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Why Everyone Is Staring at the Bottom of This Famous Lawyer's Hair Today
Amal Clooney does not usually give people flashbacks to the '70s. Fans are used to seeing her in the kind of glossy, uniform waves that look like they require a permanent glam squad. But over the weekend in Bangkok, something shifted.
Clooney arrived at the Cartier Women’s Initiative event wearing a lilac Prada dress. Celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos took a pair of scissors to the most famous brunette strands in the world and walked away with a brand new trend: the "bell bottom haircut."
The cut was a nod to vintage denim. Sharp at the top, structured through the middle, and then a dramatic, bouncy flare at the baseline. It is a shoutout to the style choices of the 1970s, but without the shag texture that usually comes with retro revivals.
Giannetos broke down the strategy behind the look on his Instagram, detailing the process from Bangkok. "Amal attended the Cartier event wearing a lilac @prada dress with Cartier jewelry so I wanted to complete the look on her hair with something timeless, chic but at the same time make it bold !Since her dress is geometrical I wanted her hair to have a 70s flair! I gave her the “bell bottom hairCut “ before I styled it in a soft bouncy blowout !"
It worked.
View this post on InstagramGiannetos used a L'Oréal Paris Iron Sleek to lock in the glass-like shine at the roots, then worked the ends into a soft, massive blowout. The result was flawless.
The makeup didn't hurt either. Giannetos went all in on Charlotte Tilbury products, matching the lilac silk with cool periwinkle tones around the eyes. Stylist Jason Bolden locked down the wardrobe, continuing his long-standing collaboration with Clooney.
Amal is married to Oscar-winning actorGeorge Clooney. The couple, who wed in Venice in 2014, share 9-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander. George has humorously noted that his children are "rotten to the core" and often use their fluency in French and Italian to mock him right to his face, a situation he calls a "terrible mistake" for letting them learn languages he does not speak. Despite their high-profile lives, George insists on maintaining normalcy by driving the kids to school every morning and keeping them away from film sets to avoid them feeling "too pampered".
The family recently relocated to New York City for George's Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck, though they are frequently seen enjoying time at their villas in Lake Como and Nice. George has emphasized that his priority for the next few decades is "jamming in everything we can" with his family, reflecting a mindset shift he experienced upon turning 60.
This Super Easy Watermelon Shaved Ice Recipe Is Made for Hot Summer Days
I'm obsessed with watermelon and can't get enough of it. In my mind, this particular fruit is the culinary equivalent of summer, my favorite time of year. Naturally, anything watermelon-related is going to catch my attention.
I've been chowing down on the fruit for weeks, but there's only so many ways you can eat it sliced before you're craving something new. So, when I came across watermelon shaved iced, I was beyond ready to try it.
This recipe morphs your standard watermelon slice into shaved ice, creating a healthy treat you can dive into any time of day. With a heat wave happening in my area right now, it seemed like the natural time to give this a go.
I was a little intimidated before making the shaved ice, given that the recipe involves "shaving" a frozen watermelon. It sounded time consuming, but I was shocked to find that this sweet treat is actually ready to eat in minutes. Here's what happened when I made it at home, and why I plan to continue making it all summer long.
Related: How To Pick a Watermelon That’s Perfectly Ripe, Crisp and Sweet Every Time
What Is Watermelon Shaved Ice, Exactly?Courtesy Korin Miller
Watermelon shaved ice is the brainchild of @ems.eats, a content creator who shares a lot of fun food recipes.
It involves taking a fresh watermelon, slicing it into rows, freezing the slices and then grating those frozen slices to create shaved ice.
watermelon shaved ice!🍉 ingredients: frozen watermelon fresh lime juice raw honey so simple and delicious! enjoy:) #dessert #dessertideas #easyrecipe
♬ very beautiful - MoonvibesA little honey drizzle and squirt of lime on top helps to round out the flavor. People are all about it in the comments.
"You're a genius. I love this idea so much," one person wrote.
"So yummy!" another said.
Related: The Super Smart Watermelon-Picking Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
Ingredients NeededCourtesy Korin Miller
You can probably pull together watermelon shaved ice with ingredients laying around your home. Here's what you'll need:
- Watermelon
- Honey
- Lime
Related: I Tried the Viral Kool-Aid Pineapple Trend, and It’s The Summer Snack I’ll Be Making on Repeat
How To Make Watermelon Shaved IceWatermelon shaved iced is made in two phases, but each only takes a few minutes.
To start, cut your watermelon in half. Then, flip it so that it's face-down and cut your melon into strips. (Sidebar: This is is a really convenient way to cut watermelon anyway, and makes it much less messy to eat.)
Courtesy Korin Miller
Then, put your watermelon strips into a freezer bag. Toss that in the freezer and let it sit for at least a few hours, but ideally overnight.
Courtesy Korin Miller
Once your slices are good and frozen, pull out a slice and use the small side of your box grater to create shaved ice.
Courtesy Korin Miller
You'll get a lot from just a few slices. This pile was from two watermelon strips:
Courtesy Korin Miller
From here, you can eat it as-is or top it with a drizzle of honey and lime for added flavor.
Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Watermelon Every Day
Watermelon Shaved Ice Recipe Review: My Honest ThoughtsI'll be honest: I was a little intimidated by this recipe before I tried it. I've seen firsthand how recipes that look and sound easy on TikTok end up being really hard to pull together. I was shocked to find that watermelon shaved ice was super simple to do.
Trying to convert a frozen watermelon into shaved ice sounds like it would require some serious physical effort, but it comes together effortlessly, without any excessive force. Just gently glide your slice down your grater and you're good to go.
The flavor, texture and temperature combination is exactly what you need on a hot summer day. It feels light and fluffy on your tongue, but instantly cools you down. It's perfection.
Courtesy Korin Miller
While the recipe calls for honey and lime, you don't really need that. I was happy to simply chow down on the shaved watermelon itself. But, if you're looking for a little something more, the extra flavors don't hurt.
My kids were excited to try this and they happily dove in. Since it's just fruit with a little honey thrown in, I was thrilled to serve it up.
A little goes a long way with this recipe. I only needed a few slices of watermelon to create a heaping pile of shaved ice. Since I sliced up a whole watermelon, I have a bunch more frozen slices in the freezer ready to be shaved up whenever I'm craving this treat.
I can't stress how easy—and fun!—it was to make this recipe. I'll be doing it all summer long.
Related: This Summer, Watermelon Salads Are Out and Watermelon Sandwiches Are In
Courtesy Korin Miller
5 Watermelon Shaved Ice Tips and TricksI picked up a few tricks while pulling this together. Consider these while making watermelon shaved ice for yourself:
1. Use a few baggiesThose watermelon slices will start to stick together in your freezer and can be tricky to pull apart. Spacing them out in your freezer baggie and freezing them that way will make it easier to pull them out and use them with no added hassle.
2. Wrap the frozen rind in a paper towelThat rind you need to grip to shave your ice is super cold, too. Just wrap a paper towel around it to help you get a comfortable grip as you shave your fruit.
3. Sample your watermelon before adding extrasThe honey and lime are a nice touch, but you really don't need it. The real star of the show is the frozen watermelon. Give it a little taste before adding the other ingredients to see if you want that added boost of flavor or just prefer to enjoy it as-is.
4. Experiment with other flavorsPeople have offered up their own suggestions, including adding mint, coconut cream and Tajin. You can go wild trying all kinds of flavors in here.
5. Try other fruitsBecause this was so easy to pull together, I have big plans to convert other in-season fruits to shaved ice. Strawberries are next on my list, and I'll definitely be doing this with peaches later in the season.
Up Next:
Related: I Made a Watermelon Cake That Instantly Became a Stunning Summer Centerpiece
8 Carry-On Essentials Every Gen-Xer Needs
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Long travel days are easier when your carry-on is packed with practical essentials that provide comfort and function versus adding unnecessary bulk. For many Gen-X travelers, the goal is less about overpacking and more about bringing lightweight, functional items that make flying feel smoother and more physically manageable from takeoff to landing. Small upgrades like a supportive airplane seat cushion, a compact pill organizer or wired noise-canceling headphones can make a noticeable difference during long flights, airport layovers and overnight travel days.
As someone who covers shopping and travel for outlets like Coveteur, Editorialist, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’m constantly testing products that genuinely help simplify the travel experience. These carry-on essentials are practical, lightweight and especially helpful for travelers who want to stay comfortable, organized and prepared without hauling around an overstuffed bag.
Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60
Amazon KindleAmazon.com
A library’s worth of books that weighs almost nothing, the Kindle is one of the smartest things you can pack when you want to travel light without sacrificing the one thing that actually makes a long flight feel enjoyable.
Get it on AmazonRelated: I'm a 72-Year-Old Cruise Expert—Here's the 'Toddler Method' I Use to Pack a Carry-On
Pill OrganizerInstead of traveling with multiple bulky bottles, this compact pill organizer keeps medications, supplements and daily essentials streamlined in one place so you are never digging through your carry-on mid-flight.
Get it on AmazonRelated: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 50
Travel BlanketAirplane cabins are always colder than expected, and the thin blankets airlines hand out never quite cut it. This lightweight, packable travel blanket is easy to stash in your carry-on and makes overnight flights significantly more comfortable and you can stay warm.
Get it on Amazon
Related: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs
Whether you are blocking out a chatty seatmate, engine noise or simply carving out a little quiet during a long travel day, a comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones makes flying feel far more manageable. These also come with a cord, so you do not have to deal with unreliable Bluetooth connections or complicated in-flight pairing while trying to settle in and relax.
Get it on AmazonCollapsible Water BottleStaying hydrated while flying makes a real difference in how you feel when you land, and this collapsible silicone water bottle folds down flat when empty, so it barely takes up any room in your bag.
Get it on AmazonRelated: 8 Best 'Comfy But Polished' Airport Shoes for Women Over 60
Passport Holder and Travel WalletKeeping your passport, cards, boarding passes and travel documents organized in one place eliminates the stressful airport scramble and makes moving through security feel much smoother.
Get it on AmazonAirplane Seat CushionCertain airplane seats are not exactly designed with comfort in mind, which is why a portable, supportive seat cushion can make a real difference on longer flights when your back and hips need extra relief.
Get it on AmazonRelated: 8 Airport Outfit Pieces Every Woman Over 50 Needs
Double Eyeglasses CaseA compact case that holds both your reading glasses and sunglasses means one less thing floating around your carry-on and one less reason to dig through your bag every time you need them.
Get it on Amazon1980 Rock Classic, Written for Movie Icon, Remains Legendary Rocker’s Most Misunderstood Song 46 Years Later
In 1980, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band had a radio hit with “Her Strut.”
The song, from the No. 1 Against the Wind album, featured a grinding blues-rock guitar riff, a pounding backbeat, and Seger’s raspy vocals about watching a woman’s “strut.” "Her Strut" peaked at No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 as part of a double-sided single with “The Horizontal Bop.”
With lyrics that included “Oh, they love to watch her strut/they do respect her, but/ they love to watch her strut,” the meaning of the song was often misunderstood—and remains so nearly 50 years later.
Over the years, “Her Strut” has been criticized for seemingly objectifying women. On one music forum, a user wrote that Seger had the “poor taste” to sing “They do respect her butt.”
Another called it “the most exist song ever.”
But “Her Strut” was quite the opposite. Seger has explained that the song was meant as a tribute to strong independent women and was actually written about Oscar-winning movie icon and activist Jane Fonda.
In an interview on In the Studio with Redbeard, Seger said “Her Strut” was inspired by Fonda’s involvement with the Campaign for Economic Democracy.
“I admired her crust for going in there and having the strength to speak her mind, so I kind of wrote 'Her Strut' for an '80s woman,” Seger said, per Ultimate Classic Rock. “You know, it was the dawn of the '80s, and I wanted to write a song about how women have become so confident and stepped out so much, and I thought Jane was a great role model."
Jane Fonda and American social and political activist Tom Hayden, Campaign for Economic Democracy in 1980.Photo by Michael Ochs Archives on Getty Images
Seger has admitted that the title of “Her Strut” alone “conjures up an image” that could be misinterpreted.
“It's something I had to work my way around, 'cause saying ‘I love to watch her strut’ is almost an automatic sexist thing,” he told Creem magazine in 1980. “I loved the hardness of the word ‘strut’ in the song… And I worked real hard on the verses to try to put across the idea that this is not a sexist theme.”
RELATED: 1976 Rock Rebellion Anthem Was Written in 20 Minutes
Jane Fonda knows 'Her Strut' was written about herSeger once revealed that “Her Strut” was written to get him on the radio and that Fonda was aware he wrote the song about her.
“With Against The Wind, I said, ‘Whatever it takes, I’m going to have a frigging No 1 album.’ Everything I wrote, I was thinking, ‘I’m going to try to make sure it can get on the radio,’” he recalled to Uncut magazine. “But I was experimental, too. I wrote ‘Her Strut’ for Jane Fonda. She knows it’s about her and she loves that.”
In 2011, Fonda posted a lengthy blog post to confirm that she approved of Seger’s song.
“I’ve always loved Bob Seger,” the Coming Home star wrote. “When I hear ‘Night Moves’ or ‘Against the Wind,’ or ‘Horizontal Bop’ among the many others, I am transported to specific times, exciting times, romantic, sensual times and it makes me so happy.
“My partiality for him pre-existed my discovery—during a radio interview he did in 1981– that his song, ‘Her Strut,’ was motivated by moi!!!!” Fonda added. “I am flattered, to say the least, and you’ll know why when you hear the lyrics.”
Arby’s Is Bringing Back a Viral Sandwich With a New Recipe and a Twist
Arby's is getting ready to bring back its version of a cheesesteak.
The classic sandwich, which typically features thin-sliced beef and melted American cheese on a roll, initially divided the internet when it launched at the chain last summer. Still, Arby's said it became one of its most popular menu items ever to launch.
Given all the chatter and rampant success, Arby's obviously had no choice but to revive it this summer, and to do so in a way that would make it "even better" than when it debuted. So instead of just a summer comeback, Arby's is adding its Angus Cheesesteak to its permanent menu with a new, improved recipe.
Arby's Is Making the New Angus Cheesesteak Part of Its Permanent Menu—And It's Celebrating With Major Giveaway"Last summer, our limited-time cheesesteak became one of the most popular items we’ve launched," Jeff Baker, Arby’s chief marketing officer, explained in a press release, noting that the company "decided to bring it to the permanent menu for our guests every day, and we took the opportunity to make it even better."
Related: Arby’s Brings Back 3 Summer Menu Favorites Just in Time for BBQ Season
Baker said the brand traveled to Philadelphia to understand what makes a great cheesesteak stand out, with the intent to bring those elements to Arby’s.
Arby's Angus Cheesesteak is seasoned, sliced thin, and layered with sharp, creamy White American Cooper Cheese and thick-cut caramelized onions, according to an official description. The sandwich is served on an Amoroso’s sesame seed sub roll, just like they do in Philly, or simply, "the best ingredients to make the best cheesesteak," per Baker.
Compared to last year's version, the new, permanent menu item is stripped down. The sandwich fans saw for the summer of 2025 was not made with the name-brand cheese or rolls and featured a garlic spread and a diced pepper-and-onion blend.
Arby's new Angus Cheesesteak heads to menus permanently.The company is so confident customers will prefer this year's recipe over last year's that it's giving away 100,000 Angus Cheesesteaks for a limited time.
Beginning on Wednesday, June 17, Arby's Rewards members who spend $10 or more can score the sandwich for free. Impatient fans are also encouraged to text STEAK to 27297 to unlock the offer first.
Next: Shake Shack’s ‘Most Successful’ Shake Is Back by Popular Demand
Psychologist Says if You Use Humor in Serious Situations, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
So your friend just tripped and fell on the sidewalk, and you burst out laughing. Or maybe you’re at a funeral and keep cracking dark-humor jokes. Maybe you notice you always put an “LOL” at the end of a text that doesn’t call for laughter. Lots of us have been there, right? We’re in a serious situation, and all that comes to mind is humor. It can make us feel confused, awkward or guilty, but the urge is there, nonetheless. What gives?
According to a psychologist, this is more “normal” and understandable than it may seem at first (even if it comes across the wrong way or feels random). In short, for many of us, comedic relief is how we cope. When we feel scared, uncomfortable or sad, a laugh is a quick way to relieve that tension.
Some people use clowning around to cope in somber scenarios, but others don’t. Why? When is this behavior more problematic, and is it a trauma response? Last but not least, what can you do when wisecracking feels as inevitable (and untimely) as an oncoming sneeze? Parade asked a psychologist to answer all those questions for you, plus seven traits that people who use humor in serious situations have. Read on for expert-backed advice and insights.
Related: Psychologists Say People Who Have ‘Absolutely No Filter’ Likely Have These 7 Traits
Why Do Some People Use Humor in Serious Moments?As counterintuitive as it may sound, laughing in serious moments makes sense for many reasons.
For starters, it can be a release of nervous energy, like a pressure-release valve, or a way to avoid painful emotions.
“When emotions like anxiety, embarrassment, stress or discomfort build up internally, joking or laughing can help regulate those feelings and make the moment feel easier to manage,” explains Dr. Vanessa Pilkington, a Doctify-rated psychologist. “Humor can create distance from feelings like grief, shame, anger or vulnerability, perhaps making serious moments feel less overwhelming.”
Basically, it’s a coping strategy that can be instinctual, a recent development or learned over time.
It’s also important to note that it’s not always intentional.
“There are times when laughter appears unexpectedly, and it can be voluntary or involuntary,” she adds.
mheim3011/Getty Images
7 Traits of People Who Use Humor in Serious Situations, According to a PsychologistLet’s break this phenomenon down a bit more. What specific traits do these individuals share?
1. They use humor to regulate emotionA joke or a laugh can help someone stay functional in an overwhelming situation. It can “create psychological distance from fear, grief, embarrassment or tension,” according to Dr. Pilkington.
2. They are uncomfortable with vulnerabilityVulnerability—whether it's crying around others, feeling tension in a friend group or something else entirely—is scary. It makes sense that people try to avoid it.
“Humor becomes a shield that redirects attention away from painful feelings, intimacy or emotional honesty,” Dr. Pilkington states.
Related: If Someone Often Uses These 7 Phrases, They May Be Avoiding Vulnerability
3. They are socially attuned and trying to ease tensionSome people can identify when others are feeling vulnerable and try to help them feel better with a lighthearted comment or moment of levity.
“This can come from empathy and social awareness,” Dr. Pilkington says.
Its helpfulness is up in the air, however.
“It may sometimes not land well if the moment demands direct emotional presence instead,” she adds.
4. They think quickly and intellectually under stressHumor requires a level of intelligence, quickness and wit—and again, that can feel more comfortable for some people than emotion.
“In stressful moments, some people naturally shift into wit or cleverness because thinking feels safer and more manageable than feeling,” Dr. Pilkington explains.
5. They fear losing emotional controlSadness can lead to crying, and anger can lead to yelling. These are behaviors we may want to avoid, so we opt for humor instead.
“Laughing or joking can prevent crying, anger, panic or shutdown,” Dr. Pilkington shares. “Humor may function as a way to maintain composure when emotions feel too powerful or unfamiliar.”
6. They may have unresolved grief, anxiety or traumaAccording to Dr. Pilkington, humor can be a “deeply ingrained survival strategy.” People who have experienced trauma and/or chronic stress might smile, joke or laugh because that’s how their nervous system learned to protect them.
7. They're highly empatheticA serious situation can feel heavy, especially for empaths or people who feel everyone’s emotions. Again, humor can lighten things up.
“People with high empathy levels sometimes resort to laughter to reduce or offset the weight they feel from absorbing emotions so deeply,” Dr. Pilkington says.
Related: 7 Habits of Highly Empathetic People Who Easily Get Drained in Crowds
When This Can Be ProblematicClearly, humor can be a helpful distraction and coping skill. It can even be a form of “opposite action,” a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skill that encourages us to respond to feelings in more helpful ways. With that said, it’s not always appropriate, and it can be a way to avoid emotions that need to be felt or conversations that need to be had (at least eventually).
“Using humor in serious moments can become problematic if it prevents emotional honesty or leaves others feeling dismissed,” Dr. Pilkington explains. “If someone jokes during conversations about grief, trauma, accountability or emotional pain, other people may feel invalidated or emotionally disconnected from them.”
Can Smiling Be a Trauma Response?With so much online chatter about “trauma responses,” can smiling, particularly in serious situations, be considered one?
“I am not inclined to say it can be a trauma response, but some people may learn early in life that appearing cheerful, agreeable, calm or humorous helps them stay safe in stressful environments,” Dr. Pilkington states. “In such situations, smiling may function as a coping mechanism connected to people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, fear of rejection, emotional masking and fawning behaviors.”
It’s like tickling: Just because we laugh doesn’t mean we like it. Just because a person is smiling doesn’t mean they aren’t anxious, upset or distressed.
What To Do if You Typically Laugh or Joke in Inappropriate MomentsAre you someone who needs to limit their laughing and joking in uncomfortable situations? Dr. Pilkington shares some tips:
- Pause before responding during emotional conversations.
- Practice getting more comfortable with silence.
- Notice physical signs of nervousness or anxiety.
- Express emotions directly instead of joking immediately.
- Apologize if humor unintentionally hurts someone.
- Explore the pattern more deeply through self-reflection or therapy.
Related: How To Validate Someone’s Feelings, According to a Clinical Psychologist
Final TakeawaysIf you use humor in serious situations, don’t feel bad or weird: It’s a common and understandable coping skill. People may laugh or joke in emotional situations to regulate themselves, protect themselves from vulnerability, to ease tension or for a host of other reasons.
It’s OK to do this sometimes—just be mindful of how and when it could dismiss other people’s feelings, and practice pausing before joking around.
Up Next:
Source:- Dr. Vanessa Pilkington is a Doctify-rated, experienced psychologist registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The Rocker Behind Jimmy Page's Favorite Guitar Solo Turns 79 Today
In 1972, a session guitarist walked into a studio, plugged his Stratocaster into a bass amp and recorded what would become one of the most admired guitar solos in rock history.
That guitarist was Elliott Randall, who turns 79 on June 15.
Randall is best known for playing the celebrated lead guitar work on Steely Dan's breakthrough hit "Reelin' in the Years." More than 50 years later, the solo remains legendary among musicians and fans alike, thanks in part to praise from one of rock's greatest guitarists.
Related: 1970 ‘Timeless Classic’ Gets a ‘Beautiful’ New Version From Iconic Rock Band
When Steely Dan was recording its debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill, songwriters Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were searching for the right guitar solo for "Reelin' in the Years."
According to a 2023 retrospective from Classic Rock, neither of the band's guitarists had found the sound they wanted, so they called in Randall, a freelance musician who had previously crossed paths with Becker and Fagen through their connections to Jay & The Americans.
Randall later recalled that his entire lead performance was recorded in one continuous take. The guitarist plugged his 1965 Fender Stratocaster into an Ampeg SVT bass amplifier and delivered the now-famous solo that helped define the song.
The performance earned an especially notable fan: Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page.
Classic Rock reported that Page told the magazine in 1999 that Randall's work on "Reelin' in the Years" was his favorite guitar solo of all time. Years later, during a 2016 interview with Oliver Patrick Loughnan, Page revisited the subject and gave the solo a playful rating of "12 out of 10."
Related: Led Zeppelin Named a Song After This Folk Rocker Turning 85 Today
Randall later said he was honored by the praise.
"I'm flattered," Randall said in 2021. "It was actually very easy. The song virtually played itself."
More than 50 years after its release, "Reelin' in the Years" remains one of Steely Dan's signature recordings, and Randall's solo continues to be cited by critics, fellow musicians and fans as one of rock's most memorable guitar performances.
In its ranking of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos in Rock, Classic Rock placed Randall's performance at No. 28, calling attention to the fact that Randall's lead, intro and closing guitar work were all captured in one continuous take, creating what it described as a near-perfect 27-second solo in which "not a note is wasted."
Related: Beloved Rock Album Is Climbing the Charts for the First Time Since Singer’s Death
Rolling Stone has also repeatedly highlighted "Reelin' in the Years" as one of Steely Dan's defining songs. In its list of the band's 10 essential tracks, the magazine praised the recording's combination of Fagen and Becker's sharp songwriting with Randall's "white-hot guitar dazzlement." The publication later included the performance in its roundup of the Greatest Yacht Rock Guitar Solos, praising the way the song launches almost immediately into Randall's distinctive lead guitar work before the vocals even begin.
Although Randall never became a household name, his résumé extends far beyond Steely Dan. Over the years, he recorded with artists including Carly Simon, Peter Frampton, Pat Benetar, Joan Baez and Irene Cara, playing the guitar work on Cara's hit "Fame" as well.
Still, for many fans, Randall's legacy will always be tied to those unforgettable seconds on "Reelin' in the Years," a solo that even Jimmy Page couldn't stop talking about more than two decades later.
Related: 48 Years Ago Today, a 19-Year-Old Made Rock Music History
The Surprising Retro Game Replacing Happy Hour at Luxury Boutique Hotels This Summer
If you’ve noticed your social feeds suddenly filled with gorgeous, pastel-colored tiles and chic playing mats, you aren’t losing your mind—mahjong is officially the biggest social trend of the summer. All across the country, casual gaming circles and neighborhood clubs are popping up in parks, local cafes, and living rooms as everyone looks for fun, analog ways to actually look up from their screens and connect face-to-face. Now, that exact same high-vibe energy is hitting the travel world, with boutique hotels jumping on the trend to give the classic evening happy hour a stylish, interactive upgrade.
Lobbies and cocktail lounges are naturally great places to hang out, but transforming these beautiful spaces into lively gaming salons takes it to the next level. If you're traveling, it’s the ultimate built-in way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or meetings. It serves as a totally natural icebreaker where you can pull up a chair, order a great drink, and instantly mix and mingle with both fellow guests and neighborhood locals over a shared table.
Leading the charge of this luxury hospitality trend, Kimpton is tapping directly into the game of the summer to elevate their signature social hours into something completely collaborative. The boutique brand has launched a new global program called Mahjong & Mingle, rolling out beautifully designed, bespoke tile sets created by acclaimed artist Lulie Wallace across select properties worldwide. The program turns the traditional check-in experience into an interactive stay; guests can borrow a graphic, Instagram-ready set to play in the lounge or bring back to their room, all while ordering custom, mahjong-inspired cocktails and small bites curated to match the game's lively spirit.
Related: Why The 'Fluxury' Trend Is The Smartest New Way To Travel This Summer
For corporate travelers looking to unpack after a day of meetings, or friends embarking on a weekend getaway, the program offers a perfect mix of friendly competition and relaxed luxury. Over the next several months, a full calendar of special Mahjong events will be taking over Kimpton properties across the United States, cementing the hotel lobby as the go-to neighborhood hub for summer evening entertainment.
The best part about this trend is how easily it fits into whatever vacation vibe you’re after, whether you’re on a fast-paced city break or a slow, sun-drenched beach getaway. If you’re traveling domestically, you can catch the Mahjong & Mingle games anchoring lively scenes at heavy-hitting urban spots like the Kimpton Hotel Eventi and Kimpton Hotel Theta in New York City, the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Boston, and the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Los Angeles. The custom boards are also creating a fun neighborhood hub at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville, the Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas and The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Atlanta, alongside regional properties across Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and Charlottesville.
Related: The Viral Cruise Women Over 50 Are Calling Their ‘Favorite Trip Ever’
View this post on InstagramIf your summer plans involve packing a passport, the tile-clacking trend extends to some incredible international boutique hubs, making it effortless to mingle with locals over the table. You can dive into a match at the historic Kimpton Fitzroy London, drop into a game at the Kimpton De Witt Hotel in Amsterdam, or explore local hospitality at the Kimpton Da An in Taipei, the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, and the serene Kimpton Kitalay Samui in Thailand. And if your dream summer escape involves a lounge chair and a clear ocean view, the program is running full steam at premier coastal oases like the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa in Honduras and the spectacular Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach.
Ultimately, the rise of the hotel mahjong lounge proves that the very best travel experiences are the ones that help you slow down and just immerse yourself in the room around you. It turns out the most memorable way to spend an evening on the road isn't just ordering another round at the bar—it's matching your tiles, chatting with your table, and leaning into a timeless tradition on its own modern, hospitality-driven terms.
Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $60 Farmhouse Floor Lamp With a Built-in Table Is 'Great for Small Spaces'
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If you find it difficult to relax and unwind with your home’s harsh overhead lighting beating down on you, it may be a good idea to invest in a lamp. It’ll fill your space with a softer glow, transforming your room into a cozy retreat that you’ll want to spend all your downtime in. If that sounds like something you need ASAP, this Dewenwils Farmhouse Floor Lamp at Walmart is a fantastic option. Plus, it comes with a built-in end table to give you some extra storage space!
Right now is the best time to snag this floor lamp because it’s currently on sale for a whopping 50% off! Normally retailing for $120, this lamp is now marked down to just $60. This is a deal you won’t want to miss, considering that you’re essentially getting two products in one.
Dewenwils Farmhouse Floor Lamp, $60 (was $120) at Walmart Shop at WalmartFixed with a beige linen lampshade, the lamp emits a soft light rather than harsh beams, designed to minimize the glare on your eyes. Reviewers noted that it provides just the right amount of light. It’s a great alternative to your overhead light, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere whether you’re reading, watching a movie, or just lounging around. The lamp is compatible with a standard medium E26 light bulb, which isn’t included. However, Walmart has plenty of affordable lightbulbs available!
The lamphead is adjustable, so you can direct the light wherever it’s needed. You can tilt it sideways up to 270 degrees and angle it upwards up to 120 degrees. This lamp is powered by a standard 8.2-foot power cord, providing enough length to reach an outlet without requiring an extension cord. The cord is also equipped with a floor switch so you can easily turn the lamp on and off with your feet without having to bend down.
For added convenience, this floor lamp boasts a two-tier end table. Each tier has a 13.2-inch diameter, offering plenty of storage space. You can use the top tier to set down drinks or display decor pieces, and use the bottom tier to store and organize those small items that currently don’t have a proper home.
Oozing with farmhouse charm, this lamp will make your space feel cozy and inviting. The round tabletops feature an exposed wood grain finish, which gives the piece a rustic touch. Made of linen, which is a key element of the farmhouse aesthetic, the lampshade has a natural feel.
The frame is made of metal, and shoppers mentioned that it feels very sturdy. As a bonus, several customers raved about how easy it is to assemble. Some even said that it took them just 15 minutes to put everything together.
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This floor lamp is ideal for small and large spaces alike. Measuring 62 inches tall with an end table that builds up, it takes advantage of vertical space. It offers additional storage without taking up much floor space.
One shopper attested to the space-saving design, noting that it’s “great for small spaces.” In agreement, another reviewer called this lamp a “very functional space saver.” They also said that the table is "beautiful" and “makes the lamp look way more expensive than it is.”
Related: Drew Barrymore's 'Charming' Ceramic Planters Are Under $12 at Walmart Right Now
Practical, functional, and stylish, the Dewenwils Farmhouse Floor Lamp can do it all. Don’t hesitate to head to Walmart and snag it while it’s still on sale for just $60!
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Ringo Starr, 85, Leaves Fans Stunned At Recent Concert: 'Looks 45!'
More than six decades after Beatlemania, Ringo Starr, 85, is still as busy as ever. One of the most beloved figures in rock music, the former Beatles drummer is still dazzling fans with his perfect rhythm and affable onstage personality. But Starr's recent tour stop in San Jose, California, left fans completely stunned by the icon's appearance.
@dankimball85 year old @Ringo Starr ✌️ playing his Ludwig drums last night in San Jose, CA #ringostarr #drums #thebeatles
♬ original sound - Prestige Arts Company"The dude looks 45," commented one fan on a social media post shared to TikTok of Starr's performance of the Beatles hit "I Wanna Be Your Man." Wearing white jeans and a star-themed jacket, with his hair long and his signature sunglasses in place, the famed drummer seems to defy his age with his timeless looks.
"He takes good care of himself," noted one commenter.
Another added, "No one ever told Ringo he was supposed to get old, and since it didn't occur to him naturally, he simply hasn't bothered."
Other fans attributed Starr's youthful energy and appearance to doing what he loves.
Related: Paul McCartney Reveals His Favorite Beatle in Viral Interview
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Continue Touring @carolyn.mck@Ringo Starr ✌️ #octopusgarden #sanjoseciviccenter
♬ original sound - CarolynRingo Starr and His All Starr Band—including Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette, and Buck Johnson—wrapped up an early summer tour in which they performed a mix of Beatles classics, solo hits, and songs from fellow band members' catalogs.
The Beatles legend's concerts still draw massive crowds, with fans often praising Starr's energy, positivity, and youthful stage presence.
Ringo Starr Remains Active in Music and MediaIn addition to touring, Starr remains an active recording artist who has released several EPs and albums in recent years, featuring genres ranging from rock and country to blues and Americana.
In addition to recording music and touring, Starr remains active on social media, regularly connecting with fans and promoting causes close to his heart. Starr's social media presence, as well as his continued television appearances, documentaries, and Beatles-related projects, continues to connect with generations of Beatles fans while introducing new audiences to the music legend.
Fans Say Ringo Starr Is Finally Getting the Recognition He DeservesIn addition to praising Ringo Starr's ability to stay youthful, fans have also described the iconic drummer as "underappreciated," noting that he is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.
More than six decades after Beatlemania began, Ringo Starr continues to perform, record, and engage with fans around the world. His enduring enthusiasm for music and optimistic outlook have helped make him one of rock's most admired and enduring figures.
Related: Rush's New Drummer Completely Nails One of the Bands's 'Most Challenging Songs'
Quote of the Day: Psychologist Gordon Allport on Humor Being the Best Way To Fight Life’s ‘Tangles’—‘We Have No Appropriate Sword Other Than Laughter’
While he might not be a household name, Gordon W. Allport was a significant figure in the field of psychology. As VeryWellMind reported, he is “credited with founding personality psychology and developing trait theory.” Whereas other psychologists emphasized the study of psychoanalysis or human behavior as a whole back then, Allport looked to “individual difference and situational contexts.”
He met Sigmund Freud once, and their interaction made Allport believe that psychoanalysis dug too deeply into a person’s past and psyche, whereas behaviorism—the dominant field in United States psychology at the time—didn’t go far enough. And this difference in opinion is most likely what allowed him to come up with concepts such as laughter being the best tool to battle tough times, which is ourquote of the day.
Allport was born on Nov. 11, 1897, in Montezuma, IN, and was the youngest of four brothers, with a schoolteacher for a mother and a doctor for a father. He was shy and studious and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics from Harvard College (later University), and then returned to earn a PhD in psychology there after traveling to teach in Turkey.
As Harvard University reported, the psychologist was one of their faculty members from 1930 to 1967, the year he died. Throughout his academic career, he conducted research on personality psychology and was likely the first person to teach a class on the topic in the United States, per VeryWellMind. He came up with a “highly influential three-tiered hierarchy of personality traits,” according to Harvard, which included cardinal, central and secondary traits. Through all of his work, he truly left quite a mark on modern psychology.
Today’s quote is from one of his last books, published posthumously in 1968. It features Allport’s thoughts on personal therapy and how a little humor can do you some good.
Quote of the Day by Gordon AllportCanvaPro/Parade
“So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter.”
This quote is in Allport’s book, The Person in Psychology: Selected Essays. It appears in Part II, Chapter 7, “Mental Health: A Generic Attitude.”
Specifically, this is in a section about “the role of the religious counselor,” which Allport writes is to help a “man’s total orientation,” or his disposition. He says that the goal of therapy "is to free the individual so that he may know himself…” And that only the individual really knows their own problems and mind, which makes the job of counseling (whether religious or not) difficult.
The paragraph with this quote starts with Allport saying he believes that “the advancement of mental health involves a paradox: the tie that binds serious attitudinal orientation with humor.” Then we have our quote, with a little more context:
“So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter. I venture to say that no person is in good health unless he can laugh at himself quietly and privately, noticing where he has overreached, where his pretensions have been overblown or pedantic.”
Deeper Meaning of Gordon Allport’s Quote—Laughter Is the Best WeaponFollowing that quote, Allport goes on to write that people need to acknowledge where they were “hoodwinked” and admit to times when they were too sure of themselves, “too shortsighted” and “above all too conceited.” And the antidote for vanity is laughter, he writes.
Of course, he says that you have to then get serious and correct your behavior or face your issues head-on. But the initial good first step is laughter.
Allport's words are reassuring and lovely in their simplicity and positivity—things that a lot of these psychologists didn’t have in their work at the time. Even today, with personal therapists or psychologists, it can be hard to find professional advice that reminds us to find the humor in life and laugh through some struggles.
Sure, we can’t simply laugh through the pain a lot of the time. There are so many other factors or situations—such as mental disorders or illnesses that require medication or trauma that can’t just be ignored or joked away—that require more attention.
However, in the most basic terms, Allport is saying that there are things in life that make us angry, sad, upset or frustrated, and sometimes the only thing we can do—and maybe the best thing for our sanity—is to laugh about it. Or maybe find humor in it or in something else to brighten your mood.
Just as he says after the quote, it’s important not to just look at the levity of a situation, but it’s also good to laugh at yourself. You don’t want to take yourself so seriously that you can’t recognize when you were wrong, too full of yourself or had too myopic a view on things.
While laughter isn’t a cure-all, Allport’s quote is a good reminder that we shouldn’t take life too seriously all of the time, and that a little smile and chuckle can go a long way to relieve short-term frustrations.
More Quotes from Gordon Allport- “Given a thimbleful of [dramatic] facts we rush to make generalizations as large as a tub.”
- “Love received and love given comprise the best form of therapy.”
- “Prejudgments become prejudices only if they are not reversible when exposed to new knowledge.”
- “People it seems, are busy leading their lives into the future, whereas psychology, for the most part, is busy tracing them into the past.”
- “To understand what a person is, it is necessary always to refer to what he may be in the future, for every state of the person is pointed in the direction of future possibilities.”
- “Much of our life is spent wishing others understood us better than they do.”
Up Next:
Related: Quote of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson on Self-Reliance and Staying True to Yourself
Old Navy's Cutesy Mini Dress Is Made for Hot Summer Days
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Summer is the perfect season for dresses. The two practically go hand in hand. Well, as the weather gets hotter and hotter, you might be looking for some cute new options to add to your wardrobe. Luckily, Old Navy understands the assignment and is selling a collection of chic mini dresses that are absolutely perfect for the summertime.
Old Navy's Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Mini Dress is truly so adorable. Constructed out of 95 percent rayon and 5 percent spandex, this sundress is lightweight, breathable and perfect for the warmer months ahead. It is available in seven colors for regular sizes. There are six colors available for petite sizes. Two colors are available for tall sizes. This gives you plenty of options to choose from.
Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Mini Dress, Blue Floral, $7.97 (originally $29.99) at Old NavyOld Navy
Shop It!When it comes to sizing, these mini dresses are available in inclusive regular sizes ranging from XS to 4X. Meanwhile, the tall and petite sizes go from XS to XXL.
Related: Old Navy Brought Back the 2000s' 'Going Out Top' in the Chicest Way Possible
Shoppers love this cutesy dress. It has 638 five-star ratings out of 926 ratings total. Reviewers appreciate the dress for its lightweight material, versatility and flattering cut.
"Cutest, most flattering dress! I have this dress in three colors. The length allows me to wear to work with a blazer or cardigan and still look professional! But the Capri design is perfection for summer!!! Days or nights!!! Easy to dress up or down! Super flattering! Did not shrink or fade in the wash. I am usually a medium and the medium fit perfectly!!!" raved one fan in a five-star review on OldNavy.com.
"Summer comfort!" exclaimed another shopper in a five-star review on Old Navy's website. "Light weight super comfortable! This will easily be a warm weather go to for me!"
You can snag one of these comfy summer dresses on Old Navy's website or in select stores. Prices will vary based on the size and design chosen. Currently, all versions are on sale, though, so you might want to snag one or two while you can!
Related: Old Navy's Classic $6 Men's Staple Is the 'Perfect' Fit for Summer
Walmart’s 'Fluffy' $53 9-Piece Botanical Seersucker Comforter Set Is the Prettiest Summer Bedding Upgrade
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There are plenty of ways to refresh your home when the seasons shift. You can swap out throw pillows, rearrange furniture, bring in fresh greenery, or finally tackle that long-overdue decluttering project. Even small changes — like updating your nightstand decor or adding a new lamp — can make a space feel brand new without a full redesign. But if you’re craving a transformation that's instant and impactful, start with the bed.
As the focal point of most bedrooms, bedding anchors the entire space. And right now, the queen-sized Regency Heights 9-Piece Botanical Seersucker Comforter Set is on sale for as low as $53 at Walmart, marked down from its original $130 price. For less than the cost of a dinner out, you can completely change the look and feel of your room with one simple swap ahead of summer.
Regency Heights 9-Piece Botanical Seersucker Comforter Set, From $53 (was $130) at WalmartCourtesy of Walmart
Shop at WalmartDesigned to take the guesswork out of styling, this coordinated nine-piece set includes everything you need for a pulled-together look: One comforter, two matching shams, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and two bonus pillow covers.
The delicate, watercolor-inspired botanical pattern brings a fresh, nature-inspired feel to the space, while the soft palette choices of blue, brown, or peach keep things serene and versatile. A subtle seersucker texture adds dimension with its breathable, gently puckered finish, giving your choice of twin, full, queen, or king-sized bed that relaxed, summer-ready feel.
Beyond its good looks, the set is designed with everyday comfort in mind. The lightweight yet moderately warm comforter features a soft microfiber exterior and plush 100% polyester filling for cozy, all-season use.
Premium microfiber sheets and pillowcases feel smooth and breathable against the skin, while thoughtful details — like side pockets on the fitted sheet for stashing your phone, book, or TV remote and envelope closures on the shams to keep pillows neatly in place — blend beauty with practicality. Oeko-Tex certified and machine washable, it delivers comfort you can trust without adding to your laundry-day stress.
Customers are raving about this “cozy” and “stylish” set in the reviews section, with many quick to point out the incredible value. “The set feels like a high-end product without the hefty price tag,” one shopper wrote, adding that the sheets are “soft and breathable.”
That same reviewer singled out the comforter as “the star of the show,” and noted, “it's fluffy yet not overly heavy," and "provides the perfect balance for all year-round use.”
Related: Walmart's Oversized $100 Cushioned Rocking Chair Is 'Wonderful' for Outdoor Lounging
If your bedroom could use a reset, this is the simplest place to start. Snag the Regency Heights 9-Piece Botanical Seersucker Queen Comforter Set for $53 while it’s on sale at Walmart and wake up to a space that feels brand new.
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NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, June 15, 2026
Don't let today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle rain on your parade. 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 Monday, June 15, 2026, you've come to the right place.
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 June 15, 2026Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.
- Yellow: Think World Cup roles.
- Green: Emerald City.
- Blue: Not named Tom, but close.
- Purple: Fore!
OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!
- Yellow: SOCCER POSITIONS
- Green: SEATTLE TEAMS
- Blue: BASEBALL TIMS
- Purple: GOLF ____
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 #630 are coming up next.
Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- SOCCER POSITIONS: FULLBACK, GOALKEEPER, MIDFIELDER, STRIKER
- SEATTLE TEAMS: KRAKEN, REIGN, SEAHAWKS, STORM
- BASEBALL TIMS: LINECUM, RAINES, SALMON, WAKEFIELD
- GOLF ____: COURSE, POLO, TEE, UMBRELLA
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.
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Why There Was 'Tension' on Set of This Underrated 1990s Dark Comedy
With Apple TV's Emmy-winning series Severance, Ben Stiller has continued to prove his talents behind the lens.
When it comes to movies, the Zoolander funnyman, 60, has directed dating back to the 1990s — and that includes a certain dark comedy that's loaded with big names.
Sunday, June 14 marked exactly 30 years since the release of The Cable Guy, whose star-studded cast was led by Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick.
At the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival — where a 4K restoration of the comedy-thriller premiered on Friday, June 12 — Stiller opened up during a panel about the behind-the-scenes process, which involved some "tension" between the principal actors.
“We're like the same age,” Stiller said of Broderick, 64, per People. “But Matthew, his career began when he was a teenager, and every young actor in my position in New York was looking at Matthew Broderick going like, ‘Oh my God, I love him. I hate him. I want to be him… Damn, he's so good.'"
Stiller continued, "And so I was kind of starstruck and excited at the possibility of putting you and Jim together because obviously Jim was like this one kind of energy and your, you know, ability to ground and react... And of course that was a little bit of a tension, I think, of making the movie, because my memory of it, which was like… I'd never worked with Jim and Jim is this kind of, you know, energy, powerhouse kind of thing where he comes in and his working style was very different.”
The Cable Guy also made headlines recently as New Girl stars Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. are reuniting to star in and executive produce a new Hulu comedy pilot inspired by the cult classic.
The untitled pilot gives the 1996 premise a streaming-age makeover. Johnson, 48 plays Chip Douglas, an old-school cable technician who reconnects with a childhood friend, Steven Stephens (Wayans Jr.), when Steven calls to turn his cable back on. Their bond gives each man something he has been missing, until Chip’s enthusiasm curdles into obsession.
Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 15, 2026
Today's NYT Strands puzzle will make you feel like you can do anything. 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 #834 on Monday, June 15.
How to Play StrandsThe 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.
A hint for today's Strands game: Motivation Monday.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?Warning: Spoilers ahead!
In today's puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:
- QU
- SU
- CO
- VA
- OV
- YO (SPANGRAM)
Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 15Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 15, 2026, isYOUVEGOTTHIS.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, June 15?- QUASH
- SURMOUNT
- CONQUER
- VANQUISH
- OVERCOME
- SPANGRAM: YOUVEGOTTHIS
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1978 Country Classic Was Recorded By 2 Legends, But Only One Version Became One of the 'Greatest Country Songs of All Time'
One of the most famous country music songs was recorded by not one, but two of the genre's biggest stars.
In 1978, both Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers recorded "The Gambler," written by Don Schlitz, but it was Rogers' rendition that would end up becoming the definitive version of the song and the signature song of his career.
While reflecting on writing "The Gambler," which was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2018, Schlitz revealed that Rogers and Cash actually recorded the song on back-to-back days.
"So in two nights, two of the biggest stars in country music had cut my song," he said in an interview in 2018. "Kenny’s version was really special and fit his persona. Then they did this amazing album cover."
Rogers released "The Gambler" as single off his 1978 album of the same name, which debuted on the Top Country Albums chart the following month. The album hit No. 1 in January 1979, where it stayed for 23 weeks.
"'The Gambler' became a VERY important record for Kenny," Schlitz said. "The song became ubiquitous. It was everywhere."
Cash's version of "The Gambler" was included on his 1978 album Gone Girl, but it was never released as a single and therefore didn't chart on Billboard's country charts or the Hot 100.
But Rogers' version was both a massive commercial and critical success. Not only did "The Gambler" top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart for three consecutive weeks, but it also earned Rogers a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.
It is included on Rolling Stone's list of the "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time," where it's ranked at No. 21. Plus, "The Gambler" also inspired a series of made-for-TV movies starring Rogers himself, with five installments released between 1980 and 1994.
"The Gambler" reached No. 16 on the Hot 100 in March 1979, though a number of other songs from Rogers' discography placed higher on the chart, including his smash hits like "Lady," which reigned for six weeks straight, and "Islands in the Stream," his iconic duet with Dolly Parton, that topped the Hot 100 for two weeks in 1983.
Related: 1988 Folk-Rock Classic, Despite Never Reaching No. 1, Became a Beloved Road Trip Anthem
NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, June 15, 2026
Today's NYT Connections puzzle is no joke. 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 #1100 on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, June 15, 2026 / New York TimesIf you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday'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 Monday, June 15- Like an athlete.
- Fit check.
- Year of the ____.
- Garden ornamentation.
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 Monday, June 15:1. STAYING POWER: LEGS, MOMENTUM, STAMINA, TRACTION
2. GET READY FOR A NIGHT OUT: ACCESSORIZE, CHANGE, PRIMP, SHOWER
3. CHINESE ZODIAC SIGNS: DOG, DRAGON, HORSE, SNAKE
4. FLOWERS: ANEMONE, LARKSPUR, MONKSHOOD, PHLOX
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
Legendary ’90s Rocker Announces New Album Amid 2026 Tour
Marilyn Manson, the legendary and controversial rocker, proudly announced another milestone in his music career.
The ‘90s icon, who became an influential figure in the shock rock and industrial metal genres, unveiled a special treat for fans just months before his North American tour.
In an Instagram post, the 57-year-old rock star revealed his 13th studio album, One Assassination Under God - Chapter 2, set to be released on Aug. 14 through Nuclear Blast Records.
This marks his first album in two years following the release of One Assassination Under God - Chapter 1 in 2024.
To celebrate the moment, the Grammy-nominated artist released his lead single “Exit Wound,” a track co-produced and co-written with acclaimed musician and record producer Tyler Bates.
Shockrocker Marilyn Manson performs live on stage at Afas Live on February 19, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.The first single featured a mix of glam, goth rock and industrial metal anthem, which also served as a continuation of his 12th studio album.
“I am proud to give you the second chapter of One Assassination Under God. This completes my story. I used each stone that was thrown at me to sharpen my edges. I outgrew purgatory and carved these songs into the skin of the world. As you listen, I hope it forms a scar that you cannot forget" he captioned his post.
View this post on InstagramManson’s release of a new album and single arrives at a pivotal moment as he gears up for another round of touring.
Marilyn Manson’s One Assassination Under the God and Freaks on Parade Tour 2026Following the success of his European winter leg tour from October to November 2025 and the North American spring leg earlier this year, Manson is back on the road for a string of shows and will be returning to Europe and North America for another set of intense performances.
“The Beautiful People” hitmaker heats up the summer in Europe with One Assassination Under the God Tour kicking off this July.
View this post on InstagramAlong with Vows as special guest on selected dates, the 14-date concert will debut in Viveiro, Spain and conclude in Ghimbav, Romania.
Following this, he will have a co-headlining tour with Rob Zombie for The Freaks on Parade tour for a 21-date North American run with The Hu and Orgy as special guests.