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You know Michael Connelly for his Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer works, but there’s another reason to celebrate him today. He turns 70!

The “King of Los Angeles Noir” has become one of the most influential and successful authors of all time. Not only does he continue to rank well on the bestseller lists, but he has also owned space in the television landscape thanks to both Netflix and Amazon.

You’ll know him well for his Bosch series on Prime Video, based on his Harry Bosch series of novels. As that series ran for seven seasons, the spin-off (which was more of a continuation series) ran for three seasons. Then another spin-off, Ballard, which continued the successful run for the streamer.

On top of that, fans can watch TheLincoln Lawyer series of books play out on Netflix. The fifth season of the series is currently in the works, and it’s confirmed as the final season of the show on the streaming giant. The question now is what’s to come afterward?

How about Welcome to Catalina? The new HBO Max series has just been confirmed, and it continues to follow the stories set by the world-renowned actor. Still set in Los Angeles, Welcome to Catalina will adapt the 2024 novel Nightshade. It will be adapted by David E. Kelley and follows Los Angeles County Sheriff Detective Silwell, who has been exiled to Catalina Island, where he has to deal with policing drunks. That is, until a body is found at the bottom of the harbor, and suddenly, he has a murder investigation on his hands.

Connelly is often heavily involved behind-the-scenes when it comes to adaptations of his work. He is on set regularly and loves to share updates with the fans, so we can expect something similar with this new 10-part series, which will be released weekly.

US author and producer Michael Connelly attends the Los Angeles premiere of Prime Video's "Ballard" at the Culver Theatre in Culver City, California, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Chris DELMAS / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

While the TV world may be moving on from Bosch and Mickey Haller, Connelly certainly hasn’t. Nor is he slowing down as he reaches his 70th birthday. He has a new Bosch novel coming out in 2026, titled The Hollow, and just last year he released another Haller book, The Proving Ground.

Connelly has often spoken about how he uses Los Angeles as a backdrop and creates compelling characters for his readers to learn about. In a 2026 interview, he talked about the creation of the judges, lawyers, detectives and more, sharing that he doesn’t write notes when talking to real people in those jobs, but simply observes. 

“I just try to watch for what I call 'telling details.' They can be verbal in a story, someone talking about what they do, or very specifically about a case or an experience they had. But it can also just be something I observe about them physically or in their workplace, even in their car. You just look for these details that open up a window of imagination for you and for your viewer.”

It also helps that Connelly came from a journalistic background, focusing on the crime beat. After years of living alongside police officers and officials, he’s learned the jargon, and it helps create compelling stories that feel real to Los Angeles natives while remaining entertaining for all.

Thirty-nine years ago today, on July 21, 1987, a scrappy Los Angeles band released a debut album that almost no one noticed at first.

Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction crept out with little radio play and had sold only about 200,000 copies five months later. Then everything changed.

Fueled by heavy MTV rotation for "Sweet Child o' Mine," the record climbed for more than a year and finally hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in the summer of 1988, in its 50th week on the chart. It has since sold more than 18 million copies in the US and is certified by the RIAA as the best-selling debut album in the country's history. Its three Top 10 singles, "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Paradise City," became rock radio staples.

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Straight Off the Sunset Strip

The album bottled the sound of Los Angeles' late-'80s Sunset Strip scene. Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan and Steven Adler mixed punk snarl with hard-rock swagger. "Sweet Child o' Mine," the band's only US No. 1 single, started almost as a joke, with Slash goofing off on a circus-like riff before the rest of the band shaped it into a ballad. He reportedly wanted to scrap it.

Related: 1981 Rock Staple, the Band’s First No. 1 Hit, Remains a Powerful Classic 45 Years Later

From Overlooked to Iconic

Guns N' Roses went on to become one of rock's biggest live acts, and the album that started so quietly now regularly lands on lists of the greatest records ever made. Thirty-nine years after its slow arrival, Appetite for Destruction still sounds like a band with nothing to lose.

Next: 1983 Arcade Classic, Starring a Legendary Rock Band, Became a Cult Collector’s Item

Kelly Rimmer has a new book out this week.

The bestselling author behind The Things We Cannot Say returns July 21 with The Story Keeper, a gothic family mystery set in a crumbling Australian mansion.

The novel follows Fiona, a woman in her 50s who returns to her family's neglected estate, Wurimbirra, in New South Wales after her divorce. The locals believe the house is haunted, and Fiona's mother is dead set against restoring it. While clearing the place out, Fiona finds a dusty box of copies of a novel called The Midnight Estate, written by an unknown author. As she keeps reading, the line between the book's story and her own family's past begins to blur.

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A Bestseller Trying Something New

Rimmer, an Australian writer, built her name on emotional historical fiction, including the New York Times bestseller The Things We Cannot Say and The Warsaw Orphan, both set against World War II. Those books made her a book club favorite with a devoted following.

The Story Keeper is a clear turn for her. She trades the wartime backdrop for a present-day, slow-burn gothic built around a book within the book, a mystery about grief and the secrets old houses tend to keep. Early reviewers have called it haunting, and the North American edition arrives with decorated sprayed edges, a nice touch for collectors.

One for the Summer Stack

The dual-timeline mystery lands in the heart of summer reading season, joining a strong run of new novels in 2026. For readers who love family secrets, decaying estates and a slow burn, The Story Keeper is on shelves now, and it is the kind of book that rewards a long afternoon and a spot on the to-be-read pile. The result is a summer read with a chill running through it.

Leonard Cohen achieved something quite remarkable with his debut single, "Suzanne," which went on to become one of the most beloved songs of all time, in addition to the most covered: Neil Diamond, Peter Gabriel, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin are just a few of the musical legends to put their own spin on the tune over the years.

In fact, it was a cover of "Suzanne" that was released before Cohen's version. Judy Collins recorded the song for her album In My Life, which came out in 1966; that same year, Cohen also published the lyrics as a poem. He put finally performed the song himself on his first studio album, Songs of Leonard Cohen, releasing it as a single in 1968.

As Cohen explained in a 1994 interview with the BBC, the music for "Suzanne" came to him before he knew who the song was about.

"The song was begun, and the chord pattern was developed, before a woman's name entered the song," the Canadian singer-songwriter recalled.

"And I knew it was a song about Montreal," he said. "It seemed to come out of that landscape that I loved very much in Montreal, which was the harbor, and the waterfront, and the sailors' church there, called Notre Dame de Bon Secour, which stood out over the river, and I knew that there're ships going by, I knew that there was a harbor, I knew that there was Our Lady of the Harbour, which was the virgin on the church which stretched out her arms towards the seamen, and you can climb up to the tower and look out over the river, so the song came from that vision, from that view of the river."

The song's title was inspired by the beautiful dancer wife of Cohen's glamorous friend.

"At a certain point, I bumped into Suzanne Vaillancourt, who was the wife of a friend of mine, they were a stunning couple around Montreal at the time, physically stunning, both of them, a handsome man and woman, everyone was in love with Suzanne Vaillancourt, and every woman was in love with Armand Vaillancourt," Cohen said.

Tony Vaccaro / Getty Images

"But there was no...well, there was thought, but there was no possibility, one would not allow oneself to think of toiling at the seduction of Armand Vaillancourt's wife," he continued.

"First of all, he was a friend, and second of all as a couple they were inviolate, you just didn't intrude into that kind of shared glory that they manifested. I bumped into her one evening, and she invited me down to her place near the river...She had a space in a warehouse down there, and she invited me down, and I went with her, and she served me Constant Comment tea, which has little bits of oranges in it. And the boats were going by, and I touched her perfect body with my mind, because there was no other opportunity. There was no other way that you could touch her perfect body under those circumstances. So, she provided the name in the song."

Vaillancourt, who now goes by Suzanne Verdal, confirmed that her relationship with Cohen remained physically platonic on her website years later, writing, "Leonard Cohen and I were lovers in a rarified soul connection. Not as lovers of the flesh."

Neither the songwriter nor the song's inspiration could have predicted that "Suzanne, ranked #284 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, would become one of the most enduring classics of Cohen's career. ("I didn’t know that I’d be able to sing ‘Suzanne’ 40 years later,” he once remarked.)

Related: 1968 Folk Rock Classic, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time,' Took 2 Years to Write

One of the most beloved holiday anthems of all time was not a hit when it was first released over 55 years ago.

José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” took nearly 30 holiday seasons to chart at all, which is hard to believe given its popularity today.

Written by Feliciano for his 1970 album of the same name, “Feliz Navidad” was a simple acoustic song featuring lyrics in both Spanish and English. The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter played guitar and cuatro on the bilingual classic, which only had 19 words total as it delivered a wish for a Merry Christmas.

The holiday song took a shocking 28 years to get any traction on Billboard. According to Feliciano’s official website, "Feliz Navidad" first hit the Billboard charts in 1998 and then again in2017. It finally peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2021.

Feliciano, now 80, once told The New Yorker that the idea for the Christmas song came from his producer, Rick Jarrard.

“Rick said, ‘José, I think it’s time for a new Christmas song.’ Because the last huge one was ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ by Brenda Lee,” he recalled.

He added that he wrote the song in 10 minutes, with six words in Spanish and 13 in English.

“That’s why it’s the simplest song ever written,” he said. “Nineteen words to it.’ I wanted a song that belonged to the masses.”

Feliciano wrote the song in Los Angeles as he recalled spending holidays with his family in Puerto Rico. But he was careful not to make the song too sentimental.

“We didn't want to put out a schmaltzy Christmas album. So we decided to do it differently,” Feliciano told NPR in a 2020 interview. “'Feliz Navidad' was an entity unto itself. It was expressing the joy that I felt on Christmas and the fact that I felt very lonely. I missed my family, I missed Christmas carols with them. I missed the whole Christmas scene."

Feliciano once credited the song’s simplicity as the secret behind its longevity.

"I don't know how 'Feliz Navidad' became such a favorite,” he once told Grammy.com. “But I would like to say that I think what made 'Feliz Navidad' such a favorite is the simplicity of the song. The song, in total lyric-wise, because it's bilingual, has 19 words.​"

More than  55 years after its release, “Feliz Navidad” remains one of the most downloaded Christmas classics, gaining new fans each holiday season.

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Lately, jewelry boxes everywhere are looking a little more magical thanks to the celestial trend. Stars, moons, and cosmic motifs have taken over necklaces, rings, and especially earrings, adding a dreamy, whimsical touch to everyday style. With their charming, moody designs,  they instantly make any outfit a little more interesting.

Walmart shoppers have a budget-friendly way to join in on the trend with the bestselling Mula European Starry Night Celestial Huggie Hoop Earrings, now available for just $11. These have quickly become a favorite for anyone looking to add a little sparkle and whimsy to their jewelry collection without splurging. Crafted from 925 sterling silver and adorned with sparkling AAA cubic zirconia, these earrings combine durability with eye-catching style.

Mula European Starry Night Celestial Huggie Hoop Earrings, From $11 (were $15) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Inspired by the night sky, the earrings feature elegant moon and star motifs that add a touch of dreamy celestial charm to any outfit. Shoppers appreciated the minimalist aesthetic, which makes them versatile enough for both daily wear and special occasions. They’re a fresh twist on classic hoop earrings, making them a smart addition for anyone who loves jewelry with character. They also feature secure huggie closures, so you won’t have to worry about losing them.

Each pair of earrings arrives in a chic gift box, making them an easy choice for birthdays or special surprises. The collection includes a variety of celestial designs in different colors, as well as gemstone-adorned hoops in silver- and gold-tone options. Several of the available hues even match up with certain birthstones, such as clear crystals and sapphire-like blue, so it's easy to personalize your pick or find a meaningful gift for someone else.

Mula European Starry Night Celestial Huggie Hoop Earrings, From $11 (were $15) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Shoppers called the earrings "very pretty" and raved about the moon and star details. Reviewers also praised the hypoallergenic sterling silver construction, which makes these hoops suitable for sensitive ears.

Related: Martha Stewart's Vintage-Inspired Floral Comforter Set 'Instantly Brightens the Room,' Now 47% Off

In addition to looking stylish, these earrings are practical to wear and care for. Just give them a gentle wipe with a baby wipe or soft cotton cloth to keep them looking like new. The brand recommends avoiding harsh chemicals and removing them during water activities to help preserve their brilliance.

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The celestial trend is gaining more and more traction in 2026, and snagging celestial-inspired jewelry is an easy way to join in. Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for a gift, these $11 starry hoop earrings promise to add a twinkle to every day.

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The Outfield is climbing the charts again, more than a decade after the English rock band officially disbanded.

The band's signature song, "Your Love," has re-entered the Billboard Global 200 at No. 182, giving the 1980s hit another moment in the spotlight. The song has now spent 31 weeks on the chart, with a previous peak of No. 127.

The latest chart appearance comes 12 years after The Outfield disbanded in 2014 following the death of guitarist and songwriter John Spinks. The band's lead singer and bassist, Tony Lewis, later died in 2020.

English pop group The Outfield posed for a photo in New York City.

Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns/Getty Images

Despite the loss of its two best-known members, The Outfield's music continues to reach new listeners. "Your Love" remains the band's biggest hit and has already enjoyed several waves of renewed attention decades after its original release.

The song first became a major hit in 1986. It reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. It also spent 22 weeks on the Hot 100.

Now, 40 years after its original release, "Your Love" is once again appearing on a major Billboard chart.

"Your Love" was released as the second single from The Outfield's 1985 debut album, Play Deep. The album itself became a major commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and earning a double-platinum certification in the United States.

The song was written by Spinks, who developed it with Lewis during a writing session at Spinks' flat in East London. According to Lewis, the song took only 20 minutes to write.

The story told in the lyrics was also fictional. The character "Josie" was not a real person, and the song's story was invented.

"Your Love" quickly became the song most closely linked to The Outfield. Its upbeat mix of new wave, power pop and pop rock helped it stand out during the band's rise in the 1980s.

The song's music video also became a major part of its success. Directed by Jon Jopson, the video featured the band performing in front of a backdrop inspired by the Play Deep album cover. It entered MTV's schedule in February 1986 and later reached No. 2 on the network's Top 20 Countdown.

The video has now found a new audience online. In March 2026, it passed one billion views on YouTube, making "Your Love" the first Outfield song to join YouTube's Billion Views Club.

The Outfield's comeback on the charts is part of a longer revival for "Your Love."

The song received a major boost in 2002 after appearing in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It has also been used as walk-up music by baseball players and has become familiar to sports fans through its use at stadiums.

The song saw another major resurgence in 2024 after a remix by Diplo. "Your Love (Remix)" was credited to The Outfield and Diplo and helped bring the classic song to a newer audience. The remix reached the top 10 on the Dance Digital Song Sales chart and peaked at No. 48 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

The Outfield formed in London in 1984 with Spinks, Lewis and drummer Alan Jackman. The group released seven studio albums between 1985 and 2011 and became especially successful in the United States, even though it did not achieve the same level of recognition in its home country.

The band went through lineup changes and periods away from music before returning to recording and touring. The original lineup reunited for the 2011 album Replay, which became the group's final studio album.

Spinks died of liver cancer in July 2014 at age 60. The band officially disbanded after his death.

Lewis later returned to music as a solo artist and released Out of the Darkness in 2018. He died suddenly in October 2020 at age 62.

With both Spinks and Lewis gone, the latest chart movement for "Your Love" is a reminder of how strongly the band's best-known song has remained in popular culture.

Related: '80s Pop-Rock Band Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 41 Years After No. 1 Hit

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Back-to-school season is the perfect excuse to give your study setup a fresh start. After all, an organized desk can make tackling homework, projects, and daily to-dos feel a little easier. This desk bookshelf from Amazon helps maximize your workspace by turning the empty area above your desk into extra storage for books, school supplies, and everyday essentials — without taking up the space you need to work. 

The Giantex Desktop Bookshelf is currently on sale for as low as $56 (regularly $70) at Amazon. That price gets you the four-shelf version, but shoppers can also choose from five-, six-, and seven-shelf configurations, which are discounted as well.  Shoppers said it's a game-changer for small spaces because it adds extra storage without taking up valuable desk space. It’s no wonder one reviewer called it “perfect for a college dorm.” 

Giantex Desktop Bookshelf, From $56 (was $70) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Available in four sizes and six colors, the Giantex Desktop Bookshelf can be customized to fit a variety of study spaces, from kids’ homework stations to teen desks, college dorms, and home offices. The shelves range from 28.5 inches high on the four-shelf model to 31 inches high on the seven-shelf version. All models have open cubbies and an open bottom compartment that can hold a laptop or computer monitor. In addition, it comes with anti-tip hardware and footpads for extra stability.

Shoppers said the bookshelf was “sturdy,” spacious, and “easy to assemble.” One reviewer wrote that it made “a great addition” on top of a desk. Others loved how much space it created without taking over a room. “This is really good quality. It's huge and has a ton of space,” another shopper shared, adding that it “made organizing in a small space a lot easier.” 

College students are fans, too. One reviewer called it “perfect for a dorm desk,” noting that it was “very sturdy” and held up well throughout their first year. Another shopper said that “putting it together was easy, and following the photos was not hard at all,” adding that it made organizing a small space much easier. 

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At 20% off, the Giantex Desktop Bookshelf makes it easy to create a more functional desk setup for the school year ahead. Whether you need extra room for textbooks, supplies, or everyday essentials, now is a great time to snag your preferred size and color before the back-to-school rush!

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Walmart just gave cow lovers a very good reason to retire their old house shoes. The Ecetana Fuzzy Cow Memory Foam Slippers are marked down to just $10 from $19 right now, and they combine floppy ears, tiny horns, and plush cow faces with memory foam cushioning that makes them practical for more than just the novelty. They come in four colors: black, dark brown, khaki, and pink, with sizes ranging from 4.5 through 11.

These slip-on slippers are covered in fluffy faux fur and have a soft fleece lining, thick footbed, and textured rubber sole. Their open backs make them easy to step into without bending down, which is convenient when you’re working from home or walking between rooms, and the 3D details give them much more personality than your usual fuzzy slides.

Ecetana Fuzzy Cow Memory Foam Slippers, $10 (was $19) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

The memory foam design gives these slippers more cushioning than some other similarly priced styles, and the textured rubber bottoms help them feel steadier on hard floors, which is especially useful when you’re wearing them around the house for more than a few minutes. They may look like a fun novelty pair, but their practical details make them an easy choice to reach for every day.

One reviewer called the slippers “absolutely adorable and super cozy,” and said they’re “incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable to wear around the house.” They also liked the support and noted that the pair continued to hold up with regular wear. Another shopper called them “the cream of the crop,” describing the slippers as true to size, “soft and fluffy, super comfy, and so cute.” They added, “If you’re a cow lover, you’ll udderly love these.”

Related: Walmart’s 'Pretty' $4 Cotton-Linen T-Shirt Has the Sweetest Ruffle Hem and Comes in 22 Colors

These could also work well as an inexpensive gift option when you want to toss in something more personal than a basic pair of slippers, especially since you have multiple colors to choose from. The cow design gives you a fun theme to build around, whether you pair them with cozy socks, pajamas, or a mug for someone who loves farm animals.

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Between the cushioned footbeds, cozy lining, and textured soles, there’s more to these than the cute faces staring up from your feet (although those are the main draw, of course). Be sure to add the Ecetana Fuzzy Cow Memory Foam Slippers to your cart while the flash-deal price is still available at Walmart.

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Ian Somerhalder retired from acting after his last project turned out much different from what he expected. 

The 47-year-old is best known for his roles as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries (2009) and Boone Carlyle in Lost (2004). His final and most recent project, V Wars, was his final straw. In a recent interview on the Haley on the Go podcast, Somerhalder explained why the 2019 Netflix series pushed him to retire from Hollywood. 

“We shot the show, moved my whole family to northern Ontario, worked really hard on this thing for almost a year, and then the show that got turned in wasn’t even watchable,” he said. 

The actor was shocked by the final product. He told Netflix he would return his paycheck, sharing, “I don’t want to put my name on this.” The streamer wouldn’t accept the offer. 

Somerhalder was both an actor and producer for V Wars. He and his producing partner, JamesGibb, tried to salvage the show. Netflix let them have creative control but wouldn’t provide any additional financing. 

The duo raised over $6 million and filmed “10 or 12 days of footage in about six days” to try and save the project. The actor shared that this process was so draining that he ended up in the hospital from overworking.  

V Man saw some success after its release, but it was canceled after one season. 

Somerhalder believes that “someone quietly canceled the show,” even though it could have been a hit. He revealed that Netflix executives knew “it shouldn’t have happened,” but refused to reverse the decision “because it would set a precedent that would be terrible.”

After this difficult experience, the actor knew he needed a change. He and his wife, actress NikkiReed, run a regenerative agriculture farm in Southern California. 

“I am not here for my career and livelihood to be dictated by someone who has mommy or daddy issues, or they weren’t popular in school,” he said. “I’m not going to base my life on having television or streaming executives dictate what and how I can make a living. And so, I pulled the plug.”

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If you’re still holding on to sardine girl summer (yes, that’s really a thing), Kohl’s has a budget-friendly decor find that you have to see. The sardinecore trend grew alongside TikTok’s obsession with “tinned fish date nights” before making its way into home decor, and the Sonoma Goods for Life Sardine Ceramic Trinket Tray is an especially fun way to try it. It’s on clearance for just $4, down from $15, and adds a playful Mediterranean touch to any space.

The ceramic tray measures 6 inches wide, 3 inches deep, and 5/8 of an inch high, so it’s perfect for small items. It features three colorful sardines at the center, with a bright yellow border that frames its curved shape. It also has the phrase “La Dolce Vita” across the top, which adds to its  Italian-inspired feel, and it weighs just 0.22 pounds and can be easily wiped clean.

Sonoma Goods for Life Sardine Ceramic Trinket Tray, $4 (was $15) at Kohl’s

Courtesy of Kohl's

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There are plenty of ways to put this charming tray to use. You can keep it beside the sink for rings, place it on a dresser for earrings, or use it near the front door for keys and loose change. It can also corral any little items that tend to scatter across your office desk or bathroom counter, like paper clips and hair ties.

One shopper who recently returned from Italy said, “The sardines are the trendiest decor.” They loved that the little plate served as “a memento I didn’t have to transport,” and rated it five out of five stars, so it offers the feeling of a vacation souvenir without taking up room in your luggage.

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A tiny accent like this is a great way to try the sardinecore trend without changing the rest of your decor. The mix of red, blue, pink, green, and yellow offers a bright, summery feel, while the “La Dolce Vita” message adds a pretty Italian coastal-inspired touch that can add a little more personality to an otherwise simple tabletop, even when it isn’t holding anything.

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At under $5, the Sonoma Goods for Life Sardine Ceramic Trinket Tray is an easy find to toss into your cart. The clearance price also makes picking up a second (or third) one feel totally reasonable, whether you place them in different rooms or save one for a future gift. Be sure to add it to your Kohl’s cart before this whimsical gem sells out.

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To solve today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, remember that not every category is about a sport itself. One is about those who play it, one is about what happens during a game and another is based on appearance. 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 Tuesday, July 21, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on July 21, 2026

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

• Yellow: Carry the torch and light the cauldron.
• Green: Don’t do that in the World Cup!
• Blue: Hoopsters with potential.
• Purple: Crimson or scarlet.

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: SUMMER OLYMPIC SPORTS
• Green: AGAINST THE RULES IN SOCCER
• Blue: WNBA ROOKIES
• Purple: THINGS THAT ARE RED

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 #666 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• SUMMER OLYMPIC SPORTS: EQUESTRIAN, FIELD HOCKEY, VOLLEYBALL, WATER POLO
• AGAINST THE RULES IN SOCCER: FOUL, HANDBALL, OFFSIDE, SIMULATION
• WNBA ROOKIES: BETTS, FAM, FUDD, MILES
• c: BOXING GLOVES, COACH'S CHALLENGE FLAG, DODGEBALL, GOAL LIGHT

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 Monday, July 20, 2026

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Most designers will tell you that the best interiors are carefully collected, not copied straight from a showroom. They’re filled with pieces that look like they were discovered over time; an antique mirror found at a flea market, a vintage vase passed down through generations, or a cabinet that has a story of its own. That lived-in, collected-over-time aesthetic has become a favorite among shoppers who want their homes to feel warmer, more personal, and full of character.

If you love the charm of a well-loved home but don’t want to spend your weekends digging through estate sales, Walmart has an easy shortcut. The Martha Stewart Safavieh Natural Fiber Diamond Area Rug is now just $62, down from $215, giving shoppers the look of a vintage-inspired find without the antique-store price tag. With its hand-woven natural fibers, classic diamond pattern, and timeless texture, it has the kind of design you’d expect to discover tucked inside a mid-century modern space or a coastal cottage.

Martha Stewart Safavieh Natural Fiber Diamond Area Rug, From $62 (was $215) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Handwoven in a warm ivory-and-natural palette, this rug’s repeating diamond pattern is created entirely through the weave itself, with chunky braided borders surrounding smaller geometric motifs for added depth and dimension. The subtle color variation inherent to natural jute keeps the pattern from looking too uniform, giving it that relaxed, lived-in character that's equally at home in coastal, Scandinavian, farmhouse, mid-century modern, or organic modern spaces.

Though prices vary, this rug is on sale in three versatile sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the right fit for your room. The 6-foot-by-6-foot round option is a natural choice for breaking up dining areas with circular tables in a larger space, creating a cozy conversation zone, or adding a layer of texture beneath a seating arrangement. The 6-foot-by-6-foot square version offers a more structured look, working especially well centered beneath a square coffee table, in a reading nook, or under a bed to give the room a more grounded feel. For longer spaces, the 5-foot-by-8-foot rectangle is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, or entryways where you want to add warmth underfoot.

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Safavieh Natural Fiber Solid Area Rug, $25 (was $90) at Walmart
• Martha Stewart Safavieh Natural Fiber Kanda Solid Runner Rug, $92 (was $105) at Walmart
• Martha Stewart Safavieh Maximillian Solid Area Rug, Blue, from $38 (was $100) at Walmart

Each option features a low 0.38-inch pile that feels textured without creating a bulky profile, allowing it to slide easily beneath furniture and doors. Because the hand-woven jute construction is tightly crafted rather than overly plush, it’s a practical pick for busy areas where you need durability. Pair it with a rug pad (sold separately) to help prevent shifting, rotate it occasionally for even wear, and keep it looking fresh with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning.

Related: Rugs Direct's Vintage-Inspired Area Rug Brings the Most Charming Boho Vibes to Any Space

Skip the antique-store hunt and bring home a piece that looks like it’s been part of your home for years. Shop the Martha Stewart Safavieh Natural Fiber Diamond Area Rug for as low as $62 while it's 71% off 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.

To solve today's NYT Strands Puzzle answer, think of items you'd buy for writing letters or sending notes. 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 #870 on Tuesday, July 21.

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: "Write there."

A hint for today's Strands game: Take up your pen.

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:

• CA
• SH
• FI
• NO
• EN
• LE
• ST (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for July 21

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, isSTATIONERY.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Tuesday, July 21?

• CARD
• SHEET
• FILE
• NOTEPAD
• ENVELOPE
• LETTERHEAD
• SPANGRAM: STATIONERY

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, July 20, 2026

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If you or a loved one are a big fan of LEGOs and Star Wars, there's great news in store for you today. Some of the most iconic LEGO sets have been going on sale recently, from charming botanical collections to quirky animal-inspired sets. Now, both Amazon and Walmart are offering the highly-rated, bestselling LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Model for a sweet 20% off. It's perfect for treating yourself to some hands-on creative fun, but it works just as well as gift for any LEGO or Star Wars lover.

The collectible is made up of 921 pieces for both kids and adults to enjoy. It includes a buildable stand with a nameplate and additional brick that highlights the LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary, so that you can stand it up as home decor. The set features the iconic Millennium Falcon ship, which includes a cockpit, cannons, and a satellite dish. It makes a fun family or solo project at any time of year. 

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Model, $68 (was $85) at Amazon and Walmart

Courtesy of Amazon

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Thanks to the included display, you can pose the starship at any angle you prefer. One shopper described the set as a "must-have masterpiece for Star Wars and LEGO fans," adding that it's "absolutely stunning," and "the level of detail is impressive, inside and out." 

A second reviewer wrote that the set is an "absolute gem for any Star Wars enthusiast" and said it "captures the essence of the iconic ship from A New Hope." Another described it as an "amazing build and super fun."

Many others highlighted how well the set works as a present for Star Wars and LEGO fans. "Probably the best gift of the year! I'm a huge Star Wars fan, and this LEGO set really scratched the itch I've been having lately," a reviewer noted.

These are only a sampling of the glowing reviews for the set, which has over 2,900 five-star ratings on Amazon and over 1,100 at Walmart. Both retailers offer speedy shipping options, so you can have the set on your doorstep as soon as the next day.

Related: Amazon’s Editor-Approved $14 Digital Thermometer Takes the 'Guesswork' Out of Grilling

If you're looking for the perfect opportunity to treat yourself or a loved one, it's time to step back into the Star Wars universe with this unbeatable LEGO deal! The collection may not last long at such a great price, so make sure to add it to your cart before it sells out.

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.

Today’s New York Times Connections answers come from one fashion group, one tech group, one performing arts group and one set of words that all complete the same beginning. 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 #1136 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday'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 Tuesday, July 21

1. Not bottoms.
2. You use it on your computer.
3. Think Hamilton, or Annie Get Your Gun.
4. Phone would also fit here.

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 Tuesday, July 21:

1. KINDS OF TOPS: CROP, HALTER, TANK, TUBE
2. SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS: APP, DRIVER, EXTENSION, PLUGIN
3. ELEMENTS OF A MUSICAL: BOOK, LYRICS, MUSIC, ORCHESTRATION
4. TELE___: GRAM, KINESIS, PROMPTER, VISION

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, Monday, July 20, 2026

You'll solve today's NYT Wordle quickly if you think of a person who pretends to be an unbiased supporter but actually has an agenda. 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 #1858 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There is one 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 double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: someone who's promoting something for personal gain.

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 #1858 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, is SHILL.

-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)

In July of 1973, Jeanne Pruett’s second studio album, Satin Sheets, reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country LPs chart (former name of the Billboard Top Country Album chart), spending eight weeks at No. 1. Part of the reason for that success was due to the title track, which served as the legendary singer’s first and only chart-topping country hit. 

Written by John Volinkaty, “Satin Sheets” was originally recorded as a duet by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard. The song appeared on their third collaborative album, Bill and Jan (or Jan and Bill). However, the duo’s release experienced little success and, according to CountryThangDaily, Pruett’s producer, Walter Haynes, believed a subtle change to the song’s introduction and beginning lyrics would be just what it needed to become a hit. 

He was right. 

Released in February of 1973, Pruett’s solo version of “Satin Sheets” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and became her only entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 28. The tune also gained international attention, charting in Australia and Canada. 

“Satin Sheets” tells the story of a woman who feels emotionally unfulfilled in her relationship, despite having been given everything money can buy. Though she’s grateful to be surrounded by material wealth and luxury items, she shares the message that those comforts aren’t enough to keep her from exploring the genuine love she longs for. 

According to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, “Satin Sheets” only took Volinkaty, a native of the state, “five minutes to write, a year to sell, and three years to make it big.” And, over the years, many artists have put their own spin on the song. Among them are Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Martina McBride.  

Aside from “Satin Sheets,” Pruett, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1973, is known for songs like “Temporarily Yours” and “Back to Back.”

Related: 1970 Folk Rock Ballad, Never a No. 1 Hit, Remains a Timeless Classic 56 Years Later

Following her departure from Saturday Night Live, Chloe Fineman announced today that she will star in Netflix’s upcoming book-to-screen adaptation of Myron Bolitar.

The show is inspired by Harlan Coben’s 12-novel book series, following the protagonist Myron Bolitar. Bolitar, who will be portrayed by Colin Woodell, “reinvents himself as a sports agent — using charm, smarts and a ruthless partner to navigate the high-stakes and dirty world of sports, where saving his clients often means risking himself,” Deadline wrote.

Fineman will play Parker Quinn, a sports reporter for a sports publication “who has built a stellar reputation through hard work and an undeniable passion for the game.”

Fineman will star opposite Jabari Banks and alongside Ben McKenzie. David E. Kelley will co-showrun, write and executive produce the series.

“Taking a dramatic turn.. literally??” Fineman posted on Instagram. “9 years ago I did Big Little Lies impressions for my SNL audition tape. But I never thought that one day I’d actually get to be part of a David E. Kelley show. It’s a very cool surreal full circle moment and I’m SOO excited and grateful!”

Later, Fineman made another post on Instagram to show a clip of her SNL audition with lines from Big Little Lies. She captioned the post, “full circle 💕.”

View this post on Instagram

The Myron Bolitar announcement comes only a few days after Fineman said that she would be stepping away from SNL. After appearing in seven seasons of the show, she said it was time to step into her “next chapter.”

“It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time,” Fineman said, posting a carousel of photos from the show on Instagram. “I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away.”

Read Fineman’s full statement here.