Parade

To solve today's NYT Strands puzzle, think about plants you might admire in spring, especially ones known for colorful blossoms.

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 Thursday, August 6.

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: "Blossoming forth."

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

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:

• CH
• DO
• HA
• RE
• MA
• FL (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 6

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, August 6, 2026, isFLOWERINGTREE.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Thursday, August 6?

• CHERRY
• DOGWOOD
• HAWTHORN
• REDBUD
• MAGNOLIA
• SPANGRAM: FLOWERINGTREE

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Phish, the iconic '80s rock band behind the fan-favorite “You Enjoy Myself,” delivered an exciting surprise to fans after announcing an upcoming fall tour.

Expanding their 2026 run, the band composed of Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon and Page McConnell shared the details of the additional shows.

In an Instagram update, Phish revealed they will have eight more shows scheduled throughout the month of October.

The fall leg will debut in Atlantic City with a three-night run followed by a two-night performance in Virginia.

Phish will also mark their first Florida performance in a decade with a one-night run  in Jacksonville, before wrapping up the fall tour in Alabama with a two-night concert.

Page McConnell, Jonathan Fishman, Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish at Madison Square Garden on July 29, 2026.

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Moreover, the post also included information on how and when people can get tickets for the event.

“A ticket request period is now underway. Tickets.phish.com (ending at Noon ET on Monday, August 10). Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, August 14 at 10 AM ET (with onsales following at 11AM + Noon ET). In addition, a limited number of travel packages for Atlantic City will go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday) at Noon ET (link in profile),” the post reads.

View this post on Instagram

2026 has been a busy year for the band as the two-time Grammy nominees started the year with Phish: Riviera Maya, the annual four-night concert in Mexico.

Hosted by the band, this was their ninth concert residency, which took place in Cancun from Jan. 28 to 31.

By the middle of 2026, Phish had completed their 2026 Summer Tour with a 21-date North American trek.

The band kicked off the run in July, performing across major cities in Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina and more.

The summer tour was also highlighted by multi-night residencies at Madison Square Garden and the band’s upcoming annual Labor Day Weekend run in September.

Phish 2026 Tour Dates

Sept. 4: Commerce City, CO | DICK's Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 5: Commerce City, CO | DICK's Sporting Goods Park
Sept. 6: Commerce City, CO | DICK's Sporting Goods Park
Oct. 2: Atlantic City, NJ | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Oct. 3: Atlantic City, NJ | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Oct. 4: Atlantic City, NJ | Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Oct. 6: Richmond, VA | Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Oct. 7: Richmond, VA | Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Oct. 9: Jacksonville, FL | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Oct. 10: Huntsville, AL | The Orion Amphitheater
Oct. 11: Huntsville, AL | The Orion Amphitheater

Related: ’90s Metal Band, Disbanded for 10 Years, Announces New Album

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

Investing in new furniture doesn't have to rack up a large credit card bill. Thanks to Drew Barrymore's incredible collection at Walmart, you can add budget-friendly pieces to your cart that are modern, functional, and durable. Some of our favorites include this comfortable sofa, pretty fluted cabinet, and now, we're eyeing the Beautiful Fluted Vanity Storage Cabinet while it's $15 off.

The cabinet originally cost $129, but has been reduced to $114 during a limited-time rollback deal. The furniture is being sold in two colors: warm honey or black. The black hue is perfect for mid-century and modern style homes, while the warm honey is ideal for cottagecore, bohemian, or farmhouse-style decor. The cabinet is 23.5 inches wide, 12.6 inches long, and 32.25 inches tall, so it's perfect for small spaces. 

Beautiful Fluted Vanity Storage Cabinet, $114 (was $129) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The cabinet weighs 54.8 pounds, so you will need another set of hands to maneuver it. The design features an open upper shelf that you can use to display decorative items (like frames and books), one tall cabinet, and three smooth-gliding drawers. The fluted drawer fronts are what really make the cabinet unique, because it adds texture to a space without being the statement piece. 

The cabinet is made of engineered wood that you can wipe with a damp cloth to ensure it stays clean. This piece is ideal for those who need hidden storage space but still want their living area to look chic and cohesive. You can put it in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and virtually any area you see fit. Shoppers described the "stylish" piece as "beautiful," "pretty," "functional," and "well-designed."

One reviewer said that this style "would be the perfect piece for a small corner of your room that you're looking to fill." With back-to-school season currently underway, this offering is also a "very high-quality" yet affordable option for dorms. "It could hold anything," another customer wrote. You could even use it to store extra clothes if needed. 

Shop More Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Deals 

• Beautiful 12-Piece Bamboo Dinnerware Set, $23 (was $27) at Walmart
• Beautiful 12-Piece Cookware Set, $119 (was $149) at Walmart
• Beautiful Drew Bar Cabinet, $114 (was $180) at Walmart

The reason we go back to Drew Barrymore's collection over and over again is because it will make your home look sleek without breaking the bank. However, a deal on her already budget-friendly furniture doesn't come around often. Shop this gorgeous vanity storage cabinet while it's $15 off at Walmart! 

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful' $185 Rattan Storage Cabinet Looks Like a Designer Find for Way Less

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.

While studying at the University of Pennsylvania, novelist Chloe Gong started writing her novel These Violent Delights during the summer break following her freshman year. Gong finished her first draft at just 19 years old, and the novel was sold at auction after just four months of revisions. These Violent Delights was published in 2020 when Gong was 21, and immediately became a bestseller, one of the youngest ever according to the New York Times.

These Violent Delights peaked at number three on the New York Times bestseller list and remained there for over 18 weeks. The novel received starred reviews from Kirkusand theSchool Library Journal.The Harvard Crimsoncalled it a "standout literary release of 2020," and The Guardiansaid it was an "ambitious debut."

The novel, the first in a duology, was also wildly popular with readers. To date on the reading platform Goodreads, the book holds a 3.97 rating and has been shelved by users over 173,000 times.

View this post on Instagram

A reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, These Violent Delightstakes place in 1926 Shanghai with the blood feud between the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers at the heart of the story. 18-year-olds Juliette Cai of the Scarlet Gang and Roma Montagov of the White Flowers were each other's first loves and first betrayals. As the deaths between the rival gangs continue to stack up and grow insurmountable, the star-crossed lovers must set aside their differences (and their guns) lest there be nothing left for them after the fact.

The following year after releasing These Violent Delights, Gong published a sequel appropriately titled Our Violent Ends.

These Violent Delights and other works by Chloe Gong are available wherever books are sold.

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

Related: Best-Selling 2025 Romantasy Sequel Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of 2026’ on Goodreads

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle explores items you play with, places where you stay between the lines, famous landmarks and places where sports are played.

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 #1150 onThursday, August 6, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Thursday, August 6, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Thursday'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 Thursday, August 6

1. Retro playthings.
2. You might throw a gutterball here.
3. Spots in the Eternal City.
4. Catch a butterfly with one.

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 Thursday, August 6:

1. CLASSIC WOODEN TOYS: ALPHABET BLOCKS, CUP-AND-BALL, JACOB'S LADDER, LINCOLN LOGS
2. PLACES WITH LANES: BOWLING ALLEY, FREEWAY, SUPERMARKET, SWIMMING POOL
3. ICONIC ROMAN LANDMARKS: COLOSSEUM, PANTHEON, SPANISH STEPS, TREVI FOUNTAIN
4. PLACES WITH NETS: BARCLAYS CENTER, FISHING BOAT, HOCKEY RINK, TENNIS COURT

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: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Thirty-five years after forming, Belphegor is preparing to unleash another chapter in its uncompromising career.

The Austrian blackened death metal veterans have announced that they have completed work on their 13th studio album, which is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2027 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The record follows 2022's The Devils and continues the band's decades-long commitment to extreme metal.

"Finally, the musick-al process is complete," said frontman Helmuth Lehner in an Instagram post. "Rooted in our unmistakable vision, the glorification of the Devil. The nine tracks are a ceremonial invocation of pure Black Death Metal!”

While the album's title and additional details remain under wraps, the band encouraged fans to revisit two songs that will appear on the upcoming release.

The first, "Sanctus Diaboli Confidimus," arrived in August 2025, followed by "Scarlet Beast – Leviathan" in February 2026. Together, the tracks offered an early glimpse of the record's dark atmosphere, blistering riffs, and relentless intensity.

Formed in 1992 in Salzburg, Austria, Belphegor has spent more than three decades establishing itself as one of extreme metal's most enduring acts.

Blending black metal, death metal, and occult themes, the band has built a loyal international following through albums including Lucifer Incestus, Pestapokalypse VI, Conjuring the Dead, and The Devils. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Helmuth has remained the creative force at the center of the project, steering Belphegor through an ever-evolving extreme metal landscape.

"I'm inspired by everything I see and experience," Lehner told New Noise Magazine. "I adore all types of books on the occult, strange happenings and the paranormal, necromantic, cannibalism, and serial killers. […] Everything that is dark, anti and non-conformist grabs my attention. I had many chances during my life to learn and know that real life is often way stranger than any fiction."

The band has also maintained a relentless touring schedule, performing at many of the world's biggest metal festivals while sharing stages with some of the genre's most respected names. That dedication has helped Belphegor remain a fixture of the international metal scene more than three decades after its formation.

"Belphegor is more than a band to me," Lehner said. "It's unreal to me when I think back on what I have had the honor to do so far. We've traveled and toured the world again and again, we never split up, joined any trend, or went mainstream like so many 'back in the days' extreme bands."

With recording now complete, attention turns toward the album's release in early 2027. Thirty-five years after Belphegor first emerged from Austria's underground, the beloved metal band continues to push forward, proving its appetite for creating uncompromising blackened death metal remains as fierce as ever.

Related: '90s Metal Band, Disbanded for 11 Years, Announces New Album

Written by lead singer Brandon Flowers, "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers came to Flowers following a late-night conversation with Matt Pinfield, who was the vice president of A&R at Columbia Records at the time. Pinfield was working alongside the US Army as part of a program mentoring soldiers with a musical background who were coming back from Iraq with PTSD.

Of the evening Pinfield recalled,

"I started to tell him the story about mentoring soldiers, and I was getting ready to go through a divorce. I was going through a bit of a rough time. So, he went home that night, and their old manager, Braden Merrick, calls me on the phone, and goes, 'Hey Matt, Brandon wrote a song about you. He went home last night and wrote this song.' It was 'All These Things That I've Done,' and the line 'I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier' is about the mentoring thing."

"All These Things That I've Done" was inspired heavily by U2 and David Bowie, according to Flowers. Upon release, it was critically acclaimed and nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the Grammys. Recently, the song was listed at number two of the "100 Best Bridges" by Billboard, just behind "Hey Ya" by Outkast.

The bridge of "All These Things That I've Done" is backed by a gospel choir, the vocals of which were handled by the iconic Sweet Inspirations, a girl group who did backing vocals for artists of the likes of Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin during their prime, most notable years in the ’60s and ’70s.

"All These Things That I've Done" has appeared on numerous "best of" lists over the years since its release in 2004, including:

• XFM's "100 Greatest Songs of the Decade"
• NME's "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years"
• The Daily Telegraph's"100 Greatest Songs of All Time"

In addition to critical acclaim, the song became a staple for The Killers and is one of their most frequently played at live performances, just behind "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me." With a killer bridge (no pun intended), it's easy to see why "All These Things That I've Done" has become an anthem for millennials, rock lovers, and more.

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

Related: 2003 Critically Acclaimed Hit Song Ranked the No. 1 'Best Bridge of All Time' by 'Billboard'

You can always rely on Trader Joe's for enticing new options in the frozen aisle.

Fans of the popular grocer are buzzing now that a highly anticipated dessert finally descended on stores — and there isn't even a "Limited Time" banner on the Trader Joe's website...

That means shoppers can expect to enjoy the all-new Mango Sticky Rice all year long. Check out the Instagram post below to familiarize yourself with the packaging — that is, if you haven't already indulged in the $4.69 deliciousness...

View this post on Instagram

The @traderjoesobsessed Instagram account also posted about the Mango Sticky Rice release, with fans flooding the comments section to voice their excitement. "I can't believe it, it's a dream come true," wrote one user, while another person commented, "They’re an 11 out of 10 and not too sweet Stock up! 🥭"

Learn More Straight From the Source

"Fans of the dish understand how hard it is to find, especially when Mangoes are out of season. So, we worked with an experienced supplier in Thailand to bring our customers Trader Joe’s Mango Sticky Rice, a convenient way to enjoy this comforting and refreshing dessert all year long," reads Trader Joe's online product description. "Each package includes two individual servings of perfectly ripe Mango, cubed and set atop sweet, coconut-infused Glutinous Sticky Rice, along with two packets of fried mung beans for sprinkling on top—the traditional finishing touch for this classic dessert.

The description continues, "Just heat in the microwave for 50 seconds, sprinkle the mung beans to add a satisfying crunch, and enjoy! It’s an easy weeknight dessert, an impressive finish to a dinner party, or a delightfully tropical afternoon treat when paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Best of all, now you can create an authentic Thai restaurant dining experience at home by enjoying it after a meal of our frozen Vegetable Pad Thai or Pad See Ew."

Today's NYT Wordle answer describes a feeling of mild annoyance or dissatisfaction. 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 #1874 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 are two vowels 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

Synonyms for today's Wordle include: 'grievance' and 'grumble'

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 #1874 on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Thursday, August 6, 2026, is GRIPE.

-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)

After a long hiatus, Eggo is bringing back its beloved breakfast syrups. The perfect pairing for the legendary frozen waffles, Eggo is re-introducing five flavors.

Eggo syrups — which originally hit grocery store shelves in 2003 — are rolling out across the country this year, with some breakfast lovers having already spotted them at their local supermarkets.

According to Nostalgia Hunting, Eggo syrups were originally available in Original, Buttery, Lite, and Cinnamon French Toast flavors. With the newest rollout, however, it appears Eggo ditched the Light option and is adding Blueberry, and Sweet & Spicy. The Cinnamon French Toast flavor will also be swapped for simply Cinnamon.

Sporked reported in April that some flavors are "going to be made without high-fructose corn syrup, and that some of the flavors won’t have artificial colors or flavorings."

View this post on Instagram

It's clear that fans can't wait to get their hands on a bottle, as many flocked to social media to share their excitement.

"Ohhh I’ll take the buttery one 😍" one fan wrote.

"I need AAAALLL of them," another commented.

"The sweet and spicy callin me 😍" a third noted.

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

Sunflower season is in full swing, and this cheerful find offers an easy way to start easing into fall decor. The Celebrate Together Fall Woven Sunflower Basket features a bright embroidered bloom, natural woven texture, and a playful scalloped edge that makes it look more decorative than the average storage bin. The best part? It’s on sale at Kohl’s for just $24, down from $30. 

The basket is small, measuring 10 inches high, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, so it holds a handful of everyday items without taking up too much space. It’s crafted from seagrass woven around an iron wire frame, with an embroidered sunflower displayed across the front, and the scalloped rim adds a fun touch to the top. It has a weight capacity of about 1.3 pounds, so it’s designed for small items, and it can be wiped clean when needed.

Celebrate Together Fall Woven Sunflower Basket, $24 (was $30) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

Shop at Kohls

You could use this cute little gem in so many different ways, whether it’s to hide remote controls and charging cords in the living room, keep dog toys from rolling under the couch, or hold extra hand towels in a bathroom. It would also work on an entryway table for mail, keys, and other miscellaneous items.

One shopper called it a “very nice and well-made sunflower basket,” adding, “If you love sunflowers or just want to update your decor, this is one to grab.” They also gave it five out of five stars and rated it as excellent quality, great value, and very durable.

Related: Walmart Has a ‘Sturdy’ $25 5-Drawer Storage Dresser That’s Perfect for Small Spaces

Its floral design makes it seasonal, but not so seasonal that it has to be packed away as soon as fall ends. This cheerful piece could work in a kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else that could use a pop of color. It’s also small enough to move around as needed and is a much easier way to refresh your space than replacing larger decor pieces.

Shop More Deals

• Celebrate Together Fall Round Sunflower Supersoft Rug, $28 (was $35) at Kohl’s
• Sonoma Goods for Life Shaped Sunflower Ceramic Tray Table Decor, $12 (was $15) at Kohl’s
• Celebrate Together Fall 2-Piece Sunflower Dip Bowl Set, $16 (was $20) at Kohl’s

Whether it holds hand towels, toys, or other small items, this cute basket is sure to make your whole setup look more charming. Be sure to grab the Celebrate Together Fall Woven Sunflower Basket at Kohl’s while it’s still on sale, and let the cheerful sunflower brighten whichever room needs it most.

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.

When fans think of the Eagles, songs like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” usually come to mind. But Don Henley has long felt another 1975 track was overlooked, naming “After the Thrill Is Gone” as a song that deserved more attention. 

Released on One of These Nights, the song was overshadowed by the album's biggest singles, including the title track, “Lyin' Eyes” and “Take It to the Limit.” The record hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and those three songs became Top 10 hits, while “After the Thrill Is Gone” never reached the same level of recognition.

Henley, however, always viewed it differently. Speaking with Cameron Crowe, he described it as an “overlooked song,” believing it belonged alongside the band's best-known work.

“It’s me and Glenn [Frey], working together,” Henley said of the songwriting process, per Far Out. “He did the verses with a little help from me. I did the bridge. As exciting as the whole Eagles thing was at times, some of the luster was beginning to wear off.”

That feeling became the backbone of the song. “We were combining our personal and professional lives in song,” Henley explained, pointing to how massive success was starting to test the band's relationships.

The track’s sound carries that same tension. Henley and Frey pulled together country, rock, blues and folk, the combination that made up the Eagles' sound. The title nods to B.B. King's “The Thrill Is Gone,” but the song goes its own way.

Frey shared Henley’s admiration for the song, calling it “a sleeper.”

“That record is a lot of self-examination, hopefully not too much,” he said. “There was a lot of double meaning and a lot of irony. ‘Any kind of love without passion/Well, that ain’t no kind of lovin’ at all’ – pure Henley.”

The song reflected more than the band's personal experiences. As Henley later explained in History of the Eagles, “On just about every album we made, there was some kind of commentary on the music business, and on American culture in general.”

Despite the praise from both Henley and Frey, the song never became a concert staple. According to Setlist.fm, the Eagles performed “After the Thrill Is Gone” just 12 times, with the last performance taking place on July 31, 1980, in Long Beach, California. 

Related: 1966 Rock Song, Written by a 15-Year-Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 60 Years Later

Sublime’s self-titled landmark album from 1996 just achieved a rare feat. According to the RIAA, the record that spawned “Santeria,” “What I Got,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” has officially been certified Diamond, recognizing more than 10 million certified units sold in the U.S.

Taking to Instagram, the band celebrated the milestone, sharing a photo of the group holding up their framed record. In the caption, they wrote, “Sublime has earned RIAA Diamond Certification! 10 million+ copies sold and over 30 years of lovin’ thanks to the best fans out there. All for Bradley.”

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 🎬

The album, which dropped July 30, 1996, arrived just two months after the band’s frontman, Bradley Nowell, died. According to Rolling Stone, Nowell died of a heroin overdose on May 25 that year. The 28-year-old singer was found dead in his room at the Ocean View Motel in San Francisco.

The band’s popularity exploded after Nowell’s death, with the album becoming one of alternative rock’s defining releases of the late ’90s.

In April 1997, the album cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard 200, with the lead single, “What I Got,” a feel-good ska-punk/reggae-rock hybrid, climbing to No. 1 on the Modern Rock chart. “Santeria,” a sunny, laid-back revenge fantasy, and “Wrong Way,” a third-wave ska-punk track with a catchy horn section, both peaked at No. 3 on the rock charts.

Meanwhile, “Doin’ Time,” a breezy, hypnotic blend of reggae, hip-hop, and dub that Nowell built around George Gershwin’s classic “Summertime,” charted on the alternative rock airplay survey, but also managed to penetrate the all-genre Hot 100, peaking at No. 87.

Though the band broke up in 1996 following Nowell’s death, they have since regrouped. In 2023,  the band reunited with Nowell’s son, Jakob Nowell, who stepped into his father’s role.

“It was something that I myself really never wanted any part of,” Jakob told Morning Edition, per NPR. “Because of just how much of an emotional weight and responsibility there is behind it. … The biggest unexpected thing is how much I truly fell in love with the sound of this band. And I'm not just saying that. I finally got it.”

Since then, Sublime has seen success with their first new album in 30 years, Until the Sun Explodes. Released last June, it spawned a couple of No. 1 hits in “Ensenada” and “Until the Sun Explodes,” both dominating the rock and alternative radio charts.

The band is getting further recognition and reflection with the Sublime: Straight From Long Beach exhibition running through Sept. 7 at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. The event is celebrating the iconic album’s legacy as it reaches Diamond status on its 30th anniversary.

Related: 1963 No. 1 Hit, Sung by the Youngest Woman Chart-Topper of All Time, Still Rocks 63 Years Later

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

Whether it's your or your child's backpack that's seen better days, now's the perfect time to add a new style to your cart. Walmart is dropping amazing clothing and accessory deals before the first day of school hits, including a plethora of back-to-school supplies on sale for under $1. Now, we're shopping for this Dakimoe Backpack while it's 30% off. 

The backpack originally cost $37, but has been reduced to as low as $26 in the beige colorway. The accessory is being sold in 16 total colors, with the rest of the hues marked on sale for $27. Some of our favorite colors are a classic black, pastel pink, and all of the blue offerings, which are available in different shades.

Dakimoe Backpack, From $26 (was $37) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 12.1 inches long, 6.6 inches wide, and 17.5 inches tall, the backpack is designed to be "very spacious," with one main compartment, four front pockets, and three inner pockets for additional organization. There's even a back pocket located in between the straps for smaller miscellaneous items, with a luggage belt for frequent travelers. The pockets close with a traditional zipper to keep your items secure but easily accessible to you. 

This accessory find is made of a water-resistant polyester and is lightweight, easy to clean, and thoroughly stitched for durability. It's recommended that you hand wash the backpack for best results. This backpack is already in over 50 customer carts and is marked as Walmart's overall pick, so you'll want to shop for it before it's out of stock.

Reviewers cited this style as "pretty," "worth every cent," "sturdy," "cute," "amazing," and "stylish," adding that it's the "most comfortable" backpack they've worn. Parents purchased the design for kids aged from middle school and up, as the range in colors makes it an easy choice for families with several children. 

Shop More Deals 

• CozyDesg Fluffy Area Rug, $47 (was $93) at Walmart
• PrettyGarden Summer Maxi Dress, $45 (was $72) at Walmart
• Neleus High Waist Biker Shorts, $15 (was $24) at Walmart

Don't wait until the last minute to prepare for the first day of school. Take advantage of school-shopping deals before costs rack up. Add this highly-rated $26 backpack to your Walmart cart now! 

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful' $185 Rattan Storage Cabinet Looks Like a Designer Find for Way Less

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.

Nearly six decades after its release, Procol Harum’s 17-minute, 31-second progressive rock piece “In Held ‘Twas in I” remains one of the boldest long-form songs of the late 1960s.

Released in September 1968 on the English rock band’s second studio album, Shine On Brightly, the song takes up almost an entire side of the original record. Its unusual length, multi-part structure and changing musical sections helped make it an early example of progressive rock.

At 17 minutes and 31 seconds, “In Held ‘Twas in I” is among the classic rock songs that run for more than 15 minutes. American Songwriter included it alongside Yes’ “The Gates of Delirium” and Rush’s “2112” in a list of long classic rock recordings.

Pop group Procul Harum posed for a photo in 1967.

Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

The song is also unusual because some versions of Shine On Brightly, including the original A&M release, do not list its individual movements. Other versions identify five sections: “Glimpses of Nirvana,” “‘Twas Teatime at the Circus,” “In the Autumn of My Madness,” “Look to Your Soul” and “Grand Finale.”

Rather than following the format of a normal rock song, “In Held ‘Twas in I” works as a suite, moving through several connected sections.

Shine On Brightly was released in 1968 through Regal Zonophone and A&M. The album became a commercial success in the United States, reaching No. 24 on the Billboard 200. It also reached No. 26 in Canada, although it did not chart in the band’s home country.

According to the album’s background information, “In Held ‘Twas in I” was written and recorded in pieces. The spoken-word introduction was recorded before any music had been written for the track.

Lyricist Keith Reid said he heard the story used in the introduction from an American writer he met at Baghdad House, a café on Fulham Road.

The song’s title also has a very specific origin. “In Held ‘Twas In I” is an acrostic formed from the first words of lyrics from its different sections. The words come from “Glimpses of Nirvana,” the sixth verse of that movement, “‘Twas Teatime at the Circus,” “In the Autumn of My Madness” and “Look to Your Soul.”

According to Reid, the title has no meaning beyond this acrostic.

The song was credited to Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid. Brooker provided the lead vocals and piano, while Fisher contributed organ and sang on “In the Autumn of My Madness.” Fisher also wrote the “Grand Finale” section by himself, according to the album’s background information.

The recording also featured Robin Trower on guitar, Dave Knights on bass and B. J. Wilson on drums. Guest musicians added instruments including harpsichord, percussion and balalaika.

Retrospective critic Bruce Eder wrote in AllMusic that the album “extended the definition of progressive rock.” He singled out “In Held ‘Twas in I,” saying it “rivaled anything yet heard from such established progressive rock outfits as The Nice or The Moody Blues in length and surpassed them in audacity.”

In 1977, the band recorded another extended piece, “The Worm and The Tree,” which ran for about 19 minutes on Something Magic.

The band itself would continue recording and performing for decades, releasing albums through 2017. Frontman Gary Brooker died in February 2022, while lyricist Keith Reid died in March 2023.

The long song from Shine On Brightly, however, remains part of the band’s recorded legacy.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 23 Minutes, Is Still a Powerful Hit 55 Years Later

Reese Witherspoon is one of the most respected celebrity book lovers, and Reese's Book Club is known for choosing heart-stopping novels with compelling female characters at the center of the story. The Legally Blonde star just named her August book club pick, a "haunting" novel Reese calls a "read anywhere kind of book."

We may be in the twilight of summer 2026, but Reese Witherspoon's latest pick is keeping summer—and romance—alive and well. Released on August 4, The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson has already earned glowing praise from some of the publishing world's most celebrated authors, not to mention readers eager to squeeze one more unforgettable book into their summer reading rotation.

What Is The Wild Beneath About? View this post on Instagram

Set against the backdrop of the ocean, The Wild Beneath follows Annie, a young woman caught between the familiarity of her first love and the allure of a mysterious stranger. Annie's deep connection to the sea begins to blur the line between the natural world and something far more magical as she navigates heartbreak, longing, and self-discovery.

Kelly Anderson's debut novel, The Wild Beneath, is the ultimate end-of-summer read, blending romance, mystery, and the beauty of the natural world.

Part love story and part suspense novel, The Wild Beneath explores themes of grief, destiny, and the powerful pull of nature. More than just a setting—or a stunning image on the book's cover—the ocean serves as a living force that shapes Annie's journey and the relationships that define her life.

Why Reese Witherspoon Calls It a "Read Anywhere" Book

Already earning high praise, Kelly Anderson's debut is the kind of book that is meant to be read anywhere—and everywhere—according to Witherspoon, who suggests readers will want to pack The Wild Beneath for a beach vacation, curl up with it on a rainy afternoon, or listen to the audiobook on a long drive.

Known for championing novels with strong, complex female protagonists, Reese Witherspoon's August book club pick continues the actress's tradition of highlighting emotionally rich stories, layered relationships, and unforgettable settings.

Related: Olympic Skating Legends, Who Defined Figure Skating's Golden Age, Made the Ice Sound Like Tap Dancing

Early Reviews Are Already Raving View this post on Instagram

The Wild Beneath was published on August 4 and early readers and bestselling authors are gushing about Kelly Anderson's debut.

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult calls the book, "Ethereal...a story that reminds us sometimes the impossible is possible."

Christina Baker Kline gushes, "A haunting, heart-stopping debut."

Goodreads readers have also shared their excitement, with one calling The Wild Beneath, "Beautiful. Breathtaking. Indescribable."

For readers who enjoyed Witherspoon's previous picks, Wild Dark Shore (oh, that ending!) or The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Reese Witherspoon's August book club pick is already poised to become one of the year's most talked-about reads.

Related: 1973 'Sesame Street' Episode Featuring 'Two American Greats' Is Still One of TV's Greatest Cameos

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

Some songs divide listeners. Others become guilty pleasures.

Then there's "MacArthur Park."

Written by Jimmy Webb and first recorded by Richard Harris in 1968, the sprawling, seven-minute pop epic has spent more than half a century inspiring one question from confused listeners: What does leaving a cake out in the rain have to do with anything?

Related: 1975 ‘Comeback Song,’ Written in One Night, Hit No. 1 51 Years Ago Today

For many, that mystery became part of the song's charm. For others, it made the song unbearable.

In fact, when Pulitzer Prize-winning humor columnist Dave Barry surveyed more than 10,000 readers for a two-part column about the worst songs ever released, which was later turned into his 1997 book Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs, they overwhelmingly voted "MacArthur Park" the No. 1 "worst song in modern history."

Thousands of readers turned one bad-song column into a national debate.

Related: 1975 Rock Ballad Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 51 Years Later

Barry said the idea began innocently enough after he criticized Neil Diamond's "I Am… I Said" in one of his newspaper columns. He was flooded with complaints from readers defending Diamond, but he was also flooded with people agreeing with him and with letters from readers eager to nominate songs they hated even more.

"The thing is," Barry wrote, "I got at least as many letters, just as strongly worded, attacking Neil Diamond. But that was just the beginning: I got a whole lot more letters from people who wanted to complain about other songs that they hated to hear on the radio."

The response surprised even Barry.

Related: Iconic Rock Guitarist, Called ‘The G.O.A.T.,’ Turns 63

"I have, in my twenty years as a newspaper columnist, written about many vitally important issues … and none of these topics has ever stirred up so much passion in the readers as the issue of bad songs," he joked. "People were stopping me on the street … saying things like: 'You know that song about the piña coladas? I HATE THAT SONG! I HATE IT!'"

Barry realized he had tapped into something unexpectedly universal.

"I realized that Americans… care very deeply about song badness," he wrote before launching his official Bad Song Survey, asking readers to vote for the songs that made them rush to change the radio station.

"The response was unbelievable," Barry recalled. "I think more people voted in the Bad Song Survey than in the presidential election."

When the votes were counted, one song finished comfortably ahead of the rest.

Related: 1973 Oscar-Winning Song, Written in One Night, Was a No. 1 Hit 53 Years Ago Today

"I won't keep you in suspense," Barry wrote. "The worst song in modern history … is… 'MacArthur Park.'"

Barry argued the song had everything listeners disliked: an unusually long running time, cryptic lyrics and so much radio airplay that it became impossible to escape. Many survey responses, he noted, boiled down to one simple question:

"What the HELL is this song about?"

From an International Hit to a Disco Smash

Ironically, Barry acknowledged that he personally disliked many songs more than "MacArthur Park," but he couldn't argue with the survey's results.

The song's commercial success told a very different story.

Related: 1972 Country Rock Song, Written by a 19-Year-Old, Became an Overnight Radio Favorite 3 Years Later

Harris' dramatic original climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 while reaching No. 1 in both Canada and Australia, turning the actor's unlikely recording into an international hit.

According to Fred Bronson's "The Billboard Book of Number One Hits," the song actually began life as part of a much longer cantata Webb hoped to write after producer Bones Howe challenged him to create an ambitious, multi-part pop composition. The Association ultimately passed on the song, and Webb instead recorded it with Harris.

A decade later, "MacArthur Park" found an entirely new audience.

Disco queen Donna Summer transformed the orchestral ballad into an epic dance song for her 1978 album Live and More. Edited into a radio-friendly single, the song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Summer the first chart-topper of her career.

Related: ’70s Rock Band, Behind One of the ‘Greatest Albums of All Time,’ Is Getting New Recognition 51 Years Later

Bronson noted that Summer's success meant the song had completed one of pop music's most unlikely journeys, from Harris' theatrical ballad to a disco blockbuster.

More than 50 years after its debut, the debate hasn't gone away.

Culture Sonar observed in 2022 that while Barry famously labeled it the "worst song in modern history," the song has also earned passionate defenders, including David Letterman, who once devoted an entire episode of Late Show to celebrating it with a full orchestra and Webb himself.

Webb has long maintained there was never anything random about the famous lyrics.

Related: ’70s Rock Band, Behind One of the ‘Greatest Albums of All Time,’ Is Getting New Recognition 51 Years Later

"There's nothing in it that's fabricated," he said. "The old men playing checkers by the trees, the cake that was left out in the rain, all of the things that are talked about in the song are things I actually saw."

And in 2026, it was introduced to a whole new generation of listeners when Alysa Liu skated to the song for her free skate in her gold-medal winning performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Whether listeners hear poetic brilliance or pop absurdity, one thing is undeniable: few songs have sparked more arguments while simultaneously becoming such enduring hits.

Related: 1973 Oscar-Winning Song, Written in One Night, Was a No. 1 Hit 53 Years Ago Today

Sacred Reich, the Phoenix thrash metal veterans led by frontman Phil Rind, are mixing their first new album in seven years and eyeing a September release. Rather than keep Into the Abyss under wraps, Rind is sharing new details about what fans can expect.

In an interview with Metalourgio, transcribed by Blabbermouth, the vocalist/bassist said that he was originally writing the songs for the record. But after he got wind of what guitarist Joey Radziwill, who joined Sacred Reich in 2019, was doing, he “scrapped” his own songs and went with Joey’s work.

“[Joey] gave us a different direction,” Rind said. “It is much faster and heavier. It was obvious to us, and we think the fans will really dig it.”

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 🎬

Into the Abyss is the follow-up to 2019’s Awakening. It also marks the debut LP since the addition of Eduardo Baldo on drums, who replaced Dave McClain last year. Mixed by Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Deliverance) and produced by John Aquilino (Icon) at his Focusrite Room at Platinum Underground, the effort features songs about dark times and ultimately finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

“A lot has happened since 2019 when Awakening came out,” Rind shared. “We all went through some dark times. I personally had a lot of challenges. The title Into the Abyss reflects that. It is about going into the unknown. I think we all can relate to this. It's much darker musically and lyrically. There are a few optimistic songs, which are important, so we remember that this too shall pass."

Formed in 1985, Sacred Reich is best known for landmark albums Ignorance (1987) and The American Way (1990). Even though they have weathered numerous lineup shakeups, a decade-long hiatus, and subsequent reunions, they've been anchored throughout by Rind and have remained one of the defining acts of thrash metal for more than four decades.

Today, the lineup consists of Rind, Radziwill, and Baldo, as well as lead guitarist Wiley Arnett. They are currently on the summer leg of their No Truth, No Justice Tour, performing across Europe. Into the Abyss is tentatively scheduled for release in September via Metal Blade Records.  

Related: ’90s Rock Icons From Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and More Announce Rare 2026 Event

More than five decades after Black Sabbath released “Paranoid,” the iconic 1970 track continues to rack up honors, with the latest recognition naming it one of the greatest songs in music history.

To celebrate heavy metal’s lasting legacy and influence on music, Rolling Stone named the top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time.

Spanning every era, from classic heavy metal to modern metal, the list features a roundup of timeless tracks that defined the genre through their heavy riffs, thunderous sound and enduring influence.

With the band earning multiple entries on Rolling Stone’s ranking and securing the top spot with the title track from its self-titled debut album, Black Sabbath, the quartet’s song “Paranoid” landed at No. 13.

While the record achieved massive global success, becoming Black Sabbath's first and only album to hit No. 1 on the Official UK Albums Chart and earning recognition as one of the greatest metal records of all time thanks to signature tracks such as “Iron Man,” “War Pigs” and “Paranoid,” the band never secured a No. 1 hit single.

Black Sabbath members Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne.

Chris Walter/WireImage

The Ozzy Osbourne-led band’s highest-charting single was “Paranoid,” which peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 61 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

However, despite the song’s success and positive public reception, it was a last-minute addition to the album.

“Paranoid” was written in just five minutes, with Geezer Butler creating the lyrics in a frantic rush.

Paranoid by Black Sabbath is one of the greatest songs of all time pic.twitter.com/ZKVkMCbkio

— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) February 3, 2026

“We recorded the whole thing in about two or three days, live in the studio,” the bassist told Guitar World in 2004, as cited by Far Out Magazine, adding, “The song ‘Paranoid’ was written as an afterthought. We basically needed a three-minute filler for the album, and Tony came up with the riff. I quickly did the lyrics, and Ozzy was reading them as he was singing.”

Moreover, he added that the whole track was completed in “about two hours” and made it onto the album’s tracklist.

Far from being just a filler to the album, the band did not disappoint the public as “Paranoid” resonated not only to listeners but also with fellow musicians.

The song’s enduring influence inspired several artists including American punk band The Dickies, whose cover version reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, Written in Two Hours, Ranked Among 'Greatest Protest Songs' of All Time

Caribbean islands are renowned for Carnival celebrations, with each destination putting its own distinct spin on the vibrant festival.

The latter may be an underrated vacation destination, but its most famous native recently returned home to join the party.

Rihanna hasn't toured since 2016, but did make a surprise appearance at Jay-Z's anniversary concert while continuing to expand her Savage X Fenty lingerie brand. She also recently made headlines after an intruder targeted her Los Angeles residence.

Now, she's returning to her roots.

The proud Barbadian joined thousands of revelers on the streets of Bridgetown for Grand Kadooment Day in a jaw-dropping 'jewel-encrusted' carnival look. There's no question she came to let loose — she was dancing through the parade alongside fellow masqueraders and with her husbandA$Ap Rocky.

Check out the look here.

Unlike in Hollywood, where celebrity sightings can be fleeting, Rihanna happily stopped for selfies with fans as soca music blared in the background.

Her kaleidoscopic ensemble was no accident. Rihanna teamed up once again with designer Lauren Austin, who has crafted many of her Crop Over looks since 2013.

Celebs tend to opt for paradisal locales, such as Cabo, for their international beach getaways, but Rihanna clearly has no problem coming back home and soaking up the love.

Crop Over, Barbados' annual harvest festival— often compared to Carnival, much to many locals' chagrin — is a nonstop party from early July through early August. The island makes for an excellent sun-drenched vacation spot — minus a spotty hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

Chock-full of ritzy resorts and colorful Bajan culture, Barbados isn't just a sleepy island with swaying palms and crashing waves — it's one of the Caribbean's most dynamic destinations with fewer crowds than the household names of Punta Cana and Nassau.

You may not see many A-list stars vacationing here, but Rihanna is no stranger to making appearances in her homeland, last attending the same festival in 2024.

As the Grammy-winning star threw herself into the, fans were understandably thrilled to see her enjoying life as one commenter raved, "Rihanna just had three kids and she looks stunning. OMG, what a beautiful woman she is. Everything shines on her—she really does shine bright like a diamond."