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Not every hit follows the path it was expected to take.

When Queen released "Love of My Life" on A Night at the Opera in 1975, Freddie Mercury's tender ballad quickly became a favorite among fans, but it wasn't an immediate chart phenomenon. A few years later, however, the song found an entirely new audience in South America, where it became one of the band’s biggest successes.

By 1979, "Love of My Life" had taken on a life of its own.

Released as a live single from Live Killers, the song reached No. 1 in countries across South America, including Argentina and Brazil. In Argentina, it remained on the charts for an astonishing 52 consecutive weeks, turning Mercury's deeply personal ballad into one of Queen's most enduring international hits.

Mercury famously wrote the song for Mary Austin, the woman he often described as the love of his life.

"All my lovers asked me why they couldn't replace Mary, but it's simply impossible," Mercury said in an interview. "The only friend I've got is Mary, and I don't want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that's enough for me."

Built around his delicate piano melody and Brian May's acoustic guitar, "Love of My Life" revealed a more vulnerable side of Queen, standing in sharp contrast to the band’s larger-than-life rock anthems.

Its popularity only grew once Queen took it on the road.

During the band's South American tour in the early 1980s, audiences embraced "Love of My Life" in unforgettable fashion, singing every word back to Mercury and transforming the intimate ballad into one of the emotional high points of every concert.

"I think it's the moment we first realized they knew 'Love of My Life," May said in an interview. "Not only knew it but would sing it. And not only would they sing it but would sing it with a passion that brought tears to our eyes."

Interestingly, the live version is almost entirely different from how Mercury originally conceived it.

In a 1981 interview with Melody Maker, Mercury explained that the song was "adapted on stage for guitar, but it was written on the piano. I've totally forgotten the original and if you asked me to play that now, I couldn't. Sometimes, I have to go back to the music sheet, and I can't read that well either!"

Although Queen released countless classic songs throughout its career, "Love of My Life" remains one of the band's most cherished ballads. Today, May continues to perform the song during Queen's concerts, sharing the stage with archival footage of Mercury in a moving tribute that allows the late singer's voice to live on.

More than 50 years after it was first recorded, "Love of My Life" continues to resonate with audiences around the world. What began as a deeply personal love song ultimately became an anthem embraced by millions, proving that sometimes a song's greatest success arrives long after its first release.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Ranked No. 1 ‘Greatest Rock Singer’ of All Time

Audiences weren’t ready for the emotional gut punch that closed this 1982 cult film classic.

The final moments of The Last American Virgin took an unexpected turn that left many moviegoers stunned. Set to a heartbreaking James Ingram ballad, the ending cemented the film’s reputation as one of the most emotionally devastating coming-of-age stories of its era.

In the film’s final stretch, Gary (Lawrence Monoson) finally realizes that his feelings for Karen (Diane Franklin) aren’t reciprocated. After watching her choose bad boy Rick (Steve Antin), he’s left alone with the painful truth that love doesn’t always lead to a happy, romantic ending.

Gary helped Karen after she decided to end an unplanned pregnancy by Rick. He sold his stereo and borrowed money from his boss to help her, and brought her to his grandparents' house to recover.

Later, for her birthday, he bought her a locket to show his love, but he was shocked when he entered the party to find her and Rick kissing in her kitchen. James Ingram's "Just Once" played in the background as he drove away in his car.

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In a Reddit post about the film, fans still can't get over how The Last American Virgin ended, 44 years after it was released in theaters.

Steve Antin and Diane Franklin from the film 'The Last American Virgin'/Cannon Group/Getty Images

"Karen is the real villain in this movie," wrote one follower. A second penned, "I heard there was supposed to be a sequel. They decided against it and to leave the ending of The Last American Virgin a hard but truthful punch." A third Redditor noted, "The crazy thing is, not ONCE did Karen say that she LOVED him. He kept going for a woman who had no feeling for him at the start."

Actress Diane Franklin discussed her role in the film with former Little House on the Prairie star Patrick Labyorteaux for his podcast The Patrick LabyorSheaux.

Franklin said, "The film was a remake of an Israeli film titled Lemon Popsicle. Shot for shot, its the same film."

"When Virgin came out, it was the same time as Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It was definitely a new world (in film)."

"It was shocking, the ending," she revealed. "The ending was what gripped me and what got me. We all thought that when we got on the set, they were going to change the ending. And they didn't."

The use of the James Ingram song put a period on a devastating moment in early '80s movie history. It underscored the film’s final moments in a way that made the heartbreak feel even more immediate and unforgettable.

"Just Once" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Top 100 in November 1981. The song was by Quincy Jones, featuring Ingram as vocalist.

The song's connection to the film's most heartbreaking moment remains a core memory for moviegoers, who still recall how perfectly "Just Once" underscored the emotional final scene and amplified the film’s devastating ending.

Related: 1994 Blockbuster's Lead Role Was Turned Down by a Major Hollywood Star in a Stunning Casting Twist

"Get off screens and away from blue light at least an hour before bedtime."
"Don't look at your phone first thing in the morning."
"Create a cool, dark bedroom."
"Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day/night."
"Get a smart, $500 alarm clock that wakes you up to sounds of birdsong, even if the ones in your area recently flew South for winter."

These are common pieces of advice given to "optimize" your sleep and gently wake up each morning. Most of these tips are solid, but Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert and certified color analyst, thinks we're missing another key factor: Calming bedroom paint colors can make waking up feel like less of a drag (ditto for powering down).

"Most people put enormous thought into their mattress, their pillows, their sleep schedule and almost no thought into the color of their walls aside from personal preference," states Lewis, who is also the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute and the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught. "Understanding which colors support calm and which ones work against it is one of the simplest, highest-impact changes you can make to the quality of your rest."

Lewis says that the colors that surround you in transitional moments—like when you wake up or get ready for bed—actively influence your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, heart rate and your brain's ability to pivot between "alert" and "at-rest" states.

"Your bedroom is the last environment your nervous system experiences before sleep and the first one it encounters when you wake up," she tells Parade. "This makes it a key space to bookend your day intentionally. Most of us have busy, stressful work days, so choosing calming colors can be the reset we need."

But which colors can soothe the nervous system first thing in the morning? Lewis shares that a specific bedroom color is the most calming to wake up to—and can even help you rest more deeply at night.

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Approachable

Are Some Colors More Calming Than Others, According to Color Psychology?

Yes, Lewis notes that some colors are more calming than others, according to color psychology. She also points out that color psychology is backed by actual science, and this is a perfect example of how.

"Colors in the cool family, for example—blues, greens, soft purples—tend to lower heart rate, reduce cortisol and signal to the brain that it's safe to shift from active to calm," she tells Parade.

While the brain will eventually need to go into an "active" state, it's unnecessary to jump straight from dreamland into hustle mode. Calming, cool hues let you ease into your day. That said, Lewis reports that saturation is an oft-overlooked factor that matters just as much as hue.

"A deeply saturated, vivid green can be just as stimulating as a red—it's the toned, grayed-down version of a color that carries the most calming power," she explains. "Colors that have been desaturated with gray—what designers call 'muted' tones—are neurologically quieter than their pure counterparts."

For this reason, designers and color psychologists alike prefer recommending soft, slightly hushed paints over bold, vivid ones for restful bedrooms.

Related: If You Have a ‘Blue Aura,’ You Likely Have These 5 Traits, According to a Psychologist

The 'Most Calming' Bedroom Paint Color, According to a Color Psychologist

Lewis says that blue is the most calming bedroom paint color. Specifically, a soft, muted blue with gray undertones can promote better sleep quality and a gentler wake-up.

"Blue light wavelengths regulate our circadian rhythm by signaling daytime alertness, but a soft, muted cool blue on the walls works differently," she states.

This type of blue slows the heart rate (or keeps it slow) and lets you know it's OK to relax.

"The gray undertone is key," she says. "Pure bright blue can make our minds wake up too much."

When you soften the blue with gray, it can sedate you (great for bedtime) or support a softer start to your day.

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Colors Are Worn Most by ‘Highly Intelligent’ People

4 Other Calming Paint Colors for Your Personal Space 1. Warm gray

Warm gray uses a different mechanism than a soft, muted blue. Lewis says it leans into the "absence of chromatic stimulation."

Lewis points to research suggesting that visually neutral spaces lower arousal levels.

"A warm gray achieves this without the anxiety-inducing sterility of white or the coldness of pure cool gray," she says. "The warmth in the undertone—pulling toward taupe or greige—keeps it from feeling clinical. Emotionally, warm gray is the color equivalent of silence—not empty, just quiet."

She notes that the distinction is huge when it comes to bedroom paint colors.

"For those of you neutral-lovers out there, you can stick with what you love and bring in color with accent pieces like bedding, chairs, rugs and curtains," she adds.

2. Sage green

Lewis says that "hard science" lands sage green on this list, notably a 2019Frontiers in Psychologystudy that found walking in a green environment led to a significantly lower heart rate than in red or white settings.

Lewis notes this study shows the power of green's effect on our nervous system. She also cites other research suggesting that green environments tend to "produce stress-reducing effects in clinical settings compared to white."

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Green, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3. Deep teal

Lewis describes deep teal as "one of the most scientifically sound calming colors."

She credits deep teal's composition (blue and green—"the two most consistently research-backed calming wavelengths" and no red) for its calming nature.

She points out that a 2024-25 study at a hospital suggested that patients in green and blue rooms had significantly better mood improvements and shorter recovery periods than their peers in white and gray rooms.

"In a bedroom, a deep teal that has been shaded rather than brightened creates an enveloping calm—cocooning without being heavy, sophisticated without being cold," she says. "This is my personal favorite to blend calming reactions with balanced ones for that overall peaceful feeling."

4. Soft lavender

Soft lavender's calming properties are grounded in its violet wavelength color," according to Lewis.

"Because lavender sits between blue and violet on the spectrum, it retains enough of blue's proven ability to lower heart rate and support relaxation, while violet’s shortest light wavelength helps the mind release stress more naturally," she explains.

The color analyst notes that a grayed-down, muted lavender remains in the "cool wavelength range," supporting a rested state.

"Emotionally, it creates a bedroom that feels like a genuine retreat—slightly dreamlike, deeply personal and removed from the demands of the day," she states.

Honestly, that sounds like a heavenly way to wake up (and wind down).

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Purple, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3 Paint Colors To Avoid in a Bedroom1. Bright red

If you want to create a calming bedroom, Lewis warns that painting it bright red is counterproductive.

"Red has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum and triggers the strongest and fastest response in the visual cortex—raising heart rate, increasing cortisol and activating the body's alert state," she says.

Related: Color Psychologist Says These 5 Favorite Colors Are Loved by ‘Especially Creative’ People

2. Vivid yellow

Lewis says that research links this color to cognitive arousal, increased alertness and heightened mental stimulation. None of these things will feel "soft" first thing in the morning, though they may have their place throughout the day.

"These are the qualities that make yellow powerful in a workspace or kitchen," she shares.

Yet, they feel jarring first thing in the morning (we often wake up with the sun not at its brightest, after all) and can work against you at night when you're trying to downshift.

"The eye processes yellow's high reflectivity quickly, and that visual energy doesn't quiet down just because the lights are off and the undertone is muted," Lewis says.

3. Bright white

Lewis notes that people are often surprised to learn that bright white is stimulating. Yet, research suggests that bright white walls can induce anxiety, stress and lack of focus, neither of which helps us "wake up on the right side of the bed."

"Since the bedroom is a space where you spend up to a third of your life, it’s not a great choice for relaxation," she explains. "White's brightness and lack of chromatic information create a visual flatness that the nervous system reads as sterile rather than restful. If you love the clean feeling of white, a warm cream or off-white greige achieves visual simplicity without the stress response that pure white can trigger."

Related: These 3 Favorite Colors Are Often Linked to Emotional Intelligence, According to a Color Analyst

Final Takeaways

You bookend your day in your bedroom, so it's useful to have a color proven to put you in a calmer state of mind. Here's what to keep in mind when creating a zen den:

• Some colors are more calming than others. Cool, muted colors are calming colors, especially in a bedroom. Lewis, a color psychology expert, specifically a "soft, muted blue with gray undertones." Other calming colors include sage green, deep teal and soft lavender.
• You'll want to avoid some colors in your room. Deep red, vivid yellow and bright are shown in research to induce alertness, stress and anxiety—none of which stage whisper, "calm."
• Saturation matters. A bright green or blue can trigger anxiety. Lewis says soft and muted versions of hues promote calm.

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says Your Favorite Color May Be Connected to Type A or Type B Personality Traits

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.
• The influence of color on student emotion, heart rate, and performance in learning environments. Color Research and Application.
• Effects of illuminance and correlated color temperature on emotional responses and lighting adjustment behaviors. Journal of Building & Engineering.
• Blue light and melatonin suppression. Nature Scientific Reports.
• Detrimental Effects of White Valued Walls in Classrooms. Educational Planning, 21.
• Adaptive Effects of Seeing Green Environment on Psychophysiological Parameters When Walking or Running. Frontiers in Psychology.
• Do the hospital rooms make a difference for patients’ stress? A multilevel analysis of the role of perceived control, positive distraction, and social support. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
• The Influence of Hospital Room Wall Colors on Mood Elevation and Recovery Rate in Postoperative Patients: A Comparative Study. Med Science Group.
• Blue or Red? Exploring the Effect of Color on Cognitive Task Performances. Science.

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The key to packing in a carry-on isn't squeezing more into your suitcase—it's choosing pieces that work harder. A well-edited capsule wardrobe eliminates much of the stress of packing while making it easier to look put together throughout an entire trip. When every item can be mixed, matched and layered, you can create a variety of outfits from just a handful of pieces, helping you pack lighter without feeling limited.

As a shopping and travel writer whose work has appeared in Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper's Bazaar, I've spent years covering travel essentials, luggage and versatile wardrobe staples. These are the timeless pieces I'd recommend for building a minimalist carry-on capsule wardrobe that maximizes outfit options while minimizing what you pack.

Related: 8 Brilliant Carry-On Finds That Instantly Upgrade Your Economy Flight

SPANX CarryOn Belted Midi Dress

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A versatile midi dress is one of the hardest-working pieces in any travel wardrobe, and this SPANX option checks every box. The universally flattering silhouette can be dressed up with sandals and jewelry for dinner or paired with sneakers and a denim jacket for sightseeing. The midi length works across seasons and climates, while the comfortable stretch fabric makes it ideal for long travel days. Best of all, it has pockets!

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Related: 8 Carry-On Items Every Retiree Needs for Smoother, More Comfortable Travel

Tommy Bahama Aruba Casual Blazer

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Ask almost any stylist for the one piece every capsule wardrobe needs, and a tailored blazer will be at the top of the list. It instantly adds structure to even the simplest outfit, making jeans, dresses and trousers look more elevated. This Tommy Bahama version is especially travel-friendly thanks to its comfortable stretch fabric, which gives the sophistication of a classic blazer without feeling restrictive. It's also an excellent layering piece for cool flights, breezy evenings and unpredictable weather.

Get it on TommyBahama.com

Related: I Stopped Overpacking—These 9 Carry-On Items Fixed Everything

French Connection Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

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A pair of relaxed linen pants is a vacation wardrobe essential. Breathable and effortlessly chic, these wide-leg linen trousers can be styled with everything from a simple tank top to a button-down shirt or blazer. Their relaxed fit keeps them comfortable for long days of exploring, while the classic silhouette makes them easy to dress up for dinner or special occasions.

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Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60

Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt

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A classic denim shirt is one of the most versatile layering pieces you can pack. Wear it buttoned with trousers, open over a tank or T-shirt, tied at the waist with a dress or layered under a blazer when temperatures drop. This Polo Ralph Lauren version has a soft, lived-in feel from day one, making it comfortable enough for travel while maintaining a polished appearance.

Get it on Macys.comTommy Bahama Multi-Use Wrap

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Few travel pieces are as versatile as a lightweight wrap. Whether draped over your shoulders on a chilly flight, layered over an outfit for extra warmth or used as a cozy travel blanket, this Tommy Bahama wrap earns its place in your carry-on. It adds comfort without taking up much space and can easily transition from the plane to dinners, sightseeing and evenings outdoors.

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Related: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs

J. McLaughlin Britt Linen Shirt

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A crisp linen button-down is the definition of a capsule wardrobe staple. This J. McLaughlin shirt is lightweight, breathable and available in multiple colors, making it easy to tailor to your personal style. Wear it with linen pants, shorts, skirts or denim, use it as a beach cover-up or layer it over a tank for added coverage.

Get it on JMcLaughlin.comVIVAIA Yancy Sneaker Flats

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If you'd rather not dedicate valuable suitcase space to multiple pairs of shoes, a versatile sneaker is the answer. These VIVAIA Yancy sneaker flats combine the comfort and support of a flat with a streamlined silhouette that feels more elevated than a traditional athletic sneaker. Lightweight and comfortable enough for full days of exploring, it pairs really well with dresses, trousers, and skirts, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.

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In 1979, few could have predicted that a nearly 10-minute post-punk song would one day become a Halloween tradition.

When Bauhaus released "Bela Lugosi's Dead," the haunting single sounded unlike anything else in rock music. Built around Daniel Ash's eerie guitar work, David J's hypnotic bassline and Peter Murphy's theatrical vocals, the song gradually developed a devoted following and eventually became one of the recordings most closely associated with the spooky season.

Clocked at 9:36 minutes, its inspiration came from one of horror's greatest legends.

Named after the actor who immortalized Count Dracula in the 1931 film, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" wasn't intended as a novelty song or seasonal release. Instead, Bauhaus used Lugosi's larger-than-life legacy as the foundation for an atmospheric meditation on death, myth and immortality. The result was a brooding composition that helped establish an entirely new musical aesthetic.

"I came up with that first line, 'White on white, translucent, black capes back on the rack.' And it was like, 'Oh, this is interesting,'" said David J in an interview. "It's so descriptive - it is about the vampire. It's also about the actor - it's about retiring from the part, but then he sort of plays with the idea. A vampire can never retire from being a vampire, because that's for eternity."

Recorded live in a single take during the band's first studio session, the song immediately set Bauhaus apart from its post-punk contemporaries. Although it wasn't a commercial hit, "Bela Lugosi’s Dead" became the cornerstone of the emerging gothic rock movement, influencing generations of artists who followed with its stark production, minimalist arrangement and unmistakable mood.

Its reputation only continued to grow.

The song reached an even wider audience after appearing in the opening scene of the 1983 vampire film The Hunger, where Bauhaus performed it on screen. Over the years, it became a staple of Halloween playlists, haunted houses, horror conventions and goth club nights, returning every October as reliably as holiday favorites return in December.

"'Bela Lugosi's Dead' just happened to be a seminal song," Murphy told Uncut. "It was the 'Stairway To Heaven' of the 1980s."

While Bauhaus would go on to release acclaimed albums including In the Flat Field and Mask, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" remains the band's defining recording.

"Later, we learned that he was buried in his Dracula costume!" said Murphy in an interview with Kerrang. "Isn't that brilliant? And his whole family came to LA to thank me. His whole family! His son, and his granddaughters, everyone. And I thought, my god, it wasn't like a tribute! I mean, it was. But it's an honor. And it wasn't taking the piss out of Bela Legosi at all. But it was a clever use!"

More than four decades after its release, the song continues to introduce new listeners to gothic rock while serving as the unofficial soundtrack to Halloween for fans around the world.

"It definitely has a timeless quality," said ex-Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins. "On reflection, I marvel at what we did. We were just four young kids who wanted to make something unique, without really having much idea what we were doing. But that song came out of it."

What began as an ambitious debut single ultimately became one of rock’s most enduring seasonal anthems. Nearly 50 years later, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" still casts the same spell it did in 1979, proving that some songs never lose their haunting power.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic, Lasting Over 14 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

Ritchie Blackmore was already known for his music with Deep Purple when he released his first single with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. The song, “Man on the Silver Mountain,” was written by Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio and appeared on Rainbow’s self-titled debut album in 1975. The hard-rocking song featured a driving guitar riff and Dio’s soaring vocals about a mysterious higher being.

“Man on the Silver Mountain” became a signature song for Blackmore’s Rainbow despite never charting on the Billboard Hot 100. And while “Stone Cold” (with later lead singer Joe Lynn Turner) became Rainbow’s only Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit seven years later, “Man on the Silver Mountain” remains a defining part of the band’s legacy and the Dio era.

Having already found success with Deep Purple, Blackmore once explained that he formed his own band so he could record music that his Purple bandmates wouldn’t do with him. In a 1975 interview reposted on Blackmore’s official YouTube channel, the music legend recalled calling Dio and session musicians to work with him on one song, and it ultimately turned into an album.

In the same interview, Dio explained the origin of “Man on the Silver Mountain.”

“The song is dragged from the hidden depths of my mind,” he said. “It’s basically about, the man on silver mountain is kind of a god figure and everyone else involved in the song are calling upon him to somehow save them. When you listen to the lyrics, you'll hear they're pleading with him to make them holy again. It's just a kind of quasi-religious kind of thing, I guess.”

Even Blackmore wasn’t totally sure what “Man on the Silver Mountain” was about. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, he said it was “very easy" to write with Dio, but that he couldn't always decipher his lyrics.

“He was very quick to write lyrics, although I never really understood some of the lyrics,” Blackmore shared. “And I would ask him, 'What's 'Man on the Silver Mountain,' What's that?' And he would go, 'I don't really know, [it 's] just something I thought of as a spur of the moment [thing].' Which, you know, I think everybody has their own silver mountain that they can pretend to have, so sometimes lyrics don't have to make perfect sense.”

RELATED: 1982 Power Ballad Written by Rock Legends Became Iconic Band’s Only Top 40  Hit

Although “Man on the Silver Mountain” wasn’t a Billboard hit, the Rainbow concert classic remains a timeless hard rock anthem more than 50 years later, so much so that it received a modern-day makeover.

In 2026, a powerful cover of “Man on the Silver Mountain” was recorded for Ride the Rainbow, a tribute to Blackmore’s Rainbow. The all-star cover was recorded by Sebastian Bach, Bob Daisley, Mick Box, Jonathan Cain, Doug Aldrich and  Carmine Appice, per Blabbermouth.net, putting the classic song in the spotlight for a new generation of fans.

Related: 1972 Road-Trip Anthem, Written by Rock Legends, Was Inspired by an Iconic TV Theme

On June 22, 1971, Joni Mitchell released the LP Blue and changed the landscape for singer-songwriters, setting a new standard for emotional honesty and lyrical storytelling in popular music.

The album’s raw vulnerability and stripped-down sound stood out in an era dominated by more polished productions. Over time, it has come to be regarded as one of the most influential records of its generation.

Decades later, Blue still resonates with listeners for the way it captures heartbreak, love, and self-reflection. Its influence can be heard in artists who followed, including Prince, Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan, and Jewel.

Jewel told Rolling Stone, "I remember a friend in high school playing me 'A Case of You,' from Blue. I could tell that Joni was a painter by the way she wrote lyrics. She describes smells and sounds and uses fewer words to transmit more feeling. Her melodies are about shapes. The singing lines are slow, steep plateaus."

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Swift added, "She wrote it about her deepest pains and most haunting demons. Songs like 'River,' which is just about her regrets and doubts about herself. I think this album is my favorite because it explores somebody's soul so deeply."

Apple Music named Blue as one of its 100 Best Albums. It came in at No. 16, ranked between Adele's 21 and Marvin Gaye's What's Going On.

The LP's tracklist includes "All I Want," "Carey," "This Flight Tonight," "The Last Time I Saw Richard," "My Old Man," "Blue," "River," "Little Green," "California," and "A Case of You."

The website Classic Album Sundays quoted Mitchell as saying the LP is “a description of the times. There were so many sinking, but I had to keep thinking I could make it through the waves."

"You watched that high of the hippie thing descend into drug depression. Right after Woodstock, then we went through a decade of basic apathy where my generation sucked its thumb and then just decided to be greedy.”

In 1979, Mitchell told Rolling Stone's Cameron Crowe, that recording Blue was a personal turning point.

"I came to another turning point—the terrible opportunity that people are given in their lives. The day that they discover to the tips of their toes that they're a*******, and you have to work on from there. And decide what your values are. Which parts of you are no longer really necessary. They belong to childhood's end."

Happy 55th Anniversary Blue!

Related: 1970 Iconic Folk Rock Classic Ranked Among the Decade’s Best Songs

Remember when planning a summer beach trip meant balancing a mountain of school schedules, camp calendars and peak-season flight prices? By the time you paid for three meals a day, pool drinks and keeping everyone entertained, the final bill—and the sheer noise level around the main pool—could be a total shock. But once you're finally free from the strict school calendar, late August and September open up a brilliant window to take advantage of the shoulder season, letting you experience some of the world's best coastal spots when they are at their absolute quietest. If you have been waiting to sneak away for a peaceful, uncrowded getaway, Marriott Bonvoy just dropped a major promotion to make it happen.

The global travel program officially unveiled its Summer All-Inclusive Vacation Deals, slashing rates by up to 20% for Marriott Bonvoy members and up to 15% for non-members on bookings of three nights or more.

The limited-time promotion spans an impressive roster of sun-and-sand destinations across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Brazil. Bookings are officially live now through August 27, 2026, covering tropical stays between June 11 and September 30, 2026. Travelers just need to use the promotional code S6058 when checking availability, though actual savings will vary slightly depending on the specific property and season.

While the sale is framed around family travel, the late-summer timing is an absolute goldmine if you're looking for a more serene, grown-up atmosphere. As the back-to-school rush clears out the summer crowds, these massive resorts transition into incredibly peaceful waterfront sanctuaries.

I actually got to stay at the newly reimagined Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive Resort, right in the heart of the hotel zone, and I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The property sits on a stunningly pristine stretch of beach, with beautiful pools and outdoor lounges positioned perfectly along some of the most scenic spots on the shoreline. What really sets it apart is the incredible variety-packed dining scene. Instead of the repetitive, predictable buffets you find at older all-inclusive properties, guests can experience Kasai Izakaya’s refined Japanese plates, vibrant Yucatan-forward à la carte dining at Casa Madre, and the wood-fired, island-inspired flavors of Hana Polynesian Grill. Even casual cravings are elevated, from gourmet nostalgic bites at Mo’s Burgers & Shakes to an array of upscale, open-air beachside spots perfect for a relaxed bite by the water.

Related: Marriott Just Opened an All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun—Here’s What Blew Me Away Most

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Even at standard rates, the pricing for the Cancun property is surprisingly affordable for the level of premium service you receive, which makes a 20% discount an absolute steal. Every baseline worry is completely handled on-property, covering all your gourmet meals, unlimited premium cocktails, non-motorized water sports and tranquil beachfront access.

Of course, traveling to the Caribbean or Mexico during the late summer means navigating the peak of hurricane season. While the quiet beaches and lowered rates are well worth the trip, it is smart to invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy when booking. Protecting your investment ensures that even if nature throws a curveball at your itinerary, you can rebook without losing a dime.

Related: Royalton Hotel & Resorts' New 'Hotel-Within-a-Hotel' Embraces Quiet Luxury in the Riviera Maya

If you are a serious points chaser, the math on this promotion gets even better. When you book one of these participating all-inclusive stays using a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card, you can seamlessly stack your rewards. Cardholders automatically earn up to an extra 6X points per dollar on eligible purchases spent directly at participating Marriott properties, which layers right on top of the standard 10X points you earn just for being a Bonvoy member. Between the upfront 20% discount and the massive points multiplier hitting your account after checkout, it is a brilliant window to maximize your travel budget.

Whether you want to park yourself under a quiet beach canopy in Cancun, explore the extraordinary biodiversity of Costa Rica, or check out the crystal-clear waters of Antigua, the portfolio expansion proves that you don't have to sacrifice upscale dining or premium service to get a worry-free rate.

Related: Your Favorite Boutique Hotel Brand Just Joined Marriott Bonvoy

It's been said that art imitates life, but sometimes art imitates art itself.

When Roxy Music released "2HB" on its landmark self-titled debut album in 1972, Bryan Ferry paid tribute to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated movies: Casablanca. More than 50 years later, the song remains one of the band's signature recordings, while the film that inspired it continues to rank among Rotten Tomatoes'best movies of all time.

The connection was no coincidence.

The title "2HB" stands for "To Humphrey Bogart," the legendary actor who starred in Casablanca.

"'2HB' was written sitting at the piano with the typewriter balanced on my knees," Ferry told NME. "It wasn't that I have a thing about Bogart – it could have been any popular idol of the period, or later, James Dean or somebody – and it's not that Bogart was a very tragic figure anyway. It was just that line, 'Here's looking at you, kid,' from the film Casablanca, and coming out of the cinema remembering all those great scenes: the cigarette smoke in the nightclub, and Peter Lorre in a white jacket... The song was written around a period – the late 40s – as captured in that one picture."

Ferry built the song around the romance, mystery and melancholy that made the 1942 classic so enduring, even weaving the film's famous theme, "As Time Goes By," into Andy Mackay's unforgettable saxophone solo. Rather than simply referencing the movie, Ferry transformed its atmosphere into one of Roxy Music's most distinctive recordings.

"2HB" also introduced listeners to the sophisticated blend of glam rock, art rock and cinematic storytelling that quickly became the band's calling card. Alongside Ferry's elegant songwriting, Brian Eno's experimental textures and the group's adventurous musicianship, the track helped establish Roxy Music as one of the most innovative bands of the decade.

That innovation soon translated to the concert stage. Throughout the 1970s and on subsequent reunion tours, Roxy Music graduated from theaters to arenas around the world, headlining major venues across Europe and North America while building a reputation for stylish, visually ambitious live performances. Songs like "2HB" became part of the sophisticated catalog that helped turn the band into one of rock’s premier touring attractions.

"The first Roxy album is an unusual collage of musical elements, and the songs themselves, if you break them down, are just simple experiments in different genres," Ferry told Uncut. "This was the first album that any of us had made. We were all hungry to learn and new to the experience of being in a recording studio. It was a dream come true to be able to do this."

Although it was never released as a major hit single, "2HB" has endured as one of Roxy Music's most admired songs. Its dreamlike mood, unmistakable saxophone melody and cinematic inspiration have made it a longtime favorite among fans and critics alike.

More than five decades after its release, "2HB" remains a testament to the power of storytelling across different art forms. Inspired by one of cinema's greatest masterpieces, the song helped define the sound of a band that would go on to fill arenas around the world, proving that timeless films can inspire timeless music.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic, Lasting Over 14 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

There are a lot of ways in which you probably know Edgar Allan Poe. Maybe you know him for his poem, “The Raven.” Or maybe from his short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” about the beating heart under the floorboards. You might even know him for “The Cask of Amontillado.” His general mysterious and macabre writing might also just be what you remember him for (which wouldn’t be wrong, either). He wrote poems, short stories, critical essays and more, and the Poetry Foundation even called him “the architect of the modern short story.” Our quote of the daycomes from one of those well-known stories and shares Poe's belief that daydreamers notice more than those who only dream at night.

Born in Boston in 1809 to actor parents, his mother died only a few years later of tuberculosis, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Since his father had already left them (including Poe’s two other siblings), the kids all went to different families, with Poe ending up with John Allan and his wife, Frances. They were wealthy, which led Poe to travel to England and Scotland as a kid and attend boarding schools.

Poe had issues with gambling from his teen years onward, which impacted his ability to study at the University of Virginia, be in the military and even attend West Point, though some of that restlessness came from his desire to just be a writer. As Britannica reported, after he got himself expelled from the military academy, he pursued writing full-time, publishing in literary newspapers and magazines. 

Poe’s work is part of the Romanticism and Gothic fiction literary movements, leaning heavily into the occult and the satanic, as Britannica wrote. And as the Poetry Foundation reported, his works have a “psychological intensity" that his work is now known for.

Whether you know his work super well, since he’s one of the most well-known and successful American writers, or you just know his name, Poe’s influence on literature is undeniable. And again, today’s quote shares a little of what he thinks about visionaries and how they differ from those who save the dreaming for their pillows.

Related: Quote of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson on Self-Reliance and Staying True to Yourself

Quote of the Day by Edgar Allan Poe

CanvaPro/Parade

“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

This quote is a line early on in Poe’s short story, “Eleonora.” It was first published in the literary annual, The Gift, in 1842 in Philadelphia. As the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore reported, annuals were “popular gifts” in the mid-19th century that often went out at the end of the year. Poetry, fiction and other prose were often printed in these gift books, which had a gorgeous presentation (they were presents after all). 

“Eleonora” is a somber work and tells the story of a man who falls in love with his cousin, the namesake of the poem. She, however, is sick and dies, but not before the narrator promises to never marry anyone else or leave “The Valley of the Many-Colored Grass,” where they live. However, after she dies, he does move to a new city and marries a woman named Ermengarde. Eleonora then comes to the narrator in his dreams, telling him she gives her blessing to his marriage.

As the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore stated, it’s a “story of happiness lost and regained, and a favorite of Romantic readers.” According to them, Poe wasn’t really happy with how this one turned out, and wrote once that it’s a tale “which is not ended so well as it might be,” though he never did change the main points of the story in his revisions.

The short story is also thought to be semi-autobiographical, since Poe fell in love with his first cousin, Virginia, whom he did end up marrying when she was 13 and he was 27. Just like Eleonora, Virginia died young, and many think that Poe wrote himself as the narrator to absolve himself of any guilt for finding love again later down the line.

Related: Quote of the Day: Painter Vincent van Gogh on Passion and Not Letting ‘The Fire Go Out in One’s Soul’—‘Keep It Burning'

Deeper Meaning of Edgar Allan Poe’s Quote—Those Who ‘Dream By Day’ Are Aware of More Than Others

It’s important to note that, as the narrator states at the very beginning of the story, he is mad. Or at least he shares that others consider him mad, which he (potentially cheekily) says may or may not be “the loftier intelligence.” This kind of shapes a lot of the events in the story, such as the fantastical elements of the valley (how pretty it was when Eleonora is alive and how it dims and dies as she does). 

So in that context, when he says this quote, he is comparing himself to those who call him crazy and don’t daydream. He calls their visions “gray,” and says they can only “obtain glimpses of eternity” when they’re sleeping. But then that “great secret” (that daydreamers possess) slips away from their grasp as soon as they wake up. Since they can only embark on the “adventure” of finding wisdom and meaning in their sleep, they are “rudderless and compassless,” as they explore the “sea of darkness,” which Poe writes in Latin. 

Whether in the context of the short story or outside it, the quote is a favorable portrayal of daydreamers: people who are visionaries and have large ambitions that might seem impossible to those around them. He’s saying that those who are imaginative and think big while they’re awake have a greater understanding of things than those who are very cut-and-dry when they’re conscious. Sure, everyone (for the most part) has dreams when they sleep. But the real magic goes to those who keep that creative, inventive spirit alive when they’re awake as well. 

They might be seen as offbeat or called crazy or “mad” by those around them. However, Poe writes that people “who dream by day” know just a bit more than those who don’t.

Related: Psychiatrist Alfred Adler on the 'Meanings We Give to Situations’ and Choosing Our Own Paths

More Quotes from Edgar Allan Poe

• “With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a passion; and the passions should be held in reverence: they must not — they cannot at will be excited, with an eye to the paltry compensations, or the more paltry commendations, of mankind.”
• “I have great faith in fools — self-confidence my friends will call it.”
• “I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.”
• “It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.”
• “To him, who still would gaze upon the glory of the summer sun, there comes, when that sun will from him part, a sullen hopelessness of heart.”
• “Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Gordon Allport on Humor Being the Best Way To Fight Life’s ‘Tangles’—‘We Have No Appropriate Sword Other Than Laughter’

Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the iconic progressive rock band, is still hailed as one of the greatest supergroups of all time.

Despite their long hiatus from the music industry, the trio, consisting of Keith Emerson from The Nice, Greg Lake from King Crimson and Carl Palmer from Atomic Rooster, left a lasting legacy that generations of musicians and fans continue to admire and celebrate.

In a list revealed by WatchMojo, the '70s English band made it to the elite list of the top 20 best supergroups in music history, with Cream, Traveling Wilburys and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young sitting in the top three spots.

Described as "one of the best rock acts of that decade," Emerson, Lake & Palmer are best known as one of the earliest supergroups and as pioneers of the progressive rock genre.

Their take on classical compositions gave their music a unique blend of rock and orchestral sounds, while their theatrical live performances set them apart from their contemporaries.

Emerson Lake & Palmer members in circa 1970s

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Formed in 1970, the band came together when the trio pursued a shared vision following the disbandment of their previous bands.

Throughout their career, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) released nine studio albums, including several signature hits.

Among their most popular tracks is "Karn Evil 9," which, according to Ultimate Classic Rock, was the band's "best and most popular piece."

Featured on their 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery, the almost 30-minute song was divided into three parts called "Impressions," which included the famous introduction, "Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends."

Adding to the list of their most popular songs are "Lucky Man," written by Greg Lake when he was 12, and "Tarkus," a song dubbed by critics as one of the "most ambitious pieces" with its seven-part, 20-minute suite.

Unfortunately, amid their years of success, the band bid goodbye in 1979.

The band's breakup was attributed to creative burnout and the commercial failure of their album Love Beach.

Despite trying to revive the band in 1992 with the release of their album Black Moon, followed by In the Hot Seat in 1994, ELP officially called it quits in 1998.

"There's something about ELP that doesn't work," Lake told Rolling Stone back in 2013. "It used to work, but it doesn't work now."

Following the band's breakup, the frontman clarified that it wasn't the media who broke them up.

"I’m very proud of ELP, but it wasn’t the journalists that brought down ELP," Lake explained, adding, "I think it was ELP themselves. It started to fragment when they made Works Volume 1 [in 1977.] It was a good album, but it wasn’t ELP. It was Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer with an orchestra. Well, with three separate orchestras."

In 2010, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concert, serving as the group's final performance together.

Related: ’80s Rock Band, Originally Disbanding for $1 Million, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time

Solving today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle requires good fashion sense. 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 Monday, June 22, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, June 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 June 22, 2026

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

• Yellow: Cape is another one.
• Green: Play ball!
• Blue: I'm taking my talents to South Beach.
• Purple: Neat on your feet.

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: FIRST WORDS OF WORLD CUP COUNTRIES, IN ENGLISH
• Green: MLB STADIUMS
• Blue: LEBRON-ERA HEAT STARS
• Purple: OLD TERMS FOR GOLF CLUBS

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 #637 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• FIRST WORDS OF WORLD CUP COUNTRIES, IN ENGLISH: BOSNIA, IVORY, SOUTH, UNITED
• MLB STADIUMS: COMERICA, KAUFFMAN, NATIONALS, WRIGLEY
• LEBRON-ERA HEAT STARS: ALLEN, BOSH, JAMES, WADE
• ADIDAS SHOES: SAMBA, STAN SMITH, SUPERSTAR, ULTRABOOST

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: Fans Say Publix Bakery's Take on This Viral Trend Is Their 'New Obsession'

Hope it was a happy Father's Day 2026 to all who celebrated.

In the spirit of the weekend holiday, there's an acclaimed video game that hit the shelves this spring that has had fans buzzing online for its addictive gameplay and impactful themes.

Pragmata is science fiction by design but ultimately has users feeling like they're a father figure to a young "girl." Here's the official synopsis offered by developer Capcom:

"It is the near future, and protagonists Hugh and his android companion Diana, must work together as they make their way through the cold lunar research station."

Pragmata is available on all the modern video-game consoles, including PlayStation 5. "Hugh and Diana must combine abilities to overcome the many threats they encounter on the lunar facility," Playstation's official website also notes about the unique gameplay.

The description continues, "In combat, Diana hacks enemy systems to expose their weaknesses, allowing Hugh to take aim with a diverse arsenal of firearms. This fusion of hacking and shooting delivers immersive, fast-paced and strategic gameplay, where every decision shapes the battle."

The game's sort of father-daughter rapport was highlighted by USA Today on Sunday, June 21, and one Redditor once posted about how the thematic material has been "therapeutic for my soul."

Plus, an X user even went so far as to write, ""What... what is this feeling inside me? It can't be... It's like... I wanna protect... it's like... I want to be a... a... DAD..."

What... what is this feeling inside me? It can't be... It's like... I wanna protecc... it's like... I want to be a... a... DAD... pic.twitter.com/0BmLfW2fMD

— Malphier (@malphier) April 17, 2026

In other Father's Day news, Demi Mooretook to Instagram to pay tribute to her ex-husbandBruce Willis, posting a carousel of photos of him with their three daughters over the years.

View this post on Instagram

Despite splitting in 2000, Moore, 63, has remained close to her Willis, 71. This week, she paid tribute to his wifeEmma Heming as she celebrated her 50th birthday. Heming is currently a caregiver for Willis, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle might send a chill down your spine. 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 #841 on Monday, June 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: "Heebie-jeebies"

A hint for today's Strands game: My skin is crawling.

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:

• WI
• BU
• JI
• SH
• CR
• GO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 22

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 22, 2026, isGOOSEBUMPS.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, June 22?

• WILLIES
• BUTTERFLIES
• JITTERS
• SHIVERS
• CREEPS
• SPANGRAM: GOOSEBUMPS

Related: The Best Starbucks Ordering Hack for Cheaper Drinks, According to Baristas

Today's NYT Connections puzzle might set off some fireworks. 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 #1107 on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, June 22, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday'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 Monday, June 22

1. Large and in charge.
2. The opposite of division.
3. How you say something.
4. Like dynamite.

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 Monday, June 22:

1. DOMINANT: ALPHA, HEAD, LEAD, PRIMARY
2. MULTIPLICATION INDICATORS: BY, TIMES, X, ●
3. PRONUNCIATION DESCRIPTORS: SHORT, SILENT, SOFT, STRESSED
4. STARTING WITH EXPLOSIVE ONOMATOPOEIA: BANGKOK, BOOMER, POPSICLE, POWDER

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: Pizza Hut to Be Sold in Massive $2.7 Billion Deal—What It Could Mean for Your Next Slice

Today's NYT Wordle answer is as easy as making eggs sunny side up. 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. And, 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 #1829 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are three vowels in today's five-letter word.

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

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

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: Like an egg.

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 #1829 on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Monday, June 22, 2026, is OVATE.

-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)

This post contains mild end-credits spoilers for Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5came out on June 19, 2026, more than 30 years after the original film was released, and fans are missing one nostalgic character. RC, the remote controlled car that was central to Woody's plan to save Buzz Lightyear in the first film, made a brief appearance in the credits of the fifth installment, and immediately had fans wondering what happened to the beloved character.

Related: Tim Allen’s Skin Cancer Surgery: Doc Said ‘I’ll Have to Cut Most of Your Nose Off’

"When they showed the RC car in the end credits I was like what happened to him? Where'd he go?" asked one X user. Here's what we know about RC's fate in the Toy Story series!

What Happened to RC in Toy Story?

The timid remote control car was a hero in the first Toy Story when he helps Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) get back to the other toys on moving day, and while many fans noted that his remote got left behind in the street when Woody lights the rocket strapped on Buzz's back, Andy seemed to have gotten a new one by the beginning of Toy Story 2, when he can be seen playing with RC again.

However, RC isn't seen in any of the subsequent films, and Woody mentions in Toy Story 3 that Andy had given many of his old toys away, so that's what fans assume happened to RC, along with Wheezy, Etch, and Bo Peep. Fans were crushed to lose the adorable character, with one saying, "Of all the side characters to be gone in Toy Story 3 this one definitely hurt the most. I brought my lego set of him to the theater when I saw 3."

Because Bo Peep (Annie Potts) reappeared in Toy Story 4 and again in Toy Story 5, fans are still hopeful to see more of the old favorites in future installments. "I just hope all the old toys can come up someday. We already have Mr. Spell so why not get the others?" said one fan, while another added, "No matter how [many] new characters from Toy Story come out, I feel more affection for the old supporting characters."

What Is Toy Story 5 About?

Toy Story 5 is centered around one of these new characters: a high-tech tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee. Woody, Buzz, Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the gang need to figure out how to stay relevant when Bonnie becomes captivated by the tech toy.

Related: First-Of-Its-Kind 1988 Film Celebrated for Its ‘Cinematic Achievement’ on 38th Anniversary

The newest part of the Toy Story series opened to high praise from fans and critics alike, with a 94% Tomatometer score from critics and a 95% Popcornmeter rating from fans on Rotten Tomatoes. The film had a massive opening weekend at $160 million, per Box Office Mojo.

After two long years west of Westeros, House of the Dragon has returned in an absolutely bloody fashion. The Blacks and the Greens had their biggest skirmish yet on the Game of Thrones prequel on the open seas in the Battle of the Gullet. By the end of the maritime skirmish, both the Triarchy and Velaryon fleet had been decimated, with Corlys (Steve Toussaint) lost at sea. But the biggest headline has to be the shocking death of Jace (Harry Collett), who was shot like a fish in a barrel after his dragon was dragged underwater.

Keep reading for the episode release schedule and everything to know about when the rest of House of the Dragon Season 3 comes out.

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When does House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere?

House of the Dragon Season 3 premiered Sunday, June 21.

What time does House of the Dragon come out?

House of the Dragon comes on at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT every Sunday. That's the typical slot HBO reserves for its highest-prestige shows, including the series' predecessor Game of Thrones.

Related: Who Is in the ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Cast? Here’s Every New and Returning Character

How many episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 will there be?

House of the Dragon Season 3 will run 8 episodes. This is in like with the episode count of Season 2, and a step down from the 10 episodes of Season 1.

What is the release schedule of House of the Dragon Season 3?

The episodes will release as follows:

Episode 2: Sunday, June 28Episode 3: Sunday, July 5Episode 4: Sunday, July 12Episode 5: Sunday, July 19Episode 6: Sunday, July 26Episode 7: Sunday, Aug. 2Episode 8: Sunday, Aug. 9

Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Star Harry Collett Reveals the Season 3 Premiere Scene That Had to Be Reshot — and Why Jace’s Final Moment Hit Differently (Exclusive)

How to watch House of the Dragon

You can watch House of the Dragon via cable on HBO, or via streaming on HBO Max.

Who is in the cast for House of the Dragon Season 3?Matt Smith as Prince Daemon TargaryenEmma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra TargaryenOlivia Cooke as Queen Dowager Alicent HightowerTom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II TargaryenPhia Saban as Queen Helaena TargaryenEwan Mitchell as Prince Aemond TargaryenBethany Antonia as Lady Baela TargaryenPhoebe Campbell as Rhaena TargaryenFabien Frankel as Ser Criston ColeRhys Ifans as Ser Otto HightowerSteve Toussaint as Lord Corlys VelaryonAbubakar Salim as Alyn of HullMatthew Needham as Lord Larys StrongAbigail Thorn as Admiral Sharako Lohar

Related: 6 Things We're Most Excited for in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Based on the Book

Fans of the legendary band the Jackson 5, which later became known as the Jacksons, got some great news in June when the group announced new U.K. tour dates for November 2026. Fans in the U.K. will get the chance to celebrate the band's legacy, with original Jackson 5 band members, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, performing.

The band announced the new dates with a tour poster on Instagram, writing, "I Want You Back. Blame It on the Boogie. Can You Feel It. Live. In concert. This November. It’s going to be special - don’t miss out - get your tickets now!"

View this post on Instagram

The Jacksons have continued touring over the years, and they have a few festival appearances scheduled for July. But for the upcoming U.K. dates, the group changed things up with promotions, emphasizing in the poster that it will be "featuring original members of the Jackson 5 live in concert." It's unclear if this means fans can expect anything different from the Jacksons than recent concerts they've performed.

The U.K. tour includes four shows on Nov. 6 in Manchester, Nov. 8 in Cardiff, Nov. 11 in Wolverhampton, and Nov. 13 in London. Tickets are already on sale.

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The choice to highlight the inclusion of Jackie and Marlon as original Jackson 5 members comes only a couple of months after the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, came out in theaters in late April 2026. The late icon was played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson.

Fans seemed to have mixed opinions about the Jacksons' new tour dates, sharing their thoughts in the comments on Instagram. "THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD! HUGE!" said one hyped fan, as more wrote, "I got my ticket," and "Meet and great please!!!"

Another questioned, "You mean Jackson 2?", while others wondered if Jaafar or other Jackson family members might make appearances. Fans from other parts of the world shared hope that the Jacksons would travel there soon, including Australia, Italy, and Malaysia, to name a few places mentioned.

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