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A short documentary film that was once labeled “foreign political propaganda” in the United States is now being remembered as one of the most controversial and influential films of the Cold War era.

Far Out Magazine included If You Love This Planet among its list of controversial movies that were banned in America. The 1982 Canadian documentary short, directed by Terre Nash, focused on the dangers of nuclear war during a tense period between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The 26-minute film featured a lecture by anti-nuclear activist and physician Helen Caldicott at SUNY Plattsburgh. Throughout the documentary, Nash combined Caldicott’s warnings about nuclear weapons with disturbing black-and-white footage from Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic bombings.

The film was released during the administration of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan at the height of the Cold War. Because of its anti-nuclear message, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered American distributors to register the documentary as “foreign political propaganda” under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Despite the controversy, If You Love This Planet won the 1983 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. 

The documentary was produced by Studio D, the women’s unit of the National Film Board of Canada. According to production records, the film was made with a budget of $70,117.

Nash first became interested in the subject after hearing one of Caldicott’s lectures while studying at McGill University. She later turned the speech into her directorial debut.

The documentary was originally planned to screen at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament. It first debuted in the United Kingdom through the London Socialist Film Co-op. It also included archive footage from American military propaganda films from the 1940s and 1950s. 

One section used footage from Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter, a 1943 U.S. Department of War film featuring Reagan before he entered politics.

According to reports, officials within the National Film Board debated for six months about whether the Reagan footage should remain in the documentary before allowing it to stay.

The controversy expanded further when the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation initially refused to air the film. The network argued that the documentary did not provide a “balanced and objective view” about nuclear weapons. After the movie won the Oscar, CBC later aired it on its news program The Journal.

The legal fight over the film continued in the United States for years.

On Jan. 13, 1983, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered American distributors of If You Love This Planet and other environmental documentaries to register as foreign agents. California State Senator Barry Keene later challenged the order in court.

In 1983, U.S. District Judge Raul Anthony Ramirez issued an injunction against the Justice Department’s ruling. The legal dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of the United States.

In the 1987 case Meese v. Keene, the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 in favor of the Department of Justice, allowing the political propaganda label to remain.

Over the years, the documentary gained recognition as a major film of the international peace movement. It won a special prize from the World Peace Council at the Leipziger Documentary and Short Film Festival and also received recognition at the Yorkton Short Film Festival.

Today, more than four decades after its release, If You Love This Planet remains an important reminder of Cold War fears and debates surrounding nuclear weapons. What was once suppressed in the United States has become a lasting part of documentary film history.

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

John Denver was never the coolest guy in the room. He was something better—the one who reminded us all what hope sounded like.

Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on New Year's Eve 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico, he grew up as the son of a U.S. Air Force pilot—which meant constantly being uprooted from one city to the next. John was the perpetual new kid, never quite staying around long enough to figure out where he fit in.

The truth is, John's childhood was far from the wholesome picture his future music would paint. In his 1994 autobiography Take Me Home, Denver described his father as a cold, stern man unable to show love to his children. The kindest compliment he got was when his dad told him: "You know, you've got talent. You can play guitar and you can sing. Not everyone can do that, but that doesn't make you any better than anybody else. Just remember that."

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But there was one bright spot in his childhood that changed the entire course of John's life. When he was just 11, his grandmother gave him her 1910 Gibson acoustic guitar. It became his lifeline—an icebreaker at every new school, a refuge from a father who couldn't say "I'm proud of you" and eventually, his legendary career. After dropping out of Texas Tech to chase his musical dreams, he renamed himself after his favorite state's capital city.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. He wrote "Leaving on a Jet Plane" for Peter, Paul and Mary, became the top-selling recording artist in America from 1969 through 1975, and released some of the most iconic music of the decade. Classic John Denver songs—including "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song," "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Rocky Mountain High"—became the soundtrack of a generation.

But behind his sweet smile and wire-rimmed-glasses was a man who battled depression, divorce and a very public career decline. Through it all, he never stopped believing the light would return—and that's why John Denver is today's quote of the day; a ray of sunshine for anyone who feels stuck in the dark.

Quote of the Day by John Denver

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"Things go up and down. If you can survive the down, it will come back."

In just 15 words, Denver delivers one of the most reassuring promises ever spoken. He doesn't tell you things are always going to be perfect. He doesn't tell you how to fix it, fight it, or find the silver lining. Instead, he tells you to simply find the strength to survive it—because one day, the storm will end, a rainbow will come and things will be so much better. The sunshine will always find its way back into your life.

Related: Quote of the Day: At 93, Willie Nelson Proves Blessings Add Up

Deeper Meaning of John Denver's Quote—You're Stronger Than the Storm

Denver knew the down better than most. By the early 1980s, musical trends had shifted toward arena rock and new wave—think Journey, The Police and Van Halen. Suddenly, Denver's sentimental sound was considered passé. Then, his marriage to Annie Martell—the inspiration behind "Annie's Song," which he famously wrote in just 10 minutes on a Colorado ski lift—ended in 1982. After his divorce, he struggled publicly with alcohol. And in 1985, came perhaps the most devastating career moment of them all: He was rejected from "We Are the World" because some industry insiders felt his image would hurt the song's credibility as a pop-rock anthem. "It broke my heart not to be included," he wrote in Take Me Home.

But he always stayed positive. In one 1977 interview, he said: "I love life! I love everything about it. And there comes a point, when I'm incredibly angry or sad, that I experience that emotion so strongly it gets to be a celebration. It's life, you see? I get to a certain low point and what I really experience is, 'God, I'm alive!'" The down wasn't something to fear—it was something to survive.

And Denver lived his words—he didn't disappear. Instead, he poured himself into environmental activism, founding the Windstar Foundation to promote sustainable living long before it was popular. Rather than simply being one artist on a song, he co-founded The Hunger Project to combat global hunger and it still exists today, long after his death. He also took the stage as one of the original performers at the inaugural Farm Aid in 1985—helping acts like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan raise over $9 million for America's family farmers.

Related: Willie Nelson Celebrates Special 40-Year Anniversary: ‘We’ll See You Soon’

He even testified before Congress alongside Frank Zappa and Dee Snider to speak out against music censorship. He continued to write, record and tour internationally—even when his American audience had moved on.

But the sunshine returned in 1995, when his Wildlife Concert—a stripped-down, mature performance—reminded the world exactly why they had fallen in love with him in the first place.

In 1996, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. One year later, he released The Best of John Denver, signaling his American comeback was officially underway. But tragically, that comeback would be cut short on October 12, 1997, when he died in a plane crash in Monterey Bay, California, at just 53 years old.

Throughout his entire life—from his first time strumming the guitar as a young boy to co-founding The Hunger Project—John Denver always lived with positivity and purpose. "Faith is a kind of knowing; it is different from hope," he wrote in his memoir. "My faith is that life is purposeful; of that I'm sure. There is a God, there is intelligence, there is consciousness. And behind all of this, there is incredible compassion."

The storm was real. But so was the sunshine. And Denver's life is the proof that if you can just hold on and live with purpose, the light will always find its way back.

Related: John Denver Called This 1975 Classic ‘One of the Best Songs’ He Ever Wrote

More Quotes by John Denver

• "I'm aware that I have this underlying purpose of wanting people to know, in the midst of this incredibly insane world, with all of the terrors and problems, that life is worth living."
• "I've always liked to think that we put ourselves in the circumstances in life that will support us moving through to wherever it is our spirit is going."
• "At times I've got a really big ego. But I'll tell you the best thing about me. I'm some guy's dad; I'm some little gal's dad."
• "Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit."
• "My faith will proclaim it is so—we are never alone."
• "Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm. It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm, and in those times of trouble when you are most alone, the memory of love will bring you home."

Related: Next Up:

The 1978 Jamaican film Rockers was ranked its soundtrack No. 52 on “101 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time” list. The ranking placed the reggae-heavy collection alongside some of the most celebrated movie soundtracks in film history.

Rolling Stone praised the soundtrack for capturing the rise of roots reggae during the late 1970s. The magazine described the music as “a darker, moodier collection” that reflected the political and cultural changes happening in Jamaica after reggae first reached global audiences through earlier films like The Harder They Come.

The soundtrack features major reggae artists including Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Jacob Miller and Junior Murvin. 

Songs such as “Police and Thieves,” “Stepping Razor” and “Tenement Yard” helped define the soundtrack’s powerful tone.

Released in 1979 by Mango Records, the soundtrack became known as one of reggae’s strongest compilation albums. Critics over the years praised the album for combining roots reggae classics with deeper cuts from the era’s biggest artists.

Directed by Theodoros Bafaloukos, Rockers was first planned as a documentary before turning into a full-length comedy-drama centered on Jamaican reggae culture. The movie stars real-life drummer Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace as a Kingston musician trying to earn money by selling reggae records across Jamaica.

The story follows Horsemouth after thieves steal his motorcycle, leading him and his friends into a Robin Hood-style mission to recover stolen goods. Critics often compared the movie’s story to the 1948 Italian classic Bicycle Thieves.

Jutarnja doza sedme umetnosti : Rockers Jamaica 1978.
Rasta takeover scene. pic.twitter.com/8EdIpYYXok

— Џyлc (@doprinositelj) August 28, 2025

Unlike many music films from the time, Rockers used real reggae artists instead of trained actors. Musicians including Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth, Dillinger and Robbie Shakespeare appeared as themselves.

The movie also showcased famous Jamaican recording locations like Harry J Studios and Channel One Studios, where many reggae legends recorded during the 1970s, including Bob Marley.

Produced on a budget of about $40,000, the film was completed in just two months. It premiered at the 1978 San Francisco Film Festival before receiving a U.S. theatrical release in 1980.

Rolling Stone noted that Rockers captured the height of roots reggae as Jamaican artists were beginning to influence punk music scenes in the United Kingdom. The publication highlighted the soundtrack’s political themes and dub influences, which separated it from earlier reggae soundtracks.

The album includes tracks such as “We ‘A’ Rockers” by Inner Circle, “Fade Away” by Junior Byles and “Jah No Dead” by Burning Spear.

The film itself also maintained strong reviews over the years. OnRotten Tomatoes, Rockers holds a 100% critics’ score and a 94% audience score.

Reviewers praised both the soundtrack and the film’s authentic look at Jamaican life. Janet Maslin of The New York Times highlighted the movie’s “funny, offbeat players and sinuous reggae score.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian described the movie as “a reggae classic.”

Today, Rockers remains one of the clearest snapshots of reggae culture during one of the genre’s most important eras and Rolling Stone’s ranking has introduced the soundtrack to a new generation of listeners.

Related: 1996 Hit Romance Film, Which Saw a ’70s Legend Fired, Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 30 Years Later

More than 50 years after its release, “I Saw the Light” by Todd Rundgren remains one of the defining soft rock songs of the 1970s. 

The upbeat track, released in 1972 as the opening song on Rundgren’s album Something/Anything?, continues to earn praise for its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics and polished production.

What makes the song’s success even more surprising is how quickly it came together. Rundgren said he wrote “I Saw the Light” in about 20 minutes while working at an intense pace during the album's creation. Despite the fast writing process, the single became one of the biggest songs of his career and is still widely played on classic rock radio today.

Todd RUNDGREN performs on stage.

Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

The song reached No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and also charted in countries including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Over the decades, it has been covered by several artists, including Terry Hall, Yo La Tengo and Bill Murray during the holiday special A Very Murray Christmas.

Rundgren later admitted that he had mixed feelings about the song’s simplicity. In interviews and liner notes, he explained that he wrote the track quickly while relying on stimulants to keep up with his demanding recording schedule. He once described the lyrics as “moon/June/spoon kind of stuff,” suggesting that the rhymes were straightforward and easy.

At just 23 years old, Rundgren handled nearly every part of Something/Anything? on his own. He played the instruments, sang the vocals and managed much of the production work himself. “I Saw the Light” showcased his growing reputation as a one-man musical force during the early 1970s.

According to album notes and later interviews, Rundgren intentionally placed “I Saw the Light” at the beginning of the record because he believed it had hit potential. He followed the Motown tradition of opening albums with strong singles that could immediately capture listeners.

The strategy worked.

The album became one of the most important releases of Rundgren’s career and helped establish him as both a solo artist and producer. Beyond “I Saw the Light,” the record also included songs like “Hello It’s Me,” another enduring hit that later climbed into the Top 10.

Lyrics such as “And I ran out before / But I won’t do it anymore” helped give the track emotional depth despite Rundgren’s own criticism of its simplicity.

Outside his solo work, Rundgren built a long and influential career as a producer and innovator. He worked on albums by acts including Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, XTC and Badfinger. He was also known for experimenting with music technology and interactive media long before many artists embraced digital tools.

In 2021, Rundgren was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing his place in music history.

Even after five decades, “I Saw the Light” continues to find new audiences through television, streaming services, cover versions, and classic rock playlists. For a song reportedly written in only 20 minutes, its staying power has proven remarkable.

Related: 1970 Pop Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song for Five Weeks, Became an International Anthem

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, 24, admits it can be "frustrating" when people don't understand Tourette Syndrome and the range of involuntary physical and vocal tics that often come along with the neurological condition. In a recent interview, she opens up very authentically about her personal experience with Tourette Syndrome and details what it's like living with it and suppressing tics.

During the May 5 episode of the podcast Good Hang With Amy Poehler, Eilish explained that she does experience vocal tics, which she describes as "mostly just noises and I can keep them pretty quiet." She also says she goes through "phases of words becoming tics."

Also, in her case, Eilish says she does have the ability to hold back her Tourette’s tics, at least temporarily. "There's a thing called suppressing," she explains. "When I'm in an interview, I'm doing everything in my power to suppress all of my tics, constantly. And as soon as I leave the room, I have to let them all out."

Poehler and Eilish talk how about learning to cope with everyday intrusive thoughts is a very normal human problem, but Eilish adds, "Now imagine those intrusive thoughts, but your mouth has to say them out loud. And that is Tourette Syndrome."

Related: Billie Eilish Exploring Acting Debut in Film Adaptation of Iconic 1963 Novel About Mental Health

The Hit Me Hard and Soft musician does detail some of the misconceptions she encounters around Tourette's, including people who want console or dote on her after a very typical tic attack. On the flip side, others claim not to see her tics at all. She explains this may be because her tics can be in her knees, elbows, and hands, which are not the most common types of tics people recognize.

She explains, "I'm doing everything I can to suppress every single tic that's visible, from the top of my head to about right here," she said, referencing the bottom of her rib cage. "And that's how we as people with Tourette's pretty much spend our days—and some people don't even have the privilege of getting to suppress them at all in any way."

"The not understanding of that," Eilish adds, "is really frustrating as a person with Tourette's."

Eilish's new concert film, Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), is playing in theaters now.

Watch the clip where Billie Eilish discusses her experience with Tourette Syndrome:

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Watch the entire interview with Billie Eilish on Good Hang With Amy Poehler:

Watch the official trailer for Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D):

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It's been nearly 20 years since Flight of the Conchords premiered on HBO.

The American comedy series certainly struck a "chord" with fans at the time, given it was soon renewed for a second season. But that was all, at least in terms of the musical duo's small-screen time together.

Award-winning New Zealand musicians Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement make up Flight of the Conchords and play fictionalized versions of themselves on the cult-classic HBO sitcom, as fans are well aware.

It's that loyal fanbase that has certainly motivated the pair to continue performing together under the iconic band name in the years since the show's 2009 cancellation, including at this year's Netflix Is a Joke Fest on May 10.

“We’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a third season,” McKenzie, 49, Clement, 52, and co-creator James Bobin had written on their website to reveal the show's conclusion, per Billboard. “We’re very proud of the two seasons we made, and we like the way the show ended.”

Billboard also noted that the show's unique combination of storyline and original songs, plus the fact that the three co-creators had continued to live in their native New Zealand, were factors that had made it difficult to produce.

The series received 10 Emmy nominations over the course of its two seasons, with the second earning a best comedy series Emmy nod. Here's the official synopsis offered by Rotten Tomatoes, where Flight of the Conchords holds an impressive 94% average critics rating:

"Cutting edge musical comics Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement travel from their native New Zealand to New York in search of love and professional success, both of which prove elusive, in this semi-improvised comedy series."

You might find today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle is easy if you know someone named Jay. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, May 17, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, May 17, 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 17, 2026

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

• Yellow: Skol!
• Green: College division.
• Blue: Same first name.
• Purple: Think hat.

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: AN NFC NORTH ATHLETE
• Green: AN ACC ATHLETE
• Blue: JA(Y)LENS IN THE NBA
• Purple: ____ CAP

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 #601 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• AN NFC NORTH ATHLETE: BEAR, LION, PACKER, VIKING
• AN ACC ATHLETE: CAVALIER, EAGLE, HOKIE, MUSTANG
• JA(Y)LENS IN THE NBA: BROWN, BRUNSON, DUREN, GREEN
• ____ CAP: BASEBALL, GUARDIAN, RALLY, SALARY

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: We Asked 4 Chefs What They Never Leave Aldi Without—and We're Taking Notes

The Dude would ace today's NYT Strands puzzle. 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 #805 on Sunday, May 17.

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: "Strike one!"

A hint for today's Strands game: don't cross the line.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• SC
• PI
• LA
• BA
• LO
• AR
• BO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 17

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, May 17, 2026, isBOWLINGALLEY.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, May 17?

• SCOREBAORD
• PINS
• LANES
• BALLS
• LOUNGE
• ARCADE
• SPANGRAM: BOWLINGALLEY

Related: Toast to Patio Season in Style With This Durable $3 Beverage Find at Target

You'll ace today's NYT Connections puzzle if you know the difference between elevenses and high tea. 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 furthere dsuntil 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 #1071 onSunday, May 17, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, May 17, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, May 17

1. A connector.
2. Pulled the wool over my eyes.
3. Typically served with finger sandwiches and light bites.
4. Usually associated with age.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, May 17:

1. CONDUIT: DUCT, LINE, MAIN, PIPE
2. SWINDLE: FLEECE, HOSE, SQUEEZE, STIFF
3. TEA MAKING VERBS: BOIL, POUR, STEEP, STRAIN
4. "SCHOOL MODIFIERS": GRADE, GRAMMAR, HIGH, PRIMARY

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: Cheez-It Teams Up With Coors Light to Drop Unexpected Collab That Has Fans Divided: 'Ain't No Way'

On May 17, 1967, Glen Campbell entered Capitol Studios to record a song that would not only become one of the biggest hits of his career, but eventually the musical calling card for an entire era of television: "Gentle on My Mind."

Written by John Hartford and arranged by Leon Russell, the song already stood apart from the polished country hits dominating radio at the time. Its wandering lyrics and poetic storytelling gave it a distinctive, almost conversational feel. But it was Campbell’s smooth, reassuring vocal delivery that transformed the track into something unforgettable.

At the time, Campbell was still emerging as a solo artist after years of working behind the scenes as one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after session musicians. "Gentle on My Mind" became the breakthrough that elevated him from respected guitarist to mainstream star.

Though it wasn’t an immediate chart-topper, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon. In 1968, it earned four Grammy Awards across country and pop categories, cementing Campbell’s crossover appeal and introducing his music to a national audience far beyond country radio.

The song’s warm melody and reflective tone connected deeply with listeners, and over time it became synonymous with Campbell himself. That connection grew even stronger when "Gentle on My Mind" was later chosen as the theme song for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Campbell’s hit CBS variety series that aired from 1969 to 1972.

By then, the song had evolved into more than just a hit record. It had become the soundtrack to Campbell’s rise as one of country music's biggest stars.

Each week, millions of viewers heard the familiar opening lines as Campbell welcomed audiences into a show featuring some of the era’s biggest names in music, television and comedy.

Decades later, "Gentle on My Mind" is still one of the defining recordings of the late 1960s and a lasting symbol of Campbell's crossover success in both music and television.

RELATED: 60 Years Ago, This Emotional Jim Reeves Ballad Became a Posthumous Smash Hit

Your neighborhood HOA would love today's NYT Wordle puzzle. 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 #1793 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There is one vowel and one sometimes vowel 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: rules and regulations.

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 #1793 on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, May 17, 2026, is BYLAW.

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

Related: Photos of 8 Discontinued Childhood Cereals That Will Instantly Unlock a Core Memory

Few TV deaths from the 2000s still spark as much emotion as Marissa Cooper’s final scene on The O.C.

Nearly two decades after Mischa Barton exited the hit teen drama in the shocking Season 3 finale, fans are still debating whether killing off Marissa was one of television’s biggest mistakes.

The emotional scene where Marissa dies in Ryan Atwood's (Ben McKenzie) arms after a fiery car crash instantly became one of the defining moments of early-2000s television. But behind the scenes, Barton, 40, had already decided it was time to leave the series.

In later interviews, Barton explained that the pressures of fame, an exhausting shooting schedule and behind-the-scenes struggles contributed to her decision to walk away from the show.

"I just felt like I was in a machine and I couldn't really get off," she said in an interview ahead of one of her 206 Dancing With the Stars performances.

Producers ultimately decided to kill Marissa off rather than simply write her out of Newport Beach. Years later, creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage admitted they regretted the decision and wished they had found another solution.

Fans, meanwhile, still haven’t fully recovered.

On Reddit, however, some fans can't get over the character death.

"Watching as a teen, I hated that they killed Marissa off," said a Reddit user. "Rewatching as an adult, I wish they would’ve had her start making better choices like they did for Ryan when he realized he needed to stop dating girls that are trouble. Instead Marissa continued to make bad choices..."

"Her death devastated me the first time I saw the show back when it first aired on TV," another fan of the show agreed in the thread.

"I was traumatized, and so mad at the network. I’m doing a rewatch now and it took me 3 days to work up the courage to watch that last episode of Season 3. I didn’t want to feel all that pain all over again. I finally watched it tonight and it was heartbreaking but not as bad as the first time."

Others who are just discovering The O.C. are "genuinely shocked" about Marissa's passing.

"I loved Marisa and I couldn’t believe they would kill off a main character," said another Redditor.

"I was ABSOLUTELY shocked just now," another chimed in. "I didn’t think she was actually going to die."

Even cast members still get emotional revisiting the scene. During a reunion podcast appearance, both Barton and Rachel Bilson teared up while rewatching Marissa’s final moments onscreen.

And while Season 4 developed a loyal fan base of its own, many viewers continue to associate The O.C. most strongly with Ryan and Marissa’s tragic love story.

Nearly 20 years later, fans may still disagree on whether Marissa Cooper should have died—but one thing is clear: they never forgot it.

Stream The O.C. on Hulu and HBO Max.

RELATED: A Country Pioneer Died 51 Years Ago After a Devastating Stroke— Waylon Jennings Made Sure He Was Never Forgotten

In 1971, Ray Price delivered yet another hit song that is now considered a classic country anthem.

After 55 years, “I Won’t Mention It Again” not only became a "Nashville Sound" for its chart-stopping success but a staple of American country music.

Written by notable songwriters Carolyn Jean Yates and Cam Mullins, with the latter collaborating with Price for his multiple hit tracks, the duo created a masterpiece that sparked a career-defining moment for the musician.

After the 1970 hit "For the Good Times,” Price continued his streak of commercial success after releasing “I Won’t Mention It Again” as the lead single from his 17th studio album of the same name.

Ray Price photographed circa 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

At that time, the track climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, securing the top spot for three consecutive weeks, making it his sixth chart-topping single in the same category.

In addition, Price’s song became a hit across mainstream charts, even peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Easy Listening, also known as the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 42 on the overall Billboard Hot 100.

“I Won’t Mention It Again” helped propel the whole album’s success, driving more listeners to purchase the album and making it No. 1 on the Country Albums chart for 15 weeks.

While the single brought Price musical success, the song was a major shift from his signature sound.

Marking a stylistic change from his previous upbeat honky-tonk style, “I Won’t Mention It Again” exudes a more orchestral and emotional sound, similar to "For the Good Times.”

Before his death in 2013 at the age of 87, he revealed that performing love songs, especially emotional ballads, was the genre he enjoyed the most.

“I enjoy just a good love song, not a drinking song a love song!” the singer shared as cited by Country Stars Central, adding , “I don’t know what the word would be, forte or what but that’s what I specialize in because I’m a ballad singer. I love great love songs because I believe as long as two people are in love in this world, a great love song comes in handy!”

Beyond the recognition, Price’s 1971 hit track has seen a slew of striking revivals from fellow country icons, including Reba McEntire, who performed a modern country-pop version for her 20th studio album Starting Over.

Grammy-winning singer and also known as "Rose Garden" superstar Lynn Anderson also did a string-heavy rendition for her 1972 studio album Cry.

Related: 1956 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time’ Became a Timeless Classic

As fans anticipate the release of Colman Domingo’s latest movie, Disclosure Day, a new film is on the table for the actor.

Domingo will star alongside Nicholas Hoult, Noah Jupe, and Emma Corrin in a reimagining of Joseph Losey’s 1963 classic, The Servant. According to Deadline, principal photography will begin in January, with Francis Lee directing for the first time in six years.

Deadline reported that this reimagining of The Servant is a psychological thriller set in 1950s New York, “about Tony (Hoult), an entitled British man who moves into a beautiful apartment on Central Park and becomes embroiled in a wicked power play with his manservant, Barrett (Domingo).”

The original film, which starred Dirk Bogarde and James Fox, incorporates themes of fear, sex, and shame, The Guardian said. According to Deadline, the new film “is understood to crackle with its own sexual cat-and-mouse games and modern dynamics.”

“I am delighted to be working with my incredible cast on The Servant, an exciting, dangerous, and fun retelling with a contemporary viewpoint of the classic film,” Lee said. “Although this thrilling story is set in 1950s New York, its themes feel more timely than ever, and I can’t wait for audiences to discover this film through fresh eyes.”

Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin are set to produce the film for Blueprint, and they said they’re lucky to work with Lee.

“We have long been great admirers of his work and it is no surprise that his razor-sharp script has attracted such an incredible cast,” they said.

Domingo, who will star in The Servant as Barrett, is the cover star for this month’s issue of The Hollywood Reporter. The magazine called him “a force who seemingly came out of nowhere.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m sort of leaning into the third act of my career,” Domingo said to The Hollywood Reporter. “For a long time, as artists, we’re in our ‘planting seeds’ phase. I feel like I’m in an incredible harvest period.”

Check out fans’ reactions to The Servant announcement here.

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Now that the weather is finally tolerable again, it's highly likely that you'll find yourself itching to spend more time outdoors. If your back or front yard needs a little refresh after the gloomy winter months, the warm glow of solar lights can instantly make your space feel cozy and inviting again. This Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light at Amazon is a great option if you’re looking to set the perfect ambiance and add a touch of whimsy to your home! 

There’s no better time than right now to snag this turtle solar light because it’s currently on sale for less than $30! Normally retailing for $40, it’s now marked down to just $24 when you clip the on-page coupon. That's a 40% discount! It’s also available in four other statue designs, including a bunny, gnome, angel, and frog, with prices varying between $27 to $35. That's still an amazing deal considering that this accent piece has racked up over 13,000 five-star ratings! 

Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light, $24 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This gorgeous piece of decor has the power to transform any drab or gloomy space into something cheerful and magical. Featuring a smiling turtle statue, this solar light piece will perk up your outdoor or even indoor space with whimsy. One side of the turtle is adorned with vibrant succulents in blue, green, and orange tones, while the other side features a realistic shell with etched decorative lines. 

Seven of the succulents feature an LED lightbulb, casting a gorgeous warm glow. A sustainable choice, this turtle statue light doesn’t require any electricity or batteries, but rather relies on solar power. The non-succulent side of the turtle is equipped with a solar panel, strategically placed so it won’t draw away any attention from the succulents. It only requires six to eight hours of sunlight to charge and glows for up to 10 hours once it gets dark. For convenience, the lights automatically turn on at dusk. Reviewers noted that it still charges and radiates light even on cloudy and rainy days. 

One reviewer said that the LED lights “create a magical ambiance” in their outdoor space. They also added that the combination of the succulents and lights “adds a whimsical and enchanting element” to their garden decor. 

"The details are beautiful, and the little succulent on its back makes it look even more special," another shopper raved.

Handcrafted and hand-painted, this turtle statue is made from high-quality resin with a stone-like texture. Several reviewers said that it looks like it's made from real stone! Shoppers also raved about how vibrant the hues of the succulents are and mentioned that the colors don’t fade. The resin material is weatherproof with a UV-resistant coating, designed to withstand rain, snow, humidity, and extreme temperatures, so you can keep it out year-round. 

Related: Amazon’s Rustic $70 Wooden Garden Pathway Easily Unrolls for an 'Elegant' Backyard Upgrade

You can place this adorable turtle statue anywhere in your back or front yard. Customers said that they’ve put it on their porch, patio, deck, and in their garden. A few mentioned that they’ve even used it as a centerpiece on their outdoor table. You can even keep it indoors and place it by your window with the solar panel facing the light.

Another reviewer commented: “This turtle makes a charming impression wherever you place it — whether on the balcony, patio, lawn, or even a wide windowsill.”

Ready to welcome some much-needed spring energy to your outdoor space? Head to Amazon and snag the Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light while it’s still on sale for just $24!

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

Every single day Costco finds another way to surprise shoppers with products you’d never expect to see in store. And while not every unexpected gem is necessarily a hit, there’s almost always something that’ll leave you wishing you had just a little more room for it at home.

Well, this week Costco is leaning into the novelty of its oversized ways with a massive backyard upgrade perfect for the whole family. Currently available in stores for nearly $200 less than its online price, the Bestway Power Steel 20-Foot Oval Pool Set is your ticket to exciting weekends spent having a blast at home with your closest friends and family.

Retailing for $569.99, this pool is a solid investment in summer fun, perfect for anyone with enough backyard space to make it a reality.

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Truly one of those rare occasions where the in-store price beats the online listing by a wide margin, the Bestway Power Steel 20-foot Oval Pool Set makes it easy to turn your backyard into an exciting summer hangout spot. The set includes a chemical dispenser, solar water heater, 1,600-gallon sand filter pump, ladder and pool cover—everything needed for a fully functional above-ground pool setup.

Measuring 20 feet long, 12 feet wide and 4 feet deep, it’s perfectly sized for everything from casual lounging to full-on backyard chaos, so long as nobody’s diving head first into the water. Even better, the pool sets up in about 60 minutes with the help of one or two people, requiring just three steps: lay the liner flat, assemble the frame and fill it with water. Best of all, no tools needed.

Related: Costco Is Selling a Viral Wellness Essential That Athletes Swear By

“Do you think my husband will notice if I put this in our backyard,” one fan asked the chat in response to @costcohotfinds’ video. 

“No chance this fits in my minivan,” another fan replied.

It wasn’t just newcomers to the Bestway pool singing its praises, either. One fan said, “this will be our 5th summer with ours,” noting that despite living in Northern Michigan and never taking it down in the winter, “it’s held up perfectly!”

“I have this pool,” someone else added. “It’s so worth it.”

All in, this is not a bad investment. In fact, it's one that’s totally worth going in on with the rest of the family to split the bill and make your summer dreams come true. Snag this deal in store while it’s still hot, and while you’re there, take a peek at Costco’s Ninja FlexFlame 5-in-1 Cooking System bundle, the perfect sidekick to your upcoming pool party fun.

Related: Costco Is Selling a 'Stunning' Acacia Butcher Block Counter at a Price That Can't Be Beat

In the summer of 1981, a chance encounter among music legends led to one of the greatest classic rock collaborations of all time. Holed up at Mountain Studios in Switzerland, Queen was working on their album Hot Space, when they crossed paths with David Bowie, who was recording music for the film Cat People. 

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What followed was pure kismet: The artists decided to collaborate, resulting in the dance-rock classic “Under Pressure,” which has since been ranked by American Songwriter among the greatest golden-era rock duets “that still give us chills.” 

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"As the years go on, 'Under Pressure' goes in and out of vogue constantly," AS writes. "That’s a sign of a genuinely well-written and well-produced song. And Queen and David Bowie fit together like several big-haired peas in a pod. Personally, David Bowie’s monologue at the end of the song still gives me chills (and hope for a better world) each and every time I hear it. 'Under Pressure' really is a dance-rock song for the ages."

Still, the recording sessions were far from easy. According to Queen guitarist Brian May, the studio became a creative battleground, with competing ideas and strong personalities, perhaps mirroring the track’s title.

Speaking to Mojo magazine, per AS, May recalled the subtle tension between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, saying that the two locked “horns” in a bit of a musical-genius power play. “It was sort of wonderful and terrible,” he said, noting moments of rivalry even in small details like studio timing and decision making.

May also reflected on the creative intensity in a 2008Mojo interview, saying that both Mercury and Bowie were powerful artistic presences. “It was hard, because you had four very precocious boys and David, who was precocious enough for all of us.” He added that Bowie had influence on the lyrical direction of the track, while internal disagreements over structure and mixing added to the friction.

Despite the tension, though, the single was an instant hit, soaring all the way to No. 1 in the U.K. and peaking at No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Called a “monster rock track,” the hit is widely considered one of the band’s and dance-rock artist’s most popular songs. Not to mention one of the best contributions to '80s rock, paving the way for other bands to team up and follow suit.

The hit remains a staple in pop culture today, with films, shows, karaoke bars, and even weddings all offering ways for newer generations to encounter the song. It also re-entered the chat in the '90s after being sampled without credit in Vanilla Ice's “Ice Ice Baby,” leading to a high-profile legal dispute and renewed attention for the original track, per AS. 

Pressure makes diamonds as they say, and this one never stops shining.

Related: 1991 Rock Anthem Became the Longest-Running Near-Hit in Music History

Grey's Anatomy actress Chyler Leigh, who played Meredith Grey's younger sister, Lexie Grey, recently opened up about Eric Dane's death this past February and what her experience of grief looked like.

Dane passed away due to complications related to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. Dane had publicly shared news of his diagnosis just 10 months before his death.

When Dane passed, social media was flooded with touching tributes to the actor, including from many of Dane's co-stars. Among those names was fellow Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey, who played Derek Shepherd, as well as Jensen Ackles, who starred alongside Dane in the Prime Video show Countdown.

Leigh also released a statement about Dane's passing back in February, which said, among other things, "Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set."

Now, Leigh has opened up to share a bit more about how the news of Dane's passing affected her and what her experience of grief has looked like over the last few months.

Per Us Weekly, Leigh shared, "It had been a while since I had connected with him, and then I got the news. Then, it just hit me. I was like, 'Oh my God, I can’t believe this happened.'"

Leigh explained that it wasn't really until a few days later, when she was flying from Los Angeles to her home in Nashville, that the full weight of this loss truly hit her.

"All of a sudden, it just hit. I had to keep getting up and going to use the lavatory because I was just sobbing. I didn’t know it was going to hit me that hard and especially that fast. It was definitely a grief, and now when I see the reels [of his past work] it’s not like I’m over it, but I’m able to see past the absolute devastation of it and be able to appreciate even more so those incredible moments that we had together," she said.

Leigh's Grey's Anatomy character Lexie and Dane's character Mark Sloan had an on-again-off-again relationship throughout several seasons of Grey's, but they remained a fan-favorite couple on the show until their mutual exits, which saw both characters die as a result of a harrowing plane crash. Even now, years after those departures, fans express love for this couple.

In 1977, Elvis Costello released a song that sounded gentler than much of the punk movement surrounding it, but carried just as much emotional intensity beneath the surface.

"Alison" has since been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time, cementing its reputation as one of Costello's defining works and one of the most enduring rock ballads of the late 1970s.

Despite often being interpreted as a straightforward love song, "Alison" is far more emotionally complicated.

Originally appearing on Costello's debut album, My Aim Is True, the song helped introduce listeners to his sharp songwriting style, blending tenderness, bitterness and emotional ambiguity into a deceptively simple melody.

"I've always told people that I wrote the song 'Alison' after seeing a beautiful checkout girl at the local supermarket," Costello wrote in his book, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink.

"She had a face for which a ship might have once been named. Scoundrels might once have fought mist-swathed duels to defend her honor. Now she was punching in the prices on cans of beans at a cash register and looking as if all the hopes and dreams of her youth were draining away. All that were left would soon be squandered to a ruffian who told her convenient lies and trapped her still further."

That mixture of compassion, disappointment and restrained anger became central to the song's emotional power.

Musically, "Alison" also stood apart from many rock songs of its era. While punk music in the late 1970s was often loud, aggressive and chaotic, Costello leaned into a softer, more soulful sound that drew from classic pop and rhythm and blues influences. The contrast helped the song resonate with a wide audience beyond the punk scene and established Costello as one of the most sophisticated songwriters of his generation.

Over the years, "Alison" has remained one of his most beloved tracks, frequently appearing in films, television and live performances. Artists across multiple genres have also covered the song, further reinforcing its reputation as a modern classic.

Part of what continues to make "Alison" so compelling is its emotional ambiguity. The song never fully explains its narrator's intentions or feelings, allowing listeners to interpret it in different ways decades later.

Its inclusion among Rolling Stone's greatest songs of all time reflects just how influential and timeless the track has become.

Nearly 50 years after its release, "Alison" still stands as proof that some of the most powerful rock songs are the quietest ones.

Related: 1973 Rock Classic, Originally a Breakthrough Radio Anthem, Became a No. 1 Hit Twice