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Euro-group Real McCoy (also known as  M.C. Sar & The Real McCoy) found themselves with a sleeper hit in the early 90s with the single “Another Night.” Originally, the song took off in Germany upon release in 1993, but it wouldn’t become a hit across the pond in the United Kingdom and then subsequently the United States until late 1994.

The dance-pop hit has continued to withstand the test of time in the three decades since its release. When ranking the “Best Pop Songs of All Time,” Billboard put the song at the top spot among the likes of “Smooth,” “Hanging by a Moment,” and “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback.

Inspired by the 1981 hit “Desire,” “Another Night” songwriters also drew inspiration from the Coca-Cola jingle and the song “More is More.” The song focuses on a woman who is desperate to be with the man she sees every night in her dreams. The rap portion of the track, performed by O-Jay, gives the dream man’s perspective. A true love song, the track explores longing, desire, love, and the sadness of what cannot be.

While the song took a minute to take off on the charts, it was subject to critical acclaim upon its release. Critics applauded its dance quality, infectious beat, and called it a “great dance record” at the time.

Many call “Another Night” the “biggest thing” that the group ever did over the course of their career. On top of the aforementioned list with Billboard, “Another Night” has consistently been ranked as one of the best dance tracks by multiple publications.

With crazy inspiration and listeners in dozens of countries causing the song to chart, it’s no surprise that this sleeper hit became something bigger both in the 90s and still today.

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Related: 1979 Single Based on Danny Seraphine’s Life in Chicago, Ranked Among ‘Best Disco Songs of All Time’

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There’s just something about new bedding that makes getting a good night’s sleep easier. Not only can it update your bedroom’s vibe, but the right set can be a welcomed change when the seasons shift. As we transition into fall, a comforter that’s lightweight enough to keep you cool when it’s still warm outside but feels soft enough to cuddle up with as the weather cools off is a must. When a single set offers the same versatility in style as it does in its ability to adapt to changing temperatures, you’ll want to keep it on your bed all year long.

Normally $217, the Martha Stewart Copper Vines Cotton Reversible Queen Comforter Set is on sale for an impressive 48% off right now at Wayfair. Now just $112, the queen set includes a 100% cotton comforter and two pillow shams with a dual-sided design so that you can switch up your bedroom’s look in a snap. It’s also on sale in a twin size for $75, down from $167, and a king size for $121, down from $250.

Courtesy of Wayfair

One side of this reversible bedding set features graceful vine motifs in a light sea green color on a white background for a serene, botanical look. The reverse side offers thick alternating stripes in the same shades for a clean, bold contrast. You can leave the vines facing up for a softer, garden-inspired feel or switch to the stripes to give your room a fresh look.

The comforter’s shell is made from 100% cotton with a plush polyester fill and a quilted design that keeps the filling evenly distributed. Between the silky-smooth feel and breathable materials, this comforter is a great choice for year-round use. The queen and king bedding sets each include two pillow shams, also made of 100% cotton, while the twin size set includes one sham.

Wayfair shoppers described this bedding set’s botanical design as “elegant” and “beautiful.” One customer said the comforter felt “soft and warm,” and noted that “it’s easy to wash, too.”

• Martha Stewart Hydrangea Floral Cotton Queen Quilt Set, $96 (was $184) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Eloise Floral Cotton Queen Duvet Cover Set, $74 (was $167) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Simple Scallop Cotton Queen Comforter Set, $145 (was $284) at Wayfair

Discounts this good on premium quality 100% cotton bedding don’t come around every day. Snag the Martha Stewart Copper Vines Cotton Reversible Queen Comforter Set while it’s on sale for nearly 50% off at Wayfair.

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American filmmaker Mike Flanagan has yet another horror hit on his hands with the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie. After signing an exclusive deal with Amazon Studios in 2022, Flanagan’s first project under the deal was to adapt King’s debut novel in a miniseries. The eight-episode series dropped on October 7th, 2026.

Within less than a week, the series shot to the top spot on the streamer for all series globally.

On top of being a hit with viewers, the adaptation is another for Flanagan that is being critically acclaimed. Collider wrote of the newest iteration of the Carrie universe that, “Flanagan has always been a master at creating empathy in all of his works, which is why his take on ‘Carrie’ works as well as it does.”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an 85% fresh rating, and an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10 on the site.

Following the accidental death of her father, Carrie White of Carrie must attend public school for the first time after being completely sheltered at the hands of her late dad and abusively domineering mother, Margaret White. While navigating modern life for the first time, dynamics with other teenage girls, and more, Carrie’s also struggling to manage her emerging telekinetic powers. When bullying at her Chamberlain, Maine, high school goes way too far, so do Carrie’s powers, and everyone bears the cost.

According to Flanagan, he envisions the adaptation as a multi-series rendition, explaining some of the major changes, ideally with at least three seasons exploring Carrie’s world and the others living with the TK gene. No further seasons have yet to be announced.

All episodes of Carrie are streaming now exclusively on Amazon.

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Related: Mark Hamill, 75, Looks Unrecognizable in New Stephen King Adaptation—and He Had One Specific Request

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Winter isn’t just the season when we pile on blankets and oversized scarves — it’s also when outdoor and stray cats face the toughest conditions of the year. If you’ve ever spotted a neighborhood kitty hunkering down on a freezing night, you know how important a warm, protected hideaway can be. A thoughtfully designed cold-weather shelter can turn a bitter evening into a safe, snuggly retreat that keeps vulnerable cats out of the wind, snow, and chills. One of Chewy’s most popular options, the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat Shelter delivers exactly that kind of comfort.

Right now, this winter essential is 56% off its original $174 price tag, dropping the cost to just $85. It’s a rare steal on a piece of cold-weather pet gear that makes a meaningful difference for the most at-risk kitties in your community. 

Courtesy of Chewy

For human peace of mind, the shelter’s setup is simple, the warmth stays steady, and the sturdy, weather-ready build is designed to hold up through months of harsh winter conditions. But best of all, it’s a snug hideaway cats are actually willing to use thanks to its thoughtful, cat-friendly design. The extra-wide interior offers plenty of lounging room and even fits multiple cats at once, all kept cozy with the included 20-watt K&H Lectro-Soft Heated Bed as flooring, which is MET Safety certified for extra confidence. 

Two exits, each with removable clear door flaps, ensure cats can’t be cornered by predators — a must-have feature for feral or cautious kitties. Whether placed in a barn, garage, porch, shed, or tucked along the side of the house, this shelter provides dependable warmth and protection from rain, wind and snow, and can even be used indoors if your inside pets want a heated nook of their own.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Soft’ Heated Blanket Is ‘Very Cozy to Curl Up in’ and Now 50% Off

Over 2,200 Chewy shoppers awarded this shelter five stars, praising its “strong and sturdy” design and the “warmth and protection” it provides. One shopper shared that “assembly was quick and easy, and the shelter has kept the cats warm and comfortable — even when temperatures dropped to 12 degrees.”

Another shopper, who supports a larger cat colony, highlighted how “roomy” it is, saying the size of the house “allows a few of them to curl together and stay warm all night long.”

If you’re looking for a meaningful, compassionate way to help animals this season, the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Cat Shelter is a small purchase that makes a big difference. It offers warmth, security, and comfort to the cats who need it most, at a $85 price that makes giving back easy.

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. 

Fans of Fourth Wing can finally put faces to the names they’ve loved since Rebecca Yarros originally published the first book in her monster hit Empyrean series. Announced on October 15th, 2026, the leads in the Amazon video series adaptation that is forthcoming have officially been cast. Actors Esther McGregor and Emilio Sakraya will take flight on screen as Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson.

Die-hard fans of the series have been massively divided on the news, taking to social media to discuss their feelings about the news.

1. the castings are perfect 2. your brains are rotting ‼️ #fourthwing #rebeccayarros #xadenriorson #violetsorrengail #booktok

you better be joking right?? #violetsorrengail #fourthwing #amazon #casting #xyzcba

I have .. faith ?

Regardless of fan reaction, Amazon Studios has greenlit the series with Michael B. Jordan set to executive produce. Very little else is known about the series so far.

The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of General Sorrengail, as she enrolls in the Basgiath War College—which her mother leads—to become a dragon rider in the kingdom of Navarre. At the school, students choose to join one of four different military branches: Infantry, Healer, Scribe, or Rider.

Despite training for her entire life to be a Scribe by her late father, Violet’s mother, the General, orders her to join the Riders—the wing at the school known for being the most deadly for new recruits. Violet must bond with a dragon and survive deadly quests and competitions against other recruits of the Fourth Wing.

Along the way, she reconnects with her childhood crush, Dain Aetos, and meets Xaden Riorson, a powerful third-year whose father was executed by Violet’s mother during the Navarre’s rebellion. Despite all odds, Violet bonds with dragons Tairn and Andarna and begins to uncover the truth about the rebellion and the re-emerging revolution.

Production on the series has yet to begin. Fourth Wing and the other subsequent books published so far in the Empyrean series are out now and available wherever books are sold.

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Related: ‘Fourth Wing’ Fans Can Finally Face Their Own Threshing Day With Dragonkind, If They Can Survive

George Strait just so happened to land on the perfect song for his debut that launched him into the Top 10 on the charts, all thanks to another singer’s run-in with the law.

Dean Dillon and Frank Dycus came up with “Unwound” in 45 minutes while drinking some beers in 1973. Unknown to them, the track would become a Hot Country Song chart hit at No.6 for Strait.

Dillon told Texas Monthly that he had left a less-than-desirable recording session with poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein. He recalls having written a “sh*tty” track together when he bumped into Dycus while at the Third Coast bar and hotel.

“I said, ‘Man, I’ve got a great song idea. Let’s write it,'” Dillon recounts. “He said, ‘What is it?’ I said, ‘She’s got me wrapped around her finger, but tonight I’m gonna unwind.’ And he looked at me and thought for a minute, and he said, ‘What about this: ‘That woman that I had wrapped around my finger just came unwound?”

Dycus’s idea was much better, and the two sat down at a table on the patio, sipping beers while finishing the rest of the song. Within 45 minutes, they had finished “Unwound” and “got good and drunk doing it.”

At the time, Strait was just making himself known as a country singer when record producer Blake Melvis stumbled upon Dillon and Dycus and asked them for a song. “Unwound” was originally intended for another country artist.

“He rolled his window down and said, ‘Hey, man, I got to cut this new kid from Texas. Y’all got any songs?'” Dillon recalls. “I said, ‘We’ve always got songs. As a matter of fact, we’ve got a song we were gonna pitch to Johnny Paycheck, but he’s in jail, so we’ll give it to you.'”

Paycheck was one of the country’s notable figures who pushed the outlaw movement in country music. Just as infamous as his career, so were his run-ins with the law. Despite “Unwound” having been recorded in 1981, there are no clear details on why he was in jail at the time.

He had been in jail on frequent occasions due to legal troubles and substance abuse-related issues. It wasn’t until December 1981, months after the song was released, that Paycheck was arrested for sexual abuse involving a minor.

Dillon ultimately ended up liking Strait’s voice, but admitted that no one “in their right mind would give some 20-something-year-old kid from Texas, completely unknown, their top-drawer stuff.” He told SongFacts that he often didn’t go with the normal way of thinking and was fueled to do the extraordinary if someone told him not to.

“So, I pitched him everything I had and ended up with six songs on his first album. I think a lot of that had to do with nobody else would give him anything. He never forgot that,” said Dillon.

“Unwound” was ranked on Rolling Stone’s list of the best breakup songs of all time, as its lyrics talk about a man who unravels following the end of his relationship.

Related: 1975 Roxy Music Hit, Built Around an Iconic Bassline, Named One of the Best Classic Rock One-Hit Wonders

To solve today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll need to use your knowledge of women’s basketball teams, dig into your archive of soccer teams in the UK, have a decent understanding of college football awards, and know a thing or two about the tools you need to swim.

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 Saturday, October 17, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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The New York Times

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

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

• Yellow: Equipment Michael Phelps uses.
• Green: Locales for soccer teams in the UK
• Blue: College football award winners.
• Purple: _omen’s basketball teams.

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

• Yellow: A SWIMMER’S NEEDS
• Green: WORDS IN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NAMES
• Blue: HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS
• Purple: WNBA TEAMS, MINUS THE FIRST LETTER

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 #754 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• A SWIMMER’S NEEDS: CAP, GOGGLES, POOL, SUIT
• WORDS IN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NAMES: CITY, FOREST, PALACE, VILLA
• HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS: BURROW, BUSH, CROUCH, WARE
• WNBA TEAMS, MINUS THE FIRST LETTER: EVER, IRE, PARKS, REAM

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: Costco Is Selling a Durable Version of This Cult-Favorite Pan—and It Might End Up Replacing All Your Cookware

Founding Beach Boys member Dennis Wilson was never able to finish his second solo album, Bambu, which he was working on when he died in 1983 at the age of 39. But years later, fans are still continuing to rediscover his debut solo album, 1977’s Pacific Ocean Blue.

Given his passion for surfing, it’s perhaps not surprising that many of the songs Wilson wrote reference nature in the lyrics. Take, for example, “River Song.”

As Wilson explained in a 1977 interview with David Leaf, author of The Beach Boys and the California Myth, he was inspired to write the song after a walk through the Sierra Mountains.

“A few years ago, I was in the High Sierras walking by this river that was very small and it kept getting bigger and bigger….that’s the guitar sound on the track,” Wilson said.

“And then thinking, Los Angeles vs. the High Sierras, it just makes me sick to think of what’s happening here,” he continued. “That’s the lyrical idea; Carl [Wilson, Dennis’ brother] assisted on some of the lyrics. Musically, it came from the river.”

Walkin’ down by the river
Water running through my knees (ooh)
River, oh river moves so free (ooh)
Oh mighty river, endlessly
Ooh, mighty river
I would love to be like you
Ooh, lonely river
Has not got the time to say

I was born into the city life
It’s all that I’ve ever known
You know it’s rough gettin’ round this place
So crowded I can hardly breathe
You can only see about a block or two
In L. A. that’s the truth
I’m lookin’ for some country life
Some kickin’ room no more city life
I want the river

At one point in the interview, Leaf pointed out that there seemed to be “a lot of pessimism” in the music on Pacific Ocean Blue, going on to ask if Wilson thought there was “any hope for the world.”

“Absolutely!” Wilson declared. “I think there are a lot of sick people that need a lot of help…people who have to be educated, have to grow. I feel through art…..it can be a great deal of help, like Brian [Wilson, Dennis’ brother] in the ’60s with what he did and what he can do. I wish he would get off his ass and do it again.”

“I have great faith in life itself,” he continued. “I’m religious, and I’m not religious. I get stoned, and I don’t get stoned. I smoke a cigarette, and I don’t smoke a cigarette. I live my life, period. I take it as it comes, and I take responsibility for it. I don’t think I should judge people, but I think it’s time for people to stop fighting. It’s such a profound question that a master would have trouble answering it. Maharishi would say, ‘Meditate.’ All I say is: ‘Enjoy life, try to be an example.'”

Mark Sullivan / Getty Images

Wilson went on to reflect on the difference between himself and Brian, calling his brother an “inspiration,” but not an “influence.”

“I think musically I’m far apart from Brian,” he said. “He’s a hundred times what I am musically. Our music is different. I think he has been a profound influence in my life. If I was to say that I had a master, Brian would be the man I’d say has guided and helped me through everything.”

Tragically, we’ll never know how Wilson’s music might have evolved in his later years. Still, fans and critics continue to marvel over the work he left behind. Writing for The Atlantic earlier this year, music critic James Parker called “River Song” “immense: a hair-raising, gospel-boosted thumper, proceeding at a gorgeous orchestral trudge, about the river that runs under us all, under all beauty and under all ugliness, bearing us along and carrying us away. Dennis the surfer, his voice roughened by time and substances, has drifted inland—into the veins of the country.”

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

As I get deeper into the fall season, my wine preferences definitely see a shift. While I think there’s always a place for every varietal no matter the time of year, I start leaning more towards medium-bodied reds as the temperatures start to drop. But there’s one exception, and that’s tailgating. For me, a festive daytime event requires something that feels light, crisp and refreshing. Yes, I mean rosé.

But a rosé alone doesn’t quite work for me in a tailgating scenario. I always find myself turning it into a spritzer with some sparkling water. And if it’s a sugar-free flavored sparkling water? Even better. However then I’m the person carrying around a half-empty can of sparkling water and a solo cup, searching for the bottle of rosé when I need to refill my cocktail. One beloved sparkling water brand just made this way more efficient for me (and you).

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Bubly Wine Refreshers are a game-changer—literally. It’s the Bubly sparkling water flavors you already love (Strawberry Peach and Blackberry Lemon) paired with a deliciously dry rosé in a tall 12-ounce can. Each can is 100 calories with zero artificial sweeteners and 4.5% ABV.

Total Wine

You can purchase Bubly Wine Refreshers in either a four-pack of one flavor or an eight-count variety pack that includes both. The variety pack is available at Total Wine for $19.99.

Related: How to Style Aldi’s $15 Oversized Corduroy Shirt Like You Live in Stars Hollow

First off, if you tailgate regularly you know the whole concept has gone from rugged to a lot more elevated (kind of like camping). I’m not talking butlers and white glove service in the parking lot, but the variety of pre-game eats can borderline on discerning foodie level and, with that, the beverages have followed.

And even if you’re going back to basics with your tailgating menu, rosé’s refreshing acidity makes it a surprisingly good match for all kinds of game-day snacks. The trick is to think beyond heavy, smoky barbecue and lean into foods that are salty, savory, a little spicy or fresh. Buffalo wings? Rosé complements them far better than you might imagine. Pizza? The wine’s acidity helps balance the cheese, while its fruitiness complements tomato sauce.

What’s great about Bubly Wine Refreshers is that mixing sparkling water with rosé to create a spritzer makes it much lighter and more sip-able for those earlier games especially. You can linger with that drink for a while before the main event without feeling the heaviness of other spirited options.

So, yes, rosé deserves a spot at your tailgate, particularly in Bubly Wine Refresher form.

Related: Aldi’s Gorgeous $25 Roasting Pan Looks Exactly Like a Le Creuset Version More Than 12x the Price

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If you’re looking to give your bedroom a festive makeover before the holidays, Macy’s exclusive Snow Day Reversible 8-Piece Comforter Set is a cozy seasonal find that’s worth checking out. The cheerful bedding is an easy way to bring a little extra Christmas spirit into your home, and it’s currently on sale for nearly 70% off in all four sizes.  

Featuring holiday-inspired patterns in classic red and green colors, this vibrant comforter set is now on sale for just $33, down from $100. You can shop it in twin, full, queen, and king sizes all at the same price, making it an affordable way to bring a wintery touch to your bedroom this season. 

Courtesy of Macy's

Each of the larger-sized sets comes with a comforter, two pillow shams, two pillowcases, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a bed skirt, while the twin-sized option includes one pillowcase and sham. The festive reversible design gives you two looks in one, with a cheery pine tree-covered print on one side and a more classic red striped pattern on the other.

Made from 100% polyester microfiber, the set is designed to feel soft and gentle against the skin, providing a cozy place to curl up after a busy day of holiday shopping or entertaining. The comforter is designed for all-season warmth, keeping you comfortable during even the coldest temperatures, and all seven pieces are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning it has been tested independently to be free from more than 1,000 harmful substances.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Incredibly Lush’ $24 Christmas Greenery Is Perfect for Holiday Wreaths and Centerpieces

The entire bedding set is machine washable, making it easy to freshen up after everyday use. Simply wash in it in a gentle cycle, and tumble dry it on low heat to keep it looking like new. It has a fade-resistant construction that’s made to help the bright colors and cheerful patterns stay looking vibrant over time, even after multiple washes. 

The Snow Day comforter set has earned high praise from Macy’s shoppers. “Very beautiful with Christmas vibes! Soft feel and very comfortable,” one reviewer said, while another noted that it “washes very well.” A third wrote, “The winter print is so charming and gives the bedroom such a cozy, festive feel without being overwhelming,” adding, “The comforter is soft, comfortable, and looks even better in person.”

• Santa Town 8-Piece Reversible Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s
• Holiday Pine Cardinal Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $22 (was $80) at Macy’s
• Balsam Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $22 (was $80) at Macy’s

With its festive red-and-green patterns, reversible design, and ultra-soft feel, the Snow Day 8-Piece Comforter Set is an easy way to bring holiday cheer to your bedroom without breaking the bank. Grab the set while it’s still on sale for under $35 in all four size options at Macy’s.

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Today’s NYT Strands puzzle, might make you reminisce about your high school sweetheart.

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 #958 on Saturday, October 17.

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.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: You give me butterflies.

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:

• PE
• ST
• GI
• BA
• FI
• BL
• LI (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is mostly diagonal.

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Saturday, October 17, 2026, is FALLINLOVE.

• PERSPIRE
• STUMBLE
• GIGGLE
• BABBLE
• FIDGET
• BLUSH
• SPANGRAM: FALLINLOVE

Related: Costco Is Selling a Durable Version of This Cult-Favorite Pan—and It Might End Up Replacing All Your Cookware

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

While summer barbecue season is well in the rearview mirror, there’s never a bad time of year to get your yard looking its best. The upcoming holiday hosting season presents yet another opportunity to give your outdoor space a little upgrade, and Walmart has a practical solution that won’t break the bank. The retailer’s bestselling Daybetter Solar Light 6-Pack will instantly add some ambient lighting to your patio, garden, or deck, and the top-rated set is on sale right now.  

For a limited time, the popular six-pack is on sale for just $37, down from $56. You can shop it in both white and warm white hues, and it also comes in smaller two- and four-pack sets at varying prices. 

Courtesy of Walmart

No matter which color you opt for, these solar lights will help illuminate your space for all your outdoor gatherings, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere wherever you place them. They have a simple, sleek design that’s versatile enough to use in a variety of spots, including patios, gardens, garages, driveways, stairs, and more. Each light measures 12.5 inches tall, but shoppers noted that the quality is excellent despite the “compact size.”

They have three different lighting modes — low, medium, and high — and a built-in sensor that automatically turns on at sunset and off at sunrise, allowing for hassle-free operation. 

With an IP65 waterproof rating, the Daybetter solar lights are built to withstand all types of weather conditions, including snow, heat, and cold. Each spotlight features 64 ultra-bright LED lights, which can illuminate distances up to 10 meters. The set also comes with a wall plug, knob cap, and ground rod, so you can choose how you want to install it; insert it into the ground to brighten up the outdoor landscape or fix it to a wall or fence to use as a wall lamp.

“I like the versatility of the light, as it can be stuck into the ground with the provided spike or mounted to the wall with the bracket, which is integrated onto the light,” one shopper wrote.

These solar lights are a Walmart bestseller for good reason, earning over 1,200 five-star ratings from shoppers. One reviewer said they’re “very bright” and “stay lit all night long,” while another said the set “looks so elegant” in their yard. A third buyer highlighted their quality, adding that they’re the “perfect upgrade” for gardens and patios.  

Related: Walmart’s ‘Incredibly Lush’ $24 Christmas Greenery Is Perfect for Holiday Wreaths and Centerpieces

This deal won’t last long, so if you’ve been considering snagging some solar lights for your outdoor space, now’s your chance to score a great price. Grab this highly rated six-pack while it’s still on sale for $37 at Walmart.  

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Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers a variety of topics, including varieties of bottom feeders, sounds your phone might make, keepsakes that look better as they fade, and things starting with a popular California abbreviation.

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 #1224 on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

The New York Times

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

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

1. You’ve got mail.
2. Looks best in a frame.
3. Like Spongebob’s boss.
4. Starts with City of Angels.

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

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

iStock

1. DIGITAL NOTIFICATIONS: ALERT, CHIME, DING, PING
2. PHOTO: PRINT, SHOT, SNAP, STILL
3. KINDS OF CRABS: FIDDLER, HERMIT, KING, SNOW
4. LA ___: BOHÈME, BREA, PAZ, SCALA

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: Ocean Spray Just Gave Cranberry Season a Fashion-Forward Upgrade—and We Want the Entire Collection

If you struggle to solve today’s NYT Wordle puzzle, there’s no need to die of embarrassment.

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 #1946 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There are two vowels in today’s Wordle.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are double letters in today’s Wordle.

Committing one will make you want to crawl into your shell.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Saturday, October 17, 2026, is GAFFE.

-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)

Years before Carole King released her iconic 14x platinum album Tapestry, the legendary singer-songwriter was penning hits for other artists, such as “The Loco-Motion” for Little Eva and “Take Good Care of My Baby” for Bobby Vee (to name just a couple). In fact, the first song she recorded herself was meant for Vee: “It Might as Well Rain Until September.”

Written by King and Gerry Goffin, “It Might as Well Rain Until September” was released only as an album track by Vee, on his 1963 album The Night Has a Thousand Eyes. But producer and manager Don Kirshner was such a fan of the tune, he decided to release King’s demo of “It Might as Well Rain Until September” as a single on the Dimension label in 1962, before Vee’s album even came out.

The song was King’s first hit as a performer, peaking at #22 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 and going all the way to #3 in the U.K., where it remained her biggest hit, interestingly enough. The only problem was, King didn’t want to go on tour to promote it.

King was just 20 years old in 1962 and already had two small children with Goffin. The thought of traveling around to perform the song didn’t appeal to her at the time, understandably. She and Goffin had moved to the suburbs, where she wasn’t exactly fitting in with the other young moms.

“Living with Gerry in New Jersey suburbia I was surrounded by the wives of doctors, accountants, lawyers,” she told the Telegraph in 2016. “With a pen in one hand and a baby in the other I was a real oddity. A working woman.”

Related: 1971 No. 1 Soft Rock Anthem From One of the ‘Greatest Albums of All Time’ Became an Era-Defining Classic

Kirshner and Goffin did convince King to perform “It Might as Well Rain Until September” on American Bandstand, or, more accurately, to lip-sync to the track (as was the custom on the show). The audience wasn’t particularly enthusiastic, and King was very discouraged.

Of course, the song still became a hit — and an enduring one, at that.

In 2017, Paste ranked “It Might as Well Rain Until September” at #3 on a list of Carole King’s 12 best songs of all time.

“One of King’s earliest hits as a singer (although originally written for Bobby Vee), this song strikes a chord with lyrics that put an eloquent touch on the heartbroken teenager trope,” Nate Logsdon wrote. “King and Goffin were instrumental in helping to construct this trend, along with their co-workers like Burt Bacharach, Johnny Mercer and Phil Spector.”

Related: 1960 No. 1 Hit, Written by 17-Year-Old Carole King, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

Viral desserts are like a celebrity podcast—there’s a new one every week. And although the market stays oversaturated with a slew of deliciously enticing seasonal treats, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid indulging in the best ones that pop up in your feed.

The newest viral dessert to take over the internet? Dot cakes. Topped with colorful nonpareils and layered with icing and cake, these popular treats had everyone talking this summer. And now, they’ve officially made their way to Costco in miniature form, offering fans a six-count variety pack for just $14.79.

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Spotted in-store by @costcohotfinds, who called them “so much fun,” Costco’s Mini Dot Cakes feature the same delicious combination of cake, icing and colorful sprinkles as the original viral treat, now packaged in a six-count variety pack that’s perfect for sharing. While the original Dot Cakes weigh 8 ounces each, these miniature versions weigh in at just 4.5 ounces apiece, with three Classic Vanilla and three Chocolate cakes in every box.

For just under $15, this delicious assortment delivers the same flavors and textures that make Dot Cakes such a hit, with each container starting with a base layer of moist cake, followed by sweet vanilla icing and a solid layer of multi-color nonpareil sprinkles. Best of all, you can refrigerate or freeze them, so you can enjoy one right away or keep them on ice for a holiday gathering. And to add some proverbial icing on the cake, they’re nut-free, sesame-free and made with kosher dairy.

Related: Costco Food Court Just Dropped a $3 Apple Pie Sundae, and Shoppers Are Saying ‘Never Mind the Churro’

“I’ve seen these ALL over my fyp, if I don’t spot them I might crash out,” one fan responded desperately to @costcohotfinds post. “I wanted to hate these, but they are so good,” another viewer chimed in, “RIP diet.”

While many commenters praised the mini Dot Cakes or said they couldn’t wait to try them, fans of the original dessert remained on the fence.

“Yall have to try the traditional one from the Mexican stores. This is just not good,” one person wrote. “Nothing better than going to your local PANADERÍA to buy the Cortadillo,” another added, referencing the traditional Mexican cake topped with frosting and colorful sprinkles that’s been a longtime staple at Mexican bakeries. 

Unlike Costco’s individually packed Dot Cakes, panaderías typically sell cortadillo by the slice. Although the two treats look similar, true fans of the Mexican dessert will always tell you nothing beats the traditional bakery version.

If you spot this miniature variety pack at your local Costco, don’t think twice. Snatch it up and see what the hype is about. And if you already know you’re a fan, use this chance to stock up your freezer while you still can.

Related: Costco’s 6-Piece Holiday Stoneware Set Is a ‘Steal’ for $9

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The early-2000s running shoe aesthetic is back, and chunky, Dad-type sneakers make it easy to bring a little of that nostalgic energy into your daily rotation. If your favorite fashion trends are the ones that look just as good with leggings as they do with your everyday outfits, you might want to make room for a new pair of sneakers. 

Styling dad shoes dahil puro paltos na tong paa ko!!

The Adidas Spiritain 2000 Shoes bring a little early-2000s nostalgia to the footwear scene, with a sporty silhouette that feels right at home with today’s casual style. Inspired by the running shoes of the 2000s, the Spiritain 2000 sneakers have a layered, technical look. Their mix of materials and classic Adidas details (like the three stripes) gives them a little more personality than a basic pair of everyday sneakers, without making them difficult to style.

Courtesy of Adidas

That’s what makes the Y2K trend so fun to revisit. The original era was all about mixing sporty pieces, interesting textures, pops of colors, and other trendy details with the rest of your wardrobe. Think track jackets, fitted tops, casual trousers, and sneakers that looked like they could take you from a morning workout to an afternoon shopping trip. Today’s version of that aesthetic feels a little more relaxed, largely revolving around apparel and footwear with fun fits and trendy design details.

Related: Adidas’ Nurse-Approved Sneakers Are ‘Light’ and ‘Comfortable’ for Long Days on Your Feet, Now 45% Off

The Spiritain 2000 is an easy way to try the trend without committing to an entire throwback outfit. Wear them with leggings and an oversized sweatshirt for errands, or pair them with straight-leg trousers and a simple T-shirt when you want something casual that still looks pulled together. They can also add a sporty contrast to a simple skirt or a casual dress, especially if you like mixing feminine pieces with athletic accessories.

The shoes are available in a chic throwback green, modern black, silver, or always-on-trend white. Beyond their nostalgic appeal, these sneakers are designed with everyday movement in mind. The lace-up construction provides an adjustable fit, while the textile and synthetic upper combines different textures for that retro performance-inspired look. 

Shoppers have raved about both the look and feel. One reviewer said they’re “very comfortable” with “plenty of support,” while others said the shoes have earned them many compliments. 

• Gazelle Bold Shoes, $60 (were $120) at Adidas
• Essentials 3-Stripes Cotton Leggings, $23 (were $35) at Adidas
• Extra Large Team Wheel Bag, $75 (was $150) at Adidas

If you’ve been looking for sneakers that feel a little more interesting than your everyday basics, these $63 Y2K-inspired Adidas sneakers are worth a closer look. Shop them now while they’re 30% off.

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.

Kelly Osbourne is back on the red carpet after sharing that she’s gained 30 pounds.

Osbourne, 41, who rose to fame as the daughter of Ozzy Osbourne on the hit MTV reality series The Osbournes, has faced struggles in recent years. Following the tragic loss of her father in July 2025, Osbourne has faced some tremendous ups and downs. That all culminated when the star hit the stage at the 2026 BRIT Awards in February with a gaunt appearance.

Justin Goff Photos / Getty Images

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Despite her gaunt appearance back in February, Osbourne gave a new interview with The Sun and revealed that she’s gained nearly 30 pounds since that appearance.

In the interview, Osbourne shared that she “didn’t know that I looked like that until I saw the pictures.”

“When I saw them, I couldn’t f—ing believe it. I was as shocked as everyone else,” she noted. “It wasn’t an eating disorder. I just couldn’t do anything for myself. Eating made me feel like I wanted to throw up.”

Below, here’s a shot of Osbourne this week at the amfAR London 2026 Gala at The Chancery Rosewood. Feeling much healthier, Osbourne mugged for the camera.

Dave Benett / Getty Images

In the interview, Osbourne shared that she started working with a therapist and life coach who was recommended by her mother. However, she also asked her late father for help through her struggles.

“I know this sounds woo-woo, but I do candle magic a lot,” she said. “My dad told me he would send me messages. It felt like everything inside me was dead, and I didn’t want my son to see me like this,” said the mom of a 3-year-old, Sidney. “I went to my dad’s grave with a white candle and I wrote a wish on it saying, ‘Please help me.’ The next day, my mom showed up in a black Mercedes with a man in a mustard-colored jacket.”

Related: Kelly Osbourne Addresses Fractured Relationship With Sister Aimee: ‘We’re Like Oil and Water’

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle covers a wide range of topics, including lasagna layers, Spanish words for relatives, popular Caribbean islands, things seen on Bumble, and events hosted at an art gallery.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Saturday, October 17, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

1 Across: “A book which people praise and don’t read,” per Mark Twain — HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

8 Across: Cheese used in lasagna — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”

9 Across: Two hours of free drinks at a wedding, say — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

10 Across: Swanky event in a gallery — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

11 Across: Uncle, in Spanish — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”

12 Across: Basketball net holder — HINT: Ends with the letter “M”

13 Across: B&B relative — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

14 Across: ___ kwon do — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

15 Across: Number shown on a dating profile — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

16 Across: Show that The Weeknd has performed on, aptly enough — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

1 Down: Zagreb’s country — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

2 Down: Piercing seen while puckering — HINT: Ends with the letter “G”

3 Down: Chemical ingredient in nail polish remover — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

4 Down: Karaoke choice — HINT: Ends with the letter “G”

5 Down: Caribbean resort island for the ultrawealthy, familiarly — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

6 Down: Like antipasti, manicotti and gelati — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

7 Down: Gooey part of a Snickers bar — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

1 Across: “A book which people praise and don’t read,” per Mark Twain — CLASSIC

8 Across: Cheese used in lasagna — RICOTTA

9 Across: Two hours of free drinks at a wedding, say — OPENBAR

10 Across: Swanky event in a gallery — ARTGALA

11 Across: Uncle, in Spanish — TIO

12 Across: Basketball net holder — RIM

13 Across: B&B relative — INN

14 Across: ___ kwon do — TAE

15 Across: Number shown on a dating profile — AGE

16 Across: Show that The Weeknd has performed on, aptly enough — SNL

1 Down: Zagreb’s country — CROATIA

2 Down: Piercing seen while puckering — LIPRING

3 Down: Chemical ingredient in nail polish remover — ACETONE

4 Down: Karaoke choice — SONG

5 Down: Caribbean resort island for the ultrawealthy, familiarly — STBARTS

6 Down: Like antipasti, manicotti and gelati — ITALIAN

7 Down: Gooey part of a Snickers bar — CARAMEL

Related: Starbucks Is Exploring a Landmark Acquisition of Chipotle—What It Could Mean for Your Next Burrito

In 1986, Peter Gabriel released a music video unlike almost anything viewers had seen before. Forty years later, the groundbreaking clip has just earned another No. 1 ranking, though this particular honor is less about what appeared on screen than what Gabriel endured to make it.

BBC Music Magazine ranked Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” No. 1 on its new list of the 13 Biggest Video Nightmares, beating famously elaborate videos from Foo Fighters, Duran Duran, The Police, Guns N’ Roses, A-ha, Elton John, Michael Jackson and more.

And anyone who remembers the surreal, occasionally unsettling “Sledgehammer” video might find the word “nightmare” especially appropriate.

Directed by Stephen R. Johnson, the video used stop-motion, clay animation and pixilation to transform Gabriel and the world around him one painstaking frame at a time. Aardman Animations and the Brothers Quay were among the artists involved in creating its unforgettable imagery.

But making all that visual magic required an extraordinary amount of patience from Gabriel.

BBC Music Magazine reports that the singer spent 16 hours lying beneath a sheet of glass as he was photographed frame by frame. Every movement of his face required another setup, while the artists surrounding him continually repositioned objects to create the stop-motion sequences.

“Few videos demanded more sheer physical endurance,” the magazine said of the production, describing the process as “punishing.”

Gabriel later had a succinct piece of advice for anyone tempted to try something similar: “Good luck.”

The ordeal certainly paid off.

“Sledgehammer,” released in April 1986 as the lead single from Gabriel’s blockbuster album So, became the biggest American hit of his solo career. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1986, knocking “Invisible Touch” by his former band Genesis out of the top spot.

Remarkably, “Sledgehammer” and “Invisible Touch” would be the only No. 1 Hot 100 hits for Gabriel and Genesis, respectively.

But the “Sledgehammer” video became arguably even more famous than the song itself.

Related: Rock Icon, 76, Named No. 1 Most Shocking Departure in Rock History

At the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, it won a record nine awards. Gabriel also won Best British Video for “Sledgehammer” at the Brit Awards, while the song earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

Its reputation didn’t fade when the MTV era did. In a 2005 Channel 4 poll, “Sledgehammer” was ranked the No. 2 greatest pop video, while a 2011 TIME article said it was MTV’s most-played music video of all time.

The song marked a commercial high point for Gabriel, who was 36 when it was released. After co-founding Genesis in the late 1960s and serving as the band’s flamboyant lead singer, Gabriel left the group in 1975 and launched his solo career.

By the time So arrived in 1986, he had already established himself as an adventurous solo artist. The album transformed him into an international superstar, with “Sledgehammer” becoming its biggest hit.

Four decades later, the video’s dancing chickens, fruit-covered face, animated furniture and other bizarre images remain instantly recognizable.

Now “Sledgehammer” has another distinction to add to its unusually long list of accolades: the No. 1 spot on BBC Music Magazine’s ranking of pop’s biggest video nightmares.

Considering Gabriel spent 16 hours trapped beneath glass to make it, that one may have been earned the hard way.

Related: ’70s Rockers Shockingly Just Named No. 2 ‘Greatest Band of All Time,’ Beating Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones