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NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Friday, August 28, 2026
To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll be exploring remote-controlled household items, messy bodily mishaps, self-help books, lottery games, animated movie characters, Girl Scout groups, promises, Italian phrases, shipping companies and visual wordplay, among other things.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Friday, August 28, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Friday, August 28, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Household items that come with remotes — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
4 Across: String of saliva — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”
6 Across: Self-help book genre — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”
7 Across: Powerball or Mega Millions — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
8 Across: Emoji voiced by Sir Patrick Stewart in “The Emoji Movie” — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Group of Girl Scouts — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
2 Down: Promise that one will — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
3 Down: ___ voce (under ones’s breath) — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
4 Down: Big name in shipping logistics — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”
5 Down: Shape formed by the O’s in this puzzle — HINT: Ends with the letter “P”
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Household items that come with remotes — TVS
4 Across: String of saliva — DROOL
6 Across: Self-help book genre — HOWTO
7 Across: Powerball or Mega Millions — LOTTO
8 Across: Emoji voiced by Sir Patrick Stewart in “The Emoji Movie” — POOP
1 Down: Group of Girl Scouts — TROOP
2 Down: Promise that one will — VOWTO
3 Down: ___ voce (under ones’s breath) — SOTTO
4 Down: Big name in shipping logistics — DHL
5 Down: Shape formed by the O’s in this puzzle — LOOP
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, August 27, 2026
1967 Rock Song, Written by ‘Greatest Guitarist of All Time,’ Is Still Adored 59 Years Later
If you want to hear why Jimi Hendrix became known as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, “Purple Haze” is a pretty good place to start. Released in 1967, the song gave rock one of its most recognizable guitar riffs and showed just how far Hendrix was willing to push the instrument.
The track came together quickly after producer Chas Chandler heard Hendrix working on a new guitar riff in December 1966.
“I heard him playing it at the flat and was knocked out,” Chandler later recalled. He encouraged Hendrix to keep working on it, telling him, “That’s the next single!”
According to Chandler, Hendrix wrote the rest of the song in a dressing room at a London club before a performance. The Jimi Hendrix Experience began recording it a few weeks later at De Lane Lea Studios in London. The basic track was reportedly recorded in about four hours.
Drummer Mitch Mitchell recalled Hendrix showing him and bassist Noel Redding the riff and chords in the studio. After the initial recording, Chandler and Hendrix kept experimenting with the sound and adding new elements.
“With ‘Purple Haze’, Hendrix and I were striving for a sound and just kept going back in [to the studio], two hours at a time, trying to achieve it. It wasn’t like we were there for days on end,” Chandler recalled.
“We recorded it, and then Hendrix and I would be sitting at home saying, ‘Let’s try that.’ Then we would go in for an hour or two. That’s how it was in those days. However long it took to record one specific idea, that’s how long we would book. We kept going in and out.”
While the guitar work is what first catches your ear, the lyrics are a little harder to pin down. Over the years, Hendrix gave a few different accounts of where “Purple Haze” came from.
He said the song began with a dream about walking underwater, later describing it as a journey through a mythical land. At another point, he said it was inspired by a woman who had put a voodoo spell on him.
Still, fans have long heard “Purple Haze” as a nod to psychedelics. Hendrix never said that was what the song meant, and Chandler maintained that the rock legend wasn’t taking psychedelics when he wrote it.
The song gave music fans another mystery to debate with one of rock’s most famous misheard lyrics.
Hendrix sings, “‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky,” but many listeners heard it as “‘Scuse me while I kiss this guy.” The misunderstanding became so well known that Gavin Edwards used the phrase as the title of his 1995 book about misheard lyrics.
Hendrix even played along with it during some live performances, changing the line to “‘Scuse me while I kiss this guy” and pointing toward Redding or Mitchell.
“Purple Haze” only reached No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its influence stretched far beyond its chart performance. Are You Experienced reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and has sold more than 5 million copies in the U.S.
The song’s reputation has only grown over the years. Rolling Stone ranked “Purple Haze” No. 2 on its “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time” list and included it on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list. The magazine also ranked Hendrix No. 1 on its “Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list. “Purple Haze” was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
That impact is still easy to see in the reaction to Hendrix’s live performances. A video of the Experience performing “Purple Haze” at the Atlanta Pop Festival on July 4, 1970, has racked up more than 37 million views on Hendrix’s official YouTube channel.
“If he ain’t your favorite guitarist, he’s your favorite guitarist’s favorite guitarist. FACT,” one viewer wrote.
Another commented, “People don’t understand this is the man who started it ALL. He completely took the electric guitar and reinvented it.”
“Razor sharp technique and a razor sharp sound. The greatest guitarist of all time,” a third fan wrote. Someone else summed up the performance by saying, “Purple Haze kicks more a** than ’80s metal.”
“His control of feedback is actually insane, he summons it like magic,” another viewer added.
Related: 1971 Pop Song, Written for a Coca-Cola Commercial, Became a Global Hit 55 Years Ago
Cardiologists Are Begging People to Stop Pairing This Common Supplement with Statins
Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of adults in the United States, and your cholesterol levels play a big role in your heart health.
For many people, especially those who didn’t hit the genetic jackpot, a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep and managing stress may not be enough for their cardiovascular health and to control their cholesterol. If you’re one of those individuals, you’re not alone, and there’s help out there. Your doctor or cardiologist may prescribe a statin to help lower your “bad” cholesterol levels, and they’ve long been proven to be safe and effective for most patients who need them.
That said, there are some lifestyle adjustments you may want to make if you’re taking a statin. That includes potentially changing up your diet and whatever supplements you may be taking to stay healthy, because there are some that do more harm than good. In fact, there is one specific vitamin supplement that you’ll want to avoid if you’re taking a statin, because not only will it not improve your heart health, but it may interact poorly with your cholesterol medication and potentially even cause organ damage.
Find out what supplement cardiologists are urging you to stop taking if you’re taking cholesterol medications and why.
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What Supplement Should You Avoid if You’re on a Statin?Niacin, or vitamin B3, is the one supplement you’ll want to skip if you’re taking a statin for your cholesterol levels. And here’s the thing—we absolutely get why you’d want to try using it, because niacin can lower triglycerides and is often used to control blood lipids. However, if you’re using a statin, niacin won’t improve anything, and cardiologists typically only recommend prescription niacin for patients who can’t take statins.
“Routine niacin supplementation is not recommended in people taking statins,” board-certified cardiologist Dr. Kevin S. Shah, MD, FACC, FHFSA, board-certified cardiologist, tells Parade. “Earlier studies suggested niacin could improve cholesterol numbers, but large clinical trials found that adding niacin to statin therapy did not meaningfully reduce heart attacks or strokes for most patients.”
Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Ignoring This Important Cholesterol Number
“Taking niacin supplements (especially higher doses of more than one gram per day) while on statins poses a serious risk of muscle injury (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis) and liver toxicity,” adds board-certified cardiologist Dr. David Rhee, MD. “We’ve known this for the past decade, and the data consistently shows that adding niacin to statin therapy provides no additional cardiac benefit.”
“Niacin can also lead to side effects such as flushing,” Dr. Shah adds.
(We should note that the flushing of the skin that sometimes comes with niacin intake isn’t actually harmful, but many people can find it annoying!)
Related: This Popular Drink Could Be Clogging Your Arteries, a Cardiologist Warns
Can You Safely Consume This Nutrient at All if You’re Taking a Statin for Cholesterol?While taking niacin supplements isn’t advised for people on some cholesterol drugs, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid niacin entirely—just get it from your food instead of a caplet.
“Most people should simply get niacin through a healthy, balanced diet, since it is naturally found in foods,” Dr. Shah advises. “Prescription-strength niacin should only be used when there is a specific medical indication and under close medical supervision, particularly for patients already taking a statin.”
Dr. Rhee agrees. “Ditch the niacin supplements and keep things simple,” he says. “The amount of niacin in food is insignificant and poses no risk.”
Bananas, eggs, lean beef, chicken, legumes (especially black beans, chickpeas, edamame, kidney beans, lentils, peas and peanuts), liver, salmon and tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts) are all healthy, safe sources of niacin that won’t interact your meds.
Up Next:
Related: The Supplement Cardiologists Say Is a Waste of Money for Heart Health
Sources- Dr. David Rhee, MD, Manhattan Cardiology in New York City and contributor to LabFinder.
- Dr. Kevin S. Shah, MD, FACC, FHFSA, board-certified cardiologist and program director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif.
KATSEYE Forced to Cancel Performance Due to Medical Emergency
KATSEYE is pulling out of their upcoming performance after Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle while at rehearsal.
The girl group announced on Thursday, Aug. 27, that they will no longer attend the Daisy Chain Fields festival. KATSEYE shared that Skiendiel was seen by doctors after the injury and was told to stay off her ankle so it could heal for the group’s upcoming tour.
“We’re so incredibly sorry to share that we are unable to perform at Daisy Chain Fields this Saturday. Megan sprained her ankle yesterday during tour rehearsal and after being evaluated by doctors, she has been advised to stay off it and allow it to properly heal so we can be ready for our upcoming tour,” KATSEYE World wrote in a statement.
The group added that they are disappointed to not be able to attend Olivia Rodrigo‘s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields. The all-female festival was “founded on the belief that joy, community, and creativity can inspire meaningful change,” according to its website.
“We know how much our fans were looking forward to seeing us, and it breaks our hearts to disappoint anyone who made plans to be there,” KATSEYE’s statement continued. “We were especially excited for Daisy Chain Fields because it’s not just about music, but the greater mission of joy and community.”
Skiendiel also released a personal message, sharing how disappointed she is to pull out of the festival.
“I’m heartbroken to miss Daisy Chain Fields, especially because of everything this festival stands for,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
Daisy Chain Fields confirmed the lineup change in an Instagram post. They captioned it, “KATSEYE member Megan is recovering from a sprained ankle, and the group will no longer be able to perform this weekend. We are wishing Megan a smooth and speedy recovery!” and added Devon Again to the schedule.
Daisy Chain Fields will kick off on Aug. 29 at Great Park in Irvine, California.
Hobby Lobby's $9 Organization Find Is a Simple Fix for Everyday Clutter
Keeping a home organized is often less about buying one giant storage system and more about finding a place for all the little things. Pens, chargers, makeup, batteries, craft supplies, skincare, medicine, pet accessories, and random household items can quickly end up scattered across counters and stuffed into messy drawers.
That is why clear, compact storage is so useful. When you can see what you have, it becomes easier to find what you need and avoid buying duplicates. Small drawers are especially helpful in tight spaces where large bins or bulky cabinets simply do not fit.
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Nook and Company Small All-Purpose Drawer, $8.99 at Hobby LobbyHobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby’s Small All-Purpose Drawer is a practical organizational find for getting those everyday extras under control. The drawer has a clear plastic construction, so you can see the contents without pulling it open or rummaging through a stack of containers. Its slim design makes it ideal for closets, shelves, desks, bathroom cabinets and under-bed storage areas.
The drawer can also be stacked, which gives you the freedom to build a custom storage system as your needs change. Use one for a small category of items, or stack several together for a larger setup. Since the clear front allows you to see inside, it is easy to keep everything visible and accessible.
One especially helpful detail is that the surface can be labeled and relabeled using a dry-erase marker. That means you can mark the drawer for chargers, nail supplies, tea, stickers or pet treats, then wipe it clean if you decide to change what is stored inside.
Related: Anthropologie’s New 10-Piece Marble Kitchen Find Is a Beautiful Addition to Any Counter
The larger version of Hobby Lobby’s All-Purpose Drawer measures 5.38 inches high by 9.88 inches wide by 13.75 inches deep when closed, while the drawer extends to 26.13 inches deep when opened. It is made of BPA-free plastic and is designed to slide in and out easily. The Small version is best for narrower storage needs, but shoppers should check the product page for its exact dimensions before deciding where to place it.
There are plenty of ways to use a drawer like this around the home. Keep one in the bathroom for extra toiletries, add one to a craft area for paintbrushes or stickers, use it in a desk setup for supplies, or place it in a pantry for snack packets and tea bags. It also works well in a dorm room, where every inch of storage matters.
If you are looking for a straightforward way to bring more order to a small area, this clear all-purpose drawer is a useful place to start. It is simple, stackable, easy to label and adaptable enough to work in nearly every room.
Related: Shoppers Say Costco’s Durable 6-Tier Storage Rack Is ‘Exactly What I Needed’
Ashley Williams and Niall Matter Reunite in Hallmark’s ‘Much About Love’—Watch an Exclusive Sneak Peek
To Hallmark or not to Hallmark? That is the question—but the answer is obvious! Hallmark Channel’s next Fall Into Love movie turns to the Bard for its romantic inspiration. Some of my favorite modern movies and television episodes inspired by William Shakespeare include She’s the Man, 10 Things I Hate About You, Kiss Me, Kate and Moonlighting’s classic “Atomic Shakespeare” episode.
Hallmark now takes a page from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with Much About Love, starring Ashley Williams—who also serves as an executive producer—and Niall Matter. The movie reunites the pair after they previously starred together in 2020’s Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater.
Read on for everything to know about Much About Love, and don’t miss Parade’s exclusive sneak peek!
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What is Hallmark’s Much About Love about?A TV director (Williams) returns to her theater roots for a Shakespeare festival and runs into an old flame (Matter), rekindling a merry war of wits in this modern retelling of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Where was Much About Love filmed?Much About Love was filmed on location in London, Ontario, Canada and surrounding areas.
Who’s in the cast of Much About Love? Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark MediaHallmark Media
Ashley Williams as BeaWilliams has starred in several Hallmark Channel movies, including the Sister Swap movies opposite her real-life sister, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. She came up with the idea for Hallmark Media’s “Make Her Mark” initiative, an on-the-job mentoring program where aspiring female filmmakers shadow more experienced directors and producers on the production of a Hallmark movie, with the intention that they will direct their own Hallmark film in the near future. The first recipient was Signed, Sealed, Delivered‘s Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe.
Related: Allison Sweeney and Ashley Williams Team-Up for To Barcelona, With Love
Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark MediaHallmark Media
Niall Matter as BennyMatter is a regular at Hallmark Channel and a well-adored fan favorite. The Eureka actor previously starred in the Aurora Teagarden mystery movies and the Finding Father Christmas trilogy of movies opposite When Calls the Heart‘s Erin Krakow. He previously headlined the series, Primeval: New World which also starred Hallmark alums, Sarah Canning, Geoff Gustafson, Miranda Frigon and Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe. He most recently appeared in the Providence Falls trilogy on Hallmark Channel.
Related: A Man From the 18th Century Finds Himself in 2022 in Hallmark Mystery’s Rip in Time
When does Much About Love premiere?Much About Love premieres on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and can be streamed the next day on Hallmark+.
Does Parade have a sneak peek of Much About Love?Yes! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Much About Love below:
PARADE Exclusive – Much About Love (Sneak Peek) (0:51) Check out images from Much About LoveTake a look at some select images from Much About Love in the gallery below.
Much About LoveHallmark MediaNiall Matter, Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Lindura Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Lindura Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Cody Ray Thompson Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Ashley Williams, Gabriel Burrafato, Jennifer Dale Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Lindura, Johnathan Sousa, Moni Ogunsuyi Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Gabriel Burrafato, Jennifer Dale Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Lindura, Moni Ogunsuyi, Johnathan Sousa, Cody Ray Thompson Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Niall Matter, Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media
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Niall Matter, Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media
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Ashley Williams, Cody Ray Thompson, Paul Braunstein, Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Moni Ogunsuyi, Ashley Williams, Paul Braunstein Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Johnathan Sousa, Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Oliver Martier
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Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media
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Ashley Williams Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media
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Niall Matter Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media
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1996 Fan Favorite, Written by Peter Steele, Voted No. 1 Greatest Metal Love Song of All Time
A love song doesn’t have to be all sweet and saccharine. It can be dark, seductive, and crushingly heavy like Type O Negative’s “Love You to Death,” which Revolver readers just ranked as the No. 1 greatest metal love song of all time.
“There really can’t be another No. 1, can there?” the magazine wrote. “When it comes to love and metal, Peter Steele is the guy, and while there’re plenty of lustful goth-metal gems in Type O’s catalog, it would be wrong if ‘Love You to Death’ didn’t take the top spot here.”
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Released in August 1996, “Love You to Death” appeared on the band’s fourth studio album, October Rust. The song itself—a Gothic love song with vampiric seduction and devotion—is widely regarded as one of frontman Steele’s signature compositions.
“The first thing Peter played us was ‘Love You to Death,’” drummer Johnny Kelly said of the album’s origins. “I thought it was brilliant from the get-go. He didn’t have all the lyrics, but he had the vocal melody line, and he was humming as he played. We all went, ‘Well, if this is what the rest of the record is like, we’re gonna be fine.’”
“At once gloomy and glistening, the music sets a carnal mood that Steele leans all the way into, issuing such devotional poeticisms as, ‘I beg to serve, your wish is my law / Now close those eyes and let me love you to death,’” the magazine wrote.
In a nod to Pink Floyd, he turned a lyric from the prog-rock legends’ “Comfortably Numb” that says, “Your lips move, but I can’t hear what you’re saying,” into, “Her hips move, and I can feel what they’re saying, swaying.”
“I’ve always been very sensitive,” Steele said in an Aquarian “lost interview” published in May 2010, speaking about his reputation as an “incurable romantic.” “That’s always contrasted greatly with my physical appearance. Sometimes people are taken aback by the contrast, which I find pleasing. Someone big is expected to act a certain way. But when I act nice, I’ve become a good actor (insert sarcasm), people are impressed.”
Formed in 1989, the Brooklyn metal band started as a metal-punk outfit, making their record debut with 1991’s Slow, Deep and Hard.
According to Songfacts, their sound softened a touch with their 1993 album Blood Kisses, a commercial hit that achieved platinum certification, with its tracks “Christian Woman” and “Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All)” becoming staples of the band’s catalog.
Their third album, October Rust, leaned even harder into sensuality, with “Love You to Death” becoming one of Type O Negative’s signature tracks. Unfortunately, their success was short-lived. The group permanently disbanded in 2010, following the death of Steele, who passed away on April 14, 2010, at age 48.
These days, however, band members Kelly and Kenny Hickey continue to keep the band’s and Steele’s legacies alive. They are reportedly working on a live album, a full-length concert recording they hope to get out later this year.
In 2020, Kelly told Billboard he still missed Stelle but felt his bandmate remained part of the conversation, adding, “His name always comes up. I’m glad that I’m still connected to him in that way, but 10 years ago, I never would have thought that people would remember Type O Negative.”
Related: 2000 Song, Featuring a Tool Legend, Voted Greatest Heavy Metal Duet of All Time
Katy Perry's Tribute to Dolly Parton Draws Backlash for 'Inappropriate' Comments
Tributes to Dolly Parton have poured in since her death, with celebrities across the country celebrating her talent, humor, and remarkable kindness. But when Katy Perry took the stage to share her own remembrance, one part of her tribute quickly drew a very different response.
The “Roar” singer is facing backlash after an onstage tribute to Parton struck some fans as flippant before turning heartfelt. Perry, 41, addressed the crowd at the National Fair of San Luis Potosí in Mexico after Parton died at 80 on Tuesday, August 25. The pop star praised the country legend’s talent and kindness, but her opening comment about Parton’s body overshadowed the rest of the tribute for some fans.
What Did Katy Perry Say About Dolly Parton? @pagesixKaty Perry paid tribute to Dolly Parton at her most recent concert 💕🎶
♬ original sound – Page Six“She had both big boobs, big brains, and a big voice in one body,” Perry said on stage, per the TikTok video shared by Page Six. “And on top of that, the biggest thing that she did was that she was constantly kind. She was kind to everyone.”
Several viewers felt Perry’s opening description was inappropriate for a memorial tribute.
“That’s the way to honor her? Start off by saying big boobs, big brain & big voice? 💀 Very ignorant. This did not feel genuine at all,” one person wrote. “dolly been that combo her whole life and katy announcing it on stage is so unnecessary,” wrote another.
Another asked, “Why not say she had a big heart! That was who she really was.” An additional commenter wrote, “It’s so performative.”
One viewer also referenced Perry’s Blue Origin flight, writing, “And she never had to pretend to be an astronaut for us to like her.”
What Did Katy Perry Say After Dolly Parton’s Death? View this post on InstagramPerry shared a longer tribute on Instagram with photos and videos from their time together. She wrote that her heart sank when she learned of Parton’s death and recalled the singer as joyful, funny, and generous.
“Dolly was glam, funny, and kind as [Expletive]. Her star will forever shine bright, and I bet you she’s already remodeling them pearly gates with rhinestones. We will always love you, Dolly,” Perry wrote.
At a Los Angeles concert film premiere one day later, Perry described Parton as a light and praised the example she set: “She was an earth angel. I think her legacy is one to follow and look up to forever, and I think it’s just going to continue to expand. I think everyone should emulate her. She’s the bar.”
Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in an emotional statement on Instagram on Tuesday, August 25.
View this post on InstagramHer representatives later told People that she died following a brief battle with cancer. The type of cancer was not disclosed.
This Viral $13 Amazon Tool Is the Secret to Arranging Neat, Full-Looking Bouquets With Fewer Flowers
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Like most people, I love having fresh flowers around the house. What I don’t love, though, is bringing home a bouquet, trimming every stem, filling a vase with water, and then realizing I have absolutely no idea how to arrange the flowers so they look like the full, artfully placed display I had in mind. Fortunately, you don’t need florist-level skills (or an enormous pile of flowers) to create a neater arrangement, as one viral tool has now proven to countless floral enthusiasts.
@homewithmicThis little vase buddy makes my flowers look so full ☺️ #amazonhomefinds #vasebuddy #amazonhome #artificialflowers #neutralhome
♬ original sound – elizabeth ⪩༏⪨The Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid helps keep each stem exactly where you want it, making it easier to spread flowers throughout the vase instead of letting them all fall toward the center or bunch together on one side. Available at Amazon for just $13, it’s an inexpensive way to give grocery store bouquets and garden clippings a boost.
Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid, $13 at Amazon Shop at AmazonThis flexible silicone grid stretches across the rim of a vase, creating a simple framework that helps keep every flower exactly where you place it. Designed for vase openings between 5 and 8 inches, it self-grips to smooth surfaces when stretched into position and gives you a series of openings to work each stem through individually. That means you can build the arrangement flower by flower instead of dropping everything into the vase at once and hoping it naturally falls into place.
The tool is especially helpful with wide-mouthed containers and long-stemmed flowers, which can otherwise lean, spread apart, or flop toward one side. By holding stems upright and spaced throughout the opening, the grid helps create a fuller, more balanced arrangement, even when you’re working with fewer flowers.
Using it is straightforward: Stretch the washable silicone over the top of your empty vase, then thread your flowers and greenery through the individual openings as you arrange them. You can vary the placement and height of each stem to build shape, fill empty spots, and keep focal flowers from disappearing into the rest of the bouquet. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, add water to the vase as usual.
Shop More Deals- Urolrhi 2-Pack Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid, $14 (was $20) at Amazon
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When it’s time for a water change, simply slip the flexible grid off, keeping the flowers in place amongst the slots, refresh the water, and slip the stems back in while stretching the grid back over the vase without having to pull apart and rebuild the entire display. Because it’s reusable, this tool can also take the place of single-use floral foam, tape, or more cumbersome chicken wire, then be removed cleanly when your flowers have expired.
Budding at-home florists praised this “flexible” and “easy to use” tool in the reviews section, calling it an “ingenious idea” that makes your arrangements “look like a professional did them.” One shopper wrote, “It fits on many different bases and stretches without breaking,” and is “very easy to clean,” not leaving behind any residue.
Related: This 3-Piece Set of Radiant Glass Vases at IKEA Gives a High-End Look for Just $15
Ready for your flower arranging skills to blossom? Add the Vase Buddy Reusable Silicone Flower Arranging Grid to your Amazon cart and give your next bouquet a boost!
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1959 No. 1 Hit, Written Accidentally by Ray Charles, Remains 'One of the Greatest Songs in Music History' 67 Years Later
In December 1958, Ray Charles created what fans have considered “one of the greatest songs in music history“—and he made it happen accidentally. In fact, “What’d I Say” came together on a whim during a live performance when he had run out of material to perform.
While performing a show in Pennsylvania, the legendary musician and his band had reportedly completed all their rehearsed songs with time still on the clock. With 12 minutes left to fill, he instructed his band and backup singers to follow his lead as he improvised, according to On Stage magazine. “What’d I Say” is what came out of that on-the-spot moment. A purely impromptu set that turned into a timeless classic.
After hearing the response from the live audience and realizing he had a hit on his hands, he officially recorded the tune in-studio at Atlantic Records in New York City on Feb. 18, 1959, the outlet noted.
The lesson? When creativity strikes, go with it. The track instantly became a smash. “What’d I Say” climbed up to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Charles’ first career Top 10 pop hit and first Certified Gold record. The accompanying studio album of the same name reached No. 20 on the Billboard 200 on July 7, 1962, remaining on the chart for a lengthy 73 weeks total (yes, that’s more than a full year).
Related: 1969 Hit Ranked the No. 2 ‘Greatest Bob Dylan Cover’ of All Time
Nearly seven decades later, fans still rave over the track like it was released yesterday. The song was recently remembered on social media with a black-and-white snippet of the actual occasion, in a post with overlay text reading, “One of the greatest songs in music history was born from pure improvisation.”
“The man was a genius,” one commenter dropped, as another recalled good times of their own: “1963 8th grade from then on every band played this song at dances in NYC because it could be stretched and ad libs made it yours. Great song!!!”
“Brilliant!!! Loved the song the first time I heard it in the 1960s!!!!👏👏👏,” someone else agreed.
View this post on InstagramFurther pointing to its timelessness, “What’d I Say” had gained over 100 million streams on Spotify at the time of writing.
From the looks of it, the younger generations may recognize good music after all.
Bon Jovi Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 39 Years After No. 1 Hit
Bon Jovi’s song “Livin’ on a Prayer” is making a resurgence as the 1986 arena rock anthem re-enters the Billboard Global 200.
Four decades after it was released, the band’s No. 1 hit continues to captivate listeners, with its latest chart return putting the classic anthem back in the spotlight.
On Billboard’s weekly chart ranking of the 200 most popular songs, the iconic band fronted by Jon Bon Jovi makes a comeback after securing No. 197 on the list.
The resurgence may coincide with the group’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of their album Slippery When Wet, released on Aug. 18, 1986.
Apart from the award-winning band, some of music’s iconic songs also returned to the Billboard Global 200, including The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling,” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” and others.
As for “Livin’ on a Prayer,” it was the band’s second No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987, following “You Give Love A Bad Name.”
Rock band Bon Jovi in August 1984.Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images
The Bon Jovi song stayed at the top spot for four weeks and spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart.
Written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child, it was the second lead single from the group’s smash-hit third studio album, Slippery When Wet.
The 64-year-old vocalist once mentioned that “Livin on a Prayer” wasn’t the song initially preferred by the band because for them, it sounded a bit like the English punk rock band The Clash before the famous bassline was added.
“I remember walking out of the room with Richie and I said, ‘Eh, it’s okay. Maybe we should just put it on a movie soundtrack,’” Jon Bon Jovi told The Irish Times, as cited by uDiscover Music. “Richie looked at me and said, ‘You’re an idiot. It’s really good.’ I said, ‘I just don’t know where it’s going.’ But it didn’t have that boom-boom-boom bassline yet, so it sounded more like The Clash.”
Lo and behold, “Livin’ on a Prayer” became one of Bon Jovi’s signature anthems that they’ll be performing for years, including at their long-awaited comeback stage performance for the Bon Jovi Forever Tour 2026.
The multi-city global tour also marked Jon Bon Jovi’s first live performance since his vocal surgery in 2022.
Related: Jon Bon Jovi Sends Emotional Message After World Tour Announcement
Jurassic Park's Most Famous Prop Just Sold at Auction — And You Won't Believe the Price
A piece of cinematic history just sold for over $400,000. And this prop is absolutely “dino-mite.” The item in question is the Jurassic Park screen-matched opening-scene mosquito-in-amber fossil that started it all.
As fans of the franchise know, Jurassic Park (the functional dinosaur theme park, not the movie) got its start with the prehistoric biting bug. InGen’s scientists extracted blood and DNA that the pesky preserved pest had ingested millions of years ago and used it to isolate the genetic codes of the velociraptor, brachiosaurus, T. rex, and other Jurassic Period giants.
‘Jurassic Park’, 1993. (Photo by Murray Close/Getty Images)The faux fossil was part of Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction (Day 1) held on August 26 in Los Angeles. According to the auction listing, the popular prop is made of resin, textured and painted to resemble amber encased in stone. While it was listed for an estimated price of $100,000 to $200,000, it sold for an impressive $403,200!
Propstore COO Brandon Alinger said, in a press release, “We are thrilled with the results from the opening day of Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, led by the screen-matched mosquito in amber from Jurassic Park.”
Alinger continued, “Few objects capture the premise and enduring cultural impact of a film so immediately, and the response from collectors reflects the significance of this remarkable piece. With three more days and hundreds of incredible lots still to come, we are excited to see how the rest of the auction unfolds.”
The fossilized amber mosquito prop may have been the highlight of Day 1, but it certainly wasn’t the only auction item that sold. Other notable pieces of nostalgia include a “Midgrade” Starfleet Type-2 Phaser from Star Trek: The Original Series ($315,000), John Travolta’s legendary white suit from Saturday Night Fever ($277,200), Christopher Reeve’s costume with screen- and photo-matched tunic and replica boots from Superman III/Superman IV ($233,100), Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark Light-Up Iron Man Mark 46 Upper Body Armor from Captain America: Civil War ($138,600), Keanu Reeve’s Neo costume from The Matrix Reloaded ($138,600), Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow Tricorn Hat from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl ($100,800), Johnny Depp’s Scissorhands from Edward Scissorhands ($75,600), and Michael Jackson’s Were-Cat prosthetic teeth from the Thriller video ($47,250).
Other auction items listed include props and costumes from big-screen blockbusters such as the Alien franchise, Armageddon, Titanic, Austin Powers, Back to the Future, Good Will Hunting, and Barbarella.
Gardeners Say You Should Plant These 5 Vegetables in Late August for a Fall Harvest
As we approach the end of August, we also approach the end of the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere. I miss you already, fresh summer tomatoes.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plant vegetables for a fall harvest. In fact, there are a few crops that, when planted this time of year, actually thrive come fall!
To find out which veggies should be planted in late August, we spoke with two professional gardeners: Celina Debrito, the head gardener for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Virginia, and Samson Mastroianni, the founder and lead designer of Samson Landscape + Design in Cleveland.
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“Although it’s late for the growing season, there are a couple of leafy greens and vegetables that are OK to plant [in late August],” Mastroianni tells Parade. This, he explains, is “because their harvest windows are not more than 2.5 months.”
Debrito agrees, adding that “there are quite a few fall vegetables that not only can be planted now, but should.”
Keep reading for their insights on five veggies that you should plant now—and four that you definitely shouldn’t.
Related: 9 Perennials to Cut Back in Late August—and 5 You Should Leave Alone
Gardeners Say You Should Plant These 5 Vegetables in Late August for a Fall Harvest 1. Kale and baby kaleAccording to Mastroianni, kale plants “can last from late August until whenever the first hard-freeze is and sometimes beyond,” and they also germinate well in the warm soil of late summer.
If you prefer the taste of baby kale, your kale plant can “be harvested early as baby leaves.” Or, leave them “in the ground well into late fall, with growth beginning to slow down in winter.”
2. Carrots“The classics to start in mid-late August are long-growing root crops,” such as carrots, turnips and beets, says Debrito. “They have a long grow window of 50–75+ days, so starting them now while the soil is warm will help them germinate evenly—just be sure to keep the soil moist during dry spells.”
Mastroianni also recommends planting carrots at this time of year. “They take a bit longer than the other choices to get going, but can stay alive year round if given the chance,” he says. “I’ve given them the chance before, and they survive through deer grazing, 2 feet of freezing snow and single digit temperatures.”
Related: The 5 Perennials You Should Stop Deadheading in Late Summer, According to a Gardener
3. Spinach“Spinach can be started now as well, since it too has a long harvest window and is well adapted to different climates,” says Debrito.
When it comes to spinach, Mastroianni recommends starting your sprouts indoors, as they do better out of the heat. Make sure to keep your soil moist.
“At this point in the year, you can still grow the leaves to whichever maturity you’d like, and it’s even said that cooler temps add some sweetness,” he says. “For overwintering, mulch or cover them over for an early spring harvest.”
4. Swiss chard“Swiss chard is another great option,” says Debrito. She notes that Swiss chard “can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and has a nice long harvest window.” Plus, they add “a beautiful pop of bright color” to a vegetable patch.
5. Leaf lettuceAlso known as green leaf lettuce or red leaf lettuce, this plant is a “pest magnet,” according to Mastroianni. That said, late August is still the best time of year to plant some leaf lettuce—just make sure to do so somewhere that’s not accessible to rabbits and deer, such as in a planter box on the deck.
After planting leaf lettuce, you should see baby leaves sprouting with four weeks. From there, sow your plants every two weeks, and you’ll have a consistent supply of leaf lettuce until the first frost.
Related: Why Your Hydrangeas Are Wilting Even Though You’re Watering Them, According to Gardeners
4 Plants That Gardeners Do Not Recommend Planting in Late August 1. RadishesCatherine Delahaye / Getty Images
“Radishes are a cool season crop and easy addition to the garden, and are often recommended to start in late summer,” says Debrito. However, it’s best to wait until late September to plant them.
“I find they get easily heat stressed and can prematurely bolt and not form correctly,” she adds. “I prefer to hold off for a month or so until the daytime temps drop a little. Radishes grow so quickly, so there’s no reason to rush the planting time!”
2. Tomatoes“Starting tomatoes from scratch or seed this late is not likely to see much of a yield,” warns Mastroianni. “Fungi and deer seem to ravage tomatoes this time of year.”
If you are really dying to grow your own tomatoes this late in the summer, he says your “best bet would be a late-stage farmers market plant, which can pay for itself if it generates a few pounds of tomatoes.”
Related: The One Mistake That’s Causing Your Basil to Flower Too Early, According to Gardeners
3. PumpkinsEven though pumpkins are the quintessential fall plant, if you haven’t planted any yet this year, you’re too late.
“Starting vine, fall-fruiting plants like watermelon or pumpkin this late is unlikely to come up with the best yield either,” Mastroianni explains. “Cantaloupe, gourds, anything that was more of an early-summer plant and commonly take 3-4 months to harvest is not a great idea right now.”
4. Head lettuceAccording to Mastroianni, head lettuce—which includes romaine, iceberg and butter lettuce—is “more fragile to dropping temps” than other greens and lettuces.
Planting these lettuces so late in the summer often “triggers rot and slime,” and you “won’t get to more than half-head by the time the real frosts set in,” Mastroianni says.
“Lettuces are a must for any vegetable garden, and are quite easy to grow!” adds Debrito. “However, they are delicate and sensitive to heat spikes, and fall varieties should not be started outdoors yet, unless they have a decent shade cloth. Even then, there a risk of them turning bitter if they get too hot, so I play it safe and just be patient a little longer!”
Up Next:
Related: The Biggest Mistake People Make Watering Their Lawns in August, According to Lawn Experts
Sources:- Celina Debrito, head gardener for Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
- Samson Mastroianni, founder and lead designer of Samson Landscape + Design
Martha Stewart's New 'Home Away From Home' Has Fans Saying the Same Thing
“This is the 3rd ad I’ve seen her in this week.”
Indeed, Martha Stewart is everywhere these days. Power to her. There are countless fans of the iconic businesswoman, author and TV personality out there.
That also means her loyal followers weren’t shy in weighing in on Stewart’s unexpected new partnership with a buzzy — yet controversial — car company, which is now promoting its latest self-driving vehicle.
Waymo’s brand-new Ojai, a self-dubbed “living room on wheels,” is officially open to all riders in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, with more cities on the way.
The autonomous driving tech company just took to social media to promote its surprising collab with Stewart, 85, who stars in the Ojai’s new commercial.
“Welcome to the ultimate home tour, Ojai edition. ✨ Join @marthastewart48 as she highlights what makes this cabin special, featuring spacious seating and intuitive technology,” reads the caption of Waymo’s joint Instagram post with the famed writer.
“Welcome to my new home away from home,” Stewart says in that signature TV voice of hers to begin the ad. “This one has excellent architecture.”
View this post on InstagramFans have since flooded the post’s comments section to voice their reactions. A solid group seemed on board with the partnership, with one Instagram user commenting, “Will try anything Martha endorses!” Another person simply wrote, “👏🏼 iconic.”
Virtually everyone else who weighed in, however, expressed reservations — given the nature of Waymo’s service and its potential implications on the humans out there trying to make a buck by providing rideshare. “I love me some Martha, but there’s no “way” I’m getting in a WayMo. I’ve seen too many of them, clog up streets, black, emergency, vehicles, and trap people inside the car,” one Instagram user commented on the reel, while another person commented, “We need REAL PEOPLE DRIVING AND LESS CAMERAS ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️”
2006 Debut Novel by a Best-Selling British Author Gets Named the 'Most Fun Fantasy Book of All Time'
Opening up the pages of a fantasy book is one of readers’ favorite ways to get in a healthy dose of escapism. While most novels in the fantasy genre give a glimpse into a magical world full of wonder, some simply bring more delight than others, usually due to their unique characters, quippy dialogue, or lower-stakes plots.
For instance, the publication Collider recently released a list of “the 8 most fun fantasy books of all time.” The ranking featured fantasy novels like 2000’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, The Princess Bride by William Goldman from 1973, and J. R. R. Tolkien‘sThe Hobbit, published in 1937, with 2006’s The Blade Itself by British author Joe Abercrombie taking home the title of the “most fun fantasy book of all time.”
The Blade Itself, which happens to be Abercrombie’s first book, has a score of 4.22 out of 5 from 334,758 readers on Goodreads. Meanwhile, the book’s sequels, 2007’s Before They Are Hanged and 2008’s Last Argument of Kings, have Goodreads scores of 4.36 from 233,043 readers and 4.37 from 214,910 readers.
Joe Abercrombie Shared His Thoughts About The Lasting Popularity of ‘The Blade Itself’In a January 2026 interview with Maude Garrett, Abercrombie shared his thoughts about the lasting popularity of The Blade Itself.
“It came out in 2006, and so it’s kind of amazing that people are still buying it, still reading it, and still feeling that it’s kind of relevant. I mean, you’re lucky as a writer if you’re able to get a book published. So, to have something that’s stuck around in that way is brilliant,” said the author.
He then explained that he felt less pressure writing The Blade Itself than his subsequent novels because he hadn’t yet been published.
“I was doing it purely for my own amusement when I wrote this book. I had no audience. I never really expected that I’d get an audience. I was just making stuff up in the middle of the night for my own amusement as much as anything,” said Abercrombie in the January 2026 interview. “So, yeah, there’s definitely a sense of being free when you’re not a published author, and you do miss that somewhat when you become published, even if there’s obviously, you know, it’s great to have it get out there and people to read it and enjoy it and all of that.”
This Multifunctional IKEA Find Is So Sturdy, Shoppers Are Keeping It for Decades
A cluttered workspace can make it harder to focus, but adding more storage does not have to mean filling a room with bulky furniture. The most useful organizational pieces are the ones that hold plenty of supplies while still adapting to the way you actually live and work.
That is why a rolling drawer unit is such a smart home find. It gives you a dedicated place for papers, office supplies, cords, craft materials, and everyday extras, but the wheels make it easy to move when you want to rearrange your setup. Whether you work from home, have a small apartment or need more storage in a bedroom or craft area, flexible furniture can make a huge difference.
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ALEX Drawer Unit on Casters, $169.99 at IKEAIKEA
IKEA’s ALEX Drawer Unit on Casters in White is a clean, practical option for getting organized. Currently priced at $169.99, down from $219.99, the rolling unit includes six drawers in a sleek white finish. IKEA lists it as a 22 percent discount, saving shoppers $50.
The storage unit measures 26 ⅜ inches wide, 18 ⅞ inches deep, and 26 inches high. That makes it wide enough to hold a generous amount of supplies while still fitting beneath many desks, alongside a workspace or in a bedroom corner. Each drawer has an interior depth of 16 ½ inches, giving you room for notebooks, chargers, stationery, art supplies and other small household items.
Related: Anthropologie’s New 10-Piece Marble Kitchen Find Is a Beautiful Addition to Any Counter
The included casters are what make this unit especially useful. You can roll it underneath a desk to create a more streamlined office setup, pull it out when you need access to supplies or move it to another room if your needs change. Since the back is finished, IKEA says the unit can be placed anywhere in a room instead of needing to sit flush against a wall.
Drawer stops help prevent drawers from being pulled out too far, adding a helpful safety and stability feature. The total maximum load is 40 pounds, with a maximum load of 4 pounds per drawer, so it is best for lighter office and household storage rather than heavy tools or large stacks of books.
The ALEX unit is made primarily from particleboard and fiberboard with an acrylic-painted and paper-foil finish. It requires assembly, and IKEA recommends re-tightening the screws about two weeks after assembly, then as needed. And if you’re worried it won’t be sturdy enough, don’t be. One shopper noted that they’ve “used it for a couple of decades.” Not bad!
Related: Stanley 1913 Fans Are Racing to T.J. Maxx to Find This Beautiful Tumbler
’70s-Sounding Hit, From a ‘Stranger Things’ Alum, Ranked No. 1 Rock Song on Soundcharts
Joe Keery might be best known as Steve Harrington, but the Stranger Things fan favorite has another identity, and it’s having a moment on the rock charts. His Djo hit “End of Beginning,” a dreamy, ’70s-inspired track that became a viral sensation, is currently No. 1 on Soundcharts’ U.S. rock ranking.
Released in September 2022 as part of his second album, Decide, the track blends warm analog keyboard sounds, nostalgic vocals, and steady rhythms that give the song a distinctly vintage feel, recalling ’70s psych-pop and art-rock influences like Electric Light Orchestra.
View this post on InstagramThough it was released in 2022, Djo’s song didn’t become a major hit until early 2024, when it exploded on TikTok, with users soundtracking nostalgic and wistful videos to the Djo’s hazy tune. At the time, it reached a No. 11 high on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot Alternative Songs tally.
In January 2026, the song received another major surge surrounding the Dec. 31, 2025, conclusion of the Duffer brothers’ juggernaut Netflix series. That’s when the song hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Global 200.
But interestingly, the boom wasn’t because of placement in the show, which has helped launch vintage songs back into the stratosphere, like Kate Bush‘s 1985 hit, “Running Up That Hill.” Rather, in Djo’s case, the song’s resurgence came only from the connection between Keery and his character, Steve.
“Reminiscent of new wave hits from the likes of Crowded House and INXS (Keery has noted influence from Annie Lennox’s ‘No More “I Love You’s“‘ as well), listeners have gravitated in particular to the lyrics in its chorus: ‘And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning,” Billboard shared.
Keery wrote the song reflecting on his time living, studying, and making music in Chicago. He attended The Theatre School at DePaul University, then joined a garage and psych-rock band called Post Animal. “End of Beginning’ is his synth-pop reflection on those formative years and reconnecting with himself.
“Your late 20s are a wild time,” he told Billboard. “The gist of it is being sad that I wasn’t more appreciative of something in the moment—longing for something that’s over, but also being happy that it happened.”
Djo recently wrapped a run supporting Tame Impala for the 2026 Deadbeat Tour and released The Crux Deluxe, the 12-track companion album to 2025’s The Crux.
Related: 1979 Rock Song, Overlooked for Decades, Ranked Journey’s No. 1 Greatest Deep Cut
JCPenney's 'Stylish' Duck Boots Hold Up 'Really Well' In the Rain, and They're Just $20 Right Now
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There was a period of time when I wore duck boots every single day throughout the fall and winter. I rediscovered the style during my last home visit when I saw them tucked away in my childhood bedroom, and now they’re becoming a staple in my seasonal wardrobe yet again. Luckily, JCPenney is on the same wavelength as me, because the retailer is selling these classic St.John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots for 69% off, and they’re incredibly chic.
The boots originally cost $65, but have been reduced to just $20 ahead of the chilly weather. Make sure to use the promotional code SPELLING to receive this low sale price at checkout. You can add the footwear to your cart in three colors: navy plaid, black, and brown. These traditional hues are perfect for those who want to elevate their fashion sense but are in need of something practical. Plus, the navy plaid pattern is on par for the holidays!
St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $20 (were $65) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenney'sThe duck boots are described to run small, so it’s recommended that you order a larger size. The shoes are being sold in sizes ranging from 6 to 11 in a medium width, with color and size combinations selling out quickly, so you’ll want to shop for them sooner rather than later. For reference, one customer noted that they usually are a size 9, but instead ordered a size 10 because the “sole liners are thick and extend up beyond the heel a bit.”
St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $20 (were $65) at JCPenney Shop at JCPenney'sThe boots further feature a 0.75-inch heel, round toe, and a lace-up design that keeps your foot and ankle secure but also lets you adjust the comfort throughout the day. They’re made of a nylon upper and outer base, with a synthetic lining and sole. The duck shell is made of rubber so they are waterproof, but remember that only that specific section is water-resistant. Try to avoid getting any significant water on the material above the seam to make sure they last a long time!
If you do get caught in a puddle or storm, just know that one shopper said that they used the boots in heavy rain and “they held up really well.” Other customers described the boots as “very comfortable,” “stylish,” “cute,” and “durable.” Reviewers particularly love that they’re “lightweight” because they don’t feel frustratingly bulky when they walk.
Shop More Deals- St. John’s Wide Leg Rise Cropped Pant, $24 (was $54) at JCPenney
- Liz Claiborne Carter Shoulder Bag, $39 (was $70) at JCPenney
- Clarks Westlynn Bella Moc Loafers, $65 (was $110) at JCPenney
Make these trendy duck boots even more fashionable by pairing them with boot socks (a white or tan colorway always looks good). Then, you’re set to wear them all season long. Take advantage of this 69% off JCPenney deal before it’s too late!
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Why Women Over 50 Are Switching to Perfume Oils (and the 5 Best To Try)
As skin ages, its pH shifts naturally and it may become drier, which changes the way alcohol-based fragrances behave with the body. A scent that had smelled great on you when you were 35 can smell differently as you age, or fade much more quickly. For many women over 50, this is the moment they discover perfume oils.
Perfume oils are alcohol-free fragrances blended into a carrier oil base, typically applied with a rollerball directly to pulse points. They’re not new — oil-based scent has roots going back centuries.
Ancient Egyptians used them for personal grooming, and the Indian tradition of attar, one of the oldest perfume-making methods in the world, uses hydro-distillation to capture botanical essences in oil, producing some of the most complex and long-lasting fragrances ever made. The technique has been practiced for thousands of years in places like Kannauj, India, often called the “perfume capital of the East.”
What is new is the growing awareness that for mature skin specifically, the oil format may work better since it is longer-lasting, gentler and more in tune with how aging skin reacts to perfumes.
To understand more about how perfume oils work with the skin, and which oils are worth trying, we spoke with Molly Brennan, natural perfumer and founder of House of Sacred Scents, a line of natural, oil-based perfumes.
Related: 11 Perfumes Women Over 50 Get the Most Compliments On, According to Fragrance Experts
Top Perfume Oils for Women 50+- Most Sophisticated Perfume Oil: Papillon de Nuit by LVNEA
- Best Jasmine Perfume Oil: Moon Flower by M. Hainey
- Best Date Night Perfume Oil: Heart Lift by House of Sacred Scents
- Best Tropical Perfume Oil: Balinese Ylang Ylang Perfume Oil by Lumira
- Best Luxury Perfume Oil: A Woman Is Fire by Kindred Black
Getty
A perfume oil is a fragrance concentrate blended into an oil, typically jojoba, argan or sweet almond oil, rather than dissolved in alcohol. Most eau de parfum sprays contain alcohol and project scent outward, whereas a perfume oil is applied directly to the skin with a rollerball and stays close to the body, releasing gradually through warmth rather than evaporation.
“Perfume oils project less in general because they stay closer to the skin,” Brennan explains. “If you want powerful projection, the increased speed of evaporation of an alcohol-based perfume will not be present.” What you get instead is a more intimate, personal scent—one that people notice when they’re close to you rather than when you enter a room.
Are there any downsides to switching to perfume oils?There are a few downsides worth knowing before making the switch. The lower projection is the most obvious, if you love a fragrance that announces itself when you walk in a room, oil may feel too subtle.
There’s also a shorter shelf life.
“Oils can eventually spoil. Alcohol is itself a preservative,” Brennan says. “To last longer, perfume oils would require an additional preservative to increase longevity, otherwise they need to be used in six months to a year because they can oxidize and become rancid.”
The exception is jojoba-based perfume oils.
“Jojoba oil is a wax ester rather than a vegetable oil,” Brennan explains, which means it can last two to five years with proper storage. For longevity, a cool, dark, dry space is best.
Why Mature Skin Works Well With Perfume OilsHere’s the science behind why so many women over 50 find their perfumes no longer performing the way they used to: “In youth, our skin is slightly acidic,” Brennan explains. “As our skin ages and becomes drier, it loses some of its acid mantle—the fatty acids naturally present on the skin that protect its surface and support elasticity.”
“The pH becomes more alkaline, impacting how fragrances smell on the skin,” she continues. “It can cause top notes to sour or become sharper without the oils to soften the effects of the alcohol.”
There’s also a longevity issue.
“Fragrance molecules are lipophilic, which means they bond with oils,” Brennan says. “When there is less oil in or on the skin, the fragrance will evaporate more quickly because it is more likely to evaporate at the rate of the alcohol than temporarily bond with the oils of the skin and release more slowly.”
For women who love their existing spray perfume and want more longevity, Brennan has a useful tip: “You can use unscented lotion or jojoba oil to increase longevity and balance skin pH during application if you are just trying to increase projection and longevity of the alcohol perfume.”
Related: How To Make Your Perfume Last Longer After 50
What fragrance notes work best in oil form for mature skin?“Deeper base notes like woods, gourmands, ambers, musks, and florals like jasmine, neroli, and rose tend to work best in oil for mature skin,” Brennan says. “These soften any harshness and can remain on the skin for a longer period of time.”
“Citruses and green notes can turn harsh and bitter,” she tells Parade. “If you go citrus, a sweeter citrus could soften the effect.”
However, skin chemistry depends on the person. “Always try things out and see what is right for you. Our pH and hormonal mixes are individual to each of us,” she explains.
What To Look for When Shopping for a Quality Perfume Oil“They should look for a carrier oil of either jojoba, argan or sweet almond,” Brennan says. “These enhance your lipid layer on the surface while being relatively non-greasy.”
Look for a full list of ingredients and avoid those with elements you can’t pronounce. Also check for labels that state it’s formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates.
“Avoid labels that just say ‘fragrance oil’ in the ingredient list,” she adds. Fragrance oil is a synthetic or molecularly created scent—not necessarily harmful, but very different from a natural perfume oil, and worth knowing before you buy.
The 5 Best Perfume Oils for Women Over 50Here are the five that Brennan recommends for mature women.
1. Most Sophisticated Perfume Oil: Papillon de Nuit by LVNEA, $62LVNEA
Shop It at Ministry of ScentBrennan recommends this sophisticated, resinous scent built around the deeper base notes of sandalwood and tonka. It also has “palo santo, magnolia, white champaca and botanical white musk accord,” she says.
2. Best Jasmine Perfume Oil: Moon Flower by M. Hainey, $45M. Hainey
Shop It at M. HaineyJasmine and tuberose are two of the florals Brennan highlights as working particularly well in oil form, grounded here by the woodsy depth of frankincense and sandalwood.
It has “night-blooming jasmine, tuberose, Japanese yuzu, violet leaf, vetiver, frankincense and sandalwood,” she says.
3. Best Date Night Perfume Oil: Heart Lift by House of Sacred Scents, $75House of Sacred Scents
Shop It at House of Sacred ScentsBrennan’s own perfume oil has notes of rose, vanilla, cardamom, sweet orange, geranium, clary sage and lavender.
It “warms and opens our hearts,” she says, with a botanical blend that leads with the brightness of rose and sweet orange before settling into the grounding depth of vanilla and cardamom.
Lumira
Shop It at LumiraA rich, tropical floral built on the deep base notes that wear best on mature skin. “Ylang ylang has a natural warmth that develops beautifully in oil form, and it has notes of jasmine sambac, black orchid, incense, sandalwood,” Brennan says.
5. Best Luxury Perfume Oil: A Woman Is Fire by Kindred Black, $345Kindred Black
Shop It at Kindred BlaockThis luxury scent is warm and velvety with “notes of Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, jasmine and vanilla,” Brennan says. Perfect for mature skin. It’s made in small batches and each bottle is hand blown glass.
Related: 9 Perfumes Women Over 50 Are Obsessed With Right Now, According to a Fragrance Expert
How To Apply Perfume Oil for the Best ResultsApply to the pulse points, like the wrists, neck and inner elbows. “The added warmth of the increased blood flow at these locations improves longevity and projection,” Brennan says.
Perfume oils should never be rubbed in after application; rolling or pressing and letting them absorb naturally gives the best result.
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Source:- Molly Brennan, Natural Perfumer and Founder, House of Sacred Scents
1979 Supertramp Hit, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Classic Rock Songs’ Ever, Was Partially Recorded in a Bathroom
In 1979, Supertramp had a massive hit with “The Logical Song,” and it’s still a classic 47 years later.
Written by Roger Hodgson, the song from the iconic album Breakfast in America is a pop-rock track built around a distinctive keyboard opening and a prominent saxophone solo. Its lyrics look back on the magic of childhood while questioning the pressure to become a “logical” and “practical” adult.
“The Logical Song” reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1979. Decades later, it ranks at No. 67 on Amazon Music’s list of the 100 greatest classic rock songs ever.
Perhaps one of the most surprising things about the song is how the iconic alto sax solo came together.
According to the band’s saxophonist John Helliwell, during the recording sessions for the backing tracks, there was an issue with the sax and the drum mics.
“When we were recording the backing tracks, we didn’t want the sound of the sax to spill onto the drum mics, in case the sax wasn’t good and the drum was good, and we wanted to keep it or whatever,” Helliwell told radio station 102.9 The Whale.
“So the nearest place was the bathroom. So I sat on the toilet there, with a copy of Playboy in my left hand and my sax in my right hand and we did the takes there,” he said. “In fact, the take that turned out to be the real good backing track was the one with the sax solo you hear on it. So I must’ve got the inspiration even through the walls, even sitting on the toilet.”
Helliwell shared further details on the unusual recording situation in an interview on the Vintage Rock podcast, noting, “Roger was, I think he was in the drum booth playing the Wurlitzer, the electric piano, and the bass was somewhere else, so there wasn’t a room left for me. … You don’t want to play in the room with the drums because you’re kind of, the drums are spoiling the sound for the sax and vice versa, so they said, ‘Why don’t you just pop into the toilet down the corridor?’ So that was it.”
“We ended up recording about four or five different versions of ‘The Logical Song’ and I played saxophone on every one. And every solo was kind of different, you know,” he added.
Speaking with Sound on Sound, engineer Peter Henderson recalled the setup at Village Recorder’s Studio B, which featured a control room facing the live area and a drum booth at the far end. He noted that while recording the backing track for “The Logical Song,” drummer Bob Siebenberg was placed on the left side of the main room, while bassist Dougie Thomson was also in the live room. Rick Davies’ Hohner clavinet was on the right side of the live room while Hodgson’s electric piano was indeed placed in the drum booth.
Henderson laughed off the idea of putting Helliwell in the small bathroom when there was nowhere else to fit him. “John kept moaning about his lot, but I think he actually quite enjoyed it,” Henderson shared.
Neraly 50 years after its release, “The Logical Song” remains a beloved song from the classic lineup of Supertramp.