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Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle explores things that happen in an instant, shades of red, toy car brands and common spreadsheet functions

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 #1181 on Friday, September 4, 2026.

New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Friday’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

1. That was fast!
2. Like crimson and scarlet.
3. Tiny vehicles.
4. Think Microsoft Excel.

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

1. TWO SHAKE OF A LAMB’S TAIL: BLINK, FLASH, HEARTBEAT, TRICE
2. SHADE OF RED: CARMINE, CINNABAR, MAROON, VERMILLION
3. TOY CAR BRANDS: HOT WHEELS, MATCHBOX, MICRO MACHINES, TONKA
4. SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS: AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, SUM

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, Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Bill Murray, the acclaimed actor known for delivering some of Hollywood’s most memorable comedic performances, starred in the 1980 movie Caddyshack, which became a cult favorite over the years.

Directed by Harold Ramis, the movie centers on the wealthy members of the fictional exclusive Bushwood Country Club and its overworked teenage caddies, whose lives become entangled in the club’s hilarious chaos.

Forty-six years after its release, the comedy film remains a standout, earning a spot as one of the best screen comedies ever made.

Variety unveiled its curated list of the 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time, spanning everything from classic slapstick and farce to dark comedy and romantic comedies. The list celebrates some of the industry’s most iconic and enduring comedic films.

Orion Pictures/Getty Images

While timeless films like The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, Some Like It Hot and Annie Hall secured the top three spots, Murray’s Caddyshack ranked at No. 22.

Described by the outlet as “teasingly outrageous sports farce,” the film showcased different types of comedy in one movie, accompanied by memorable comic performances, particularly the “Debonair WASP mockery of Chevy Chase,” who played the character of wealthy businessman and laid-back golfer Ty Webb, and the “cuddly grunge of Bill Murray,” who portrayed Carl Spackler, an eccentric greenskeeper.

In addition to Variety, Paste Magazine also included Caddyshack in its list of 100 Best Comedies of All Time at No. 34.

Apart from its star-studded cast, what made the movie hilariously memorable was Bill Murray’s iconic “Cinderella story” monologue, which was initially not part of the script.

According to the director, he trusted the cast to use improvisation as a legitimate acting technique.

“We always trusted improvisation. It never felt like we were ad-libbing and winging it,” he said in an excerpt published by GOLF.com, adding, “It’s an actual technique and a method that allows you to create material instantly. It’s not grabbed out of thin air.”

The lead star, on the other hand, mentioned having “fun” with the improvisation and said he had no difficulties coming up with the lines.

“I was good back in those days,” he said, as mentioned by Farout Magazine. “I could do something when they turned the camera on. I was wired into what I was talking about. Improvising golf was easy for me. And it was fun. It wasn’t difficult to come up with stuff. And there was a great crowd of people there to entertain. If you made Harold laugh, you sort of earned your keep. You made your bones.”

This natural approach to comedy is also part of why Caddyshack continues to rank among the best comedy films of all time, with many of its funniest moments coming from improvisation.

Related: 1990 Movie, With Richard Gere, Made a 21-Year-Old a Major Star

Today’s NYT Wordle answer references a structure’s support system.

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 #1903 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There are two vowels in today’s five-letter word.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle is: can refer to a bet or an agreement to risk money on the outcome of something.

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 on Friday, September 4, 2026, is WAGER.

-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)

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Your closet may already be stuffed to the brim with thrift finds and online buys, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a few more styles. With autumn nearly here, customers are already adding capsule wardrobe pieces to their carts thanks to Amazon’s unmissable fall clothing deals. Over 1,000 shoppers have already purchased the Rumia Short-Sleeve Sweater in the past month, and it’s currently 23% off ahead of fall. 

The sweater originally cost $19, but has been reduced to as low as $10 in the classic black hue during a limited-time sale. The shirt is being offered in 17 colors and patterns, including stripes, yellow, red, and many other seasonal hues (like different shades of brown and a pretty green). The sizes range from extra small to XXL, with shoppers saying that the sweater runs true to size. If you’re into the oversized trend or want to layer underneath when it gets colder, then you can easily size up. 

Courtesy of Amazon

The sweater design features a traditional crewneck and short sleeves, and it falls below the waist. Therefore, you can wear it with virtually any pants, whether you tuck it into your favorite high-waisted jeans or pair it with your go-to trousers. The beauty of this top is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can wear it in pretty much any setting, whether it’s professional, casual, or upscale. It’s especially easy to dress up when you accessorize with sparkly jewelry). 

Courtesy of Amazon

The sweater is made from 49% viscose, 32% polyester, and 19% nylon, with shoppers writing that the material is “lightweight,” “very soft,” and “looks more expensive” than the actual price tag. Customers loved that the fabric isn’t itchy like other sweaters, so it’s “extremely comfortable” to wear all day long. One reviewer even wore the top in 80 degree weather without getting overheated. 

The sweater is easy to clean, too. Shoppers reported “no shrinkage or pilling” after machine washing the top and hanging it out to dry.  The sweater is such a breeze to maintain that some buyers have even added a few colors to their online cart. 

• Coutgo Raffia Slide Sandals, $34 (was $50) at Amazon
• Dokotoo Short Puff Sleeve Top, $12 (was $26) at Amazon
• Skechers Raggae Fest Wicker Slip-On Shoe, $42 (was $52) at Amazon

The options are truly endless when it comes to Amazon’s classy short-sleeve sweater. Dress it up with trendy kitten heels and a skirt, or dress it down with jeans and sneakers. Either way, this popular sweater is worth the $10 sale price! 

Related: Cowboy Boots Are So on Trend, and This $20 Embroidered Pair Brings the Premium Leather Look for Less

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System of a Down is in celebration mode right now, as its 2001 signature hit, “Chop Suey!” has just passed a major milestone.

According to Metal Injection, the song just became the band’s first-ever Diamond single, meaning it’s earned 10-times Platinum status from the RIAA, representing 10 million certified units from sales, downloads, and streams. That’s big—and, per the outlet, rare for metal and metal-adjacent songs.

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Released in August 2001, “Chop Suey!” appeared on the alternative metal band’s second studio album, Toxicity. Written by Daron Malakian and Serj Tankian, the track was the lead single from the record.

In an interview with Louder, Malakian explained that he wrote the future hit on an acoustic guitar in the back of an RV while touring. And he knew right from the get-go that it was a winner.

“I can always feel when I write something good, and I can always tell when I write something that needs a little work,” he said. “I thought it was really good. … I didn’t know that it was gonna be our first [hit] single. I didn’t think it was gonna be so huge, but at the time I thought it was good. I was a fan of it.”

Though the song stalled out at No. 76 on the all-genre Hot 100 chart, the album was another story. Toxicity debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 1 on Sept. 22, 2001.

Fueled by hits “Aerials,” the title track, and, of course, “Chop Suey!,” the record remains the band’s biggest smash yet, spending a total of 212 weeks on the album chart.

In 2002, the band scored a Grammy nomination for “Chop Suey!” It was their first of four nominations earned over the years. They won their first and only Grammy thus far with 2005’s “B.Y.O.B.”

Today, System of a Down is still together and playing live shows and festivals. Their upcoming schedule includes a show in Texas this fall, followed by dates in Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand in early 2027.

Related: ’60s Rock Legends Announce New Live Album, ‘Unbound and Dangerous,’ 56 Years After Their Final Tour

Travel can be exciting, but packing is usually the part that tests your patience. Between deciding what to bring, trying to fit everything in one suitcase and leaving enough room for souvenirs on the way home, the right luggage can make a major difference.

A good suitcase should not only look nice—it needs to be easy to roll, sturdy enough for baggage claim and organized enough to keep your clothing and essentials from becoming a mess. That is why a complete set can be such a smart buy. Having multiple sizes gives you the flexibility to pack light for a weekend trip or bring more for a longer vacation.

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Costco

Costco’s Traveler’s Choice Candlewood II 3-Piece Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Set is a strong option for frequent travelers or anyone starting over with new luggage. Priced at $199.99 for all three suitcases, the set includes carry-on, medium and large sizes, giving you options for short trips, checked bags and family travel.

Each suitcase features an impact-resistant hard-shell design to help protect your belongings while traveling. The luggage is also expandable in every size, which is useful if you need extra room for outfits, gifts or purchases made during a trip.

The set includes 360-degree spinner wheels, allowing the suitcases to roll smoothly alongside you rather than being pulled behind. It also features YKK EYL woven zippers, which Costco describes as being 15 times more abrasion-resistant than standard zippers. These kinds of details matter when you are trying to avoid a broken zipper or a difficult-to-roll bag in the middle of an airport.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s Perfect-for-Fall $7 Find Will Take Your Seasonal Display Up a Notch

For added security, all three suitcases include TSA-compliant combination locks. This lets airport security inspect luggage if needed without damaging the lock, while still giving you an extra layer of protection when your bags are out of sight.

Inside, each piece has a zippered divider, mesh pocket and tie-down straps to help keep clothing, shoes, toiletries and smaller travel items organized. The interior setup can make packing feel less chaotic, especially if you are sharing a suitcase or taking a longer trip.

The Candlewood II set has received strong feedback from Costco shoppers, with a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating from 124 reviews. Buyers frequently mention that the three sizes are convenient, the bags roll smoothly and the expandable design provides useful extra room.

At about $66.67 per suitcase, this Costco set offers great value for travelers who want hard-shell luggage with spinner wheels, security locks, expandable capacity and built-in organization.

Related: Costco’s New 16-Piece Fluted Glassware Set Is Beautiful, Durable and Less Than $25

Sometimes, even oftentimes, a song that flops for one artist turns into a major hit for another. Case in point? Three Dog Night’s “Black & White.”

“Black & White” was released as a single from Three Dog Night’s 1972 album Seven Separate Fools, which Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson named as his third favorite album of all time in a 2016 interview with Esquire, declaring, “Danny Hutton’s vocals are truly on point.”

Three Dog Night’s version of the song went all the way to #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Easy Listening charts, making it the group’s third #1 single (following “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Joy to the World”).

Originally, though, “Black and White” was released on Pete Seeger‘s 1956 album Love Songs for Friends & Foes…and it dates back even further than that, according to Stereogum. In 1955, folk songwriters Earl Robinson and David I. Arkin, both of whom had been blacklisted during the era of McCarthyism, teamed up to write a song inspired by Brown Vs. Board of Education (the Supreme Court case that ruled racially segregated schools unconstitutional in 1954). Fun fact: Arkin was actor Alan Arkin‘s father.

Seeger (also blacklisted), performed the song on his banjo with a chorus of whistling kids, an understandable approach given the optimistic nature of the lyrics:

“The world is black, the world is white / It turns by day and then by night / A child is Black, a child is white / Together they grow to see the light / To see the light”

This first recording of “Black & White” wouldn’t be the last before Three Dog Night’s chart-topper. In 1971, Jamaican reggae group Greyhound released their own take on “Black & White,” which was a hit in the U.K., peaking at #6. It was Greyhound’s rendition of the song that Three Dog Night heard on a Dutch radio station while touring through Europe.

Larry Hulst / Getty Images

The group liked the song so much they decided to cover it, sticking pretty close to the Greyhound version (with the addition of a piano riff and cowbells). Like Greyhound, they omitted a verse from the original:

“Their robes were black, their heads were white / The schoolhouse doors were closed so tight / Nine judges all set down their names / To end the years and years of shame”

As a result, most of the people listening probably didn’t know “Black & White” was about a Supreme Court ruling, though the essential message remained the same. The song was a particular triumph for Hutton, as it was his only #1 as lead singer with the group: Three Dog Night had three vocalists; interestingly enough, each of the group’s singers got their own chart-topper, as Cory Wills sang lead on “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and Chuck Negron sang lead on “Joy to The World.”

Another fun fact: In Hutton’s pre-Three Dog Night days, he made music for Hanna Barbera cartoons.

Related: 1977 Soft Rock Springtime Classic Is Having a Major Moment Nearly 50 Years Later

Talking Heads didn’t initially have a commercial success on their hands with “This Must Be the Place,” but the song has nevertheless become an essential part of the band’s legacy.

Released in November 1983 as the as the second single from their fifth studio album Speaking in Tongues, “This Must Be the Place” is one of the most iconic songs to come from the David Byrne-fronted band, despite never becoming a major chart hit.

The song only ever rose to No. 62 on Billboard’s Hot 100, spending a career total of just eight weeks at various positions on the chart.

But the song’s lackluster chart performance wouldn’t stop it from becoming a defining song of the Talking Heads sound, and even one of the most beloved songs of the entire decade. In fact, Rolling Stone even included it on a 2023 roundup of the 200 Best Songs of the 1980s, where it’s ranked at No. 28.

“This Must Be the Place” also appears on Rolling Stone‘s ranking of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, coming in at No. 123 on that list.

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Talking Heads released several live versions of “This Must Be the Place,” including a recording from Stop Making Sense concert album in 1984. The song was later remastered in 2003 for the Once in a Lifetime: The Talking Heads Box, and was included on their compilation album, The Best of Talking Heads in 2004.

GQ ranks “This Must Be the Place” as the No. 6 top song from the band’s entire discography, whereas Paste Magazine crowns it as No. 1.

On Spotify, “This Must Be the Place” is the band’s second most-listened-to song, with over 422 million streams, behind only “Psycho Killer” with over 733 million.

Related: 1973 Soft Rock Ballad, Reimagined by Kelly Clarkson, Is One of the Eagles’ Most Celebrated Songs

Fire In the Mountains is bringing back the unique experience of heavy metal and cultural arts in the wilderness as the music festival returns to Montana in 2027.

Following this year’s successful run, the annual event will take place from July 22 to 25 at the Red Eagle Campground on Blackfeet Nation land in Montana.

In an Instagram post, organizers gave fans a glimpse of what to expect from the highly anticipated Fire In the Mountains 2027.

“The 2026 festival has made an imprint on all of us in a way we cannot fully explain. While we’re still processing the incredible experience, we’re thrilled to share some of what we’ve been working on for 2027.

The post also presented the initial lineup, with acclaimed artists joining one of America’s most distinctive music festivals.

“2027 will be known as the Year Of The Eagle. We’re excited and proud to announce the first wave of artists to perform at Fire in the Mountains 2027,” the post reads.

Kieran Frost/Redferns

The initial lineup includes music heavyweights like the iconic Canadian post-rock collective Godspeed You! Black Emperor and the acclaimed American heavy metal band Nevermore.

In addition to Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Nevermore, five more acts are confirmed to share the stage at the upcoming music festival.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Nevermore
Russian Circles
Stormkeep
Invunche
Rwake
Buffalo Nichols

Following the announcement, organizers continued to build anticipation for the festival, noting the diverse group of heavy and experimental artists performing next year.

“While we are still processing the immense experience that was Fire In The Mountains 2026 at Red Eagle Campground, we are excited to peel back some of what we have been working on for 2027, which has revealed itself as the Year Of The Eagle,” the event officials mentioned in a statement as cited by Knotfest, adding “We have quite a special edition in the works for this coming year, featuring bands with a legendary command of soundscapes and artistry, to returning fast riffing metal legends, post metal icons, symphonic black metal rippers, musical purveyors of Chilean mythology, American sludge darkness, and blues laden storytelling. We already look forward to joining you once again at the Backbone of The World next Summer – and cannot WAIT to share what else we have in store.”

While Fire In the Mountains 2027 is still taking shape, this year’s event featured the legendary Oakland post-metal band Neurosis, who performed their first live show in seven years with new vocalist Aaron Turner.

In addition, the 2026 event also showcased exclusive reunions and rare performances that added excitement and energy to the crowd.

Related: ’80s Heavy Metal Band, Once Split for 10 Years, Announces Return of Annual San Francisco Show

Doug Pinnick had been playing music for years when King’s X finally signed a record deal.

Pinnick turns 76 today, Sept. 3. The King’s X singer and bassist was born in 1950 and spent his early years in Braidwood, Illinois, a rural community outside Chicago.

In a 2025 interview, he remembered Braidwood as a country town with around 1,000 residents. “We had cornfields to play in. That’s it,” Pinnick said on Backstage Pass Radio.

His mother later told him that he cried when she turned off the record player, even before he could talk. Pinnick was raised by his great-grandmother, who did not own one, so he listened to music at the homes of friends and relatives. R&B drew him toward the bass while gospel influenced his singing.

After touring with Christian guitarist Phil Keaggy, Pinnick started playing with guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill in the early 1980s. The trio performed covers in clubs throughout the South and changed names several times before settling on King’s X. The band signed with Megaforce/Atlantic in 1987 and released its debut album, Out of the Silent Planet, the following year.

Gretchen Goes to Nebraska came next in 1989, followed by Faith Hope Love in 1990. The gospel influence stayed in Pinnick’s singing, giving King’s X an unusual lead voice for a hard rock band. He also used a 12-string bass, an uncommon choice that became a noticeable part of the group’s records.

The band’s audience continued to grow through albums such as 1992’s King’s X and 1994’s Dogman. King’s X also played Woodstock ’94 and shared bills with acts including AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Pearl Jam.

Pinnick made plenty of music outside the band as well. He released solo records under his own name and as Poundhound, then worked with artists including Dream Theater and Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. He later formed KXM with George Lynch and Korn drummer Ray Luzier.

King’s X returned with Three Sides of One in 2022, its first studio album in nearly 14 years. The trio has remained on the road in 2026, with shows scheduled through October. One of those dates will bring Pinnick back to Illinois for an Oct. 16 concert at House of Blues Chicago.

Related: 1966 Rock Song, Created in a Michigan Basement, Became a Career-Defining No. 1 Hit

Fifty years ago, soft-rock legend Al Stewart released “Year of the Cat” — a song that would go on to define his career for years to come.

“Year of the Cat” first appeared in the U.S. on Oct. 22, 1976, as a single from his seventh studio album of the same name. By Dec. 11, the track had entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 98, peaking at No. 8 in early 1977 and becoming his first charting U.S. single. In total, the song spent 17 weeks on the tally.

Not only was “Year of the Cat” a massive commercial phenomenon, but its parent album was an undeniable triumph. Stewart’s record sold over 1.45 million copies in the U.S. alone, becoming the best-selling album of his career and earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images

“Year of the Cat” was produced by Alan Parsons at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London—the legendary studio famously immortalized by The Beatles’ 1969 album of the same name. The track is notable for its catchy, jazz-inspired melody built around an opening piano riff composed by keyboardist Peter Wood during sound checks. Its intricate chord progressions and extended instrumental breaks created a dreamy atmosphere that captivated listeners.

“I think it just appeals to people,” Stewart joked in a 2024 interview with Guitar Player. “And you’ve also got four different instruments playing solos in the middle of the song, where it goes out of the strings and into the acoustic solo, then the electric solo, and finally the saxophone solo. The song’s longevity also affirms that one should write about what one is interested in, without regards to fashion or favor of the crowd. Which is exactly what I did.”

The single’s entrancing production was only amplified by its lyrical themes. Written by Stewart, “Year of the Cat” tells the whimsical story of a tourist being swept up in an exotic yet brief romance with a foreign woman while traveling. The spontaneous encounter creates a whirlwind of emotions when put alongside the song’s production, wrapping listeners up in the intoxicating nature of the narrator’s experience.

Five decades since its release, “Year of the Cat” continues to persevere as a staple of ’70s progressive soft rock. In the digital era, the track has found its footing among younger generations, racking up over 173 million streams on Spotify alone.

Related: 1970 Country Song, Written in 25 Minutes at a Canadian Beach, Is Still a Powerful Hit 56 Years Later

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Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

Turquoise jewelry is soaring in popularity in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. It makes any outfit feel more elevated, especially during summer when vibrant pops of color come into play. Statement turquoise necklaces, in particular, can instantly turn a basic white tee or linen button-down into a more sophisticated look.

The stunning Southwest Elements Sterling Silver Gemstone Coin & Gem Bead Necklace is that type of statement maker, and it’s on sale on ShopHQ for $80. It’s marked down an amazing 57% off of its original $185 price tag.

Courtesy of ShopHQ

This stunning 18-inch necklace has a vintage-inspired aesthetic, complete with vibrant turquoise tones, silver detailing, and a layered bead design. It comes in four headturning colorways: multi, orange, purple, and green, which makes it perfect for layering and great for gifts. The gorgeous accessory is made from sterling silver with copper brushing around the gemstones, and finished with an oxidized treatment that gives it a beautiful shine.

It’s also hand assembled in the United States, and weighs about 1.4 grams. So although it’s a statement necklace, it’s also delicate and lightweight. That, combined with the various color tones in each colorway, makes it easy to wear every day and with a variety of looks. One shopper who gave it a five-star rating wrote that it’s a “very nice everyday necklace.”

The 18-inch length sits comfortably near the collarbone, making it easy to layer or wear on its own. This necklace has a rustic edge, but it’s also versatile. So, you can wear it with almost anything, from T-shirts to sundresses.

When you’re ready to order, use the code FREERETURN to unlock free returns at ShopHQ. That means you can try the piece risk-free, since you won’t have to spend any additional money to return the necklace if it doesn’t work out.

Related: Invicta’s Heart-Shaped Mini Watch Necklace Is a Charming Mashup of 2 Timeless Accessories, Now 90% Off

This stunning turquoise coin and bead necklace is the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Grab this awesome deal before the sale ends! 

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.

When Reese Witherspoon launched Reese’s Book Club in 2017, she set the tone for what would become one of the most influential celebrity book clubs of all time. Her first-ever book club pick was not only a debut novel, but one that would spend over 80 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and over 30 weeks in the NYT Top 5. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine wasn’t just Reese Witherspoon’s inaugural book club pick; it helped launch the actress-turned-producer as one of the leading champions of books centered around women. Over 100 books later, Witherspoon’s taste in books is definitely fine.

The book that started it all. Forever grateful for every story, author, and reader who’s joined us since. 💛

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman was an auspicious choice for Reese’s first book club pick. Honeyman’s debut novel tells the story of a socially awkward woman whose life begins to change after an unexpected friendship.

The book, with an isolated, emotionally resilient woman as its main character, was a natural fit for Reese’s Book Club and a precursor for the kind of stories Witherspoon would continue to champion through her book recommendations.

Related: 2009 Novel Rejected by 60 Literary Agents Named Goodreads’ Best Book for Book Clubs

Time for a Bookshelf Confession with the FMC who started it all 📚 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine was our very first RBC pick, and @daniellerobay is sharing why this story still hits every single time. Know someone who needs this read on their nightstand?Tag them below 💛

Reese’s Book Club officially launched in June 2017, quickly becoming a go-to resource for avid readers hungry for their next pick. But Reese didn’t just recommend new books; she introduced readers to dozens of unknown authors, including Gail Honeyman, and created an avid community centered on reading.

Witherspoon, like Oprah Winfrey and Jenna Bush Hager, has had a massive influence on book sales with her book club picks. When Reese’s Book Club officially launched in 2017, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine had already attracted attention, winning the 2017 Costa First Novel Award and going on to win the 2018 British Book Award for Book of the Year.

But Witherspoon’s pick helped catapult book sales and cement Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in book club history as Reese Witherspoon’s first-ever pick. More importantly, it helped launch the actress’s company, Hello Sunshine, into one of the leading producers of women-centered stories in books and on film.

By establishing her book club, Reese Witherspoon took her decades of success as an actor and producer and used her voice to champion stories about women, from Where the Crawdads Sing to The Morning Show on TV. But it was Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine that started it all.

Related: 2006 Novel About a Forbidden Romance Inside a Traveling Circus Was One of Dolly Parton’s Favorites

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When your doctor prescribes a medication, they likely go over any crucial information you need to know, like when to take it and what you can or can’t mix it with. 

Supplements are a different story. Most people buy supplements over the counter instead of getting them from a doctor. That means it’s up to you to know how to take them safely. But often, supplements are taken without much thought. 

“As a pharmacist, one thing I always emphasize is that vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements should be treated as part of a person’s complete medication list and should be communicated to their medical team, including pharmacist and primary care doctor,” says Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey, PharmD, a compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology. 

Related: Endocrinologists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Thyroid Medication

Dr. Kosma-Covey tells Parade that one of the biggest misconceptions she sees as a pharmacist is people thinking that supplements labeled “natural” are harmless, explaining, “Supplements can interact with medications, affect how medications are absorbed and sometimes contribute to side effects or toxicity.”

There’s one very popular supplement in particular that pharmacists wish people would tell their doctor they’re taking. Read on to learn more.

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While Dr. Kosma-Covey says that, ideally, everyone would talk to their doctor before starting any supplement, there’s one in particular that she wishes people would tell their doctor about first: magnesium. 

“Magnesium has become an incredibly popular supplement, with people taking it for everything from sleep and relaxation to muscle cramps and constipation,” she explains. “Because magnesium is a mineral our bodies naturally need and it’s readily available over the counter, people may not think of it as something that could interact with their medications, but it absolutely can.”

Dr. Joseph Walter, PharmD, BCPS, a pharmacist at Hackensack Meridian Health, agrees. He explains that magnesium is a highly reactive mineral that can bind to medications in the stomach or change how your body processes them. For example, he says that magnesium can bind to certain antibiotics, which prevents the body from absorbing the medicine. Because of this, it’s important to take magnesium two to three hours after taking an antibiotic, something many people don’t realize.

Related: The Supplement Cardiologists Say Is a Waste of Money for Heart Health

Both pharmacists also say that magnesium can decrease the absorption of certain medicines taken for osteoporosis. “All patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist that they take a magnesium supplement to ensure it does not interact with any other medications that they may be taking,” Dr. Walter emphasizes. 

The pharmacists add that magnesium supplements can potentially be dangerous for those with kidney disease, neuromuscular disorders or cardiovascular disorders.

With all these disclaimers in place, you may think you should steer clear of magnesium supplements completely. This isn’t necessarily true. Dr. Walter says that many people can benefit from taking a magnesium supplement; you just want to talk to your doctor about it first. 

“Magnesium is essential for numerous functions in our bodies, so many people could benefit from a supplement, particularly if, like most, they do not receive the recommended daily allowance in their daily diet. Your body relies on magnesium for a variety of crucial daily tasks, from keeping your muscles and nerves working properly to stabilizing glucose and blood pressure levels. It also contributes to bone health,” Dr. Walter says, adding that it may also be beneficial for people experiencing migraines. 

Related: Psychiatrists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Antidepressants

If you do want to take a magnesium supplement, Dr. Walter stresses that it’s important to consider the form of magnesium. In general, he recommends magnesium glycinate over other forms because it is highly absorbable and gentle on the stomach. “It’s widely considered the best option for correcting a deficiency, promoting relaxation and supporting sleep,” he says.

It’s worth remembering that the goal should be to get magnesium from your diet, not relying on a supplement. Dr. Walter explains that, unlike with magnesium supplements, it’s virtually impossible to overdose on magnesium through food. 

“When you eat a giant spinach salad with pumpkin seeds and almonds, your healthy kidneys will simply flush out whatever magnesium your body doesn’t need through your urine,” he says. “However, because supplements deliver a highly concentrated dose of magnesium all at once, they bypass the body’s natural pace of absorption and can lead to excess magnesium in your body. This is why it is important to follow the 350 milligrams a day safety limit set by the National Institutes of Health only for supplements and medications, not the food on your plate.”

One common mistake Dr. Kosma-Covey sees people making with supplements is accidentally doubling up on what they’re taking. For example, if you take a multivitamin and another supplement for bone health or sleep, there could be overlapping ingredients, which can lead to consuming too much of certain nutrients or vitamins. With this in mind, it’s important to diligently read the labels of all the supplements you’re taking and make sure there is no ingredient overlap.

Another common mistake is timing. “People often take all their vitamins, supplements and medications together because it’s convenient, but depending on what they’re taking, that may not be appropriate,” Dr. Kosma-Covey says. 

Last, Dr. Kosma-Covey emphasizes that more isn’t always better. “Many essential vitamins and minerals can be detrimental when taken in excessive doses. Start by asking [your doctor] whether you actually need the supplement and whether there’s evidence supporting its use for what you’re trying to accomplish,” she says.

If you have any questions at all about a supplement you’re taking or are considering taking, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. Both are trained to answer any questions you may have to ensure that the supplement you’re taking is supporting your health, not harming it. 

Up Next:

Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People to Stop Pairing This Common Supplement with Statins

• Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey, PharmD, compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology.
• Dr. Joseph Walter, PharmD, BCPS, pharmacist at Hackensack Meridian Health.
• Magnesium. National Institutes of Health.

Shoes have a way of taking over a home without anyone noticing. A pair by the front door turns into a pile in the entryway, then more pairs end up under the bed, in the closet or scattered around the mudroom. It is one of the most common forms of everyday clutter, especially in busy households where everyone is rushing in and out.

The easiest solution is often to give shoes a designated place to go. A compact shoe rack can keep pairs visible, easy to grab and off the floor without taking up much room. It also helps make an entryway or closet look more intentional, rather than feeling like a drop zone for everything you wore that day.

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Hobby Lobby’s 4-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack is a practical find for organizing your footwear without spending a lot. Priced at $24.99, the rack has four open shelves and can hold up to 16 pairs of shoes, depending on the size and style of each pair. It is a useful option for sneakers, flats, sandals, loafers and other everyday shoes.

The rack measures 31.5 inches wide, 26.5 inches high and just 9.75 inches deep. Its slim profile makes it a good fit for an entryway, closet, mudroom, bedroom, laundry area or even a small apartment. Since it is less than 10 inches deep, it can sit neatly against a wall without taking over a walkway.

It is made from a combination of bamboo wood and MDF, with a natural finish that gives it a warm, simple look. That neutral style works with a range of decor aesthetics, from modern and minimalist to farmhouse, boho and more traditional spaces. Unlike a bulky plastic shoe organizer, it looks decorative enough to leave out in the open.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s $9 Organization Find Is a Simple Fix for Everyday Clutter

Assembly is required, but Hobby Lobby says the rack comes with the materials needed to assemble it. Reviewers have generally praised its sturdiness and ease of setup, though it is best suited for lighter shoes rather than bulky work or tall boots.

Beyond shoes, the four tiers can also be used for other storage needs. Place baskets on the shelves for pet supplies, use them in a bathroom for rolled towels, or set them in a closet to hold handbags and accessories. The open design makes it easy to see what you have at a glance.

At $24.99, this bamboo rack comes out to a little more than $6 per shelf, making it a budget-friendly alternative to larger entryway cabinets or built-in storage. If you are looking for a quick way to clear your floor and bring more order to your daily routine, this four-tier shoe rack is an easy addition to your home.

Related: This Multifunctional IKEA Find Is So Sturdy, Shoppers Are Keeping It for Decades

In 1971, the Rolling Stones released an album that marked both a new chapter and a high point in their career. Now 55 years later, Sticky Fingers has now been named the band’s greatest studio album.

Classic Rock’s Ian Fortnam ranked all 25 of the Stones’ U.K. studio albums for Louder, covering a recording career that stretches from the band’s 1964 self-titled debut through 2026’s Foreign Tongues. And Sticky Fingers landed at No. 1, beating out Exile on Main St. at No. 2, Let It Bleed at No. 3 and Beggars Banquet at No. 4.

It’s an interesting winner considering the album contains just one of the band’s No. 1 hits: “Brown Sugar.” “Wild Horses” was also a success, reaching the Top 30 in the U.S., but Sticky Fingers isn’t exactly packed with chart-toppers.

Instead, Fortnam argues that the 10-song album captures virtually everything that made the Stones great, from “Brown Sugar” and the country-rock of “Wild Horses” to “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” “Bitch,” “Sister Morphine” and “Moonlight Mile.” Of the album’s place in the band’s history, he concludes simply, “the Stones were never better than this.”

The choice is particularly notable because the Rolling Stones had already spent most of the 1960s establishing themselves as one of the defining bands of their generation.

As “The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll” recounts, the band’s early years took them from blues and R&B covers to the burgeoning songwriting partnership of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. By 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” had given them one of their defining hits and spent four weeks at No. 1 in the U.S.

By the dawn of the ’70s, however, the Stones were entering a different phase. No longer merely the rebellious counterpoint to the Beatles, they had become members of rock’s ruling class. Sticky Fingers arrived right at that transition.

Related: The ‘Greatest Rock Lead Singer of All Time’ Turns 83

Released April 23, 1971, it was the Stones’ first studio album on their own Rolling Stones Records label and their first studio LP without founding member Brian Jones. It was also the first album to feature the now-famous tongue-and-lips logo.

And commercially, it was enormous. Sticky Fingers became the band’s first album to reach No. 1 in both the United States and United Kingdom. It spent four weeks atop the Billboard 200 and has since been certified triple platinum in the U.S.

“Brown Sugar” was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama in December 1969, well over a year before Sticky Fingers arrived. The song was released as a single in 1971 and became another No. 1 for the Stones.

In “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” music historian Fred Bronson notes that the single reached No. 1 on May 29, 1971, and spent two weeks at the top. He also places its release amid a major turning point for the band, as the Stones left England amid Britain’s steep tax rates, launched their own record label and entered a new stage of rock superstardom.

“Brown Sugar” may have been Sticky Fingers’ lone No. 1 single, but its surrounding songs have developed formidable reputations of their own. “Wild Horses,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Dead Flowers” remain among the Stones’ best-known recordings.

And Sticky Fingers has hardly lacked recognition over the decades. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and is ranked No. 104 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time—though the outlet does have Let It Bleed and Exile on Main St. ranked higher, at 41 and 14, respectively.

“New guitarist Mick Taylor, replacing Brian Jones, stretches out the Stones sound in ‘Sway,’ ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,’ and ‘Moonlight Mile.’ But ‘Brown Sugar’ is a classic Stones stomp, and two of the best cuts are country songs: one forlorn (‘Wild Horses’) and one funny (‘Dead Flowers’),” wrote Rolling Stone of Sticky Fingers.

Now, 55 years after its release, it has another distinction: No. 1 in a ranking that spans more than six decades of Rolling Stones history.

Related: ’60s Rock Icons, With ‘Rock’s Greatest Frontman,’ Are Suddenly Back on the Charts 62 Years After First No. 1 Hit ‘It’s All Over Now’

Wait, Rooney Mara had never done a movie with her sister, fellow actress Kate Mara?

Bucking Fastard now marks the first time for the beloved celebrities, and they just strutted the red carpet together to celebrate. The head-turning new film — with an equally shocking title — had its world premiere on Thursday, September 3 as part of this year’s Venice Film Festival

Co-star Orlando Bloom was also in attendance, along with renowned director Werner Herzog. If you’re curious about the movie’s spoonerism of a title, well, the 80-year-old filmmaker’s new project is loosely inspired by real-life twins who reportedly spoke in a synchronized fashion. The title refers to a verbal slip they once made in court, according to The Guardian.

And guess what? Rooney, 41, and Kate, 43, play the same sort of twin sisters in their new movie, which just debuted in Italy. Check out the red-carpet pics of them leading up to the world premiere below, as shared via Instagram by Entertainment Tonight.

Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section to show their love for the celebrity siblings. “They’re so cute together 😍,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “If you didn’t know, they look like a very in love couple, and I absolutely love that for them!💕🥰”

During a press conference for Bucking Fastard earlier on Thursday, Rooney said she found the project “very daunting” because of “the idea that we were playing this same person,” according to People.

Rooney continued, per the magazine, “But I think we found pretty quickly that having a lifetime together and all this history and childhood playing together, there was just an unspoken world between us that we didn’t have to work very hard to create at all. Once we found our flow together, we had so much fun and [it was a] very once-in-a-lifetime, very unique experience.”

Nearly 40 years after Seinfeld premiered on NBC and became one of the biggest TV shows in history, the sitcom and its comically angst-filled characters are still revered by fans and critics.

The show’s recipe for success was a perfect balance of tension and camaraderie among New York City pals Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), George (Jason Alexander), and Kramer (Michael Richards) as they navigated hilarious predicaments for nine seasons.

But that mix of tension and camaraderie wasn’t just reserved for Seinfeld’s quirky characters. On a new episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast hosted by Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky (Dave Burd), and Kristin Batalucco, Louis-Dreyfus admitted that oftentimes, tensions were high on set.

When Batalucco asked if there was “ever any friction” while filming Seinfeld, Louis-Dreyfus quickly replied, “Of course. Yes. Tons. Yeah. I mean, it’s hard to do anything really well, and it takes a lot of work, and you’re going to butt heads.”

But the magic of the show, Louis-Dreyfus said, was that while they worked, they were “just being friends together and just hanging out. … That sounds as if it was just hanging out. It was a lot of work to make the show. But what I mean was we were all, like, kids.”

“And we had our own idea and (the writers) had their own idea of exactly what they wanted to do, which was not the norm at the time in terms of structured television. So I think there was an air of freedom because of that. We had a lot of fun making it.”

In May, Louis-Dreyfus dished about one big on-set argument. While appearing on the Awards Chatter podcast, she recalled how mad show co-creator Larry David got while making a 1991 episode called “The Deal,” in which Elaine and Jerry sleep together but agree to only be friends with benefits, nothing more.

“There was tension between creatives,” she recalled. “Actually, it was Castle Rock and Larry, about whether or not to turn this into a will they, won’t they? Larry was livid. He did not want anything to do with the idea of romance, the cute, the sexy.”

Seinfeld wasn’t an automatic hit, though. According to TV Insider, the ratings were so low during the show’s first two seasons that it “barely registered” in Nielsen’s TV ratings. During the third season, which aired from 1991 to 1992, it managed to place 36th in the ratings.

But the show found its groove in the fifth season, the outlet said, and came in third place in the ratings that year. The last four seasons were blockbuster seasons, with the show consistently ranking in first or second place, and securing its place in TV history.

After over a decade of releasing hit after hit, the Pretenders were looking for their next big track in the early 1990s while making their album Last of the Independents. Surprisingly, the one that fans started connecting with was the record’s unexpected single, “I’ll Stand by You.”

The track was written by Chrissie Hynde along with the producing team Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. After they completed the song, Hynde was still unsure about it, saying in an interview that she first thought it “was s–t.” 

She explained what changed her mind: “I played it for a couple of girls who weren’t in the business and by the end of it they were both in tears. I said, ‘OK, put it out.’”

It was a good decision, as it soon became a Top 10 hit in the U.K. and peaked at No. 16 in the U.S. The song also became a major success in many other countries too, including Italy, Sweden, Belgium, France, Australia and more.

“I’ll Stand by You” was welcomed by critics as well. Billboard wrote of Hynde’s vocals, “Hynde returns with a worn, but warm vocal that evokes a powerful, moving presence.” As for the song itself and its potential to perform well, the publication went on, “Top 40 radio is
starving for material as strong as this. A welcome return from the real thing.”

Related: 1987 Rock Song, Performed by The Cure, Became One of the “Best Rock Love Songs” Ever

The song was a diversion from the sound that the Pretenders were known for, but as appreciation for the song increased, fans started to come around to the change. The other singles released from Last of the Independents were “Night in My Veins” and “977,” although neither performed as well.

Over the years, the song grew even more, becoming a hit for a few other artists as well. The British girl group Girls Aloud, Carrie Underwood, and Shakira all performed and released cover versions in some form that were very successful in the years after.

Related: 1973 Rock Song, Written by Pete Townshend, Among ‘Greatest Rock Lyrics of All Time’

Survivor Greece star Stavros Floros, who lost part of his leg in a boating accident while filming the reality competition series, is suing the show’s producers for $100 million.

According to court documents obtained by People, Floros filed the lawsuit on Thursday, Sept. 3, accusing the show’s producers of negligence over the May accident in the Dominican Republic.

In the complaint, Floros alleges that “the producers built the show’s entire format around requiring contestants to spearfish in open water—waters heavily trafficked by tourist boats near Bayahibe, Dominican Republic—without safety boats, spotters, protected zones, or adequate warning markers, despite prior near-misses and even a prior fatality in the exact same waters.”

Floros also alleges that “only a tourniquet” applied to his injury “kept him alive.” According to the filing, he was later transported to a hospital in Miami, Florida, where he underwent “multiple surgeries over a grueling 61-day hospitalization.”

RELATED: ‘Survivor Greece’ Suspended After Contestant Loses Part of Leg During Filming

The accident occurred in May while Floros was spearfishing during a break from filming. According to Survivor Greece production company AcunMedya, Floros was “diving without a surface marker buoy in an area frequented by tourist vessels” when a boat “accidentally struck him.”

The Toronto Sun reported at the time that the boat’s propeller partially amputated Floros’ left leg below the knee and caused significant trauma to his right ankle.

“From the very first moment, there was an immediate response to provide assistance and safely transport the injured contestant, while the competent port authorities are investigating the causes of the incident in order to fully determine the circumstances,” AcunMedya said in a statement to the Toronto Sun. “The contestant remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition and is out of danger.”

Greek television channel Skai also said it would assist with Floros’ medical treatment and rehabilitation following the accident. “Until the causes of the incident are fully investigated, the television broadcast of the program is being suspended,” the network said.

As a result of the accident, Survivor Greece was temporarily pulled off the air. The series had been airing its 13th season, which premiered Jan. 11.

On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the network released a statement announcing the show’s finale. A special 12-minute episode aired that night, featuring host Giorgos Lianos and the remaining contestants saying goodbye and sending their best wishes to Floros.

Despite the accident, Floros was ultimately named the sole survivor of Survivor Greece in 2026.

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