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Patsy Cline’s career was cut tragically short, but her music continued to make an impact decades after her death.

On Aug. 3, 1999, 36 years after Cline died at age 30, the beloved country singer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star was dedicated in the Recording category at 6160 Hollywood Blvd.

By then, Cline’s voice was already firmly established as one of the most recognizable in country music. Her career had lasted only a handful of years, but she recorded songs that would become enduring favorites, including "Walkin’ After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces," "She’s Got You," "Crazy" and "Sweet Dreams."

Cline died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee, on March 5, 1963, at just 30 years old. She was at the height of her career, making the longevity of her music all the more remarkable.

Her influence had already been recognized long before the Hollywood honor. In 1973, Cline became the first female solo artist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a milestone that came just 10 years after her death.

And her music continued finding new audiences. The Hollywood Walk of Fame notes that millions of Cline’s albums sold in the decades following her death, while her recordings remained a lasting part of country music history.

The Hollywood star was another reminder that Cline’s career was about much more than its brief timeline. Although she had been gone for more than three decades by the time her star was unveiled, the songs she left behind had never really gone away.

RELATED: 1967 Country Hit ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ Inspired One of Music’s Biggest Mysteries: What Was Thrown Off the Bridge?

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When it comes to food storage, it’s hard to beat the reputation that comes with the Pyrex brand. Supplying home cooks with a reliable glass alternative to plastic, Pyrex pieces earn their place in the kitchen thanks to their versatile designs and ability to handle everything from meal prep and leftovers to freezing, baking, reheating and beyond.

If you’re looking for the right upgrade for your collection, look no further than the Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set. Available at Sam’s Club for just $29.98, this beautiful pastel-lidded lineup is a lifesaver in any kitchen, ready to organize your meals and snacks with ease while adding a splash of color to your food storage routine.

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Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set, $29.98 at Sam's Club Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set

Sam's Club

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Perfect for freezing leftovers, packing lunches, keeping your favorite snacks fresh or serving chips, dip and charcuterie at a summer cookout, the Pyrex Simply Store 28-Piece Glass Food Storage Set is about as versatile as food containers get. And with a high-quality glass construction backed by the Pyrex name, you can count on each piece holding up to daily use, whether you’re reheating leftovers, storing meals for later or tossing them in the dishwasher.

For just $30, this 28-piece set provides you with three 1-cup containers, six 2-cup containers, three 4-cup containers and two 7-cup containers. Best of all, each one comes with a color-coded BPA-free plastic airtight lid that fits snugly over the container and makes organizing easy. Plus, the lids and containers are freezer-, microwave- and top-rack dishwasher-safe, making the entire process from meal prep to cleanup a total breeze.

Related: Sam's Club's Scalloped 2-Tier Basket Is 'Very Durable, Spacious and High Quality'

Simply Store set pieces nested together

Sam's Club

Shoppers Can’t Get Enough of This Pastel Pyrex Set

Online, shoppers spared no time letting others know just how great this set actually is. One person stood out immediately, raving that they “can’t live without them” in their kitchen and adding, “when I saw these, I snatched them up quickly!”

Others felt similarly, with another shopper sharing that this set turned out to be exactly what they were looking for. “I like to cook large batches then freeze meals for another time,” they wrote, noting that the containers make reheating extra easy.

“Yes, buy them,” another fan encouraged readers. “These are wonderful containers. Glass is so much better storage for health and longevity.”

Why Pyrex Remains a Kitchen Favorite

Colorful, sleek appearances aside, Pyrex containers like this set are a major step up from traditional plastic food storage containers. Where they really shine isn’t just in their durable tempered glass design, it’s their ability to resist stains and not absorb food odors or flavors, making them a superior kitchen upgrade that you can enjoy using for years to come.

Even better, this set specifically features a nesting design, allowing the containers to fit neatly inside one another while the matching lids do the same. This provides you with more space in the cabinet while also making it easier to keep track of every container and its respective lid.

If you’re eyeing this set up already, don’t waste any more time and snag it now before it sells out. With a two-year warranty attached and a world of versatile uses possible, it’s a worthy investment in a perfectly organized kitchen.

While you’re at it, check out Sam’s Club’s Butter & Honey Filled Pretzel Sticks and PB&J Protein Bites for a few tasty ideas of what you can keep inside.

Related: The Home Depot's 'Beautiful' 16-Piece Stoneware Set Brings Elegant Old-World Charm to the Dinner Table

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If you're looking for a stylish and practical way to declutter your bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or laundry room, Walmart's latest home find is a smart solution that won't break the bank. The top-rated Homfa 4-Door Bathroom Cabinet offers plenty of storage space to organize anything from linen and toiletries to dishware and appliances, and it's on sale for nearly 30% off right now. 

Originally $180, the three-tier wooden accent cabinet is currently marked down to as low as $130 in the sleek all-white style. You can also shop it in blue, gray, green, and light gray at $140. All five colors blend beautifully with various styles of decor, from farmhouse and traditional to minimalist and modern. 

Homfa 4-Door Bathroom Cabinet, $140 (was $180) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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At 23.6 inches long, 11.6 inches deep, and 66.9 inches high, the cabinet has a tall, slim design that shoppers call "remarkably sturdy." The dual cupboards are generously sized, with each featuring two soft-closing doors and a generously sized shelf with ample room for towels, toiletries, dishes, spices, and wicker baskets. There are also two removable middle drawers that are spacious enough to hold soaps, toothpaste, tea bags, and other small essentials. 

Related: Walmart's 15-Cube Cabinet Is a 'Beautiful' Storage Solution for Book Lovers and Toy Collectors

Made of high-quality MDF with a lacquered finish, this multifunctional cabinet can be used in a variety of ways around the home. It can serve as a bookcase, a filing cabinet, an entryway piece or simply as extra storage in the bathroom or laundry room. Assembly is also simple. It comes with detailed instructions, numbered parts, and an anti-tipping device to enhance stability. 

Shop More Deals

• Costway Bathroom Storage Floor Cabinet, $60 (was $104) at Walmart
• Homfa Bathroom Storage Cabinet, $56 (was $95) at Walmart
• Walsunny Bathroom Floor Storage Cabinet, $81 (was $130) at Walmart

This stylish and functional four-door storage cabinet is a worthwhile buy that's versatile enough to work in all types of spaces. Snag one for as low as $140 before this limited-time sale ends at Walmart.

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

Swedish symphonic power metal band Dragonland has announced its seventh studio album, Prophecies, nearly 27 years after the band was formed. 

The album will be released on Oct. 23, 2026, through Scarlet Records, and the band has already shared its first single, “Survival Of Mankind.”

The new record is described as a hard-hitting symphonic power metal release built around soaring melodies, fast guitar riffs and epic orchestration. 

Prophecies will feature 12 tracks, including epic fantasy songs, ballads and fast power metal anthems. The album will also include a cover of FM-84’s “Running in the Night” as a bonus track on CD and digital editions.

The Swedish Symphonic Power Metal band Dragonland! https://t.co/mAotcIXkIB pic.twitter.com/IdUomPqVmi

— Scary Ougi (@Scary_Ougi) December 21, 2024 Dragonland ‘Prophecies’ Album Details

Dragonland worked again with producer Fredrik Nordstrom of Studio Fredman to complete the album, according to Blabbermouth. Nordstrom mixed and mastered the record at Studio Fredman, known for work with bands including In Flames, Arch Enemy and HammerFall.

The album artwork was created by Pedro Sena, who has also worked with Amon Amarth and Kreator.

Prophecies will be available as a digipack CD, vinyl LP and digital release. The vinyl editions will include 350 marbled blue copies and 150 transparent blue-yellow splatter copies.

The complete track listing is:

1. “The Prophecy Unfolds”
2. “Rolling Waves”
3. “Survival Of Mankind”
4. “The Perfumed Jungles Of Chrysantion”
5. “Dragonland”
6. “Light Of The Sunset”
7. “Glory And Gold”
8. “Making Darkened Nights So Bright”
9. “A Distant Memory”
10. “The Call Of The Wild”
11. “Cries Of Anguish”
12. “Running In The Night” (FM-84 cover; CD/digital bonus track)

“Survival Of Mankind” serves as the first preview of the new album and gives fans an early look at the band’s latest symphonic power metal material.

Dragonland Marks a New Chapter After Lineup Change

The Prophecies announcement comes shortly after the departure of longtime guitarist Olof Mörck, who left Dragonland in 2026. The band said the decision was unanimous and linked his departure to his growing commitments with Amaranthe.

“Olof is an old and dear friend, and some of us go way back before Dragonland even started,” the band stated. “We still remain the best of friends.”

The band also revealed that Morck made one final contribution to Dragonland’s upcoming album. A song written by Morck and keyboardist Elias Holmlid in 2013 was recorded for Prophecies.

“As a final contribution from Olof to the Dragonland universe, for the upcoming album, we have recorded a track written by him and Elias [Holmlid, keyboards] back in 2013. It is kind of a lost chapter and it felt truly special finally bringing it to life in the studio.”

Dragonland was founded in 1999 by guitarist Nicklas Magnusson and Jonas Heidgert. The band released its debut album, The Battle of the Ivory Plains, in 2001, followed by Holy War in 2002, Starfall in 2004, Astronomy in 2006 and Under the Grey Banner in 2011.=

Dragonland currently consists of Jonas Heidgert on vocals, Jesse Lindskog on guitars, Elias Holmlid on keyboards, Anders Hammer on bass and Johan Nunez on drums.

Related: 1981 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Greatest Classic Rock Songs' of All Time

Long before political dramas became a television staple, Martin Sheen gave audiences one of the most memorable fictional commanders in chief of all time.

On Aug. 3, the acclaimed actor celebrates his 86th birthday, marking more than six decades in Hollywood and a career filled with unforgettable performances on both the big and small screen.

While Sheen has appeared in countless films and television series, many fans still know him best as President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet on NBC's The West Wing.

Created by Aaron Sorkin, the award-winning drama ran from 1999 to 2006 and followed the inner workings of a fictional White House. Sheen's thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of President Bartlet earned him a Golden Globe Award and six Emmy nominations, helping make the character one of television's most beloved presidents.

Of course, The West Wing is only one chapter in Sheen's remarkable career.

He starred as Capt. Benjamin Willard in Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 war epic Apocalypse Now, a role widely regarded as one of the defining performances of New Hollywood cinema.

Over the years, he's also appeared in films including Badlands, Wall Street, The Departed, Catch Me If You Can and Grace and Frankie, proving his versatility across genres and generations.

Away from the screen, Sheen has long been known for his activism, lending his voice to causes involving civil rights, environmental protection and social justice. His willingness to speak out has made him as respected off-camera as he is on it.

Sheen is also the patriarch of one of Hollywood's most recognizable acting families. He and his wife, Janet Sheen, are parents to four children, including actors Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Renée Estevez and Ramon Estevez.

At 86, Sheen's legacy stretches far beyond a single role. But for millions of viewers, he'll always be remembered as the wise, principled President Bartlet.

RELATED: The Festival That Now Costs More Than the Kentucky Derby

To solve today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, you'll need to know a little bit about a variety of sports and different types of deals. 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, August 3, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, August 3, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 3, 2026

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

• Yellow: Empire State hoops teams.
• Green: Baseball on the East Coast.
• Blue: Likely members of the Wentworth Club.
• Purple: Like buying and selling.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

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

• Yellow: NEW YORK BASKETBALL TEAMS
• Green: NL EAST TEAMS
• Blue: ENGLISH GOLFERS
• Purple: TRADE _____

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 #679 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• NEW YORK BASKETBALL TEAMS: KNICKS, LIBERTY, NETS, ST. JOHN'S
• NL EAST TEAMS: BRAVES, METS, NATIONALS, PHILLIES
• ENGLISH GOLFERS: FITZPATRICK, FLEETWOOD, RAI, ROSE
• TRADE _____: BLOCK, DEADLINE, OFFER, RUMORS

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

John 5, the prominent guitarist best known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, is celebrating a major career milestone.

Nearly 40 years after launching his career as a session guitarist in 1987, the 56-year-old musician, whose real name is John William Lowery, is expanding his legacy not only as a member of Mötley Crüe but also through his solo career.

Following the release of his 11th solo studio album Ghost, in 2025, the Michigan native is gearing up for more exciting shows set for next year.

John 5 recently announced joining the Wacken Open Air 2027, the world's largest heavy metal music festival.

Together with his band, John 5 and the Creatures, he will be part of the star-studded lineup, which will take place from July 28 to 31.

John 5 performs at HopMonk Tavern on January 24, 2026 in Novato, California.

Steve Jennings/Getty Images

Headlined by Electric Callboy, Five Finger Death Punch and Helloween, John 5 will celebrate the milestone by performing songs from across his music career, including tracks from the bands and artists he has played with, such as Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Mötley Crüe, David Lee Roth and songs from his solo catalog.

In addition, the festival will be part of his 2027 summer and fall tour alongside former Murderdolls member Wednesday 13 on vocals.

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Looking forward to Wacken Open Air, John 5 expressed his anticipation for delivering amazing and "killer" performances with fellow musician Wednesday 13, also known by his moniker the "Duke of Spook."

"I've really missed playing these songs that for years were so much a part of my life,” he mentioned in a statement as cited by The PRP. “Having such an amazing showman as Wednesday 13 join me will ensure the performances are killer. And to have the first show we announce be the Wacken festival in 2027 is truly awesome."

With Wednesday 13 joining the lineup, this will be the first time that John 5's band has featured a vocalist.

As for the horror punk and heavy metal singer, he also expressed the same sentiment, noting how he is "thrilled to be sharing the stage” with John 5, whom he has “been friends with for years” and has toured together with their bands since 2010.

The highly anticipated four-day event will take place in Wacken, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and will feature some of the biggest bands and artists in the music industry, including Knocked Loose, Heaven Shall Burn, Edguy, Children of Bodom, Five Finger Death Punch and more.

On the other hand, John 5 is also booked and busy after some of his European and UK shows have been rescheduled due to “unforeseeable logistical issues.”

​With this, he is set to embark on a solo run across the United Kingdom this October before heading to Mexico for a series of concerts in November.​

John 5 2026 Tour Dates

Oct 11: Exeter, UK @ Exeter Phoenix
Oct 12: Southampton, UK @ The 1865
Oct 13: Bristol, UK @ Thekla
Oct 14: Wolverhampton, UK @ KK's Steel Mill
Oct 15: Chester, UK @ The Live Rooms
Oct 16: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK @ Newcastle University S.U.
Oct 17: Glasgow, UK @ Slay
Oct 18: Manchester, UK @ Club Academy
Nov 05: Guadalajara, Mexico @ Anexo Independencia
Nov 06: Chihuahua, Mexico @ Pistoleros
Nov 07: Monterrey, Mexico @ Cafe Iguana
Nov 08: Mexico City, Mexico @ Foro 1869

Related: 1966 Rock Song, Written by 'Greatest Supergroup' of All Time, Is Still a Beloved Hit 6 Decades Later

Martha Stewart turns 85 on Monday, Aug. 3, and the lifestyle icon is showing no signs of slowing down.

Born Martha Kostyra in New Jersey in 1941, Stewart grew up as one of six children in a family where cooking, gardening, sewing and DIY projects were simply part of everyday life. Her mother, Martha Kostyra (known as "Big Martha") was an especially important influence, and Stewart has called her her "greatest teacher."

But Stewart's career didn't begin in the kitchen.

After graduating from Barnard College in 1962, she worked as a model before becoming a stockbroker on Wall Street. She eventually left finance and turned her attention to catering, launching a business from her Connecticut home in 1976. That venture eventually led to her first book, Entertaining, in 1982, which helped put Stewart on the path to becoming a household name.

From there came Martha Stewart Living, television shows, magazines, cookbooks and a sprawling lifestyle brand built around Stewart's signature idea of making everyday life a little more beautiful.

Stewart's seemingly unstoppable rise hit a major roadblock in the early 2000s. In 2004, she was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements related to a federal investigation into her sale of ImClone Systems stock. She was sentenced to five months in prison and five months of home confinement. The experience became one of the most difficult chapters of her career, but it didn't keep Stewart away from the spotlight for long.

That's because she has continued to reinvent herself.

In 2023, Stewart made headlines at 81 when she became the oldest cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. She also opened her first restaurant, The Bedford, in Las Vegas in 2022.

Now, at 85, Stewart is still adding to her résumé. In May 2026, she released her 102nd book, The Martha Way: Essential Principles for Mastering Home and Living, another guide to her approach to cooking, entertaining, gardening and making a home.

And her life story is headed to the big screen. Cate Blanchett is set to portray Stewart in the upcoming biopic Good Thing, which is expected to explore her career as a lifestyle entrepreneur, author and television personality.

After more than four decades as one of America's most recognizable lifestyle personalities, Martha Stewart has certainly earned the right to celebrate another milestone birthday, and, naturally, make it look effortless.  

RELATED: 1967 Country Hit ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ Inspired One of Music’s Biggest Mysteries: What Was Thrown Off the Bridge?

You won't find today's NYT Strands puzzle anywhere else. 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 #883 on Monday, August 3.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

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

Find theme words to fill the board.

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

Find the “spangram.”

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

Need a hint?

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

What Is Today's Strands Hint for the Theme: "There's nothing like it"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: One of one.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• SI
• ON
• UN
• SO
• SP
• EX
• ON (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 3

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, August 3, 2026, isONEOFAKIND.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, August 3?

• SINGULAR
• ONLY
• UNIQUE
• SOLE
• SPECIAL
• EXCLUSIVE
• SPANGRAM: ONEOFAKIND

Related: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

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Platform sandals are ready to tackle all your summer outings. They offer the same comfort as sneakers while allowing your feet to breathe, and lengthen your legs like heels would without compromising comfort. If you’re looking for a pair that you can wear to the beach and just as easily run errands in, the Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals are definitely worth checking out. 

There’s no better time than right now to snag these Crocs platform sandals because they’re currently on sale at Walmart! Normally retailing for $45, they’re now marked down to just $30. These sandals are available in six styles, including five solid colors that are on sale (barely pink, black, chai, hot blush, and white). Sizes range from 4 to 12, and shoppers noted they fit true to size. 

Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals, $30 (were $45) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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These sandals are an elevated take on Crocs’ iconic Baya Clogs. They’re entirely made from the same foam that’ll cushion your feet with every step. With a 1.2-inch platform, they offer even more cushioning compared to the average slides. They’ll give you a bit of height without sacrificing stability or comfort. While they have a chunky appearance, the foam is very lightweight. They’re ideal for all-day wear as they won’t weigh you down. 

Designed to prevent your feet from fatigue, these sandals will absorb the impact of your steps and take pressure off your joints. The foam is flexible, so it follows the natural movements of your feet. Additionally, several shoppers raved about how they provide great arch support and deliver lasting comfort. One reviewer said these sandals felt “like walking on air,” and a second customer added that the soles were “thick and bouncy.” A third customer called them “the most supportive and comfortable shoes ever.” 

Attesting to their comfort, a reviewer mentioned that they were able to easily wear these sandals for five days straight through the Disney parks. Another customer said that they walked 10,000 steps with these sandals and didn’t experience any pain! 

Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals, $30 (were $45) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Thanks to their open design, you can slip into these sandals in just seconds. They boast two wide straps on top that’ll securely hold your feet in place. The footbeds are completely plastered with rounded nubs that provide traction, which also prevent your feet from sliding out. 

The straps double as playful and decorative accents. One strap features a cutout of the Crocs logo while the other is equipped with three holes, where you can insert Jibbitz (charms that are designed to fit in any Crocs shoes). Jibbitz are a great way to show off your personality and add some fun accents to your shoes. If you want to decorate your sandals, you can check out a few options here! 

These sandals are waterproof, making them ideal for beach and pool days. Shoppers said that they’re a “perfect addition to any summer outfit” and called them a “summer must-have.”

They’re also odor-resistant, so they’ll stay in pristine condition even if your feet get sweaty. If you ever want to clean them, all you need is some soap and water! 

Related: Paris Hilton’s ‘Luxurious’ Floral Comforter Set Nails the LoveShackFancy Aesthetic for Just $40

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to throw into your daily wardrobe rotation, don’t hesitate to grab the Crocs Baya Platform Slide Sandals while they’re on sale at Walmart for just $30! 

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.

Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” the 1981 rock classic from the album Moving Pictures, never reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Despite that, the song remains one of the Canadian band’s most famous recordings and was ranked No. 9 on Collider’s list of “The 10 Greatest Classic Rock Songs That Were Never No. 1 Hits.”

The song reached No. 44 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart. In Canada, it peaked at No. 24. Those numbers did not put “Tom Sawyer” at the top of the mainstream charts, but the song went on to become a major part of classic rock radio and Rush’s identity.

Released as the opening track of Moving Pictures in 1981, “Tom Sawyer” brought together Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart with lyricist Pye Dubois of Max Webster.

The song’s unusual structure helped make it stand out. It features a shifting 7/8 time signature, prominent synthesizers, a complex progressive rock arrangement and Neil Peart’s highly regarded drumming. Those elements also made the song less typical of the radio-friendly rock songs that dominated the charts at the time.

‘Tom Sawyer’ Became a Defining Rush Song

“Tom Sawyer” was created during a period when Rush was changing its sound, according to Songfacts. After years of making progressive rock with long and complex songs, the band had started writing tighter material that could work better on radio.

The song began with a poem called “Louis the Warrior,” written by Pye Dubois. Peart reworked the lyrics and added his own ideas, including themes about individuality, growing from boyhood into adulthood and the difference between how people see themselves and how others see them.

The song was loosely connected to Mark Twain’s 1876 novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Its central character became a model for the song’s ideas about rebellion, independence and adventure.

Alex Lifeson later recalled that the song’s guitar solo was built from several takes. “I winged it. Honest!” he said in a 2007 interview. “I came in, did five takes, then went off and had a cigarette.”

The song has also appeared in movies and television shows, including The Sopranos, Family Guy, Freaks and Geeks, Fringe, I Love You, Man and The Waterboy. It was also featured in an episode of Futurama and played an important role in the 2008 episode of Chuck titled “Chuck Versus Tom Sawyer.”

Its place in Rush’s legacy was clear again in 2026. During the band’s Fifty Something tour, “Tom Sawyer” remained part of the setlist. At a Madison Square Garden performance, the song featured a drum solo by Anika Nilles, who joined Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson for Rush’s new touring lineup, per Forbes.

More than four decades after its release, “Tom Sawyer” shows why chart position does not always define a rock song’s lasting impact.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Originally a Flop by Beloved Rock Band, Is Still a Hit 48 Years Later

In the summer of 1987, Debbie Gibson’s “Only In My Dreams” became the soundtrack to a generation. The catchy pop hit filled radios across America, introducing a teenage songwriter who redefined what young artists could achieve. 

At just 16 years old and still in high school, Gibson had written her own pop hit and was on her way to becoming one of the youngest singer-songwriters to break through on the charts. 

In the Eighties, teenage stars were common, but teenage artists writing and performing their own hits were not. 

“During that era, the music industry had no idea what to do with a teenage girl,” Gibson wrote in her memoir Eternally Electric: The Message In My Music. “Sure, before I came along, Brenda Lee was 12 when she had her first hit. Marie Osmond was 14, Lulu was 15, and Leslie Gore was 16, but none of them were writing their own hits, and there was nobody I modeled myself on.”

Gibson proved that difference with “Only In My Dreams,” the self-composed debut single that would eventually reach No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The track began as a demo Gibson recorded at home, but producer Fred Zarr helped elevate it into the sound that introduced her to millions of listeners. 

“Fred Zarr, who produced and co-produced all those hits with me, he took what I was doing in my garage on the four-track and elevated it to what you heard on the radio,” Gibson told Rhino in 2014. “He really helped facilitate my vision, fine-tune it, and elevate it, so I really hold him responsible for that sound.”

“Only In My Dreams” took time to catch on. Released in December 1986, the song spent more than a year climbing the charts, proving that Gibson’s success didn’t happen overnight.  

“’[The song] came out and everyone went, ‘She’s an overnight sensation,’ and meanwhile it was actually 65 weeks after its release that it went (to #4),” Gibson told Popdose in 2012. “And it was 65 weeks of pounding the pavement and shaking every radio program director’s hand around the country and singing at every free radio event and you really had to show up.”

The song’s slow climb continued overseas. In the U.K., “Only In My Dreams” initially struggled to find an audience and missed the Top 50. But after Gibson’s follow-up single “Shake Your Love” became a Top 10 hit there, listeners revisited her debut and gave the song another chance.

That kind of gradual success shows just how much the music industry has changed. Before social media and streaming, artists had to grow their fan bases slowly through radio and live performances. 

“Now, I think that artists do more select dates and they do the big awards shows and again, with the power of YouTube, things [just happen so much faster],” she said. 

“In a day, one performance can spread like wildfire, whereas it used to be that when you did a live performance, it was just live, it was just a moment in time for those people that were in the audience and no one else ever saw it.”

“Only In My Dreams” was just the beginning of Gibson’s chart success. The song became the first of five Top Five Billboard Hot 100 hits, including the No. 1 singles “Foolish Beat” and “Lost In Your Eyes.” 

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written in 30 Minutes as a Joke, Became an Unforgettable Hit

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle has nothing to do with popular bands from the late 90s, which might bug you, but if you take the road less traveled, you'll solve it in no time.

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 #1149 on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, August 3, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If 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, August 3

1. It's usually less crowded.
2. Varying degrees of verdigris.
3. And sometimes...
4. Incessantly annoying.

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, August 3:

1. ROAD LESS TRAVELED: ALLEY, BACKSTREET, BYWAY, LANE
2. SHADES OF GREEN: FOREST, HUNTER, MINT, SAGE
3. "Y" IS THE ONLY VOWEL: FLY BY, MYRRH, NSYNC, RHYTHM
4. STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "PESTER": BUG FIX, NAG CHAMPA, NEEDLESS, TEA SET

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: Cookie Lovers, Don't Miss These National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Deals

Fruits are a dish best served cold.

This summer has been quite the scorcher, in case you haven't been outside. So, keeping an assortment of juicy, refreshing snacks in your fridge is always helpful.

Trader Joe's is reliably helpful in this regard — and on top of all its usual produce offerings, the beloved grocer recently added a seasonal fruit that's being described online as both "phenomenal" and "wonderful."

We're all familiar with plain old plums — which are delectable, by the way — but what about Strawberry Plums? Shoppers have spotted 1-pound containers at their local Trader Joe's and are stocking up before the season ends.

Check out the Instagram post below to familiarize yourself with the packaging before heading out to snag some for yourself.

View this post on Instagram

A Trader Joe's Reddit thread recently launched in honor of the Strawberry Plum. "I'm obsessed," one user commented, while another Redditor wrote, "Bought some from an international market, they're like candy, and I LOVE candy. So good, my family is fighting over the last one 😂."

Someone in the thread also confirmed that the plums "are NOT a strawberry-plum hybrid. They’re just a specific strain of plum. Anyone who tells you the word 'hybrid' doesn’t know what they’re talking about!"

Allrecipes reports that the specialty variety has a strawberry-colored flesh and interior. In terms of flavor, it's said to be very sweet and supposed to taste faintly of strawberries, too. But you be the judge!

Clearing Out a Shelf — But Why?

In other Trader Joe's news, some former employees recently spoke out about an infamous shopping trend — where individuals tend to clear out an entire shelf's worth of a single product. The ex-workers reportedly argue how it’s unfair to other shoppers and creates unnecessary strain on store operations.

The practice has even been described as one of the “biggest etiquette violations in grocery shopping.” Yikes, that’s not you, is it? Find out more here.

It’s been six months since Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona. While Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos continues the investigation, The Wall Street Journal published an article on Saturday evening revealing that some mistakes were made in the case.

The article details the investigation, beginning with Nancy’s abduction on Feb. 1 and ending with Savannah’s recent heartfelt plea, “Tell us where to look for her.” The article revealed that “the case had trouble from the start.”

Two months before Nancy was kidnapped, Sgt. David Stivers, now the lead homicide detective on the case, was reprimanded for “poor judgment” and blamed for delays in “securing crime-scene evidence in a homicide case,” WSJ revealed.

When Stivers and his detectives arrived at Nancy’s home, “for hours, they gave little regard to the dried blood on the front porch,” people familiar with the investigation said to the WSJ.

“They failed to seal off the property with police tape to protect sensitive crime-scene evidence, allowing reporters, livestreamers, and Amazon and pizza delivery drivers entry to the porch,” WSJ found. “Investigators spent precious hours deciding whether Nancy was kidnapped or lost. A search-and-rescue plane sat grounded until dusk, awaiting a deputy trained to operate its sophisticated surveillance system.”

In an interview with Nanos, WSJ said that he, at points, “contradicted statements he had made during past news conferences.”

“I can assure everybody that we are working hard every day with all of our partners,” Nanos said, saying that “corporate America” has also offered up assistance “with some of the brightest minds in this country.”

Nanos continued, saying that “This case is not cold.”

WSJ attempted to secure an interview with Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, but the FBI declined to make him available.

“The state is the lead in this investigation, has always been the lead,” an FBI spokesperson said in a statement, WSJ reported.

As the search continues, anyone with information is asked to call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line at 520-351-4900, or 911.

Dire Straits' "Sultans of Swing" has remained one of the band's best-known songs for nearly five decades, and its latest chart activity shows that listeners are still finding it in the streaming era.

The song was first released in May 1978 and did not chart at the time. It was reissued in January 1979, when it began its climb in the United States and later reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, it eventually reached No. 8.

Nearly 48 years after its original release, "Sultans of Swing" was still showing new life on the charts. In 2025, it returned to the U.K. Singles Chart and reached No. 41, according to chart data. It also appeared on several international charts.

Dire Straits members Mark Knopfler and Phil Palmer performing live onstage.

Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns

The song's modern revival has also reached streaming. In April 2025, "Sultans of Swing" entered the U.K.'s Official Streaming Chart at No. 83, marking the first time Dire Straits had appeared on that streaming-only ranking, per Forbes. At the same time, the band's Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler was climbing the Official Album Downloads Chart.

The story of "Sultans of Swing" began in South London in 1977, before Dire Straits had a record deal.

Mark Knopfler had left his job as an English teacher and was living in Deptford with his younger brother David Knopfler and bassist John Illsley. One rainy evening, Mark went into a nearby pub and saw a small Dixieland jazz group playing to an almost empty room, according to Ultimate Guitar.

At the end of the performance, the singer introduced the group as the Sultans of Swing.

The grand name did not seem to match the quiet pub or the modest-looking musicians. Knopfler found the contrast amusing, and the scene became the starting point for a song about working musicians playing for a small crowd.

Knopfler first wrote the song on a National Steel guitar in open tuning. He later felt the early version lacked something. That changed after he bought his first Fender Stratocaster in 1977.

"It just came alive as soon as I played it on that '61 Strat," he recalled. "The new chord changes just presented themselves and fell into place."

Dire Straits recorded a five-song demo at Pathway Studios in North London in July 1977. The band took the tape to BBC Radio London DJ Charlie Gillett, hoping for advice. The band then recorded the song again in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios for its self-titled debut album.

Guitar World ranked the solo No. 7 among the greatest guitar solos, while Rolling Stone included it on its lists of notable guitar performances. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also placed "Sultans of Swing" on its "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" list.

The strange part of "Sultans of Swing" is that its success never followed the usual path.

It was written in 1977, recorded as a demo that helped Dire Straits get noticed, released in 1978, ignored by the charts, reissued in 1979 and then turned into an international hit.

Decades later, its presence on streaming charts showed that the audience for the song had moved beyond the generation that first heard it on radio.

Related: 1988 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 14 Minutes, Is Still a Beloved Hit 38 Years Later

Today's NYT Wordle answer is what you do when you text someone back. 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 #1871 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: Not getting one can be a disappointment.

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 #1871 on Monday, August 3, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Monday, August 3, 2026, is REPLY.

-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)

Few artists have enjoyed the kind of lasting success that Pat Benatar has. The four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has scored 15 Top 40 hits during her career, with “We Belong” becoming one of her signature songs, even though it never climbed to No. 1.  

Released on October 16, 1984, from her fifth studio album, Tropico, and written by Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro, “We Belong” features a different sound in contrast to Benatar’s earlier releases. The power ballad marked a departure from her usual hard rock style, blending shimmering synthesizers, atmospheric production, and an emotional vocal performance from Benatar. 

RELATED: 2002 Hit Song, With 18-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Minivan Rock Songs’ of All Time

Lyrically, “We Belong” finds the iconic powerhouse delivering a heartfelt message to a loved one, insisting that despite the struggles they face, the two ultimately belong together. By emphasizing that love is worth fighting for, Benatar delivers a timeless and universal message about commitment, perseverance, and relationships that are built to last.  

Although Benatar didn’t write “We Belong,” the tune came together in just 90 minutes by its writers. 

"I was lamenting an old relationship, and I wanted to get the point across: 'It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree, if you're here or gone. There are things bigger than both of us, and we belong together,'" Navarro said of the inspiration behind the song, according to The Tennessean. 

"I started with that final line and built everything almost backwards. Then I thought, 'Wouldn't it be fun for us to belong to all of this stuff: the light, the thunder ...' So it came from there."

"I had written this rambling verse. [Eric] goes, 'I don't like the verse. I like this bit, Dan,'" he continued. "He sits down in a corner, writes a first verse, and the first verse was there, whole. And I knew the rest of the song from that point on. I took about ten minutes to write the rest of the lyrics."

Upon release, “We Belong” became a Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, matching the chart success of Benatar’s previous hit, “Love Is a Battlefield.” The track also reached No. 3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and 34 on the Adult Contemporary chart. 

Charts aside, in 1986 “We Belong” earned Benatar a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, placing her in a category alongside fellow contenders, Linda Ronstadt, Tina Turner, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. 

Aside from “We Belong,” Benatar is known for hits like “Heart Breaker,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Shadows of the Night,” “Love Is a Battlefield,” and “All Fired Up.”

Related: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later

The horns are going back up in Birmingham.

Ozzfest, the festival Ozzy Osbourne turned into a rite of passage for metal fans, is returning in 2027, and it is landing at the exact stadium where he took his final bow. In a new interview, Sharon Osbourne confirmed the revival will hit Villa Park, the Birmingham ground that hosted her late husband's farewell show last year.

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A Return to Where He Said Goodbye

"It's going to be at Villa Park again," Sharon said, adding that whether the run is one night or two is up to the fans. The venue choice is loaded. Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa in Ozzy's own hometown, hosted the Back to the Beginning concert in July 2025, a monster send-off that reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup one last time and packed the bill with metal's biggest names. It became Ozzy's final performance before his death at 76 later that month.

Sharon first teased the comeback in December, when she revealed she was in talks with Live Nation. She has framed bringing Ozzfest back as a way to honor Ozzy's love of giving young bands a shot in front of enormous crowds, and she wants the new version to push past pure metal without losing its teeth. The festival will open in the U.K. before crossing to North America, with a lineup she promises is coming soon.

A Back to the Beginning Film Is Coming Too

There is more on the way, too. Sharon confirmed a film of the farewell show is coming. "It will be out this year," she said, thanking the artists and fans who gave up part of their summer to show up. The 2025 concert was a benefit that pulled in stars from across rock and metal, and she insists the momentum is not slowing. "Ozzy's legacy isn't fading," she said.

Ozzfest practically built the modern metal summer. From 1996 to 2018 it was the genre's traveling home base, launching acts like Slipknot and Tool and giving Ozzy a stage to headline with his solo band and Black Sabbath. After a nearly 10-year hiatus, the festival Ozzy loved is coming home to Birmingham.