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How does it feel to have the best-selling 12-inch single of all time? Ask New Order, and they'll tell you just how they feel (probably sore, since they ended up losing money).

The pioneering post-punk/new wave group formed out of tragedy to reach incredible heights of critical and commercial success. After Joy Division singer Ian Curtis' death by suicide in 1980, the surviving members of the band—bassist Peter Hook, guitarist/vocalist Bernard Sumner, drummer Stephen Morris—formed New Order alongside Gillian Gilbert.

In the first few years of its existence, New Order released a handful of singles that topped the UK Indie Chart—"Ceremony," "Procession," and "Temptation." Then, in 1983, they put out what would become their defining track: "Blue Monday."

New Order's 'Blue Monday' Is The Best-Selling 12-Inch Single Of All Time

Released on March 7, 1983, "Blue Order" was a revelation—and a hit! It reached No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart, no small feat for a song released on the independent label, Factory Records.

The 1983 12-inch (with the full 7:32-long song) initially sold over 700,000 copies, per Official Charts; as of 2023, sales are in excess of two million across all formats, per Music Week, with 521.9 million Spotify streams on the original version. It was and remains the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.

A shortened, 4:09 version was also released on 7" vinyl.

"We thought it would be good to create a song that was completely electronic," Gilbert told The Guardianin 2013. "' Blue Monday' was meant to be robotic, the idea being that we could walk on stage and do it without playing the instruments ourselves."

The band even tried to use a digitized voice to sing the lines, but Sumner ended up doing the vocals himself. "He says the lyric came about because he was fed up with journalists asking him how he felt," added Gilbert, likely referring to the loss of Ian Curtis. As for the bits about ships in the harbor?

"The lines about the beach and the harbor were the start of his many nautical references – he loves sailing," explained Gilbert.

Bernard Sumner of New Order performs at Sydney Opera House on March 14, 2025

Photo by Don Arnold on Getty Images

"I remember just being turned on by the latest technology that was becoming available. It was pre-computers, pre-MIDI, and I'd built this sequencer from an electronics kit," Bernard Sumner told NME when he and Peter Hook spoke to the publication in 2015. Sumner took Morris's drum machine andhad a science friend named Martin Usherdesign a circuit that would connect it to his synthesizer.

"The day that we wrote ['Blue Monday'] was the day that we brought the circuit in, hooked it all up and pressed 'GO' on the drum machine," said Summer. "Then, the synthesizer started chattering away, and somehow it all worked."

"'Blue Monday' has a sonic impact that very, very few records have," added Peter Hook. "It really was a gift, and it was quite ironic – and quite sad, really – that we stole it off a Donna Summer B-side. It is a weird song."

The Donna Summer song in question? 1979's "Our Love," the B-side to "Bad Girls." The Guardianbroke down the multiple ingredients that went into "Blue Monday," from the stuttering rhythm from Donna and producer Giorgio Moroder to Kraftwerk's "Uranium" to Ennio Morricone's "For A Few Dollars More."

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New Order combined these elements to create a "starting point" for dance music.

"We were at the vanguard with that song – stuff like that wasn't being played on the radio or in clubs," said Bernard Summer. "There was electronic music, but not much electronic dance music…suddenly, this track came along that sounded different to everything else, so DJ's started playing it. And it kept coming back into the charts. We actually never got any radio play off Blue Monday; it was a hit in spite of the radio."

Did 'Blue Monday' Actually End Up Losing Money?

There was a rumor that "Blue Monday" ultimately lost money. "It's absolutely true," Peter Hook told NME in 2105. "Factory sold it for £1, and it cost £1.10 to make because of the sleeve."

The 12" single came in a special record sleeve designed by renowned graphic designer Peter Saville, one that looked like an 8-inch/5.25 floppy disc (the larger version of the 3.5-inch design that younger generations only know as the "SAVE" icon).

Tony [Wilson, Factory Records co-founder] ended up having those wonderful brass awards cut for us to celebrate 500,000 sales, when what we were actually celebrating was a loss of £50,000," added Hook. "That could only happen at Factory!"

Related: 48 Years Ago Today, One of Rock’s Most Influential Bands Made Their Live Debut

It is played at every tiki bar, wedding and tropical happy hour from Key West to California. For decades, fans have confidently raised their glasses and toasted to the "King of Margaritaville," assuming that the 1979 chart-topper “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is a cornerstone of theJimmy Buffett catalog.

There’s just one problem: Jimmy Buffett never recorded it.

The song is actually the work of Rupert Holmes, a British-American singer-songwriter and Tony Award-winning playwright. Despite the song hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1979—becoming the final No. 1 hit of the 1970s—the credit is almost universally misassigned. Here is why millions of fans are convinced of a musical lie.

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Related: 48 Years Ago Today, a 19-Year-Old Made Rock Music History

The "Napster" Mandela Effect

Music historians often point to the early 2000s as the "Patient Zero" for this confusion. During the era of peer-to-peer file sharing on sites like Napster and Limewire, metadata was a Wild West. Because the song’s themes of tropical drinks and island escapism perfectly mirrored Buffett’s brand, uploaders often labeled the track as "Jimmy Buffett - The Piña Colada Song." An entire generation downloaded the track under that false heading, cementing the error in their digital libraries and their memories.

Related: 1971 Hit Ranked ‘Greatest Classic Rock Song’ of All Time

The Tropical Brand Trap

The misattribution is a testament to how powerful Jimmy Buffett’s "Island Lifestyle" brand truly was. As noted in several Songfactsinterviews, the song’s lyrics—getting caught in the rain, cocktails and "the dunes of the Cape"—fit the "Parrot Head" aesthetic so snugly that the public simply "auto-corrected" the artist in their minds.

Related: 1971 Smash Ranked One of the ‘Best Albums’ of All Time Still Holds a No. 1 Record 55 Years Later

Rupert Holmes Weighs In

Even the creator himself is in on the joke. Apparently, in an interview with The A.V. Club from 2003, Holmes once admitted that he is frequently approached by fans who want to talk about his "Jimmy Buffett song."

Perhaps the biggest irony of all? While Buffett spent his life celebrating the coastal lifestyle, Holmes wrote the song in a New York apartment and originally intended the lyric to be about a different drink. Holmes revealed he changed the lyric to "Piña Colada" simply because it sounded like a "medical condition" or a tropical getaway.

Furthermore, he confessed that he doesn’t even like the drink: "I’ve never had a Piña Colada that I didn't think tasted like Kaopectate."

A Chart-Topping Legacy

Whether you credit the right man or not, the song’s success is undeniable. According to Billboard, it remains one of the most resilient hits of the era, famously being the first song to reach No. 1 in two different decades.

So, the next time you hear that iconic opening chord, remember: it’s a Rupert Holmes masterpiece—even if the vibe is pure Buffett.

Related: Iconic '70s Singer's No. 1 Best-Selling Debut Ranked Among 'Greatest Yacht Rock Albums' of All Time

If you're someone who grew up watching MTV back in the days when actual music videos were played on the network most of the time, then you know that some of the best videos of all time were actually some of the worst. David Bowie and Mick Jagger's hilariously manic moves in "Dancing in the Streets," for example (which is even funnier to watch with the sound off), or, for that matter, the Rolling Stones' "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)" video, which features the entire band playing under a striped tent while getting slowly swallowed by bubbles.

In truth, it can be more fun to watch a "bad" music video than a "good" one (after all, Beavis and Butthead made a whole show about it). So it's important to note that some of the clips on Ultimate Classic Rock's "20 of rock's worst music videos" list are actually kind of great, in a sense.

While the 20 videos to earn this dubious distinction weren't ranked in any type of order, the picks included plenty of videos that seem even sillier now than they did at the time, which is saying a lot. In addition to the aforementioned "Dancing in the Streets," the roundup included Starship's "faux-futuristic" "We Built This City" (evidence of an era before people really knew how to use green screens), and Styx's chaotic "Music Time," probably one of the only videos to combine aliens, giant hamburgers, heads on platters, dog suits and so much more.

Interestingly enough, some of the worst videos were in support of #1 hits. Case in point: The video for Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," the first single off their 1983 album Frontiers.

The unintentionally hilarious clip opens with the band standing on a wharf, dressed in various shades of denim, playing air versions of their instruments...and it only gets weirder from there. A woman in white heels and a black leather skirt stalks around as the band members lip sync aggressively into the camera, striking various poses against the oddly industrial background.

Why are they on a wharf? Who is the woman? Why do their instruments keep disappearing and reappearing? The video ends with a shot of the woman sleeping in bed with headphones on, so we can assume it was all a dream (a nightmare?).

Even the band was skeptical about the video; as guitarist Neal Schon told Huffington Post in 2012, "I like the song, I don't know about the video. Well, it was the beginning of the video era. I think we made that video for, like, $5,000. You know, nobody was spending big money on videos, for one."

"I will never live down those air keyboards," lamented keyboardist Jonathan Cain in I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution. "No matter what else I've done in my career, sooner or later people find a way to ask me about the 'Separate Ways' video."

"It was just cheeseball, from beginning to end," Cain added.

Cheeseball...or iconic? Maybe both.

Related: 1989 No. 1 Hit Ranked Among 'Worst Songs of All Time' Has Over 600 Million Streams

Prince William's solo trip to Cornwall, England, led to a hilarious slip-up as the royal tried to coordinate a bakery order with hysterical results.

The Daily Mailposted a clip to X, sharing the moment William tried to help out Gear Farm Pasty Company with their phone orders. He visited the Cornwall store on St. Piran's Day, reported The Daily Mail.

The Prince of Wales tried to assist a customer who wanted to place an order. But hilarity ensued when William got the customer's name wrong.

William had the staff in stiches when he asked the customer, "And what name is that? Juicy? Oh, Josie. Sorry, Josie, I thought you said 'Juicy,' I apologize." 

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Prince William - the Duke of Cornwall- is at Gear Farm Pasty Company, an award-winning family-
run farm and bakery known for producing traditional Cornish pasties using home-grown
ingredients. The farm has been certified organic for 30+ years. pic.twitter.com/jnxhAnMqnj

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) March 5, 2026

The clip continued with William continuing the customer's order. He promised them the "pasties will be juicy" and went on to complete the task.

RELATED: Prince William Shatters Royal Tradition

The solo trip also included time in the kitchen, helping staff prepare the baked goods. According to the Oxford Learning Dictionary, a pasty is "a small pie containing meat and/or vegetables."

Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Daily Mail reported that William assisted with the production of pasties for St. Piran's Day. According to the BBC, St. Piran's Day celebrates the patron saint of tin miners.

RELATED: Prince Harry’s Explosive Fight With Prince William Challenged in New Royal Biography

Workers showed him how to fill the handheld foods and crimp the edges. However, he appeared to have difficulty mastering the task.

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According to The Daily Mail, the Prince of Wales declared that making pasties is "a lot harder than it looks." He didn't believe his could be sold, telling the workers, "Feels like I might be taking this one home, guys. Not sure this is going to be sellable."

He joked, "This is where I need my wife." William continued that Kate Middleton would be more of an expert at the task.

While William was making pasties, Kate was at a separate engagement at Leicester to mark the Hindu festival Holi.

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If you’ve ever wanted to take home one of those fluffy white comforters from a hotel, Amazon is making it surprisingly doable right now. The Serta Goose Feather Down Comforter is available in three sizes: twin, full/queen, and king, and three warmth options, including all season, extra warmth, and light warmth. The best deal is the full/queen all-season version, which is marked down to $64 (originally $153), making it 58% off.

The comforter is filled with a blend of goose feathers and down and wrapped in a soft, breathable, hypoallergenic cotton cover. It’s considered a medium-weight comforter, making it suitable for year-round use. The fill is evenly distributed, so it drapes smoothly across the bed without any clumping.

Serta Goose Feather Down Comforter, From $64 (was $153) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

If you’re concerned about overheating, the all-season comforter has enough weight to feel cozy and substantial, but it doesn’t trap warmth — unless you want it to, of course. That’s also why it’s offered in multiple warmth options, so you can choose the version that works best for your sleep style, whether you tend to run warm or want something more insulating.

Several reviewers compared the feel to “sleeping in a cloud,” with one person calling it a “giant, fluffy marshmallow.” Another said it's“absolutely amazing and feels truly hotel-quality,” also describing it as “soft, breathable, and gentle on the skin.”

Related: Amazon’s $25 Teacher-Approved Knit Ballet Flats Feel Like ‘Walking on a Cloud’

Beyond its cloud-like comfort, this is an easy piece to work into almost any bedroom. The clean white look pairs well with patterned sheets, neutral bedding, or a duvet cover, and the medium weight allows it to be used on its own or layered, depending on the season. It works just as well for everyday use as it does in a guest room.

With multiple sizes, three warmth levels, and impressive reviews, the Serta Goose Feather Down Comforter is a smart bedding upgrade. If you’ve been trying to recreate that hotel-style sleep experience at home without spending a fortune, Amazon’s 58% discount on the full/queen all-season version makes now an especially good time to buy. 

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.

If you’re in your 40s and you’re struggling with weight gain more than you used to, you’re certainly not alone. According to a study conducted by Brigham Young University published in the Journal of Obesity, the peak age when people gain weight is between 36 and 39, particularly for women. That means if you’re in your 40s, you likely want to shed at least a few pounds.

But losing weight in your 40s has its own unique challenges. According to the aforementioned study, the years between 40 and 49 are the second-highest timeframe for weight gain. “In your 40s, your body experiences hormonal shifts, metabolic slowdown and, sadly, muscle loss. This heavily contributes to the difficulty of losing fat,” says certified personal trainer Allison Goldsmith, NASM. 

Related: We Asked 4 Doctors if Drinking Hot Water Helps You Lose Weight, and They All Said the Same Thing

Certified personal trainer and C.G.M. Fitness owner Cara D’Orazio, CPT, says that hormonal changes during the 40s make losing weight harder. “Hormones start shifting, especially during perimenopause, which can change where your body stores fat and how easily it comes off,” she says. Factor that on top of the stressors of work and family life, which D’Orazio says can make maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine challenging. 

Something that can help: walking. It may sound simple, but walking your way to weight loss is definitely possible. Here’s what personal trainers want you to keep in mind, including how many minutes a day you should walk.

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General Tips for Losing Weight in Your 40s

When it comes to a game plan for losing weight in your 40s, certified personal trainer Renee Moten, CPT, says that a great place to start is managing stress levels. “So many women enter perimenopause or menopause stressed,” she says. Moton explains that when levels of the stress hormone cortisol are high, it can make it harder to lose weight. 

Some proven ways to lower cortisol include regular meditation or breathwork, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet. Moten says that high-intensity exercises can put added stress on the body, which is what makes walking so beneficial for weight loss in your 40s; it’s a way to exercise without overly stressing your body.

Related: Here's What Your Cortisol Levels Can Actually Tell You About Your Health (and What They Can't)

In addition to managing your stress levels, Goldsmith says that it’s important to set realistic goals that are attainable and manageable. Some examples of this that she says can support weight loss include committing to drinking a glass of water every morning after waking up, taking three full, deep breaths before eating each meal to support good digestion and doing 10 squats after eating to manage blood sugar.

 “Another big game-changer is getting on a consistent sleep schedule. A good night’s sleep washes away metabolic waste in the brain, increases the hormone leptin, which helps you feel full, and decreases the hormone ghrelin, which signals hunger. Better sleep increases your metabolism,” Goldsmith adds.

When it comes to structuring your diet to support weight loss, D’Orazio says that it’s important to focus on getting enough protein. Scientific research shows that a high-protein diet supports weight loss by helping maintain lean muscle while losing fat, when combined with regular strength training. Protein also helps keep you full longer, which makes it easier to avoid unhealthy snacking between meals. 

Related: Doing This One Thing Every Morning Could Help You Lose Weight Faster, According to Weight Loss Experts

How Many Minutes To Walk Each Day To Lose Weight in Your 40s

All three personal trainers say that walking can absolutely lead to weight loss in your 40s. “Walking helps more than people think. It’s low-impact, easy to recover from and you can do it consistently without burning yourself out. It adds to your daily calorie burn, helps with blood sugar regulation and, honestly, just gets you moving more without overcomplicating things. For a lot of people, it’s the piece that keeps everything else on track because it’s doable,” D’Orazio says.

According to a 2022 scientific article published in Nutrients, increasing daily step count by 1,800 steps through walking can reduce body fat by 20%. Remember how Moten said how important it was to manage cortisol levels? Goldsmith says that walking helps do exactly that. “You also improve insulin sensitivity so the body can utilize fat more efficiently. Walking leads to hormone regulation and metabolic boosts,” she says. This makes all the other changes you may be making to lose weight work even better.

In terms of how many minutes you need to walk a day to lose weight, all of the trainers say that this varies widely, depending on one’s starting weight, how active they are, diet and any underlying health conditions. But in general, Goldsmith recommends walking at a brisk pace for between 30 and 60 minutes, six days a week. 

D’Orazio says this too. “You don’t need a perfect number, but aiming for about 30 to 60 minutes a day is a solid place to start. That could be one walk or broken up throughout the day. Even just focusing on getting more steps in can make a difference. What’s most important is doing it regularly, not perfectly,” she says.

When you’re walking, Moten says it’s important to pay attention to your pace, aiming for one that’s 70% effort. She says you shouldn’t be so out of breath that you can’t talk. Walking faster than this, Moten says, can put added stress on the body and raise cortisol levels, which is what you want to avoid.

While walking can help with weight loss, D’Orazio says that it’s most effective when paired with regular strength training and maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. “In your 40s, it’s less about going all-in for a few weeks and more about finding something you can actually stick with. The goal isn’t just losing weight—it’s feeling good, staying strong, and keeping it off long-term,” she says.

Losing weight in your 40s doesn’t mean suffering through excruciating workouts. It’s about finding gentle ways to move your body, eating healthy and managing stress. When followed consistently, you’ll find yourself not only losing weight, but also feeling energized and balanced. 

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Best Cheese for Weight Loss, According To Registered Dietitians

Sources

• Tucker, L. A. and Parker, K. (2022). 10-Year Weight Gain in 13,802 US Adults: The Role of Age, Sex, and Race.Journal of Obesity. 2022:7652408. doi: 10.1155/2022/7652408
• Allison Goldsmith, NASM, certified personal trainer
• Cara D’Orazio, CPT, certified personal trainer and owner of C.G.M. Fitness
• Renee Moten, CPT, certified personal trainer
• Abraham, S. B., Rubino, D., Sinaii, N., et al. (2013). Cortisol, obesity and the metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study of obese subjects and review of the literature. Obesity. 21(1):E105-E117 
• La New, J. M. and Borer, J. T. (2022). Effects of Walking Speed on Total and Regional Body Fat in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.Nutrients. 14(3):627

One of the primary lures of a cruise vacation is the promise of an all-inclusive escape where high-energy entertainment is part of the fare. However, as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) prepares for the grand debut of its newest vessel, the Norwegian Luna, some early passengers are discovering a surprise addition to their bill.

While travelers are accustomed to world-class theater productions being included in their ticket price, those eager to experience the ship’s provocative new signature show, “LunaTique: Pop Circus,” are finding a $44.99 per person fee attached to the reservation.

The charge was first brought to light by booked guests using the NCL App, which serves as the primary portal for making dining and activity reservations before setting sail.

According to the app’s description, the show is an “interactive, character-driven experience where our vibrant troupe of circus performers take center stage.”

Unlike the Broadway-style reviews or family-oriented comedy typical of the main stage, LunaTique is a dedicated adults-only, 21-and-over event. NCL describes the atmosphere as one where “vintage circus glamour collides with pop decadence in a bold, cheeky good time designed purely for grown-up fun.”

Related: Two of the World's Most Anticipated Family Cruise Ships Are Launching This Month

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The $45 price tag has already ignited a spirited debate among the cruising community. One traveler, scheduled to sail on the Luna in late May, shared their frustration on Reddit, stating, “I was really annoyed to see that LunaTique has a $45 fee!”

The guest questioned the necessity of the surcharge for a signature production, speculating, “I don’t understand why the fee for LunaTique… I guess everyone’s sick of the family-friendly entertainment and they feel it’s going to be popular?”

To justify the cost, the ticket price is more than just an admission fee; it includes four specialty cocktails, a souvenir glass and the standard gratuity. For those who do not consume alcohol, mocktails are available upon request, though the cruise line has not indicated any price reduction for non-drinkers.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Dazzling New Elton John Experience—Unlike Anything at Sea

This "dinner-theater" style pricing model appears to be part of a broader industry trend toward premium, intimate experiences that help manage demand for limited-capacity venues, such as Princess Cruise Line's Spellbound By Magic Castle experience and Celebrity Xcel's IYKYK speak easy.

For passengers who prefer to keep their onboard spend at zero, the 3,565-guest Norwegian Luna still offers a robust lineup of included entertainment.

The ship, which officially joins the fleet this month, features “ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John,” a concert-style tribute, and “HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder,” a high-tech production blending 3D mapping with elite acrobatics. As the ship begins its maiden voyages from Miami to the Caribbean this spring, travelers should keep a close eye on their apps—not just for the $45 circus, but to avoid a $10 "no-show" fee for missed reservations.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Newest 2027 Ship—And It’s Built Around How Families Actually Cruise

Jack Osbourne set the record straight on his late father Ozzy Osbourne’s religious beliefs. During a March 2206 appearance on Jamie Kennedy’sHate to Break It to Ya podcast, the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne confirmed that his dad’s Prince of Darkness persona was just a stage act, and that his image sometimes bothered him.

“Nothing evil was ever in our household in that capacity,” Osbourne, 40, told Kennedy. “My dad was a believer in Christ. He had a Bible. He wore a cross every day of his life.”

“He got a lot of frustration about it because he's like, ‘People are saying I'm this thing and I'm not this thing,'" Osbourne continued of the Black Sabbath legend. “That's why you cannot ever trust the news, right? The news declared, you know, it would be all over CNN or news stations, oh, ‘Ozzy’s a Satanist who's gonna do all this stuff,’ because, you know, if you see this part in a song, it could be this and that.”

Ozzy joked about devil worship

Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 at age 76, liked to play up a Satan-worshipping persona.

In 2002, he joked to Metal Hammerthat Satan protected him from getting COVID 19.  “My wife had the virus; my daughter had the virus and I never got it,” the singer said at the time, adding, “Being a devil worshipper does have its good points!”

In a 1986 interview with Spin, reposted by The Guardian, Ozzy confirmed he was a non-practicing Christian. “I was christened as a Christian. I used to go to Sunday school. I never took much interest in it because … I didn’t,” he admitted. “My idea of Heaven is feeling good. A place where people are alright to each other. This world scares the s--- out of me. We’re all living on the tinderbox.”

Of his song lyrics, he explained, “I mention the word ‘death.’ I mention the word ‘evil’, but in the context of the story, it’s like Mary Had a Little Lamb. They all think I’m singing, ‘Satan, Satan, Satan, Satan … death, murder, murder.’ They think that’s all that comes out of my mouth. They never stop to listen. They’ve already prejudged me and tried me.”

“I might start singing f---ing religious songs,” he added. “I don’t think so, but if I choose to, why not?“

In a 1992 interview clip posted by Audacy, Ozzy reaffirmed his faith. “I'm not against the church at all,” he said. “But all I ever wanted to do was have a lot of fun with people. I believe in God. I don’t go to church, but I don’t think you have to … go to church to believe in God,” the rock legend added.

RELATED: The Song That ‘Invented’ Heavy Metal Just Turned 56—And It Has a Nightmare of a Story

Ozzy’s dad made crosses for the band

In the early days of Black Sabbath in the 1970s, Ozzy’s bandmate Geezer Butler was interested in the occult. "I totally believed in the devil,” Butler told MOJO in an interview,  per Classic Rock. “I started reading books by Aleister Crowley and Dennis Wheatley, especially The Devil Rides Out, which was meant to be a cautionary tale, but which read like a handbook on how to be Satanist." 

Butler changed his tune after an inexplicable experience with a black shadowy figure in his room, but by that time, Black Sabbath’s music had already been labeled by some.

“We didn’t think anything of it until the first American tour," Butler told Metal Hammer  in 2019. "There was some black magic organization that wanted us to play at a stone circle… We said no – we were sort of against Satan as opposed to promoting it – so they allegedly cursed us. The head of the white witches called our management and said he knew we had a curse put on us, and we should wear crosses, and he’d do a ritual thing. It all sounds so hokey.”

“That’s why we started wearing crosses!” Butler added. “Ozzy’s father made them for us. He used to work at a metal factory making car parts, so he made us these great big crosses out of spare metal.”

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After tackling the bunk rooms during the first week of HGTV's Bachelor Mansion Takeover, the contestants are more determined than ever to take home the grand prize at the end of the season. But it begs the question: Who would judges Tayshia Adams and Tyler Cameron actually hire to decorate their own homes?

Parade sat down with the Bachelor Nation alums who are at least partially responsible for deciding who goes home at the end of each episode. Adams and Cameron held nothing back as they shared who surprised them in the competition, and who brings both style and some comic relief to the show.

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Bachelor Mansion Takeover pits 12 former Bachelor and Bachelorette stars against one another as they attempt to give the series' infamous mansion a well-deserved makeover. Considering the franchise dates back to 2002, hundreds of men and women have taken their shot at love on TV, but who knew so many of them had a background in either interior design, contracting or architecture?

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If anyone knows relationships, it’s the #BachelorMansionTakeover cast. 😘 #Bachelor #Bachelorette

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"Once everyone goes on The Bachelor, they forget that we had jobs (before this)," Cameron tells Parade. "I'm like, 'Well, you know, we did work before this, and we still work now.' Everyone has a major skill that added such intention to the house. It was awesome."

Related: HGTV's Chelsea and Cole DeBoer Are Couple Goals on a Road Trip for Wagon Wheel Furniture

So, Who Would Tayshia and Tyler Hire to Make Over Their Homes?

For his part, Cameron doesn't skip a beat when answering who he'd bring in to redesign a space.

"I would hire Chris (Stallworth, from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette) just more so to hang out with him and drink some rum with him," he says. "That guy is so cool and also such a dynamic carpenter. He really took it upon himself to build some incredible pieces for the house." So he would be a huge asset to the team."

As far as who might make him laugh the most? Well, that would be a toss-up between Jill Chin and Dean Bell.

Adams suggests that each and every competitor would have a place on her home design team, but she was most surprised and impressed by Courtney Robertson Preciado from The Bachelor's 16th season.

"Courtney was a huge surprise in the competition," Adams says. "I think that she worked in interior design before, but after becoming a mom her lifestyle has changed a little bit. And she even said that this really sparked her passion for it, and it really came out in the in the show. So I'm really excited for everybody to see that."

Catch Bachelor Mansion Takeover on HGTV on Mondays at 8/7c.

Related: A Group of HGTV Stars Just Took the Dreamiest Vacation Together, and We're So Jealous

Nearly a century after it made history at the Academy Awards, the 1929 musical The Broadway Melody is back in the spotlight, this time for a far less flattering reason. 

The early Hollywood musical has been ranked the worst Best Picture winner in Oscars history, sparking fresh debate about how well some classic winners actually hold up for modern audiences.

In a recent USA TODAY ranking, the film ranked No. 1 on a list of the most disappointing movies ever to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. While the outlet acknowledged the film’s historical importance, it argued that the musical now feels dated, uneven and difficult for modern viewers to enjoy.

The Broadway Melody, poster, left and right, Bessie Love, Charles King, 1929.

Photo by LMPC via Getty Images

Released in 1929 and directed by Harry Beaumont, the movie was groundbreaking during Hollywood’s transition from silent films to sound. It was the first all-talking Hollywood musical and the first sound film to win Best Picture, following the silent war drama Wings, which won the award the previous year.

But despite its technological milestone, critics today say the film’s storytelling and performances have not aged nearly as well as its historical reputation.

When The Broadway Melody premiered, it was a major commercial success. Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the movie became the highest-grossing film of 1929, earning about $4.4 million worldwide on a modest budget of $379,000.

The story follows two vaudeville sisters: Hank and Queenie Mahoney, who travel to New York hoping to become Broadway stars. Hank, played by Bessie Love, is practical and ambitious, while Queenie, portrayed by Anita Page, quickly catches the attention of producers because of her beauty.

Complications arise when Hank’s fiancé, Eddie Kearns, played by Charles King, begins developing feelings for Queenie. The love triangle unfolds against a backdrop of backstage drama, show rehearsals, and musical numbers.

The film helped establish the structure that later musicals would follow. Many familiar tropes: romantic tension between performers, backstage drama and big show-stopping musical numbers appeared here first.

Its songs, written by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, also became classics. Tracks like “Broadway Melody,” “You Were Meant for Me” and “The Wedding of the Painted Doll” became early musical hits.

The movie even experimented with color technology. One famous sequence used two-color Technicolor, an early color film process that later influenced the colorful musical spectacles that dominated Hollywood in the 1930s.

Some critics argue the movie works better today as a historical artifact than as a piece of entertainment. That doesn’t mean the film has disappeared from Hollywood history. 

In fact, its success led to multiple follow-ups, including Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938 and Broadway Melody of 1940, proving that audiences once loved the formula.

For movie fans revisiting the Academy Awards’ long history, The Broadway Melody remains a reminder that even Oscar winners don’t always age gracefully.

Related: 78-Year-Old Classic Ranked the 'Greatest British Movie Masterpiece' of All Time

On March 10, 2026, Jupiter's retrograde ends. For those who follow astrological shifts, the word “retrograde” evokes at minimum, curiosity—and in some cases, hypervigilance, mostly due to the retrogrades of techy and communicative planetMercury.  But the retrogrades of Jupiter aren’t as alarming as they are profound. As the most sought-after astrological influence, Jupiter is the planet of expansion, blessings, and protection, spending about twelve to thirteen months in each zodiac sign. The quality of blessings the gas giant emanates at any given time responds to the zodiac sign it travels in. 

Since June 9, 2025, Jupiter has been swimming in the warm waters of Cancer, the zodiac sign connected to nurturance, family, and ancestry. Jupiter in Cancer is where the archetype of the divine mother thrives, now manifesting as a need or opportunity to seek healing within our most important family bonds and dynamics.  Read on to discover what Jupiter's retrograde ending means in astrology, as well as which zodiac signs will be the most blessed by Jupiter's station direct, with expert horoscopes.

The Spiritual Meaning of Jupiter Station Direct in Astrology

This deep process of inner nurturance and healing became much more internalized on November 11, 2025, when Jupiter initiated its retrograde. Since then, the expansion hasn’t stopped—it has become much more internalized. As a nostalgic sign, Cancer has inspired remembrance, taking us down memory lane in search of deep inner truths. As Jupiter goes direct in Cancer on March 10, this inner expansion begins spreading from the inside out, reflecting as blessings. 

The presence of Jupiter, now direct, in Cancer between March 10 and July 29, 2026, holds a deeper layer of meaning for each zodiac sign, too. Below are the four zodiac signs that are bound to attract luck and blessings as the as this lucky planet goes direct. 

Which Zodiac Signs Attract Luck as Jupiter Retrograde Ends?

Check for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aries: Ancestral Blessings Leading to Inner Knowledge

The deeper you go, the bigger the growth, Aries! Since June 9, Jupiter has been emphasizing the most personal part of your chart, the fourth house of home and family. Under this influence, you may have expanded your family or residence, beginning to build a life of nurturance—even if, at times, you were challenged to upgrade aspects of your identity. During Jupiter’s retrograde, between November 11 and March 10, you may have reconsidered some of this growth. You may have questioned some of the principles on which you were building a new life. 

As Jupiter ends its retrograde aligned with benevolent Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, connected to ancient knowledge, bright moments arrive. You may connect with an ancestor or spirit guide whose message awakens a deeper sense of inner knowing about your lineage. This awareness of your past may be the catalyst for you continuing to build a life on a stronger and more nurturing foundation. 

EXPAND: This is Your Aura's Color, Based on the Year You Were Born

Cancer: Spiritual Downloads Leading to Personal Growth

This is your big moment, Cancer! As Jupiter stations direct in your first house of self, you may experience epiphanies about your personality or sense of identity. The brightest star in the heavens, Sirius, will be strongly activated, sending beams of wisdom your way. Over the following weeks, you may experience a connection with a spirit guide, angel, or ancestor whose message brings a sense of deep inner knowing. 

Between March 10 and July 29, Jupiter in Cancer continues to protect you and inspire action that can lead to personal expansion. The bold moves that you take in your life, most specifically, your career, could lead to a strong professional foundation that lasts for many years to come. Since Jupiter truly responds to a genuine feeling of gratitude, counting your blessings is a gateway to connecting with its protective energy, too. 

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Dates Everyone Naturally Trusts

Libra:  Professional Success & Life Goals

How has your definition of success changed since June 9, 2025? Since then, you have most likely focused much more deeply on both your professional and long-term personal goals. During the time that Jupiter was retrograde, between November 11 and March 10, you were inspired to pause and reflect on the growth you’ve accomplished. Some of your projects may have slowed down or paused, requiring rethinking or energetic redirection. 

As Jupiter goes direct in your professional sector, it’s all systems go for you, Libra! Between now and July 29, you may close a deal, a partnership, or receive praise for a job well done. These months are ideal for setting ambitious goals and making your mark as Jupiter elevates your success and public visibility. 

READ: 4 Chinese Zodiac Signs Destined for Success, According to Astrologers

Capricorn: Romantic Relationships & Professional Partnerships 

Jupiter’s message for you: “There’s power in connection.” Since June 9, 2025, Jupiter has been gracing your relationship sector (seventh house), putting expansive people along your path. These relationships—romantic or professional—may have been nurturing for your soul and perhaps even your professional success. Some, however, may have been on pause as you quietly reflected on your approach towards them, since Jupiter went retrograde on November 11. 

As the lucky gas giant begins moving forward on March 10, you may feel more clarity around your feelings or approach concerning these connections. You may begin or continue fortunate collaborations that bring you professional success or personal expansion. If you’ve been considering becoming more romantically involved with someone special, there’s opportunity for building a loving and nurturing bond, too. 

UP NEXT:

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Your coffee table is quite literally the centerpiece of your living room. It can blend in seamlessly with its surroundings, or it can stand out as a true focal point. Either way, it's the cohesive glue that brings everything together. The key is to find the right pieces to make that a reality — and the Joz Coffee Table Set is a fantastic choice. 

Consisting of a coffee table and two matching end tables, it's ideal for completing your living area with matching pieces that fit seamlessly into virtually any space. Right now at Walmart, the set is marked down from $200 to just $79 — an amazing $121 discount on a matching collection that exudes a clean and classic look.

Joz Coffee Table Set, $79 (was $200) at Walmart

Investing in a coordinating set like this can save you time and money, eliminating the need to hunt for pieces that look like they belong together. These matching pieces are so versatile that they’ll fit nicely into spaces ranging from traditional to contemporary. Everything is designed with both style and practicality in mind.

The coffee table measures 40 inches long by 18 inches wide by 18.5 inches high, giving you a substantial surface for drinks, books, remotes, and whatever else you want to keep in the center of the room. The two end tables, meanwhile, come in at 15.8 inches long by 15.8 inches wide by 23.5 inches high. Their perfectly compact size means they can fit neatly beside sofas or chairs without overwhelming the space. 

Related: Walmart's Oversized $100 Cushioned Rocking Chair Is 'Wonderful' for Outdoor Lounging

Each piece includes a lower shelf, which offers you a convenient extra spot to keep items out of the way. That makes it easier to maintain a sleek, clutter-free space — and all three tables can hold quite a bit. The coffee table's top and bottom shelves each support up to 130 pounds, while the end tables can hold up to 100 pounds on each level. With that kind of capacity, the tables can hold anything from books to decor with ease.

The overall aesthetic is sleek and simple, with rock gray tabletops paired with black metal frames for a grounded and adaptable look. Shoppers have said they adore the combination of fashion and function. "I love these," one person wrote. "They're easy to assemble, durable, and stylish." Another added that the set offers "good craftsmanship" and is "sturdy and beautiful."

Shop More Deals

• Sanmadrola Ceramic Vase Set, $27 (was $47) at Walmart
• Oneach Vintage Lamp Set, $55 (was $70) at Walmart
• Pentantan Geometric Shag Area Rug, $32 (was $63) at Walmart

Whether you're furnishing a living room or want to use the pieces in different areas of the home, you can bet the Joz Coffee Table Set will meet your needs. Don't miss it while it's on flash sale for just $79 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.

Scott Baio paid tribute to his former Charles in Charge co-Star, Jennifer Runyon, following her death at age 65.  On March 8, the actor posted to Instagram to share photos of himself posing on the carpet with Runyon as well as fellow Charles in Charge co-stars Willie Aames and Josie Davis at a holiday event in Hollywood five years ago.

Baio, 65, captioned the post to reflect on his time working with Runyon in the mid-1980s.

“I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jennifer Runyon on Charles In Charge,” he wrote. “She was a sweet, kind, and generous actress to work with. Jennifer played my longtime girlfriend on Charles In Charge; however, she was also a wonderful mother and wife. We last saw each other at The Hollywood Christmas Parade in late 2019. I’m sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and sympathy to her family during this difficult time. God bless her and her family. 🙏”

Runyon died on March 6 with her loved ones by her side, TMZ reported. No cause of death was confirmed. Runyon's longtime friend, Bewitched star Erin Murphy, wrote that the actress had a brief battle with cancer.

On Charles in Charge, Runyon played Baio’s character Charles’s girlfriend, Gwendolyn Pierce, in the show's first season, from 1984 to 1985. She returned to the CBSsitcom for a Season 2 two-parter.

In a 2014 interview with Retro Ladyland, Runyon said she was thrilled to land the role on Charles in Charge alongside Baio and Aames, who played Charles’ best friend Buddy Lembeck.

“When I got the part, I was so excited," she shared. "I was nervous because  I had always had a little crush on Scott Baio. He was great...he ended up becoming like a brother to me...I learned a lot from working with Scott and Willie Aames.”

RELATED: Jennifer Runyon Replaced an Original ‘Brady Bunch’ Star in 1988 Christmas Movie

Aames, 65, also paid tribute to Runyon in a social media post following her death. "Jenn was more than a friend. She was my dear dear friend, muse, and encourager," the actor wrote on Facebook. “We shared family Christmas’s together, vacations, weekends, lunches and dinners together… We did shows together, but most of all- we LAUGHED."

"From the moment we met on set all those decades ago- I knew you ‘got me," the Charles in Charge actor wrote of his late co-star.

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What's your favorite pizza offered at Trader Joe's?

Maybe it's changed over the years, especially when new pies are introduced in the frozen aisle. Just this past January, for example, the beloved grocery chain launched a Pizza Bianca that has already gotten fans buzzing.

"Though its crust is inspired by the airy, raised crust common in Southern Italy, the flavor profile and elegant appearance of Trader Joe’s Pizza Bianca is inspired by one of our product developer’s favorite pies in all of Los Angeles," the product's online description reads. "The dough that forms the base of this Pizza Bianca is allowed to naturally rise for 24 hours before it’s spread with a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce and topped with mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheeses, onion, and fragrant rosemary, at which point it’s baked in a wood burning oven. Dreamy, indeed."

The description continues, "From there, about 15 minutes in your oven is all it takes to unleash Pizza Bianca’s allium-y allure and rich, savory cheesiness. A juxtaposition of understated sophistication and satisfying, savory finger food, Pizza Bianca would be equally at home served alongside an aperitif at a cocktail party, or as the main course enjoyed while hunkered down on the couch during movie night."

The all-new pie sent the internet into a tizzy earlier this year, with the @trader_joes_treasure_hunt account boasting its "authentic light and airy Italian crust." See the Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram

Plus, a Reddit thread began around the same time about the white pizza, which featured a user calling the product "divine." What are your thoughts?

In other Trader Joe's news, the popular grocer is now offering a Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta. The frozen meal combines classic Alfredo sauce with gochujang, the Korean fermented chili paste known for its sweet, savory flavor and gentle heat. It’s not a combination you see every day, but somehow it just makes sense once you taste it.

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If you're looking to upgrade your outdoor space on a budget, this Lacoo 3-Piece Patio Conversation Set might be just what your porch or balcony needs. Right now at Walmart, it's down to just $85 from its original price of $175, and it’s the perfect blend of comfort and style.

The set includes two cushioned rattan chairs and a tempered glass-top coffee table. Designed with a sturdy steel frame and weather-resistant PE rattan, it’s built to last across seasons. The compact setup works well for smaller patios, balconies, and porches, but still has enough room for cozy seating and drinks.

Lacoo 3-Piece Patio Conversation Set, From $85 (was $175) at Walmart

It ships in one box and requires minimal assembly. One customer wrote, “It was easy to put together and looks so cute on my patio.” Another added, “Assembly was fairly easy! Good quality and a great fit for my patio.” Even first-time furniture builders are praising the process: “It felt like building Legos,” one reviewer shared.

The set is lightweight enough to move around easily, but reviewers note that it remains sturdy once in place. The cushions feature zippered covers for quick cleanup. If you're looking for a color other than black, it's also available in various finishes, although prices may vary.

Shoppers can’t get over the value. One reviewer said, “It’s so unique and chic. Also, the price is amazing.” Another added, “Next to our neighbors’ more expensive ones, you can’t tell the difference. Looks like a bargain at the moment.”

Related: Walmart’s $20 Vintage-Inspired Solar Wind Chimes Look and Sound ‘Lovely’

One Walmart shopper wrote: “I got this set for our outside deck and it's perfect for us. Pretty easy to put together, but it's a lot quicker with a drill. It has some weight to it and is comfortable as well! Very happy with the purchase and will get another set to have more seating.”

Between the easy assembly, stylish design, and steep markdown, this Lacoo 3-Piece Patio Conversation Set is a no-brainer if you're hunting for affordable patio furniture ahead of summer. At just $85, it's hard to beat.

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Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, March 8, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Sunday, March 8, 2026 / The New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on March 8, 2026

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

• Yellow: Rocky Mountain High.
• Green: Upper Midwest division.
• Blue: Speed demons.
• Purple: Leading the team.

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

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

• Yellow: A COLORADO ATHLETE
• Green: NFC NORTH CITIES
• Blue: TYPES OF RACING
• Purple: COACH _____

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #531 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• A COLORADO ATHLETE: BRONCO, BUFFALO, NUGGET, ROCKIE
• NFC NORTH CITIES: CHICAGO, DETROIT, GREEN BAY, MINNEAPOLIS
• TYPES OF RACING: BMX, DRAG, HORSE, STOCK CAR
• COACH _____: CARTER, K, PRIME, SPEAK

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

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

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Sunday, March 8, 2026

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 #736 on Monday, March 9.

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: "Cute enough to eat"

A hint for today's Strands game: Food-related pet names.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• BE
• MU
• NU
• PU
• PE
• DU
• EN (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for March 8

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, March 9, 2026, is ENDEARMENTS.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, March 9?

• BEAN
• MUFFIN
• NUGGET
• PUMPKIN
• PEANUT
• DUMPLING
• SPANGRAM: ENDEARMENTS
  

Related: Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, March 8, 2026

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 #1002 on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections puzzle for Monday, March 9, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Monday, March 9

1. They share a sound.
2. Being watched closely.
3. Kermit is one.
4. Think Michael Scott in The Office.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Monday, March 9:

1. STARTING WITH THE SAME SOUND, SPELLED DIFFERENTLY: WAREHOUSE, WEARABLE, WEREWOLF, WHEREFORE
2. METAPHORS FOR PUBLIC SCRUTINY: FISHBOWL, HOT SEAT, MICROSCOPE, SPOTLIGHT
3. MUPPETS: ANIMAL, BEAKER, FOZZIE, GONZO
4. THEY FEATURE A BOSS: COMPANY, E STREET BAND, VIDEO GAME

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, Sunday, March 8, 2026

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. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1724 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: something done with excessive speed.

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 #1724 on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Monday, March 9, 2026, is HASTY.

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

Related: Today's Wordle Hint, Answers for #1723 on Sunday, March 8, 2026

There's nothing more exciting than waking up to new music from your favorite artist. However, a new study finds that new releases can also prove costly.

Surprising research conducted by Harvard Medical School suggests the release of major music albums may coincide with an increase in deadly car crashes. Researchers found that on days when blockbuster albums drop and music streaming surges, traffic fatalities in the U.S. also rise, raising new questions about smartphone distraction behind the wheel.

The findings come from a February 2026 working paper titled Smartphones, Online Music Streaming, and Traffic Fatalities, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Researchers examined traffic fatality data alongside Spotify streaming numbers to see whether spikes in music streaming might also correlate with distracted driving.

According to the study, music streaming jumped sharply on the release days of blockbuster albums. Researchers found that streaming activity increased by roughly 40% on those dates, while traffic fatalities in the U.S. rose by about 15%.

The analysis examined the release days of the 10 albums that generated the most single-day streams between 2017 and 2022 and compared traffic fatality data from the days immediately before and after those releases. The group included major projects from several of the biggest names in music, such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles and Kanye West, which researchers used as markers for days when listening activity surged.

Researchers believe smartphone distraction may help explain the pattern. In the paper, the authors wrote that their findings "point to smartphone-enabled driver distraction as a likely contributor," noting that drivers may interact with music streaming apps or devices while behind the wheel.

However, the researchers also stressed that the study does not prove that album releases directly cause crashes. They acknowledged that other factors, including the fact that many albums are released on Fridays, when people may be traveling or socializing more, could also play a role.

Still, even after adjusting for factors like holidays and day-of-week travel patterns, the researchers found that traffic fatalities remained higher on album release days compared with surrounding dates.

The authors say their findings highlight how modern smartphones and streaming platforms may be introducing new types of distractions for drivers.

“Today's smartphones present new and greater opportunities for driver distraction," the researchers wrote, suggesting that technology companies and policymakers may need to consider additional ways to improve road safety as digital media consumption continues to grow.

Related: Rock Music Struggles to Draw Crowds as Tour Earnings Drop