Parade

Deborah Norville just turned 68, and the legendary Inside Edition journalist is looking better than ever.

Norville joined the popular American tabloid television program in 1995 and is known as the longest-serving female anchor on national TV. While she chose to step away from the series in 2025, she’s still a news icon who inspired legions of young people to pursue journalism careers. And at 68, she's every bit the stunning blonde she was when she started on Inside Edition. Sporting a strapless white top and a cowboy hat, Norville rang in her 68th year with a smmile on her face.

"It’s my birthday! This is what (gulp!) 68 looks like! 😊," Norville captioned the stunning photo.

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

Norville Visited Her Alma Mater

Norville recently returned to her alma mater, the University of Georgia, to speak with students about her lengthy career. From the stunning photo of her standing in front of the school, it’s safe to say she’s still the iconic blonde beauty she was on TV.

View this post on Instagram Norville Left ‘Inside Edition’ Last Year

Last year, Norville announced on Inside Edition that she would be leaving the show after 30 years.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be here at Inside for all these years,” Norville shared. “A milestone like this is a time for reflection and on reflection, I’ve decided that now is the time for me to move on from Inside Edition.”

 The TV icon went on to say that while the network tried to keep her, she hoped to pursue other things that her role on the show wouldn’t allow.

“There are things I’d like to do, places I want to do them that continuing here don’t permit,” she noted. 

Reflecting on Some of Her Biggest Stories

Norville later took to Instagram to reflect on her lengthy career with the series, and reflected on what American culture was like at the time she joined the show in 1995.

“When I started this job, Bill Clinton was president, O.J. Simpson was on trial for murder and Forrest Gump was about to win big at the Oscars,” Norville shared.

In the caption, she elaborated on why she decided to leave.

“30 years doing anything is quite the milestone and after 30 years anchoring Inside Edition, it’s time to do something new. I have declined the offer to continue at IE and will move on at the end of this season. It’s been an amazing ride and I will leave with gratitude for the people I have worked with and for – and the viewers who have watched,” Norville wrote. “Twice before I made career moves for personal reasons (Chicago to NBC News in NY, CBS News to Inside Edition) and they were the right decisions. This decision is also motivated by family … and I know it it’s a good one. There’s lots more to come from me … just from a new place.”

View this post on Instagram

Related: Deborah Norville Reveals What She Told Her 'Inside Edition' Replacement (Exclusive)

Joe Jonas is opening up about a period of his career he's never spoken about so candidly before, the emotional and physical toll his 2011 solo debut took on him after it failed to find an audience.

Jonas shared the story on a recent episode of Hey Jonas!, the podcast he co-hosts with his brothers and bandmates, Nick and Kevin Jonas. He explained that he'd gone into his debut album, Fastlife, expecting it to match the massive success the Jonas Brothers had reached at their peak. Somewhere along the way, he tied the album's outcome directly to his own sense of self-worth.

Fastlife peaked at just No. 15 on the Billboard 200, and its lead single, "See No More," stalled at No. 92 on the Hot 100, far from the results Jonas had hoped for. He said the disappointment hit him harder than he expected.

"I started having panic attacks and started having physical pain," Jonas recalled. Doctors ran tests but couldn't find anything physically wrong with him, leaving him confused about what was actually happening to his body. A doctor eventually suggested therapy, a recommendation Jonas initially brushed off entirely.

"I was like, what do you mean a therapist? I don't need a therapist," he said, admitting he instead turned to long bike rides just to get away from his phone and clear his head.

He eventually did seek therapy, a decision he now credits with helping him work through the emotional weight of that period.

Jonas eventually found the mainstream success that had eluded him as a solo artist, just not in the way he expected. In 2015, he formed the funk-pop group DNCE, whose single "Cake by the Ocean" became the kind of radio hit that had never quite materialized for him before. Four years later, the Jonas Brothers reunited entirely, topping the Billboard 200 with Happiness Begins and landing their first-ever Hot 100 No. 1 with "Sucker."

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Makeup has the ability to enhance, rather than mask your natural beauty. Take eyeliner, for instance. When you find just the right shade, it instantly highlights the unique flecks of color in your eyes.

While chatting with makeup artist Markphong Tram recently, we learned that the popular product is also quite transformative when you're looking to create a more youthful look. We were so impressed with his five-minute eyeliner trick that instantly lifts mature eyes that we knew we had to share his secrets.

The professional makeup artist, who is based in New York, has worked with Marilu Henner, Mariah Carey, Tan France and a range of other celebrities throughout his career. While working with women over 50, which Tram does quite frequently, he's developed a few pro tips to provide an instant lift to the eye area.

Here, he shares step-by-step instructions for how to recreate his anti-gravity eyeliner lift and explains why traditional winged eyeliner fails on hooded or crepey lids. Tram also weighs the pros and cons of using gel, liquid and pencil eyeliner on mature eyelids. Lastly, he offers up a few other pro makeup tip to instantly brighten and lift mature eyes.

Related: The 12 Best Eyeliners for Older Women, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists

The Eyeliner Trick to Instantly Lift Mature Eyes: The Anti-Gravity Effect

Texture and fine lines are par for the course as you mature, and they require more precise eyeliner application.

"If we're not careful with the shape of the wing, eyeliner can settle into those lines and wrinkles. The goal isn't to create a dramatic wing. Rather, it's to subtly lift the outer corner of the eye, giving the illusion of a more lifted, awake look," Tram says.

To achieve this goal, Tram recommends drawing a thin line of eyeliner and angling it slightly upward.

"As we get older, the outer corners of our eyes can naturally start to droop, and heavy eyeliner can make that even more noticeable. Keeping the liner thin and angled helps visually counteract that downward pull, making the eyes look more lifted, elongated and refreshed," he says.

Above all, Tram says it's important to work with your natural eye shape rather than fighting against it.

"I personally like extending the liner from the lower lash line because it creates the illusion that the outer corner of the eye is lifted. Keeping the liner thin also helps prevent it from emphasizing hooded lids or textured skin, while the soft upward flick gives that instant anti-gravity effect," he says.

The moral of the story? Less is more.

"A fine, precise line with a subtle upward flick can make the eyes look brighter, more open and naturally lifted in under a minute," Tram says.

Related: The Eyeliner Mistake a Professional Makeup Artist Says Is Especially ‘Unforgiving’

Why Traditional Winged Eyeliner Fails on Hooded or Crepey Lids

Since everyone has a different eye shape, there's no one-size-fits-all eyeliner technique. However, there is one approach that women over 50 should avoid.

"Traditional winged eyeliner doesn't always work well on hooded or crepey lids because the liner can transfer, settle into fine lines or disappear when the eyes are open," Tram says. "A thick wing can also make the eyes look heavier instead of more lifted. Keeping the liner thin and working with your natural eye shape creates a cleaner, softer and more flattering lifting effect."

Related: 8 Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

Markphong Tram

How To Do the Anti-Gravity Eyeliner Lift Step-by-Step

Ready to give Tram's anti-gravity eyeliner lift a try? Here are some step-by-step instructions.

• Look straight ahead into a mirror with your face relaxed before drawing your wing. This helps you place the liner where it will actually look lifted when your eyes are open.
• Imagine an invisible line extending from your lower lash line toward the tail of your eyebrow. Use that as your guide for the wing.
• Don't angle the wing too high because it can look disconnected from your eye shape. But don't make it too flat either, or it can drag the eye downward.
• If you want your lashes to look fuller without adding extra weight to the lid, tight-line the upper waterline.
• Finally, finish with mascara, focusing on the outer lashes to enhance the lifting effect.

Related: Makeup Artist Says 2026 Is All About 'Ghost Lashes'—So, See Ya, Mascara

Gel, Liquid or Pencil? The Best Eyeliner Formulas for Crepey Eyelids

With so many eyeliner formulas to choose from, finding the best option for your eyes can be confusing. In general, Tram recommends opting for a gel or waterproof pencil eyeliner for crepey eyelids.

"They give you more control and are easier to work with before they set," he explains. "A soft pencil creates a smoother, more forgiving look without emphasizing texture, while a gel liner provides better staying power because once it sets, it tends to stay in place much longer."

You don't have to swear off liquid eyeliner forever, but it's best for times when you're creating a precise wing.

"I recommend choosing a flexible, long-wearing formula and applying it in a thin layer. Some liquid liners can smudge throughout the day or settle into fine lines, so the formula you choose is very important," Tram says. He especially likes Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner and L'Oreal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner.

Related: The Eyeliner Mistake a Professional Makeup Artist Says Is Especially ‘Unforgiving’

4 Other Pro Makeup Tips to Instantly Brighten and Lift Mature Eyes

Tram has a few other tricks up his sleeve, and he was happy to share four more to help you brighten and lift mature eyes.

1. Brighten the inner corners of the eyes

"One of my favorite tricks for instantly waking up mature eyes is adding a soft highlight to the inner corners," Tram says. "Use a light-reflecting champagne or soft ivory shade and gently tap it into the inner corner of the eye. This helps reflect light, making the eyes appear brighter, more open and refreshed."

2. Lift the brows with strategic highlighting

"Another simple way to create a lifted effect is adding a subtle highlight underneath the highest point of the brow," he explains. "This draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of a more lifted eye area. I recommend avoiding heavy shimmer and choosing a soft satin finish instead, which brightens without emphasizing too much texture."

Related: The Best Way to Smudge Eyeliner for a Smoky Look, According to a Makeup Artist

3. Curl lashes and focus mascara on the outer corners

"Never underestimate the power of curled lashes. Curling your lashes before applying mascara instantly opens up the eyes. I also like focusing mascara on the outer lashes to create a more lifted, elongated effect. This helps pull the eyes upward and outward without adding unnecessary weight," Tram says.

4. Create a soft, lifted eyeshadow shape

"Instead of following the natural downward shape of the eye, try blending your eyeshadow slightly upward and outward toward the temples. Keep the deepest shade concentrated on the outer corner and blend upward for a soft lifting effect. This helps redefine the eye shape and creates a brighter, more youthful appearance," Tram says.

Up Next:

Related: How To Apply Concealer When Rapid Weight Loss Makes Your Under-Eyes Look Hollow

Source:

• Markphong Tram, professional makeup artist based in New York who has worked with Marilu Henner, Mariah Carey, Tan France and a range of other celebrities throughout his career

For nearly six decades, Sam Elliott has been one of Hollywood's most recognizable actors, thanks to his unmistakable voice, rugged screen presence and memorable performances in Tombstone, Road House, The Big Lebowski, A Star Is Born and 1883. On Aug. 9, the legendary actor celebrates his 82nd birthday.

But long before the awards and iconic roles, Elliott was told his Hollywood dream was all but impossible.

After growing up in Sacramento, California, Elliott moved with his family to Oregon as a teenager. He attended college before leaving school to pursue acting, a decision his father strongly opposed.

Recalling that conversation years later in an interview with the Register-Guard, Elliott said his father delivered a prediction he never forgot.

"He gave me that proverbial line, 'You've got a snowball's chance in hell of having a career in (Hollywood),' " Elliott recalled. "He was a realist, my dad. He was a hard worker. He had a work ethic that I've fashioned mine after, and I thank him for that every day."

Rather than abandon his dream, Elliott relocated to Los Angeles, where he studied acting while supporting himself with construction work and serving in the California Air National Guard.

Elliott's persistence paid off.

He made his film debut in The Way West in 1967 before landing his first leading role in the horror filmFrogs in 1972. His true breakthrough followed four years later with Lifeguard, launching a career that would span nearly six decades and make him one of Hollywood's most enduring stars.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Elliott became synonymous with Westerns and rugged American heroes, appearing in films and television projects including Mask, Road House, Gettysburg, Tombstone, Conagher and The Big Lebowski. His deep voice, towering frame and unmistakable mustache made him one of the industry's most recognizable character actors.

Despite becoming closely associated with cowboys and Westerns, Elliott admitted it wasn't always easy being cast in similar roles.

"I used to kind of bristle at it, being put inside that Western box," he told Sactown Magazine in 2019. "When you're young, you have this vision of, 'I can do it all' or 'Why is that not coming my way?' "

Over time, however, he came to appreciate what made him unique.

"The truth is, if it weren't for that perception of me as an actor or as a person, then I probably wouldn't have the career that I've had," Elliott said. "If it's a Western character, so what? I'm not going to spend time worrying about it anymore."

Elliott's career reached new heights later in life.

His performance opposite Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born earned him his first Academy Award nomination, along with nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Awards. Asked about finally receiving an Oscar nomination after decades in Hollywood, Elliott offered a characteristically blunt response.

"I think the thing off the top of my head might be, 'It's about f---ing time!'" he joked in an interview with Deadline, adding, "Beyond that, it’s really about the work; it’s just about the creative process. It’s great to be recognized for that, that’s really all it’s about.”

More recently, Elliott won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his starring role as Shea Brennan in Taylor Sheridan's acclaimed Western 1883. In 2025, he joined the second season of Landman, proving that he remains one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors well into his eighth decade.

As Elliott celebrates his 82nd birthday, the prediction that he had only "a snowball's chance in hell" of making it in Hollywood has become one of the entertainment industry's most memorable misfires. Nearly 60 years after making his screen debut, he continues to embody the rugged authenticity that has made him a beloved star across generations.

Related: Memorable 'Seinfeld' Guest Star, Who Became a Horror Icon, Turns 84

In 1958, Paul Anka wrote a song that would change his career. The then-17-year-old penned “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” which became one of his biggest early hits and helped to establish him as one of the most enduring singer-songwriters of all time.

The romantic song featured a doo-woo feel with intimate lyrics, making it the perfect 1950s love ballad. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1959 and also solidified Anka’s status as a teen idol.

“I was a young kid with this dream,” Anka, now 85, told People magazine in an interview. “I didn’t have any great looks. I didn’t have any height. I was an athlete, but it stopped because then I stopped growing. So, I found something that really turned my life upside down.”

The song found new audiences in the 1970s

“Put Your Head on My Shoulder”gained new audiences over the years, sometimes in unexpected ways. In 1975, the song was performed by Anson Williams on the hit sitcom Happy Days. The episode, titled “They Call It Potsie Love,”  featured Joanie Cunningham (Erin Moran) falling hard for Williams’ Potsie Webber after he serenaded her with the love song during a band practice.

It was Williams’ idea to feature a ‘50s-style rock band on the show, and it's no wonder "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" was chosen as the perfect love song for the scene.

“One day, it dawned on me that David Cassidy got a record contract by singing on his show, and The Brady Bunch did, too,” Williams told Milwaukee Talks in an interview. “I thought, ‘I can sing, sort of, I just need to convince [showrunner Garry Marshall] to put me in a band on the show."

“I asked to talk to him, and he was really busy and said, ‘You have 60 seconds,’“ Williams recalled. “I said we needed to have a band on the show that played at Arnold’s. He stopped in his tracks and said, ‘A band? Do you sing?’ And I said, ‘I’m OK.’”

The Happy Days band went on to perform multiple times on the show, but the “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” serenade remains the show’s most memorable musical moment.

In 1978, the classic song found even more fans when teen idol Leif Garrett released a cover version that climbed the Billboard charts.

RELATED: 1953 Rock Classic, Reimagined by a 15-Year-Old, Became a Hit Twice

More than six decades after Anka wrote “Put Your Heart on My Shoulder,” the song continues to find new fans. In an interview with Ballinger Publishing, Anka noted, “’Put Your Head on My Shoulder’ had gone through the roof on TikTok, and I got this whole new fan base of 16 to 20-year-olds.”

The legendary singer-songwriter also ranked the song as one of his favorites from his very prolific catalog.

“All these years I’ve told people that my songs are like my children,” Anka said in 2021. “It’s tough to like one over another.  ‘My Way’— because of that song and the participants—that’s probably my favorite track. I think ‘Put Your Head on My Shoulder’ comes after that."

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner metalhead while walking down Main Street, U.S.A.,Disney just answered your heavy-metal prayers.

The Mouse House has officially dropped a brand-new Disney Villains apparel collection—and instead of the usual pastel fairytale aesthetic, these pieces are going full thrash, doom, and black metal.

Over the last several years, extreme metal band logos and jagged, aggressive typography have exploded across mainstream fashion. As music publication Loudwire observed when reporting on the surprise release, heavy metal fonts have become a massive trend across pop culture, and "now, Disney has entered the chat."

Related: Disneyland Resort Drops New Starbucks Collection Packed With Classic Fall Nostalgia

View this post on Instagram A Darker Aesthetic for the Bad Guys

The edgy new line features iconic bad guys like Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty), the Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Hades (Hercules), and fan-favorite scheming duo Yzma and Kronk (The Emperor's New Groove).

Rather than standard Disney graphics, each T-shirt, hoodie, and sweatshirt in the collection gets its own distinct metal subgenre treatment:

• The Evil Queen: Features her classic line "Mirror Mirror" written across the top in a jagged, unreadable black-metal font.
• Hades & Ursula: Both sea witch and underworld deity pieces sport a heavy, moody gothic-and-doom-metal aesthetic, with Hades' hoodie proclaiming him "Lord of the Underworld".
• Yzma & Kronk: Styled after classic thrash metal logos, highlighting Yzma's iconic command to "Pull the lever!"
• Maleficent: Designed like an authentic vintage rock concert T-shirt for a fictional "Villainous Tour."

First spotted in the Disney Parks and previewed via WDW News Today, the shirts were initially exclusive to physical park shops before rolling out online.

Related: Disney Fans Are Officially 'Freaking Out' Over BÉIS' Nostalgic New Travel Line

View this post on Instagram Catering to the Alternative Fanbase

The heavy-metal collection isn't an isolated drop—it marks a broader, deliberate shift toward embracing Disney's darker side.

Between the ongoing construction of the massive, highly anticipated Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line's heroes-and-villains-themed Disney Destiny, and new park entertainment like the Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show at Hollywood Studios, Disney is leaning heavily into its darker lore.

As Loudwire points out, between the new attractions and this metal-inspired gear, Disney is actively "catering more to their alternative fanbase who desire a darker aesthetic than their traditional character and princess merch."

Whether you're gearing up for Halloween Time at the parks or just want to swap out your pastel spirit jersey for something a little more headbang-worthy, this villainous drop is proof that it's good to be bad.

Related: Disney Shares New Look At Its Latest Storyliving by Disney Community in North Carolina

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 spending more time outside lately, you know how quickly a backyard can turn into your favorite “room” of the house. Between morning coffee on the patio, afternoon garden check-ins, and evenings spent grilling, it’s the small things that make the space feel like a true retreat. A few planters, wind chimes catching the breeze, a string of lights overhead, and your yard starts to feel like more than a patch of grass.

When you want an outdoor accessory that adds both charm and function at once, Walmart has an easy upgrade. The Cocobela Solar Lantern Bird Bath is currently just $27, marked down from $50 with a 46% discount. It brings together a decorative bird bath for visiting wildlife with a built-in solar lantern that charges during the day and casts a warm light at night, making your outdoor space feel alive from after sunset.

Cocobela Solar Lantern Bird Bath, $27 (was $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This bird bath brings a touch of charm and whimsy to any outdoor space, turning a simple garden corner or backyard nook into something more inviting for both you and your feathered visitors. Painted butterfly and hummingbird antennas decorate the basin, and as the sun goes down, the built-in solar light softly illuminates the design, casting a gentle glow that feels warm, welcoming, and just a little magical. 

The built-in solar panels charge throughout the day using sunlight and then automatically power on at night, delivering soft illumination that lasts through the evening. It’s designed to do more than sit in the yard, functioning as a bird bath, a feeder, or even the base for a solar-powered fountain pump (not included) if you want to add a bit more movement and activity to your outdoor setup.

Built for all-season use, it sits securely on durable metal prongs that anchor into the ground, finished with a double layer of anti-rust coating to help it withstand changing weather over time. Standing 42 inches tall with a 12-inch diameter bowl and a 2.4-inch depth, it offers plenty of space for birds to bathe and drink comfortably, while the wide base helps keep the structure steady. The smooth basin and removable bowl make upkeep simple, allowing for quick cleaning and easy refilling so you can keep fresh water or seed readily available with minimal hassle.

While the birds may not be leaving reviews themselves, their gardeners certainly have plenty to tweet about in the reviews section. Shoppers described it as “very cute” and “so pretty,” with many noting that “birds love it” and return to it often. One reviewer also pointed out that it’s “easy to assemble,” with clear instructions and no extra tools or hardware required.

Related: Walmart's Waterproof Platform Sandals Are 'Super Cute,' 'Comfortable,' and Available in 5 Colors

Easy to set up and low maintenance once placed, the Cocobela Solar Lantern Bird Bath is an affordable way to bring movement, light, and life into your outdoor space. Take advantage of this 46% off Walmart deal while the warmer days and longer evenings last!

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

Even before the release of the two-part film adaptation of Wicked in 2024 and 2025, the legacy of the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, has lived on in strong ways throughout the decades. And even before that, the creation of this land of Oz in 1900 is what jumpstarted this fantastical realm and its characters along with it. That’s all thanks to L. Frank Baum, the American author who created the Oz books and wrote the original 14 of them. Today's quote of the day comes from one of those books, and it highlights the importance of and power of learning.

According to Britannica, Baum was born in Chittenango, NY, in 1856. EBSCO reported that he had German immigrant parents and a big family, but he had health issues as a child, which required him to be tutored at home until the age of 12. As an adult, he began his writing career as a journalist in South Dakota and then Chicago. 

Baum first published Father Goose, a kids' “nonsense verse” book with funny poems or limerick-type verses, in 1899, and it was successful. He followed this up a year later with his most famous work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which was a major hit. As mentioned before, he wrote a total of 14 Oz books, and after he died in 1919, his book publisher chose another children’s writer, Ruth Plumly Thompson, to continue on with the stories, per EBSCO. She wrote 19 more in the series, and then it canonically continued with other writers after that.

Baum was just as imaginative and whimsical in his real-life persona as his books were. As EBSCO reported, the author wrote in prologues in his stories that he communicated with Oz, Dorothy and Princess Ozma via wireless telegraphy. With this, he also made himself the "Royal Historian of Oz" and brought the characters and this world to life in a way that didn’t exist at the time.

His highly successful Oz series was not just high fantasy and fun for kids—Baum put many lessons in these stories. While his characters embarked on adventures, he also made sure to imbue good values into his heroes for kids to learn. And that’s where today’s quote comes from: a line from Baum about knowledge being the greatest gift in life.

Related: Quote of the Day: Carl Sagan on Why Imagination Is the Key to Progress

Quote of the Day by L. Frank Baum

CanvaPro/Parade

“The more one knows, the luckier he is, for knowledge is the greatest gift in life.”

This quote can be found in the seventh book in Baum’s Oz series of books, The Patchwork Girl of Oz, published in 1913. The series started in 1900 with the publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which covers the events we saw in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. The next two novels follow two other stories that happen in the magical world of Oz, with the return of fan-favorites such as the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman in the second book, and even Dorothy comes back in book three. 

Once you get to the seventh book in the series, where this line comes from, Baum focuses on an adventure revolving around a Munchkin boy named Ojo whose uncle was turned into a statue. He sets off to find a cure for this magical spell, and on his journey he meets Scraps, aka the Patchwork Girl, who is a patchwork doll come to life.

This is also the book where he states that he communicates with Ozians via telegraph, inserting himself into this magical world in a fun way.

In Chapter 2, “The Crooked Magician,” Ojo is traveling with his Unc Nunkie when they stop at Dr. Pipt’s house (aka the Crooked Magician). They’re welcomed in by his wife, Dame Margolotte, and eventually meet the doctor, who is an old friend of Unc Nunkie. 

Ojo tells them that he knows very little of Oz and its history or people because he’s only ever lived with his uncle, who doesn’t speak much—he only really says one word at a time—and therefore didn’t teach Ojo about anything in Oz.

To this, Margolotte tells Ojo that this is why he is “Ojo the Unlucky,” because: “The more one knows, the luckier he is, for knowledge is the greatest gift in life.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein’s Words on Imagination Being ‘More Important Than Knowledge’ Is an Inspiring Way To Look at the World

Deeper Meaning of L. Frank Baum’s Quote—The Power of Learning

With this quote and through this character, Baum shares a nugget of wisdom with those reading his books, especially children. He’s saying that if you yearn and search for meaning and truth, you’re some of the luckiest people around because the greatest gift in life is being knowledgeable. It encourages kids who are already growing their minds through reading to continue seeking out wisdom.

This quote points kids in the right direction when it comes to intelligence. It’s not saying a more modern sentiment like “school is cool,” but it’s saying that learning and knowing things are gifts and you’re lucky if you’re able to do that. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Joyce Brothers on Why Success Begins With Believing in Yourself

More Quotes from L. Frank Baum

• “Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization… Imagination has given us the steam engine, the telephone, the talking-machine, and the automobile, for these things had to be dreamed of before they became realities.”
• “I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folk are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.”
• “Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable.”
• “A little misery, at times, makes one appreciate happiness more.”
• “I never deal in transformations, for they are not honest, and no respectable sorceress likes to make things appear to be what they are not.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Epictetus on Embracing the Unknown and Letting Go of Control

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Loved by both TikTok shoppers and antiquing fanatics, Tiffany-style lamps are trendy yet vintage, falling on both ends of the spectrum. They’re highly-coveted decor pieces that capture the cottagecore aesthetic, featuring nature-inspired motifs, stained glass, and vibrant hues. If you’re looking to get your hands on one, you can often find them at antique stores. However, it can be incredibly time-consuming, not to mention exhausting, to sift through those piles, and the lamps often cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, Amazon carries a few vintage-inspired versions that look just like a rare antique find. 

One option that we love is this Zjart Tiffany-Style Stained Glass Turtle Lamp. Right now, you can score it on sale in two styles, saving you time, energy, and money. The green-blue version of this lamp normally retails for $71, but it’s now marked down to $61. For just a dollar more, you can snag the green style, which normally retails for $72 and is now on sale for $62. This lamp is also available in a blue version, which is currently full price at $69. 

Zjart Tiffany-Style Stained Glass Turtle Lamp, From $61 (was $71) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

A charming turtle statue, this lamp captures the essence of cottagecore whimsy. This nature-inspired piece evokes a sense of stillness, reminding you to slow down and enjoy life. The head, tail, and limbs are made of metal with a bronze-weathered finish, giving it the look of an antique. The metal is etched with intricate details, mimicking the face and scaly texture of a turtle, bringing its realistic look to life.

The shell is handcrafted with stained glass tiles, showcasing vibrant paint streaks that give it an artisanal feel. Replicating the pattern of a turtle shell, the tiles feature various geometric shapes. Because it's handmade, each lamp is unique and may vary in appearance, which only adds to its charm. 

True to the Tiffany lamp style, this piece will add a stunning pop of color to your room, whether the light is on or off. When you turn the light on, it’ll intensify the colors of the tiles and cast a gorgeous glow with a slight hue. Several shoppers raved about how beautifully the glass looked when lit up. 

Zjart Tiffany-Style Stained Glass Turtle Lamp, From $61 (was $71) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This lamp comes with a 3-watt E12 LED bulb, creating the ideal ambient lighting for bedtime, movie nights, and lazing on the couch. You can adjust the brightness to your preference by tapping the head of the turtle. This lamp comes with a standard power cord, so all you have to do is plug it into your nearest outlet, and it’ll be ready to go! 

Measuring 5 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 4 inches tall, this lamp makes a bold statement and doubles as an accent piece. Place it anywhere from your nightstand to a console table to instantly spruce up your room and bring some cottagecore energy into your living space. The metal base gives this lamp some weight, preventing it from easily toppling over or falling off surfaces. 

“This lamp is both elegant and whimsical,” one reviewer said. “The subtle under-lighting creates a delightful effect, making it a unique decorative piece for a nightstand, desk, or side table.” Another reviewer noted that it’s a “beautiful small lamp with gorgeous vivid colors that is half the price of other retailers,” one shopper noted. 

Shop More Deals 

• Hwdfei Tiffany-Style Dragonfly Lamp, From $45 (was $90) at Amazon
• Hwdfei Tiffany-Style Mini House Lamp, From $32 (was $46) at Amazon
• Hwdfei Tiffany-Style Sconce Lamp, From $41 (was $83) at Amazon

Related: Martha Stewart’s Gingham Lemon Lamp Perfectly Captures the Essence of the Farmhouse Trend

Instead of shelling out the big bucks at your local antique store, head to Amazon and snag the Zjart Tiffany-Style Stained Glass Turtle Lamp while it’s still on sale for as low as $61! 

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

Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire" remains one of the most recognizable songs in country music history. 

But the story behind the hit includes a songwriter many fans may not know.

The song was co-written by Merle Kilgore, who was born Aug. 9, 1934. While Cash’s recording made "Ring of Fire" a classic, Kilgore played an important role in helping bring the song to life.

Kilgore began his career in country music at a young age, working as a teenage gofer for legendary singer Hank Williams. Over the years, he became a songwriter, manager and longtime figure behind the scenes in Nashville.

In 1963, Kilgore teamed up with June Carter to write "Ring of Fire," a song that would become one of Cash’s signature hits. The track was released that year and helped end a difficult stretch in Cash’s career, spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard country chart.

The song’s distinctive horn arrangement and mariachi-inspired sound helped set it apart from other country hits of the era, but its emotional lyrics were what made it unforgettable.

Although "Ring of Fire" is often associated with Cash, the song’s creation involved the work of multiple people, including Kilgore, whose contributions extended far beyond that one hit.

After helping write one of country music’s most famous songs, Kilgore went on to manage Hank Williams Jr.’s career and continued working in the music industry for decades. He was also known for his close relationships with some of country music’s biggest names.

Kilgore died on Feb. 6, 2005, at the age of 70, but his influence on country music remains tied to one of the genre’s most enduring recordings.

RELATED: In 1976, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings Came Together for Two Outlaw Country Classics

Today's New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle deals with everything from baseball sights and ouchies to things you need more than one of.

Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, August 9, 2026, you've come to the right place.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, August 9, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 9, 2026

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

• Yellow: Two is better than one.
• Green: Sometimes career-ending.
• Blue: Boston baseball stadium finds.
• Purple: Soccer locales.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: EQUIPMENT THAT COMES IN PAIRS
• Green: INJURIES
• Blue: FENWAY PARK SIGHTS
• Purple: PREMIER LEAGUE VENUES

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #685 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• EQUIPMENT THAT COMES IN PAIRS: ICE SKATE, SHIN GUARD, SKI POLE, SOCCER CLEAT
• INJURIES: HIP POINTER, SHIN SPLINTS, TENNIS ELBOW, TURF TOE
• FENWAY PARK SIGHTS: CITGO SIGN, GREEN MONSTER, LANSDOWNE STREET, PESKY'S POLE
• PREMIER LEAGUE VENUES: CITY GROUND, OLD TRAFFORD, STADIUM OF LIGHT, STAMFORD BRIDGE

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: Check Your Cabinets: These '90s Fast-Food Glasses Are Now Worth Hundreds

Written sometime between 1978 and 1979, "Queen of Rock and Roll"Stevie Nickspenned the song "Gypsy" based on her life before she catapulted to fame with the band Fleetwood Mac. Speaking at a concert in 2009, Nicks confessed that the song took her back to an earlier time after the band became "very famous, very fast" and that it helped bring her "back to the gypsy that I was."

Nicks initially met musician Lindsey Buckingham at a high school party, but the two did not reconnect until they were in college at San Jose State University. The two entered a romantic relationship and started making music together, only getting by on Nicks' income waiting tables and cleaning houses.

Because of this, they had a king-sized mattress on the floor with no bedframe that Nicks decorated with lace and flowers. According to Nicks, whenever she could feel the fame going to her head, she would pull her mattress off the floor to get back to her roots. She said, "To this day, when I'm feeling cluttered, I will take my mattress off of my beautiful bed, wherever that may be, and put it outside my bedroom, with a table and a little lamp."

And thus, the lyrics behind "Gypsy" were born.

"Gypsy" was released as the second single from Fleetwood Mac's 1982 album, Mirage. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took the number one spot on the US Contemporary Hit Radio.

Following the release of Nicks' debut solo album, Bella Donna, she learned her dear friend Robin Anderson was dying of leukemia. As her friend was getting more and more ill and leading up to her death, Nicks would dedicate the song "Gyspy" to her during performances. Following Anderson's passing, Nicks found performing the song extremely difficult.

Critics applauded the musicianship and lyrics of the song, with Billboardcalling it an "archetypal Stevie Nicks performance." Sound & Visionmagazine ranked "Gypsy" as one of Nicks' and Fleetwood Mac's best songs. Both Pasteand The Guardianconcurred, each placing the track in the top 10 of their lists of the 30 greatest Fleetwood Mac songs from the band's discography.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Related: 1977 Timeless Breakup Anthem Became Band's First-Ever Top 10 U.S. Single

There wasn't much to do during COVID lockdown except stay inside and watch TV.

Luckily, there were still new shows hitting the streamers at the time, such as Netflix's Tiger King.

Years later, the docuseries' co-director Eric Goode (who also helmed 2024's Chimp Crazy) has a new project centered around an entirely different kind of wildlife: reptiles.

Monsters of God premiered Thursday, August 6 on HBO and has been met with positive reviews, sitting at an impressive 100% average critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Here's the website's offered synopsis:

"Filmmaker Eric Goode follows his first love – reptiles – into the dark and gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. In this global network, everyone is chasing the ultimate prize, whether it be owning the rarest of species, claiming the biggest fortunes, or taking down the most elusive criminals. The billion-dollar criminal enterprise is fueled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics. As he digs deeper, Goode uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails."

HBO has taken to social media in recent days to promote the Monsters of God premiere. "There's a whole other world out there," reads the Instagram post's caption below.

View this post on Instagram

The reel above has since been flooded with a variety of comments, with many Instagram users seeming more than intrigued at the new series. "The real life Jurassic park 🦎," wrote one fan, while another person simply commented, "This is weird."

“Right now, a lot of people are thinking I’m trying to take down the reptile world," Goode, 68, said at a recent Q&A in Los Angeles, per Deadline. "Yes, I didn’t like people keeping chimpanzees in Chimp Crazy. I wanted laws changed so you couldn’t do that. I didn’t want people having 200 tigers in their backyard [in Tiger King]. Reptiles are different. It’s nuanced... If people were breeding more reptiles, that may take pressure off of the poachers. And so there’s a lot of gray in this story, and it’s not painting anyone with one brush."

Wizards of Waverly Place first premiered on Disney Channel on October 12, 2007. Now, it’s known as one of Disney’s most iconic shows, alongside the likes of Hannah Montana,That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Sonny With a Chance. So, when the reboot was announced, we were so excited to see Selena Gomez and the entire Russo family back on our screens again. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place aired on Disney+ on October 29, 2024. The show follows Justin Russo (David Henrie), who returns to the wizarding world after Alex Russo (Selena Gomez) asks for his help in mentoring a young wizard-in-training. 

While David Henrie and Selena Gomez are executive producers, the reboot has been met with mixed reviews. Many fans have been upset that the show isn’t centered around the Russo family; instead, it’s centered around Justin. Other fans wonder why Selena Gomez, who was the star of the original show Wizards of Waverly Place, only serves as a guest star in the reboot. And while the show’s storyline has faced criticism from fans, several Wizards of Waverly Place cast members are starting to speak out. 

Related: 'Good Trouble' Stars Cierra Ramirez and Sherry Cola to Host Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks

Earlier this week, Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle) revealed that David Henrie limited her and original Wizards of Waverly Place cast members to one episode per season in the reboot. Since then, other cast members have commented on their lack of screen time in the show. David DeLuise (Jerry Russo) shared a comment on the cancellation of the reboot after its third season, stating, “It would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity.”

David DeLuise comments on the ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ reboot ending with its third season:

“It would not be over if the OG wizards were really there. Missed opportunity.” pic.twitter.com/wSMrkJtboJ

— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 6, 2026

These comments led fans to ask questions about the reboot's direction. One of the major questions that many viewers had was: Where is Max? Jake T. Austin took to social media to make a statement regarding his lack of portrayal as Max in the reboot. The actor posted an Instagram story stating that he was not asked to come back to the show. David Henrie responded that he reached out to Austin, and showrunner Scott Thomas revealed that Austin was asked multiple times. Austin responded that he declined to return after not being offered a spot in season one of the show. 

Jake T. Austin says he wasn’t included in the ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ reboot, despite initially being asked to return and wanting to reprise his role:

“To all the Wizards fans, just wanted to say for the record how disappointed I am to have not been included in the spinoff. I… pic.twitter.com/LI2BvlDx5f

— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 6, 2026

Dan Benson, who portrayed Zeke on the original show, commented about Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, saying, “There was so much potential for a Wizards reboot and it turned into the failed David Henrie show.”

With several cast members of the original show speaking out about their lack of screen time in the reboot, this begs the question of what actually happened. Is this all a simple miscommunication? Did David Henrie purposely leave out cast members to keep the show focused on Justin? As multiple cast members continue to reveal their thoughts online, fans are reacting to the show and cast members’ statements. Fans have also resurfaced an interview with Henrie in which he says he was supposed to be the lead character of Wizards of Waverly Place before Disney decided to give it to Selena Gomez.

Related: 'The Cheetah Girls: Next Gen' Casting Causes Online Spark

David Henrie never stood a chance... just look at the material pic.twitter.com/UFOtKPwZTe

— DenouementLawyer (@Itsthatlawyer_) August 8, 2026

I knew this show was gonna be a total disaster when they announced that David Henrie’s character was the focal point in the reboot… he was easily the least interesting person from the OG Wizards show, and I mean that as least shady as possible, it’s just common knowledge. https://t.co/WczgZLSRsi

— Tyler Dilbeck (@tyldil204) August 6, 2026

wizards of waverly place cast members right now https://t.co/o9oNHWImhX

— ً (@americanreqiuem) August 6, 2026

Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve if you believe shopping is a form of self-care.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times' recent game, "Strands," is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and "spangrams" to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We'll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today's Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #889 on Sunday, August 9.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here's exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle's theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word's letter order.

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "Isn't that a bit much?"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: Treat yourself.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• TR
• IN
• EX
• FR
• LU
• IM (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 9

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, August 9, 2026, isIMWORTHIT.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, August 9?

• TREAT
• INDULGENCE
• EXTRAVAGANCE
• FRILLS
• LUXURY
• SPANGRAM: IMWORTHIT

Related: Check Your Cabinets: These '90s Fast-Food Glasses Are Now Worth Hundreds

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

Diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend, and a delicate diamond necklace can often be the perfect accessory and gift. They’re versatile enough to go with almost everything in your closet, and lightweight enough to wear every day. That makes them a must-have, but you don’t have to break your bank to snag one. 

Take, for example, the stunning Peace Jewelers 18-Karat Gold Accented Lab-Grown Diamond Clover Pendant with Chain. It looks so luxe, and it’s on sale for just $225 on ShopHQ. That’s an incredible 29% markdown from its original $315 price tag. For a limited time, you can grab all Peace Jewelers pieces for an additional 20% off with the code PEACE20 at ShopHQ. That brings the price down to just $180, and shipping is free as well!

Peace Jewelers 18-Karat Gold Accented Lab-Grown Diamond Clover Pendant With Chain, $180 (was $315) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

The dazzling 18-inch chain necklace is crafted from sterling silver and 14-karat gold plating, which gives it a stellar two-tone finish. Its eye-catching pendant is the star, with a four-leaf clover design that symbolizes luck and positivity. The pendant is accented with 0.70 carats of sparkling round-cut lab-grown diamonds, which makes it a head turner, and at 0.75 inches long, 0.1 inches deep, and a 4.15 gram weight, it’s lightweight enough that you can easily wear it daily.

Take 20% off all Peace Jewelers orders with code PEACE20

Lab-grown diamonds tend to be just as sparkly as natural diamonds, and they look so luxe that it’s hard to tell the difference between the two. Shoppers gave the necklace with five-star reviews for exactly that reason. One shopper cited the “quality and design,” while another added that it was “better than expected. They said, “ “The size of the clover is substantial, and the diamonds sparkle so brightly. This is such a great necklace for the price. I’m ordering the matching earrings!” 

The pendant is also removable, making it easy to swap other pendants and charms to switch up the look, and the chain’s secure lobster clasp closure helps keep the necklace in place. The chain also sits near the collarbone, so it's eye-catching, but won’t overpower an outfit. 

You can wear the necklace with almost anything in your closet. Sport it with a fitted top and denim jeans, a breezy linen matching set, or a sundress during the day for a chic spring or summer look. At night, pair it with a cocktail dress, a casual dress for a date night, or a top and trousers. 

Related: This Whimsical Butterfly Accent Lamp Looks Like a Rare Antique Shop Find at a Fraction of the Price

This stunning diamond clover pendant necklace is the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Grab one while it’s under $200 during the Peace Jewelers sale event! 

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

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle covers everything from situations that are hard to get out of to stories you read to little ones.

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today's Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We've warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you've completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today's NYT 'Connections’ hints and answers for #1155 onSunday, August 9, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, August 9, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, August 9

1. Strategize.
2. Bedtime stories.
3. Like Ride Along or Blade Runner.
4. Like a maze.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, August 9:

1. TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH: CHANGE TACK, COURSE-CORRECT, RECALIBRATE, SHIFT GEARS
2. CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS: CAPS FOR SALE, CORDUROY, GOODNIGHT MOON, MADELINE
3. MOVIE SUBGENRES: BUDDY COP, NEO-NOIR, SPACE OPERA, SPAGHETTI WESTERN
4. THINGS PEOPLE TRY TO GET OUT OF: BAD DREAM, ESCAPE ROOM, JURY DUTY, LABYRINTH

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: Check Your Cabinets: These '90s Fast-Food Glasses Are Now Worth Hundreds

Hearing today's NYT Wordle answer often means you need to take your car into the shop. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1877 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There is one vowel in today's five-letter word.

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is:The sound of wear and tear.

OK, that's it for hints—I don't want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We'll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don't want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1877 on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, August 9, 2026, is CLUNK.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

By late 1967, The Monkees were beginning to push far beyond the polished pop sound that first made them television and music superstars.

One of the clearest examples of that evolution was "Star Collector," a standout track from the band's album Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. Released on Nov. 6, 1967, the song featured Davy Jones, who was still just 21 years old at the time.

"Star Collector" showcased a more experimental side of the band.

Written by legendary songwriting team Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the song tells the story of a woman who collects famous romantic partners rather than lasting relationships. Its witty lyrics were paired with an inventive arrangement that reflected the psychedelic influences becoming increasingly popular during the late 1960s.

"I've never claimed to be a pop star," Jones said in a 1967 interview. "I'm an actor and the public has made me a rock and roll singer—now I'm pleased about that. It's bought me a lot of good things and I'm still new enough to all this success to enjoy the crowds, the autograph hunters and the adulation."

The recording also broke new musical ground.

Produced by Chip Douglas, "Star Collector" famously incorporated one of the earliest uses of the Moog synthesizer on a rock recording. Performed by electronic music pioneer Paul Beaver, the futuristic sounds added an otherworldly quality that helped distinguish the track from much of the pop music being released at the time.

Although it was never released as a standalone single, the song became one of the highlights of Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.

The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming The Monkees' fourth consecutive chart-topping record in the United States. As the years passed, "Star Collector" earned a reputation as one of the band's finest deep cuts, admired for its adventurous production and memorable vocal performances.

Today, it remains an essential part of The Monkees' legacy.

Fans and critics alike continue to celebrate the song as evidence of the group's artistic growth during one of the most creative periods of its career. Its combination of sharp songwriting, psychedelic experimentation, and Davy Jones' expressive vocals has helped it endure well beyond the television era that first introduced the band to audiences.

"Everybody said The Monkees were the American answer to The Beatles, and that was not the case," drummer Micky Dolenz told Goldmine. "The Monkees was a television show about this band who wanted to be The Beatles and on the television show, we never made it. It was that struggle for success that I think helped endear it to an entire generation of kids that were in their basements and living rooms and garages, playing and practicing and forming bands and who wanted to be The Beatles and maybe eventually The Monkees."

Fifty-nine years after its release, "Star Collector" continues to captivate listeners with its inventive sound and timeless charm. Featuring a 21 year-old Davy Jones at the microphone, the 1967 rocker remains one of The Monkees' most beloved and forward-thinking recordings.

Related: 1997 Iconic Ballad, With 14-Year-Old Singer LeAnn Rimes, Ranked Among Greatest Songs of All Time