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Macy’s Charming $24 Comforter Set With ‘Unmatched Softness’ Channels the French Countryside at Home

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 4:01am

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You don't need to book a flight to the South of France to embrace the Euro summer aesthetic. Sometimes, creating that same relaxed feeling is as simple as updating your space with a few thoughtfully chosen pieces. Swapping out your bedding can instantly make a bedroom feel lighter, warmer, and more inviting while bringing a touch of rustic European charm into your everyday routine.

One especially chic option is the Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set. Right now, it's on sale for 70% off at Macy's, bringing the price down from $80 to just $24. It's an easy and affordable way to give your bedroom a seasonal refresh without spending a fortune.

Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set, From $24 (was $80) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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The set is available in twin, full/queen, and king sizes. The twin version includes a comforter and one sham, while the full/queen and king sets come with a comforter and two matching shams. That gives you a coordinated look right out of the package with minimal effort.

It's also designed for everyday practicality. The comforter offers medium warmth, making it suitable for year-round use in most climates. Both the shell and fill are made from 100% polyester, and the entire set is machine washable for easy care.

The design is what really makes this set stand out. It combines delicate vines and blooming flowers with classic blue stripes, creating a look that feels timeless, fresh, and almost wallpaper-like. The color palette features soft shades of rose, light blue, and muted sage green against a crisp white background, giving the bedding a light and airy feel.

Related: This Classic 1950s Comic Strip Inspired the Sweetest Serving Tray on Sale at Macy's

The reverse side is a solid dusty blue, making the comforter fully reversible. Fold it over at the top or flip it entirely to create a different look whenever you want a quick refresh. That versatility helps the set feel like two styles in one. The overall aesthetic feels straight out of the French countryside. It also fits beautifully into cottagecore, grandma chic, and vintage-inspired decorating styles without feeling overly kitschy.

To complete the look, pair it with natural materials and organic textures. Wooden furniture, woven baskets, rattan accent pieces, and ceramic accessories all complement the comforter's vintage-inspired design. A jute or sisal rug can add warmth underfoot, while fresh flowers bring in an extra touch of countryside charm.

One shopper described it as “gorgeous” and dubbed it the “softest comforter ever,” writing, “I washed it right when I received it and it came out of the dryer super soft and cuddly. I have had it for a few days now and love the warmth! The quality is high and the softness is unmatched.” 

Another reviewer shared, “This was an amazing find. I wanted to brighten up our room and the fabric is so pretty. A bonus surprise is that it's soft.” 

For anyone looking to bring a little Euro summer charm into their home, the Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set is a stylish and budget-friendly option. With Macy's current 70% discount, you can snag this vintage-inspired set for as little as $24.

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

1966 Beatles Album, Released 60 Years Ago Today, Never Had a Song Played Onstage

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 4:00am

The Beatles' Revolver reached America 60 years ago today. Four days later the band opened the North American tour that turned out to be their last, and played nothing from it.

Onstage the Beatles were four men with guitars and a drum kit. Nothing on the record had been built that way, and there was no version of "Eleanor Rigby" or "Tomorrow Never Knows" that four people could carry to a stadium.

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The Last Show Did Not Sell Out

By the time they reached Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Aug. 29, the tour had gone badly wrong. Disc jockeys across the American south had taken a stray John Lennon remark about the Beatles being more popular than Jesus and built a record-burning campaign out of it, and a band used to selling out ballparks was playing to empty seats. Only 25,000 tickets sold against a capacity of 42,500.

They knew it was the last one. Lennon and Paul McCartney carried a camera onstage and took pictures of the crowd and of each other. McCartney asked an aide to tape the show. They finished with "Long Tall Sally," took a bow, and were driven out of the park in an armored truck. Lennon put it plainly: "We're not those people any more. We are old men."

The American Edition Lost Three Songs

Capitol had put the record out three days behind Britain and cut the 14-track album to 11, because "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Doctor Robert" had already gone out that June on Yesterday…And Today. It was the last time Capitol would rebuild a Beatles record for America. The shortened version still spent six weeks at No. 1.

A Voice Through an Organ Speaker

The band cut Revolver at EMI Studios between April and June 1966. On "Tomorrow Never Knows" Lennon wanted to sound like the Dalai Lama chanting from a hilltop, so his vocal went through a Leslie cabinet, a rotating speaker normally used with Hammond organs.

They played none of it on a London rooftop in 1969 either, the last time the four of them ever performed together.

Who Could Dethrone Country Star Ella Langley’s Record-Breaking 16-Week No. 1 Chart Reign?

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 3:55am

Country star Ella Langley has dominated Billboard charts for nearly half the year. 

Since February, her breakout single “Choosin’ Texas” has held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a cumulative 16 weeks, tying for the fourth-longest reign in the chart’s nearly 68-year history.

Langley’s 16-week run puts “Choosin’ Texas” among only eight songs in Billboard Hot 100 history to spend at least 15 weeks at No. 1. 

It has surpassed classic female-led hits like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” for the longest run among non-holiday songs by a solo female artist.

On Friday, Aug. 7, Langley and Morgan Wallen earned their fifth and 22nd Country Airplay No. 1s, respectively, with “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” continuing its domination.

In fact, it’s the first time in Hot 100 history that the Top 5 has featured only country songs, marking a full-on country genre takeover. In addition to the duet and "Choosin' Texas," Wallen's "Been By Now," Taylor Swift's "I Knew It, I Knew You" and Stella Lefty's "Boston" rounded out the top 5.

But every historic chart reign eventually faces a challenger. As Langley continues her unprecedented run, the question now becomes: who has the momentum to take over the No. 1 spot?

Her position may be at risk as a new bombshell enters the villa, as pop sensation Ariana Grandemay prove to be a worthy opponent following the release of her eighth studio album, Petal, which dropped on Friday, July 31.

Related: Global Music Superstar, With Multiple No. 1 Hit Songs, Earns a New Career Milestone

Billboard reports that there’s a high likelihood that Petal will take the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week, marking her seventh album to shoot to the top of the chart; however, there’s also a possibility that she’ll knock Langley out of the top spot on the Hot 100 once again.

This wouldn’t be the first time Langley was knocked down to No. 2, with Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” and Swift’s “Opalite” and “I Knew It, I Knew You,” briefly interrupting her run, before her return to the top spot less than two weeks later. 

Grande even managed to take the No.1 spot from Langley on the Billboard Hot 100 in June, earning her 10th with “Hate That You Love Me.”

The popstar has also achieved the No. 1 feat in years prior, with her 2024 single, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” and her 2019 hit, “7 Rings,” securing three spots on the Hot 100 at the time, making her the first solo artist to achieve the feat.

Can she do it again and permanently dethrone Langley—or will Langley's chart reign prevail and continue its dominance?

Related:Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Earns a New Career Milestone


1979 Controversial Kenny Rogers Hit Is One of the 'Greatest Hot Country Songs of All Time,' According to Billboard

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 3:49am

One of Kenny Rogers' signature story songs, "Coward of the County" has been giving fans something to talk about for decades after its release.

According to Billboard, "Coward of the County" is one of the best-performing songs on the country charts ever, earning a spot on the Greatest of All Time Hot Country Songs list, where the it's ranked at No. 48. (The list ranks the weekly performance of songs on the Hot Country Songs chart from its October 1958 inception through June 2016.)

The crossover hit was released in September 1979 as part of Rogers' eighth studio album, Kenny, before being released as a single two months later in November. By January 1980, the track had reached its peak at the top of the Billboard country charts, but the song's chilling storytelling would go on to spark discussion and debate among country fans for years to come.

Written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Roger Bowling, "Coward of the County" is a narrative-driven song that touches on the difference between being peaceful and being cowardly. The song not only contains dark themes of violence in the lyrics, but its surprising moral twist in the last verse is part of the reason it became one of Rogers' most controversial songs.

At the time, "Coward of the County" was Rogers' most successful hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would later be dethroned by his 1980 smash hit "Lady" and the 1983 Dolly Partonduet "Island's in the Stream," which both had multi-week runs at No. 1.

But "Coward of the County" isn't the only song from Rogers' catalog to make Billboard's Greatest of All Time Hot Country Songs chart, as "Islands in the Stream" is also ranked at No. 32 on that list.

Kenny Rogers' No 1 Hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart
  1. "Buy Me a Rose"
  2. "Islands in the Stream"
  3. "Morning Desire"
  4. "Crazy"
  5. "Real Love"
  6. "Lucille"
  7. "Tomb of the Unknown Love"
  8. "Make No Mistake, She's Mine"
  9. "The Gambler"
  10. "We've Got Tonight"
  11. "Every Time Two Fools Collide"
  12. "Love Will Turn You Around"
  13. "She Believes in Me"
  14. "Coward of the County"
  15. "I Don't Need You"
  16. "All I Ever Need Is You"
  17. "What Are We Doin' in Love"
  18. "Daytime Friends"
  19. "Lady"
  20. "Love or Something Like It"
  21. "You Decorated My Life"

Related: 1992 Country Song Wasn't Expected to Be a Success—Then It Hit No. 1

Rock Legend, Who Was Just 15 When He Co-Founded U2, Turns 65

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 3:16am

David Howell Evans, better known around the world as the Edge, is celebrating his 65th birthday on Aug. 8.

Long before U2 became one of the biggest rock bands in history, the future guitar icon was just a 15-year-old student at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin when he answered drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s famous noticeboard advertisement seeking musicians for a new band. Evans joined alongside his older brother Dik, Paul "Bono" Hewson and Adam Clayton. After several lineup changes, the group officially became U2 in 1978.

Nearly five decades later, the Edge remains one of the defining sounds behind U2, thanks to his signature guitar style built around shimmering tones, rhythmic delay and atmospheric textures that helped shape classics including "Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday."

The guitarist wasn't always known by the nickname that made him famous.

Early in U2's career, members of Bono's Lypton Village street gang gave Evans the nickname "the Edge." While many fans have long believed it referred to the angular shape of his head, the exact origin has been debated over the years, with other explanations pointing to his distinctive guitar playing or his tendency to remain "on the edge of things."

The nickname stuck, becoming one of the most recognizable stage names in rock music.

His innovative approach to guitar eventually earned widespread acclaim. In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Bono and the Edge among its 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, while the magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists placed the Edge at No. 38.

"Bono and the Edge have been the primary songwriting team in the band from day one. Bono brings the grand vision and uncanny ear for heroic hooks, and the Edge brings his sonic mastery and an eagerness to push boundaries," wrote Rolling Stone in the songwriters list, adding, "As the band's charismatic frontman, Bono may soak up a lot of the credit, but he's the first to admit how important the Edge is to their songwriting. 'Smart people know what [the Edge] does, and he doesn't care about the rest of the world,' Bono told Rolling Stone in 2005."

On the Greatest Guitarists list, Rolling Stone added, "His secret is that he taught himself to play – that's why he's so unique. He's got such an innovative mind ... The Edge is a scientist, and a poet by night; he's always got a little rig at home."

The milestone birthday comes at an exciting time for U2.

The band has confirmed that its 16th studio album, its first full-length collection of new music since 2017's Songs of Experience, is expected to arrive in November 2026. The album is complete, has been delivered to the label and follows the release of the new single "Street of Dreams" in July.

Producer Jacknife Leerecently described the band's renewed chemistry in the studio, saying the four members have "rediscovered their power as a group of people" after returning to writing and playing together in the same room. He added, "I think this is an important era for the band. They have not sounded so energized in decades."

As the Edge celebrates his 65th birthday, U2 appears poised to begin another chapter, proving that the band formed by a handful of Dublin teenagers nearly 50 years ago is still looking ahead.

Related: '70s Rock Legends Announce New Album 51 Years After Breakthrough Hit 'Dreamboat Annie'

Quote of the Day: Philosopher René Descartes on Why Brilliance Requires Action

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 2:45am

Among the most famous polymaths and minds of history is René Descartes. He was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist and much more. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), Descartes is considered the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” mostly thanks to his “break... [from] Scholastic-Aristotelian philosophy" of the time and his “development and promotion of the new, mechanistic sciences.” Our quote of the daycomes from one of his most famous works, and highlights what he thought about a “good mind” without intention (spoiler: it's nothing good).

Per Britannica, Descartes was born on March 31, 1596, in Touraine, France, to a modestly noble family. His mother died when he was a baby, and he was raised by his grandmother and his great-uncle. As the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy reported, Descartes first became a mathematician, then a natural scientist/philosopher and finally a metaphysician. 

While metaphysics has changed in concept over time, it’s essentially a branch of philosophy that inspects the “nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter,” per the University of Georgia’s Department of Philosophy. As Britannica stated, Descartes came up with the “first modern version of mind-body dualism,” which holds that those are two very different and distinct entities. They report that his metaphysics is “rationalist” and combines the concepts of three “innate ideas of mind, matter and God.”

Descartes had much to say and made a lot of discoveries and theories that still stand the test of time. He left behind many words of wisdom, including today’s quote, which says that a brilliant mind is only as good as what you do with it.

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Ellen Langer’s Words on Keeping an Open Mind Are More Relevant Than Ever

Quote of the Day by René Descartes

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“It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.”

This quote is a modern translation of a line Descartes wrote in his 1637 treatise, Discourse on the Method. A treatise is a written discourse on something with arguments and evidence to back up the claims in it; this one is philosophical and autobiographical. 

Its full title (translated from its original French) is Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences. Famously, this is where Descartes wrote his most well-known quote: “I think therefore I am.”

As Texas A&M University reported, Descartes believed in logic and reason being “essential” for getting to the truth of something. And in this treatise, he came up with a new method for logical thinking, which had four rules: 

  1. Don’t accept anything as true unless there is clear evidence.
  2. Come at problems in pieces; break down a situation into smaller parts and address each small part of the problem to figure out the full answer. 
  3. Start from the easiest thing to figure out and move up to the most complicated aspects. 
  4. Double-check your work to make sure you didn’t miss anything or make a mistake. 

Our quote of the day appears in Part I, in the very first paragraph. Descartes says that “good sense” or common sense is mostly equal among men, and that differences of opinion or different levels in intellect aren’t necessarily because someone has more “good sense” than others. But rather, they just think in different ways. He then writes our quote:

“For it isn’t enough to have a good mind; what matters most is using it well. Sheer quality of intellect doesn’t make the difference between good and bad: the greatest souls are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues. Nor is nimbleness of intellect the key to making discoveries: those who go very slowly but always on the right path can make much greater progress than those who sprint and go astray.”

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

Deeper Meaning of René Descartes’s Quote—A 'Good Mind’ Requires Action

If you take that full paragraph above, Descartes is saying that a good mind without action or purpose is worthless. He then shares a couple of bits of advice or wisdom: someone with great intellect isn’t necessarily better than someone else, and being quick-witted or sharp doesn’t mean that you’re going to make the biggest strides first (if at all). Even if it takes someone longer to figure something out, they’ll make more progress if they’re staying on the correct path and taking steps forward.

And Descartes is almost urging people against an elitist view of smart vs. "simple" people. He’s saying that intelligence can be subjective depending on how you use it; a highly intelligent person is only as smart as their outward actions.

Related: Quote of the Day: Norman Lear on Why Everyone Has Something to Teach You

More Quotes from René Descartes
  • “Except our own thoughts, there is nothing absolutely in our power.”
  • “For how do we know that the thoughts which occur in dreaming are false rather than those others which we experience when awake, since the former are often not less vivid and distinct than the latter?”
  • “In truth, the most important thing for curing illnesses and maintaining health is good humor and joy.”
  • “If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”
  • “Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein's Famous Words on the Power of Imagination Still Inspire Today

Numbrix 9 - August 8

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 2:00am

Martha Stewart's Stunning Wood Accent Table Looks Like a Designer Find, and It's 30% Off

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 1:45am

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If you're looking for an accent piece that can deliver both style and function to a living area, bedroom, or entryway, Macy's has a gorgeous side table currently available at a steep discount. Martha Stewart's Sadie Wood Accent Table has a luxe modern-minimalist look that will elevate any space, and it's marked down to 30% off for a limited time. 

The stunning side table has a chic round silhouette that's designed to fit easily into small spaces. Originally $189, it's on sale for just $132 now through August 12. It comes in a classic dark wood finish that blends easily with a range of decor, with clean sculptural lines that add a touch of sophistication to any space. 

Martha Stewart Sadie Wood Accent Table, $132 (was $189) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Featuring a solid wood veneer top with an elegant starburst design on top, the accent table is durable, long-lasting, and designed for everyday use. It measures 22 inches deep and 24 inches high, making it compact enough to effortlessly fit in apartments, reading nooks, tight entryways, and more. Weighing just 24 pounds, it's also easy to move from room to room as needed. 

Related: Macy's 'Elegant' $24 Embossed Quilt Set Is 'Soft,' 'Breathable,' and 'Perfect for Year-Round Use'

The effortlessly stylish table offers a designer-style look without the designer price tag. It's versatile enough to work in a variety of ways around your home: Use it as an end table in your living room, a nightstand in a bedroom, or as an eye-catching accent piece in an entryway or hallway. It's also easy to maintain. To keep the wood surface looking like new, simply wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth. 

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If you've been searching for an accent piece that's elegant, practical, and compact enough to fit easily in limited spaces, this wooden end table is an excellent option that won't break the bank. Don't hesitate to grab one for 30% off before this limited-time sale ends at Macy's.  

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.

NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Saturday, August 8, 2026

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 12:20am

Today's New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers baseball pretty heavily, but also includes a few basketball references, too.

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 Saturday, August 8, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, August 8, 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 8, 2026

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

  • Yellow: Determines who gets control first.
  • Green: Baseball for tots.
  • Blue: Given to the best pitchers.
  • Purple: Like the Playoffs in the NBA.
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: WAYS A GAME BEGINS
  • Green: LLWS
  • Blue: AL CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS
  • Purple: PRECEDES "FINAL"

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 #684 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?
  • WAYS A GAME BEGINS: FACEOFF, FIRST PITCH, JUMP BALL, KICKOFF
  • LLWS: LEAGUE, LITTLE, SERIES, WORLD
  • AL CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS: BLUE, COLE, COLÓN, VIOLA
  • PRECEDES "FINAL": QUARTER, SEMI, STANLEY CUP, WORLD CUP

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: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

Marathon Training Is a Breeze in Saucony's 'Excellent' Road-Running Sneakers, Now 41% Off at REI

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 12:15am

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August is widely known in the running world as Marathon Month. Temperatures may reach triple digits, but that doesn't stop runners from hitting trails and streets across the country to pound the pavement. This month, calendars are jam-packed with amped-up training schedules, 5K events, half-marathons, and longer races. Since every runner needs a good pair of shoes, REI is getting in on the action with a massive site-wide sale on some of the most popular styles from brands like Brooks, Hoka, Nike, and Adidas.

One of the top deals at REI right now is on the Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes. Normally $170, these race-ready sneakers are currently 41% off, dropping the price to $100 in all five available color combinations. Even if you're not planning to run a marathon anytime soon (or ever), these shoes offer the type of supportive comfort needed for long days on your feet. If you regularly work 12-hour shifts, plan to hit up a theme park, or will be doing a lot of sightseeing on your next vacation, these sneakers are absolutely worth a look.

Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes, $100 (were $170) at REI

Courtesy of REI

Shop at REI

Built to handle long distances and prevent foot fatigue, these sneakers offer maximum cushioning for a plush, bouncy feel underfoot. Weighing under 9 ounces, these lightweight running shoes feature a thick layer of responsive foam with a durable carbon rubber sole that provides traction as you move. Available in whole and half sizes from women's 6 through 11, select sizes in some colors are already sold out.

REI shoppers praised these sneakers for their "fit, comfort, and performance," earning a five-star rating from more than 100 customers. Beyond the numerous marathon runners who shared that they're "excellent for long distance running," everyday people who deal with podiatry issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and ankle instability noted how "supportive," "very soft, and comfortable" these sneakers were.

One shopper who's worn these sneakers to run on a treadmill after long work days, on multiple college tours, and exploring historic sites on vacation raved, "My feet and legs have never been so happy with a pair of sneakers!" Another reviewer who said they "walk for a living" working in a hospital said, "I will never buy anything else."

Shop More Deals

Related: New Balance’s $50 Podiatrist-Recommended Sneakers Provide ‘So Much Support’ for Hikes, Workouts, and Everyday Errands

Run, don't walk, to secure the Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes while they're on sale at REI for over 40% off. This deal won't last, and with some styles already sold out, if you have your eye on this pair, you'll want to act fast!

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.

1993 Rock Hit, With an Iconic Aerosmith Video, Launched a 16-Year-Old Actress Into Teen-Idol Stardom

Sat, 08/08/2026 - 12:01am

It’s hard not to associate Alicia Silverstone with the cult classic Clueless, but before she ever became known as the wealthy and fashion-obsessed Beverly Hills character known as Cher Horowitz, she played a rebellious teenager in the music video for Aerosmith’s 1993 hit “Cryin.’” 

Silverstone was just 16 years old when she starred in the song’s accompanying music video, which became the first installment in a trilogy of interconnected clips. 

RELATED: 2002 Breakthrough Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of the 21st Century’

“Cryin’” wasn’t Silverstone’s first acting role, though. 

In 1993, she starred in the thriller TheCrush, earning MTV Movie Awards for Best Breakthrough Performance and Best Villain at the 1994 ceremony. However, “Cryin,’” along with Silverstone’s subsequent appearances in Aerosmith’s “Amazing” and “Crazy” videos, helped propel her to a much wider audience and make her a recognizable face of the MTV generation. 

So much so that the video even caught the eye of Clueless director and writer Amy Heckerling. 

“Here’s how I found Alicia. I was minding my own business on my treadmill watching MTV when I saw ‘Cryin” and just went cuckoo bananas,” Heckerling told Rolling Stone in 1995 of seeing her in the music video. “She’s funny and beautiful – anyone who shows even a glimmer of that mix becomes a major star. I’m thinking of people like Sally Field and Goldie Hawn.” 

Directed by Marty Callner, the “Cryin’” video finds Silverstone playing a free-spirited yet mischievous teenager who catches her boyfriend, played by Stephen Dorff, cheating on her at the movie theater. Determined to stand up for herself, she confronts him and, as revenge, takes off in his car before it breaks down and she abandons it, impulsively gets a tattoo and pierces her navel, and later fights off a purse snatcher, played by Josh Holloway. 

Select scenes of the video also show Aerosmith performing the song, which was filmed in the Central Congregational Church in Fall River, Massachusetts. The clip saves perhaps its most iconic moment in the final scene when Silverstone bungee-jumps from a tall building and gives her ex-lover the finger. 

“After watching all these other videos, it’s cool to see that one, to see a video with a real person,” Silverstone shared of looking back at her character in the clip. “I’m never posing, never doing this supersexy stuff. I’m just being.”

RELATED: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later

The video for “Cryin’” was the most successful of the trilogy in terms of accolades, becoming a major hit for Silverstone and Aerosmith. The music video won three major awards at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in 1994. They included the night's highest honor, Video of the Year, as well as Viewer's Choice and Best Group Video. Though “Amazing” and “Crazy” didn’t receive an award, the latter of those two helped launch the career of Steven Tyler’s then-unknown daughter, Liv Tyler. 

As for the song, “Cryin,’” written by Aerosmith’s Tyler and Joe Perry alongside frequent collaborator Taylor Rhodes, helped revive the band’s career. The power ballad reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Cryin,’” as well as “Amazing” and “Crazy,” appear on the band’s eleventh studio album, Get a Grip.

Related: 1999 Power Ballad, Lasting 53 Weeks on the Charts, Ranked Among ‘Favorite Country Love Songs of All Time’

Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 8, 2026

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:45pm

Today's NYT Strands puzzle is made for thrill-seekers.

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 #886 on Saturday, August 8.

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: "It has its ups and downs"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: Amusement park attraction.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

  • TR
  • CO
  • TR
  • CU
  • LO
  • TU
  • RO (SPANGRAM)
NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 8

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 8, 2026, isROLLERCOASTER.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, August 8?
  • TRACK
  • CORKSCREW
  • TRACK
  • CUTBACK
  • LOOP
  • TUNNEL
  • SPANGRAM: ROLLERCOASTER

Related: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

1965 Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer Peter Noone, Was a No. 1 Hit 61 Years Ago Today

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:32pm

During the height of the British Invasion, Herman's Hermits proved that sometimes the simplest songs could become the biggest hits.

The band's spirited rendition of "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 61 years ago today, cementing its place as one of the most memorable recordings of 1965. At the center of the song was frontman Peter Noone, who was just 17 years old when the single became an international sensation.

Although many listeners associate the tune with Herman's Hermits, it was actually much older.

Originally written in 1910 by Fred Murray and R. P. Weston, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" was a popular British music hall song decades before the rock era.

"I have the original Harry Champion recording of that, on wire," Noone told Songfacts. "It's from a time when people were just lucky enough to be in the music business. If you were at my house you'd get Elizabeth Schwarzkopf and Fats Waller and a lot of that hymn stuff that my grandfather liked. Because of the BBC we were exposed to multiple types of music, and rock 'n' roll was only 30 minutes a day."

The band, on the other hand, gave it a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek makeover, trimming away later verses and turning the catchy chorus into an irresistible singalong.

Noone's youthful energy helped make the recording unforgettable.

His cheeky vocal delivery perfectly matched the song's playful humor, while the band's upbeat arrangement captured the carefree spirit that made Herman's Hermits one of the defining acts of the British Invasion. The performance also showcased Noone's natural charisma, despite his being one of the youngest stars on the charts.

American audiences embraced it immediately.

Released in the United States during the summer of 1965, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent one week at the top. It became Herman's Hermits' second U.S. chart-topper, following "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and further established the group as one of Britain's most successful exports.

The song has remained a fixture of pop culture ever since.

Its infectious chorus has appeared in films, television shows, sporting events, and commercials, while Herman's Hermits continue to be closely identified with the recording. Even listeners who know little about the British Invasion often recognize the song within its opening lines.

"I never expected my songs to be able to stand the test of time, we made them in a particular moment," Noone said years later. "We got the idea for a song on Thursday and we’d make it over the weekend and it would be in the stores and on the radio in a few days. Herman’s Hermits, we were radio top 40 staples, it was sickening we were on so much. That was a joyful period.”

Sixty-one years after reaching No. 1, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" remains one of the defining novelty hits of the 1960s. Featuring a 17-year-old Peter Noone at the microphone, the song became a chart-topping success whose joyful energy continues to entertain generations of listeners.

Related: 1976 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 50 Years Later

NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Saturday, August 8, 2026

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:25pm

In today's New York Times Connections puzzle, you'll find quirky exclamations, methods of communication, words and phrases in shorthand, and tools used to keep you out of harm's way.

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 #1154 onSaturday, August 8, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, August 8, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday'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 Saturday, August 8
  1. "Gee willikers, Batman!"
  2. Get your point across.
  3. Like a novelty license plate.
  4. Preventative measures.

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 Saturday, August 8:

1. QUAINT EXPRESSIONS OF EXCITEMENT: HOT DOG, HURRAH, WHOOPEE, YAHOO
2. CONVEY: COUCH, EXPRESS, FRAME, PHRASE
3. WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH LETTERS AS HOMOPHONES: CUTIE, EASY, EFFECTS, I OWE YOU
4. SAFETY _____: BELT, GOGGLES, PIN, RAZOR

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: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

1968 Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer Linda Ronstadt, Is Still a Powerful Hit 58 Years Later

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:14pm

Before Linda Ronstadt became one of the defining voices of 1970s rock, she was turning heads as the lead singer of the Stone Poneys.

One of the group's most memorable recordings, "Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water," arrived in March 1968, when Ronstadt was just 21 years old. Released several months before her 22nd birthday that July, the energetic rock song showcased the confidence and vocal power that would soon propel her to solo stardom.

"I never wanted to be anything but a singer," Ronstadt told Route Magazine. I thought that I would be singing at pizza parlors or Holiday Inns, or something like that. As long as I could make a living as a singer… I didn’t have an ambition when I started.

The song followed the success of the Stone Poneys' breakthrough hit, "Different Drum."

Written by Pete Gernhard and Terry Garthwaite, "Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water" leaned into a grittier rock sound than its predecessor. The driving guitars and upbeat tempo provided the perfect backdrop for Ronstadt's commanding vocal performance, highlighting her ability to move effortlessly between folk, country, and rock influences.

Although it didn't match the commercial success of "Different Drum," the song became an important milestone in Ronstadt's early career.

It demonstrated that she was far more than an interpreter of gentle folk-pop, revealing a rock edge that would become increasingly prominent throughout the 1970s. Her ability to bring both power and emotion to the performance hinted at the remarkable versatility that would later define her solo recordings.

"Music to me is always a work in progress, and things are frozen, especially in the early stages when I’m just learning it, just climbing around in the rigging and trying to check out the architecture of the song," Ronstadt told Best Classic Bands. "Then we’d play it night after night and refine it, and I’d learn how to really phrase and I’d be flying around without even thinking about it, like it was nothing."

The track also arrived during a period of rapid artistic growth.

Still only 21, Ronstadt was establishing herself as one of the most promising young singers in American music. Within just a few years, she would embark on a solo career that produced classics such as "You're No Good," "When Will I Be Loved," and "Blue Bayou," earning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming one of the best-selling female artists of her generation.

For longtime fans, however, "Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water" remains a treasured glimpse of where it all began.

Its infectious energy and Ronstadt's unmistakable voice have helped the song endure as one of the standout recordings from the Stone Poneys era, continuing to earn appreciation from listeners discovering her earliest work.

Fifty-eight years after its release, "Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water" still captures the excitement of a young Linda Ronstadt on the verge of greatness. Featuring the future rock legend at just 21 years old, the song remains a powerful reminder of the extraordinary talent that would soon make her one of music's biggest stars.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Covered by Linda Ronstadt, Is Still a Motivational Hit 51 Years Later

Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1876 on Saturday, August 8, 2026

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:04pm

Solving today's NYT Wordle answer requires you to be in the know. 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 #1876 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 and one sometimes-vowel in today's five-letter word.

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is:Information often shared in confidence.

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 #1876 on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, August 8, 2026, is PRIVY.

-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)

Country Star Morgan Wallen Makes Billboard Chart History With No. 1 Hit

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 11:02pm

Morgan Wallen has made Billboard Country Airplay history with “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” his duet with Ella Langley, becoming the first artist in the chart’s 36-year history to reach No. 1 in back-to-back weeks with different songs as a lead act.

The song, credited to Langley and Wallen, moved from No. 2 to No. 1 on the Aug. 15-dated Billboard Country Airplay chart in its 15th week. According to Billboard, the track earned 33.4 million audience impressions from July 31 through Aug. 6.

The new No. 1 also gives Langley her fifth Country Airplay leader and Wallen his 22nd.

Morgan Wallen performs the song "'98 Braves" at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images

The achievement came one week after Wallen’s “Don’t We” spent two weeks at the top of the chart. With “I Can’t Love You Anymore” now taking over the No. 1 spot, Wallen has become the first act to lead consecutive weeks with different songs while receiving lead-artist credit on both.

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The milestone is only the third time in Billboard Country Airplay history that an artist has led consecutive weeks with different songs.

Tim McGraw first accomplished the feat in 2002. His “The Cowboy in Me” followed Jo Dee Messina’s “Bring on the Rain,” which was officially billed as featuring McGraw because he provided background vocals.

Wallen had previously matched the broader chart record in 2024. “Cowgirls,” featuring ERNEST, replaced Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen, after Malone’s song spent four weeks at No. 1.

The latest achievement adds another major chart record to Wallen’s current run.

His album I’m the Problem has returned to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for its 14th non-consecutive week. The album originally debuted at No. 1 in May 2025 and has remained in the Billboard 200’s top 10 since its release.

The album’s return to the top follows the conclusion of Wallen’s Still the Problem Tour, which included 23 sold-out shows across 12 stadiums.

During the tour, Wallen became the first artist to perform two consecutive nights at Michigan Stadium. According to American Songwriter, he also became the first artist to play a concert at Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium in 43 years, following Hank Williams Jr.’s 1983 performance there.

Wallen also released “Been By Now,” his first solo release of the year. The song debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and opened at No. 1 on both the Streaming Songs and Digital Songs Sales charts.

His current chart success extends beyond his solo releases. “I Can’t Love You Anymore” with Langley is another top-five hit, while “You Proof” has earned Diamond certification from the RIAA. The certification gives Wallen six Diamond-certified singles, maintaining his record for the most Diamond-certified singles by any country artist.

The success of Wallen and Langley also comes as country music continues to grow in the United States and around the world. Luminate’s 2026 data showed Wallen’s I’m the Problem and Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” among the leading music releases of the year.

For Wallen, though, the latest Country Airplay result stands on its own as a major piece of Billboard history. With “Don’t We” followed immediately by “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” he has now set a record for consecutive Country Airplay No. 1s with different songs as a lead act.

Related: Country Star Announces New Album 'No Brakes' Amid 2026 World Tour

This Classic 1950s Comic Strip Inspired the Sweetest Serving Tray on Sale at Macy's

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 10:45pm

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Who doesn’t have a soft spot for the Peanuts gang? Since first appearing in newspapers in 1950, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the crew have become some of the most recognizable characters in pop culture, finding their way from comic strips into collectibles, clothing, and home decor. Whether you grew up watching the classic specials or just can’t resist Snoopy’s charm, these characters continue to make everyday items a little more fun.

Now, Macy’s is making it easier to add that cheerful charm to your table with the Lenox Peanuts Hors d'oeuvres Tray, currently 40% off and marked down from $82 to just $49. Designed with the beloved characters at the center, this serving piece is an adorable addition to your hostingware, whether you’re setting out snacks for a movie night, serving appetizers at a gathering, or using it as a nostalgic decor accent in your kitchen.

Lenox Peanuts Hors d'oeuvres Tray, $49 (was $82) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Called “absolutely adorable,” “too cute,” and “versatile for any time of the year” by Macy's shoppers, this tray’s design is winning over fans. Across the center, nearly the entire Peanuts gang gathers around Snoopy's iconic red doghouse, creating a scene that feels lifted straight from Charles M. Schulz's beloved comic strip. Snoopy sits proudly atop the roof while Woodstock flutters nearby mid-flight, adding a sense of movement to the illustration.

Gathered below are familiar favorites including Lucy, Linus hugging his signature blue security blanket, Charlie Brown in his instantly recognizable yellow zigzag shirt, Franklin in his bright red jacket, Sally with her oversized yellow bow and pink polka-dot dress, Patty in her green striped top, and Schroeder seated beside the doghouse. Their varied poses — standing, chatting, sitting cross-legged, and looking toward one another — give the tray the feeling of a candid neighborhood get-together, while the clean ivory porcelain background and thin black border let the colorful artwork remain the focal point.

Measuring 14 inches long by 7.75 inches wide, the generously sized porcelain tray is ideal for serving hors d'oeuvres, cookies, finger sandwiches, pastries, or a lineup of cheeses and crackers when entertaining. The elongated silhouette also makes it just as useful as a decorative catchall on a coffee table, entryway console, or kitchen island for corralling keys, mail, candles, or seasonal décor. Crafted from durable porcelain, it's both dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making cleanup just as effortless as serving. 

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Macy’s shoppers couldn’t get enough of this “darling,” “high-quality” piece with its “bright” and “cheery” colors. One reviewer wrote, “The graphics are beautiful [and] the size is generous.”

Another Peanuts fan agreed, saying the design “brings back good memories” and has “so many of the characters included.”

Related: Dolly Parton's Charming New Walmart Line Has a $20 Garden-Inspired Serving Tray That's Perfect for Hosting

Consider your snack spread officially upgraded. Shop the Lenox Peanuts Hors d'oeuvres Tray at Macy’s for $49 while it’s 40% off!

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.

'Queen of Country Pop' Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 24 Years After No. 1 Hit ‘Up’

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 10:40pm

Shania Twain is back on the Billboard 200 more than two decades after her album Up! ruled the chart.

Twain’s new album, Little Miss Twain, debuts at No. 131 on the latest Billboard 200, giving the country-pop superstar a new chart entry in 2026. The album has also made an impact in her native Canada, where it opens at No. 20 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.

The new chart appearance comes 24 years after Up! became Twain’s first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 in 2002.

Little Miss Twain, released July 24, takes Twain back to the years before she became an international star. The album looks at her childhood in Timmins, Ontario, her early days as a young performer and the musical influences that helped shape her career.

Shania Twain performs during an intimate show for fans at The Shacklewell Arms on June 6, 2026 in London, England.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for ABA

The project is a personal look at the woman behind the famous name.

Twain told Billboard Canada that much of the album deals with subjects she would not normally write about as a commercial songwriter. “Everyone knows the international recording artist Shania Twain, but who was I before that?”

That question sits at the heart of Little Miss Twain.

The No. 131 Billboard 200 debut adds another chart chapter to Twain’s long career.

According to the Billboard 200 history provided, Twain has earned two No. 1 albums, 11 charting titles and six Top 10 albums on the chart.

Her first No. 1 came with Up!, which debuted in December 2002 and spent 15 weeks at its peak position. The album remained on the Billboard 200 for 93 weeks.

Before Up!, Twain had already changed the sound of country music with her pop crossover style.

Her 1995 album The Woman in Me reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 107 weeks. Her 1997 blockbuster Come On Over peaked at No. 2 and spent 151 weeks on the chart. Greatest Hits also reached No. 2.

Twain later returned to No. 1 with Now in 2017. That album became her second Billboard 200 chart-topper.

Now, nearly a decade after Now and 24 years after Up!, Little Miss Twain gives the singer another Billboard 200 entry.

The new album also continues a strong run for Twain in Canada. Little Miss Twain debuts at No. 20 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, following her 2023 album Queen of Me, which opened at No. 2.

Little Miss Twain is Twain’s seventh studio album and centers on her life before she became one of country music’s biggest stars.

Before Shania Twain became a global name, she was Eilleen Regina Twain, a young singer from northern Ontario who performed in local bars and dreamed of building a life in music.

Little Miss Twain includes collaborations with Tanya Tucker, Josh Homme, The War and Treaty, Ronnie Wood and T Bone Burnett, among others.

Another track, “Faded Blue Jeans,” features Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme. Twain has connected the song to a pair of jeans she has had since she was a teenager.

The album also includes “Northern Town,” which draws from everyday memories of Twain's childhood, and “Stranger Things,” a song built around the sound of a chugging train.

The Woman in Me, Come On Over and Up! helped transform Twain into one of the biggest female artists in country music. Her crossover sound brought country music to a much wider pop audience.

The new release also comes after another major period in Twain's career. She toured behind Queen of Me, completed a Las Vegas residency and performed major shows in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Twain also joined Harry Styles for more than 12 dates on the European leg of his world tour in London and Amsterdam.

With Little Miss Twain, Twain is not simply revisiting her biggest hits. She is looking further back, toward the young singer who existed before the fame.

Related: 1980 Hit, Written by Dolly Parton, Ranked Among 'Best Movie Soundtrack Songs' of All Time

1976 Rock Song, Which Almost Got Rush Dropped, Is Still a Prog Landmark 50 Years Later

Fri, 08/07/2026 - 10:23pm

One of rock's biggest bands almost got dropped by their music label while creating one monumental song that would become a key part of their legacy.

The band Rush faced a tough situation after their 1975 album, Caress of Steel, didn't perform as well as expected. While considering their next steps, the band's record label, Mercury Records, encouraged them to move towards a more radio-friendly sound for the next album.

Instead, they did the opposite, making the ambitious concept album 2112. The album's centerpiece is the title track, a 20-minute song with a complex story and intense rock sound.

But Rush knew how much of a risk it was to make the album. "It could have spelled the end for us," Alex Lifeson told NPR in an interview. "To me it was impossible to take a step backwards and do something we'd already done just to please a record company."

According to the liner notes included with the 2112 40th anniversary album, Rush's manager, Ray Danniels, had to personally fly to Chicago to convince the label to give the band one more chance in the form of the next album.

He hadn't heard any of the music himself yet, but he told Mercury Records, as Lifeson recalled, "You guys are going to love this next record. The guys are back on track."

Related: Rock Legend Who Created One of the "Greatest Albums of All Time" Turns 73

2112 came out in March 1976, and thankfully, music fans recognized the genius of the song and album. It was Rush's first commercial success, with the album peaking on the Billboard album chart at No. 61.

Along with "2112," other songs on the album included "The Twilight Zone," "Tears," "Something for Nothing," "Lessons," and "A Passage to Bangkok."

While fans love the entire album, decades after it was released, "2112" is still the standout. Parts of the song have been performed a lot over the years, but during the 2026 reunion tour, Rush finally played it in its entirety again for the first time in almost 30 years.

Related: Rush's Geddy Lee Gives One-Word Answer to New Music Question Amid Sold-Out Tour

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