Parade

Some stories don’t just endure—they help define an entire genre.

A groundbreaking novel first published in 1719 is still widely recognized today, ranked among the greatest books ever written. On literary site The Greatest Books, which compiles hundreds of expert rankings into a single list, "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe is included among the best books of all time—and today it turns 307 years old.

Published on April 25, 1719, the novel follows a shipwrecked sailor who survives for 28 years on a remote island near the coast of South America. Drawing on real-life accounts of castaways like Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, the story blends adventure with survival, as Crusoe learns to build shelter, grow food, and navigate complete isolation.

Often credited as one of the earliest examples of the English novel, "Robinson Crusoe" helped shape what would become realistic fiction. Its detailed, first-person storytelling led many early readers to believe the book was a true account rather than a work of imagination.

The novel’s success was immediate and overwhelming. By the end of 1719, it had already gone through multiple editions, and its popularity quickly spread beyond England. Over time, "Robinson Crusoe" became one of the most widely published books in history, translated into numerous languages and adapted across film, television, and radio—cementing its place as a story that continues to reach new audiences centuries later.

Its success inspired countless imitations and even gave rise to a genre known as the “Robinsonade,” referring to stories centered on survival in isolation. More than 300 years later, its themes of resilience, self-reliance, and human ingenuity continue to resonate.

Beyond its literary reputation, the book remains widely read today. It ranks No. 15 on the Goodreads list of “Classics to Be Read By All,” reinforcing its status as a foundational work that generations of readers continue to discover.

Defoe himself led a life nearly as eventful as his fictional castaway. Before turning to novels, he worked as a merchant, journalist, and political writer, often finding himself in financial trouble and even prison due to his outspoken views. Those real-world experiences helped shape the realism of "Robinson Crusoe", grounding its adventure in practical detail and making the story feel strikingly believable to early readers.

It looks like the Lone Star State is about to get a whole lot more "fun." In a move that solidifies Galveston as the undisputed cruise capital of the Southwest, Carnival Cruise Line has officially announced that its newest and most innovative ship, Carnival Tropicale, will make Texas its homeport when it debuts in 2028.

For regular cruisers from the Port of Galveston, this isn't just another ship launch—it’s a homecoming. The name "Tropicale" holds a special place in cruise history as the namesake of the first ship Carnival ever built from the ground up, the vessel that introduced the iconic winged funnel to the world. Now, that legacy is being reimagined for a new generation of Fun Ship fans.

“Carnival Tropicale joining our Galveston lineup is a celebration of both our history and our future in Texas,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line in a release. “For more than 25 years, Texas has been at the heart of Carnival’s growth, and this new Excel-class ship ensures we continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests in and around the state.”

Related: Carnival Just Added a New ‘Free’ Menu Option to These Ships—And It’s a Total Crowd-Pleaser

View this post on Instagram Double the Excel-Class Fun

The Carnival Tropicale will be the fifth ship in the line’s massive Excel-class, joining its sister ship, the Carnival Jubilee, which has been a local favorite since arriving in 2024. This move means Galveston will soon be home to two of the three newest ships in the entire Carnival fleet.

Like the Jubilee, the Tropicale will proudly bear the Star of Texas on its bow—a permanent nod to its Texan roots. Both ships are absolute giants of the sea, carrying over 6,000 guests and featuring state-of-the-art amenities that have redefined what a family vacation looks like.

Related: Carnival Just Solved the Biggest ‘Time Tax’ of Your Cruise Vacation

What’s New on the Tropicale?

While Carnival is keeping some of the most exciting details under wraps until later this year, we already know that the Tropicale will feature several fleet-firsts:

• Sunsation Point: A brand-new themed zone that is set to be the heart of the ship’s outdoor fun.
• Carnival WaterWorks Ultra: This isn't your average pool deck. It’s a massive, multi-level waterpark that promised more slides and "splashes" than ever before.
• Eco-Friendly Tech: Following the lead of the Jubilee, the Tropicale will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), making it one of the most sustainable megaships on the water.
• A Touch of Nostalgia: The ship’s interior design is reportedly drawing inspiration from the upcoming Carnival Festivale (arriving in 2027), blending modern luxury with classic Fun Ship vibes.

A 26-Year Love Affair with Texas

With four ships already homeporting in the city year-round, the addition of the Tropicale ensures that the drive-to market for travelers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana continues to offer some of the best vacation values in the country.

Reservation and itinerary details for the Carnival Tropicale are expected to drop later this year. If the excitement around the Jubilee’s launch was any indication, you’ll want to have your booking fingers ready the second those dates go live.

Related: Why the City of Brotherly Love Is Now the Easiest Place to Catch a Cruise

In the spring of 1966, The Young Rascals topped the music charts with their hit “Good Lovin’.” The cover song, which kicked off with a "one-two-three" countdown, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 30, 1966. It also ranked on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Originally recorded by Lemme B. Goode and then the R&B group the Olympics, the song received an energetic, chart-topping makeover when Young Rascals bandmates Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigato, Dino Danelli, and Gene Cornish put their spin on it.

Stereogum noted that for their version of “Good Lovin,'" The Rascals played more “peppily” than the Olympics did and “sped up the tempo a bit."

 "'Good Lovin'" is one of those dumb, fun, hooky songs that hooks you, at least in part, because it's so dumb and fun, not in spite of it,” the outlet noted. “It's an instantly perfect car-radio singalong, with backing vocals so memorable that, if you're riding with someone else, you can decide who takes the backing parts and who sings lead."

According to Goldmine magazine, The Young Rascals’ “party-starting” version of “Good Lovin’” was heavily played in dance clubs and remained on the music charts for 14 weeks.

The Young Rascals’ manager knew the song would be a hit

The Young Rascals initially played “Good Lovin’” during club gigs. In an interview with Best Classic Bands, Danelli noted, “At that point, nobody was writing tunes; we were doing all covers. [Atlantic Records boss] Ahmet [Ertegun] had seen us, and he knew ‘Good Lovin’’ was gonna be a smash hit. We did it differently than the Olympics. It was a whole different trip. When he heard us do it and saw the response whenever we played that song, the dance floor got crowded in three seconds, and it was full with people going crazy.”

“It established us as a real good performing and playing band, and it really spread out all over the country that we were one of the most visually exciting bands that was coming around in rock ’n’ roll in those days," Danelli added of the song. “And then Ahmet knew he had a song in his back pocket and put it out, and overnight ‘Good Lovin’’ shot right up and put us on the map.”

Felix wasn’t as happy with the rough-cut studio version of the song. “We weren’t too pleased with our performance," he told Rolling Stone. "It was a shock to us when it went to the top of the charts."

RELATED: The Monkees ‘Best Song of All Time’ Became a No. 1 Hit  Twice

An iconic performance

Early traction for “Good Lovin’” also scored The Young Rascals a coveted spot on The Ed Sullivan Show. Per the classic variety TV show’s official website, “frenzied screams filled the air” when the fab foursome was introduced by Sullivan. “When The Rascals finally took the stage, they exuded rockstar charisma, delivering a powerhouse performance of their hit “Good Lovin’ …  their electrifying presence and musical prowess left an unforgettable impression, solidifying their status as rising stars in the music scene.”

Decades later, the performance was remembered in an Instagram post that recalled the crowd going “wild” as The Young Rascals “brought their energy and rockstar charisma to the stage.”

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

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

It's wild how much life can change over the course of a single decade. Sometimes, there are several technological developments that fuel innovation and make a decade stand out for its ingenuity. Other times, there's an influx of pop culture moments that shape society. Either way, each decade certainly has its own defining moments. As part of our Parade Rewind series, we're focusing on the 1970s this month and taking a look back at the 50 things only people who lived in the 1970s will remember.

To compile our list, we consulted a wide array of pop culture and historical experts who know a thing or two about this fascinating decade.

If you grew up in the '70s, you know it was the age of all things groovy, and you probably remember several pop culture moments quite fondly. You might also recall a few tumultuous political moments or remember the rising popularity of certain sports, like baseball and boxing. Or, you might think of the decade's fashion with fondness—some good 'ole 1970s nostalgia.

If you didn't grow up in the '70s, you probably know someone who did and often recalls the good old days. Now, you can fully understand exactly what they're talking about as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the things that were uniquely '70s.

Related: This Iconic 1973 Shoe Became an Instant Fashion Staple—and You Can Still Shop It Today

1970s Nostalgia: 50 Things Only People Who Lived in the '70s Will Remember1. Disco

Unsplash

Like many things on this list, you might have experienced them or know about them even if you didn't grow up in the 1970s. However, if you did, you know intimately how popular (and awesome) discos were.

"Disco dominated the mid to late ’70s and shaped music, fashion and nightlife, encouraging everyone to dance as if they knew exactly what they were doing," Heritage Auctions Pop Culture/Historical Director of Consignments CharlesEpting says.

2. Jazzercise

Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images

"In the ‘70s, Jazzercise wasn’t just a workout. It was a cultural moment. From the music to the fashion, it helped define what fitness looked like for women," Jazzercise, Inc. CEO and Chief Choreographer Shanna Missett Nelson tells Parade.

Many women even sported leotards and leg warmers during the workout.

"While we’ve retired the leg warmers, that spirit of innovation is exactly what’s kept Jazzercise relevant for over 50 years," Missett Nelson says.

3. Vinyl records and 8-track tapes

SSPL/Getty Images

"Vinyl records and 8-track tapes were still the main ways people listened to music at home and at parties," author and historian Allen J. Wiener says. "Car owners installed 8-track tape players in new cars or retrofitted older ones. Later, when cassette tapes and recording machines became widely available, music fans could create their own music programs or playlists. Portable music evolved further with devices like the Sony Walkman cassette player."

4. Pet Rock

eBay

"Introduced in 1975 as an alternative to any pet that must be fed and cared for, pet rocks sold for nearly four dollars and came in a small, cardboard carrying case with ventilation holes and straw bedding," pop culture expert Garry Berman says.

5. Shag carpeting

H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images

"A defining home décor trend of the ’70s, shag carpeting covered entire rooms in thick, colorful pile, usually in earth tones, and had a real talent for quietly absorbing anything you dropped into it," Epting says.

6. Lava lamps

Unsplash

"Popular in homes and dorm rooms, lava lamps carried over from the late ’60s and added a slow-moving glow that seemed very profound at the time," Epting shares.

Per Berman, lava lamps were popular with the "hippie culture" throughout the '70s.

7. Atari 2600

Wilkinson/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

"Released in 1977, the Atari 2600 brought video games into the home and marked a shift in entertainment, even if most games involved a few moving blocks and a lot of imagination," Epting tells Parade.

8. FM radio

Dick Morseman/Newsday RM via Getty Images

"FM radio was still emerging and often commercial-free, with DJs playing entire albums uninterrupted. The signals were sharper and stereo broadcasts became more common," Wiener shares.

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1950s

9. Schwinn bicycles

Schwinn via Getty Images

Even though children in every decade that Schwinn has existed can say they enjoyed their bikes. But there was something special about the '70s and Schwinn bicycles.

"In the 1970s, nearly every kid had a Schwinn bicycle and looked askance at someone who dared ride a Ross or another brand," Berman shares. "In the summer, kids in suburbia explored their neighborhoods and towns on bikes for hours before and after dinner, when there was little fear of encountering anything fearsome or dangerous."

10. The Beatles' breakup

Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

"The Beatles shocked everyone when Paul McCartney announced the group’s breakup in April 1970," Wiener says.

Following their breakup, all four members of the band had solo careers in the '70s and "occasionally collaborated on one another’s recordings, especially Ringo Starr's," the author and historian shares.

11. Elvis Presley’s death

Bettmann / Getty Images

"Elvis Presley’s sudden death in 1977 at age 42 shocked his fans and marked another major moment in the history of rock ’n’ roll. In many ways, Elvis personified rock ’n’ roll and helped set its tone and style when he first emerged on the national scene in 1956," Wiener says.

12. Smoking was common

John Beard/The Denver Post via Getty Images

"Smoking was common and allowed in bars, restaurants and on airplanes. Cigarettes were available everywhere, in vending machines and stores, for less than a dollar a pack, despite growing warnings about health risks," Wiener says.

13. Daily newspapers and nightly news

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

While nightly news programs and newspapers weren't just a thing of the 70s, this decade changed the way people were informed and how they experienced the news.

"People relied heavily on daily newspapers and TV network evening news programs, such as the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite," Wiener shares. "Those broadcasts brought footage of fighting in Vietnam and brutality towards Civil Rights demonstrators into people’s homes nearly in real time, something that had not been possible before. For many families, that meant confronting the realities of war during dinner."

14. Less chaotic air travel

WATFORD/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images

"Air travel still felt somewhat special," Wiener tells Parade. "There were no security lines, seats were larger and airlines served free drinks and better meals. That began to change with airline deregulation in the late 1970s and the demise of the Civil Aeronautics Board."

15. Mood rings

John Olson/Getty Images

"These color-changing rings tapped into the ’70s fascination with self-discovery, while mostly confirming that human emotions look a lot like shifting shades of brown and green," Epting shares about mood rings.

16. Waterbeds

Denver Post via Getty Images

"Marketed as modern and unconventional, waterbeds fit the decade’s appetite for novelty and offered a sleeping experience that was memorable, if not always restful," Epting says.

17. Puka shell necklaces

Underwood Archives/Getty Images

"These became a popular accessory as part of the decade’s embrace of beach-inspired fashion, whether or not the wearer had ever been near a beach," Epting says.

18. Watergate scandal

CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

"Along with the Vietnam War, the Nixon Watergate scandal dominated the news, as did the congressional hearings and Washington Post investigative reporting that exposed it," Wiener shares. "The U.S. Senate Watergate Committee hearings, chaired by North Carolina Senator Sam Ervin, were televised live every day and ultimately led to a recommendation that Nixon be impeached. Before that could happen, Nixon stunned the world by resigning, making Vice President Gerald Ford president."

19. 'Grease'

Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images

Grease fever was real when the iconic film, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, debuted in 1978.

Leila Dunbar, a longtime pop culture appraiser who has appeared on the PBS Emmy-nominated series Antiques Roadshow for 30 years, says the popularity of Grease has stayed strong in the decades since the film's release. For instance, she says a jacket Newton-John wore in the film sold for $476,250 in 2024. 

20. Earth Shoes

eBay

"Invented by a Danish yoga instructor and introduced in 1970 shortly before the first Earth Day, Earth Shoes were designed with a sloped heel to make the back of the foot lower than the front, supposedly to improve health and posture," Berman says.

Related: 35 Things in Your House Right Now That Could Be Worth Money, According to Certified Appraisers

21. 'All in the Family'

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Ryan Lintelman, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, says All in the Family "broke new ground in American television."

"When Archie Bunker first swaggered onto the set arguing politics with his family in frank and shocking terms, the ‘relevance sitcom’ was born," Lintelman says. "Producer Norman Lear brought the hottest social and political debates of the 1970s into American living rooms with a remarkable run of successful sitcoms, including The Jeffersons, Maude and All in the Family. These shows got Americans talking about racial prejudice, women’s rights, the sexual revolution and the Vietnam War."

Visitors to the Smithsonian can see the living room furniture set from the show while visiting the museum.

22. 'Star Wars'

Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images

"A blockbuster of unprecedented proportions, Star Warsreached movie theaters in 1977. The positive movie-going public reaction was immediate, and the rest is history," Berman says.

Per Dunbar, countless items from the film series have sold for a significant amount of money at auction. Examples include the half sheet artwork for $3.875 million, a Star Wars Starfighter for $3.135 million and Princess Leia's gold bikini for $266,000.

22. Bell-bottom jeans

H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images

"A staple of ’70s fashion, bell-bottoms widened dramatically at the bottom, ensuring your pants arrived in a room just before you did," Epting says.

23. Giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing 

Bettmann / Getty Images

"The arrival of giant pandas Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing from China in 1972 was an unforgettable moment that sparked true 'pandamonium’ in Washington, D.C.," says Laurie Thompson, the assistant curator of giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. "Their debut launched the zoo’s giant panda conservation program, which has helped move the species off the endangered list. I still hear stories from visitors who saw them as children, and I even had the privilege of caring for Hsing-Hsing, the last of the pair."

24. Touch-tone phones

Bettmann / Getty Images

"The shift from rotary to push-button dialing represented a move towards more modern technology, making calling faster while still being firmly attached to a wall," Epting says.

25. Jim Henson’s Muppets

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Although Jim Henson's Muppets date back to the 1950s, Lintelman says they "took the world by storm in the 1970s."

"Jim Henson’s absurdist, countercultural humor and belief in the power of friendship and love to overcome any challenge made the Muppets symbols of the 70s," he shares.

26. Farrah Fawcett's swimsuit poster 

KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images

"As the basis for the bestselling poster of all time, the 1976 picture of actress Farrah Fawcett wearing a Norma Kamali red one-piece bathing suit became one of the most iconic images of the 1970s," Eric Jentsch, a curator in the arts and culture division at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, says. "Photographed by Bruce McBroom, the 29-year-old Texan, with her feathered blonde hair and charismatic smile, found her way onto the walls of more than 12 million homes."

27. The rise of boxing

Bettmann / Getty Images

"Professional boxing became far more prominent than it had been in previous years, especially with the rise of Muhammad Ali, the self-proclaimed 'Greatest,'" Wiener says. "His political battles, refusal to participate in the military draft, conversion to Islam and banishment from boxing made him a major public figure who transcended his athletic achievements. His historic bouts with Joe Frazier and George Foreman still rank among the greatest fights of all time."

28. Boeing 747

Fox Photos/Getty Images

“One of the most outstanding symbols of the 1970s was the massive Boeing 747, which entered airline service in January 1970 with Pan American World Airways. Dubbed the 'Jumbo Jet,' the 747 carried 400 passengers, two and a half more than the Boeing it replaced, thus opening the world to mass air travel," Bob van der Linden, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s acting chair of the Aeronautics Department and curator of commercial aviation, says.

29. Home and car stereos

Ron Schwerin/Condé Nast via Getty Images

"A growing status symbol among young people was the quality of their home stereos and the endless quest for perfect sound, via frills such as Original Master Recordings on LPs played on sophisticated turntables, quadraphonic speakers, equalizers, etc.," Berman says. "Car stereos became just as important for cruising and blasting favorite albums that were home-recorded on cassette tapes."

30. 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'

Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer

"Released in 1975, the film developed a cult following, with midnight screenings that encouraged audience participation and made going to the movies a much louder experience," Epting says.

31. 1973 oil and energy crisis

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

"Gasoline cost about $0.35 to $0.50 a gallon until the 1973 oil and energy crisis," Wiener shares. "Prices later peaked at around $1 a gallon, which felt like sticker shock at the time. Gas stations often had very long lines, sometimes lasting an hour or more, as people waited to fill up. When drivers had their cars serviced at gas stations, they often asked the attendant to fill the tank while the car was there."

32. Yo-yos

Duane Howell/The Denver Post via Getty Images

"Yo-yos have been around for 2,000 years, but enjoyed a burst of popularity in the early ‘70s as kids and adults attempted to master various tricks, with Duncan recognized as the leading brand," Berman says.

33. Kerplunk

eBay

"For families, Kerplunk was a popular game in which players took turns pulling out plastic sticks holding up a bunch of marbles in a plastic canister," Berman shares. "Marbles inevitably fell to the bottom tray (and usually quite loudly), but the player with the fewest dropped marbles at the end was the winner."

34. Folklife festivals

Pearce/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

“One defining feature of the 70s was the proliferation of folklife festivals across the country," Cristina Diaz-Carrera, festival curator at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, says. "These outdoor spaces offered opportunities for music jams, learning about traditional foods and crafts, and just generally hanging out, eating and listening to music."

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1960s

35. Wayne Gretzky's National Hockey League (NHL) debut

Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images

"In 1979, you could have bought his Topps rookie card for 10 cents. Today, depending on the card's condition, you will pay $500-$3.75 million dollars," Dunbar says.

Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers rookie jersey sold for $650,000 in 2021 and "would sell for more today," per Dunbar.

36. CB radios

Bettmann / Getty Images

"CB radios became a cultural phenomenon, fueled by trucking culture and pop media, and briefly turned everyday drivers into amateur broadcasters with nicknames," Epting says.

37. Platform shoes

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

"Worn by both men and women, platform shoes reflected the bold style of the era and added several inches of height along with a certain level of risk," Epting says.

38. Polaroid SX-70 camera

SSPL/Getty Images

"The SX-70 was the first camera to achieve one-step photography. Introduced in 1972 by Edwin H. Land, co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation, this single-lens reflex camera revolutionized instant photography," Emily M. Orr, associate curator and acting head of product design and decorative arts at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, shares. "This camera required the photographer to merely point, focus, and click, then wait three minutes for the snapshot to develop. The first to employ an instant film pack that included a built-in battery, the SX-70 ejected pictures automatically, without the chemical residues of previous models."

39. Bicentennial celebrations in 1976

David Attie/Getty Images

"Bicentennial celebrations took place in 1976, including Operation Sail in New York Harbor," Berman says about the festivities surrounding the 200th anniversary of the United States. "Throughout the year, CBS produced the nightly 'Bicentennial Minute' during commercial breaks."

40. Cray 1-A supercomputer

SSPL/Getty Images

“The 1970s saw new generations of computers both push limits of calculation and reach expanded audiences," Andrew Meade McGee, curator of computers and spacecraft at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, shares. "Supercomputers, like the Cray 1-A developed in 1976, introduced new architectures of memory and processing that dramatically increased [the] speed of mathematical operations. Today’s quantum computing and advanced artificial intelligence research draw directly from 1970s technological leaps that scaled up data processing."

41. World Trade Center completed

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

"The original World Trade Center was completed in 1973," Berman tells Parade. "The Twin Towers were the tallest in the world at the time."

42. Skateboarding

Focus on Sport via Getty Images

"Skateboarding grew rapidly in popularity during the ’70s and became a defining youth activity, along with a reliable way to collect minor injuries," Epting says.

43. Patty Hearst kidnapping

Tony Korody/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

"The granddaughter of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst was kidnapped by a terrorist group called the Symbionese Liberation Army, was held hostage and later took part in their bank robberies and other crimes for nearly two years," Berman shares. "She was convicted and served prison time, but claimed she had been brainwashed into participating. She had her time commuted and was later pardoned."

44. The Jackson 5

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Kevin Strait, a museum curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, says the band The Jackson 5 was popular during an era where "Black music and youth culture went global."

"At the height of their fame, fueled by hits like ‘I Want You Back’ and ‘ABC,’ the group carried the sounds and styles of modern Black American popular music to audiences around the world," he says.

45. 'Julia'

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Timothy Anne Burnside, the museum curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, says the TV sitcom Julia, starring Diahann Carroll, was "groundbreaking."

"She was the first Black woman to star in a non-stereotypical lead role on American primetime television, portraying a widowed nurse navigating everyday life on her own terms," he shares.

46. 'Jaws'

LMPC via Getty Images

When the first Jaws film was released in 1975, it was equal parts fascinating and frightful for moviegoers. Dunbar says memorabilia from the film has sold for significant amounts of money at various auctions. For instance, a harpoon used by actor Robert Shaw sold for $327,600, and his fishing rod sold for $239,400.

47. Baseball's rising popularity

Bettmann / Getty Images

"Baseball continued to expand, with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays joining the American League, which also adopted the Designated Hitter, or DH," Wiener explains. "The DH added another batter to the lineup in place of the pitcher, who no longer hit. Many major league cities also built all-purpose, 'cookie-cutter' stadiums. Meanwhile, players gained salary leverage and negotiating power through the arrival of free agency."

48. Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown-winning season

Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Dunbar says Secretariat's 1973 Triple Crown-winning season was a significant moment in the history of horse racing. For instance, a custom-made jacket made for jockey Ron Turcotte and used in his 31-length victory at the Belmont Stakes recently set a record for the most expensive piece of horse racing memorabilia ever sold at public auction at $1.524 million.

49. Sculptura telephone

Matt Flynn / Courtesy of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

“In the early 1970s, Western Electric introduced the Design Line series to expand consumer choice beyond the standard black landline telephone," Orr says. "The Sculptura model stood out for its bold, rounded form and vivid color, reflecting the influence of Pop Art on everyday objects."

50. Vietnam War

Larry Dalton/Archive Photos/Getty Images

"The Vietnam War continued, as did protests against it, even after a ceasefire was declared in 1973," Berman explains.

Up Next:

Related: 25 Popular Toys Every Kid Wanted in the 1970s

Sources:

• Garry Berman is a pop culture expert.
• Timothy Anne Burnside is the museum curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Cristina Diaz-Carrera is the festival curator at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
• Leila Dunbar is a longtime pop culture appraiser who has appeared on the PBS Emmy-nominated series Antiques Roadshow for 30 years.
• Charles Epting is the Pop Culture/Historical Director of Consignments at Heritage Auctions.
• Eric Jentsch is a curator in the arts and culture division at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
• Ryan Lintelman is a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
• Andrew Meade McGee is the curator of computers and spacecraft at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
• Shanna Missett Nelson is the CEO and Chief Choreographer of Jazzercise, Inc.
• Emily M. Orr is the associate curator and acting head of product design and decorative arts at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
• Kevin Strait is a museum curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Laurie Thompson is the assistant curator of giant pandas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
• Bob van der Linden is the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s acting chair of the Aeronautics Department and the curator of commercial aviation.
• Allen J. Wiener is an author and historian.

If you’ve ever wished you could move into your favorite movie, Disney is making that dream a permanent reality. While the company has long mastered the art of the day trip, they are now officially in the neighborhood business with Storyliving by Disney. The first of these master-planned communities, Cotino, has officially begun welcoming residents to its sunny desert enclave in the Coachella Valley.

But don't expect a theme park in your backyard. Built on 618 acres once frequented by Walt Disney himself as a favorite retreat, Cotino is a sophisticated, mid-century modern paradise. The community is centered around the stunning, 24-acre Cotino Bay, featuring turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that feel more like the Caribbean than the California desert.

However, it’s the daily lifestyle that really has everyone talking—specifically, a new fitness lineup that proves working out is better with a touch of pixie dust.

Related: You Can Now Permanently Live in Disney’s First Imagineer-Designed Town Outside Orlando

The Return of "Mousercise"

Disney Parks Blog

At the heart of the community is the Artisan Club, a social hub where Disney’s legendary storytelling meets everyday wellness. In a first-of-its-kind move, Disney Imagineers have teamed up with health experts at Optum to ditch the boring treadmill routines in favor of "wellness adventures."

These character-themed classes allow residents to channel their inner hero (or favorite baddie) while breaking a sweat:

• Incredibles Super Circuit: Ready to train like a Parr? This high-energy circuit moves you through stations inspired by the family’s powers. You’ll find yourself sprinting with Dash’s lightning speed, lifting with Mr. Incredible’s raw strength, and focusing on flexibility and core power like Elastigirl.
• Villain Era Power Sculpt (Maleficent Edition): For those days when you're feeling a bit more "wicked," this slow-burn strength class is all about bold, "commanding" poses and unapologetic confidence. Set to a darkly dramatic cinematic playlist, it’s designed to help you own the room with the poise of the Mistress of All Evil.
• Encanto Latin Dance Cardio: If you want to move like the Madrigal family, this joyful session blends Colombian dance styles like cumbia and mapalé. Each track invokes a different family member’s spark, from Luisa’s power to Mirabel’s heart.
• Moana Breathwork: This isn't your average meditation. Held on the tranquil shores of Cotino Bay, this session uses the rhythm of the tide to guide wave-like breathing techniques, helping you "chart your own course" through mindfulness.
• Stitch & Splash: A paddleboard workout that fully embraces the "chaos" of Experiment 626. It combines core-stability moves with fun, unpredictable "splash" challenges on the lagoon.

Related: Disney’s Newest Resort Will Offer First-Ever Accommodations With Unprecedented Theme-Park Views

The "Parr House" and the Magic of Everyday Service Artisan Club and Parr House at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community

Disney Parks Blog

The architecture of the community is just as intentional as the fitness. The standout is the Parr House, a striking mid-century modern venue inspired by the home in Incredibles 2. It serves as a multipurpose gathering space for residents to enjoy immersive storytelling dinners, art workshops, or just a quiet evening by the fire.

Because the community is managed by Disney Cast Members, residents get that famous "signature service" at their front gate and local restaurants. While Cotino is the first to open, it won't be the last. A second community, Asteria, is already in the works for Pittsboro, North Carolina, with home sales expected to start in late 2027.

Whether you're looking for a "smart stay" for the rest of your life or just curious how Disney plans to redefine the American neighborhood, one thing is clear: the "always-on" magic is officially moving home.

Related: Disney Is Bringing Pixie Dust to the Carolinas and We Finally Have a First Look at the New Asteria Neighborhood

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

If your house plants have been thriving but their planters need a little upgrade, consider this your sign to make that affordable upgrade. The easiest way to refresh your space for spring, both indoor and out, doesn't always have to be a full overhaul, but small changes that really add more flare and personality. For example, upgrading your planters and pots can bring a fun decor element to your shelves and windowsills. 

If you’ve been looking for more small cottagecore-inspired finds, from wind chimes to solar lights, and like the idea of upgrading your planters, we’ve got you covered. Instead of sticking with basic neutral pots, these adorable Walmart planters all under $10 lean into playful designs that really bring spring trends to life. Scroll on to check them out below.

Mainstays Ceramic Lemon Planter, From $5 (was $8) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Perk up your plant shelf or windowsill with this summer-ready lemon-accented little planter. It's already beloved by Parade shopping writers, and it's easy to tell why. At just $5, it adds just the right amount of charm to your home, and would pop out so nicely amongst a sea of green leaves. If lemons aren't your thing, the same item is available in adorable cherry, bow, and bee patterns, all of which are equally sweet-looking. 

Mainstays Ceramic Coral Peony Mushroom Planter, $8 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Mushrooms have become a staple of cottagecore decor, from cozy comforters to little end table lamps, and this planter adds just the right amount of enchantment to your home. Both durable and compact, this planter can be used both indoors and outdoors. As one reviewer wrote, “The pot is super cute and sturdy. It’s a little weighted as it’s made out of stone and not cheap plastic. There's even a hole with a plug for drainage. I love it!” Now just think of how cute it'd be to have a line of these displayed on your coffee table. 

Mainstays Lennon Black Checkered Ceramic Planter, $10 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The striking black and white checkerboard design on this planter brings a bold sort of playfulness to your plantscape, and our shopping writers love it. It's modern, graphic, and crisp, with a high gloss shine that'll make it stand out amongst all your other little pots. It's available for just $10 in this 6-inch size, and just $12 for an 8-inch style that's unfortunately sold out. 

Mainstays Ceramic Cowboy Hat Planter, From $8 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You dropped your hat there, Woody. Just kidding! If you want to add a bit of country into your home without going too overboard, we're so into this sweet little cowboy hat planter, which is actually available in two sizes: 6 inches and 10 inches. They are blessedly still both in stock, and a real bargain, priced at $8 and $12 respectively. 

Shop More Deals 

• Mainstays Ceramic Bee Planter, $8 at Walmart
• Mainstays Ceramic Cherry Planter, $8 at Walmart
• Mainstays Peyson Blue Paradise Ceramic Planter, $7 (was $10) at Walmart

At the end of the day, the smallest changes can totally pull an indoor or outdoor space together, like cute-as-hell under-$10 ceramic planters from Walmart. Your home is your oasis — both you and your plants deserve it! 

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.

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

Looking to cut down on your screen time or pick up a new hobby in 2026? If so, embroidering makes for a fun DIY activity that’ll keep you thoroughly entertained without needing your phone. Whether you’ve never worked with needle and thread before or want to refine your skills, this Etspil Embroidery Kit from Amazon is the perfect thing to start with. 

Now’s the best time to snag it because it’s currently on sale! This kit comes in two basic beginner-friendly styles, which are now marked down to as low as $13. There are also three other companion kits, available at varying discounts, to help buyers build on their skills.

Etspil Embroidery Kit, From $13 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This kit comes with everything you need to master the art of embroidery. It includes a bamboo embroidery hoop, three pre-printed fabrics, 16 embroidery needles, 10 different colors of embroidery floss, two needle threaders, a seam ripper, a magnetic needle minder, a needle storage tube, and a pair of scissors. The kit also comes with an instruction manual, but if you’re more of a visual learner, you can watch step-by-step videos that’ll guide you through every stitch. 

Made for beginners, the pre-printed fabrics boast 33 different stitch templates — from basic lines like chain and back stitches to more intricate patterns like satin stitches and French knots — so this kit will help you learn and hone the fundamentals of embroidery. Each fabric has a different design featuring one word, various diagrams, and gorgeous nature-themed print in the middle. Once you’ve practiced all the different stitches, you can go on to fill in the center image to showcase the skills you’ve picked up! 

Etspil Embroidery Kit, From $13 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Several shoppers said that the quality of this kit is outstanding and raved about how vibrant and gorgeous the floss colors are. They also praised both the instruction manual and video guides, noting that they’re very informative and incredibly easy to follow.

“This is so relaxing and fun!” one shopper said while adding that the video instructions are “very easy to follow.” Another reviewer described the kit as “beautiful” and said that it’s the “perfect kit for a beginner who has never picked up a needle before.”

I’m not crafty by any means, but I recently purchased this kit because I wanted to start embroidering my belongings to give them more of a personalized touch. After stitching through these diagrams, I bought some more floss and started embroidering any blank canvas in sight, including a plain tote bag and a basic crewneck sweatshirt. 

Related: Kate Spade's 'Beautifully Crafted' Crossbody Is on Sale for Over 50% Off at Amazon

This kit has saved me money, allowing me to personalize my clothes and accessories with fun designs that I would otherwise splurge on. The best part, though? It’s a fun and relaxing activity that has kept me entertained during this very brutal winter.

Learn new skills and explore a new hobby with the Etspil Embroidery Kit. Head over to Amazon to snag it for just $13 while it’s still on sale at this amazing price! Be sure to hurry, because this is a limited-time deal! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

American academic, psychologist and popular-science author Angela Duckworth is the co-founder of Character Lab, a non-profit working “to advance scientific insights that help children thrive.” Her main area of interest in her research is grit and self-control; in fact, her 2013 TED Talk, which is one of the most-watched, with 17 million views, is “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” And with her work so closely tied to pushing through so you can succeed, our quote of the day from Duckworth is pretty appropriate, focusing on effort, talent and “unmet potential.”

Duckworth was born in 1970, and is currently the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, with research interests in Developmental Psychology, Individual Differences, Positive Psychology and Behavior Change. She went on to create the Grit Scale, which aims to measure the construct of “grit” and how much you might have, or how you measure on the scale. Her first book—which has the same name as her TED Talk—came out in 2016 and was on The New York Times bestseller list for 21 weeks. 

As she said in her viral talk, grit is about “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” And with that notion, today’s quote by Duckworth focuses on talent and how your effort is what makes or breaks that expertise, and where people go wrong and experience “unmet potential.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist B.F. Skinner on Perseverance, Reframing and Never Giving Up

Quote of the Day by Angela Duckworth

CanvaPro/Parade

“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential.”

This quote comes from Duckworth’s 2016 book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. As we mentioned before, it’s her first book and made quite a stir when it came on the scene. Its description calls it a “must-read book for anyone striving to succeed,” and it aims to answer the question, “Why do some people succeed and others fail?”

The full quote is: 

“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than your unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn’t. With effort, talent becomes skill and, at the very same time, effort makes skill productive.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Historian Howard Zinn on Hope in Hard Times

Deeper Meaning of Angela Duckworth’s Quote—Effort and ‘Unmet Potential’

In Duckworth’s TED Talk—which, again, shares the name of her book—she explains grit as:

“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.”

She then goes into the concept of inherent abilities, saying, “talent doesn’t make you gritty.” She posits that many talented people don’t follow through on their commitments. And therefore, “grit is usually unrelated or even inversely related to measures of talent.”

So even if you’re skillful or a "prodigy" of some sort, if you don’t put in the effort to succeed, you’re just going to be met with “unmet potential” in place of that talent. Because know-how, in itself, is not inherently impressive nor is it useful, according to Duckworth’s idea surrounding “grit.” 

As she later says in her talk, a growth mindset is the best way to build grit in kids. The ability to learn isn’t fixed, and it can change with your efforts. So even if you’re not born talented or inherently a genius, you can learn to persevere and grow your abilities, and with continued effort, you can succeed. Kids with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere when they fail because “they don’t believe failure is a permanent condition,” Duckworth said in her talk, which is a point in her book. 

“We have to be willing to fail, to be wrong, to start over again with lessons learned,” she stated. 

So, this quote is basically saying that you typically can’t just skate through life and into an Ivy League college or into a CEO position based on just “talent” (and disregarding situations of nepotism or money, etc.). Expertise, without effort, is just potential you never lived up to. And if you don’t want to have regrets later in life, learning to persevere and stick things out even when times get tough is probably your best bet.

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Erich Fromm on Lasting Love, Loyalty and Commitment

More Quotes from Angela Duckworth

• “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
• “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.”
• “... As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.”
• “I won’t just have a job; I’ll have a calling. I’ll challenge myself every day. When I get knocked down, I’ll get back up. I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I’ll strive to be the grittiest.”
• “I learned a lesson I’d never forget. The lesson was that, when you have setbacks and failures, you can’t overreact to them.”
• “When you keep searching for ways to change your situation for the better, you stand a chance of finding them. When you stop searching, assuming they can’t be found, you guarantee they won.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Political Activist Angela Davis on Uplifting Others as We Succeed

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

If your bedding is still feeling a little too heavy for spring, Target has the cutest floral solution to brighten up your space — and it’s on sale. The Becky Cameron Cabbage Rose All-Season Reversible Comforter is currently 40% off in three sizes: twin/twin extra long size at $49 (down from $82), full/queen at $55 (originally $92), and king/California king at $60 (down from $100). It comes in a blue floral pattern on one side and a blue striped design on the reverse, so you get two spring and summer-friendly looks in one.

The comforter is made with a 100% microfiber shell and down alternative filling. The king/California king size measures 96 inches by 108 inches and includes one comforter and two pillow shams, while the twin/twin extra large size measures 39 inches by 75 inches and includes one sham. It has sewn-through box stitching to help keep the fill evenly distributed, an oversized fit for extra-deep mattresses, and a wrinkle-resistant, machine-washable design. 

Becky Cameron Cabbage Rose All-Season Reversible Comforter, $49 (was $82) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

This is a super easy way to make a bedroom feel brighter without rearranging furniture or adding new decor. The floral side is bright and fresh for spring, especially with the blue cabbage rose pattern against the white background, and the striped reverse side is more nautical, which works for summer when you want the room to feel lighter.

One shopper called the comforter "very versatile, lightweight, and beautiful," while another said, "It's soft, warm, and not too heavy,” noting it’s even “prettier in person." Another reviewer mentioned it’s "very bright and cheery," and several shoppers said they're "obsessed."

Related: Walmart Has a ‘Silky’ $32 Ruffled Comforter Set in 6 Colors With Major Shabby-Chic Energy

You can pair the floral side with white sheets or light wood accents for a softer spring bedroom look, or flip it to the striped side and pair it with blue, white, or sandy beige sheets for a more coastal summer look. And since both sides use the same blue-and-white color palette, you don’t have to switch out the sheets every time you want to flip the comforter over.

Shop More Deals

• Becky Cameron Striped Reversible Comforter, $49 (was $82) at Target
• Becky Cameron Meadow Reversible Comforter, $49 (was $82) at Target
• Becky Cameron Floral Reversible Comforter, $49 (was $82) at Target

If your bedroom could use something lighter, brighter, and more seasonal before summer, the Becky Cameron Cabbage Rose All-Season Reversible Comforter is a great pick. Between the floral side, striped reverse, machine-washable construction, and lightweight all-season feel, it’s a Target deal that can make the whole room feel prettier just in time for warmer weather.

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.

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, April 25, 2026, you've come to the right place.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, April 25, 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 April 25, 2026

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

• Yellow: Not on top.
• Green: Hoops teams.
• Blue: Great netminders.
• Purple: Good group for gamers.

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: IN THE LOWEST POSITION
• Green: NBA TEAMS, ON SCOREBOARDS
• Blue: HALL OF FAME HOCKEY GOALTENDERS
• Purple: BASEBALL VIDEO GAMES

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 #579 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• IN THE LOWEST POSITION: BOTTOM, CELLAR, LAST, WORST
• NBA TEAMS, ON SCOREBOARDS: DEN, OKC, SAC, WAS
• HALL OF FAME HOCKEY GOALTENDERS: BRODEUR, FUHR, PARENT, ROY
• BASEBALL VIDEO GAMES: BACKYARD, HIGH HEAT, SLUGFEST, THE SHOW

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: I Tried Starbucks' Limited-Edition 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Secret Menu, and It's 'Groundbreaking'

With the new season of Netflix's Beef, the versatile Oscar Isaac further proves he can tackle just about any character.

The Emmy-nominated actor, 47, came onto the scene well over a decade ago, and one his finest films celebrated 11 years since its release on Friday, April 24.

From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Alex Garland, Ex Machina also stars Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson (the male lead in Taylor Swift's "Opalite" music video), and went down as one of the great science-fiction films of the 21st century. Ex Machina holds an impressive 92% average critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on nearly 300 reviews.

Here's the film's official synopsis: Caleb Smith (Gleeson) a programmer at a huge Internet company, wins a contest that enables him to spend a week at the private estate of Nathan Bateman (Isaac), his firm's brilliant CEO. When he arrives, Caleb learns that he has been chosen to be the human component in a Turing test to determine the capabilities and consciousness of Ava (Vikander), a beautiful robot. However, it soon becomes evident that Ava is far more self-aware and deceptive than either man imagined.

Business Insider ranksEx Machina at No. 25 on its list of 100 Best Movies of the Decade (2010s), writing: "Writer/director Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" is an artificial intelligence/philosophy 101 lecture presented as a gripping sci-fi thriller (and I mean that in the best way possible). The script expertly reveals just the right amount of new information to constantly make the audience second guess everything they know about the characters, all the while exploring the question of what it means to be human."

Parade reported on another hit film from 2015 recently, since the original movie from its franchise had celebrated its own milestone earlier this month. On April 12, 1979, the O.G. Mad Max was released in Australia. Decades later, the same director gave us the Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron.

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 #783 on Saturday, April 25.

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: "On the shopping block"

A hint for today's Strands game: Shop til you drop.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• CO
• LI
• DI
• CO
• GR
• ST (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for April 25

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, April 25, 2026, isSTOREFRONT.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, April 25?

• CONVENIENCE
• LIQUOR
• DISCOUNT
• CORNER
• GROCERY
• SPANGRAM: STOREFRONT

Related: The 12 Best Bakery Items to Buy at Publix (and 3 to Skip), According to a Superfan

Not all #1 songs end up staying popular over the years, no matter how much people love them when they first come out...but sometimes, it seems like listeners can be a little too harsh in their retrospective judgments.

One might argue that to be the case with "Ebony & Ivory," the classic duet by Paul McCartneyand Stevie Wonder. Released as a single from McCartney's third solo album, Tug of War, in 1982, the song went to #1 on the U.K. singles chart on April 25 of that year, going on to achieve the same feat in the U.S. the next month, on May 15 (where it stayed for seven weeks). Not only was "Ebony & Ivory" one of the bestselling singles of the year, it was a Grammy nominee for record and song of the year, per Billboard.

So why was it voted "worst duet in history" by BBC 6 Music listeners decades later?

In the years since "Ebony & Ivory" was released, the song's idealistic approach towards racial harmony has been viewed as "corny" or "trite" by some. To be fair, plenty of people felt that way back then, too; SNL did a famous parody the same year the track hit #1 featuring Eddie Murphy as Wonder and Joe Piscopo as Frank Sinatra singing their own version of the lyrics: “I am dark / and you are light / You are blind as a bat / And I have sight."

'Ebony & Ivory' was the longest-running # 1 hit ever by an ex-Beatle

Sappy or not, "Ebony & Ivory" was a major success. How many other songs can say they're the longest running #1 hit by a former Beatle?

“I had a song called ‘Ebony and Ivory’ that I’d written, and I wanted to sing it with a black guy. And my first thought was Stevie," McCartney said in a 1982 interview with Bryant Gumbel, per the Hollywood Reporter.

As for Wonder, he told Dick Clark on The National Music Survey that he “listened to the song, and I liked it very much...I felt it was positive for everybody."

"I won’t say it demanded of people to reflect upon it, but it politely asks the people to reflect upon life in using the terms of music...melting pot of many different people," Wonder continued, as quoted by Fred Bronson in The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.

At the end of the day, it's kinda tough to hate on Stevie and Paul.

Related: Beloved '60s Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 57 Years Later

Emily Brubaker was the winner of the first season of the NBC cooking competition Yes, Chef! in March 2025, and one year later the executive chef at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California is still using the advice she learned from judges Martha Stewart and José Andrés.

"I've always just had this mentality where it was like, 'It's not about me, it's about everyone else... Maybe I'm not good enough. Maybe I'm better as the supporting role,'" the champ tells Parade exclusively in April 2026. "So when I was on the show, it was like, okay, now I have to really step forward and be the main character of my own life. And once I won, it really made me more confident in what I'm doing."

Related: World-Famous Chefs Reveal What They Really Think of People Ordering Steak Well-Done

There was also an unaired moment with Stewart that made a huge impact on Brubaker. While she was struggling with a dessert dish in the finale, Stewart took some time to level with her.

"The whole episode, I'm just trying to fix my brownie that shouldn't have been fixed instead of pivoting," she recalls. "Martha and José pulled me aside, and Martha focused on the idea that it's okay not to be confident. She's like, 'I walk into so many situations all the time and I wear confidence on my face, but most of the time I'm not ready and I'm not feeling great about it.' And José said the same thing."

Martha Stewart, Chef Emily Brubaker, and Jose Andres on 'Yes, Chef!'

Getty

"It was a great realization that even these super talented mega stars are human, and they feel our struggle just as much as they did when they had it too—or they still do," the former Chopped competitor explains. "And that it's okay to have questions and to lean on other people. That's my motto now: The weakest thing to do is not ask for help."

Stewart helped walk her through the process of getting the brownie done, and Brubaker says she still uses Stewart's recipe to this day. "And every time I make it, I think about the lessons she taught me about it," she adds.

Martha Stewart, Chef Emily Brubaker, and Jose Andres on 'Yes, Chef!'

Getty

Ultimately, though, the chef's lack of ego might have been what snagged her the win. "A lot of them came in with the ego of 'I'm gonna win this and I'm amazing,'" she remembers of her fellow Yes, Chef! contestants. "It's better to be more open to criticism, because the criticism leads to, 'How can I do better? What can I do next?'"

Where is Yes, Chef! Winner Emily Brubaker Now?

Today, Brubaker is thriving in her first executive chef role as the culinary director at the dazzling Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, outside of San Diego, where she oversees eight eateries on the property including Bar Traza, VUE, and Bob's Steak & Chop House. She's carried some of the lessons she's learned on the show, combined with her history teaching and her role as a mom, into her executive leadership and culinary persona.

"I look at all my chefs the same way: I want them to have the autonomy and the support to know that they can be creative and they can grow without having to worry so much about, 'Am I good enough?' or 'What if this isn't right?'" she says. Instead, she chooses to keep her team super collaborative and supportive. "We do a lot of tastings and R&D together, so I can offer my expertise but let them grow on their own."

Chef Emily Brubaker at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

Omni La Costa

Brubaker's also made some bold choices for the resort, like shaking up the existing menu and eliminating the pastry chef role to allow her three pastry sous chefs to showcase their strengths and innovate their offerings.

"I empower each one of [my pastry sous chefs] to focus on what they're really talented at," she explains. "I want them to excel in what they love and see where we can go. Now, our pastry team has come up with some of the best menus this hotel's ever seen."

In addition to those new creations, Yes, Chef! fans might notice some familiar dishes on her menus. "We do a lot of [dishes inspired by my Yes, Chef! plates]," she explains, adding that a bright and complex carrot salad served at a recent La Costa In Bloom dinner event was a play on one of her winning dishes from the show. "I had won NVC, which was Most Valuable Chef, for that dish, and I'm very proud of it," she says. "It's something I love to eat."

How Emily Brubaker Is Helping Lead a New Culinary Era in Carlsbad Chef Emily Brubaker's Carrot Salad at Omni La Costa

Emy LaCroix

Born and raised in Carlsbad, Brubaker says it "was not a foodie city" when she was younger, but after moving to Las Vegas for two decades to hone her skills, she was pleasantly surprised to see a new culinary community begin blossoming in her hometown.

"Right now, we're looking at these restaurants that are coming in and are growing—like the entire group with Campfire, Lilo, Jeune et Jolie, Wildland—they're changing the game for Carlsbad, and they're really starting to bring in the talent, which is one of the reasons I came back," she explains of the burgeoning culinary scene. "Every time we've come home—with the kids to go to the beach—we noticed that the food scene really started getting better and better and better."

In fact, Brubaker is noticing some interesting parallels between Las Vegas and Carlsbad. "When I first moved to Vegas, it was just really starting to hit where it is now," she says. "Bobby Flay opened his first restaurant in Vegas when I was there. The three-star Michelin that I ended up working in opened within the first couple of years I lived in Vegas. Now, I see the same thing happening here."

Related: Bobby Flay Spills Behind-The-Scenes Secrets From ‘BBQ Brawl’

This location, however, is unique in the locality of the ingredients and inspiration. "Vegas, you get food from anywhere, anytime, and it all has to be shipped in because it's a desert," she says. "What I love about Carlsbad is all the produce—the seasonality here is true seasonality. I can walk to a farm and see what's growing and at its peak, and we can feature it. I think that's so cool."

Brubaker has been taking advantage of Carlsbad's temperate climate and the sprawling layout of Omni La Costa to bring hyper-local ingredients to their menus. "We have [bee hives] at the resort for honey, I've got vertical herb gardens, I've got tomatoes and peppers growing in the spa," she explains. "When you pick something yourself, and you know how it grows, your flavors just get better on their own. So, I love it. It's so special."

What's Next for Chef Emily Brubaker?

Brubaker is set to be featured at Omni PGA Frisco's SAVOR event in Texas from April 30 to May 3, and she's thrilled to bring her SoCal flavors to the Lone Star State.

"It’s a really fun event—lots of open-fire cooking, Texas-style food, a lot of barbecue, those kinds of flavors," she explains.

So, would she do another cooking competition? "I don’t know if I’ll do another long competition like Yes, Chef!, like a 10-week series—but I do like to compete, so I can’t say I’m never doing it again," she says. She did, however, tease a shorter reality show that will likely air in 2026. Fans will just have to stay tuned!

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

There are only certain times of year that you can wear a sundress, which means you have to take advantage of every opportunity. Whether you have cocktails on rooftops or dinners planned with friends, you'll need something cozy, casual, and cute to wear. Luckily, Walmart's clothing section is stocked with seasonal deals on everything from memory foam sandals to ruffle midi dresses. Now, we're adding the Sunbs T-Shirt Dress to our shopping wishlist while it's 57% off. 

The piece initially cost $35, but has been reduced to $15. You can add it to your cart in four colors: gray, black, khaki, and navy. The available sizes range from S to 2XL, with shoppers saying that it runs true to size. However, customers also noted that the design features a straight and loose fit, so make sure to take that account when considering sizing. Utilize Walmart's fit predictor capability if you're unsure of your size.

Sunbs T-Shirt Dress, $15 (was $35) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The dress consists of a cuffed short sleeves, a classic crew neck, and falls around the mid calf. Due to its simplistic design, you can easily dress it up with accessories and outerwear, or you can dress it down with sneakers and a low-profile hairstyle. Our favorite attribute of the dress is that it has side pockets, so you can place your hands or other small miscellaneous items in them. Plus, pockets are the perfect prop for photos. 

Sunbs T-Shirt Dress, $15 (was $35) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The dress is made of 60% polyester, 35% rayon, and 5% spandex, so it's fairly stretchy and breathable (ideal for hot summer days!). The piece is machine washable, we just recommend hang drying it after the first few washes to prevent any possible shrinking. This dress is a bestseller, with customers describing it as "amazing," "chic," "very versatile," "super cute," and "simple." 

Related: Walmart’s 'Cute' $160 Convertible Corduroy Sofa Is the 'Perfect Hangout Spot’ for Small Spaces

Other shoppers love how "flattering" the dress is, adding that the material feels "thick," "soft," and of "good-quality." Another reviewer wrote that it's "perfect for spring and summer weather." They continued, "It fits loosely without looking baggy, making it super comfortable for vacations, beach days, or just running errands." 

Shop More Deals

• Gymax 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Set, $130 (was $272) at Walmart
• Edx Office Chair, $46 (was $80) at Walmart
• Montana West Hobo Bag, $23 (was $40) at Walmart

This stunning seasonal sundress is about to be your summer go-to. Shop for it now at Walmart, before this $15 flash deal disappears! 

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.

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 #1049 onSaturday, April 25, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, April 25, 2026 / New York Times

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Saturday, April 25

1. As permanent as a tattoo.
2. "Why I oughta!"
3. Nicknames for the fuzz.

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 Saturday, April 25:

1. BODY COVERINGS: ENAMEL, HAIR, NAIL, SKIN
2. WALLOP: DECK, PUNCH, SLUG, SOCK
3. OLD TIMEY SLANG FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: COPPER, DICK, FLATFOOT, GUMSHOE
4. STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "THROW": CAST IRON, CHUCK E. CHEESE, HURLY-BURLY, PITCHFORK

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: This Popular Papa John's Item Is 'Finally' Heading to Stores and Fans Are Going Wild: 'Let's Goooo'

32 years ago today, on April 25, 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter released her timeless country-folk song called “I Take My Chances.” 

Written alongside the late Don Schlitz, who unfortunately passed away on April 16, 2026, according to Billboard, and produced by Carpenter with John Jennings, the uptempo track features a rollicking folk-rock melody with a simple drum beat and a memorable guitar opening. 

Carpenter offers an undeniable sense of conviction with her soothing vocals on lyrics that highlight living life to the fullest and taking risks regardless of the possibility that uncertainties may arrive. 

Throughout “I Take My Chances,” she shares that she’s not afraid to jump in and would rather go on with a carefree attitude, instead of fearing for the worst to happen. Carpenter notes that while others might warn her about repercussions, she doesn’t plan to go about her life playing it safe.

For the chorus, Carpenter drives her empowering message home with a positive energy that invites listeners to sing along. 

Surprisingly, “I Take My Chances” did not become a No. 1 hit, despite the fact that it shares a desirable hook and embraces living with the feeling of freedom and on one's own terms. However, about three months after its release, the song did reach the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, becoming a timeless anthem of self-confidence that, even today, reminds others to take a path of authenticity and vulnerability.  

“I Take My Chances” served as the final single from Carpenter’s 1992 fourth studio album Come On Come On, which became her best-selling album to date, as it sold nearly 3 million copies by 2017. 

The successful dozen-track collection surprisingly didn’t produce a single No. 1 hit on a Billboard chart, but it did spawn a handful of Top 20 hits. Along with “I Take My Chances,” the project charted seven songs, including “I Feel Lucky,” “Passionate Kisses,” “The Hard Way,” “The Bug,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” and the Joe Diffie duet, “Not Too Much to Ask.”

Related: 1979 Timeless Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Made a Major Comeback 20 Years Later

The day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1771 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: the divine feminine.

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 #1771 on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, April 25, 2026, is WOMEN.

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

Related: How Much Was a Coke From McDonald's When It Opened in April 1955?

Nearly a century after she first captivated Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognizable and influential figures in pop culture. And in 2026—what would have been her 100th birthday—her legacy is once again taking center stage in a way that blends nostalgia with a modern lens.

Long before fashion collaborations became commonplace, Monroe helped define an entire era of style. From her iconic halter dresses to her effortless off-duty looks, she embodied a kind of glamour that felt both aspirational and accessible. Her influence stretched far beyond the screen, shaping beauty standards, personal style, and the very idea of Hollywood stardom.

A Style Legacy That Never Faded

In the early 1980s, GUESS?, Inc. tapped into that enduring appeal with its now-famous "Marilyn" 3-zip jean—an homage to Monroe that reflected a shift in fashion at the time. Denim, once considered purely practical, was being reimagined as something sleek, form-fitting, and undeniably glamorous.

That moment marked a cultural turning point, echoing the same qualities Monroe brought to the screen: confidence, femininity, and a sense of individuality that felt ahead of its time.

Now, decades later, that influence is coming full circle. With Monroe’s 100th birthday approaching on June 1, 2026, her image and impact are being revisited by a new generation.

The newly introduced Marilyn Monroe™ capsule collection builds on that legacy with a modern, self-assured vision of the icon, reimagining the idea of the “diva” as something both timeless and evolving. Rooted in GUESS’s signature take on American glamour, the collection is designed to celebrate individuality and encourage women to become their own muse.

Drawing from Monroe’s most recognizable looks, the collection features pieces inspired by halter-neck dresses, bustier tops, cropped jackets, and capri pants. The latter, which first rose to popularity in the late 1940s and early 1950s, became synonymous with jet-set sophistication thanks in part to stars like Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Monroe herself.

Updated silhouettes blend that Golden Age influence with a contemporary edge—think cinched waists, feminine tailoring, and relaxed pieces like graphic tees and cropped denim jackets. Vintage-inspired details, including polka dots, cherry prints, and classic patterns, add a playful yet confident energy that connects past and present.

The Marilyn Monroe™ capsule collection will be available starting April 26.

RELATED: A Country Pop Icon’s Humble Beginning Arrived 33 Years Ago