Parade

If your mind is already drifting toward the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean Sea, it’s time to lean completely into the daydream. While Mykonos is famous for its high-energy beach clubs and winding, whitewashed alleys, a stunning new cliffside haven is about to show travelers a much more serene side of the legendary Greek island.

The all-new Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos has officially opened its books and is now accepting reservations for its highly anticipated debut season starting June 26, 2026.

Cascading down a dramatic rocky cliffside along Kalo Livadi Bay, the property unfolds across 15 acres like a private, modern Cycladic village. Designed by acclaimed Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis, the resort features 94 ultra-chic accommodations connected by shaded stone walkways, lush courtyards and flowering gardens. The best part? Because of the clever tiered layout, every single room boasts panoramic water views and private terraces—with many featuring infinity-edge plunge pools that look like they spill right into the sea.

Related: The Best Way to See Crete: JW Marriott's Coastal Reopening

Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos

"Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos is set to elevate the traditional Greek island vacation to an entirely new level of serene luxury, thoughtful details and personalized service," said Adrian Messerli, President, Hotel Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa, in a press statement. "Our goal is to create a deeper experience for our guests as they venture beyond the nightlife and beaches, connecting to Greek culture in more meaningful ways."

"Our local experts can create personalized experiences based on each guest's own interests," said General Manager Ryan Grande. "Whether it's recommending off-the-well-beaten-path restaurants, matching families with a knowledgeable guide, packing a delicious picnic to go, or simply helping you make sense of Chora's maze of streets and squares, our team will create your perfect Greek Island holiday."

For those who want to experience the island’s famous energy but retreat to total tranquility, the resort sits on a secluded private cove with its own exclusive beach and a private jetty (perfect for slipping away on a yacht excursion to the nearby ancient ruins of Delos).

Even if you’re just armchair-traveling for now, the resort's culinary lineup—designed by New York City’s famed Rockwell Group—is enough to make your mouth water:

• Álef: A moody Mediterranean grill where the scent of wood fires sets the tone for open-air dining.
• Kafeneo: A modern take on the traditional Greek coffee house, perfect for a morning frappe or a sunset glass of ouzo.
• Corbu: A postcard-perfect spot serving coastal Italian cuisine with a heavy dose of la dolce vita.

Related: The Greek Islands, Hotels and 'Secret' Beaches Chef Suzy Karadsheh Is Loving Right Now

Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos

When you aren't lounging by one of the two infinity pools, the property offers a massive wellness spa, a yoga pavilion and an on-site chapel for anyone dreaming of a quintessential destination wedding.

Whether you’re ready to pack your favorite carry-on or simply want to manifest a future luxury getaway, this new Greek oasis proves that the ultimate summer aesthetic is all about slowing down, soaking in the view, and letting the Four Seasons team handle the rest.

Related: We’re Living Vicariously Through These First Photos of Royal Caribbean's Stunning New Beach Club in Greece

Laurie Gilmore’s newest romance novel, The Daisy Chain Flower Shop, has earned a major spot on the latest USA TODAY best-selling books list, ranking No. 5 among the top-selling books in the United States this week. 

The novel continues the strong momentum of Gilmore’s popular Dream Harbor series, which has become a favorite among romance readers online and in bookstores.

According to USA TODAY, the weekly ranking combines print and electronic book sales from bookstore chains, independent bookstores, mass retailers and online sellers. 

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop joined the list shortly after its May 2026 release and marked another milestone for Gilmore, whose cozy romance stories continue to grow in popularity.

The book follows Daisy, a flower shop owner in the small town of Dream Harbor, who believes she may be unlucky in love after several weddings tied to her flower arrangements end in divorce. Her shop’s reputation gets even worse after Mayor Kelly claims the store is cursed. 

Things begin to change when Elliot, a newcomer to town recovering from his own failed relationship, walks into the flower shop and becomes part of Daisy’s life.

The story includes popular romance tropes such as fake dating, found family and friends-to-lovers themes.

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop is the sixth book in the Dream Harbor series. Previous titles include The Pumpkin Spice Café, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, The Christmas Tree Farm, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House, and The Gingerbread Bakery.

Gilmore’s books have become especially popular on TikTok and among readers looking for cozy small-town romance stories. Videos about the Dream Harbor series have reportedly gained more than 26 million views on TikTok, helping the books appear on multiple bestseller lists over the past few years.

@violet.hollow

Dream harbour has grown! 🌼 @HarperCollinsUK #romancebooks #spicybooks #dreamharborseries #hea #newbooks

♬ original sound - Violet.Hollow

The first novel in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Café, won TikTok Shop Book of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Book Awards. Later titles also saw strong sales in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

Goodreads readers have also responded positively to The Daisy Chain Flower Shop. The novel currently holds a 4.01 rating from more than 8,000 readers on the platform.

In a recent interview with CBS News’ Club Calvi podcast, Gilmore spoke about the unexpected mix of sweet covers and spicy romance scenes in the series.

“Yes, that does catch people off guard,” Gilmore said. “Those covers are real sweet, real cute. You can read them on public transportation and nobody knows what's inside. And that's a good feature.”

She also explained that her editor encouraged her to increase the romance elements while writing earlier books in the series.

“My editor was like, you can up it. People like that. Then we added spice. People are surprised, but I think they like it.”

During the same interview, Gilmore described Daisy as a character struggling after heartbreak and returning home to rebuild her life.

“We find poor, sweet Daisy in a low moment,” Gilmore explains. “She has had some breakups. She's come out of some serious relationships. She's back in Dream Harbor after having been gone for a little while.”

Entertainment outlet Cosmopolitan described the story as “a fake relationship twist that will absolutely make you feel real feelings about what is going down.”

Gilmore, whose real name is Melissa McTernan, lives in Upstate New York with her husband and children. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was a stay-at-home mother. Along with the Dream Harbor books, she also writes fantasy romance novels under her real name.

With The Daisy Chain Flower Shop now ranking among the country’s top-selling books, the Dream Harbor series continues to show strong demand from romance readers looking for cozy settings and fan-favorite tropes.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Hit Book Ranked Among ‘Most Streamed Audiobooks’ of All Time

Nearly 50 years after its release, Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is still setting the standard for rock guitar greatness.

Music producer and session musician Rick Beato ranked the song’s iconic David Gilmour solo No. 1 on his list of the greatest rock guitar solos of all time, placing it ahead of legendary performances like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne” and Journey’s “Stone in Love.”

Related: 1981 Timeless Classic, Inspired by Real-Life Heartbreak, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

Coming in at the top of Beato’s countdown, “Comfortably Numb” stood above every other solo on the list thanks to its emotional intensity, melodic phrasing and unmistakable tone.

“This guitarist is also one of my favorites of all time,” Beato said while introducing the track.

Related: 1965 No. 1, Ranked Among Greatest Rock Songs Ever, Came to Guitarist in a Dream

Released on Pink Floyd’s landmark 1979 album The Wall, “Comfortably Numb” has become one of the band’s most enduring songs despite never becoming a traditional chart hit in the United States. Over time, however, its reputation has only grown, particularly because of Gilmour’s soaring guitar work during the song’s two celebrated solos.

The track emerged during a creatively tense period for Pink Floyd. Roger Waters wrote the lyrics based partly on his experience being injected with tranquilizers before a 1977 concert, while Gilmour composed much of the music. The two famously clashed over the song’s arrangement during recording sessions, with Waters favoring orchestral elements and Gilmour pushing for a more stripped-down sound.

Related: Legendary Rock Band Adds 40 More Dates to Massive Farewell Tour

Eventually, the band blended both approaches, leading to a compromise that helped produce one of rock’s most emotionally powerful recordings.

Part of what makes the solo so legendary is how carefully Gilmour constructed it in the studio. Rather than recording a single perfect take, he assembled the final version by combining sections from multiple solos.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic, a Hit Before It Was Even Released, Became a No. 1 Smash

“From there I just followed my usual procedure,” Gilmour explained in a past interview with Guitar World. “I create one great composite solo by whipping one fader up, then another fader, jumping from phrase to phrase until everything flows together.”

Producer Bob Ezrin later summed up Gilmour’s talent bluntly: “You can give him a ukulele and he’ll make it sound like a Stradivarius.”

The song’s reputation among fans remains enormous today. Earlier this year, Parade readers voted “Comfortably Numb” the greatest Pink Floyd guitar solo of the 1970s by a wide margin, beating classics like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Time,” “Money” and “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.”

Critics and musicians have also continued praising the song for decades. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked “Comfortably Numb” among its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” while Planet Rock listeners voted Gilmour’s performance the greatest guitar solo ever recorded.

Even after all these years, the song still carries an almost mythic status among rock fans, especially during the extended final solo, which many guitar players consider one of the most expressive performances ever captured on record.

For Beato, it was the clear choice for No. 1. And judging by the song’s lasting reputation, plenty of listeners still agree.

Related: 1982 No. 1 Hit Ranked Among Billboard's Greatest Songs Ever Became Both Artists’ Biggest Hit 44 Years Ago Today

In the summer of 1978, “King Tut” was all the rage. The song, recorded by Steve Martin and the Toot Uncommons, was a satire of the traveling U.S. museum tour of King Tutankhamun's treasures that was in progress at the time. 

Released as a single, “King Tut” hit No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Aug 12, 1978, and became the hottest novelty song of the year. A second version of the tune later appeared on Martin’s album A Wild and Crazy Guy, which won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1979.

The song had an interesting start. “King Tut” made its debut on Saturday Night Live on April 22, 1978, months before it was released as a single. The accompanying sketch, featuring frequent SNL guest Martin and his backup band dancing while dressed in Egyptian garb, included Blues Brothers saxophone legend Lou Marini delivering the song’s musical solo.  At the time, “King Tut” was the most expensive segment the NBC late-night show had ever produced, according to Rhino Records.

Steve Martin wrote ‘King Tut’ in the car

The Treasures of Tutankhamun museum exhibit famously toured seven cities between 1976 and 1979. Martin’s homage to the event took a lot less time.

In a 2004 op-ed for The New York Times, Martin revealed that he wrote "King Tut" in minutes. “I know that the song ‘King Tut’ has become a standard and that many people believe it has been around for three-quarters of a century and was probably written by Cole Porter or Irving Berlin,” Martin joked. “But no, I wrote it in my car while driving—and you probably won’t believe this—I wrote it in less than 15 minutes.”

RELATED:1978’s Biggest No. 1 Hit Song Was Written in Ten Minutes

In his essay, Martin added that the song broke musical ground in that “if you look at  the sheet music, there are asterisks where the notes should be because the song has no tune.” He admitted that fact annoyed "so-called legitimate" songwriters.

According to the book Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live, after writing the song, Martin approached Saturday Night Live producers with his future hit, but never expected his performance to become a big production. Showrunner Lorne Michaels went all in to help create the elaborate TV moment, and the rest is history.

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

A short documentary film that was once labeled “foreign political propaganda” in the United States is now being remembered as one of the most controversial and influential films of the Cold War era.

Far Out Magazine included If You Love This Planet among its list of controversial movies that were banned in America. The 1982 Canadian documentary short, directed by Terre Nash, focused on the dangers of nuclear war during a tense period between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The 26-minute film featured a lecture by anti-nuclear activist and physician Helen Caldicott at SUNY Plattsburgh. Throughout the documentary, Nash combined Caldicott’s warnings about nuclear weapons with disturbing black-and-white footage from Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic bombings.

The film was released during the administration of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan at the height of the Cold War. Because of its anti-nuclear message, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered American distributors to register the documentary as “foreign political propaganda” under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Despite the controversy, If You Love This Planet won the 1983 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. 

The documentary was produced by Studio D, the women’s unit of the National Film Board of Canada. According to production records, the film was made with a budget of $70,117.

Nash first became interested in the subject after hearing one of Caldicott’s lectures while studying at McGill University. She later turned the speech into her directorial debut.

The documentary was originally planned to screen at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament. It first debuted in the United Kingdom through the London Socialist Film Co-op. It also included archive footage from American military propaganda films from the 1940s and 1950s. 

One section used footage from Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter, a 1943 U.S. Department of War film featuring Reagan before he entered politics.

According to reports, officials within the National Film Board debated for six months about whether the Reagan footage should remain in the documentary before allowing it to stay.

The controversy expanded further when the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation initially refused to air the film. The network argued that the documentary did not provide a “balanced and objective view” about nuclear weapons. After the movie won the Oscar, CBC later aired it on its news program The Journal.

The legal fight over the film continued in the United States for years.

On Jan. 13, 1983, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered American distributors of If You Love This Planet and other environmental documentaries to register as foreign agents. California State Senator Barry Keene later challenged the order in court.

In 1983, U.S. District Judge Raul Anthony Ramirez issued an injunction against the Justice Department’s ruling. The legal dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of the United States.

In the 1987 case Meese v. Keene, the Supreme Court ruled 5-3 in favor of the Department of Justice, allowing the political propaganda label to remain.

Over the years, the documentary gained recognition as a major film of the international peace movement. It won a special prize from the World Peace Council at the Leipziger Documentary and Short Film Festival and also received recognition at the Yorkton Short Film Festival.

Today, more than four decades after its release, If You Love This Planet remains an important reminder of Cold War fears and debates surrounding nuclear weapons. What was once suppressed in the United States has become a lasting part of documentary film history.

Related: 1993 Box Office Flop, Rewritten for Iconic Actor, Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 33 Years Later

John Denver was never the coolest guy in the room. He was something better—the one who reminded us all what hope sounded like.

Born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. on New Year's Eve 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico, he grew up as the son of a U.S. Air Force pilot—which meant constantly being uprooted from one city to the next. John was the perpetual new kid, never quite staying around long enough to figure out where he fit in.

The truth is, John's childhood was far from the wholesome picture his future music would paint. In his 1994 autobiography Take Me Home, Denver described his father as a cold, stern man unable to show love to his children. The kindest compliment he got was when his dad told him: "You know, you've got talent. You can play guitar and you can sing. Not everyone can do that, but that doesn't make you any better than anybody else. Just remember that."

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

But there was one bright spot in his childhood that changed the entire course of John's life. When he was just 11, his grandmother gave him her 1910 Gibson acoustic guitar. It became his lifeline—an icebreaker at every new school, a refuge from a father who couldn't say "I'm proud of you" and eventually, his legendary career. After dropping out of Texas Tech to chase his musical dreams, he renamed himself after his favorite state's capital city.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. He wrote "Leaving on a Jet Plane" for Peter, Paul and Mary, became the top-selling recording artist in America from 1969 through 1975, and released some of the most iconic music of the decade. Classic John Denver songs—including "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song," "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Rocky Mountain High"—became the soundtrack of a generation.

But behind his sweet smile and wire-rimmed-glasses was a man who battled depression, divorce and a very public career decline. Through it all, he never stopped believing the light would return—and that's why John Denver is today's quote of the day; a ray of sunshine for anyone who feels stuck in the dark.

Quote of the Day by John Denver

Parade/CanvaPro

"Things go up and down. If you can survive the down, it will come back."

In just 15 words, Denver delivers one of the most reassuring promises ever spoken. He doesn't tell you things are always going to be perfect. He doesn't tell you how to fix it, fight it, or find the silver lining. Instead, he tells you to simply find the strength to survive it—because one day, the storm will end, a rainbow will come and things will be so much better. The sunshine will always find its way back into your life.

Related: Quote of the Day: At 93, Willie Nelson Proves Blessings Add Up

Deeper Meaning of John Denver's Quote—You're Stronger Than the Storm

Denver knew the down better than most. By the early 1980s, musical trends had shifted toward arena rock and new wave—think Journey, The Police and Van Halen. Suddenly, Denver's sentimental sound was considered passé. Then, his marriage to Annie Martell—the inspiration behind "Annie's Song," which he famously wrote in just 10 minutes on a Colorado ski lift—ended in 1982. After his divorce, he struggled publicly with alcohol. And in 1985, came perhaps the most devastating career moment of them all: He was rejected from "We Are the World" because some industry insiders felt his image would hurt the song's credibility as a pop-rock anthem. "It broke my heart not to be included," he wrote in Take Me Home.

But he always stayed positive. In one 1977 interview, he said: "I love life! I love everything about it. And there comes a point, when I'm incredibly angry or sad, that I experience that emotion so strongly it gets to be a celebration. It's life, you see? I get to a certain low point and what I really experience is, 'God, I'm alive!'" The down wasn't something to fear—it was something to survive.

And Denver lived his words—he didn't disappear. Instead, he poured himself into environmental activism, founding the Windstar Foundation to promote sustainable living long before it was popular. Rather than simply being one artist on a song, he co-founded The Hunger Project to combat global hunger and it still exists today, long after his death. He also took the stage as one of the original performers at the inaugural Farm Aid in 1985—helping acts like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan raise over $9 million for America's family farmers.

Related: Willie Nelson Celebrates Special 40-Year Anniversary: ‘We’ll See You Soon’

He even testified before Congress alongside Frank Zappa and Dee Snider to speak out against music censorship. He continued to write, record and tour internationally—even when his American audience had moved on.

But the sunshine returned in 1995, when his Wildlife Concert—a stripped-down, mature performance—reminded the world exactly why they had fallen in love with him in the first place.

In 1996, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. One year later, he released The Best of John Denver, signaling his American comeback was officially underway. But tragically, that comeback would be cut short on October 12, 1997, when he died in a plane crash in Monterey Bay, California, at just 53 years old.

Throughout his entire life—from his first time strumming the guitar as a young boy to co-founding The Hunger Project—John Denver always lived with positivity and purpose. "Faith is a kind of knowing; it is different from hope," he wrote in his memoir. "My faith is that life is purposeful; of that I'm sure. There is a God, there is intelligence, there is consciousness. And behind all of this, there is incredible compassion."

The storm was real. But so was the sunshine. And Denver's life is the proof that if you can just hold on and live with purpose, the light will always find its way back.

Related: John Denver Called This 1975 Classic ‘One of the Best Songs’ He Ever Wrote

More Quotes by John Denver

• "I'm aware that I have this underlying purpose of wanting people to know, in the midst of this incredibly insane world, with all of the terrors and problems, that life is worth living."
• "I've always liked to think that we put ourselves in the circumstances in life that will support us moving through to wherever it is our spirit is going."
• "At times I've got a really big ego. But I'll tell you the best thing about me. I'm some guy's dad; I'm some little gal's dad."
• "Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit."
• "My faith will proclaim it is so—we are never alone."
• "Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm. It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm, and in those times of trouble when you are most alone, the memory of love will bring you home."

Related: Next Up:

The 1978 Jamaican film Rockers was ranked its soundtrack No. 52 on “101 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time” list. The ranking placed the reggae-heavy collection alongside some of the most celebrated movie soundtracks in film history.

Rolling Stone praised the soundtrack for capturing the rise of roots reggae during the late 1970s. The magazine described the music as “a darker, moodier collection” that reflected the political and cultural changes happening in Jamaica after reggae first reached global audiences through earlier films like The Harder They Come.

The soundtrack features major reggae artists including Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Jacob Miller and Junior Murvin. 

Songs such as “Police and Thieves,” “Stepping Razor” and “Tenement Yard” helped define the soundtrack’s powerful tone.

Released in 1979 by Mango Records, the soundtrack became known as one of reggae’s strongest compilation albums. Critics over the years praised the album for combining roots reggae classics with deeper cuts from the era’s biggest artists.

Directed by Theodoros Bafaloukos, Rockers was first planned as a documentary before turning into a full-length comedy-drama centered on Jamaican reggae culture. The movie stars real-life drummer Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace as a Kingston musician trying to earn money by selling reggae records across Jamaica.

The story follows Horsemouth after thieves steal his motorcycle, leading him and his friends into a Robin Hood-style mission to recover stolen goods. Critics often compared the movie’s story to the 1948 Italian classic Bicycle Thieves.

Jutarnja doza sedme umetnosti : Rockers Jamaica 1978.
Rasta takeover scene. pic.twitter.com/8EdIpYYXok

— Џyлc (@doprinositelj) August 28, 2025

Unlike many music films from the time, Rockers used real reggae artists instead of trained actors. Musicians including Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth, Dillinger and Robbie Shakespeare appeared as themselves.

The movie also showcased famous Jamaican recording locations like Harry J Studios and Channel One Studios, where many reggae legends recorded during the 1970s, including Bob Marley.

Produced on a budget of about $40,000, the film was completed in just two months. It premiered at the 1978 San Francisco Film Festival before receiving a U.S. theatrical release in 1980.

Rolling Stone noted that Rockers captured the height of roots reggae as Jamaican artists were beginning to influence punk music scenes in the United Kingdom. The publication highlighted the soundtrack’s political themes and dub influences, which separated it from earlier reggae soundtracks.

The album includes tracks such as “We ‘A’ Rockers” by Inner Circle, “Fade Away” by Junior Byles and “Jah No Dead” by Burning Spear.

The film itself also maintained strong reviews over the years. OnRotten Tomatoes, Rockers holds a 100% critics’ score and a 94% audience score.

Reviewers praised both the soundtrack and the film’s authentic look at Jamaican life. Janet Maslin of The New York Times highlighted the movie’s “funny, offbeat players and sinuous reggae score.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian described the movie as “a reggae classic.”

Today, Rockers remains one of the clearest snapshots of reggae culture during one of the genre’s most important eras and Rolling Stone’s ranking has introduced the soundtrack to a new generation of listeners.

Related: 1996 Hit Romance Film, Which Saw a ’70s Legend Fired, Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 30 Years Later

More than 50 years after its release, “I Saw the Light” by Todd Rundgren remains one of the defining soft rock songs of the 1970s. 

The upbeat track, released in 1972 as the opening song on Rundgren’s album Something/Anything?, continues to earn praise for its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics and polished production.

What makes the song’s success even more surprising is how quickly it came together. Rundgren said he wrote “I Saw the Light” in about 20 minutes while working at an intense pace during the album's creation. Despite the fast writing process, the single became one of the biggest songs of his career and is still widely played on classic rock radio today.

Todd RUNDGREN performs on stage.

Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

The song reached No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and also charted in countries including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Over the decades, it has been covered by several artists, including Terry Hall, Yo La Tengo and Bill Murray during the holiday special A Very Murray Christmas.

Rundgren later admitted that he had mixed feelings about the song’s simplicity. In interviews and liner notes, he explained that he wrote the track quickly while relying on stimulants to keep up with his demanding recording schedule. He once described the lyrics as “moon/June/spoon kind of stuff,” suggesting that the rhymes were straightforward and easy.

At just 23 years old, Rundgren handled nearly every part of Something/Anything? on his own. He played the instruments, sang the vocals and managed much of the production work himself. “I Saw the Light” showcased his growing reputation as a one-man musical force during the early 1970s.

According to album notes and later interviews, Rundgren intentionally placed “I Saw the Light” at the beginning of the record because he believed it had hit potential. He followed the Motown tradition of opening albums with strong singles that could immediately capture listeners.

The strategy worked.

The album became one of the most important releases of Rundgren’s career and helped establish him as both a solo artist and producer. Beyond “I Saw the Light,” the record also included songs like “Hello It’s Me,” another enduring hit that later climbed into the Top 10.

Lyrics such as “And I ran out before / But I won’t do it anymore” helped give the track emotional depth despite Rundgren’s own criticism of its simplicity.

Outside his solo work, Rundgren built a long and influential career as a producer and innovator. He worked on albums by acts including Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, XTC and Badfinger. He was also known for experimenting with music technology and interactive media long before many artists embraced digital tools.

In 2021, Rundgren was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing his place in music history.

Even after five decades, “I Saw the Light” continues to find new audiences through television, streaming services, cover versions, and classic rock playlists. For a song reportedly written in only 20 minutes, its staying power has proven remarkable.

Related: 1970 Pop Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song for Five Weeks, Became an International Anthem

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, 24, admits it can be "frustrating" when people don't understand Tourette Syndrome and the range of involuntary physical and vocal tics that often come along with the neurological condition. In a recent interview, she opens up very authentically about her personal experience with Tourette Syndrome and details what it's like living with it and suppressing tics.

During the May 5 episode of the podcast Good Hang With Amy Poehler, Eilish explained that she does experience vocal tics, which she describes as "mostly just noises and I can keep them pretty quiet." She also says she goes through "phases of words becoming tics."

Also, in her case, Eilish says she does have the ability to hold back her Tourette’s tics, at least temporarily. "There's a thing called suppressing," she explains. "When I'm in an interview, I'm doing everything in my power to suppress all of my tics, constantly. And as soon as I leave the room, I have to let them all out."

Poehler and Eilish talk how about learning to cope with everyday intrusive thoughts is a very normal human problem, but Eilish adds, "Now imagine those intrusive thoughts, but your mouth has to say them out loud. And that is Tourette Syndrome."

Related: Billie Eilish Exploring Acting Debut in Film Adaptation of Iconic 1963 Novel About Mental Health

The Hit Me Hard and Soft musician does detail some of the misconceptions she encounters around Tourette's, including people who want console or dote on her after a very typical tic attack. On the flip side, others claim not to see her tics at all. She explains this may be because her tics can be in her knees, elbows, and hands, which are not the most common types of tics people recognize.

She explains, "I'm doing everything I can to suppress every single tic that's visible, from the top of my head to about right here," she said, referencing the bottom of her rib cage. "And that's how we as people with Tourette's pretty much spend our days—and some people don't even have the privilege of getting to suppress them at all in any way."

"The not understanding of that," Eilish adds, "is really frustrating as a person with Tourette's."

Eilish's new concert film, Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), is playing in theaters now.

Watch the clip where Billie Eilish discusses her experience with Tourette Syndrome:

View this post on Instagram

Watch the entire interview with Billie Eilish on Good Hang With Amy Poehler:

Watch the official trailer for Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D):

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

It's been nearly 20 years since Flight of the Conchords premiered on HBO.

The American comedy series certainly struck a "chord" with fans at the time, given it was soon renewed for a second season. But that was all, at least in terms of the musical duo's small-screen time together.

Award-winning New Zealand musicians Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement make up Flight of the Conchords and play fictionalized versions of themselves on the cult-classic HBO sitcom, as fans are well aware.

It's that loyal fanbase that has certainly motivated the pair to continue performing together under the iconic band name in the years since the show's 2009 cancellation, including at this year's Netflix Is a Joke Fest on May 10.

“We’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a third season,” McKenzie, 49, Clement, 52, and co-creator James Bobin had written on their website to reveal the show's conclusion, per Billboard. “We’re very proud of the two seasons we made, and we like the way the show ended.”

Billboard also noted that the show's unique combination of storyline and original songs, plus the fact that the three co-creators had continued to live in their native New Zealand, were factors that had made it difficult to produce.

The series received 10 Emmy nominations over the course of its two seasons, with the second earning a best comedy series Emmy nod. Here's the official synopsis offered by Rotten Tomatoes, where Flight of the Conchords holds an impressive 94% average critics rating:

"Cutting edge musical comics Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement travel from their native New Zealand to New York in search of love and professional success, both of which prove elusive, in this semi-improvised comedy series."

You might find today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle is easy if you know someone named Jay. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, May 17, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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

Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, May 17, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on May 17, 2026

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

• Yellow: Skol!
• Green: College division.
• Blue: Same first name.
• Purple: Think hat.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

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

• Yellow: AN NFC NORTH ATHLETE
• Green: AN ACC ATHLETE
• Blue: JA(Y)LENS IN THE NBA
• Purple: ____ CAP

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 #601 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• AN NFC NORTH ATHLETE: BEAR, LION, PACKER, VIKING
• AN ACC ATHLETE: CAVALIER, EAGLE, HOKIE, MUSTANG
• JA(Y)LENS IN THE NBA: BROWN, BRUNSON, DUREN, GREEN
• ____ CAP: BASEBALL, GUARDIAN, RALLY, SALARY

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: We Asked 4 Chefs What They Never Leave Aldi Without—and We're Taking Notes

The Dude would ace today's NYT Strands puzzle. 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 #805 on Sunday, May 17.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

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

Find theme words to fill the board.

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

Find the “spangram.”

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

Need a hint?

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

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "Strike one!"

A hint for today's Strands game: don't cross the line.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• SC
• PI
• LA
• BA
• LO
• AR
• BO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 17

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, May 17, 2026, isBOWLINGALLEY.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, May 17?

• SCOREBAORD
• PINS
• LANES
• BALLS
• LOUNGE
• ARCADE
• SPANGRAM: BOWLINGALLEY

Related: Toast to Patio Season in Style With This Durable $3 Beverage Find at Target

You'll ace today's NYT Connections puzzle if you know the difference between elevenses and high tea. 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 furthere dsuntil 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 #1071 onSunday, May 17, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, May 17, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, May 17

1. A connector.
2. Pulled the wool over my eyes.
3. Typically served with finger sandwiches and light bites.
4. Usually associated with age.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, May 17:

1. CONDUIT: DUCT, LINE, MAIN, PIPE
2. SWINDLE: FLEECE, HOSE, SQUEEZE, STIFF
3. TEA MAKING VERBS: BOIL, POUR, STEEP, STRAIN
4. "SCHOOL MODIFIERS": GRADE, GRAMMAR, HIGH, PRIMARY

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: Cheez-It Teams Up With Coors Light to Drop Unexpected Collab That Has Fans Divided: 'Ain't No Way'

On May 17, 1967, Glen Campbell entered Capitol Studios to record a song that would not only become one of the biggest hits of his career, but eventually the musical calling card for an entire era of television: "Gentle on My Mind."

Written by John Hartford and arranged by Leon Russell, the song already stood apart from the polished country hits dominating radio at the time. Its wandering lyrics and poetic storytelling gave it a distinctive, almost conversational feel. But it was Campbell’s smooth, reassuring vocal delivery that transformed the track into something unforgettable.

At the time, Campbell was still emerging as a solo artist after years of working behind the scenes as one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after session musicians. "Gentle on My Mind" became the breakthrough that elevated him from respected guitarist to mainstream star.

Though it wasn’t an immediate chart-topper, the song quickly became a cultural phenomenon. In 1968, it earned four Grammy Awards across country and pop categories, cementing Campbell’s crossover appeal and introducing his music to a national audience far beyond country radio.

The song’s warm melody and reflective tone connected deeply with listeners, and over time it became synonymous with Campbell himself. That connection grew even stronger when "Gentle on My Mind" was later chosen as the theme song for The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Campbell’s hit CBS variety series that aired from 1969 to 1972.

By then, the song had evolved into more than just a hit record. It had become the soundtrack to Campbell’s rise as one of country music's biggest stars.

Each week, millions of viewers heard the familiar opening lines as Campbell welcomed audiences into a show featuring some of the era’s biggest names in music, television and comedy.

Decades later, "Gentle on My Mind" is still one of the defining recordings of the late 1960s and a lasting symbol of Campbell's crossover success in both music and television.

RELATED: 60 Years Ago, This Emotional Jim Reeves Ballad Became a Posthumous Smash Hit

Your neighborhood HOA would love today's NYT Wordle puzzle. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1793 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: rules and regulations.

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

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

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

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

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1793 on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, May 17, 2026, is BYLAW.

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

Related: Photos of 8 Discontinued Childhood Cereals That Will Instantly Unlock a Core Memory

Few TV deaths from the 2000s still spark as much emotion as Marissa Cooper’s final scene on The O.C.

Nearly two decades after Mischa Barton exited the hit teen drama in the shocking Season 3 finale, fans are still debating whether killing off Marissa was one of television’s biggest mistakes.

The emotional scene where Marissa dies in Ryan Atwood's (Ben McKenzie) arms after a fiery car crash instantly became one of the defining moments of early-2000s television. But behind the scenes, Barton, 40, had already decided it was time to leave the series.

In later interviews, Barton explained that the pressures of fame, an exhausting shooting schedule and behind-the-scenes struggles contributed to her decision to walk away from the show.

"I just felt like I was in a machine and I couldn't really get off," she said in an interview ahead of one of her 206 Dancing With the Stars performances.

Producers ultimately decided to kill Marissa off rather than simply write her out of Newport Beach. Years later, creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage admitted they regretted the decision and wished they had found another solution.

Fans, meanwhile, still haven’t fully recovered.

On Reddit, however, some fans can't get over the character death.

"Watching as a teen, I hated that they killed Marissa off," said a Reddit user. "Rewatching as an adult, I wish they would’ve had her start making better choices like they did for Ryan when he realized he needed to stop dating girls that are trouble. Instead Marissa continued to make bad choices..."

"Her death devastated me the first time I saw the show back when it first aired on TV," another fan of the show agreed in the thread.

"I was traumatized, and so mad at the network. I’m doing a rewatch now and it took me 3 days to work up the courage to watch that last episode of Season 3. I didn’t want to feel all that pain all over again. I finally watched it tonight and it was heartbreaking but not as bad as the first time."

Others who are just discovering The O.C. are "genuinely shocked" about Marissa's passing.

"I loved Marisa and I couldn’t believe they would kill off a main character," said another Redditor.

"I was ABSOLUTELY shocked just now," another chimed in. "I didn’t think she was actually going to die."

Even cast members still get emotional revisiting the scene. During a reunion podcast appearance, both Barton and Rachel Bilson teared up while rewatching Marissa’s final moments onscreen.

And while Season 4 developed a loyal fan base of its own, many viewers continue to associate The O.C. most strongly with Ryan and Marissa’s tragic love story.

Nearly 20 years later, fans may still disagree on whether Marissa Cooper should have died—but one thing is clear: they never forgot it.

Stream The O.C. on Hulu and HBO Max.

RELATED: A Country Pioneer Died 51 Years Ago After a Devastating Stroke— Waylon Jennings Made Sure He Was Never Forgotten

In 1971, Ray Price delivered yet another hit song that is now considered a classic country anthem.

After 55 years, “I Won’t Mention It Again” not only became a "Nashville Sound" for its chart-stopping success but a staple of American country music.

Written by notable songwriters Carolyn Jean Yates and Cam Mullins, with the latter collaborating with Price for his multiple hit tracks, the duo created a masterpiece that sparked a career-defining moment for the musician.

After the 1970 hit "For the Good Times,” Price continued his streak of commercial success after releasing “I Won’t Mention It Again” as the lead single from his 17th studio album of the same name.

Ray Price photographed circa 1970.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

At that time, the track climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, securing the top spot for three consecutive weeks, making it his sixth chart-topping single in the same category.

In addition, Price’s song became a hit across mainstream charts, even peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Easy Listening, also known as the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 42 on the overall Billboard Hot 100.

“I Won’t Mention It Again” helped propel the whole album’s success, driving more listeners to purchase the album and making it No. 1 on the Country Albums chart for 15 weeks.

While the single brought Price musical success, the song was a major shift from his signature sound.

Marking a stylistic change from his previous upbeat honky-tonk style, “I Won’t Mention It Again” exudes a more orchestral and emotional sound, similar to "For the Good Times.”

Before his death in 2013 at the age of 87, he revealed that performing love songs, especially emotional ballads, was the genre he enjoyed the most.

“I enjoy just a good love song, not a drinking song a love song!” the singer shared as cited by Country Stars Central, adding , “I don’t know what the word would be, forte or what but that’s what I specialize in because I’m a ballad singer. I love great love songs because I believe as long as two people are in love in this world, a great love song comes in handy!”

Beyond the recognition, Price’s 1971 hit track has seen a slew of striking revivals from fellow country icons, including Reba McEntire, who performed a modern country-pop version for her 20th studio album Starting Over.

Grammy-winning singer and also known as "Rose Garden" superstar Lynn Anderson also did a string-heavy rendition for her 1972 studio album Cry.

Related: 1956 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time’ Became a Timeless Classic

As fans anticipate the release of Colman Domingo’s latest movie, Disclosure Day, a new film is on the table for the actor.

Domingo will star alongside Nicholas Hoult, Noah Jupe, and Emma Corrin in a reimagining of Joseph Losey’s 1963 classic, The Servant. According to Deadline, principal photography will begin in January, with Francis Lee directing for the first time in six years.

Deadline reported that this reimagining of The Servant is a psychological thriller set in 1950s New York, “about Tony (Hoult), an entitled British man who moves into a beautiful apartment on Central Park and becomes embroiled in a wicked power play with his manservant, Barrett (Domingo).”

The original film, which starred Dirk Bogarde and James Fox, incorporates themes of fear, sex, and shame, The Guardian said. According to Deadline, the new film “is understood to crackle with its own sexual cat-and-mouse games and modern dynamics.”

“I am delighted to be working with my incredible cast on The Servant, an exciting, dangerous, and fun retelling with a contemporary viewpoint of the classic film,” Lee said. “Although this thrilling story is set in 1950s New York, its themes feel more timely than ever, and I can’t wait for audiences to discover this film through fresh eyes.”

Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin are set to produce the film for Blueprint, and they said they’re lucky to work with Lee.

“We have long been great admirers of his work and it is no surprise that his razor-sharp script has attracted such an incredible cast,” they said.

Domingo, who will star in The Servant as Barrett, is the cover star for this month’s issue of The Hollywood Reporter. The magazine called him “a force who seemingly came out of nowhere.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m sort of leaning into the third act of my career,” Domingo said to The Hollywood Reporter. “For a long time, as artists, we’re in our ‘planting seeds’ phase. I feel like I’m in an incredible harvest period.”

Check out fans’ reactions to The Servant announcement here.

View this post on Instagram

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

Now that the weather is finally tolerable again, it's highly likely that you'll find yourself itching to spend more time outdoors. If your back or front yard needs a little refresh after the gloomy winter months, the warm glow of solar lights can instantly make your space feel cozy and inviting again. This Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light at Amazon is a great option if you’re looking to set the perfect ambiance and add a touch of whimsy to your home! 

There’s no better time than right now to snag this turtle solar light because it’s currently on sale for less than $30! Normally retailing for $40, it’s now marked down to just $24 when you clip the on-page coupon. That's a 40% discount! It’s also available in four other statue designs, including a bunny, gnome, angel, and frog, with prices varying between $27 to $35. That's still an amazing deal considering that this accent piece has racked up over 13,000 five-star ratings! 

Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light, $24 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This gorgeous piece of decor has the power to transform any drab or gloomy space into something cheerful and magical. Featuring a smiling turtle statue, this solar light piece will perk up your outdoor or even indoor space with whimsy. One side of the turtle is adorned with vibrant succulents in blue, green, and orange tones, while the other side features a realistic shell with etched decorative lines. 

Seven of the succulents feature an LED lightbulb, casting a gorgeous warm glow. A sustainable choice, this turtle statue light doesn’t require any electricity or batteries, but rather relies on solar power. The non-succulent side of the turtle is equipped with a solar panel, strategically placed so it won’t draw away any attention from the succulents. It only requires six to eight hours of sunlight to charge and glows for up to 10 hours once it gets dark. For convenience, the lights automatically turn on at dusk. Reviewers noted that it still charges and radiates light even on cloudy and rainy days. 

One reviewer said that the LED lights “create a magical ambiance” in their outdoor space. They also added that the combination of the succulents and lights “adds a whimsical and enchanting element” to their garden decor. 

"The details are beautiful, and the little succulent on its back makes it look even more special," another shopper raved.

Handcrafted and hand-painted, this turtle statue is made from high-quality resin with a stone-like texture. Several reviewers said that it looks like it's made from real stone! Shoppers also raved about how vibrant the hues of the succulents are and mentioned that the colors don’t fade. The resin material is weatherproof with a UV-resistant coating, designed to withstand rain, snow, humidity, and extreme temperatures, so you can keep it out year-round. 

Related: Amazon’s Rustic $70 Wooden Garden Pathway Easily Unrolls for an 'Elegant' Backyard Upgrade

You can place this adorable turtle statue anywhere in your back or front yard. Customers said that they’ve put it on their porch, patio, deck, and in their garden. A few mentioned that they’ve even used it as a centerpiece on their outdoor table. You can even keep it indoors and place it by your window with the solar panel facing the light.

Another reviewer commented: “This turtle makes a charming impression wherever you place it — whether on the balcony, patio, lawn, or even a wide windowsill.”

Ready to welcome some much-needed spring energy to your outdoor space? Head to Amazon and snag the Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light while it’s still on sale for just $24!

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