ultimately to carry him through the hardest fight of his life.

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Quote of the Day by Toby Keith

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"You have to have your faith. You take it for granted on the days that things are good, and you lean on it when days are bad. It has taught me to lean on it a little more every day."

In just a few simple sentences, Keith captures something most of us spend a lifetime learning: Faith isn't something you reach for only in a crisis. It's something you build—day by day—in the quiet moments when nothing's wrong, so that when a dark time inevitably surfaces, you already know how to lean on it. Because you've spent every day building it—and the more you lean into it, the stronger it becomes.

Related: Quote of the Day: Garth Brooks Perfectly Explains Why Life’s Struggles Ultimately Become Our Greatest Gifts

Toby Keith poses with wife Tricia Lucus. They first met in 1981 at a local club in Oklahoma and dated for three years before marrying. They remained together until he passed.

Photo by Jeff Kravitz/ACMA2018 on Getty Images

Deeper Meaning of Toby Keith's Quote—Keeping Your Faith in Dark Times

In October 2021, Keith received the devastating diagnosis that he had stomach cancer. He kept the news private for nearly a year while he quietly underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. In June 2022, he decided to share his private battle.

About 15 months later, he performed for the first time since his diagnosis at the People's Choice Country Awards, which were held at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. While his weight loss was evident, his spirits were high. He accepted the Country Icon Award and performed "Don't Let the Old Man In." The song carries its own remarkable backstory: Keith had written it years earlier after sharing a golf cart with Clint Eastwood at a Pebble Beach charity tournament.

Toby Keith and Clint Eastwood at The Mule premiere in 2018

Photo by Kevin Winter on Getty Images

Eastwood—two days away from his 88th birthday—mentioned he was about to film a movie. When Keith asked how he kept going, Eastwood replied, "I just get up every morning and go out. And I don't let the old man in." Keith went home, wrote the song that night and sent it to Eastwood, who used it in his 2018 film The Mule.

A few months later, Keith sat down with Oklahoma's News 9 anchor Robin Marsh for what would become his final televised interview. When she asked how he made it through the dark hallways, he gave her an immediate answer that didn't need any explaining: faith.

His mother Carolyn instilled that faith during Toby's childhood. The singer's father Hubert—a one-eyed Army veteran—gave him grit. Together, they built the foundation that would hold him steady through the kind of fear most of us pray we never know.

In that same interview, Keith said something that landed even harder after he was gone: "I just got to a point where I was comfortable with whatever happened. I had my brain wrapped around it and I was in a good spot either way. People without faith don't have that."

I also want to acknowledge that he wasn't saying faith simply appeared when he needed it. He said it taught him to lean on it a little more every day. Faith—the way Keith described it—isn't a lightning bolt that immediately appears when times get tough. It's a habit, a muscle and something you build on those days when things are going just fine, so you don't have to figure it out from scratch when the bad days arise.

On February 5, 2024, Toby Keith died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. While he is deeply missed, his lyrics from "It's All Good" demonstrate what life is all about: "We ain't got a lot, but we don't need anything. Covered in kisses, surrounded by love, showered with blessings from up above."

Related: Quote of the Day: Kenny Chesney on Why Your Dreams Are Worth Fighting For

More Quotes From Toby Keith

• "I've walked some dark hallways. The Almighty's riding shotgun."
• "I just got to a point where I was comfortable with whatever happened. People without faith don't have that."
• "I lean on my faith and I just pray and lean into it. That was my rock."
• "I ain't as good as I'm gonna get, but I'm better than I used to be."

Related: Next Up:

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There’s nothing quite like slipping into a bed made up with soft, cozy bedding after a long day. A plush comforter paired with matching sheets can instantly make your bedroom feel more inviting. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get that hotel-like look at home. Right now, Walmart is selling the Regency Heights 9-Piece Comforter Set for over 60% off. The queen size is currently priced as low as $49. You can also shop it in twin, twin XL, full, and king options, ranging from $46 to $65. 

The set features a bright floral medallion pattern and is available in 10 colors, including aqua, black, blue, green and orange. Whether you’re refreshing your bedroom, a guest room, or helping a college-bound student set up a dorm, this affordable bedding bundle offers an easy way to create a stylish, pulled-together space for less. 

Regency Heights 9-Piece Boho Comforter Set, $49 (was $130) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made from ultra-soft microfiber with lightweight hypoallergenic fill, it is designed to feel breathable and comfortable throughout the year. The set includes a lightweight comforter, two pillow shams, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and four pillowcases — including two extras that come in handy on laundry day. One standout feature is the fitted sheet’s built-in side pockets, which are perfect for stashing your phone, glasses, or TV remote so they’re always within reach. 

Walmart shoppers had plenty of praise for the bedding set’s comfort and appearance. One reviewer said the sheets were “buttery soft” and added that the fabric “almost feels like silk.” Another called the comforter set “beautiful” and “so soft,” while a third shared, “I love everything about it. The colors were radiant.”

Related: Amazon’s 'Soft' and 'Sumptuous' $36 Faux Fur Bubble Blanket Elevates Any Lounging Session

The bedding set is also easy to care for. Simply machine-wash it on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Reviewers said the pieces come out looking fresh and maintain their shape well after washing. 

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With its vibrant floral medallion pattern, cloud-like feel, and 10 colors to choose from, Regency Heights 9-Piece Bed in a Bag Comforter Set  is a simple yet affordable way to brighten up your room. It’s currently part of a flash deal at Walmart, so this sale price won’t last long. Grab one while you can!

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Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle might be easy if you can throw a fastball. 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 Saturday, May 9, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, May 9, 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 May 9, 2026

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

• Yellow: New to sports.
• Green: College division.
• Blue: Rock out!
• Purple: Sunny city team.

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: TERMS USED FOR A YOUNG ATHLETE
• Green: BIG 12 ATHLETE
• Blue: ARTISTS OF ICONIC STADIUM ANTHEMS
• Purple: MEMBERS OF THE SAN DIEGO PADRES

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 #591 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• TERMS USED FOR A YOUNG ATHLETE: FROSH, PROSPECT, ROOK, TENDERFOOT
• BIG 12 ATHLETE: BEARCAT, BUFFALO, COUGAR, KNIGHT
• ARTISTS OF ICONIC STADIUM ANTHEMS: AC/DC, DARUDE, QUEEN, SURVIVOR
• MEMBERS OF THE SAN DIEGO PADRES: BOGAERTS, KING, SHEETS, TATIS

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: Williams Sonoma's Vibrant Tuscan-Inspired Find Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift

You might find today's NYT Strands puzzle easy if you enjoy broccoli cheddar soup. 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 #797 on Saturday, May 9.

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: "Garden varieties"

A hint for today's Strands game: The season's bounty.

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
• RA
• LE
• ON
• AR
• SP (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly horizontal and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 9

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, May 9, 2026, isSPRINGVEGGIE.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, May 9?

• ASPARAGUS
• RADISH
• LETTUCE
• ONION
• ARTICHOKE
• SPANGRAM: SPRINGVEGGIE

Related: Williams Sonoma's Vibrant Tuscan-Inspired Find Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift

Nearly 50 years after its release, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is still making audiences laugh.

The 1975 film ranked No. 11 on IMDb’s list of “The Most Rewatchable Movies,” placing it among some of the most revisited films ever made. The ranking adds to the movie’s long-running reputation as one of the greatest comedy films in cinema history.

Written and performed by the Monty Python comedy group, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, the movie turned the legend of King Arthur into a wildly absurd adventure filled with killer rabbits, rude French soldiers, coconuts used as horse sounds and one unforgettable Black Knight.

Monty Python And The Holy Grail, lobbycard, from left: Neil Innes, Eric Idle, three heads from left: Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, 1975.

Photo by LMPC via Getty Images

The film followed King Arthur and his knights as they searched for the Holy Grail across medieval Britain. Along the way, they faced bizarre challenges, including the “Knights Who Say Ni,” the deadly Rabbit of Caerbannog, and the dangerous Bridge of Death.

Unlike the group’s earlier movie, which mainly reused sketches from television, Monty Python and the Holy Grail was built as a fully original story. The comedy troupe developed the project during a break between seasons of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

The movie’s strange humor and low-budget creativity helped it stand out immediately. Today, many fans still quote lines like “Tis but a scratch” and “It’s just a flesh wound.”

Part of the film’s lasting appeal came from how the group turned budget problems into comedy gold.

According to NPR, the production had a very small budget of around $400,000. Real horses were too expensive, so the actors pretended to ride while servants clapped coconut shells together behind them. The joke became one of the most famous running gags in movie history.

The production was also famously funded by rock stars after movie studios refused to support the project. Members of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and other investors helped finance the movie.

Kim Howard Johnson, author of several Monty Python history books, explained how the team constantly adjusted their ideas because of money limits.

“They talked about using knights on horseback, and they realized this is going to be very difficult to film,” Johnson told NPR. “They realized ‘we can just use coconuts.’ So they saved a fortune, they got great visual laughs from the get go.”

The ending of the film also became famous because of budget trouble. The Pythons originally planned a huge battle scene, but ran out of money before filming it. Instead, the movie suddenly ends when modern-day police officers arrive and arrest the main characters.

Years later, John Cleese admitted he never fully liked the ending.

“It ends the way it does because we couldn't think of any other way,” Cleese said during a 2017 interview at Indiana University.

Even with the unusual finish, audiences continued returning to the movie for decades. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film with a 92% critics score and a 95% audience score.

The influence of Monty Python and the Holy Grail can still be seen across modern comedy. NPR reported that the film helped shape later comedy hits, including Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.

Anne Libera, director of Comedy Studies at Columbia College Chicago and The Second City, said the movie still feels fresh today.

“It's impossible to think of modern comedy without the Pythons as an influence because it shows up everywhere,” Libera said.

She also praised the group for mixing smart writing with complete silliness.

“They are Oxford and Cambridge. They are at the top level of education in Great Britain,” Libera said. “But while being incredibly smart, they're just brilliantly silly.”

The film’s popularity later inspired the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Spamalot, which adapted many of the movie’s jokes and scenes for the stage.

The comedy classic has also been re-released many times through the years, including anniversary editions on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray.For a film that ended because its creators ran out of money, Monty Python and the Holy Grail has enjoyed one of the longest afterlives in comedy history.

Related: 1993 Box Office Flop, Rewritten for Iconic Actor, Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 33 Years Later

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Owning breathable clothing is a must when it comes to spring and summer heat. There's nothing worse than overheating from heavy clothing, which is why we opt for lightweight fabrics that look and feel great. Thanks to Walmart, you can shop for wardrobe styles at incredible discounts. Our latest shopping addition are the Viadha Cotton Linen Pants, which are just over 73% off now.

The pants initially cost $15, but have been reduced to as low as $4 in the army green colorway. The style is being sold in 30 fun colors, ranging from classic whites and blacks to vibrant greens and blues, with the sale price being just $6. The pants are marked as Walmart's Overall Pick and are considered a flash deal, which means that the discount is only available for a limited time, so you'll want to act fast.

Viadha Cotton Linen Pants, From $4 (was $15) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The sizes range from S to 4XL, with shoppers writing that they're the "perfect" length and overall true to size. The pants are made of 95% cotton and linen, so they're extremely breathable. The design features a classic drawstring waist that you can adjust to your comfort and a trendy wide-leg. The beauty of a wide-leg pant is that you'll be able to pair it with any shoe, including sneakers, sandals, and more.

Viadha Cotton Linen Pants, From $4 (was $15) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The style offers a loose fit that's perfect for vacations, lounging, and just everyday wear. They're considered high-rise, as they stop just below the belly button, so they'd also make for a great beach coverup that can transition from beachwear to casual. Over 50 Walmart customers already have the look in their cart, with most size and color options still in stock. 

Related: Walmart Has ‘Incredibly Comfortable’ $40 Skechers Slip-On Sneakers in 5 Colors That Feel 'Light as a Feather'

Shoppers described the pants as "pretty," "very comfortable," "amazing," "airy," "cool," and "lightweight." Some customers even purchased multiple colors for different occasions, because you can easily "dress them up or dress them down." The material is slightly thin, but reviewers assured that they're not see-through. Plus, they'd take up little to no room in your suitcase if you're traveling.

Shop More Deals

• Fantaslook Blouse, $11 (was $23) at Walmart
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These flowy linen pants are about to become your summer staple. Add them to your wardrobe for as low as $4 at Walmart now! 

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Staying current on pop culture might be the key to solving today's NYT Connections puzzle. 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 it can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, you'll want to 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 #1063 onSaturday, May 9, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, May 9, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday'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 Saturday, May 9

1. "The One Where You Solve Today's NYT Connections Puzzle."
2. Like Beyoncé's dazzling $50 million Met Gala accessory.
3. Make a loop de loop and pull.
4. Tiktok is full of them.

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 Saturday, May 9:

1. UNITS OF TV PROGRAMS: EPISODE, FRANCHISE, SEASON, SERIES
2. THINGS WORN AROUND THE NECK: BOA, CHAIN, LANYARD, TIE
3. STRINGS TIED IN KNOTS: FRIENDSHIP BRACELET, MACRAMÉ, QUIPU, SHOELANCES
4. ____ PIECE: CONVERSATION, PERIOD, PUFF, THINK

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: Williams Sonoma's Vibrant Tuscan-Inspired Find Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift

34 years ago today, on May 9, 1992, Brooks & Dunn scored their third consecutive hit with their heartbreak track “Neon Moon.” The song from the country music duo’s debut album, Brand New Man, followed two previous chart-toppers, including the title track and “My Next Broken Heart.” 

Before becoming one of country music’s most beloved duos, Ronnie Dunn, who makes up one-half of the award-winning act, had already written the song that went on to spend two weeks atop the Billboard Country Songs chart.   

“When we met, he had already written that song,” Kix Brooks, the other half of the duo, acknowledged in a 2022 interview with CMT. “...and quite a few other songs [too].” 

“I had been in Nashville writing songs like people do for other people, and Ronnie was just writing songs for the dance floor, and it served our Brooks & Dunn thing very well,” he recalled.  

Inspiration Behind the Song

“I was very desperate and hungry,” Dunn remembered while sharing how the song came about, “I had a house band at Tulsa City Limits, which was a big hosting ‘Urban Cowboy’ place, and the bar didn’t care how good you were as long as people came to see you and you drank. So, I was really thinking of dances with the beats, and I still do to this day with most of the stuff that I write. Kix and I both do.”

Featuring a “cowboy cha-cha” groove, “Neon Moon,” which landed in the Top 50 onRolling Stone’s ‘200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time’ in 2024, became a massive heartbreak anthem, with lyrics that describe the lonesome feeling of nursing one's wounds at a dive bar after going through a breakup. Despite its somber message, the lyric offers a hopeful note with its inviting, universal approach. 

“It’s not sad, I mean, that’s what you do if you break up with your girlfriend,” Brooks said. “You go sit in the corner, and you look lonely.”

The Song Did Not Win Any Awards

Surprisingly, “Neon Moon” never went on to win any major awards, but their success in reaching No. 1 came just as they celebrated two early career wins with ACM awards for what is now known as Vocal Duo of the Year and Top New Vocal Duet or Group. 

The song also went on to resonate with listeners far and wide, even generations later, as stars like Kacey Musgraves and Morgan Wallen reimagined the hit for Brooks & Dunn’s more recent albums, Reboot and Reboot II.   

The Absence of a Music Video

Interestingly, the beloved country classic never received the video treatment, which is something the duo intentionally decided to skip. 

“The second you see a video, it immediately robs your imagination of what you had going on between your ears. There's too much good imagery there to take it away,” Brooks reasoned as to why a music video was never attached to the song.“I still think that was a good call.”

Related: 1977 Soft Rock Classic Ranked Among ‘Best Guitar Solos of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit

Today's NYT Wordle answer should be easy to figure out if you're a frequent flyer at Mood Fabrics. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. Of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1785 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 is: often confused with another glossy smooth fabric.

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 #1785 on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, May 9, 2026, is SATIN.

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

Related: Williams Sonoma's Vibrant Tuscan-Inspired Find Is the Perfect Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift