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Walmart's Sleek $17 Slip-On Canvas Sneakers 'Fit Perfectly,' and Come in 3 Classic Colors
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If you rely on your sneakers for daily wear, then it's likely they're in need of an upgrade. With the spring season upon us, it's the perfect time to refresh your shoe rack with seasonal styles, including fashionable slip-on sneakers that can become your new go-to. Luckily, Walmart has a slew of deals in the footwear category, including the Ecetana Slip-On Canvas Sneakers, which are nearly 35% off right now.
The shoe initially cost $26 in the white colorway, but has been reduced to just $17. You can shop for the style on sale in two other colors as well — leopard print and black — for $19. The sizes range from 5.5 to 11, with the available half sizes being 5.5, 7.5, 8.5, and 10.5. The shoes are described as true to size, but if you're unsure, feel free to consult the size guide and fit predictor throughout the buying process.
Ecetana Slip-On Canvas Sneakers, From $17 (was $26) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe sneakers feature a medium shoe width with a round-toe and slip-on design. We particularly like the lack of laces because you can easily take them on and off in a rush. They're made of a canvas material and, because they're low tops, you can move your ankle freely. There's elastic side panels that make the shoe flexible, and padded insoles so that you can wear them all day without discomfort.
Ecetana Slip-On Canvas Sneakers, From $17 (was $26) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe rubber outsole is slip-resistant and provides traction so that you can sport these on more uneven terrain. The best part about these sneakers though, is that the black and white hues can be worn with nearly anything. You can wear them in casual and professional settings due to their minimalist design, or opt for the leopard print pattern as a statement piece. Plus, the white color makes a great canvas for any DIY projects or embellishments.
Related: Walmart's 'Super Soft' $296 Corduroy Cloud Couch Looks So High End and Comes in 6 Colors
The sneakers would look great with jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts, and virtually any outfit that you want to look trendy but stay comfy in. This is a bestselling style, with one shopper describing the sneakers as "really nice," adding that they "fit perfectly." You may even want to shop for multiple colors so that you have staple footwear to turn to.
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- Cueply Crochet Cover Up Top, $18 (was $30) at Walmart
It's time to throw out those old, dingy sneakers that no longer have an insole. Add these seasonal slip-on sneakers to your Walmart cart while they're just $17!
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Denise Richards Opens Up About Heartbreaking Loss of Patrick Muldoon & Their Final Film
While promoting her new thriller Dirty Hands, Denise Richards opened up about working with her close friend and late actor, Patrick Muldoon, in their final film together.
In an April 28 interview with Extra TV, Richards noted that she stars as Sheila, the wife of Richie Denton, played by Muldoon, who died on April 19 following a heart attack at the age of 57, in the movie. She said that it has been difficult to promote the film, but she knows that Muldoon would have wanted her to continue to do so.
Richards also shared that she jumped at the chance to be in the film when Muldoon had approached her to be his co-star.
"Anytime he and I can work together, we do. We've, you know, our friendship had gone on for, you know, almost 40 years. So, I would have worked on anything with him," said Richards.
Richards also told Extra TV that she and Muldoon always felt "blessed to work with each other" following their first film together, 1997's Starship Troopers.
"Anytime we could work together, we have. We have always loved being on set together and there's such a respect. There's a safety with us with feeling being able to feel vulnerable and certain scenes and no judgment," said the actress in the interview.
While speaking to Extra TV, Richards shared that her daughters, Sami Sheen, 22, Lola Sheen, 20, and Eloise Richards, 14, won't be watching Dirty Hands for quite some time. She explained that her children "were so close to Pat," so it would be difficult for them to view it.
"One day we will. We will come back to this, but I'm grateful I got to have this memory with with he and I," continued Richards.
Denise Richards Paid Tribute to Patrick Muldoon on InstagramRichards paid tribute to Muldoon in an April 21 Instagram post. The upload featured pictures of the pair throughout their decades-long friendship and working relationship.
In the caption, Richards shared she is "deeply heartbroken & devastated losing" Muldoon.
"You were my best friend & my family," wrote the actress.
She also noted she was 19 years old when she met Muldoon at their "first acting class."
"[Y]ou were 21 a student at USC doing a recurring role on who’s the boss. And here we are. 36 years later. My whole adult life & I don’t know it without you. The friendship, love, support, respect & loyalty we had was unconditional and rare," continued Richards.
She then described Muldoon as "larger than life," "so talented," "and most humble."
"Everything you did was infectious. Your laugh, your kindness, your wit, your strength, your loyalty, your passion, and your zest for life. We’ve been each other’s rock. Our memories together are endless," stated Richards. "You’ve had my back and protected me more than anyone. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you here. You’re my voice of reason & pillar of strength. Especially during this last year of pain & heartache."
She ended her caption by writing that she "will be looking for" signs that Muldoon is looking over her.
Patrick Muldoon Shared Details About His Friendship With Denise RichardsMuldoon spoke about his friendship with Richards in an October 2025 interview onTori Spelling's podcast, misSPELLING. He said that he and Richards "dated on and off in the ’90s," but maintained a platonic friendship after their breakup.
Muldoon also shared that he and Richards initially bonded because they weren't from the entertainment world when they started acting.
“The thing about Denise and I is everybody thinks we met on Starship Troopers, but we met in acting class when she was 19 and I was 21," said the Days of Our Lives actor. "We both don’t come from entertainment families, and our families got to know each other over the years and kind of checked in with each other on navigating the crazy stuff that we all go through.”
He also said that he had a bond with Richards' children.
“I’ve known them since they were first born,” said Muldoon while recording Spelling's podcast.
1981 Drama Film, Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time,’ Became an International Hit
The 1981 German war drama Das Boot continues to make waves decades after its release, now officially ranked among the “best movies of all time.”
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a remarkable 98% critic score and 96% audience rating, while landing at No. 153 on the platform’s top 300 films list.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, Das Boot follows a German submarine crew during World War II as they patrol the Atlantic Ocean. The story unfolds inside the cramped U-96 submarine, where soldiers face intense battles, harsh weather and long, quiet periods of waiting. The film’s focus on both action and everyday struggles helped it connect with audiences.
Das Boot (1981), directed by Wolfgang Petersen and based on the novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim.From the moment it premiered in 1981, Das Boot stood out for its realism and emotional depth. It quickly became a commercial success, earning nearly $85 million globally, an impressive feat for a German-language film at the time. In the United States alone, it brought in $11 million, showing its wide appeal beyond Europe.
Critics praised the film for its gripping storytelling and technical excellence. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Wolfgang Petersen. It also earned recognition at the Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards, confirming its global influence.
At the heart of Das Boot is its story of survival. The film follows Lieutenant Werner, a war correspondent played by Herbert Grönemeyer, who joins the crew to document their mission. Through his eyes, viewers see the daily life inside the submarine, from boredom and tension to fear during deadly attacks.
The submarine is led by a seasoned captain, played by Jürgen Prochnow, known as “The Old Man.” He struggles to keep his crew motivated as they face constant danger. Supplies run low, storms rage, and enemy forces attack without warning.
The film shows both extremes of war. There are moments of excitement during battle, but also long stretches of silence and waiting. This balance makes the story feel real and human. The crew members are not shown as heroes or villains, but as ordinary people trying to survive.
The journey becomes even more dangerous as the submarine attempts to pass through heavily guarded waters. After suffering heavy damage, the crew must fight to stay alive deep underwater with limited oxygen. Their struggle highlights the physical and emotional toll of war.
Today, Das Boot is widely considered one of the greatest German films ever made. The film has also been released in several versions, including a director’s cut and a TV miniseries, allowing new generations to experience its story.
Related: 2015 Hit Movie Ranked as No. 1 ‘Domestic Box-Office Film’ of All Time
1988 TV Classic With Iconic Rocker’s Theme Song Ranked Among Most Nostalgic Series of All Time
In the late 1980s, Wednesdays in our house were dedicated to crowding around the TV to watch the latest episode ofThe Wonder Years. For a half hour each week, we laughed, cried, and pined over Kevin Arnold. And we weren’t alone.
Major publications like Rolling Stone, TV Guide, and Time all consistently rank the nostalgic gem among the best TV series of all time, with Comic Basics recently naming the show in its most nostalgic series of all time. Complete with an iconic theme song that borrows from the legendary Joe Cocker, the show captured a feeling that still resonates decades later.
View this post on InstagramOpening every episode, Cocker’s Beatles cover, “With a Little Help From My Friends,” plays over home-video footage of Kevin and his family and friends. The bluesy rock anthem, which hit No. 1 in 1968 on the U.K. Singles Chart, actually celebrated its 57th anniversary this month. And every time we hear the song, we’re reminded of an adolescence spent in the comforting glow of those wondrous years.
Over six seasons, Kevin comes of age as he navigates a relationship with his dream girl, Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar), and the domestic dynamics of every American family. The blend of personal and historical drama set against a backdrop of the 1960s/1970s suburbia helped define The Wonder Years as a groundbreaking coming-of-age story.
Created by husband-wife team Carol Black and Neal Marlens, the single-camera series forwent a laugh track and opted for a narrator (Daniel Stern), resulting in cinematic storytelling that revolutionized the small screen. Another winning move? The series premiered right after Super Bowl XXII, dipping into the massive viewership already in place. The show was such an instant hit it won its first of four Emmys after just six episodes.
So, yeah, no matter how many years pass, The Wonder Years will always be culturally relevant. The age-old story of “growing up is hard to do” simply never gets old.
The Wonder Years is streaming on Hulu.
Related: 1983 Classic Nostalgia-Driven Film Named in Best Rock Movies of All Time
Amazon’s ‘Whimsical’ $20 Solar Lantern Will Transform Your Space Into a ‘Storybook Scene’
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Looking to bring your outdoor space to life after the drab and gloomy winter we’ve had? If so, a decorative solar lantern is an effortless way to instantly bring a cheerful and warm touch to your home. The ideal piece should look just as gorgeous during the day as it does at night. This Fussion Solar Lantern at Amazon is a prime example, filled with cottagecore charm along with a vintage-inspired feel.
There’s no better time than right now to snag one, because it’s currently on sale for less than $25! Normally retailing for $30, this nature-inspired solar lantern is now marked down to as low as $20.
Fussion Solar Lantern, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon Shop at AmazonAdorned with ornate cutouts, this gorgeous solar lantern is available in five nature-inspired designs: hummingbirds with flowers, dragonflies with lotuses, bees with mushrooms, and two butterfly styles with different kinds of flowers. The detailed cutouts allow for light to shine through, casting magical shadows filled with animals, florals, and decorative accents.
You can place the lantern on the ground or table to create sharp silhouettes. However, the bottom of the lantern is also entirely plastered with cutouts, so hanging it up using the included hook will allow you to see more of the design. You can either hang it from a shepherd’s hook and place it anywhere in your backyard or front yard, or dangle it from an awning or overhang on your porch or patio. The shadows it’ll cast will cover a larger surface area, filling up your space. Want to see it in action for yourself? Check out these beautiful images that were shared by reviewers!
“They bloom into a dance of light and shadows that’ll make your patio feel like a fairytale,” one reviewer commented. “They cast a whimsical glow, turning your outdoor nook into a storybook scene.” Another reviewer described the lanterns as “absolutely charming” and said that they “add a magical touch” to their garden.
Fussion Solar Lantern, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon Shop at AmazonThis lantern doesn’t require any batteries or electricity, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Instead it has a solar panel on top that requires eight to 10 hours of sunlight to charge. Reviewers mentioned that the lantern charges well, even on cloudy days. Once it’s dark outside, it’ll automatically turn on, transforming your home into an enchanting getaway.
This low-maintenance lantern is made from thickened metal with a layer of metal veneer. Many shoppers noted that it’s incredibly durable and added that the materials feel high quality. With an IP65 waterproof rating, this lantern is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions including rain and snow. Reviewers said that it also holds up well to wind and intense sunlight, making it ideal for year-round use.
Related: Amazon’s $20 Mushroom Table Lamp Is ‘Cozy and Magical’ With Major Cottagecore Vibes
When it isn’t lit up, this lantern doubles as a decorative accent. It has a copper finish, giving it that vintage-inspired look that makes it feel like it was plucked straight out of an antique shop. Whether it’s the afternoon or midnight, it’ll instantly elevate the aesthetic of your garden, porch, or patio.
Ready to transform your backyard or porch into your go-to hangout spot? Head to Amazon and snag the $20 Fussion Solar Lantern while it’s still on sale for this amazing price!
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Two Broadway Legends to Announce 2026 Tony Awards Nominees—Fans Call It an ‘Absolute Dream Team’
As Broadway stars prepare for the 79th Annual Tony Awards on June 7, the nominees will be announced next Tuesday by two Broadway icons.
Tony Award winner Darren Criss and Tony Award nominee Uzo Aduba will be announcing the nominations live from Softiel New York on May 5 at 9 a.m./ET. A selection of the categories will be revealed early on CBS Mornings at 8:30 a.m./ET.
Criss is currently on Broadway, starring as Oliver in Maybe Happy Ending, from now until May 17. The show is running at the Belasco Theatre alongside Claire Kwon, who plays Claire.
Maybe Happy Ending follows two obsolete robots who live in Seoul. As the two form a meaningful connection, they embark on a journey to Jeju Island. The show won nine Tony Awards in 2025, and was called “one of the most visually stunning shows to hit New York in ages" by USA Today.
Aduba is known for her starring role in 2021’s Clyde’s. The show opened at the Helen Hayes Theater, following a formerly incarcerated kitchen staff working at a truck stop diner. In 2022, Aduba was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress.
Fans quickly took to The Tony Awards’ Instagram comment section to express excitement for the announcement hosts.
“This duo is fiiiiire ❤️🔥,” one fan commented. “Can’t wait to see them❣️"
“Absolute dream team,” another commented.
View this post on InstagramThe Tony Awards will be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 7. The show will be hosted by Pink and broadcast to Paramount+ from 8-11 p.m/ET. A limited number of tickets for the show are now on sale to the general public via the Tony Awards’ website and Ticketmaster.
Beloved ’90s Actor Ranked ‘Most Watched Man on Television’ of All Time
Before social media and streaming, one man dominated the screen across the globe — David Hasselhoff.
During an era when television ruled the entertainment with one hit show after another, the Maryland native became a household name, captivating audiences with his undeniable charm and iconic roles that still resonate today.
Amid his massive popularity, especially in the 1990s, Hasselhoff received a rare distinction that only a select few celebrities were privileged to achieve.
In 2011, the then-59-year-old actor was honored by Guinness World Records for the title "Most-Watched Man on Television of All Time.”
The contributing factor for the special recognition was the success of the renowned US television drama Baywatch and the crime series Knight Rider, both starring Hasselhoff.
According to Guinness World Records, Baywatch had an “estimated weekly audience of 1.1 billion viewers” across multiple countries.
Baywatch star David Hasselhoff arrives for a promotion for the new "Splice Real Fruit" ice block at Mt Maunganui Main Beach on January 6, 2011 in Tauranga, New Zealand.As for the ‘80s action series, Knight Rider became a major pop culture phenomenon, particularly during its second season, which achieved its highest Nielsen ranking and stood as the most-watched run of the show.
From Action Hero to Beachside LegendHasselhoff achieved his breakthrough after landing the role of Michael Knight, a charismatic crime fighter in Knight Rider.
The action crime show was his high-stakes transition from being just a “soap star” to a leading action television actor after NBC picked it up and it became a hallmark of the ‘80s TV lineup.
The pilot episode had a two-hour run in September 1982 and was placed in the Sunday night time slot.
Unfortunately, after four seasons and due to high production costs and declining ratings, Knight Rider officially bid farewell to the airwaves on April 4, 1986.
David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and K.I.T.T.Three years later, Hasselhoff returned to the small screen, but this time revealing a different side to audiences.
Baywatch premiered on September 22, 1989, introducing a diverse ensemble cast and quickly gaining attention for its wave-making appeal and star-studded lineup.
Joining Hasselhoff were Parker Stevenson, Shawn Weatherly, Billy Warlock, Erika Eleniak, Peter Phelps and in later seasons, Pamela Anderson, among others.
Although the TV series started out in a rocky position and was dropped by NBC in 1990 due to poor ratings, Hasselhoff, who was also the producer of the show along with others, shifted the distribution strategy.
Instead of airing on a single major network, Baywatch was sold directly to independent TV stations across the U.S. and around the world.
This move resulted in a significant impact on the series, making it a Guinness World Records holder for the most-watched television series of all time.
At the time, Baywatch had an estimated 1.1 billion weekly viewers across 142 countries.
Related: Legendary ’70s Actor, Who Starred in ‘Best Movie of All Time,’ Turns 86
Target Is Selling the Prettiest $24 Flower-Shaped Boucle Ottoman, and It Has Hidden Storage
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’ve been looking for a small furniture find that adds storage and makes a room feel more complete, Target has the Ornavo Home Boucle Flower Storage Ottoman on sale right now. The adorable flower-shaped ottoman is currently marked down to just $24 from $40. It comes in two colors, pink and white. It has a soft, flower-like shape, giving it a cute spring-friendly look without taking up much space.
The ottoman measures 12 inches high by 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep and weighs 6 pounds. It features boucle polyester upholstery, a padded seat, a lift-top design, and hidden storage under the removable lid. It supports up to 300 pounds, is foldable, and requires no tools to assemble.
Ornavo Home Boucle Flower Storage Ottoman, $24 (was $40) at Target Shop at TargetThis floral gem offers storage, seating, and a footrest in one compact piece. The hidden compartment can hold small throw blankets, books, remotes, chargers, accessories, or anything else you want to keep out of sight. And since it is only 12 inches tall, it can be placed near a low chair, beside a bed, or tucked into a corner. The foldable design also makes it a breeze to move and store various items.
One reviewer called it the “perfect size for a bedroom,” rating it five out of five stars. The boucle texture gives the storage ottoman a softer look, too, while the flower shape makes it feel more decorative and compact than a square footstool.
Related: Target's 'Soft' $49 Floral Comforter Set Is a 'Beautiful' Spring Bedding Refresh
The pink option would look especially cute with white bedding, floral sheets, a pastel rug, or gold accents. The white option is easier to mix into a neutral bedroom, dorm room, or living room with cream bedding, wood furniture, or a fluffy area rug. You could even place it beside a vanity to hold hair tools and small accessories, near a desk for extra seating, or next to a couch as a place to stash remotes. Pro tip: Buy one in each color to make them look like a storage set.
Shop More Deals- Songmics Home Round Velvet Ottoman with Storage, $70 (was $117) at Target
- Jionjoy Faux Fur Storage Ottoman Bench, $36 (was $90) at Target
- Ornavo Home Collapsible Rectangle Storage Ottoman, $24 (was $40) at Target
The Ornavo Home Boucle Flower Storage Ottoman’s cutesy flower shape, boucle upholstery, hidden storage, foldable design, and compact 12-inch size make it an easy spring room refresh for practically any room. If your space could use a floral piece that also stores everyday clutter, this Target find is worth checking before the price goes back up.
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Old Navy's Fit and Flare Linen Mini Dress Is a Breezy Summertime Staple
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
It's officially sundress season, which means it might be time to restock your closet with new options for the warmer months ahead. Luckily, Old Navy understands the assignment and just came out with a slew of new spring and summer clothing, including this darling linen-blend dress. Even better, it's currently on a major sale.
Old Navy's Smocked-Bodice Fit & Flare Mini Dress is a total summertime staple. Constructed out of a comfortable blend of 55 percent linen and 45 percent viscose rayon, this dress is the perfect weight for both spring and summer.
Smocked-Bodice Fit & Flare Mini Dress, $22.49 (originally $44.99) at Old NavyOld Navy
Shop It!The dress comes in inclusive regular sizes, ranging from XS to 4X. It also comes in tall and petite sizes, ranging from XS to XXL. For the color range, it comes in a blue vertical-striped pattern (pictured above), light blue, plain black or rusty orange. Each of these is the perfect color for the season.
The fit of this dress hits at the thigh. It features a high crew neck, short sleeves and a full skirt. The socked bodice cinches you at the waist and accentuates your curves wonderfully.
So far, shoppers really love this dress, with the majority giving it five stars on Old Navy's website.
"Absolutely love the cut of this dress. Accentuates where you want it to, and flows over where you don't. Pretty good quality material too. No complaints," wrote one fan in a five-star review on Old Navy's website.
Some reviews mentioned the dress ran a bit large, so keep this in mind when picking your size.
"Dress runs a bit large but ordered free [sic] to size. Lots of room and drapes nicely over my figure. Love the cut and the linen type material is soft and medium weight. Not see through. Looks great with a belt for added style. Perfect for vacation," said another shopper in a five-star review on OldNavy.com.
This linen blend dress is available now at select Old Navy stores and on OldNavy.com. It's currently marked down to just $22.49.
Related: Old Navy Shoppers Are Buying Multiple Colors of This 'Cute and Comfortable' Linen Blend Top
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, April 29, 2026
If you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. 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 on for Today's Mini Crossword on Wednesday, April 29, 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!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Wednesday, April 29, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Notoriously antisocial pets — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"
5 Across: ___ Sun (drink in a pouch) —HINT: Ends with the letter "I"
6 Across: Extremely excited — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"
7 Across: All-out fight — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"
8 Across: The Tell-Tale Heart writer — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Brief appearance in a movie — HINT: Ends with the letter "O"
2 Down: It doesn't fall far from the 3-Down, in an idiom — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"
3 Down: See 2-Down — HINT: Starts with the letter "T"
4 Down: Heads or tails? — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"
5 Down: Spend a few nights in the woods, perhaps — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Wednesday, April 29, 2026Don'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: Notoriously antisocial pets —CATS
5 Across: ___ Sun (drink in a pouch) — CAPRI
6 Across: Extremely excited —AMPED
7 Across: All-out fight —MELEE
8 Across: The Tell-Tale Heart writer — POE
1 Down: Brief appearance in a movie —CAMEO
2 Down: It doesn't fall far from the 3-Down, in an idiom —APPLE
3 Down: See 2-Down —TREE
4 Down: Heads or tails? —SIDE
5 Down: Spend a few nights in the woods, perhaps — CAMP
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, April 28, 2026
1959's 'Some Like It Hot' Ranked Among 'Best Comedy Movies of All Time'
Marilyn Monroe cemented her legacy as a blonde bombshell throughout her career.
Now, according to Variety, the beloved starlet has landed among the funniest stars in Hollywood for her 1959 film, Some Like It Hot.
The crime comedy starring Tony Curtis and JackLemmon came in at No. 2 on the outlet's ranking of top 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time, just behind 1988's The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!.
"Inspired by his mentor Ernst Lubitsch, master director Billy Wilder was the bridge between early-Hollywood innuendo and our more explicit modern era," the outlet claimed. "His brilliant rule-bender falls right in the sweet spot, turning these guys’ extreme disguise into the ultimate romantic hurdle."
In a 2001 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Curtis shared behind-the-scenes secrets from the Academy Award winning set.
"Billy Wilder told me he wanted to get Frank Sinatra, and Mitzi Gaynor for the girl. Then, about a week later, Billy told me he wasn’t going to use Frank. He said Frank would only be trouble. And he said he wanted to get Marilyn instead of Mitzi, even though everybody was warning Billy that Marilyn was going to be a lot of trouble too," Curtis spilled. "He didn’t care. He wanted Marilyn. He wanted her for that love scene with me."
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZbXA4lyCtqrd1aM7k7isR5iI4_b2gn_t
He went on to claim that Monroe did "have difficulties" on set, including arriving late, "spending all morning on one or two lines of dialogue," and drinking on set.
"I know she was drinking champagne out of coffee mugs when we were doing that scene [on the train]. She spilled some on me and I knew it was champagne," he added.
The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actor for Lemmon, and Best Screenplay. Monroe also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress.
Shoppers Say Hobby Lobby's Whimsy Home Item Is Such a 'Great Buy,' They're Doubling Up
When we think of home decor, we often obsess over furniture layouts, rugs, and paint colors, yet it's the lighting that defines how you feel in a space. Subtle, ambient illumination creates a sense of depth and tranquility. Beyond traditional overhead fixtures and standard table lamps, dynamic, sculptural lighting serves as both decor and a source of illumination.
Current decor trends are all about bringing the outdoors in—even in a stylized, artistic way. Floral silhouettes, tree-like structures, and natural textures act as a visual reset, softening the harsh, straight lines of modern furniture. They provide a sense of organic fluidity that helps balance a room. When you combine this natural aesthetic with the glow of soft, artificial light, you create a harmonious environment that promotes relaxation.
Brown Light Up Cherry Blossom Tree, $48.99 at Hobby LobbyHobby Lobby
The Brown Light Up Cherry Blossom Tree from Hobby Lobby is an exceptional choice, a perfect marriage of nature-inspired beauty and atmospheric illumination. Priced at $48.99, this piece brings a touch of eternal spring into your home. Standing at five feet tall, it serves as a focal point in a living room, dining area or entryway. The contrast between the rich, dark brown trunk and the clear, glowing blossoms creates a sophisticated silhouette that looks just as beautiful during the day, unlit, as it does at night, when it casts its ethereal glow.
Related: Target's $9 Home Essential Is Super-Cute, Well-Made and Flying Off Shelves Fast
Crafted from a durable blend of plastic and metal, it is built to hold its shape while remaining lightweight enough to position easily. The design is thoughtful, including two bolts for assembly and five extra flower caps, ensuring that even if one goes missing over time, your display stays pristine. With dimensions of approximately 25 inches wide and deep (depending on how you shape the branches), it is perfectly scaled to fit a corner without dominating a room.
It is intended for indoor use, making it an ideal candidate for creating a cozy reading corner, adding a festive touch to a holiday display, or simply elevating your everyday decor with a whimsical, romantic flair. Whether you are hosting a dinner party and want to set a magical tone or want a serene light to wind down by in the evening, this cherry blossom tree offers an effortless upgrade.
King Charles Echoes Son Prince Harry's Sentiment During Speech to Congress
King Charles and his son, Prince Harry, may have tension in their relationship, but they shared a similar sentiment when it came to their worldviews.
Charles, 77, gave a historic speech in front of Congress on April 28, where he received 12 rounds of applause throughout his address. At one moment, the reigning monarch urged the US to stay united in its support of Ukraine as the war continues, and he drew parallels to the world rallying around the United States following the September 11, 2001, attacks.
“In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time … we answered the call together, as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder,” Charles said. “Today, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people — in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace.”
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Britain's King Charles III is applauded by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he arrives to address a Joint Meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol during day two of the State Visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States of America on April 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. In his first visit to the U.S. as the British monarch, King Charles III is addressing Congress as part of a multi-day trip to the nation's capital, New York City, and Virginia celebrating the United States of America's 250th anniversary of its independence. (Photo by Henry Nicholls-Pool/Getty Images)Henry Nicholls-Pool/Getty Images
The King’s message was a plea for President Donald Trump and Congress to maintain American support during the Russian-Ukrainian War, which started in February 2022.
Prince Harry, 41, for his part, made rare political comments while visiting Ukraine in April, calling out “American leadership.” The Duke of Sussex spoke at the Kyiv Security Forum on April 23, and without specifically naming President Trump, 79, he urged the United States to fulfill its “obligations” to Ukraine.
“The United States has a singular role in this story. Not only because of its power, but because when Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons, America was part of the assurance that Ukraine’s sovereignty and borders would be respected,” Harry said, in part, while on stage. “This is a moment for American leadership. A moment for America to show that it can honor its international treaty obligations, not out of charity, but out of its own enduring role in global security and strategic stability.”
Harry, who served 10 years in the British army and undertook two overseas tours of duty in Afghanistan, also pleaded to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the violence.
“No nation benefits from the continued loss of life we are witnessing,” he said, directed at Putin, 73. “Years into this war, with immense losses and limited gains, it is increasingly clear that this path offers no victory, only more loss.”
Harry acknowledged he is “not a politician” earlier in the speech, but visited Ukraine as a “soldier” and a “humanitarian.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales kisses his son Prince Harry as Prince William, Duke of Cambridge looks on ahead of the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II Park on September 10, 2014 in London, England. The International sports event for 'wounded warriors', presented by Jaguar Land Rover, is just days away with limited last-minute tickets available at www.invictusgames.org (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Harry and Charles' unified message comes after the father and son haven’t seen eye-to-eye much in the past several years. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from their roles with the royal family in 2020 and relocated to California, where they currently reside with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Following Harry and Meghan’s exit, they did a series of interviews and released a Netflix documentary about their time working within Buckingham Palace, shining a light on the unfair treatment and lack of support they received.
1974 Power Pop Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time' Became a Classic Anthem of 'Love and Longing'
It's no exaggeration to say that Big Star was one of the most influential rock bands ever, which is especially impressive considering the fact that somehow, despite glowing reviews, the group never had a big hit. Of course, what makes a song a classic doesn't have anything to do with whether or not it ever topped the charts...and "September Gurls" is proof.
Released as a single from Big Star's 1974 album Radio City, "September Gurls" was inspired by frontman Alex Chilton's romantic struggles with three different women who all had September birthdays, as biographer Holly George-Warren revealed in her book A Man Called Destruction: The Life and Times of Alex Chilton, From Box Tops to Big Star to Backdoor Man.
According to bassist Andy Hummel, while writing the music on Radio City, Chilton “was going through a lot of different girls that he was having relationships with kind of simultaneously, and a lot of what’s in those songs is him really just telling about his experiences with them, and how he felt about them.”
In the case of "September Gurls," Chilton's heartbreak resulted in what George-Warren called a "pop masterpiece," describing it as "a three minute burst of euphoric, chiming guitars, kicked off with the mando-guitar, accompanied by yearning vocals singing lyrics both heartfelt and snide: 'I love you, well, nevermind / I've been crying all the time.'"
"September Gurls," which was ranked at #178 by Rolling Stone on a list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," was praised as a "peerless, aching distillation of love and longing" by music journalist John M. Borack in his book Shake Some Action — The Ultimate Guide to Power Pop.
"'September Gurls' may not actually be the greatest song ever recorded, but for the duration of its 2:47 running time, you can be forgiven for believing it is," Borack wrote.
It really is just that good.
One of the lines in 'September Gurls' was inspired by a cartoonWhile, as noted above, the "September" part of "September Gurls" referred to a common birthday month among Chilton's girlfriends, a different word in the song that's puzzled many fans over the years was in another line of the first verse:
September girls do so much
I was your Butch, and you were touched
I love you, well, never mind
I’ve been crying all the time
If you've always wondered about what it means to be somebody's "Butch," drummer Jody Stephens explained in a video on Ardent Music’s YouTube channel that “Butch” refers to a comic book dog, per American Songwriter (in other words, a person who follows someone around like a little puppy).
Related: 1977 No. 1 Soft Rock Ballad Became a Timeless Ode to the 'Fleeting Nature of Love'
2006 Film Was Just Ranked the 'Greatest Sci-Fi Thriller' of All Time
Science fiction thrillers are quite popular among movie-goers, as these types of films are gripping and thought-provoking. Recently, the publication Collider shared a list of the top "10 greatest sci-fi thrillers of all time." The ranking, published on April 28, featured popular films like Minority Report from 2002, 1982's Blade Runner, Looper from 2012, 1984's The Terminator, and The Prestige from 2006.
Collider named the 2006 film Children of Men as the best sci-fi thriller since 1926. According to the publication, the Alfonso Cuarón-directed film should be recognized for its upsetting storyline and its expert use of unnerving moments.
Children of Men, which stars Clive Owen, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Julianne Moore, and Michael Caine, has a score of 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Alfonso Cuarón Shared How He'd Like Audiences to Take in 'Children of Men'In a behind-the-scenes interview about Children of Men, Cuarón discussed adapting P. D. James' 1992 book, about a world where no one has been able to bear a child, onto the screen. He said that he was aware that the film's heavy subject matter makes for a difficult viewing experience. In addition, Cuarón wanted audiences to contemplate if the film's somewhat bittersweet ending can be considered hopeful.
"It's more than a provocative statement, for me, it's an exploration. It's for each member of the audience to come out with their own conclusions about hope," said the director in the interview. "I think that part of reality is really hard to watch. And that was the whole point. At the end, it is an adventure, but an adventure that takes you through the state of things, a lot of these things are very uncomfortable to watch. And at the end, for you to make your own conclusion if after you witnessed what you witnessed, there's room for hope. And if there's room for hope, what do we do with this hope?"
Walmart’s 'Convenient' $17 Self-Watering Planter Set Is a Game-Changer for Easy Plant Care
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If you’re the kind of person who brings home a beautiful plant with every intention of caring for it, only to watch it slowly wither away, it might be time to bring in a little backup to help keep things on track. That’s where self-watering planters come in handy. Not only are they great for forgetful plant parents, they’re also helpful if you’re juggling a busy schedule or travel often.
Right now, plant lovers can buy the Remiawy 3-Pack of Self-Watering Hanging Planters from Walmart. It’s currently marked down to just $17, over 50% off the original $36 price — and shoppers are quickly scooping them up.
Remiawy Self-Watering Hanging Planters 3-Pack, $17 (was $36) at WalmartThe set includes three planters total: two 6.5-inch pots and one 4.5-inch pot. They’re designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a flexible option for patios, gardens, and inside the home. Each planter features a two-pot design consisting of an upper pot for your plant and a lower reservoir that holds water. A built-in cotton rope slowly draws moisture up into the soil to keep your plant consistently hydrated.
Metal hanging chains are included for display, but they’re also removable so the planters can be used as tabletop pieces instead. The pots are transparent and equipped with a dozen drainage holes to help prevent overwatering and root rot.
Shoppers are seriously impressed. The set has earned dozens of 5-star ratings from Walmart shoppers. One shopper said they were already planning to gift the set at Christmas to family members who love plants. Another reviewer called it a “lifesaver” for anyone who tends to forget to water their plants.
Shop More Deals- Diigabo 3-Pack 8-inch Self-Watering Hanging Planters, $22 (was $42) at Walmart
- Tchniev Swing Planter Pot, $14 (was $25) at Walmart
- Fiason 2-Pack Plastic 10-Inch Hanging Planters, $26 ($36) at Walmart
At just $17, the Remiawy 3-Pack of Self-Watering Hanging Planters offers an easy and affordable way to help take better care of your plants. Whether you’re simplifying your watering routine or choosing a practical gift for the plant lover in your life, it’s a deal worth grabbing before it sells out.
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Ricki Lake Revealed Why Witnessing 9/11 Made Her Quit Her Legendary Talk Show
Ricki Lake is opening up about why she quit her iconic daytime talk show.
Lake, 57, rose to fame at just 20 years old in the role of Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray. However, it was her beloved ’90s daytime talk show, Ricki Lake, that made her a household name. But in a new podcast interview with fellow talk show alum Maury Povich, Lake revealed the devastating reason she chose to pull the plug on her talk show.
During an appearance on Povich's podcast, On Par with Maury Povich, Lake opened up about how she witnessed the attacks on the World Trade Center from the roof of her New York City apartment building.
"I could have done it for probably a decade longer," Lake explained. "I made that choice. 9/11 was a huge trajectory shift in my life. Every aspect of my life changed from witnessing that experience that day from my West Village apartment."
"I was so freaked out watching that plane fly down the Hudson and hit that building. I had a 2 month old and a 4 year old. So I was a lactating new mother protecting my cubs, you know? I mean, I just felt like the world was coming to an end that day. And I said to myself — I had an epiphany on the roof of my building as I watched it all unfold — that I would leave New York," she said.
Lake realized she wanted to move on from her talk show and her marriage.
"I would leave my job and I would ultimately leave my marriage. And it took a lot of planning. It took a couple years to finish my contract. I couldn't [immediately] walk away from my show, but I knew I wasn't going to renew beyond the term that I had agreed to," she continued.
Check out more from Lake's interview below:
Lake's Lookalike Son Milo Recently Turned 29While Lake's children were just babies in 2001, they're all grown up these days. Her firstborn son, Milo, recently turned 29, and Lake shared a sweet photo of the two with Milo towering over his mom.
“My firstborn son, Milo is 29 today! 👏👏👏👏❤️ I am endlessly proud of him and the life he has chosen for himself. Seeing him happy and thriving is truly one of my greatest joys.
Happy Birthday Milo! I love you. ❤️,” Lake captioned the photo.
Related: Ricki Lake’s Lookalike Son Towers Over His Mom as She Wishes Him a Happy 29th Birthday
'NCIS' Star Diona Reasonover Reacts to That Big EDNA Twist: 'She Never Saw the Dark Side' (Exclusive)
The mystery of EDNA is solved when tonight’s NCIS wraps up the two-part mystery of the missing file from Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines’ (Diona Reasonover) computer following the upgrade to MTAC that took place last week.
It turns out that EDNA is a computer program that Kasie began developing when she was in college that can use DNA found at a crime scene to help create a suspect profile. And Kasie has a buyer for the program that will pay her big bucks.
“It definitely did come about because she was majoring in criminology,” Reasonover exclusively tells Parade. “She has a line in there where she talks about how a lot of times the DNA at the crime scene doesn’t lead anywhere because it’s not in a database. I think that just always stuck with her, and it was a problem she wanted to solve. Kasie’s a problem solver.”
But in the “Bad Impressions” episode, the hacker who stole the file uses the program in an unexpected way – one that Kasie never considered – and it frames her for murder in a widening conspiracy that could compromise national security.
“The problem with Kasie is she can’t conceive of the bad side of things sometimes,” Reasonover continues. “She’s so focused and so driven on justice that she doesn’t stop to think about the other side and what the implications could be.”
LL COOL J as Sam HannaPhoto: Robert Voets/CBS
As her arrest is imminent, Sam Hanna (LL COOL J returns) comes to the rescue and sneaks Kasie out of the NCIS offices and takes her on a road trip to New York City to find a notebook that can help her rebuild her computer program and expose the actual culprit.
“He’s such a mentor,” Reasonover says of working with LL COOL J. “He’s a person that I look up to because he’s such a natural leader and I’ve been watching him for so long. A lot of our castmates, Wilmer [Valderrama], Gary [Cole], and Sean [Murray], are all leaders that I look up to. But I got to have a special connection with him because this was a real Kasie and Sam episode. I actually got to tell him, ‘I’m nervous.’ I don’t tell people that and also, I don’t get nervous. He looked at me and he said, ‘I got you,’ and every fiber of my being relaxed as soon as he said that. I was like, ‘Okay, cool, because this sweater is hot and I’m sweaty.’”
What is really surprising to Kasie’s team – McGee (Murray), Torres (Valderrama), Knight (Katrina Law) and Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) – is that Kasie never let on that she had created a tool for law enforcement that she was about to sell and she says it’s because she didn’t want all the attention it would create. But then Sam reassures her that “she’s enough.”
Related: LL Cool J Drops Major NCIS: New York Hint Before Dramatic NCIS Return (Exclusive)
“It’s interesting because we haven’t seen a ton of Kasie outside of work on the show considering how long Kasie has been on the show,” Reasonover explains. “I think you can read that actually as a sort of like closed off unwillingness that Kasie previously had to actually talking to and actually being vulnerable to people. The writer of this episode, Marco Schnabel, didn’t only write this, he also wrote ‘Lifeline,’ which is the episode where Kasie does the ‘Walk a Mile’ day and she’s sitting in MTAC and she’s realizing that the reason that all of her relationships have ended is because of her. She’s the common denominator. She’s the one at fault.
“So, in both this episode and in Lifeline, it really took her talking to someone who’s a little less familiar to her to be able to open up. So, I think she’s really afraid of judgment. She’s afraid of alienating the people that she actually cares for.”
During our chat, we also discussed with Reasonover if she felt Kasie might readdress EDNA in the future, and how she would like to see Kasie grow and change in the future.
Because somebody found a way to use EDNA against her, she deletes EDNA. But would she ever consider a workaround? Do you think in the future she could think “I need to re-approach this in a different way?”
I’m trying to approach this from my own logic and not Kasie’s at this point, because part of me is like, I don’t know. It just takes one time being framed for murder for me to take my hands off that particular project and say, maybe I’m not able to consider the implications of this. I would hope that, knowing how important it is for justice to actually be served and for people to not be wrongly held accountable for it, I personally would hope that she would leave it to the hands of someone who could think that way.
If she had sold EDNA, it would have been a lot of money, and I know Kasie isn’t money-driven, but I thought maybe… her parents are gone, but maybe she would want the money to help take care of her brother and sister.
Well, her mom is still there. I think Kasie likes to talk too much. I can’t imagine Kasie not working. She would be back at the lab like sneaking in or something.
Kasie seems to be very insecure. Is she going to change going forward at all, do you think?
I do. I believe that her going out with Briana Venskus’ character (Joanna, a former girlfriend) at the end was a huge step for her making a real change. She changes very slowly. Sometimes characters change a lot quicker, but “Reboot” was like two, three seasons ago and she’s just now getting to the other side of that coin. I’m hopeful for change for her, although I do believe it will be incremental.
We want to see her get past the fact that when people pay attention to her, it’s not a bad thing.
I also want to see her go on a date. I want to see her in a relationship. I want to see her tell Jimmy her Social Security number. I want to see Kasie continue to grow and prosper and treat this team like they're family and not hold them at arms length.
Speaking of going on dates, we met Joanna, the past relationship. They seem to have a rapprochement at the end. Will we see more of her? Granted, Joanna is in NYC, and Kasie’s in DC.
Yes, they better. I love Briana Venskus. She’s so fun to act with. I am pushing very hard for the writers and being like, “I think Joanna can be…” You know, we took that time and we built such a cool relationship, I want to see it play out.
Especially because it’s not like Joanna didn’t pick up her whole life and move once for the relationship. This time it wouldn’t be cross-country; it would be a lot closer.
Well, and now with NCIS: New York happening, right? Kasie maybe travels up to New York to do a little forensic work, maybe goes up to hang out with Joanna a little bit, comes back home. I think it could all work out perfect.
Related:NCIS’ 500th Episode Bombshell: Rocky Carroll Breaks Down That Shocking Death (Exclusive)
Speaking of NCIS New York, you spent a lot of time in scenes with LL COOL J on this. What do you love about working with him? What is it that he brings that maybe your other cast members don’t?
One, he brings his music, which is incredible. He once actually played me a song that he was working on, and I felt like the coolest person in the world. He asked what I thought and I realized I did not know how to give music notes and I was like, “It’s perfect.”
EDNA was going to be her legacy. What is her legacy now?
I think her legacy is getting to represent the people of this country that are fighting the good fight. I think that that’s a huge legacy knowing that you’re saving people’s lives, that you’re helping put the bad guy away and making sure it’s the right person. It’s a pretty great legacy.
I come from a military family and I’m so proud of so many of them. Although Kasie is a civilian and not actually in the military, I would hope that if one of them were in trouble, they would be able to go to someone like Kasie and ask for help.
She’s not serving in the military, but she is serving her country because she could probably go somewhere else in private industry and get a much bigger salary.
I assume she could. Listen, she turned down selling EDNA. So, she’s not driven by money, as you said.
You remember the episode where she and Jimmy were locked in her office, and they were going to die from exposure to a deadly virus, and she hadn’t renewed her contract yet. So, she had been thinking about leaving at one point.
Yeah, all it takes is being kidnapped twice, and she’s like “You know, maybe, just maybe, I should find a nice office job somewhere." But I think the sacrifice that Kasie makes there, she gets it back in dividends because she’s got this incredible family at work. She’s got people that she really loves, that she cares for, and work that she’s passionate about. You can’t ask for more than that.
You should be able to relate to that because from what I understand, working at NCIS is like that.
It is. Our snacks are better though. Kasie has to pay for snacks at the vending machine, which I’ll never understand. Just make them free. But I get to work with people that I’m happy to consider lifelong friends. I get to laugh every day, and I get to feel like I work on the coolest, best set in the world.
NCIS airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Streams next day on Paramount+.
Next,CBS Reveals Scripted Finale Teases For the 2025-2026 Broadcast Season
Ciara Miller's 'My Person' 'Summer House' Moment With West Wilson Becomes a Bitter Pill
"As weird as it is, I do feel like he is my person," Ciara Miller admitted after her emotional heart-to-heart with West Wilson on last week’s Summer House—a line that now feels less like a romantic breakthrough and more like a bitter pill, knowing he didn’t just move on, but moved on with Amanda Batula, the same person who worried about Ciara getting hurt in the first place.
Tonight’s episode digs deeper into just how strongly Ciara felt about West, making his relationship with Amanda all the more confusing. West even admitted he had a crush on Ciara to Ben Waddell’s girlfriend, Sabrina Jet, who then relayed it to Ciara over the phone. The episode also features multiple lingering embraces between Ciara and West, a notable shift from earlier in the summer when she kept her distance and stayed guarded.
As Summer House fans continue to dig for clues as to when West and Amanda started dating, it's clear they had established a strong friendship last summer. Amanda's now estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, expressed disappointment and sadness because he said Amanda wasn't reacting or responding to his text messages. She stayed in the city that weekend and delivered crickets to all of Kyle's texts. "The only reaction we got from her was when West said in the group chat, 'best night [of my life],'" Kyle shared in a confessional. "Amanda's ears perked up, and she's like 'damn.' That's what it took to give her a little FOMO."
Later, when Ciara and Amanda meet up in the city, Ciara reveals that Amanda missed her big reconciliation with West. "You misssed me and West making up," Ciara says, laughing. Amanda admits she had a great weekend without Kyle, and she's falling into a depression again.
And while they have agreed to be friends again, it's clear romance is on the menu, but West is sending mixed signals to Ciara. Clearly a fan of their hopeful romance, Sabrina tells West he and Ciara should double date with her and Ben. "I don't f---ing know," West said in a confessional. "She's like, 'West, you and Ciara should come to dinner. And Ciara agreed, so I agreed. It's too soon for that. We've been friends for like f---ing five minutes. We're not date-ready. But Sabrina booked our f---ing wedding venue, I feel like."
Later, at Carl Radke’s Soft Bar opening, West tells Amanda his reconciliation with Ciara went well. As he recounts how they made up, he adds that when the rest of the cast arrived, “I wish Amanda was getting out of this f---ing car,” he said.
While Amanda tells West she's "so happy," she expresses concerns when discussing their relationship with Jesse Solomon. She seemed stunned when Jesse told her West and Ciara were "hanging out" after the event.
"Ok, but that's not friends," Amanda insisted as Jesse says West and Ciara are going on a "double date" with Sabrina and Ben. "How do you go from zero to 100? West has to be cautious. Because I don't think she can handle just a friendship...but we'll see."
Indeed.
Summer House is on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
1967 Psychedelic Rock Hit Made a Surprise Comeback 52 Years Later
Some songs just instantly strike a certain kind of mood, and that's definitely true of Traffic's 1967 classic "Dear Mr. Fantasy."
The title track from the group's debut album, "Dear Mr. Fantasy" is still hailed as one of the most influential of the psychedelic rock genre; in 2024, Michael Gallucci of Ultimate Classic Rock called "Dear Mr. Fantasy" one of Traffic's "all-time greatest group performances with the original four members," praising Steve Winwood's "terrific mid-song guitar solo," which is often credited to fellow band member Dave Mason.
Written by Winwood, Chris Wood and Jim Capaldi, the song tells a bittersweet tale:
"Dear Mister Fantasy play us a tune / Something to make us all happy / Do anything take us out of this gloom / Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy / You are the one who can make us all laugh / But doing that you break out in tears / Please don't be sad if it was a straight mind you had / We wouldn't have known you all these years"
"Dear Mr. Fantasy" wasn't just Traffic's first hit, it was one of their biggest. The "muddied psych-rock-soul classic," as American Songwriter put it, "defined the band's early sound" — and all these years later, there's never been another quite like it.
'Dear Mr. Fantasy' set the mood for 'Avengers: Endgame'The song's dreamy, otherworldly feel made it the perfect track for the 2019 Marvel box office smash, Avengers: Endgame. "Dear Mr. Fantasy" plays in the beginning of the movie as Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) float stranded through space.
Some critics, like Christopher Rosen of TV Guide, thought the song was symbolic of Stark's journey in the Marvel films:
"It's a reach, but if Stark is the 'Mr. Fantasy' of the song's title, he's largely responsible for playing the tune that takes the world out of Thanos' gloom: Tony figures out the mechanics of time travel, helping the Avengers retrieve the Infinity Stones from the past and bring the fallen of the universe back to life," Rosen wrote. "Tony also winds up defeating Thanos, a decision that costs the superhero his life. The sacrifice adds deeper meaning to this lyric: 'You are the one who can make us all laugh, but doing that you break out in tears.'"
Are Mr. Fantasy and Iron Man really one and the same? Either way, the Endgame inclusion introduced "Dear Mr. Fantasy" to a whole new generation of listeners decades after fans first fell in love with the tune.
Related: 1968 Classic Love Song Is Having a Major Resurgence 58 Years Later