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This Foldable Pilates Reformer Brings Class to You, and the Convenience Is a Game Changer
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The first time I spotted a Pilates reformer, I thought it looked like a medieval torture device. Then I tried a reformer workout, and that didn’t totally change my mind about the equipment—that workout was hard. And yet, I find myself going back to Pilates again and again because, no matter how grueling the class is, I always feel great afterward. The strengthening, toning and lengthening of muscles is just too good.
While there are so many positives to Pilates, there are some downsides, too. For starters, Pilates reformer classes are expensive. The cheapest monthly studio membership I’ve found locally is still $210. And then there’s the time commitment. Not only do you have to find a class that fits into your schedule, but you also have to factor in the time it will take you to drive to and from the studio. It’s easy to fall out of an exercise routine when all of these factors are at play.
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Echelon Meridian Pilates Reformer With 22″ Touchscreen, $2,799 (originally $3,099) at EchelonEchelon
Shop It!For years, I’ve tried figuring out how to make getting to class easier and a little more affordable. But whenever I consider biting the bullet on a full-size Pilates reformer, I look around my not-so-big house and think, “Where will I put this thing?”
So when Echelon released its Meridian Pilates Reformer, a commercial-grade machine that can fold in half for storage, I was intrigued.
This reformer looks and feels like one you find in a proper studio, and it comes with a box and jump board, so you really feel like you have the necessities for a professional class. (You’ll have to supply your own magic circle, exercise ball and weights for moves that benefit from extra props.)
You have the option to purchase the reformer with a 22-inch touchscreen, on which you can stream from Echelon’s library of workouts, or a version with just a tablet holder that costs $300 less. Just download the Echelon app to your tablet of choice and stream classes from that instead.
Even better, the folks who deliver the reformer will set it up for you—so you won’t have to try and “IKEA” this together. (Yes, I just used IKEA as a verb.)
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How Are the Echelon Classes, Anyway?Honestly, pretty great. The monthly membership to access Echelon’s classes is $39.99, but you can save money by purchasing the one-year membership for $399.99 or a two-year membership for $699.99. Currently, all of Echelon’s Pilates classes are taught by instructor Marie Manalo, and they range from 20 to 45 minutes. These classes are broken down into Total Body, Upper Body, Lower Body and Core, with some on the “easier” side (I use that term loosely—these all give you a workout) for beginners and others for the more advanced.
Personally, I like mixing and matching the shorter videos to create a full 60 minutes of Pilates once I’m done. It’s a really nice way to customize your own workout without having to make special requests of an instructor for specific moves.
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Can You Justify the Price?If you’re going to use the machine, then absolutely. After using it for over a month, I can say I’m back to a more consistent workout routine. I’m able to squeeze in even a short session on busy days, and sometimes I use it to get a little extra stretching in the morning or at night. And when I did the math, a year of a monthly membership at my local Pilates studio costs $2520, and I never make it there every day—it’s three times a week tops. So the Echelon Meridian Pilates Reformer with the touchscreen isn’t much more expensive, and it’s such good quality that I know I’ll be using it for years.
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Dolce Vita’s 'Well-Padded' Jelly Flats Give 2000's Vibes, and They're Up to 35% Off at Nordstrom
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Everything old becomes new again — even fashion trends. There’s been a big comeback in 2000’s style, with cropped cardigans, low-rise bottoms, and jelly sandals now reappearing on store shelves. We’ve been adding all three clothing styles to our cart ahead of fall as retailers like Nordstrom offer nostalgic pieces at steep discounts. Our latest favorite is the Dolce Vita Jam Jelly Flats, and you can shop them for up to 35% off now.
The flats originally cost $65, but have been reduced to as low as $42 in the crystal colorway (which is essentially a chic white hue with a blue tint). The black, blue, and coral colors are all being sold at $45, while the tan hue and tortoise pattern are full price. The sizes range from 5 to 11. Customers said that the shoe runs slightly large and recommended going down a size for the best fit.
Dolce Vita Jam Jelly Flats, From $42 (was $65) at Nordstrom Shop at NordstromThe shoes are already running low on stock depending on your area, so you’ll want to add them to your cart sooner rather than later. They’re made entirely of a synthetic upper to produce that classic translucent jelly flats look, which makes them fairly easy to maintain. All you have to do is wipe them clean when they get some dirt on them to keep their quality.
Dolce Vita Jam Jelly Flats, From $42 (was $65) at Nordstrom Shop at NordstromWhat makes this style unique is the V-shape top that makes them sleeker than the classic jelly flats. You can wear them with pretty much anything, including ripped jeans and oversized sweaters all throughout autumn. Due to the fact that the shoes are “so versatile,” they can be worn at a plethora of different events, ranging from casual to a bit more upscale. They’re just as ideal for days in the office as they are for the pool.
Shoppers were happily surprised that the flats are “really well-padded” on the bottom so you could wear them all day long. Other customers described the jelly sandals as “stylish,” “fabulous,” “super comfortable,” and “elegant.” The best part about the style is that they already have built-in ventilation, so your feet won’t overheat during the summer-to-autumn transition period when weather conditions are constantly changing.
Shop More Deals- Rothy’s The Fisherman Sandal, $54 (was $125) at Nordstrom
- Caslon Ruffle Sleeve Cotton Blend Top, $45 (was $70) at Nordstrom
- Open Edit Smocked Lace Peplum Top, $48 (was $80) at Nordstrom
Considering the affordable price, you can even shop for a few colors of these cool jelly flats to rotate through during the week. You can opt for a fun pop of color or add the classic hues to your cart for everyday wear. Either way, you’ll want to take advantage of this 35% off Nordstrom deal while you can!
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.
Sherri Shepherd Flaunts Her 50-Pound Weight Loss in a Figure-Hugging Denim Jumpsuit
Sherri Shepherd is showing off her 50-pound weight loss in a denim halter jumpsuit.
Shepherd, 59, served up daytime chatter on The View from 2007 to 2014. She also had her own syndicated talk show, Sherri, from 2022 to 2026. Also a staple of sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show and Less Than Perfect, the comedy queen just headed back to The View for a day alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin for the show’s September 8 season premiere, Parade shared. But until she heads to Broadway (more on that below!), the star is serving up new looks thanks to her 50-pound weight loss. Spotted outside ABC Studios yesterday in New York City, Shepherd looked super svelte in the pale denim halter jumpsuit.
Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images
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What Has Sherri Shepherd Said About Her Weight Loss?Shepherd has dealt with health issues for years. But it was when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007 that she finally accepted she needed to make some changes.
“Diabetes runs in my family, but we didn’t call it diabetes—we called it ‘the sugar,’” Shepherd told E! News. “So that tells you right there, my community not being aware and taking it seriously.”
Before that, she was dealing with some very serious symptoms.
“I was ignoring the symptoms, like tingling in my fingers and my toes, numbness, blurry vision, going to the bathroom nonstop,” she continued. “I didn’t know that my body was trying to rid itself of this sugar and my body’s not producing enough insulin to do it.”
Finally, Shepherd realized that if she wanted to be around for a long time for her son, she would have to get healthy.
What Diet Does Sherri Shepherd Follow?The star has made it clear that she sticks to foods that don’t spike her glucose levels.
“Diabetes isn’t something you can leave to chance, and I have found that if I’m not intentional about finding some healthy snacks, like a handful of almonds instead of some chocolate, it affects my mood for the whole day,” she told Woman’s World in 2024. “I know when I’m not eating right and then I don’t feel good and don’t smile.”
She relies on cottage cheese with blueberries and cinnamon and other fruits in moderation.
“Even though I love watermelon and mangoes, grapes, I just can’t eat too many of them because it raises my glucose level. I get dizzy and not present, lightheaded and irritable. And I’m not smiling,” she added.
How This Friends Star Helped Gary Oldman Earn His First Emmy
They say opposites attract – just ask Felix and Oscar, Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie, or for that matter, Joey Tribbiani and one of Hollywood’s most decorated dramatic actors.
The unlikely friendship between Friends star Matt LeBlanc and Oscar winner Gary Oldman is one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets; and it all started on a spaceship. The two actors first crossed paths on the set of the 1998 sci-fi comedy Lost in Space, and the bond they formed there would change the course of Oldman’s television career in ways neither could have predicted. When a guest role came up on Friends – the most-watched sitcom on television – LeBlanc didn’t hesitate to call his friend.
“How did I end up in Friends? Matt LeBlanc!” Oldman revealed during a panel discussion at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday as first reported by Entertainment Weekly. “We became buddies, and the role came up. He said, ‘Would you like to do it?'”
That role was Richard Crosby, a pompous actor who appears in the beloved two-part episode “The One With Monica and Chandler’s Wedding” in 2001. For Oldman – known for intense, career-defining dramatic turns in films like Darkest Hour, The Profesional, and the Harry Potter franchise – the world of network sitcom production was a revelation.
“You come in on a Monday, do the read-through. Then they rewrite. On Friday, you blocked it. Friday afternoon, you shoot it in front of an audience. You’re done by five,” he recalled with obvious delight. “I thought, ‘I could get used to this!'”
View this post on InstagramHe was equally dazzled by the cast: Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry, watching them navigate technical rehearsals with effortless ease. “It was like breathing for a little bit,” Oldman said warmly. “It was a wonderful experience.”
The guest stint earned Oldman his very first Emmy nomination – a milestone that traces directly back to a friendship forged in space. He has since earned three more consecutive Emmy nominations for his lead role in Apple’s thriller series Slow Horses, with the latest up for consideration at Monday night’s ceremony.
Not bad for a role that started with a phone call from Joey Tribbiani.
1983 Rock Song, Written by the 'Best Songwriter on Earth,' Was Reimagined by Pearl Jam 11 Years Later
Daniel Johnston might never have achieved household name status, but he was certainly a major influence on some of the biggest names in music history. The late singer-songwriter’s devoted fanbase includes iconic artists from Tom Waits to Beck to Wilco; Kurt Cobain once called him “the best songwriter on earth” and even wore one of Johnston’s t-shirts to the 1992 MTV Awards, per the BBC. Two years later, in 1994, Pearl Jam famously gave a second life to a song Johnston released over a decade earlier, “Walking the Cow.”
Originally released on Johnston’s 1983 album Hi, How Are You, the title of “Walking the Cow” was inspired by an ice cream wrapper with an illustration of a girl trying to lead a cow by its reins, according to the 2006 book Hi, How Are You?: The Life, Art & Music of Daniel Johnston.
As is the case with many of Johnston’s songs, “Walking the Cow” is sort of like a cross between an innocent nursery rhyme and a heartbreakingly real confessional:
“Lucky stars in your eyes / I am walking the cow / I really don’t know how I came here / I really don’t know why I’m staying here / Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh / I am walking the cow.”
Thanks in large part to Cobain’s t-shirt, Johnston’s music enjoyed a belated surge of attention in the early ’90s. Several bands released covers of “Walking the Cow,” most notably Pearl Jam, who performed the song at Neil Young‘s 1994 Bridge School Benefit concert.
The recording was later made available on the bootleg album In Rock We Trust, with Pearl Jam performing the song live two more times. Eddie Vedder also opened every night of his 2008 solo tour with the song.
Tragically, despite the respect and admiration Johnston earned from fellow musicians, his career was hampered by bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In 2005, the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston gave viewers an intimate look at his struggles while introducing his work to new fans.
“It sure was embarrassing,” Johnston told the Austin Chronicle, referring to the documentary. “Every terrible dilemma, every fabled mistake. Nothing I can do about it now, though. I wish they’d added a laugh track to it, because it sure is funny.”
On September 11, 2019, Johnston was found dead of a suspected heart attack in his Texas home at the age of 58. His brother Dick Johnston told NPR that his family had been working with director Jason Nodler on a biographical film about Daniel’s life, adding, “It’s so sad that he won’t get to see it.”
“Daniel was a singer, songwriter, an artist, and a friend to all,” he family said in a statement shared with Rolling Stone.
“Although he struggled with mental health issues for much of his adult life, Daniel triumphed over his illness through his prolific output of art and songs. He inspired countless fans, artists, and songwriters with his message that no matter how dark the day, ‘the sun shines down on me’ and ‘true love will find you in the end.’”
‘90s Bluegrass Icon Alison Krauss Cancels 2026 Tour With Union Station to Prioritize Health
Alison Krauss and Union Station’s 2026 Arcadia Tour was scheduled to continue on Sept. 11 in Davenport, Iowa, but that will no longer be the case.
The band announced on Thursday, Sept. 10, that the remaining 15 dates of the trek have been canceled. A statement on Krauss’ social media page reveals that she has been put on doctor-ordered vocal rest.
View this post on Instagram“It is with great regret that Alison Krauss & Union Station have announced the cancellation of our upcoming tour dates,” the Instagram statement reads. “After consulting with medical professionals, Alison has been advised to take a period of vocal rest to ensure a full and healthy recovery.”
At this point, it is unclear whether Krauss is battling any particular illness, but the band assured fans that the decision was “not made lightly.”
“This decision was not made lightly as we are deeply committed to our fans,” the band’s message continues. However, prioritizing health and vocal integrity is imperative at this time.”
The message also made clear that all tickets purchased for the shows will be fully refunded, and fans are asked to reach out to their point of purchase with any questions.
“We hope to make it back to these cities in the near future,” they concluded in their message.
The band’s Arcadia tour, according to Whiskey Riff, kicked off in April before its break in August. September was supposed to mark the band’s return to the stage after being on the road much of the year.
Dates Affected Below:
- Sept. 11: Davenport, IA
- Sept. 12: Highland Park, IL
- Sept. 13: Champaign, IL
- Sept. 15: Evansville, IN
- Sept. 16: Danville, KY
- Sept.18-20: Nashville, TN
- Sept. 22: St. Louis, MO
- Sept. 24: Austin, TX
- Sept. 25: Norman, OK
- Sept. 26: Lubbock, TX
- Sept. 28: Flagstaff, AZ
- Sept. 29: Las Vegas, NV
- Oct. 1: Alpine, CA
- Oct. 2: Paso Robles, CA
- Oct. 3: San Francisco, CA
Lindsey Vonn Reveals the Biggest Lesson Her Olympic Accident Taught Her While Wearing Jaw-Dropping Dress
Lindsey Vonn is looking at life a little differently after an Olympic comeback that nearly cost her a leg.
The skiing legend, 41, reflected on her recovery Thursday, September 10, while attending the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner in New York City, stepping out in a striking red gown with an asymmetrical neckline.
But when asked about the biggest lesson she has taken from her healing journey, Vonn’s answer went well beyond the physical. “Just never take anything for granted. You know, life is short, and you have to live it, but you also have to appreciate every single moment you have,” she told HELLO!
“You never know how things can change, and everything can change in the blink of an eye, literally,” Vonn continued. “So be grateful, enjoy life…those are my lessons, not just from this injury – from my whole life.”
Lindsey Vonn attends the 2026 Kering Foundation Caring For Women Dinner on September 10, 2026 in New York City.Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images
The perspective comes seven months after Vonn’s highly anticipated return to the Olympics ended just 13 seconds into her downhill run on February 8. She crashed on the Italian slopes only a week after tearing her ACL and sustained a complex tibia fracture that required multiple surgeries.
The damage was so severe that Vonn later revealed doctors had been fighting to save her leg. “Dr. Tom Hackett saved my leg. He saved my leg from being amputated,” she said in a February update, describing the injury as “the most extreme and painful and challenging injury I’ve ever faced in my entire life times one hundred.”
READ MORE: Lindsey Vonn Opens Up About ‘Dark’ Mental Battle After Nearly Having Leg Amputated
Vonn has also been open about the psychological side of recovering. Weeks after the crash, she admitted that while the physical fight began immediately, “the mental battle” had only started to sink in.
It’s another major hurdle in a career filled with comebacks. The three-time Olympic medalist returned to competitive skiing in 2024 after nearly six years in retirement. She is now hoping to undergo surgery on her torn ACL in November and will determine what comes next for her skiing career after recovering.
31 Years Ago, Sandra Bullock Made History With the First-Ever Online Movie Ticket Purchase — The Nostalgic Video Going Viral
Sandra Bullock just gave us another reason to love her and believe that she is truly ICONIC.
The actress is proving once again why she’s one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, and this time, a 30-year-old clip is doing all the talking.
The actress is deep in press mode for Practical Magic 2, but a resurfaced clip is pulling fans back to a very different era of her career — the internet’s dial-up days — in a video that now feels almost impossible to imagine. The Oscar winner is going viral again thanks to a wonderfully dated 1995 clip that captures the internet in its infancy.
The video, shared by Entertainment Tonight on YouTube, stars Bullock promoting her 1995 thriller The Net and shows the actress attempting something that barely earns a second thought today: buying a movie ticket online.
Three decades later, the moment is making the rounds again as viewers marvel at just how unfamiliar the process once was.
What Happens in Sandra Bullock’s Viral 1995 Video?In 1995 Sandra Bullock was the first person to buy a movie ticket online pic.twitter.com/E9djYIZoxY
— 🖤 Buy Physical Media 🖤 (@VHSDVDBLURAY4K) September 4, 2026Members of the film’s team surround Bullock as she navigates the online ticket-buying process.
“Click for showtimes and tickets to this movie,” she reads, before trying to figure out where to go next. The technology does not immediately cooperate. “Okay, it’s frozen,” Bullock says, looking toward the camera.
Later, while entering payment information, she asks, “Where’s your delete?” As the purchase finally nears completion, Bullock admits, “I think I’m gonna cry. I’m very emotional.” Someone alongside her responds, “You’re the first one!”
Why Was ‘The Net’ So Timely?The Net, released in July 1995, starred Bullock alongside Jeremy Northam and Dennis Miller.
Bullock played programmer Angela Bennett, whose life is thrown into chaos after she becomes caught in a conspiracy involving identity theft and computer technology.
The film arrived as home internet use was beginning to expand, making its focus on digital privacy and online identity unusually timely.
How Did Fans React to Sandra Bullock’s Viral Throwback?I was today years old when i found out that Sandra Bullock was the first person to buy a movie ticket online in 1995 and SHE invented double verification 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/or629sKoX9
— beyza misses chandler (@beyzanurapaydin) September 10, 2026The resurfaced clip quickly sparked a wave of nostalgia online, with fans marveling at how futuristic the whole process seemed in 1995. Fans couldn’t get over one specific detail: she raised concerns about payment security decades before “two-step verification” was even a phrase.
The comment section on different platforms where the clip has resurfaced has turned into a chorus of the same joke, crediting Bullock as the accidental inventor of modern online safety.
One X user wrote, “I was today years old when i found out that Sandra Bullock was the first person to buy a movie ticket online in 1995 and SHE invented double verification 😭😭”
Another Reddit user reflected on just how quickly technology has changed, writing, “It’s kind of easy to forget how much technology has advanced. You get accustomed so quickly to the new stuff and forget how revolutionary it was. The AI revolution will be the same. 2036 will look very different than 2026.”
Others focused on the details that would make modern internet users wince.
One Reddit commenter noted, “She was showing the back of his credit card, it would be a rookie mistake in nowadays Internet.” Another simply added, “Totes adorbs.”
YouTube viewers were equally charmed by the time capsule.
“I saw ‘The Net’ in cinemas back in 1995, but I never knew about this. This is REALLY cool! Well done, Sandra!” one person wrote.
Another joked, “I love that Sandra Bullock is the reason we have two-step verification 😂😂,” while others were amused to discover that online ticket fees were apparently around from the start. “Damn, they had the convenience fees from day 1.”
“$1 surcharge per ticket. According to the US BLS inflation calculator, that’s about $2.17 in today’s money, which means that it’s kept up with inflation as well,” someone noticed.
Another added, “’$1 surcharge per ticket’ with… they had online fees in those days too?!”
That detail caught attention on X as well, with one person writing, “Man, they already had ticket surcharges.”
Meanwhile, the clip also renewed praise for how forward-looking the film itself was. Another X user wrote, “The Net is a movie that needs to re-enter mainstream conversation. Waaaaaaaaay ahead of its time.”
What Did Sandra Bullock Say About Her Viral Moment on Tonight Show?Sandra Bullock was the first person ever to buy a movie ticket online! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/2kitXzqIYD
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) September 9, 2026Bullock revisited the story herself during a Tuesday, September 8 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
She admitted that when the purchase was first set up for her back in 1995, she assumed it was some kind of gag.
“So he sets it up, and I thought it was fake at first, but it was legit, it was legit, legitimate, like, set up on a computer that looked like it was hand cranked at the time,” she recalled. “And I bought the very first ticket.”
Fallon then played the original clip for her, in which Bullock could be heard saying, “You know, it’s amazing. I just want to make a little point for that modern technology. I’m just very emotional today,” before adding, “So I think I’m gonna cry. Emotional,” as she worked through the checkout process.
Looking back, Bullock said she sensed at the time that she was witnessing something significant.
“Yeah, I knew. I was all in, I thought, myself, to be a mini techie at the time,” she told Fallon. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m so not now, but at that time, I was.”
1976 Soft Rock Song, Named After Carl Wilson's Dog, Is Still an Iconic Hit 50 Years Later
Henry Gross’ 1976 soft rock hit “Shannon” remains one of the most recognizable songs about the loss of a beloved pet, 50 years after it first became a major chart success.
The song was inspired by the death of an Irish Setter named Shannon who belonged to Beach Boys member Carl Wilson.
The song reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Cash Box Top 100 in 1976. But the story behind “Shannon” is not quite the one that later became popular.
According to Songfacts, Gross was touring with the Beach Boys in 1975 when Carl Wilson invited him to his Los Angeles home. During their visit, Gross mentioned that he had an Irish Setter named Shannon. Wilson told him that he had also owned an Irish Setter with the same name, but the dog had recently been killed after being hit by a car.
American singer and songwriter Henry Gross (ex Sha Na Na) posed with guitar and piano in Brooklyn, New York on March 1975.Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns
That chance conversation stayed with Gross.
Gross explained that his own dog, Shannon, belonged to his life long before the song was written. Per Atkins Book Shelf, she was an Irish Setter brought into his life by Kathy Reinmann, who was Gross’ friend and later his wife.
According to Gross, the meeting with Carl Wilson gave him the emotional connection that would eventually lead to the song.
After returning to New York City, Gross began working on another album. One day, while sitting on his bed with his dog Shannon and playing his guitar, he was trying to write while loud Latin music played from the apartment above him.
Gross discovered that ocean sounds from an environmental recording could block out the noise without distracting him. With the sound of the sea playing in the background, he began thinking about Carl Wilson, the Beach Boys and Wilson’s loss.
Gross said the song came together in about 10 minutes.
He recorded a tape of the song and sent it to Wilson. Gross had hoped to record it for his next album, but the timing did not work out. He eventually recorded “Shannon” for his 1976 album Release.
Gross had been strongly influenced by the Beach Boys, and that influence can be heard in the song’s vocal style, said Seven Ponds. The falsetto was written with Brian Wilson’s singing style in mind.
A popular story later circulated claiming that the song was about Brian Wilson and an Irish Setter named Shannon who had been swept away while swimming in the ocean. Gross himself rejected that story and explained that the song’s real inspiration came from his conversation with Carl Wilson and his own dog.
The lyrics, however, use the image of Shannon drifting out to sea, giving the song its memorable picture of a lost pet finding a peaceful place.
It reached No. 1 in both Canada and New Zealand, while peaking at No. 32 in the United Kingdom. The song also became a gold record in the United States.
Gross had already built a career in music before “Shannon.” He was a founding member of Sha Na Na and was the youngest musician to perform at Woodstock. He later became a solo artist and worked as a session guitarist, including playing on recordings associated with Jim Croce and other artists.
“Shannon” remained his defining pop hit. His follow-up single, “Springtime Mama,” also found success, reaching No. 37 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 in Canada.
The song’s history also gained another unusual chapter in the 1980s.
In 1985, American Top 40 host Casey Kasem recorded a segment involving “Shannon” as a Long Distance Dedication. A listener had requested the song for his recently deceased dog, Snuggles.
Kasem objected to the song being placed immediately after the Pointer Sisters’ upbeat song “Dare Me.” He felt that the transition from an energetic song to a sad dedication was inappropriate. His profanity-laced outburst was not broadcast, but the recording later circulated as a bootleg and became known as the “Snuggles tape.”
The incident added another layer to the history of a song that had already become famous for its unusual subject.
Five decades after its release, “Shannon” remains a notable 1970s soft rock song because its story began with a simple coincidence: two musicians discovering that they had both loved dogs with the same name.
Related: 1977 Soft Rock Song, Recorded in a Colorado Ranch, Is Still a Powerful Hit 49 Years Later
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Friday, September 11, 2026
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle explores picture puzzles, Idaho, after-dinner coffee orders, aardvark features, long-running TV shows, words meaning “frees,” utopian places, Weezer lyrics, moving truck companies and words that come before “ware” or “ball,”.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Friday, September 11, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Friday, September 11, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Picture puzzle where 👁️ + ❤️ + 🐑 means “I love you” — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”
6 Across: Its license plate read “Famous Potatoes” — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
7 Across: After-dinner coffee order — HINT: Ends with the letter “F”
8 Across: Distinctive features of an aardvark — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
9 Across: Long-running show with a cold open, familiarly — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Frees (of) — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
2 Down: Utopian places — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
3 Down: “I’ll bring home the turkey if you bring home the ___” (Weezer lyric) — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”
4 Down: Big name in moving trucks — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”
5 Down: Word before ware or ball — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Picture puzzle where 👁️ + ❤️ + 🐑 means “I love you” — REBUS
6 Across: Its license plate read “Famous Potatoes” — IDAHO
7 Across: After-dinner coffee order — DECAF
8 Across: Distinctive features of an aardvark — SNOUT
9 Across: Long-running show with a cold open, familiarly — SNL
1 Down: Frees (of) — RIDS
2 Down: Utopian places — EDENS
3 Down: “I’ll bring home the turkey if you bring home the ___” (Weezer lyric) — BACON
4 Down: Big name in moving trucks — UHAUL
5 Down: Word before ware or ball — SOFT
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, September 10, 2026
Walmart’s ‘Sturdy’ Padded Folding Chair Is a ‘Very Comfortable’ Seat for All Your Fall Plans, Now 50% Off
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Fall has barely gotten underway, and the calendar is already filling up fast with football games to tailgate, kids’ soccer matches to watch, and camping trips to squeeze in. Add in bonfires, outdoor festivals, and trips to the apple orchard, and there are plenty of reasons to spend the next few months outside. But there’s one thing that’s easy to forget until you’re already there: Somewhere to sit.
Bleachers fill up, benches are few and far between, and after a few hours, your feet will be tired and sore. Keeping a folding chair in the trunk means you’re always prepared, and the Costway Folding Camping Moon Padded Chair at Walmart is an especially comfy option to have on standby. It’s currently 50% off, down from $110 to $55, so you can secure your seat without paying full price.
Costway Padded Folding Camping Moon Chair, $55 (was $110) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe moon-shaped design is a noticeable departure from the straight-backed folding chairs that tend to leave you shifting around after an hour. Measuring 32 inches long by 31.5 inches wide and 35.5 inches high, it has an oversized, slightly reclined silhouette with a high back and raised sides that create a cozy, nest-like place to settle in. Breathable Oxford fabric covers a layer of soft cotton padding, so there’s cushioning behind and beneath you rather than a single piece of fabric stretched tightly across a frame. Heavy-duty steel construction holds it all up, with a 300-pound weight capacity.
There’s even a designated spot in this chair for the drink that’s inevitably coming along for the outing. A mesh-bottom cup holder is built right into the side, putting everything from a water bottle to a thermos of hot cider within arm’s reach. It can also double as a convenient landing spot for a phone, keys, or sunglasses.
Costway Padded Folding Camping Moon Chair, $55 (was $110) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe real selling point of this folding chair, though, may only become apparent when everyone is packing up. There’s nothing to assemble or take apart; the chair pops open when you need it, and folds closed again in seconds. Weighing just 13.5 pounds, it slips into the included carrying bag and folds compactly enough to stash in the trunk.
Shop More Deals- Costway Oversized Camping Chair, $60 (was $89) at Walmart
- Costway Folding Camping Chair with Canopy, $50 (was $89) at Walmart
- Costway Foldable Rocking Padded Camping Chair, From $106 (was $159) at Walmart
Walmart shoppers described this seat as “very comfortable” and “sturdy,” noting that it was “easy to set up and take down.” One reviewer wrote, “This material and the cushion make it the most comfortable folding lawn chair I have ever owned.”
Keep it in the trunk all season, and the next time everyone else is scouting for an empty bench, you’ll already have the best seat in the house. Shop the Costway Padded Folding Camping Moon Chair for $55 at Walmart while it’s 50% off!
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’70s Rock Legend, Called ‘England’s Best Rock Drummer’ by Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Turns 77
In 1971, Barrie “Barriemore” Barlow joined Jethro Tull just as the British rock band was heading into one of the most ambitious and successful periods of its career.
More than five decades later, Barlow remains so highly regarded for his work behind the drum kit that one particularly impressive endorsement still stands out: Led Zeppelin’s late drummer John Bonham called him “England’s best rock drummer,” according to Drumhead magazine.
Barlow, who turns 77 on Sept. 10, was born in Birmingham, England, in 1949. He had known future Jethro Tull members Ian Anderson and John Evan since their days playing together in The Blades, but initially went in a different direction before rejoining his former bandmates in Jethro Tull in 1971.
His arrival came at an opportune moment. Jethro Tull had broken through with 1971’s Aqualung, and Barlow’s first full album with the group would be the enormously successful Thick as a Brick in 1972.
Barlow remained with Jethro Tull throughout the 1970s, playing on albums including A Passion Play, War Child, Minstrel in the Gallery, Songs from the Wood, Heavy Horses and Stormwatch.
His unusual, highly technical style earned considerable admiration from fellow musicians.
In the 2007 Drumhead profile, Barlow’s drumming was praised for helping Jethro Tull weave hard rock, blues, folk and progressive music together, particularly on Thick as a Brick, A Passion Play and Heavy Horses. The magazine also highlighted the 1978 live album Bursting Out as evidence that Barlow could reproduce his complicated playing onstage.
Then came the ultimate compliment.
Related: Rock Icons Ranked ‘Best Rock Band of All Time’ Announce New Release
“So lauded was he that rock’s most deified drum-god, John Bonham, deemed him ‘England’s best rock drummer,’” the magazine reported.
Barlow’s reputation was strong enough that his name was also reportedly among the possibilities considered as Led Zeppelin contemplated whether anyone could replace Bonham following the drummer’s death in 1980. Ultimately, the surviving members decided that Led Zeppelin could not continue without Bonham and disbanded. Barlow later worked separately with both Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.
Years later, Barlow revealed a remarkable connection between himself and Bonham’s son, Jason Bonham.
While Page was working with Jason, Page wanted a particular rhythm played the way he had heard Barlow do it previously. According to Barlow’s recollection in Drumhead, Jason’s response was simple: “Just call Barlow.”
The call came, and Barlow headed to Page’s studio to play. He remembered being both excited and intimidated by the opportunity, ultimately appearing on multiple tracks with the Led Zeppelin guitarist.
Barlow’s post-Tull résumé also included work with Plant, John Miles and Yngwie Malmsteen. But his years with Jethro Tull remain the foundation of his reputation.
In a 1990 Modern Drummer article, Anderson described Barlow as a drummer who thought several bars ahead, which made him a “more intellectual” drummer than most.
“Barrie is not a metronomic drummer, and no offense intended. Instead, he thinks in terms of patterns, and he’ll be thinking ahead quite a few bars when he’s playing — about how he’s going to improvise and embellish or develop a pattern,” said Anderson. “So he’s playing less for the moment and more with a view towards an overall arrangement and a level of detail. He’s a more intellectual sort of drummer, like maybe Bill Bruford was with Yes.”
Barlow himself has always been considerably more self-deprecating about his playing. Looking back on his elaborate Jethro Tull work, he told Modern Drummer that he now advises younger drummers not to play the way he did because his parts were “so busy and over-the-top.”
Related: Iconic ’70s Rock Band Quietly Reunited 10 Years After Breakup for a Secret Show
Applebee's Is Serving Free Wings During NFL Season — How to Get Them
Free wings for football season? You bet: Applebee’s is hooking it up with their NFL Season Wing Ticket—and it’s not even a one-and-done deal.
The restaurant’s loyalty club—which is free to join—allows football fans to get their hands on freebie wings all NFL season, starting September 13 and running through January 10, 2027.
How to Get Free Wings at Applebee’s- Join Club Applebee’s
- Sign up for the Season Wing Ticket
- Get your unique weekly code for 6 free boneless wings to go
- Order your grub online via the Applebee’s site or app (must make a $15 food purchase)
- Root for your favorite football team with a full belly
- Do it again next week
Codes will arrive in your email inbox on Sundays and can be redeemed Sunday through Thursday.
We went ahead and did the math for you: It’s more than 100 free boneless wings! You can’t beat that deal. Plus, per a press release shared directly with Parade, you can pick your own flavor from Classic Buffalo, Extra Hot Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Asian Chili, Honey BBQ, or Honey Pepper. You can even grab a dip, too (ranch or bleu cheese).
The 2026 NFL season is already underway. Just this weekend alone, catch the Bears vs. the Panthers, the Buccaneers vs. the Bengals, the Saints and the Lions facing off, the Texans against the Bills, Ravens vs. Colts, Falcons vs. Steelers, and so on (schedule is here).
Getting free wings is just the icing on the cake when it comes to one of America’s favorite pastimes, football season, and this takes a little something off your plate (well, puts something on your plate) so you can kick back and relax.
Thanks, Applebee’s!
When Is Super Bowl LXI?The Super Bowl will land on Valentine’s Day in 2027. Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Feb. 14 and will be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Obviously, we have a long way to go before we’ll know which teams will be playing in the Super Bowl.
Rumors are swirling about a halftime headliner, too, and many folks have placed their bets on Miley Cyrus being announced as the big-ticket performer for the NFL’s biggest game.
1972 Muzak Version of a Roberta Flack Hit About Unrequited Love Was Playing at the World Trade Center on September 11
On the morning of September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was filled with the sounds of an ordinary workday, including soft Muzak versions of familiar songs playing in the background. Among them was a 1972 Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway hit about unrequited love, a song that could hardly have seemed more unremarkable as workers began another Tuesday morning. Today, knowing what happened later that day, hearing that song and the other familiar ’70s, ’80s and ’90s hits on the playlist offers a small, poignant glimpse into the ordinary moments that existed before the world changed.
Songs Playing at the World Trade Center on September 11 @soul_br0therRoberta Flack’s voice is as smooth as butter #oldiesarchive #70smusic #robertaflack
♬ original sound – oldies archive🎬As workers began their day on September 11, 2001, many passed through the lobby of the World Trade Center with a very familiar sound as part of their morning soundtrack: Muzak versions of classic songs. Songs like Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s “Where Is the Love?”, a song about heartbreak and unrequited love, and the Bee Gees‘ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” were just some of the songs playing on rotation in the lobby that day.
A Spotify playlist titled “Confirmed World Trade Center Plaza Muzak Songs” collects 53 songs associated with the music that played at the complex, including songs that were in rotation before and around September 11.
The songs weren’t selected specifically for that day. These were the songs that served as the background music to thousands of New Yorkers’ morning routines, from the subway or bus into the building and up the long elevator ride to work.
Knowing that an ordinary day would become one of the most defining days in American history, looking back at the playlist’s song titles feels quietly haunting.
The Roberta Flack Song on the September 11 Playlist @nypostHe took some of the last photos of the World Trade Center before 9/11. 25 years later, we used AI to bring them to life. Watch the full video at the link in our bio.
♬ original sound – New York Post | News“Where Is the Love?” stands out in hindsight. Released by Flack and Hathaway in 1972, the song is about heartbreak and unrequited love. At the time, however, the Muzak version was simply another familiar melody playing in the background of a busy morning.
The song wasn’t chosen because of its connection to September 11. It was part of the everyday soundtrack of the World Trade Center, which is what makes hearing it on the playlist so poignant today.
More Familiar Songs Take on New MeaningThe Stylistics‘ “People Make the World Go Round,” another early-’70s favorite, is also on the list. Its title feels particularly poignant in retrospect, but the song itself was actually about the problems of everyday life, including labor strikes, pollution and social inequality.
The playlist also includes many instantly recognizable songs from the era whose titles now take on new meaning. The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” The Beatles‘ “Yesterday,” Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman,” the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” Dolly Parton’s “Here You Come Again,” Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne” and Madonna’s “I’ll Remember” were all featured in the lobby’s background Muzak soundtrack.
These weren’t songs selected to accompany a tragedy. They were the background music someone might hear as they walked through the lobby, waited for an elevator or grabbed a coffee before the rush of the workday began.
For some people, they may have been among the last songs they heard, a reminder that for a few minutes on September 11, 2001, it was simply another Tuesday, with Muzak versions of familiar songs quietly playing in the background.
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Reba McEntire Drags Viral Social Media Trend With Iconic Throwback Photos
Reba McEntire doesn’t need AI to show her what she looked like in the ’80s—she has the receipts.
The country icon poked fun at a viral social media trend that has users asking ChatGPT to generate images of what they might have looked like during the decade. Instead of creating an AI version of herself, McEntire, 71, went straight to the archives.
“No AI needed here, I know what I looked like in the 80s!!!” she joked on Instagram alongside two very real throwback photos.
The first showed a younger McEntire rocking a curly, mullet-like haircut with a pastel sweater and blue jeans. In the second, the “Fancy” singer sported longer curly hair pulled into a ponytail while wearing a rust-colored shirt and ripped jeans as she posed in a chair.
View this post on InstagramFans couldn’t get enough of the iconic pics and her quippy joke.
“The only correct answer,” one said, while another wrote, “This is the flex you think this is.”
“ATE EVERYONE UP,” replied a third.
A fourth said, “What would Reba do? Certainly not use ai!”
While McEntire’s response to the trend was all in good fun, it isn’t the first time she’s made her feelings about AI-generated images known.
READ MORE: Why Did Dolly Parton Keep Her Cancer Diagnosis Secret? Her Niece Reveals the Reason
In October 2025, McEntire responded after fake images involving both her and longtime friend Dolly Parton began circulating online. One falsely depicted Parton in a hospital bed with McEntire by her side, while another bizarrely showed McEntire holding a sonogram.
“You tell ’em, Dolly! That AI mess has got us doing all kinds of crazy things,” McEntire said at the time. “You’re out there dying, I’m out here having a baby.” She continued, “Well, both of us know you’re too young and I’m too old for any of that kind of nonsense.”
The exchange has taken on a much sadder meaning since then. Parton died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with an undisclosed type of cancer.
Related: Jane Fonda Fights Back Tears While Revealing the Important Lesson Dolly Parton Taught Her
Netflix Quietly Cancels Beloved Josh Duhamel Western Series After Just 2 Seasons
There won’t be a third trip to Ransom Canyon.
Netflix has officially canceled the Texas-set romantic drama after two seasons, Deadline reported on Thursday, September 10, ending the story of Staten Kirkland and Quinn O’Grady just weeks after the show’s July 23 return.
Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly led the series as childhood friends-turned-love interests, based on Jodi Thomas’ popular novel series. The series followed the tangled lives of a Texas ranching community, where relationships, rivalries, and questions about the town’s future all collided.
View this post on InstagramApril Blair created the series and served as showrunner and executive producer. Duhamel and Kelly also executive produced alongside Dan Angel, Bradley Gardner, and Joe Fazzio.
Kelly notably held her ground on compensation when she joined the series as Duhamel’s co-lead back in 2022, a move Deadline first reported in April 2025 that brought her close to, though not fully at, pay parity with her co-star.
The decision follows a noticeable drop in viewership between the show’s first and second seasons. Season 2 drew 4.1 million views during its first week, according to Deadline, down 43% from the 7.2 million views recorded during Season 1’s opening week in 2025.
View this post on InstagramThe latest season remained in Netflix’s weekly Top 10 for three weeks. Season 1 stayed on the list for four weeks. The show’s future was uncertain after its debut. Netflix eventually ordered a second season more than two months after Season 1 premiered, but reduced the episode count from 10 to eight and made several creative changes, Deadline reported.
How Did ‘Ransom Canyon’ Season 2 End?Fans invested in Staten and Quinn can breathe easy; this cancellation doesn’t leave their romance hanging. Season 2 threw the couple through another round of obstacles, including a brief engagement between Quinn and someone else, but by the finale, they’d found their way back to each other. That gives the story a far more settled ending than Season 1 left behind.
What Storylines Were Being Set Up for Season 3?While its central romance reached a relatively satisfying point, Ransom Canyon still left plenty on the table for a potential third season.
The finale hinted at a possible love triangle brewing for Ellie, played by Marianly Tejada, and hinted there could have been more in store for Staten’s half-brother Levi, played by Steve Howey, who only got a single scene in Season 2.
At the time of writing, the show’s stars and Netflix have not commented on the cancellation.
Country Star Ella Langley's Live Reaction to Major CMA News
Country star Ella Langley could barely contain her excitement as she watched the 2026 CMA Awards nominations being announced on her laptop.
Langley shared a video of her live reaction on Instagram after learning that she earned nine CMA nominations, including her first-ever nomination for Entertainer of the Year. Her emotional reaction quickly showed just how much the recognition meant to her.
As the nominations appeared on the screen, Langley screamed, pointed her finger into the air and celebrated each announcement. When her album Dandelion was named among the Album of the Year nominees, she said, “Album of the Year, I care so much about that!”
Ella Langley performs during Stars for Second Harvest with ERNEST & Friends at the Ryman Auditorium on June 2, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
The excitement continued throughout the video. At one point, Langley accidentally spilled her coffee while watching the announcements. She then stood up as more results came in, clapping and shouting as she realized the number of categories where her name appeared.
View this post on InstagramHer biggest reaction came when the nominees for Entertainer of the Year were announced. When Langley heard her name alongside Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson, she pretended to pass out.
She then appeared stunned for a moment before asking her friend to check her pulse.
The moment became one of the most memorable parts of her reaction video, with fans filling the comments with congratulations and praise.
“Congratulations 🔥👏🔥, you’re an inspiration,” one commenter wrote.
Another said, “you are everything and more. so deserved”.
Other fans focused on Langley’s funny reaction, with one writing, “Checking the pulse and head on the ceiling.😂 This is why we love you.”
Another commenter joked about the coffee incident, saying, “Coffee spill was comedic timing”.
The support continued with another fan writing, “Hahaha you’re a treasure!!!!! Sooo proud of you!!!❤️”
“Can’t wait to see you take these home!!!” a separate comment added.
Ella Langley Leads 2026 CMA Awards NominationsLangley’s nine nominations put her at the top of this year’s CMA nominations. She is just one nomination away from matching the all-time single-year record of 10, set by Alan Jackson in 2002.
Her nine nominations cover some of the biggest categories at the 2026 CMA Awards.
Langley is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
She is also competing against herself in the Single of the Year category. Both “Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas” received nominations.
Her Dandelion album is nominated for Album of the Year, while “Be Her” and “Choosin’ Texas” are both nominated for Song of the Year.
Langley also earned a Musical Event of the Year nomination with Morgan Wallen for “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”
Her “Choosin’ Texas” music video is also among the Music Video of the Year nominees.
The strong showing comes after a major year for Langley. According to Billboard‘s 2026 Songs of the Summer ranking, “Choosin’ Texas” finished at No. 1. Langley’s “Be Her” also reached No. 3 on the summer chart, giving the country singer two songs in the top three.
“Choosin’ Texas” also spent 21 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, including 11 straight weeks beginning July 4. During the 2026 summer tracking period, the song recorded 407 million official U.S. streams and 124,000 download sales.
After the nominations were revealed, Langley also shared the results on her Instagram Story.
Alongside the nomination announcement, she wrote, “What an honor CMA”, followed by teary-eyed and white heart emojis.
Ella Langley is heading into the 2026 CMA Awards with nine nominations after a massive year led by hits including “Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her.” pic.twitter.com/om3tGSF24H
— mydzn (@MadelaineDizon) September 11, 2026Langley now joins a select group of artists competing for the CMA’s top prize. Her Entertainer of the Year nomination places her alongside Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and defending winner Lainey Wilson.
This year’s Entertainer of the Year lineup also marks the first time in three years that two women have been nominated in the category at the same time.
The 2026 CMA Awards will take place on November 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The ceremony will air live on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
Voting by Country Music Association members is scheduled to take place from Oct. 1 through Oct. 27.
For now, Langley’s nine nominations have given her plenty to celebrate and her unforgettable live reaction gave fans a front-row look at the moment she found out.
Related: Country Star Ella Langley Has One Word After Billboard Charts Milestone
1971 Soft Rock Smash, Forever Linked to ‘Urban Cowboy,’ Gave a Band Its Final Top 10 Hit
The Grass Roots sprouted a string of hits in the late ’60s and early ’70s. They had “Let’s Live for Today,” which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1967; “Midnight Confessions,” which did better at No. 5 in August 1968; and then “Sooner or Later,” which ended their nearly three-year Top 10 drought by reaching No. 9 in June 1971.
But that soft rock favorite had another surprising story to tell beyond becoming the band’s third and final Top 10 hit. “Sooner or Later” contains a fascinating history, from its five-person writing team to how it presciently foreshadowed a massive crossover hit nine years later.
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View this post on InstagramReleased in May 1971 as a single and later that year on their September compilation, Their 16 Greatest Hits, “Sooner or Later” was written by a stable of prominent hitmakers including Gary Zekley, Mitchell Bottler, brothers Adeniyi Paris and Ekundayo Paris, and Ted McNamara.
Together, they created a brassy AM radio gem with a punchy horn section driving the track’s rhythm and catchy “wrong places” lyrics that gave bassist Rob Grill and keyboardist Dennis Provisor a platform to show off their soulful vocal delivery. Beyond the singing, Provisor added organ while much of the instrumental backing came from the famed Los Angeles session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew.
And here’s a fun bit of Grass Roots trivia: Before he became the deadpan Creed Bratton on The Office, the musician and actor was actually a member of The Grass Roots. Bratton played lead guitar and banjo with the band from 1967 to 1969, before “Sooner or Later” came along.
Another unexpected pop-culture connection is hiding in the song’s lyrics. In the bridge, Grill and Provisor sing, “You’ve been looking for love / In all the wrong places / You’ve been looking for love / All the wrong faces.” Sound familiar?
Nine years before Johnny Lee’s iconic country-rock hit became synonymous with 1980’s Urban Cowboy, The Grass Roots were already singing about looking for love in all the wrong places.
While the phrasing is an almost exact match for the opening of the chorus, Lee’s “Lookin’ for Love” was written by Wanda Mallette, Patti Ryan, and Bob Morrison, with no official credit or confirmation that they consciously borrowed from The Grass Roots. Still, the shared phrase remains a notable piece of pop-culture coincidence in 1970s and 1980s radio history.
On Sept. 4, 1971, The Grass Roots performed the song live on American Bandstand alongside “Two Divided by Love,” preserving its horn-infused sound into one of the era’s quintessential pop-rock time capsules. One American Songwriter recently opened, calling the song “soft rock at its finest,” in its roundup of must-hear soft rock hits of 1971.
It was a hit then. And more than five decades later, it’s a hit now. Sooner or later, the rest of the world will catch on.
Joanna Gaines’ Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Is an ‘Easy’ DIY Project That Makes Rooms Look Instantly More Expensive
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One of the most impactful changes you can make to your home is switching up your walls. The problem is that professional wallpaper installation can get pricey, traditional wallpaper can be messy to apply, and painting takes time and effort. It’s also not always practical for renters who don’t want to make permanent changes. That’s where removable wallpaper can be a game-changer. It’s an affordable way to make a noticeable update without committing to a long-term makeover.
One stunning option is the Magnolia Home Fox & Hare Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper. Right now, it’s available at Wayfair for around $2 per square foot, with each roll costing approximately $128.
Magnolia Home Fox & Hare Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper, $2 Per Square Foot at Wayfair Shop at WayfairThe Joanna Gaines-helmed brand’s wallpaper comes in dusty sage and light pink colorways, both paired with off-white illustrations. The whimsical print has a storybook-inspired feel, featuring woodland animals like foxes, rabbits, squirrels, and birds among leafy vines, acorns, berries, plants, and grass. It’s detailed enough to make a wall interesting without relying on loud colors or an overly busy pattern.
The design measures 20.5 inches wide and has a 20.5-inch pattern repeat with a drop match, meaning the printed design needs to be lined up at an angle between strips. It has a semi-gloss finish and is both washable and strippable, so you can gently clean the surface and remove the wallpaper when you’re ready for a change. The soft, nature-inspired look would work especially well in nurseries, playrooms, kids’ bedrooms, guest rooms, entryways, and powder rooms.
Each roll measures approximately 20.5 inches wide by 33 feet long and covers about 56.4 square feet. If you’re unsure how many rolls you’ll need, Wayfair’s handy wallpaper calculator can help you estimate the amount based on your wall dimensions or total square footage. Measuring your space beforehand can help you avoid ordering too little or significantly overestimating your needs.
Installation is designed to be more approachable than traditional wallpaper, too. The prepasted SureStrip material only needs water to activate the adhesive, and you’ll need just a few basic tools, including a measuring tape, utility knife, and smoother. If a strip goes on slightly crooked or you notice a wrinkle, you can lift and reposition it, making the process a little more forgiving for first-time wallpaper users.
The removable construction is particularly appealing for renters or anyone who likes to switch up their decor. When properly applied to smooth, primed walls, the wallpaper is designed to peel off in clean sheets without damaging drywall, stripping paint, or leaving sticky residue. It’s also a budget-friendly way to experiment with an accent wall or a more distinctive decorating style without paying for professional installation.
Shoppers seemed impressed with both the appearance and ease of use. One shopper wrote, “The quality of the paper and print is exceptional. Very impressed with the textured print.” Another reviewer shared, “I have been a little afraid to get started as this is my first attempt at wallpaper. It wasn’t bad at all! It’s easy to do and has an adorable result!”
Shop More Deals- One Allium Way Spurling Peel & Stick Toile Roll, $1 Per Square Foot at Wayfair
- Charlton Home Toile Wallpaper Roll French Style, $1 Per Square Foot at Wayfair
- Erin Gates Oakcliff Stone Leaf Trail Wallpaper, $2 er Square Foot at Wayfair
For a stylish way to give your walls a major refresh without the mess and commitment of traditional wallpaper, the Magnolia Home Fox & Hare Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper is a beautiful option. And at around $2 per square foot, it’s a relatively accessible way to transform a room at Wayfair.
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‘Baywatch’ Icon Pamela Anderson, 59, Stuns in Daring Dress With Thigh-High Slit
’90s bombshell Pamela Anderson kept it simple yet striking at the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women event on Thursday, September 10, pairing a sleek black dress with a dramatic thigh-high slit and loose, natural waves.
The appearance adds another memorable moment to a year already filled with personal milestones, from a son’s wedding to a new engagement in the family.
Anderson, 59, has spent the past several years redefining her relationship with beauty and glamour. The understated approach is a far cry from the platinum-blonde hair, makeup, and red swimsuit that became synonymous with the Baywatch star in the 1990s.
See the photos below:
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Pamela Anderson attends the 2026 Kering Foundation Caring For Women Dinner on September 10, 2026, in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
View the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Naked Gun star first drew widespread attention for attending Paris Fashion Week with no makeup in 2023, though she later explained that the decision was spontaneous. “I didn’t come to Paris Fashion Week and think, ‘I’m not going to wear makeup,'” Anderson told Vogue France.
“I don’t know, something just kind of came over me. And I was just dressing in these beautiful clothes, and I thought, ‘I don’t want to compete with the clothes.’ I’m not trying to be the prettiest girl in the room.” She added, “I feel like it’s just a freedom. It’s like a relief.”
Anderson has made clear that her natural approach is a choice, not a rule. “I’ve been doing very natural for a while now, which is really, really great and very me. But I’m on the cover of Vogue. Yes, put makeup on me, and just have a little fun.”
View this post on InstagramHer latest appearance continued that balance, pairing a polished evening look with the pared-back beauty style she has embraced.
It has also been a milestone-filled summer for the actress. Anderson celebrated her 59th birthday during a swimsuit-clad getaway to Saint-Tropez, where she stayed on for her younger son Dylan Jagger Lee‘s wedding shortly after. The celebration brought Anderson together with ex-husband Tommy Lee and their eldest son, Brandon Thomas Lee. For the wedding, she wore a sheer yellow lace Oscar de la Renta gown designed by Fernando Garcia, as reported by InStyle.
A few weeks after that, on Wednesday, September 9, People confirmed that Anderson’s older son, Brandon, also got engaged after proposing to his girlfriend, Katarina Demetriades, on Saturday, August 29, during a trip to Indonesia.
In the comments, Anderson congratulated Brandon and Demetriades with a heartfelt message, writing, “I’m so happy for you angels. You are a beautiful match. Now the adventure begins. May the force be with you. All my love, Mom ❤️.”
View this post on InstagramShortly after, the couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post, including photos from the special day.
Apart from all the joyful moments of her life, Anderson made headlines when she recently reflected on a far more difficult period in her life after being diagnosed with hepatitis C in the late 1990s. “It was a death sentence. That’s what my doctor told me, that I probably had around 10 years to live,” she said at the amfAR Gala in Venice on Sunday, September 6, according to Variety.
View this post on InstagramThe diagnosis was especially frightening because her sons were still young. “I’m sure that colored and corrupted my decisions. It was not fear of death, but fear of what might happen to my young children. It turned my life inside out.”
Decades later, Anderson’s latest chapter has brought family celebrations, career moments, and the freedom to present herself exactly as she chooses.
