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Today's NYT Strands Puzzle answer refer to someone who'm always into something bad, and it’s all about staying on the move. Speaking of, 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 #857 on Wednesday, July 8.

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: "Here comes trouble"

A hint for today's Strands game: Naughty!

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• SC
• HE
• RA
• WH
• (SPANGRAM) LI

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for July 8

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, isLITTLEDEVIL.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Wednesday, July 8?

• SCAMP
• HELLION
• RAPSCALLION
• WHIPPERSNAPPER
• SPANGRAM: LITTLEDEVIL

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle takes you to be musical or skilled in cooking or woodworking. 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 #1123 onWednesday, July 8, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Wednesday, July 8, 2026 / New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Wednesday'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 Wednesday, July 8

1. Chefs are good at this.
2. Recurring subject.
3. Grab your six-string.
4. Home, sweet home.

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 Wednesday, July 8:

1. CUT INTO THIN PIECES: GRATE, PLANE, SHAVE, SILVER
2. MOTIF: DRIFT, PLOT, THEME, THREAD
3. GUITAR-PLAYING TECHNIQUES: PICK, PLUCK, STRUM, TAP
4. HOUSE OF ____: CARDS, LORDS, WAX, WORSHIP

How'd you do?

Up Next:

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

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

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Who ever said that in-store shopping was dead?

Among the stops during your visits to the mall back in the day might have been Spencer's — and the popular retailer is still going strong with a recent expansion.

Out of the major project came the reopening of the chain's 60-year-old flagship store in New Jersey, Patch.com reports. It now has a larger sales floor and a new, revamped look for shoppers who are still grasping at that nostalgic thrill of browsing in person. C'mon, online shopping just isn't the same, is it?

Spencer’s held the grand reopening event at Cherry Hill Mall earlier this month, where the chain had opened its first-ever brick-and-mortar store in 1963.

The retailer, known for pop culture gifts, gag items, T-shirts, lava lamps and risqué merchandise, has been part of the mall for more than 60 years, the U.S. Sun reports. Its new location in the mall’s JCPenney wing includes around 2,700 square feet of sales space — reportedly up from about 1,750 square feet at its previous spot.

A plaque outside the store identifies the site as Store #001, honoring Cherry Hill as Spencer’s first retail location. And a faux cornerstone near the entrance also features the year 1947, when the company began as a mail-order catalog business.

The company started as Spencer Gifts in Pennsylvania before taking its current name in 2003. It has since grown to more than 680 stores, as well as an online marketplace.

The chain still sells nostalgic favorites such as whoopee cushions and lava lamps, but its product range has also expanded heavily over the generations, the U.S. Sun also noted.

"Spencer's is about self-expression and discovering something unexpected," Lori Tesoro, Spencer's director of public relations, recently told Patch. "We want customers to leave having had fun and feeling like Spencer's is a place they can always be themselves, no matter who that is."

On what would have been Toby Keith's 65th birthday, fans are remembering the country icon through the song that started it all.

Long before hits like "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue," "Beer for My Horses" and "As Good as I Once Was," Keith introduced himself to country music with "Should've Been a Cowboy." Released in 1993 as his debut single, the song quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, launching a career that would span more than three decades.

But its success didn't end there.

"Should've Been a Cowboy" went on to become the most-played country song of the 1990s on radio, racking up more than three million spins and cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the decade. More than 30 years after its release, the track remains one of Keith's signature songs and continues to find new audiences.

Fans are still celebrating the song online.

On Reddit, fans are calling the Keith tune "one of many of his best songs!"

"The older I get the more I appreciate his older music and purposefully try to forget his newer stuff," another added.

"I'll always love this one," another fan chimed in. "One of the few songs I can recite nearly every word without hearing a lick of it."

Others called the song their "go-to" for karaoke.

Keith once revealed the inspiration for the song came after watching an older man get turned down for a dance at a bar, only to see a younger cowboy arrive moments later and win the woman's attention. The moment sparked the now-famous title and eventually became one of country music's biggest crossover hits.

Keith died on Feb. 5, 2024, at age 62 after battling stomach cancer. However, his music continues to resonate with fans old and new.

Following his death, "Should've Been a Cowboy" returned to the country charts, a testament to the enduring popularity of the song that introduced the world to one of country music's biggest stars.

RELATED: In 1976, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings Came Together for Two Outlaw Country Classics

Today's NYT Wordle can refer to a evil spirit. 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 #1845 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are two vowels 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: It refers to an evil, malevolent supernatural entity.

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 #1845 on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, is DEMON.

-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)

There's been a zombie outbreak at Universal Horror Unleashed as the world of Resident Evil arrives at AREA15 Las Vegas. Situated just off the strip, the immersive play side quest destination welcomes longtime Capcom franchise gamers and zombie fanatics to join up with Raccoon City Police Department icons we have known and loved since those early PlayStation days for an officially playable survival mission.

Related: Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Unleashes An '80s Cult Classic for the First Time

Resident Evil T-Virus Reeks Havoc in Vegas This Summer

Universal Horror Unleashed is a walk-through of Racoon City, where Gen X and Millennial game devotees can explore the lore of the Resident Evil universe. Through puzzles meant to evoke the game franchise's signature item and lock mechanics, the gamified pick-your-own-adventure experience will have you interact with the RPD to explore zones that will have those familiar with the original series geeking out.

Universal Horror Unleashed

Essentially, it's a more hands-on version of Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights haunted house offerings, where guests will be led by fan-favorite game icons Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon S. Kennedy as they take on a horde of T-virus-infected zombies led by Nemesis through various escape room-esque tasks. Just don't touch the zombies or characters, of course.

Related: 'Resident Evil' Star Steps Out With Look-Alike Daughter for Rare Red Carpet Appearance Together

Zombie bites and Umbrella Corporation-sanctioned virus shots galore

Yes, that's right, there are T-virus-inspired drinks, and yes, they're Jell-O shots that come in syringes packaged in an Umbrella Corporation suitcase. As circulated by fans online, this showstopper social media foodie moment is a must for Resident Evil fans. Haunt news correspondent HHN Speculation Matt shared a look at them online, revealing that the "flavors are cherry, blueberry, and green apple!" in a TikTok post.

@hhnspeculationmatt

Check out the T-Virus Trio! This is a must have during your visit to the Resident Evil summer event at Universal Horror Unleashed! Flavors are cherry, blueberry, and green apple! #UniversalHorrorUnleashed #ResidentEvil #ResidentEvilBiohazard #UniversalStudios #Universal @Universal Horror Unleashed

♬ Resident Evil 4 Remake - Shooting Range Bonus Theme - Extended Instrumental Version - Piano Vampire

Additionally, a curated themed menu will be available at Universal Horror Unleashed, featuring more food and drinks inspired by the Resident Evil game universe with Umbrella Corp. motifs and Easter egg fun.

Universal Horror Unleashed

While there have been similar official Resident Evil offerings over at Universal Studios Japan during their Horror Nights events in years past, we're glad to see the hype certainly demanded it to become a reality for U.S. fans, too. This summerween experience marks the first stateside collaboration for the Capcom video game series and comes with general admission to Universal Horror Unleashed. It joins the current slate of haunted mazes also included in GA based on The Universal Monsters, Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and their original theme park universe concept,Scarecrow: The Reaping.

Tickets and additional details are available at UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.

July 7 marks a milestone for one of the musicians behind a beloved era of 1960s rock.

Warren Entner, the singer, guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter best known for his work with The Grass Roots, turns 82 on July 7. As a founding member of the band's classic lineup, he contributed to a run of songs that kept The Grass Roots on radio playlists for generations.

The Grass Roots began as a studio project created by songwriters P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri before evolving into a full performing band. Its best-known lineup came together when Entner joined Rob Grill, Creed Bratton and Rick Coonce, bringing together the four members who would become most closely tied to the band’s breakthrough years.

With Entner in the lineup, the band became known for a polished, harmony-driven sound that helped define its biggest years. Blending rock, pop and folk-rock, The Grass Roots built a style that made the group one of the most recognizable acts of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The band's biggest hits included "Let's Live for Today," "Midnight Confessions," "I'd Wait a Million Years," "Temptation Eyes," "Sooner or Later" and "Two Divided by Love." Those songs helped The Grass Roots become one of the era's most dependable hit-making bands, with multiple Top 10 singles and a long stretch of chart success.

According to the band's official page, "Only nine bands in the history of Rock 'n' Roll — including The Beatles — have charted more hits on Billboard's Hot 100."

Entner was an important part of the lineup behind that success. His vocals, guitar work and songwriting helped support the band's signature sound, while his presence gave The Grass Roots an important creative anchor during their most successful years. On recordings like "Let's Live for Today" and "Midnight Confessions," Entner's contributions remain tied to the songs that continue to define the band's legacy.

After leaving The Grass Roots, Entner built another successful career behind the scenes as a music manager, representing and guiding rock acts across later decades. That second chapter demonstrated another level of his influence, proving that his understanding of the music world extended far beyond performing.

Now, as Warren Entner celebrates his 82nd birthday, his career remains tied to one of the most memorable stretches of 1960s and 1970s rock. Through his work with The Grass Roots and his later years in music management, Entner helped shape songs, careers and sounds that still hold a place in rock history.

Related: Founding Member of Iconic '70s Rock Band Turns 70

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In the wake of her star-studded July 3 wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, just about everyone is talking about Taylor Swift right now. The pop icon's nuptials have inspired waves of speculation and frenzied searches for detail about everything from her dress to the guest list to the menu. If all the Taylor Swift talk has you in the mood to channel her style, Amazon has a great deal lined up for fans. The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Tennis Sneakers, which Taylor wore in her Opalite music video released in early 2026, are up to 53% off right now.

These iconic kicks, beloved for their retro design and impressive comfort, are now as low as $40, down from $85. The shoes rarely go on sale, and their current price tag on Amazon is the lowest in months. So, this is your cue if you want to emulate Swift's style with classic sneakers that "look cute with any outfit," according to shoppers.

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Tennis Sneakers, From $40 (were $85) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

With over 1,700 five-star reviews, these shoes are evidently a shopper favorite. Taylor paired hers with a vibrant, retro tracksuit look for her music video, but you'll find these sneakers look just as perfect with jeans, bike shorts, or even a flouncy sundress. 

The soft, leather upper means maximum comfort and no creasing, so these are perfect for channeling your inner superstar at the grocery store or at your next concert. If you want that effortless look, the Club C sneakers are your go-to, whether you're headed to brunch, work, or just stepping our for errands.

Available in seven colors, including classic white, chalk, and black bases, these Reebok sneakers come in a full range of women's sizes from 5 to 11. With their cushy foam liner, durable rubber sole, and retro silhouette, it's no wonder thousands of reviewers swear by them for style and comfort.

“These shoes go with just about every outfit and are so comfortable,” one reviewer wrote. Another raved that they’re great for travel: “I wore these all over Europe for a summer and my feet didn’t hurt! They are still in great shape and look cute with any outfit.” 

Related: Book Lovers Are ‘Obsessed’ With Amazon’s $20 Folding Lamp That Looks Like a Real Novel

If you want to add a Taylor Swift-approved style to your wardrobe, this deal is definitely worth a look before it comes to an end. Snag these $40 Reebok Club C 85 sneakers now to lock in this rare low price!

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.

Some songs never lose their emotional pull, no matter who sings them.

That has certainly been the case for "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight." Originally recorded by England Dan & John Ford Coley in 1976, the heartfelt power ballad became one of the defining soft rock hits of the decade. Nineteen years later, Dan Seals revisited the song as a solo artist, giving longtime fans a fresh take on the classic while introducing it to a new generation.

The original became an instant success.

Written by Parker McGee, "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" was released as the lead single from Nights Are Forever. The song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart, helping establish England Dan & John Ford Coley as one of the premier soft rock duos of the 1970s.

Its enduring appeal comes from both its lyrics and its musical build.

While "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" is often remembered as a gentle soft rock ballad, it also fits the mold of a power ballad thanks to its gradual emotional progression. Beginning with an intimate acoustic arrangement and understated vocals, the song steadily builds through layered harmonies, richer instrumentation and a soaring chorus that amplifies its heartfelt plea without sacrificing its mellow sound.

Initially, Seals and Ford Coley weren't interested in recording the would-be hit. "When they brought us 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight,' we didn’t want to do that song," Ford Coley said in a 2018 interview. "We only wanted to do the songs that we had written, and that we were close to."

Their decision to record the song was a game-changer.

"We learned to just grab the best song no matter who wrote it," Ford Coley told Classic Bands.

The chemistry between Seals and Ford Coley became one of the duo’s trademarks, and the conversational delivery of the lyrics gave the song a warmth that resonated with audiences. Along with hits like "Nights Are Forever Without You" and "We'll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again," it helped define the smooth, melodic sound that dominated adult contemporary radio throughout the late 1970s.

In 1995, Seals returned to one of his signature recordings.

By then, he had already enjoyed tremendous success as a country artist, scoring multiple No. 1 hits after launching his solo career in the 1980s. His re-recording of "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" retained the song's unmistakable melody but reflected the more polished production and mature vocal style he had developed over the years. The updated arrangement leaned further into adult contemporary and country-pop influences while preserving the tenderness that made the original such a classic.

The two versions offer an interesting snapshot of Seals' musical journey. The 1976 recording captures the youthful harmonies and breezy sound of England Dan & John Ford Coley at the height of the soft rock era, while the 1995 rendition presents the song through the voice of an artist with nearly two decades of additional life and musical experience.

"It made us overnight successes," Seals later told The Oklahoman of the song.

Nearly 50 years after it first climbed the charts, "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" remains one of soft rock's most enduring love songs. Reimagined 19 years later by Dan Seals himself, the timeless ballad proved that great songs can evolve alongside the artists who first brought them to life.

Related: 1979 Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song, Became a Breakup Anthem

Over four decades since the inception of his career, country music iconRandy Travis is back on the charts.

It's been more than 40 years since Travis dropped his first single, but 23 studio albums and 16 No. 1s later, he's back on the current Billboard charts.

According to new chart standings dated the week of July 11, Travis' 2009 compilation album, I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits Of Randy Travis, re-entered Billboard's Top Country Albums chart at No. 50, bringing its total number of weeks spent on the chart to 113.

The record previously peaked on the same chart just weeks after its release, when it debuted at No. 3 in April 2009.

I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis, which is one of several compilation albums in Travis' catalog, houses 32 tracks, including some of the defining songs of his career, like "Forever And Ever, Amen," "It's Just A Matter Of Time," "I Told You So" and more.

It also features two of Travis' iconic duets: "We're Strangers Again" with Tammy Wynette and "A Few Ole Country Boys" with George Jones, as well as Travis' first-ever No. 1 hit, "On the Other Hand," which reached the top of the Hot Country Songs chart in 1986 and became the first of Travis' 16 songs to do so.

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Randy Travis' 16 No. 1 Hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart:

1. "On the Other Hand"
2. "Three Wooden Crosses"
3. "Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart"
4. "It's Just a Matter of Time"
5. "Forever and Ever, Amen"
6. "I Won't Need You Anymore (Always and Forever)"
7. "Diggin' Up Bones"
8. "Forever Together"
9. "If I Didn't Have You"
10. "Look Heart, No Hands"
11. "Whisper My Name"
12. "Too Gone Too Long"
13. "I Told You So"
14. "Deeper Than the Holler"
15. "Honky Tonk Moon"
16. "Is It Still Over"

Related: Powerful Country Song, Inspired by an American Tragedy, Became a 5-Week No. 1 Hit

One legendary rocker whose career started in the 1960s doesn't show any signs of slowing down this year as he shares an exciting career announcement in the middle of his ongoing 2026 tour.

Carlos Santana announced on social media on July 7 that he was adding a few more dates to his Las Vegas, Nev., residency scheduled for later this year. He took to Instagram, writing in a message for fans, "Carlos Santana is excited to announce November 2026 performances of An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live: Presented by @SiriusXM at @hoblasvegas inside @mandalaybay."

"The residency is in its 14th year at the intimate House of Blues, featuring unparalleled dynamic energy from Carlos and his band. The concert is a must-see live experience for fans of the award-winning artist," the caption went on.

While there were already a few shows set for September as part of the residency, the new announcement revealed several new shows in November. The post also shared information on how people can get their hands on tickets for the show, noting that they will go on sale on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. PT.

View this post on Instagram

As Santana makes the announcement, he's in the middle of his ongoing 2026 Oneness Tour with the Doobie Brothers. He is touring around North America right now, with his latest show in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on July 5.

Related: ’80s Rock Icon Says He Would "Rather Die" Than Reunite With Former Bandmates

Santana's next show is set for Charlotte, N.C., on July 8, followed by Atlanta, Ga., on July 9. His setlist includes many of his biggest hits over the years, including "Black Magic Woman," "Hope You're Feeling Better," "Maria Maria," and "Soul Sacrifice."

His concerts with the Doobie Brothers go to the end of August. Santana then has a small break before he returns to the stage for two Santa Barbara Bowl shows. He then jumps right into his Las Vegas residency a few days later.

Related: ’80s Rock Legend Performs in the U.K. For First Time in 31 Years

Heartbreak has inspired countless classic songs, but few sound as joyous as "Heartache Tonight."

Released in 1979, the Eagles' rollicking rocker turned the pain of a failing relationship into an infectious singalong, helping the band score another No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. More than four decades later, the song remains one of the Eagles’ defining recordings and a timeless breakup anthem.

The song was born from a remarkable songwriting collaboration.

"Heartache Tonight" was written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bob Seger and J.D. Souther, four of rock's most accomplished songwriters. The idea originated during a phone conversation between Frey and Seger, who began tossing musical ideas back and forth before the song gradually took shape with contributions from Henley and Souther.

"We were just walking around clapping our hands and snapping fingers and singing the verses to those songs. The melody sounds very much like those Sam Cooke shuffles," Souther told Rolling Stone. "There's not much to it. I mean, it's really just two long verses. But it felt really good. You can get a feel for how something's going to come out sometimes."

Released as the lead single from The Long Run, the track showcased a grittier, more rock-oriented sound than many of the Eagles’ earlier hits. Driven by pounding piano, energetic guitar riffs and one of the band's most memorable vocal performances, "Heartache Tonight" captured the emotional highs and lows that often accompany the end of a relationship.

Listeners immediately embraced it.

The single became the Eagles' final chart-topping hit in the United States. It also earned the band the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, further cementing its place among the biggest songs of 1979.

While the lyrics acknowledge the inevitability of heartbreak, the song's upbeat rhythm and celebratory chorus helped distinguish it from more traditional ballads about lost love. That contrast has made it a favorite for generations of listeners, proving that even songs about breakups can be irresistibly fun.

Over the decades, "Heartache Tonight" has remained a staple of classic rock radio and one of the highlights of the Eagles'’' live performances. Its unmistakable groove and universal theme have ensured its place alongside enduring favorites like "Hotel California," "Take It Easy" and "Life in the Fast Lane."

And though fans have often asked if Bob Seger will ever perform his own version of the song, it's not likely.

"I don't want to face a lifetime of singing that onstage," Seger explained to USA Today. "It's hard to sing! It's at the highest end of my range, really blasting it. Glenn sang the crap out of that."

More than 45 years after topping the charts, "Heartache Tonight" continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

"The Long Run became, indeed, the long run," Frey later told Cameron Crowe, reflecting on how long it took to produce the album. "It was a difficult record to make overall, but I loved 'Heartache Tonight.'"

What began as a collaboration among four legendary songwriters ultimately became one of rock's greatest breakup anthems and one of the Eagles' most enduring classics.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Originally a Soft Rock Ballad, Remains a Classic on the Fourth of July

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Finding an affordable couch that feels roomy and comfortable can be tricky, especially if you’re working with an apartment, small living room, or first-place budget. Fortunately, Walmart is running a flash deal on the Vanress Modular Boneless Cloud Couch right now, and the black version is marked down to just $260 from $499. It also comes in four other colors, including camel, dark grey, green, and white, with left-facing and right-facing chaise options available.

The couch measures 96.1 inches wide by 61.4 inches deep by 32.6 inches high and seats four. It has a boneless, modular design with a chaise, soft corduroy fabric, high-resilience foam, and coil spring construction. It’s also designed to be rearranged or separated to fit your space, so it can serve as an L-shaped couch or be moved around when you need a different layout.

Vanress Modular Boneless Cloud Couch, From $260 (was $499) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmar

Shop at Walmart

Anyone who has ever ordered furniture online knows the dread of opening a huge box and finding a bag of hardware, confusing instructions, and three hours of work ahead. This one arrives compressed and expands after opening, reaching its full shape in about 72 hours, so you can skip the tools and still get the payoff of a full sectional-style couch. 

One reviewer said it’s "great for apartments or small areas," and "comfortable within minutes of opening." Another shopper wrote, "This couch is the comfiest purchase I've made in a while," while a third called it "nice and comfortable,” adding that it "looks exactly like the picture."

Related: Walmart’s ‘Very Firm’ $100 Folding Floor Sofa is a Hosting Game-Changer for Small Spaces

Thanks to its versatile modular design, you can keep this sofa as a chaise couch for movie nights, separate the pieces when you need more floor space, or shift the layout to fit where it works best in the room. It would work well in a living room, guest room, apartment, or playroom, especially if you want something soft and casual.

Shop More Deals

• Soulart U-Shaped Modular Sectional Couch, From $408 (was $1,024) at Walmart
• Aiho Modern Loveseat Sofa, $140 (was $220) at Walmart
• Patbrela 3-Seater Couch, $236 (was $360) at Walmart

If you’ve been searching for a couch that feels cozy without spending $500 or more, the Vanress Modular Boneless Cloud Couch is a must-see deal. Between the chaise shape, corduroy fabric, modular pieces, and zero-assembly setup, it checks a lot of boxes for a small-space sofa. Be sure to grab it while the flash deal is still live 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.

American author and memoirist James Frey burst onto the literary scene in 2003 with his memoir titled A Million Little Pieces.The book is marketed as a story of addiction, crime, mental health, rehab, and eventual sobriety, detailing Frey's recovery at 23 from drug addiction and alcoholism. The memoir goes through Frey's time in a facility and a 12-step program, and the different characters he meets on his journey of recovery.

Upon its publication in April of 2003, A Million Little Pieces was selected to be a part of Oprah's Book Club, skyrocketing sales. The memoir shot to the number-one paperback non-fiction book slot on Amazon, and it topped The New York Times Best Seller list for fifteen straight weeks at the time.

As of 2026, the book is still immensely popular among readers, with Goodreads ranking it as one of the "Best Books of the 21st Century."

Tim Boyle / Getty Images

Upon being selected for Oprah's Book Club and the book's immense popularity, the publication The Smoking Gun conducted a six-week investigation into the book's authenticity. In early 2006, they published an article titled "A Million Little Lies" debunking major sections of Frey's work. What began as just a search for Frey's mugshot ended up uncovering discrepancies in his rehab stay, his criminal record, the people he claimed to have met in the facility, and his overall life.

After the inquiries began to rise, Frey appeared with his publisher, Nan A. Talese, on The Oprah Winfrey Show. During the interview, Frey admitted that some of his demons had caused him to fabricate sections of the novel, and Talese admitted that little had been done to fact-check the book despite it being marketed as "brutally honest" and a work of "non-fiction."

As a result of the controversy, Frey was dropped by his literary manager, and the Penguin imprint Riverhead Books dropped a two-book deal with him, a deal that was valued at an estimated seven figures. Additionally, Random House included Frey's New York Times statement in all future prints of A Million Little Pieces. The publishing house also reached a settlement with Frey in which readers who felt they had been subject to fraud by Frey could request a refund.

Despite this (and as evidenced by the Goodreads inclusion), A Million Little Pieces has been published in almost 30 languages across the world and has sold over 5 million copies.

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Related: 2025 Epic Dystopian Bestseller Is Ranked a 'Most Read Book of the Year,' According to Goodreads

Creating a welcoming home starts long before guests step through the front door. First impressions matter, and homeowners are paying more attention than ever to the small details that elevate their spaces. From seasonal decorations to practical outdoor accessories, consumers continue searching for affordable ways to improve curb appeal without taking on expensive renovation projects.

One of the biggest home décor trends right now revolves around simple upgrades that combine functionality with style. Shoppers are increasingly focused on products that not only enhance the appearance of their homes but also serve a practical purpose. Entryways have become a major focal point because they set the tone for the rest of the home. As a result, affordable accessories that help keep homes cleaner while adding visual interest appeal to shoppers seeking to maximize value.

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Coir Doormat, $6.59 at Hobby Lobby

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Among the standout options gaining attention is the Coir Doormat, available for just $6.59. This budget-friendly home essential delivers both practicality and versatility, making it an attractive choice for homeowners, renters and even DIY enthusiasts looking for a customizable project.

Measuring 18 inches by 30 inches, the doormat provides ample space for guests and family members to wipe their shoes before entering the home. Its natural brown color offers a timeless look that complements a wide variety of exterior design styles, from traditional and farmhouse-inspired homes to modern and minimalist spaces. Neutral home décor products continue to perform well because they blend effortlessly with changing seasonal decorations and outdoor accessories.

The doormat is constructed with durability in mind. The front surface is made of 100 percent coir, a natural fiber commonly used in doormats for its ability to remove dirt and debris from footwear. Meanwhile, the backing consists of 100 percent PVC, helping provide stability and support while keeping the mat securely positioned near doorways.

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Beyond their intended use as standard welcome mats, many shoppers are finding creative ways to personalize coir doormats through custom designs, painted graphics and engraving projects. DIY home décor remains a growing trend as consumers seek opportunities to add personal touches to their living spaces without spending a fortune.

Customer feedback highlights this versatility. One satisfied buyer, Bob Zacher, shared, "Great mat for my engraving needs. Will be back for more as needed." Reviews like this demonstrate how consumers are discovering additional uses beyond traditional entryway applications, making products like this even more appealing.

The growing demand for affordable home improvement products reflects a larger shift in consumer spending habits. Rather than investing heavily in major renovations, many shoppers are opting for smaller purchases that make noticeable improvements. A simple addition like a durable doormat can instantly make an entryway feel cleaner, more inviting and more polished.

At just $6.59, the Coir Doormat offers the practical value shoppers continue to seek. It offers durability, functionality and decorative potential while remaining budget-friendly enough for nearly any household. As home organization and curb appeal trends continue to gain momentum, products like this are proving that sometimes the smallest upgrades can make the biggest impact.

Related: Shoppers Can't Get Enough of Hobby Lobby's 'Comfy,' 'Huggable' and Beautiful Home Essential

Parker McCollum, the beloved country star, has teased fans with another major milestone.

Amid his extensive 2026 tour, the singer-songwriter revealed plans for the next chapter of his music career, which includes a new album.

In a social media post, the 34-year-old revealed that he is working on an upcoming acoustic album.

“L.A. bound,” he said on his Instagram Story, adding, “Four days recording an acoustic album for you guys. No idea where this is about to go. We will find the edge.”

The announcement marks six years after McCollum earned the first No. 1 hit of his career.

Parker McCollum poses for a portrait at MCM Hollywood Hills Recording Studio in 2025.

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images

In 2020, he released his breakout track “Pretty Heart,” which became his multi-platinum major-label debut single.

The single secured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Airplay and spent 52 weeks on the chart.

McCollum later earned two more No. 1 songs on the Billboard charts with “To Be Loved By You” in 2022 and “Burn It Down” in 2024.

The news of the country star’s upcoming album did not come as a surprise to his loyal supporters.

In fact, he had hinted at working on a new record in 2024 during an interview with Holler.

At the time, he talked about his desire to release a fully acoustic record.

“The records I put out when I was independent were rawer and not as pretty-sounding, and I like that,” McCollum shared, noting that he had been an independent artist for the first six years of his career. “But at the same time, I wanted a big clean record. That's what my heroes have, what George Strait and John Mayer have. Even so, some days, I want to give a song more of that acoustic, stripped-back feel. Other days, I want every instrument and every bit of production I can get on it. So I try to walk that line.”

Moreover, he said he wanted to move away from “clean and polished production” and instead return to the raw, authentic sound that defined his early career.

“Now it's time to find my way back to how I first started making records,” he added. “That's really what I'm looking to do on this next album. I'm cutting a new path back to the old me.”

Apart from his upcoming acoustic album, the multi-instrumentalist started the year with a string of shows and is currently continuing his U.S. tour through November.

Moreover, he also has a powerhouse lineup of special guests, including Vincent Mason, Jackson Wendell, Aubrie Sellers and Logan Ryan Band, who will perform on selected dates.

Related: Country Music Star, With Best-Selling '90s Song, Involved in First-Ever Move

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Mushroom motifs are one of the coziest decor trends of 2026, adding a cottage-inspired feel to everything from planters and table lamps to everyday kitchen essentials. If you've been looking for an easy way to try the trend, this affordable Martha Stewart set at Amazon is worth considering. 

The online retailer is currently offering Martha Stewart’s Woodland Harvest Jacquard Mushroom Kitchen Towel Set for just $12. That breaks down to just $6 per towel! Made from 100% cotton, they feature a woven mushroom pattern that blends beautifully with most kinds of decor. Shoppers have been impressed with the set, with one reviewer calling the towels "very cute and good quality."

Martha Stewart Woodland Harvest Jacquard Mushroom Kitchen Towel Set, $12 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Measuring 16 by 28 inches, each 100% cotton towel features a woven jacquard mushroom motif with a soft, textured finish. The two-pack is machine washable and includes convenient hanging loops, so you can keep the towels close by or let them air-dry after use. 

Reviewers were impressed by both the set’s charming mushroom design and everyday durability. "These towels are just too cute. The color is nice, and they seem high quality," one shopper wrote. Another shared that they "love the mushroom print."

According to reviewers, the towels are also soft, thick, and highly absorbent, making them a reliable choice for drying dishes and cleaning up spills. "These towels are top quality. Soft and thick," one reviewer wrote. Another described them as "very high quality" and "soft, absorbent, and durable."

Even after regular use, shoppers said the towels continue to look and perform well. One reviewer noted that they "launder well and do not shrink," adding that the quality was so impressive they're "going to buy another set."

Part of Martha Stewart's Woodland Harvest collection, the towels are also available in a sunflower print for shoppers who prefer a different nature-inspired look. They also make a thoughtful hostess or housewarming gift.

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For anyone looking to bring cozy, whimsical style in their kitchen while keeping things budget-friendly, the Martha Stewart Woodland Harvest Jacquard Mushroom Kitchen Towel 2-Pack Set is an easy addition for just $12. Be sure to grab yours while it’s still in stock and available at this price!

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Most 18-year-olds are still in the process of figuring out what to do with their lives, but some manage to accomplish some pretty amazing things...like writing hit songs. Something about the '60s produced a surprising number of teenage musical prodigies: The Yardbirds' "For Your Love" was written by Graham Gouldman when he was just 18; Van Morrison wrote Them's classic "Gloria" when he was the same age. And years before Jimmy Webb became known as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, when he, too, was only 18, he wrote the record-breaking hit, "Up, Up and Away."

Recorded by 5th Dimension with members of the Wrecking Crew in 1967, "Up, Up and Away" sailed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year; in 1968, it set a standalone record for the most Grammys won by a single song by nabbing six awards. In 1999, longtime music rights management behemoth BMI ranked "Up, Up and Away" at #43 on a list of the "Top 100 Songs of the Century."

But as Webb told the Wall Street Journal in 2021, he was just a broke college student when he wrote the future hit.

"I was going through a frustrating period in 1965," Webb recalled. "Living in San Bernardino, Calif., I was failing badly in my junior-college music program. Most of my spare time was spent in Hollywood trying to break into the music business. My heart wasn’t in my studies."

"To make matters worse, I was almost 18 with no viable means of support," he continued. "My family had moved back to Oklahoma, and I was rooming with identical twins. All of us ate the same pizza and went to the all-you-can-eat bar at King Buffet twice a week."

While freelancing as a songwriter in Hollywood, Webb became friends with radio DJWilliam F. Williams from KMEN-AM in San Bernardino.

"One day Willie came by campus to hear me play some of my songs," Webb explained. "Then he drove us out to this hot dog stand where KMEN was broadcasting a promo for the place. If you knew what time it was, you got a free hot dog. At the stand, KMEN had a hot-air balloon in an adjacent lot. As part of the promo, it went up about 100 feet with the station’s letters on the side. The balloon was tethered to the ground."

As Webb and Williams walked towards the balloon, Williams asked what turned out to be a very inspirational question: “Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?”

"I was an aviation nut. My greatest joy growing up was building model planes with my father," Webb said. "We jumped in the basket, they fired up the balloon and we slowly began to rise. The ascent was an epiphany. It was a beautiful day and the sun splashed across the balloon’s surface. Looking up inside, the bright colors seemed like a cathedral’s stained-glass window."

Williams and Webb were so impressed, they joked around about making a "teen beach" movie, but "in the desert about ballooning." Webb agreed to write the music for the theoretical film.

Back on campus, Webb got right to work.

"I wrote a song for the balloon movie in about 40 minutes," Webb said. "I used a line from Superman for the title and chorus line. On the radio, when I was a kid, Superman would say 'Up! Up! And Away!' just before he flew off."

Williams never got around to writing a film treatment for the teen balloon movie, but that wasn't the end of the story for "Up, Up and Away."

"By 1966, I was working as a songwriter for singer Johnny Rivers," Webb said. "He had just signed a new group, the 5th Dimension, to his Soul City record label. I wrote five of the 11 songs they wound up recording on their first album. One was 'Up, Up and Away.'"

The rest, as they say, is music history.

Related: How This Legendary Singer-Songwriter's '60s Classic Became a #1 Dance Hit — and a 'Seinfeld' Plot Line

One of the biggest names in classic rock history, musician Sammy Hagar, finally stepped back on stage in the United Kingdom after 31 years. On July 6, the former Van Halen lead vocalist performed in Wolverhampton, England, making it his first U.K. show since touring with his former band in 1995.

The show was a stop on his Best of All Worlds tour, which began in early June. He first completed a bunch of shows in North America, and Hagar's now finishing up his U.K. tour with a few nights in London, England.

Hagar, who is known as the "Red Rocker," participated in Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning show in July 2025 in Birmingham, England, but the new show was his first official concert in the U.K. since the 1995 Van Halen show for the Balance Tour.

The rock legend started off the Wolverhampton concert with the track “There’s Only One Way to Rock," while other hits that were a part of the setlist included “Best of Both Worlds,” “I Can't Drive 55,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love.”

Related: ’90s Rock Band Announces First New Album in 28 Years

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Hagar shared a post on Instagram remembering his performance with Black Sabbath about a year ago as he got ready for the 2026 Wolverhampton show. He wrote, "It’s just coincidence but what a trip to be playing Birmingham (Wolverhampton) tonight 7- 6–26. Is everybody ready to rock? we certainly are!"

In the comments, there were plenty of fans of Hagar's who were traveling from other parts of United Kingdom and Europe just to see him perform at this show. One such fan wrote, "I'm flying over from Ireland for the gig in Wolverhampton tonight. Can hardly wait."

Another claimed they were at Hagar's show in England back in 1995, replying, "See you tonight @sammyhagar last time was Wembley 95!" They finally got the chance to see him perform in the area again after so many years.

Related: '80s New Wave Frontman Says He ‘Can’t Imagine’ Making Another Album Following Long-Awaited Return

Rock history is filled with stories of highly misunderstood songs, and it seems like a fair amount of them were by the Beatles. This makes sense, of course. The Fab Four's lyrics weren't always that straightforward; plus, everybody assumed everything was a drug reference during the '60s and '70s. Sometimes that wasn't true: John Lennon insisted "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" was about a picture drawn by his son, not LSD. However, Lennon also revealed that another Beatles classic really was inspired by psychedelic experiences...in addition to one of the most surreal novels of all time.

Released on the 1967 Magical Mystery Tour album, "I Am the Walrus" has been puzzling listeners for decades:

Yellow matter custard
Dripping from a dead dog's eye
Crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess
Boy, you've been a naughty girl, you let your knickers down

I am the egg man (oh)
They are the egg men (oh)
I am the walrus, goo-goo, g'joob

Who is the walrus? For that matter, who is the egg man? As it turns out, the song was confusing because Lennon wanted it to be; he wrote the seemingly nonsensical words out of frustration when he found out that people (even students) were analyzing Beatles' lyrics. However, as Lennon told David Sheff of Playboy in 1980 (later quoted in Sheff's book, All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview With John Lennon and Yoko Ono), his imagination got a little hallucinogenic boost.

"The first line was written on one acid trip one weekend," Lennon recalled. "The second line was written on the next acid trip the next weekend, and it was filled in after I met Yoko...I'd seen Allen Ginsberg and some other people who liked [Bob] Dylan and Jesus going on about Hare Krishna. It was Ginsberg, in particular, I was referring to. The words 'Element'ry penguin' meant that it's naïve to just go around chanting Hare Krishna or putting all your faith in one idol. In those days I was writing obscurely, à la Dylan."

As Lennon went on to explain, Lewis Carroll's 1871 poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" (which appeared in his dark children's fantasy novelThrough the Looking Glass) also influenced the lyrics for "I Am the Walrus," though he later realized he got the meaning of the poem wrong.

"It never dawned on me that Lewis Carroll was commenting on the capitalist system," Lennon said. "I never went into that bit about what he really meant, like people are doing with the Beatles' work. Later, I went back and looked at it and realized that the walrus was the bad guy in the story and the carpenter was the good guy. I thought, Oh, s—t, I picked the wrong guy. I should have said, 'I am the carpenter.' But that wouldn't have been the same, would it? [Sings, laughing] 'I am the carpenter...'"

You might think that Lennon's explanations would have put all the speculation about "I Am the Walrus" to rest, but that's not at all what happened...especially because Lennon stoked the fire himself with the lyrics to another Beatles song, "Glass Onion" (on the 1968 double album The Beatles, better known as the White Album):

I told you about the walrus and me, man
You know that we're as close as can be, man
Well here's another clue for you all
The walrus was Paul

"I threw the line in — 'the Walrus was Paul' — just to confuse everybody a bit more," Lennon was quoted as saying in The Beatles Anthology.

"It could have been 'the fox terrier is Paul,'" he continued. "I mean, it's just a bit of poetry. I was having a laugh because there'd been so much gobbledygook about Pepper — play it backwards and you stand on your head and all that."

All these years later, the fact that fans remain unconvinced there's not a deeper meaning behind both "I Am the Walrus" and "Glass Onion" proves they're poetry indeed.

Related: 1969 Timeless Love Anthem Recorded 57 Years Ago Today Was Banned Before Becoming a Classic