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Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers a range of topics, including things you might see while surfing the web, the usual format bacon comes in, could be real gold, and the kind of place you visit to watch the game.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1231 on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, October 24, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Saturday, October 24

1. Meaning in one uninterrupted line.
2. Often seen at the state fair.
3. Make sure you turn on pop-up blocker.
4. Standout feature of Ruby Tuesday’s.

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

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

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Saturday, October 24:

1. KINDS OF STRIPS: BACON, COMIC, FILM, MÖBIUS
2. THINGS ON STICKS: HOBBY HORSE, PINWHEEL, POPSICLE, SPARKLER
3. ONLINE AD FORMATS: BANNER, INTERSTITIAL, OVERLAY, POP-UP
4. ___ BAR: CANDY, SALAD, SPACE, SPORTS

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Friday, October 23, 2026

Stevie Wonder is taking legal action to remove a woman he was reportedly once engaged to from living in his home. The legendary singer, 76, asked a California court for permission to evict Carmen Efferson, who has been staying at the residence for free since 1988, according to a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Oct. 22, which was obtained by PEOPLE.

The complaint alleges that Wonder initially let Efferson move in after they had a verbal agreement back in the 1980s, but a conflict took place this summer when the tenant wouldn’t comply with Wonder’s attorneys after they told her she was required to provide access to the property to inspectors from an insurance company.

A July 23 email attached to the complaint claimed Efferson was informed that the insurance inspector would enter the home on July 30 to “conduct an inspection for the purposes of maintaining insurance coverage on the Property,” but she responded two days later and said she wouldn’t comply, felt “harassed,” and “did not consent” to the inspection, the outlet reported.

“You do not have my permission to step onto the property for any reason. If you or any other representatives attempts to enter my home or trespasses on the property, I will immediately contact law enforcement,” her follow-up email to Wonder’s attorneys allegedly read.

The complaint further alleges that a 30-day notice for her to vacate the property by Aug. 27 was issued but she did not leave. Wonder’s attorneys are now seeking “forfeiture” of the verbal agreement that allowed Efferson to live there, along with “reasonable attorney fees” and statutory damages resulting from the malicious possession of the home.

It’s unclear how long Wonder and Efferson’s alleged former romance lasted, but the “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” crooner has been married to his wife Tomeeka Robyn Bracy since 2017.

What starts as a slow-paced tale of a meat supplier processing a split from his wife and caring for his father’s descent into dementia quickly turns deeply dark and disturbing in 2017’s Tender Is the Flesh. As they progress in the book, readers realize that the meat in question is human, and the future the novel is set in is one in which cannibalism is not just normalized, but encouraged. 

Related: Best-Selling 1967 Novel, Written by a Nobel Prize Winner, Ranked Among the Greatest Book Masterpieces of the 20th Century

Agustina Bazterrica’s dystopian book follows the story of Marcos, a human meat supplier, who is navigating a society in which a virus has contaminated all animal meat. In response to this, humanity slowly but surely legalizes cannibalism, with the caveat that people bred for consumption are seen as “special meat” and are dehumanized to the point that they are no longer referred to as people but rather as “heads.” 

When Marcos is gifted a female for slaughter, he keeps her and illegally starts a sexual relationship with her, further muddling his internal moral conflict around his career and society at large. 

Related: ‘Breathless’ Novel Wins 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Listed in the number 17 spot of Goodreads’ all-time top horror novels list, the book has an average 3.77 out of five stars on the literary social media site, with readers simultaneously praising the novel’s message and warning that it’s not for the squeamish. 

“While it is hard to stomach at times, I was morbidly fascinated by what Bazterrica had to say about the way humans take advantage of other humans because they can get away with it,” wrote one user. 

“One of the most relentless and ugly books I’ve ever read. A book that describes a society where humans are slaughtered for meat, in more detail than I was ready for. This novel willfully refuses to allow itself to fall into any category of fiction that would make it easier to take as a reader,” said another, writing that it is “never boring” and “managed to continue to shock me until its final pages.”

Next: This Classic Novel Was Ranked the ‘Best Book to Read on a Rainy Day’ on Goodreads

Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee, was full of stars on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, coming together in honor of late country icon Dolly Parton, who died on Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80. The event, dubbed CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, included a performance by Kelsea Ballerini, who delivered a powerful cover of Parton’s ‘70s hit  “Here You Come Again.”

Ballerini radiated elegance as she stood on the butterfly-themed stage, appearing in a floor-length, sequined silver ensemble with fringed sleeves and matching heels, nails, and eye makeup. The East Tennessee native, 33, swayed from side to side before launching into the lyrics, giving it her all and putting her own personal spin on the toe-tapping classic. 

“Alright, Nashville. I need you guys to sing this with me for our Tennessee queen, alright?” Ballerini said into the microphone, asking the crowd to sing along with her for the rest of the performance. “Don’t be shy.”  

Closing out her performance, she spoke into the microphone, saying, “We love you, Miss Dolly.” 

Though Parton has been known for writing a majority of her songs, she actually isn’t the writer behind “Here You Come Again.” The tune was penned by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and tackles the story of someone being pulled back into a relationship they would’ve otherwise moved on from if they hadn’t crossed paths with their former lover again. 

Released in September of 1977 and appearing on Parton’s album of the same name, “Here You Come Again” became a hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the U.S. Country Singles chart. The song has also been a beloved and timeless song in Parton’s catalog, recently being listed at No. 4 on Billboard’s “Best Songs” list. 

As with Ballerini, other stars who showed up to pay tribute to Parton included Kristin Chenoweth, Carly Pearce, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, and more.

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton was a two-hour television special that aired live on ABC and Disney+. Proceeds from the event were designated to benefit Parton’s Imagination Library.

Related: 1971 Timeless Classic, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time,’ Revisited by Ashley McBryde in Tribute to Dolly Parton

Today’s NYT Wordle puzzle might make you crave a chicken cordon bleu or a reuben.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1953 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two vowels and one sometimes vowel in today’s Wordle.

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?

Like your Sunday socks.

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 #1953 on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Saturday, October 24, 2026, is HOLEY.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Doris Buffett, the late philanthropist and older sister of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, gave $30 million in 2008 to establish a scholarship fund that helps survivors of domestic violence pursue higher education. 

By 2016, the program had awarded more than $35 million to about 2,000 women, giving survivors financial support as they worked toward a safer and more independent future.

The scholarship program, known as the Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP), was created to help women who had escaped abusive relationships but faced financial barriers to continuing their education. 

The program recognizes that leaving an abusive partner can be only the first step toward rebuilding a life, especially for women who must support themselves and their children.

Buffett established the scholarship initiative in 1999 through her Sunshine Lady Foundation. In December 2007, she announced plans to provide the program with its own endowment. On July 1, 2008, WISP became an independent organization, supported by her $30 million gift.

Doris Buffett, Warren Buffett’s sister, explains her philanthropic philosophy on “Good Morning America.”

Photo by Steve Fenn/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

According to WISP in March 2026, the organization has since awarded more than $50 million in grants to survivors across the United States and celebrated more than 3,000 graduates. These figures show how the program continued to grow beyond its first years.

Buffett recognized that money can play a major role in a survivor’s decision to leave an abusive relationship and build a new life.

According to WISP founder Doris Buffett, a key reason many women remain in abusive relationships is their fear that they will not have enough money to support themselves and their children if they leave.

Education offered a possible way forward. With access to college or other higher education, survivors could work toward better jobs, steady incomes and greater financial independence.

WISP was designed to support women who had experienced intimate partner abuse and wanted to continue their education after leaving their abusers. Its assistance helps students work toward their educational goals while facing the financial challenges that can come with starting over.

The program began with 124 scholarships in 1999. Its growth over the following years reflected the continuing need for financial support among survivors seeking education and a more stable future.

By 2016, WISP had awarded more than $35 million to approximately 2,000 women. By March 2026, its reported total had risen to more than $50 million in grants, with more than 3,000 graduates.

Doris Buffett became known for giving financial help directly to people facing difficult circumstances. Her approach differed from that of her brother Warren Buffett, who focused much of his charitable giving on large organizations and broad social issues.

Doris created the Sunshine Lady Foundation in 1996. Through her philanthropic work, she supported people and families facing hardship, including individuals who needed help with basic expenses and people seeking educational opportunities.

She also helped establish the Letters Foundation with her brother. The organization reviewed requests from people experiencing serious financial problems and provided grants when other options were limited.

Buffett and a team of volunteers reviewed letters from people seeking assistance. Their work included identifying applicants with urgent needs and deciding how financial support could make a practical difference.

The help could be personal and direct. Past examples included buying a used mobile home for a woman raising three grandchildren, providing a wheelchair to someone who needed one, and paying funeral expenses for a family facing a tragic loss.

This hands-on approach earned Buffett the nickname “retail philanthropist.”

Her scholarship work followed the same principle. Instead of treating education funding as an isolated expense, WISP connected financial assistance with a larger goal: helping survivors gain the skills and opportunities needed to support themselves.

Warren Buffett praised his sister’s commitment to helping people directly. In an interview with The Boston Globe, he said: “There’s no question the money I give away does a lot of good but Doris is giving time, and time is the scarcest commodity.”

Doris Buffett died at her home in Rockport, Maine, on Aug. 4, 2020. She was 92. 

WISP’s March 2026 report highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to meet students’ needs. The organization also continued to provide encouragement and opportunities for students to connect with one another as they worked toward their educational goals.

By 2026, the program’s record of more than $50 million in grants and over 3,000 graduates demonstrated the reach of Buffett’s original commitment. Her $30 million gift in 2008 helped establish a lasting source of support for women whose education and financial security had been disrupted by abuse.

Related: Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey gave $10 million to launch the People’s Fund of Maui for wildfire survivors

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Target has a Christmas decoration that comes to life when you clap your hands, and it might be one of the most fun ways to decorate your front porch this year. The Costway 68-Inch Musical Christmas Street Lamp looks like something straight out of a Christmas village, complete with colorful lights, festive music, and a miniature snow globe filled with swirling snow. And right now, it’s nearly 50% off at Target, bringing the price down to just $66 from $128.

The bright red street lamp is 68 inches tall and has a hanging lantern with a mini Christmas scene featuring Santa Claus, a tree, deer, and a snowman. The display rotates when activated by sound and measures 12.5 inches wide and deep. It weighs 5.5 pounds, has a wide base for stability, and runs on three AA batteries, which aren’t included.

Costway 68-Inch Musical Christmas Street Lamp, $66 (was $128) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

You don’t need to cover your entire house in Christmas lights to make your front entrance feel festive with this nearly 6-foot-tall street lamp, which can easily serve as the centerpiece of your porch decorations without an elaborate setup. The interactive display also gives kids and visiting family members something to enjoy when they stop by. And because it’s battery-operated, you won’t have to run an extension cord across your walkway.

One reviewer described the lamp as “very cute,” while another called it “beautiful.” Its old-fashioned red design is also a fun alternative to traditional inflatable decorations, particularly if you prefer the nostalgic look of Christmas villages.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Stunning’ Vintage-Style $33 Christmas Rug Will Instantly Make Any Room Feel Festive

While this festive lamp certainly works well on its own, you could even take your decor a step further with Target’s other Christmas street lamp styles to create a coordinated display. You could place one on either side of your walkway, or pair it with light-up reindeer to give your yard the look of a mini village.

Shop More Holiday Decor Deals

• Costway 61-Inch Christmas Street Lamp, $66 (was $132) at Target
• Costway 59-Inch Musical Christmas Street Lamp, $66 (was $132) at Target
• Costway 4-Foot Pre-Lit Christmas Penguin Decor, $110 (was $220) at Target

If you’ve been thinking about adding something different to your holiday decorations this year, the Costway 68-Inch Musical Christmas Street Lamp is definitely worth checking out. Grab one for under $70 while Target’s 48% discount is still available. 

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.

Sometimes, the third time’s the charm. In the case of outlaw country icon Waylon Jennings and marriage, it was the fourth one that stuck. On the bright side, his three failed marriages ended up inspiring the first No. 1 hit of his career, “This Time.”

“This Time” was the only solo song Jennings wrote on his 1974 album of the same name. Released as a single in April of that year, it went all the way to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in June of 1974, becoming the first of sixteen No. 1 hits for the artist. Oddly enough, Jennings wasn’t originally going to include the track on the album.

“I wrote that song five years before and whoever was producing me then at RCA said it was no good,” he explained in the 1990 documentary Waylon: Renegade. Outlaw. Legend. “I was going through some old tapes and happened to find it.”

The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone who’s just about done with their relationship, were no doubt relatable to countless fans:

This time if you want me to come back it’s up to you
But remember I won’t allow the things you used to do
You’re gonna have to toe the mark and walk the line
This time will be the last time

This time if I should feel unwanted I won’t stay
Each tomorrow will depend on the love you give today
It’s all up to you but keep in mind
This time will be the last time

By the time Jennings scored his first No. 1, he was already married to his fourth (and last) wife, country singer Jessi Colter. As Jennings told SPIN in 1988, Colter was married when he first met her.

Related: 1975 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time,’ Is Still an Outlaw Anthem 51 Years Later

“I had been friends with Duane Eddy, and we’re still great friends, I call him my husband-in-law,” Jennings said. “But when I first met Jessi, she was married to Duane. She had written this duet and Duane is from Phoenix and I was in Phoenix and he asked me if I would sing the duet with her. And I remember that we went down there and they put her on a box beside me.”

“I didn’t meet her again until she and Duane were in the process of getting a divorce,” he continued. “She was born in Phoenix, and I was working in a club there and she came out. I asked her if she wanted to go out with me and she says, ‘Well, call me in a month when my divorce is final.’ So then we got together. You know, when I first met her I didn’t like her. She made me madder than anybody in the world. Now I didn’t realize it until a few months later, but she did it on purpose. She would do things that aggravated me, because she liked to see that fire, as she called it.”

Jennings and Colter were married until his death in 2002.

Related: 1985 No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs of All Time,’ Revived the Careers of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings

Southern California reigns supreme as the West Coast’s Halloween destination; after all, it’s where the movies that have brought nightmares to life were made. Beyond the theme park terror titans, Hollywood legends and local haunted lore continue to captivate horror fans, drawn into more creatively independent side quests from Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

Modern horror masters such as Mike Flanagan (Carrie, Clayface) and Bryan Fuller (Hannibal) are among the ranks of immersive Halloween enthusiasts drawn into the cinematic pick-your-own adventures led by the collective’s chilling crown jewel, Delusion. Meanwhile, Hollywood’s very own legendary horror host Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, continues to leave her mark on spooky season with a maze inspired by her at the campy and festive LA Haunted Hayride. And the third head of Thirteenth Floor’s So-Cal beast is the haunted lore within the Queen Mary ship’s Dark Harbor.

Related: Stephen King Has a Condition for His Next Project With Mike Flanagan After ‘Carrie’

Stop one: Enter your own horror story at ‘Delusion’

The interactive theater trope led by Jon Braver (Spider-Man Noir) has garnered notoriety for over a decade as Halloween in LA’s premier immersive institution. At one point, Mike Flanagan was in talks with Braver to pen a season within the show’s universe where guests are welcome to participate in a horror-movie setting, as confirmed by Braver, who shared that “[in] 2024, Mike Flanagan and I started writing Delusion together, and then he got pulled away to do The Exorcist,”, referring to Flanagan’s upcoming The Exorcist: Martyrs. That’s on top of the filmmaker’s big 2026 with his Carrie series on Prime, and DC Studios’ Clayface just opened with a script he wrote.

Braver continued, “So that one didn’t work out, but we’ll see what happens in the future. I would love to bring on other people to help with it,” and mentioned Jason Segel (Shrinking) among potential interested parties. It wouldn’t be the first time Delusion has a star power crossover; in Delusion’s early days, Neil Patrick Harris called Braver and told him, “‘I love the show, let’s do it together.’ So then he and I produced the show together in 2012.” That show, “The Blood Rite,” was a true haunted house spook show with its monsters performing shocking stunts and guests facing their fears, like jumping into a freshly dug resting place to rob a grave to find clues like the Scooby Gang that propelled the story forward. An example of the participatory conceit of the incredible cinematic chills you get to play a role in.

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Delusion has come a long way on its own since then. “There’s 12 shows now. And they’re loosely connected,” Braver said as he explained this year’s New Orleans Vampire brothel mystery, The Den of Mosquitos, was inspired by “noir-esque kind of video games” and having an agency that would track down supernatural threats. “I was like okay that works really well, so let’s place the audience as agents tracking down this old relic,” within a nest of blood-hungry vampires determined to protect their stranglehold on power. The format is less a maze with jump scares and more a role-play in an hour-long story you get to live through from start to end.

For more information and tickets visit: enterdelusion.com

Stop 2: LA Haunted Hayride raises the spirit of Halloween with Elvira

“What sets Thirteenth Floor apart is the people behind these experiences. Our team is full of passionate creatives who work year round developing stories, building sets and bringing characters to life. Each Halloween attraction has its own identity, and we put a lot of care into what makes it special.” Chris Stafford, CEO and Founding Partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, said that this year’s slate is not only in LA but across the nation; the group also has a presence across state lines.

LA Haunted Hayride was the brainchild of Melissa Carbone, a season 5 Shark Tank winner who was awarded by Mark Cuban the funds for the ride into the woods of Griffith Park haunted by festive frights. Now under the Thirteenth Floor umbrella, the event continues its tenure as the town square of Halloween hub aptly named Midnight Falls with its own campy characters and B-movie horrors. The heart of the event is, of course, still the tractor haybed you get to sit in while the environment transforms into terrors all around you.

Like Delusion, it’s had its share of Hollywood stars also jump in to incorporate their flair for fear. Janelle Monáe produced a maze inspired by her Halloween parties in past years, as the city’s reigning spooky mayor with her Wondaween initiatives (this year she’s throwing a real party). Continuing her involvement with Hayride, ’80s icon and horror movie night host Elvira has given her maze at the Hayride a refresh, which is a hoot of her signature boos, starring herself as a main character (portrayed by a talented cast). Beyond the collabs, there’s an anthology feel pulsing through the event that makes it such a draw, with Rocky Horror-esque midnight show energy through live music and roaming improv monsters. Truly a vibe, even mazes such as Fallen Angel capture the demented fun of the Sunset Strip’s rock n’ roll days of yore, giving LA lore a spooky spin.

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For more information, visit here.

Stop 3: All Aboard the Queen Mary with ghost sightings at Dark Harbor

It’s truly unique to get to explore a landmark in So-Cal with real-life haunting reported. The Queen Mary has been a fixture of paranormal investigations, and during Dark Harbor, the ghosts (real and pretend) get to come out and play. Inspired by the ship’s history, the mazes here invite guests to chase the ship’s haunted legends.

In the wake of the resurgence of aquatic and seaside horror thanks to Apple TV’s Widows Bay, this will definitely be a Halloween season gateway to explore Long Beach’s port of cursed stories. Right now, Dark Harbor plays in the same spectral sandbox but feels a little bit disjointed with various add-on experiences (and upcharges) that don’t necessarily tie it all together.

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Yet it still carries a ghostlike charm that could lean into a stronger throughline outside of secret bars and the harrowing journey to get there, as parking leaves a lot to be desired. It feels like there’s an opportunity to connect with the zeitgeist more in order to feel as streamlined as its sister events, perhaps even a collaboration with Apple TV. In any case, Dark Harbor is still worth experiencing for the chance of encountering playful spirits among the ones pretending to be them.

For more information visit here.

Stops outside Southern California:

“Whether you’re at Dark Harbor, LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns or any of our other attractions across the country, we want you to feel part of that world and leave with a story of your own to tell,” Stafford says of Thirteenth Floor’s plans to become a Halloween empire. If you’re not making your way to LA for Halloween, here is a list of the other states within the cutting-edge haunt family.

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Southwest and Mountain West

• 13th Floor Haunted House Phoenix, Arizona
• Fear Farm Haunted Fairgrounds & Corn Maze, Phoenix area, Arizona
• 13th Floor Haunted House Denver, Colorado
• Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Denver, Hudson Gardens, Littleton, Colorado (pumpkin-art event)

Texas

• 13th Floor Haunted House Houston
• 13th Floor Haunted House San Antonio
• House of Torment Haunted House, Austin

Midwest

• 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago, Chicago area, Illinois
• Terror on the Fox Haunted House, Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Twin Cities Fear Fest, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

South

• 13th Floor Haunted House, Jacksonville, Florida
• Nashville Nightmare Haunted House, Nashville area, Tennessee
• New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House, New Orleans area, Louisiana

For more on Thirteenth Floor’s nationwide footprint, visit the official site.

Some one-hit wonders are remembered for their chart success. Others have a story behind their biggest hit that’s almost as surprising as the song itself.

“Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang),” the 1976 single by Silver, is getting fresh attention after Grunge named it one of the five best one-hit wonders in soft rock. The song peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1976, becoming the Los Angeles band’s only chart hit.

But the band’s record label chose the song as its first single for a specific reason, and it wasn’t because it perfectly represented Silver’s sound.

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Silver’s Record Label Had Other Plans for the Band

Silver included keyboardist Brent Mydland, who would later join the Grateful Dead in 1979, and guitarist and bassist Tom Leadon, who had played with Tom Petty’s early band, Mudcrutch. Leadon was also Bernie Leadon‘s brother, a founding member of the Eagles.

The group released its self-titled debut album in 1976, blending country-rock influences with polished pop and soft rock. But when Arista Records executives listened to the album, they reportedly didn’t hear another obvious single among the band’s original songs.

Instead, they turned to “Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang),” a song written by Nashville songwriter Rick Giles. Arista executives wanted Silver to record it, even though it didn’t reflect the music the musicians had been creating.

John Batdorf, one of Silver’s members, recalled the label’s terms on his official website, writing, “We had to release ‘Wham Bam’ as our first single even though it didn’t sound like anything the group had written, but that was the deal, take it or leave it.”

“We took it, of course,” he added.

The decision paid off commercially. The song became a Top 20 hit, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Oct. 2, 1976.

Why ‘Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang)’ Stood Out

The song’s appeal came from its smooth vocals, country-influenced guitars, and catchy, upbeat chorus. Its sound landed somewhere between country-rock and polished pop, giving it a place on soft-rock radio without losing its guitar-driven edge.

Not everyone was convinced it represented the band at its best. AllMusic reviewer Rob Caldwell described the single as “a fairly weak slice of bubblegum pop,” adding that the label chose it because it didn’t hear a likely hit among the album’s other tracks.

That tension makes the song’s success all the more interesting: The track that became Silver’s signature hit wasn’t necessarily the one that best reflected the group’s musical direction.

The Band’s Legacy Went Beyond Its One Hit

Silver didn’t sustain its early success, and the band eventually split up. But some of its members went on to work with better-known acts.

Mydland joined the Grateful Dead in 1979 and became a major part of the group’s sound until he died in 1990. Leadon later reunited with Mudcrutch, the band he had played in with Petty before Petty formed the Heartbreakers.

Decades later, “Wham Bam (Shang-A-Lang)” reached a new generation of listeners when it appeared on the soundtrack to Marvel’s 2017 film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

The song may be the only Silver single to make the Billboard Hot 100, but its breezy sound—and the musicians who helped bring it to life—have kept it in circulation long after the band itself called it quits.

Related: 1986 Soft Rock Hit, Which Dethroned Madonna for No. 1, Named One of Yacht Rock’s Top 5 Duets

Marie Callender’s passion for baking and determination to achieve the American dream transformed her humble family operation into the multimillion-dollar pie empire that the public knows today.

Before building a chain of restaurants with her iconic pies, the South Dakota native faced her share of challenges before taking a bold leap of faith by selling her family’s only car to launch her bakery business.

In the 1940s, she worked at a deli in California, where the owner asked her to make pies for the snack bar.

“Then the owner opened a little snack bar,” she continues, as cited by the Los Angeles Times, adding, “and he wanted me to make pies in there. Well, that was impossible because the oven wasn’t the right type. So my mother and I made pies in our kitchen at home, and he picked up the pies there.”

In this photo illustration, a Marie Callender’s pie which has 3.5 grams of trans fat is seen on June 16, 2015 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

With her innate talent and love for baking, customers couldn’t get enough of her creations, leading her to bake large quantities of pies for the restaurant’s customers.

However, the long hours spent baking and the demanding workload eventually prompted her to leave, but the owner recognized Callender’s potential and encouraged her to start her own business.

With the help of her husband and their son, who delivered pies on his bicycle, she grew her business and eventually began producing 100 pies a day.

The customers’ appreciation for comforting, homemade food and their loyalty encouraged Callender to expand the business. In 1948, she took another leap of faith and marked the start of the wholesale bakery.

To fund the venture, the family sold their only car and invested the money in a small production space and supplies.

From their humble beginnings baking pies at home to opening their own restaurant, Callender’s standout pies attracted customers with their affordable price of just $0.95 and a free slice of pie and a cup of coffee.for first-time customers

Moreover, the simple pie shop evolved into a full-service restaurant, with most menu items based on recipes Marie created herself.

By 1970, the business was thriving with 26 restaurant locations, marking its growth into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

In 1986, Marie’s son, Donald Callender, sold the restaurant chain to Ramada Inc. for nearly $90 million in cash and stock.

Following the acquisition, Donald Callender initially stayed on to help manage the business.

Unfortunately, the partnership with Ramada struggled, and the company underwent a massive restructuring as it shifted its focus to its lucrative casino and gaming operations. This led Ramada to sell the restaurant chain in 1989.

After the restaurant chain changed ownership several times, its frozen-food business took a separate path.

A Marie Callender’s restaurant sits on a corner in Concord, California.

Kimberly White/Corbis via Getty Images

In 1994, ConAgra, a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company, acquired Marie Callender’s frozen-food business for approximately $140 million, allowing it to market the brand’s frozen meals and pot pies while the restaurant chain remained a separate business.

In 2011, ConAgra purchased the Marie Callender’s brand trademarks for $57.5 million, gaining ownership of the name while allowing the restaurant chain to continue operating under the brand through a licensing agreement.

At the time, the company’s frozen-food products generated nearly $800 million in annual retail sales, making Marie Callender’s its second-largest retail brand.

Related: In 1953, Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin merged their ice cream shops into 31 flavors so fans could try a new one every day; 14 years later, they sold Baskin-Robbins for $12 million

Bette Midler and her daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, may be wearing Halloween costumes, but there’s no doubt that they look exactly alike.

Midler, 80, is known for diverse film roles ranging from Beaches to The Rose. Also a legendary singer, the star has made it clear that one of her favorite roles is that of a devoted mom. Joined by her lookalike daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, the duo dressed up for New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween Gala in New York, which had a theme of “Hulaween on Horror Reef: Monsters of the Deep,” Hello! reported.

Check out the dynamic mother-daughter duo below, who still look exactly alike despite their heavy costumes.

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To see how much Sophie looks like her mother out of costume, check out this sweet photo from her time at Watch What Happens Live.

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Midler Just Received a Major Award

ANGELA WEISS / Getty Images

Earlier this month, Midler accepted the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The award is given annually to an artist who best exemplifies Woody Guthrie’s spirit and work by speaking for the less fortunate through music, film, literature, dance, or other art forms and serving as a positive force for social change, the Woody Guthrie Center shared.

“Justice doesn’t always come from the courthouse,” Midler said in accepting the award, Billboard reported. “Sometimes the law is late, overdressed, and on the wrong side. Justice comes from a beat-up guitar instead… So, when I wanted to say something about what I was seeing going on today, I took his [Woody’s] song, and I put new words in its mouth, because the old fights came back in new suits. They always do.”

She continued by saying, “Thank you for accepting me, and for letting me rewrite the song, that became my small contribution to the Resistance. We’re having a knife fight in a phone booth. These are hard and terrible times. A war is being waged against us, and we are all being drafted. Whether the letter arrives or not. Thank you for noticing that I showed up for duty.”

Midler Recorded a Woody Guthrie Classic

Back in April, Midler released her own version of the Woody Guthrie classic, “All You Fascists (Bound to Lose).”

In the caption of the video (which features her Beaches co-star, Barbara Hershey), Midler opened up about her decision to update the song.

“You know I’ve been around a long time, but I have never lived through what we are living through now. The great Woody Guthrie wrote this song many years ago. I changed some of the words to fit our times, and I hope you’ll sing it when you are marching. Because sometimes people, sometimes you just gotta SING OUT!”

Check out Midler’s version below:

Related: Thora Birch Returns to the Red Carpet 33 Years After ‘Hocus Pocus’ — See Her Now at 44

HGTV stars Heather Rae and Tarek El Moussa are celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary.

On October 23, the couple, who co-starred on The Flipping El Moussas and The Flip Off, shared a joint post on Instagram for the big celebration. The upload featured a black-and-white video that showed Heather and Tarek striking different poses together for a photo shoot.

In the caption, Heather and Tarek, who have a three-year-old son named Tristan, shared different heartfelt messages for each other.

“To my hubby- 5 years of marriage is a milestone & an accomplishment! 5 years ago I married my best friend. Thank you, My Love❤️💍♾ for letting me laugh, cry, and be a little crazy 🤪 at times,” wrote Heather in the post’s caption. “We’ve grown so much together & built a beautiful life together. I love you and I’m so thankful for you. What we always say sometimes the hardest parts in a relationship make you the strongest. Thank you for working through the hard times with me and coming out stronger together. Cheers to us on our special day baby. Love you Xoxo bunny.”

Meanwhile, Tarek began his message by sharing that his relationship with Heather started with love at first sight.

“Heather, July 4th 2019 you stepped onto my boat in Newport and I just knew. One year later I asked you to marry me. One year after that we stood at the altar in Montecito and I got to call you my wife,” wrote Tarek.

Tarek also noted that Heather is the stepmother to his two eldest children, Taylor, 16, and Brayden, 11, whom he shares with his ex-wife, fellow HGTV star Christina Haack.

“Since day one, you’ve loved Taylor and Brayden like they were always yours. You gave us Tristan Jay. We built a business, a family, and the best life I could have asked for, all at the same time. Every year with you is better than the one before it. Happy 5 years Honey Bunny, I love you. ❤️,” concluded Tarek.

Fans Shared They Appreciated Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa’s Instagram Post

Several fans flocked to the post’s comments section to share that they appreciated the El Moussas’ Instagram Post

“Happy Anniversery and many more years together 🎉✨️🎉❤️✨️🎉,” wrote a commenter.

“I’m so happy for you both.. you seem like good people .. congratulations,” added another.

“Congratulations, I like you guys very much. ❤️,” shared a different person.

“You two are adorable. Happy Anniversary 💕,” commented a fan.

“Happy anniversary. You guys are too cute,” shared a social media user.

Heather Rae El Moussa Got Candid About Her Relationship With Her Husband

During a September 2025 interview with Real in The Penthouse With Peta, Heather got candid about her relationship with Tarek. She said that, like any relationship, they have experienced “ups and downs,” especially while managing their careers and children.

In addition, she said that while they are “both needy,” she believes her husband “misses the more free Heather where it was like traveling and drinks, you know, just spontaneous.” She explained that she is “more regimented” and wants to spend her free time with Tristan.

“I want to put him down. I want to be there when he wakes up. And if I’m gone, I’m gone for work,” said Heather.

She also said that she and her husband attend couples therapy to ensure they have positive communication to strengthen their marriage.

Ric Flair has been hospitalized after falling outside of a restaurant in Tampa, Fla. on the morning of Oct. 23, according to TMZ . The 77-year-old apparently got up from the bar of Wagamama, leaving his phone and drink behind, and walked across the street when he suddenly fell and injured his face. The injuries included a cut to his head and eye, which was bleeding extensively, and a possible concussion, the outlet reported. After paramedics were photographed working on him at the site, he was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The scary incident happened just hours after Flair took to social media on the same day to apologize for having to cancel his appearance at Washington State Horror Con due to a blood clot in his leg.

I Want To Sincerely Apologize To My Agent, Steve Solomon, Washington State Horror Con @wahorrorcon, @bigeventny, And Especially All My Fans In Seattle For Having To Cancel My Scheduled Appearance.

Unfortunately, I Am Dealing With A Blood Clot In My Leg, And My Doctors Have…

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) October 23, 2026

“I Want To Sincerely Apologize To My Agent, Steve Solomon @solomonsportsssg, Washington State Horror Con @wahorrorcon, @bigeventny, And Especially All My Fans In Seattle For Having To Cancel My Scheduled Appearance,” Flair wrote on X and Instagram. “Unfortunately, I Am Dealing With A Blood Clot In My Leg, And My Doctors Have Limited My Travel To 3–4 Hours. Seattle Falls Outside That Range, And As Disappointed As I Am, I Have To Put My Health And Recovery First.”

“Blood Clots Are Extremely Serious And Can Be Life-Threatening,” he continued. “We Have Seen This Recently With Jalen Hurts And The Complications Involving Blood Clots In His Lungs. It Is A Reminder That This Is Not Something To Take Lightly, And I Must Follow Medical Advice.”

The retired professional wrestler also revealed that he is “scheduled to have a procedure to strip the affected vein” and doctors expect it will allow him to travel more in the future. He further expressed his gratitude for his supporters and let them know the decision to cancel “was not made lightly.”

“I Look Forward To Getting Healthy And Seeing You All Down The Road. Thank You For The Love And Support,” he ended the message.

Flair’s latest medical issue isn’t the first one he’s had in recent years. Back in 2017, he suffered a serious intestinal rupture and spent weeks in the ICU while in a medically induced coma. He later admitted to binge drinking in the days leading up to the rupture, on WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton‘s podcast.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword covers a range of topics, including the home of the Braves, Chicago landmarks, stars of the small screen, Southeast Asian street food, and how you value someone’s available assets.

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 Saturday, October 24, 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 Saturday, October 24, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: World Series org. — HINT: Starts with the letter “M”

4 Across: Toyota hybrid — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

6 Across: Person who hoards random objects — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”

8 Across: Southern city where Coca-Cola, Delta and Home Depot are all headquartered — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

9 Across: Landmark Chicago sculpture, informally — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

10 Across: High in sodium — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

11 Across: ___ worth — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Commercial mascot with a bald head and golden earring — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

2 Down: Charming and friendly — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

3 Down: Carol of old TV — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”

4 Down: Hiking trails — HINT: Ends with the letter “H”

5 Down: Meat-on-a-stick dish in Southeast Asia — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

6 Down: Reassuring touch — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

7 Down: Camel-colored — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Saturday, October 24, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: World Series org. — MLB

4 Across: Toyota hybrid — PRIUS

6 Across: Person who hoards random objects — PACKRAT

8 Across: Southern city where Coca-Cola, Delta and Home Depot are all headquartered — ATLANTA

9 Across: Landmark Chicago sculpture, informally — THEBEAN

10 Across: High in sodium — SALTY

11 Across: ___ worth — NET

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Commercial mascot with a bald head and golden earring — MRCLEAN

2 Down: Charming and friendly — LIKABLE

3 Down: Carol of old TV — BURNETT

4 Down: Hiking trails — PATHS

5 Down: Meat-on-a-stick dish in Southeast Asia — SATAY

6 Down: Reassuring touch — PAT

7 Down: Camel-colored — TAN

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Friday, October 23, 2026

The conversation surrounding the supposed death of the romantic comedy is never-ending. From some suggesting Gen Z is romance-averse to film studios no longer willing to take risks at the box office, the genre has become synonymous with modern film discourse. But there was a time when the genre was booming, which ushered in a decade of iconic rom-coms that still withstand the test of time. The ‘90s were a decade filled with hope, and the romantic films of the time period mirrored a world in which anything seemed possible. 

I grew up on ’90s rom-coms, and just when I thought they had disappeared entirely, the film industry started to shift. It can feel like an overwhelming task to find something actually worthwhile to watch in this day and age. So here are seven new movies that bring back the familiar charm and charisma of the iconic ‘90s rom-com.

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Finding Emily (2026) (L-R) Angourie Rice as Emily Raine, Spike Fearn as Owen Brompton in ‘Finding Emily’

Courtesy of Universal

Released just this past month, Finding Emily feels like the perfect antidote to a genre attempting to reinvent itself. The film follows Owen (Spike Fearn), who, on a night out, gets a phone number with a missing digit from a girl named Emily. While trying to track her down, he enlists the help of a psychology student, also named Emily (Angourie Rice), who agrees to help in the hope that she can use him as a case study for her thesis. An examination of modern dating culture, the film is fresh while still staying true to its rom-com roots, proving that although this genre isn’t new, it can still produce rejuvenating cinema.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) (L-R) Vanessa Burghardt as Lola, Dakota Johnson as Domino in ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’

Courtesy of Apple

Like many of the best rom-coms of the decade, Cha Cha Real Smooth is much too underrated. The film follows Andrew (Cooper Raiff), a recent college graduate working as a party host for bar and bat mitzvahs. One night when he’s working, he meets single mother Domino (Dakota Johnson), who is navigating raising her autistic daughter. As their relationship grows deeper, the film becomes an exploration of coming-of-age in your twenties, and how none of us have it all figured out, no matter our age. As the director and lead actor in the film, Raiff proved himself as one of the most interesting up-and-coming voices in cinema. 

Related: Dakota Johnson Shares Details About Taylor Swift’s Wedding—and Whether Photos Will Ever Be Released

Rye Lane (2023) (L-R) David Jonsson as Dom and Vivian Oparah as Yas in ‘Rye Lane’

Courtesy of SearchLight Pictures

Like many of the great famed rom-coms, one of the most underrated of the last decade is set in London, England. Rye Lane follows Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), two strangers attempting to heal from their respective recent breakups. The two spend a whole day together, setting out on an adventure that has the power to shape the rest of both of their lives. The chemistry between Jonsson and Oparah is vibrant and such a joy to watch, as the two slowly begin to realize that perhaps their former relationships were leading them to each other. Filled with witty humor and a gorgeous color palette, this film deserves to be talked about and celebrated more. 

Hit Man (2023) Glen Powell as Gary Johnson in ‘Hit Man’

Netflix

While Glen Powell is probably best known for his hit film Anyone But You, Hit Man is where the fun is actually at. Loosely based on a true story, Powell plays Gary Johnson, a professor of psychology and philosophy who also works for the New Orleans Police Department to help with sting operations. When an undercover detective who portrays fake airmen to prevent murder-for-hire schemes is suspended, Gary is ushered into the role, which he takes to like a duck to water. His life becomes even more complicated when he falls for one of his would-be clients, Madison (Adria Arjona), who tries to get him to kill her abusive husband. One part rom-com and one part thriller, the film is unique, sexy, and one of the freshest films of the 2020s.

Related: Glen Powell Reveals the Surprisingly Hardest Part of Making ‘Chad Powers’ (Exclusive)

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022) (L-R) Daryl McCormack as Connor and Emma Thompson as Susan in ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’

Courtesy of Searchlight

Rom-coms don’t often focus on older women, but Good Luck to You, Leo Grande boldly set its eyes on Susan Robinson (Emma Thompson) to lead the film. Feeling unfulfilled in her sex life, she hires sex worker Connor (Daryl McCormack) and asks him to help her cross items off a list of various things she would like to try. Unfolding over the course of several intimate meetings between the two, the film tells the story of two strangers whose chance encounter allows them to fulfill a part of their lives that they thought was lost. While the film is quaint, it is a testament to how rom-coms don’t need a big budget to be successful. 

Palm Springs (2020) (L-R) Cristin Milioti as Sarah and Andy Samberg as Nyles in ‘Palm Springs’

Courtesy of Hulu

Movies with time loops are always a thrill, but add romance to the mix and you’ve got a surefire hit. After the success of Groundhog Day in the 1990s, Palm Springs was destined for greatness. When Sarah (Cristin Milioti) hooks up with Nyles (Andy Samberg) at her sister’s wedding, she’s trapped in a time loop, which Nyles already has experience with. After repeating the day so many times, Nyles couldn’t care less about figuring out how to stop it, even though Sarah is determined to find a way out. Untraditional, fresh and featuring fantastic chemistry from Milioti and Samberg, the film is one that every hopeless romantic should watch. 

Materialists (2025) (L-R) Chris Evans as John, Dakota Johnson as Lucy and Pedro Pascal as Harry in ‘Materialists’

Like the best rom-coms of the 90s, Materialists is a film as focused on the inferiority of its characters as it is on romance. Following successful matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson), the film focuses on her as she navigates a messy but realistic love triangle with wealthy businessman Harry (Pedro Pascal) and her ex-boyfriend John (Chris Evans). The drama at the center of the film doesn’t necessarily stem from the fact that these three people are intertwined with one another, but instead on their respective flaws and desires. Still, fans of the romance genre will find a lot to love here, whether it be Pascal’s yearning facial expressions, or Johnson’s quick-witted line delivery. 

Related: Reese Witherspoon Celebrates 24 Years of Beloved Rom-Com That She Calls a ‘Huge Moment’ in Her Career

What happens when musicians from R.E.M., Queens of the Stone Age, and Screaming Trees come together to make music? In the case of Drink the Sea, the answer is a band with an international sound, a tour spanning multiple continents, and a brand-new album.

Released Oct. 2, Drink the Sea III is the supergroup’s third album and comes as its current European tour continues, with stops in Vienna on Oct. 26 and Budapest on Oct. 27.

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As for lineup, the band includes Peter Buck, best known as the guitarist for R.E.M.; Barrett Martin, who played drums with Screaming Trees and Mad Season; and Alain Johannes, whose credits include Queens of the Stone Age and Eleven. They’re joined by British singer-songwriter and guitarist Duke Garwood and percussionist Lisette Garcia. 

How Did Drink the Sea Come Together?

The project began with Martin and Johannes getting together to make music, eventually bringing other musicians into the mix. In an interview with SonicAbuse published in September 2026, Johannes described the band’s creative approach as one that leaves room for experimentation.

“We don’t really have, like a … there’s no internal judgment where you can’t do something or try something,” he said. “And that’s what I like about it; we get to keep exploring the songs.” 

That willingness to experiment is reflected in the band’s varied sound, which draws on rock, folk, percussion, and musical influences from around the world. Rather than simply re-creating the styles associated with their best-known bands, the musicians have developed a sound of their own.

What Is the Band’s New Album About?

Drink the Sea III follows the group’s first two albums, released in 2025. The latest record was created while the musicians were touring between October 2025 and April 2026, with recording sessions in Olympia, Washington; Chile; and Brazil.

Johannes, who produced the album with Martin, told SonicAbuse that the new record has “a little bit more of a song structure compared to the first two, which were a little bit more open-ended sometimes.” He also noted that the band had already recorded additional material that could contribute to a future album. 

The group’s approach means its music can move between more structured songs and exploratory passages, reflecting the different musical instincts its members bring to the project.

Where Can Fans See Drink the Sea?

The band has spent 2026 touring North America and Europe, giving audiences a chance to hear its original material alongside music connected to members’ previous projects.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5721sQBf0P65BhnDtHtUSW?si=p8LTtio8R7uxqzsCq8A3FA

Martin has also described some of the group’s performances as tributes to former bands and collaborators. In an October 2026 review of a Brighton show, Sussex News noted that the group performed Mad Season’s “Long Gone Day” in honor of Martin’s former bandmates Mark Lanegan, Layne Staley, and Chris Cornell. 

With its latest album now available and European dates still on the calendar, Drink the Sea brings together musicians whose careers have crossed paths with some of alternative rock’s most recognizable acts. But the group’s appeal isn’t only in its members’ résumés: It’s in what they create when they play together.

Related: ’80s Rock Icons Announce 50th Anniversary Tour With ’70s Hitmaker Todd Rundgren

One of Genesis’ biggest hits of the 1980s has a surprising connection to the Beatles, and it all comes down to Phil Collins‘ drumming. The legendary musician deliberately tried to capture Ringo Starr‘s distinctive playing style while recording the band’s 1983 hit “That’s All,” trading his technically complex approach for a simpler, more relaxed rhythm. The result helped give Genesis its first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and marked a turning point in the band’s evolution from progressive rock favorites to mainstream pop superstars.

Why Phil Collins Tried to Sound Like Ringo Starr on Genesis’ 1983 Hit “That’s All”

Collins has long admired Starr’s drumming, praising the former Beatle as an underrated musician, particularly for the complexity of his drum fills on the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.”

For “That’s All,” Collins wasn’t trying to recreate a specific Beatles song. Instead, he wanted to capture Starr’s deceptively simple, laid-back approach to drumming, which emphasized feel and rhythm over flashy technique.

The song was built around a catchy piano riff from Tony Banks, while Mike Rutherford contributed a bluesy bass groove. Together with Collins’ understated drumming, the result was a Beatles-influenced pop song that sounded different from much of Genesis’ earlier work.

The approach paid off. “That’s All” became the band’s first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 6 in 1984.

Related: 1985 Synth Hit Sung by Husband and Wife Duo From Portland Featuring Wine Bottles as Percussion Named One of the Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade

How “That’s All” Helped Turn Genesis Into One of the Biggest Bands of the ’80s

By 1983, Genesis was already an established rock band, having evolved from its progressive rock beginnings with Peter Gabriel into a more accessible sound after Collins took over lead vocals in 1975.

With Collins, Banks and Rutherford leading the band, Genesis was increasingly embracing pop-rock. Their self-titled 1983 album, Genesis, marked another step in that direction, and “That’s All” helped introduce the group to an even bigger mainstream audience.

The song’s success also helped pave the way for the band’s biggest commercial era, including the release of Invisible Touch in 1986.

Genesis’ Biggest Hits of the 1980s

• “That’s All” (1983): Genesis’ first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Invisible Touch” (1986): The band’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
• “Land of Confusion” (1986): Famous for its music video featuring puppets from Spitting Image.
• “In Too Deep” (1987): A No. 3 hit that showcased the band’s softer side.

More than four decades after its release, “That’s All” remains a classic-rock favorite, thanks to its instantly recognizable piano riff, relatable lyrics and easygoing rhythm. And while Genesis would go on to even greater commercial success, the song remains a reminder that sometimes the simplest musical ideas make the biggest impact.

Related: Bob Dylan Wrote This 1975 Classic After Listening to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ and Rolling Stone Calls His New Version ‘Absolutely Stunning’

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More than two decades after its premiere, a disaster thriller, recognized as one of the best in the genre, is officially coming to Netflix.

Released in 2004, The Day After Tomorrow imagined a world thrown into chaos by catastrophic climate events, delivering a larger-than-life spectacle that made disaster movies a huge box-office draw in the early 2000s.

Directed by Roland Emmerich, the filmmaker behind Independence Day, the sci-fi thriller starred Dennis Quaid as Jack Hall, a paleoclimatologist who races against time to save his son, Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal), after extreme weather triggers a sudden global climate catastrophe.

As massive storms sweep across the planet and freezing temperatures threaten the survivors, Jack sets out on a dangerous journey to reunite with his son.

The disaster film, based on the 1999 non-fiction book, The Coming Global Superstorm by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber, also stars Emmy Rossum, Sela Ward and Ian Holm.

While The Day After Tomorrow received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it left a lasting impression with its ambitious visual effects, non-stop action, and high-stakes survival.

The Baltimore Sun critic Chris Kaltenbach described the film as a “thrill ride that rarely disappoints when it matters,” ensuring it became a memorable entry in the disaster genre. 

Meanwhile, Roger Ebert gave it a 4-star review, writing, “The Day After Tomorrow is ridiculous, yes, but sublimely ridiculous — and the special effects are stupendous.”

And more than 20 years later, the film is still receiving recognition.

Producer Mark Gordon even said in 2007, per The Hollywood Reporter, that the film earned praise from former Vice President Al Gore, who said, “in spite of the fact that it was a pop movie,” it “alerted so many tens of millions of people to climate change.”

In 2024, TIME included The Day After Tomorrow on its list of the 25 best disaster movies of all time, ranking it at No. 11, putting it alongside the likes of Titanic, Armageddon and Contagion, while underscoring its staying power. 

NME similarly ranked it No. 2 on its “best disaster movie list,” ranked by how disastrous they are, beating out Emmerich’s other hit, 2012. 

The movie was also a commercial success, released over Memorial Day weekend, grossing over $550 million worldwide, against a production budget of $125 million.

Fans looking to relive all the stress they felt the first time watching it will be able to catch it on Netflix starting Nov. 1.

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Rarely does decor have a striking impact on the whole room. It’s easy to find pieces that catch the eye, but anchoring the entire space with an area rug can be more effective if you’re trying to shake things up a little. Floor coverings have a way of pulling everything together, especially when they’re as striking as the Genimo Area Rug.

This lovely accent is currently on sale, marked down from $86 to only $44 in select colors at Walmart. Measuring 5 feet wide by 7 feet long, this rug is available in 18 patterns that run the gamut from subtle and restrained to bold and dramatic. All of them are inherently elegant, with exquisite motifs that command attention and add a beautiful finishing touch to any room.

Genimo Area Rug, from $44 (was $86) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Everything about this rug oozes pure luxury. The colors are deeply saturated, which helps bring out every vivid detail, from the intricately designed border to the geometric and medallion motifs that bring a hint of vintage-inspired elegance to the look. Whether you opt for one of the soft, muted neutral palettes or prefer a moodier color scheme, you’ll have a rug that’s basically a work of art.

That old-world influence is part of what makes this area rug style so timeless. Even the darker colors have a slightly distressed quality, giving the rugs a treasured, antique appearance. Because there are so many options available, you can make any aesthetic goal a reality. An understated palette provides balance for a room overflowing with abundant detail, while a richer tone can draw the eye and serve as the room’s focal point. 

It’s as practical as it is attractive, with durable PVC backing that helps the rug stay in place even in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or living room. Between the base and the polyester fabric’s surface is a layer of light sponge, which acts as a gentle landing pad that’ll softly absorb shock and keep things comfortable underfoot. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Luxurious’ 3-Piece $22 Diamond-Quilted Comforter Set Gives You 2 Looks in 1

Despite its ornate appearance, the rug is incredibly easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming will keep it fresh, but when it comes time for a deeper clean, you can simply toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. 

According to shoppers, it has a “very soft” texture and makes a “wonderful addition” to the home. One reviewer praised the “beautiful” design and added that it “looks rich and more expensive than the price.”

Shop More Home Deals

• Daybetter Cordless Table Lamp, $23 (was $40) at Walmart
• Muumblus Oversized Lounge Chair and Ottoman Set, $289 (was $429) at Walmart
• Ktaxon Solid Wood End Table Set, $70 (was $104) at Walmart

There are many other sizes available, too, including sleek runners and extra-large options for bigger rooms. Don’t miss the chance to snag the Genimo Area Rug in your preferred color while it’s on sale for as little as $44 at Walmart!

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