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It’s the most wonderful time of the year for anyone who loves all things merry and bright. Between the sparkling Christmas decorations, festive dinnerware, and endless excuses to bake another batch of cookies, there’s plenty to look forward to as the holidays approach. And if your Christmas playlist features plenty of Dolly Parton, why not bring a little of her signature country charm to your holiday table, too?

Dolly’s festive home collection is full of cheerful finds, but the $28 Dolly Parton Holiday Toile Oval Platter at Walmart is particularly fitting for anyone who loves to entertain. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, putting together a spread for a holiday movie marathon, or looking for a pretty way to deliver homemade treats to friends and neighbors, it’s an easy way to make the occasion feel special. After all, who better to help you celebrate the season than the queen of country herself?

Courtesy of Walmart

The centerpiece of this festive platter is its playful “Deck the Halls With Songs of Dolly” design, which gives a classic Christmas saying a country music twist. Dolly’s name appears in bold red script with green accents, surrounded by little red snowflakes and stars. Beneath the lettering, a green illustration depicts a snowy country landscape complete with a rustic cabin, trees, and rolling hills. The scalloped silhouette and thin red border add an old-fashioned touch. 

Measuring 12 inches wide by 9.5 inches long and 1 inch high, it offers plenty of room for all your favorite bites. Fill it with gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and homemade fudge for a Christmas dessert spread. Or, arrange sliced cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and cranberry preserves for guests to snack on before dinner. The festive artwork also makes it a lovely centerpiece for a buffet, especially when paired with red napkins, greenery, and candles.

While it’s certainly pretty enough to display, this platter is made to handle the demands of holiday entertaining. Crafted from chip-resistant stoneware, it’s also oven- and microwave-safe, so you can use it to warm up food or reheat leftovers. Once the festivities are over, simply pop it in the dishwasher.

• Dolly Parton Holiday Toile Scallop Platter, $50 at Walmart
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For the Dolly Parton fan in your life, it would make an especially charming present. Fill it with homemade sugar cookies, candy canes, and a handwritten recipe card, then wrap everything in cellophane and tie it with a big red bow. You could also pair it with festive mugs, hot cocoa mix, and a Dolly Christmas album for a gift or raffle basket.

Related: Dolly Parton’s ‘Cute’ $32 Quilted Oven Mitt Set Adds Down-Home Charm to Everyday Baking 

Pour the eggnog, plate the cookies, and cue the Christmas carols. Shop the Dolly Parton Holiday Toile Oval Platter for $28 at Walmart!

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Rod Steiger was well known for channelling his intense, brooding, and deep emotions into his method acting style, delivering highly authentic, memorable performances.

One such performance came in 1986 with The Pawnbroker, which saw Steiger receive a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Sol Nazerman, a German-Jewish university professor sent to a concentration camp along with his family.

Related: 1989 Nostalgic Classic Film Ranked Among Best Rock Movies of All Time

The Pawnbroker is set following the horrors of World War II and follows Nazerman, now running a pawnshop in East Harlem, New York, as he becomes increasingly embittered and pushes away those close to him.

Based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Edward Lewis Wallant, The Pawnbroker was directed by Sidney Lumet and starred Geraldine Fitzgerald, Brock Peters, Jaime Sánchez, and Morgan Freeman in his feature film debut.

Directors Stanley Kubrick, Karel Reisz, and Franco Zeffirelli turned down the project, with Kubrick going as far as to say that he thought Steiger was not “all that exciting”.

However, he could not be more wrong. Not only did it launch Steiger’s career as an A-list actor, but it was revolutionary for several reasons.

The Pawnbroker was among the first American films to feature a homosexual character and nudity during the Production Code, and was the first film featuring a woman’s bare breasts to receive Production Code approval.

In 2008, the film was preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

Steiger became involved with the project in 1962, a year after the Wallant novel was published.

He was involved in an early rework of the film’s script and was paid just $50,000 for his performance because he trusted Lumet after working with him on the TV series You Are There.

Kubrick wasn’t the only director to have doubts about Steiger for the role, with Lumet himself preferring James Mason for it.

He was quoted as saying that he felt Steiger “was a rather tasteless actor. Awfully talented, but completely tasteless in his choices”, but ultimately went with the actor after being surprised during rehearsals by Steiger’s ability to portray the character’s repressed feelings.

It’s been 40 years since Designing Women first premiered on Sept. 29, 1986, but the sharp-witted sitcom still feels just as relevant today.

Set inside an elegant Atlanta interior design firm (though filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, which became iconic in its own right), the series followed the outspoken Sugarbaker sisters—Julia (Dixie Carter) and Suzanne (Delta Burke)—alongside their equally memorable coworkers, Jean Smart as Charlene Frazier and Annie Potts as Mary Jo Shively.

Designing Women featured an all-female ensemble with many standout storylines that felt ahead of their time, as Glamour once noted that the fact that “their careers were at the center—not their relationships with men and children” was “a revolutionary concept.”

However, it wasn’t an overnight hit. Instead, the sleeper hit initially suffered from low ratings largely due to constant time slot changes, with the network putting the show on hiatus and nearly canceling it in the first season. However, a fan campaign by the Viewers for Quality Television generated over 50,000 letters of protest that were sent to CBS executives, effectively saving the series. As the network gave it another chance, it was paired with another hit comedy, Murphy Brown, creating a successful hour-long block that eventually allowed the sitcom to climb into the Top 10 and become one of CBS’s biggest successes of the late ’80s and early ’90s.

To this day, it continues to resonate with fans, ranking No. 63 on Rolling Stones’ list of 100 Best TV Sitcoms of All Time.

From the beginning, the characters were sharply defined. Suzanne Sugarbaker, the former beauty queen with a flair for drama, was actually written specifically for Burke, while Julia became famous for her fiery, scene-stealing monologues. Those speeches, often tackling social and political issues head-on, turned Julia into one of television’s most unforgettable voices.

Designing Women leaned into real conversations, as episodes addressed topics like sexism, racism, domestic violence and the AIDS crisis, which were rarely explored directly in primetime comedies.

Behind the scenes, the show was very much a family affair, created by husband-and-wife team Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and Harry Thomason. 

Over the years, cast changes, including the departures of Burke and Smart, made headlines, but the show continued to evolve, bringing in Julia Duffy and Jan Hooks as replacements in the sixth season. In the third season, delivery man Anthony Bouvier (played by Meshach Taylor) earned a starring role and later became a partner at the firm. The series ran for seven seasons, until the finale on May 24, 1993. 

And now, four decades later, the show continues to be remembered as a defining women-led sitcom that wasn’t afraid to focus on complex storylines and outspoken female characters.

Alongside shows like The Golden Girls, it helped prove female-driven ensembles could dominate ratings.

You can celebrate the 40th anniversary of Designing Women by streaming it on Hulu now!

GWAR has shared an emotional tribute to founding member Chuck Varga, the artist and performer best known for playing the character Sexecutioner, after his death at age 68.

Varga died on Friday ollowing a battle with cancer, according to a statement from longtime GWAR bassist Casey Orr, who performs as Beefcake the Mighty. Per Blabbermouth, Orr said Varga died peacefully with his wife, Bambi, by his side.

GWAR later released its own tribute through its official channels, sharing several photos of Varga both in and out of costume. The band opened its message with the words, “There are some losses that hit harder than others.”

Photo by Martin Philbey

The tribute remembered Varga not only as Sexecutioner but also as one of the people who helped build GWAR from its earliest days.

In its tribute, GWAR said Varga was present when the band was still taking shape and helped create the strange world that would later become one of heavy metal’s most recognizable acts.

“Chuck was the Sexecutioner and was one of the founding members of GWAR,” the band wrote. “He was there when this strange, disgusting, beautiful thing was being born, helping create the world that would become GWAR.”

The band also highlighted Varga’s work away from the stage. His illustrations and costume designs helped shape GWAR’s visual identity, while his work as a scenic artist later extended into movies, theater and other visual projects.

GWAR described his stage role as an important part of the band’s early identity.

“As Sexecutioner, Chuck brought an unforgettable presence to the stage and helped establish the larger-than-life mythology, chaos and depravity that would come to define the band,” GWAR said.

The band added that Varga was much more than the character he played.

“For those of us who knew Chuck, he was more than a character in a monster suit, he was an artist, a vocalist, a true performer and most importantly a brother to everyone in the band,” GWAR wrote. “He was one of the people who helped make GWAR possible.”

GWAR closed its message by sending its sympathy to Varga’s wife, family, friends and those who knew him.

“Hail Sexecutioner!

Hail Chuck Varga!”

Variety said Varga met future GWAR co-founder Hunter Jackson while they were students at Virginia Commonwealth University. The two became involved in The Slave Pit, a creative production space connected to the early development of the band’s visual world. The project eventually came together with Dave Brockie’s punk group Death Piggy, helping lead to the formation of GWAR in the 1980s.

Varga became known onstage as Sexecutioner and was part of GWAR during its formative years. He remained with the band until 1997, with Ragnarök in 1995 reported as his final studio album with the group, per Louder Wire. 

He later moved to New York and pursued work in film, television and Broadway. He also founded Hyperreal Productions, a company focused on costume and set design.

His creative work remained closely connected to GWAR. The band has credited his illustrations, character designs, performances and artistic vision with helping shape its distinctive world.

GWAR received two Grammy nominations during Varga’s era with the band. The first came in 1993 for Phallus in Wonderland in the Best Long Form Music Video category. The second followed in 1996 for “S.F.W.” in the Best Metal Performance category.

Varga’s cancer battle had been publicly known before his death. Earlier this year, GWAR organized efforts to support him, including a blood donation campaign and a fundraiser connected to medical and care expenses.

Varga’s death marks the loss of another figure from GWAR’s earliest creative circle. The band continues its work with a rotating lineup of musicians and artists, while the visual world that Varga helped build remains part of GWAR’s identity.

Related: ’90s Rock Band Darkest Hour Makes ‘Exclusive’ Announcement Before North America Tour

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Fall may bring cooler temperatures, but the lawn still needs attention before winter arrives. For shoppers who need to keep up with their grass without spending a small fortune on a new mower, Walmart has an affordable cordless option that doesn’t skimp on power.

The PowerSmart 17-Inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower is now $159 at Walmart, down from $300. It’s a battery-powered mower, which can be appealing for shoppers looking for something lighter, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than a gas-powered option. This model has a 40V 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery and brushless motor designed to deliver gas-like power and longer run times. Shoppers said this model was “very powerful,” with one saying they were able to cut both their front and back lawn on a single charge.

Courtesy of Walmart

The 17-inch mower features a full steel deck and six cutting-height settings ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, so you can choose the cut that works for your lawn. Its 7-inch front wheels and 8-inch rear wheels are designed to handle different terrain, from flat stretches of grass to uneven patches and gentle slopes. Since it’s cordless, you can move around the yard without an extension cord trailing behind you.

The mower gives you three ways to deal with grass clippings: Collect them in the rear bag, mulch them, or send them out through the side discharge. When you’re finished mowing, the handle folds down for more compact storage in a garage or shed.

Shoppers also praised how simple the mower was to assemble and use. One Walmart reviewer called it “the easiest mower” they’d ever used, while another said it was “very easy to put together” and cuts grass like a regular gas lawn mower. A third shopper called it a “great lightweight mower.”

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Related: Stash Summer Clutter With Walmart’s $68 Canopy Shed That’s Perfect for Small Yards

At $159, PowerSmart 17-Inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower is $141 less than its regular $300 price. For shoppers looking for an affordable cordless mower that can handle routine lawn care, this Walmart deal is worth checking out before the sale ends

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.

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

When your home lacks cabinets and drawers, it’s a bit more challenging to stay organized. Without these concealed storage spaces, you probably have plenty of items lining the countertops in your bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom, creating visual clutter that can be overwhelming. Countertop organizers are a simple solution. While they won’t completely hide away your products, they’ll help streamline your home and give you some countertop space back.

Looking to snag one? The best versions are just as stylish as they are practical, like this Snslxh 4-Tier Organizer at Amazon. It’ll add major style points to your countertop while giving your items a proper home. This organizer is currently on sale for a limited time ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, which runs from Oct. 6 through 7. Normally retailing between $22 and $24, it’s now marked down to $19 in a clear style and $20 in an amber version. This organizer is also available in green, which is currently full price at $24.

Courtesy of Amazon

Featuring two shelves, this organizer will help declutter your countertop in no time. You can use these shelves to store the bulky skincare products and toiletries that are currently lining your bathroom countertops, or the spices and condiments that are taking up all the extra space in your kitchen. 

The lower section of this organizer is fitted with four drawers, split into two tiers. The four different drawers allow you to separate items into different categories for an extra layer of organization. Both tiers feature one wide drawer and one narrow drawer, designed to fit items of various sizes. For ease of use, the drawers have a semicircular cut-out at the top so you can pull them out without hassle. 

These drawers are ideal for those small, loose items that you can’t seem to find a designated spot for, whether it’s makeup, stationery, craft supplies, or spare LEGO parts. Thetransparent design you to see everything at a glance so you can easily find whatever you need. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Equal parts practical and chic, this organizer will grace your countertop with its elegant appearance. The shelves are fluted, giving this piece a trendy accent along with some texture and dimension. Adding a touch of luxury, the poles supporting the top shelf have a sleek gold finish. 

Measuring around 10 inches wide, 7 inches deep, and 15 inches tall, this organizer will hardly take up any space on your countertop. It builds up, taking advantage of vertical space. This piece is made of durable plastic and metal, and several shoppers noted that it’s very sturdy. Whenever you want to give it a refresh, all you have to do is wipe it down.

This organizer has earned a near-perfect five-star rating with numerous customers raving about its “space-saving” design. Shoppers also loved its gorgeous appearance, great quality, and functionality. “It literally transformed my bathroom from a mess to being completely organized,” one reviewer said. A second customer said that “it’s a great way to organize and streamline clutter” and described it as “sleek.” 

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If you want to tame the chaos on your countertops, don’t hesitate to grab the Snslxh 4-Tier Organizer at Amazon while it’s still on sale for as low as $19! Be sure to hurry because it’ll only be available at this price for a limited time ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. 

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.

Fans of the iconic ’90s show Saved By the Bell were saddened to learn on Monday, September 28 that actor Dennis Haskins had died at age 75. Haskins was best known for his role as Principal Richard Belding on the teen comedy, which first aired from 1989 to 1993, starring a group of young actors including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley, Lark Voorhies and the late Dustin Diamond.

Haskins continued his role as Mr. Belding on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, which aired Saturday mornings from 1993 to 2000. In the years after, he had guest roles on many TV series, including The West Wing, 7th Heaven, How I Met Your Mother, and Hot in Cleveland.

Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed his death to TMZ and told the outlet, “It’s a tragic loss. Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis, loved him even more. He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans. He always had time for them, no matter what. He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly.”

Though no official cause of death had been given at the time of publication, a well-known news anchor in Haskins’ hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, said on September 28 that he’d been concerned about the actor for a while, revealing that the actor cut off contact with hometown friends years before his death.

After Haskins’ passing was announced, David Carroll, who has anchored Chattanooga’s Local 3 News for nearly 40 years, reported on his blog and in a Facebook post that “Dennis Haskins’ longtime caretaker has confirmed that the actor, a Chattanooga native, has died following a long illness.”

“I last spoke to him in January 2020, shortly after he had visited his hometown, as he did each holiday season,” Carroll shared in his post, noting that when a news colleague asked if they could interview the actor the next time he was in town, “I passed that along to Dennis on the phone.”

However, Carroll recalled, “Dennis declined, saying, ‘That’s not gonna happen.’ When I expressed surprise at his reply, Dennis just said he didn’t want to talk about it. He obviously wanted privacy, and did not respond to calls and texts from his Chattanooga friends for years to come.”

Carroll completed his post by writing, “So the sad news is not a complete surprise, but still a shock to those of us who remember him being so full of life. I always said, ‘If Dennis is in the room, it’s like a party.’ He loved his fans and friends, especially in Chattanooga. We have already missed him for several years, and we always will.”

Haskins’ death has also been tough to process for longtime friends connected to L.A.’s Dimples Karaoke, billed as the nation’s first karaoke club, where Haskins frequently appeared until its closing 11 years ago.

Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

A September 28 Instagram post from the venue, which remains active online, said, “A lot of people thought (Haskins) owned it, but he didn’t. He just loved the place and its people. He enjoyed singing for people, meeting them, and taking selfies with his fans.”

The post went on to say, “About eight years ago, he became ill. He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention. He did not want to have to tell people. He would say, ‘What do I even say?’ So I respected his wishes and stayed quiet, and I helped him through his journey into the next chapter of his life.”

Dimples Karaoke shared patrons’ memories in its Instagram Stories, including one post from a former friend who used to meet up with the actor once a month to talk “about life, the industry, and everything in between.” He identified Kim Snow, the venue’s former manager, as the person who assisted Haskins as his condition deteriorated, calling her a “saint.”

What people love versus what critics value seldom aligns. But when it comes to chart fluctuations, it can be pretty baffling to compare results across regions, especially when the band and tune seem universal.

The Police are among the most beloved bands internationally, but perhaps their most identifiable hit is “Message in a Bottle,” which topped the U.K. charts the year it debuted in 1979. It marked the band’s first No. 1 hit, according to This Day in Music. The song also performed exceptionally well in Ireland and Australia, but in the U.S., the track surprisingly stalled at No. 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: 1981 Classic Rock Anthem, Covered by The Killers, Turned an Ex’s Brutal Quote Into Music History

The now-prolific track served as the opening song on The Police‘s sophomore album, Reggatta de Blanc, and effectively helped the trio avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump” that often haunts rock bands on their second release. According to American Songwriter, bassist and main songwriter Sting was the mastermind behind the song, digging into his backlog of material, which had considerably depleted by album two. Still, the subtle metaphor driving the lyrics—following a castaway on a deserted island desperately seeking connection through a message in a bottle—deeply resonated with listeners worldwide.

In fact, according to Louder Sound, the song remains the personal favorite of The Police‘s guitarist, Andy Summers.

“I’ve always thought it was the greatest drum track that Stewart [Copeland] ever made, personally,” Summers told the outlet. “Really alive and interesting. I do remember we were recording on the outskirts of London in this little studio [Surrey Sound Studios, with producer Nigel Gray], trying to put our stuff together. Two A&R guys came down from A&M Records, sat down on the couch, we put that song on, and they were just smiling as widely as they could, because it was a killer track.”

“It’s my favourite, actually,” he continued. “It’s the one that’s highly recognisable as The Police. I still love it. I think it’s a great classic, and a very different-sounding pop song. For me, it’s the best of The Police. There are a lot of other great tracks, but I’ve always particularly liked that one.”

The song’s ubiquitous success in the U.K. didn’t immediately translate to chart supremacy in the States, and it would take years before one of their tracks topped the American charts. It was 1983’s haunting single “Every Breath You Take” that would finally claim the No. 1 spot in the U.S. Ironically, it would also become one of the band’s most misunderstood tunes.

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To this day, “Message in a Bottle” remains one of The Police‘s defining tracks—and an enduring staple of rock radio over four decades later.

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It’s the charming little details that often transform a room the most. The rise of fairytale-inspired decor has proven that point, with people opting to infuse their living spaces with subtle yet whimsical accents that are as comforting as they are stylish. An easy way to introduce the fairycore aesthetic to your home is by incorporating a pair of Yokila Tree Trunk Lamps.

The magic of interior design is in creativity! These beautiful home designs depict a fantasy world fairies might enjoy! The home decor in these spaces incorporate lots of pink and green accents. Is this your style? #incredibleinteriors #interiordesign #homedecor #fairycore #fairycoreaesthetic

Right now you can snag the rustic duo for just $61 at Walmart, down from its original $110. Warming the room with a gentle glow while adding a touch of ethereal elegance, the lamps feature sturdy resin “tree trunk” bodies consisting of thick branches. The effect is soft and dreamy, perfect for illuminating a bedroom, living room, home office, or any area that could use a magical finishing touch.

Courtesy of Walmart

The nature-forward design stands out, bearing an earthy quality while blending in nicely with other elements thanks to its restrained color palette. A muted beige linen drum shade coupled with a chocolate brown body creates a delicate aesthetic that complements a variety of interiors. The linen has a subduing effect on the light, diffusing it just enough to create a gentle glow that won’t overwhelm the space or feel too harsh.

Standing 23 inches tall, the lamps are surprisingly versatile. They brim with cottagecore vibes, making them an easy choice to bring your enchanted forest design dreams to life. With their wood-grain detailing and soft light, they can also fit nicely into a cabin-style space or a farmhouse layout. At the same time, they’re adaptable enough to weave into a more traditionally decorated space with cozy sofas and classic wood furniture.

Several Walmart shoppers shared their appreciation for the folklore-influenced pieces, with one person praising their “absolutely stunning” appearance. Another reviewer commented on the “high-quality, beautiful” construction. A few people also noted that the wooden “trunks” look like real wood thanks to their sturdy, heavyweight feel.

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Coming down to about $30 each, this discounted price is an exceptional deal for two thoughtfully designed lamps that bring their signature charm and distinctive detail to your home. Don’t miss the chance to save $49 on the Yokila Tree Trunk Lamps while they’re in stock at Walmart.

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Edith Macefield was offered $1 million to sell her house in 2006. She said no, so the five-story building going up around her got built around her instead.

Macefield had lived in the small farmhouse at 1438 NW 46th Street in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood since 1952, when she bought it from her mother. The house itself dated back to 1900. By the time a developer came calling in 2006, she was 84 years old and had no interest in moving out of her hundred-year-old home, according to a 2006 Seattle Times report.

The developer’s first offer was worth roughly $750,000 and included a new, wheelchair-accessible home built elsewhere, plus coverage of her healthcare costs for life. When she still turned it down, the offer grew to $1 million, according to HistoryLink.org, a Washington state history nonprofit. Macefield wasn’t moved by the number either way.

“I don’t care about money,” she told the Seattle Times at the time. “I’m 84. I’m perfectly happy here. And I don’t want to move.” Asked what she’d even do with a million dollars, she had a simple answer: “What would I do with that kind of money anyway?”

Woman rejects $1M offer and forces developers to construct a mall around her home instead.

In 2006, 84-year-old Edith Macefield gained worldwide attention after refusing a $1 million buyout from developers seeking to demolish her small Seattle home in the Ballard neighborhood.… pic.twitter.com/8UeGqawbni

Friends in the neighborhood backed her up. Mike Semandiris, part owner of the nearby Mike’s Chili Parlor, said Macefield “gets nothing but respect” from regulars who supported her decision to stay put.

The developers built their retail complex, known as Ballard Blocks, on the surrounding lots anyway, wrapping the new construction around three sides of Macefield’s tiny house and leaving her farmhouse looking like it had been dropped into the middle of a shopping center.

Macefield died on June 15, 2008, at 86. She willed the house to Barry Martin, the construction superintendent overseeing the very project that had been built around her, after the two became close during the years of construction next door.

What followed was a rockier stretch for the house. Martin sold it in 2009; it later went into foreclosure, and a local land trust’s effort to raise enough money to relocate the place to safety fell short of its goal. Regency Centers, the company that owns the Ballard Blocks complex, ended up acquiring the property in 2015 and kept it standing rather than tearing it down.

An architect filed plans to renovate the house in 2023, and by May 2024 it was listed for lease at roughly $48 per square foot a year, with brokers picturing a coffee shop or cafe eventually moving in. “Something to make use of the quaint feel of the building,” broker John Chelico told local outlet My Ballard.

The house has taken on a life well beyond Ballard. It’s widely believed to have helped inspire the balloon-lifted home in Pixar’s 2009 film “Up,” a connection the studio has leaned into over the years, including with its newest theme park ride based on the movie. Locally, it’s inspired an annual music festival and has become enough of a symbol of stubborn independence that people have gotten the word “Steadfast” tattooed in its honor.

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Many abide by the firm rule that the day doesn’t truly begin until that first cup of coffee. While you certainly have your pick of trusty machines to whip up your brew, there’s something about a classic moka pot that really transforms the entire experience into more of a ritual. Those precious moments you take for yourself feel even more special with the addition of the Paris Hilton Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Pot.

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Awash in a sweet shade of baby pink, this charming coffee pot brings the socialite’s signature Barbiecore-style aesthetic to your kitchen. It’s normally $23 at Amazon, but right now you can snag it for only $18 ahead of the retailer’s Prime Big Deal Days event. That’s the lowest price it’s been in at least three months, in case you needed a little nudge to add it to your cart. Prefer a different hue? There’s also a cream color available for $26.

Courtesy of Amazon

Crafted from durable cast aluminum, this pot strikes the perfect balance between utilitarian and charming. The standout aesthetic feature is the cute pink heart-shaped knob atop the flip-top lid. The matching heat-resistant handle makes it simple to pour on a whim while making what’s normally more of an industrial kitchen tool look and feel a bit more whimsical and display-worthy.

Keep in mind the basics of moka pots: a “cup” refers to a concentrated, two-ounce demitasse shot. This pot brews just about 12 ounces of coffee, making it easy for you to quickly prepare cafe-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks anytime the craving strikes. The six-cup capacity makes it a particularly chic host accessory for a luxe lunch or a glamorous addition to your everyday morning routine. 

Maintenance is surprisingly easy for something that looks more like such a showpiece. Once it cools, simply disassemble the chambers, rinse them with warm water, and let them dry before you use it again. The stress-free cleanup process is a dream for anyone who wants to elevate their coffee preparation without tedious extra steps involved.

Related: This Reclining Lounge Chair Comes With a Side Table, Cup Holder, and Pillow for Just $45

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” one reviewer wrote, adding that it “looks much more expensive than it actually is.” Another person praised the “very girly” design and noted it makes the “best coffee” they’ve had. Several people also agreed it’s a great gift idea for anyone who loves the Italian pot and wants to level up their routine. 

• Paris Hilton Ceramic Coffee Mug Set, $18 (was $25) at Amazon
• Paris Hilton Electric Handheld Milk Frother, $11 (was $15) at Amazon
• Paris Hilton Electric Kettle, $28 (was $35) at Amazon

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or picking up an early holiday gift, now’s the best time to pick it up! Don’t miss the chance to snag the Paris Hilton Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Pot for 21% off during Amazon’s early Prime Day sale. 

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.

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

Life can get busy, which means you’ll need the proper shoes to keep up. Between early-morning errands, back-to-back appointments, and last-minute dashes out the door, having footwear that keeps you comfortable and feeling your best on your busiest days is a must. 

That’s where the Easy Spirit Hotrace Slip-On Sneaker Clogs step in. Now just $30 at JCPenney, these slip-ons have become a go-to for shoppers and have racked up over 350 glowing reviews for their serious, all-day comfort and design. At just $30 (a steal at 56% off), the Hotrace clogs prove you don’t have to sacrifice style or support for price. 

Courtesy of JCPenney

At first glance, the Hotrace looks like your classic sneaker, but the backless design means you can slip them on in seconds. The closed-toe silhouette keeps your look polished and practical, while seven classic colorways (crisp white, versatile black, denim blue, and more) mean there’s a pair for every outfit in your closet.

But the real magic of these clogs lies in their construction. The upper blends soft leather and durable nylon for a flexible fit that molds to your foot, while the flat, cushioned sole absorbs shock with every step. Inside, a removable sock liner lets you swap in your own orthotics, and the arch support is so impressive that reviewers mention it multiple times. 

Related: Clarks’ $32 Suede Slippers Have the Fluffiest Faux-Fur Trim for Keeping Your Feet Toasty This Fall

Many shoppers say these are the shoes they reach for on their busiest days. Whether standing, walking, or running from place to place, they offer all-day comfort. Sizes range from 5 to 12, with widths including medium, wide, and extra wide, so you can grab a pair no matter your foot shape. If you’re between sizes or like a roomier fit, you might want to size up, as fans note they run a bit small.

Courtesy of JCPenney

One shopper praised the “comfort and accessibility.” They added that they’re pleased with “the comfort and the open back to easily slip into this shoe. These shoes move with the foot for easy movement.”

“Great comfort and style!” another shopper wrote. “I have been buying this shoe for several years in various colors and have never been disappointed. Easy Spirit has great foot support so that you can stand for long periods of time without fatigue. Absolutely great style and comfort with easy slip-on.”

Not to mention, they’re easy to wipe clean and pair easily with everything from leggings and jeans to work uniforms. But what ties it all together is that they are supportive enough to keep you comfy all day long. Whether you’re heading to school drop-offs or going on an evening stroll, these sneakers have you covered without sacrificing an ounce of style.

• Easy Spirit Roadrun Sneakers, $45 (were $79) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cora Teagan Round Closed Toe Mary Jane Shoes, $55 (were $100) at JCPenney
• Clarks Cathrynn Dusk Slip-On Ballet Flat, $45 (were $79) at JCPenney

If you’re looking for a shoe that works hard but looks good, check out Easy Spirit’s $30 Hotrace Sneaker Clogs while they’re nearly 50% 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.

Charlie Hunnam was just spotted at this year’s Primetime Emmys following his transformative work in Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

And looking ahead, the Sons of Anarchy star remains hard at work, with an upcoming series in the works based on the work of John le Carré. The late, great English writer’s bestselling espionage novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold was published in 1963, and the new small-screen adaptation is titled Legacy of Spies.

The BBC and MGM+ released a first glimpse of the show on Monday, September 28 to mark the end of filming. Check out the stills of its stars, Hunnam and Succession Emmy-winner Matthew Macfadyen, below.

The series’ title actually derives from le Carré’s 2017 novel A Legacy of Spies give that it draws on additional material from this publication, per Monday’s news release.

The eight-part drama marks spymaster George Smiley’s return to television with Macfadyen, 51, in the iconic role, alongside Hunnam as the embattled, world-weary agent-runner and field operative, Alec Leamas.

Here’s the official synopsis: “When Alec Leamas, a highly experienced Circus field operative, recruits Doris Quinz (Devrim Lingau Islamoğlu), a young and dynamic East German woman, to smuggle high-value Stasi documents into the West, it sets in motion a series of events that threaten to explode in the crucible of Cold War Berlin. Pursuing Leamas and Doris are Josef Fiedler (Daniel Brühl) and Hans-Dieter Mundt (Felix Kammerer), two Stasi operatives whose ferocious desire to shut down the intelligence leak is matched only by their internal rivalry and an iron will to outmatch each other…”

The synopsis continues, “Pulled into the action is Liz Gold (Agnes O’Casey), an idealistic young woman whose courage and conviction force Leamas to navigate a world where loyalties fracture and betrayal is inevitable. Behind the scenes, the brilliant and taciturn spymaster George Smiley orchestrates operations while the elusive Soviet mastermind Karla looms in the shadows, setting the stage for a conflict that will define a generation.”

To solve today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll be exploring an all-time baseball stars nicknames, winter medalists, movies that star the same famous actor and college football trophies.

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 Tuesday, September 29, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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

The New York Times

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

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

• Yellow: Old-time baseball star.
• Green: Medalists.
• Blue: Movies with the same star.
• Purple: The Little Brown Jug is another one.

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

• Yellow: BABE RUTH NICKNAMES
• Green: FAMOUS WINTER OLYMPIANS
• Blue: KEVIN COSTNER SPORTS FILMS
• Purple: BIG TEN RIVALRY TROPHIES

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 #736 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• BABE RUTH NICKNAMES: BABE, BAMBINO, COLOSSUS OF CLOUT, SULTAN OF SWAT
• FAMOUS WINTER OLYMPIANS: ALYSA LIU, APOLO OHNO, MARIT BJØRGEN, PICABO STREET
• KEVIN COSTNER SPORTS FILMS: BULL DURHAM, DRAFT DAY, FIELD OF DREAMS, TIN CUP
• BIG TEN RIVALRY TROPHIES: FLOYD OF ROSEDALE, OLD OAKEN BUCKET, PAUL BUNYAN’S AXE, VICTORY BELL

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: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, September 28, 2026

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If you’ve been searching for an affordable way to upgrade your living room and organize your entertainment setup, Walmart has a stylish solution that’s currently 50% off. The Cascamoda Farmhouse LED TV Stand is now on sale for as low as $80, down from $160, and it combines plenty of storage with smart features that can help transform your TV area into a more organized space.

The farmhouse-inspired entertainment center features a rustic look that can complement everything from modern and vintage interiors to transitional home decor. It comes in three classic colors. Though the walnut is currently on sale at the lowest price of $80, it also comes in walnut and white colors, starting at $120. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Designed to accommodate TVs up to 65 inches, this TV stand is a practical centerpiece for living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where you want to keep your media setup neat and polished. It has two closed cabinets, four open compartments, and an adjustable center shelf, offering ample room for gaming consoles, streaming devices, speakers, movies, books, and other items. The combination of open and enclosed storage helps keep frequently used devices within reach while tucking away clutter you’d prefer out of sight.

The TV stand also has several useful built-in features beyond just storage. Color-changing LED strips add customizable ambient lighting around your TV area, making it easy to create a cozy atmosphere for movie nights or a more dynamic setup for gaming. There’s also a built-in charging system to easily power up your devices. 

Related: Walmart’s 4-Door Pantry Storage Cabinet Can Fit All Your Dishware, Linens, and Snacks

The sturdy construction is made to stand up to everyday use. Its reinforced 1-inch-thick tabletop provides a sturdy surface that’s designed to reliably support televisions up to 65 inches, while also leaving additional room for a soundbar, décor, or other entertainment accessories.

With over 200 five-star ratings online, the Cascamoda TV stand has earned high praise from Walmart shoppers. One reviewer called it a “great investment,” adding, “I’m in love with the rustic look and LED lights!” Others praised the “sturdy” build, with one shopper noting that it’s “super easy to put together, super solid, and excellent quality.” 

• Fanral Tall 6-Drawer Dresser, $210 (was $316) at Walmart
• EDX Fabric Dresser, $51 (was $70) at Walmart
• Concetta 8-Drawer Dresser, $63 (was $87) at Walmart

Now on sale for as low as $80, this farmhouse-style TV stand offers storage, lighting, organization, and build-in-charging in one piece. Whether you’re refreshing your living room, creating a dedicated gaming setup, or simply looking to give your TV area a cleaner look, this gorgeous piece is worth a look while it’s still on sale at Walmart. 

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.

Dunkin’ Donuts is giving away free coffees on Tuesday, Sept. 29!

The limited-time promotion will give customers who claim the offer a free hot or iced coffee in celebration of National Coffee Day.

Here’s everything to know about the free drink deal—and how to claim yours before the offer ends.

Dunkin’ Rewards members can enjoy a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase through the Dunkin’ app at participating locations.

RELATED: Dunkin’ and L.L.Bean Made a Tote Just for Your Coffee

The chain is also partnering with L.L.Bean for a full week of freebies and festivities in celebration of the holiday.

Dunkin’s L.L.Bean merch collection includes three limited-edition collectibles: a cozy crewneck sweater, a new Boat and Tote design, and a co-branded holster for coffee—hot or iced—as well as a giveaway tour across parts of the East Coast.

Guests can also score a limited-edition Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeve with any hot or iced coffee order, while supplies last.

Several other chains are doing deals across the country in honor of National Coffee Day!

• Dutch Bros: Beginning at 5 a.m., Dutch Bros is giving away free straw toppers with medium and large drink purchases while supplies last.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels – Free iced coffee, of any size, with any purchase. You must mention the offer in store.
• Krispy Kreme: Free small or medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase.
• Paris Baguette – Free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase for PB Rewards members.
• Tim Hortons – Free coffee of any size, no purchase necessary, for customers who activate the offer on the Tim Hortons app.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Parade Eats newsletter. 🍳🍔

Advent calendars are a time-honored holiday tradition, used to count down the days until Christmas throughout the month of December by revealing one small gift per day, and this year, Red Bull is bringing back its very own advent calendar to get in on the action.

Available now while supplies last, the Red Bull Advent Calendar features multiple flavors, including the fan favorite Red Bull Apple Edition and the Red Bull Festive Edition, the latter of which is exclusively available in this year’s advent calendar and marks the return of the Arctic Berry flavor that debuted with the 2020 Red Bull Winter Edition.

In addition to the drinks contained within the advent calendar itself, buyers can scan a QR code on the advent calendar’s holiday themed box to access the Sleigh the Season gift sorting mini game that offers players the chance to win various prizes.

However, no purchase is necessary for those who want to access the game for a chance to win a prize. The game can be found on Red Bull’s Sleigh the Season page on the company’s website, and the contest is open to eligible United States residents who are 21 years old or older.

The grand prize for the Sleigh the Season contest is a VIP experience at Red Bull Cliff Diving in St. Petersburg, Fla., to take place in 2027. The top 10 highest ranking eligible participants will receive one Red Bull Advent Calendar, and beginning on Oct. 26, any eligible participants who submit their scores can redeem a free can of Red Bull Festive Edition while supplies last. The contest is available now and will conclude on Jan. 4.

The Red Bull Advent Calendar can be found at select retailers nationwide while supplies last. Currently, customers can find the calendar on the Walmart website and on Amazon.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is all about what keeps your body moving. Each answer is connected to one essential system working inside you.

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 #940 on Tuesday, September 29.

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.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: It beats.

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:

• VE
• BL
• PU
• AR
• AT
• PR
• CA (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Tuesday, September 29, 2026, is CARDIOVASCULAR.

• VEIN
• BLOOD
• PULSE
• ARTERY
• ATRIUM
• PRESSURE
• SPANGRAM: CARDIOVASCULAR

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, September 28, 2026

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers little known places, winding bodies of water, parts of popular animated movie titles and words that contain hidden ancient letters.

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 #1206 on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday’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

1. Not in a crowded area.
2. Think of the Mississippi.
3. Popular animated movies.
4. Think sororities or fraternities.

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

1. SECLUDED: HIDDEN, REMOTE, SECRET, TUCKED AWAY
2. RIVER FEATURES: DELTA, DRAINAGE BASIN, MOUTH, STREAM BED
3. FIRST WORDS OF PIXAR FILMS: FINDING, INSIDE, MONSTERS, TOY
4. PHRASES HIDING GREEK LETTERS: FREEZE TAG, HOME GAME, MODEL TANK, ORAL PHASE

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, Monday, September 28, 2026

Certain franchises will forever stick out as classics, and Sylvester Stallone’s 1976 film Rocky, which became a full-fledged franchise with multiple movies and spinoffs, certainly fits the bill. In fact, Philadelphians in particular will know that Rocky has had a lasting legacy, as the movie’s iconic scene in which Rocky runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art has continued to be something that tourists do even today, and the statue of Rocky from the movie remains at that location.

However, one essential part of that original Rocky movie—namely, the conclusion—almost looked completely different, before Stallone came in and strongly advocated for a change.

Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Stallone explained, “It’s really interesting because at the very end, Rocky walks out and he’s with Adrian, and there’s trash everywhere. People have seen the fight and gone home, and they’re basically forgotten. Like ten minutes later, that moment passed, and I was like, that’s kind of depressing. My God, wow.”

Stallone continued, “I begged the producer, I said, ‘We’ve got to end on a high note,’ and he said, ‘We’ve got no money.’ I said, ‘Well, we’ll figure it out.’ We went out, went around, asked a few friends, got about twelve people, and we couldn’t even build a ring. We built maybe ten feet. It’s plywood, and the ropes are sagging. We’re like holding the ropes up…And then [Adrian] comes in the ring, and he goes, ‘Where’s your hat?’ And I went, there it is. He doesn’t care about the fight. He just cares about falling in love. And the music swells, and they kiss, and I go, ‘That was the peak of their life.’ So I wanted to freeze on that second.”

It’s shocking to now imagine that this conclusion, which has become such a staple image of the movie and, really, the entire franchise, almost never existed and was only added because Stallone “begged” to end on a happier note. Thankfully, Stallone ultimately got his way, because that moment of hope really is pivotal for Rocky’s story overall.