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Researchers at Stanford University just crossed a line science fiction warned us about for decades: they used artificial intelligence to design a living virus from scratch, and it worked.

The AI models behind it, known as Evo1 and Evo2, function similarly to ChatGPT, except instead of predicting the next word in a sentence, they predict the genetic code of life itself. Trained on genetic data pulled from viruses, bacteria, plants and humans, the AI generated hundreds of potential virus blueprints, and researchers picked the most promising ones to bring to life in the lab.

Of the 302 AI-generated designs the team synthesized, 16 turned out to be fully functional, capable of infecting and killing E. coli bacteria on their own. These are known as bacteriophages, viruses that only target bacteria and pose no danger to humans, at least by design.

Researchers say the moment they confirmed it was working happened in the early hours of the morning, watching bacteria die off in real time on a petri dish. When the news reached the wider team, the room reportedly "spontaneously burst into applause."

But Should This Have Been Done at All?

That's the question a growing number of experts are asking. Biosecurity researchers at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Health Security say the breakthrough raises urgent safety and security questions, and argue that virus designs with the potential to cause disease should never be pursued, full stop.

The Stanford team insists it built in safeguards, training its AI only on organisms incapable of infecting complex life and running every experiment inside a secure lab using bacteria-only viruses. But critics online have already raised an uncomfortable point: today's safeguards depend entirely on today's intentions. Technology, once built, doesn't stay contained to the hands that built it responsibly.

So is this the start of a new era of medicine, or the opening chapter of something far riskier? Right now, even the scientists behind it aren't fully sure.

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Finding the perfect everyday drinking glass sounds like it should be one of the easier home decisions, right? And yet it becomes a surprisingly personal quest. You want a glass that can survive the daily chaos of a kitchen counter, dishwasher cycles and the occasional "oops, I definitely did not place that near the edge of the table" moment. But you also don't want something that looks like it came free with a soda promotion in 1998. (Or maybe you do—no judgement.)

The ideal glass needs a little heft, a comfortable feel in your hand and enough room to hold more than three sips of water before you're immediately back at the sink asking yourself why you didn't just get a bigger one. (That takes Five Below's mini tumblers off the list.) Bonus points if it can handle ice, a fancy little garnish or whatever beverage personality you're channeling that day.

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Fall Leaves Glass Coolers, 15-Ounce, $1.50 at Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree

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Let's be real, our glasses work hard. They are there for morning hydration and afternoon iced coffee experiments. So when a style comes along that combines practicality with a little seasonal charm, it's worth paying attention. That's why I'm introducing you to Dollar Tree's Fall Leaves Glass Cooler, a 15-ounce vessel perfect for your day-to-day beverage needs. If you feel like you're having deja vu, this is a perennial favorite at Dollar Tree. The retailer brings this glassware back each year because shoppers love it so much.

Related: A Beloved 1995 Childhood Classic Was Just Immortalized in the Cutest Slippers at Five Below

The Fall Leaves pattern also comes in a shorter stemless wine glass version, priced at $1.50 each, just like the cooler. For that price, you can buy a full set of 12 for just $18, which feels awfully budget-friendly to me.

Dollar Tree customers love the look and feel of these so much, they're pretty sure even grandma would be proud of the purchase.

"My grandmother had printed glasses in her kitchen cabinet," says a shopper in their review. "Now I'm carrying on the tradition and collecting printed glasses from Dollar Tree. My nieces and nephews look forward to coming over and grabbing a 'fancy glass'. And my friends love the way I set my table for different seasons. Thank you Dollar Tree for adding such a nice touch to my home. My grandmother would be so happy!"

Who can say no to something that's grandma-approved? I'll let you answer that.

Related: Michaels' 2-Piece Domed Cake Stand Looks Like a Vintage Treasure—No Flea Market Foraging Required

Elizabeth Hurley is soaking up the sun in a mint green bikini and leopard print robe.

The British beauty, 61, who is known for roles in films like Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Bedazzled, and TV series like The Royals, is also a swimwear designer who frequently shows off her hot stuff on social media. That's why it's no surprise that Hurley took to the beach on Friday to strut her stuff as she strolled through the surf.

"Life’s a beach 💋," the brunette bombshell captioned her photo, which showed her sporting one of her favorite bikinis from her swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Swimwear.

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Elizabeth's Son, Damian Hurley, Looks Just Like Her

It’s Elizabeth's lookalike son, Damian Hurley, who frequently shocks fans thanks to his DNA basically being a copy and paste of his mother’s.

In a post honoring her son for his 24th birthday, Hurley posted a throwback photo from when Damian was just a little boy, as well as a more recent photo that showed the duo alongside each other. With their faces right next to each other, the resemblance is truly mindblowing.

“Happy 24th birthday to the light of my life ❤️ My No. 1 forever & ever ❤️ I love you@damianhurley1 💋💋💋,” Hurley captioned the photo set, to which Damian replied, “Awww I love you mama twin forever ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️.”

View this post on Instagram Damian Is a Big Fan of His Mom's Boyfriend, Billy Ray Cyrus

Back during Christmas time, Damian supported his mom as she hung out with her boyfriend, Billy Ray Cyrus. It’s great to see the whole trio getting along great! It’s been about one year since Hurley hard-launched her romance with Cyrus on Instagram on Easter of 2025.

View this post on Instagram What Does Damian Hurley Do Professionally?

In addition to modeling work, Damian is pursuing a career in filmmaking.

“I’ve been writing and directing little short films since I was eight, torturing all my long-suffering family and friends to be in them,” he told the Standard in February. “I was a lethal kid recruiting people for my films. No one escaped. My godfathers are Hugh [Grant], Elton John,and David and Denis Leary, who’s an extraordinary comedian, all my mum’s friends. Dame Joan Collins, everyone. I tortured everyone,” he said. “To see so intimately brilliant actors being brilliant; just giants within their careers, was an amazing thing to see.”

Related: Elizabeth Hurley Just Wished Her Lookalike Son a Happy 24th Birthday, and He’s Basically Her Twin

Connie Stevens was working on Hawaiian Eye when somebody put a call through to her. It was a fan of the show, Elvis Presley, and he wanted to know if he could pick her up for a party. She said yes, sure.

Stevens turns 88 on Saturday, Aug. 8, the same day Elvis Week opens at Graceland.

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The Boys on Set Had Opinions About Her Dating

She was under contract at Warner Bros., playing a nightclub singer who had to perform a number every week on the show. Her 1959 duet with Edd Byrnes, "Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)," reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her castmates, she has said, "would say who I could date and who I couldn't." She told them to mind their own business.

'A Hell of a Way to Date'

They dated in the early 1960s, and Presley came with a crowd. Stevens told him she could not take having dinner with 11 guys every single night, so she asked if they could just go to the movies, and that turned out to be an enormous deal. One of his guys had to put money in his pocket and get him dressed. They went in after the movie started and left before it ended. "This is a hell of a way to date," she remembered thinking.

When he came to the house to get her, her father was out watering the garden. Within five minutes the two of them were laughing and talking. Stevens watched from the window, then went outside and stood there another five or 10 minutes while they chatted.

She Spent the Next Six Decades on Everything Else

She made her Broadway debut in 1966, played Vegas and toured with Bob Hope for the USO. The nurses she met on those tours brought her along to Vietnam in 1997 to film the hospitals they had worked in. After Hurricane Katrina, she loaded a bus with relief supplies and drove to Mississippi. Later, Stevens founded Windfeather, which puts Native American students through college. She did not direct her first film until her 70s.

Until the day Presley died, Stevens said, her father was still telling her that was the boy she should have been with.

Hank Williams Jr.’s beard, dark sunglasses and cowboy hat have been part of his image for so long that it’s hard to imagine him any other way.

But that signature look wasn’t originally a fashion statement.

It grew out of one of the most traumatic moments of his life.

On Aug. 8, 1975, Williams, 77, was mountain climbing on Ajax Peak near Whitefish, Montana, when he slipped and fell nearly 500 feet down the mountainside. According to his account, he landed on a large boulder and suffered severe injuries, including multiple skull and facial fractures.

The accident was so serious that Williams underwent extensive reconstructive surgery and spent a long period recovering. Friends and family later described the injuries as life-threatening, and his recovery became a major turning point both personally and professionally.

After the accident, Williams began growing a beard and wearing sunglasses and a cowboy hat to help conceal the scars and facial changes left by his injuries. What started as a practical way to cope with the aftermath eventually became his trademark appearance.

The timing was significant.

Before the accident, Williams was often viewed as the son of country legend Hank Williams, and much of his early career had been shaped by that connection. In the years that followed, he moved toward a rougher, more independent sound that blended country, southern rock and outlaw influences.

Songs such as "Family Tradition," "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound" and "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" helped establish him as a major star in his own right, and the bearded, sunglasses-wearing image became inseparable from that era of his career.

Today, the look is instantly recognizable to country fans.

But behind the beard and the shades is a reminder that one of country music’s most enduring visual trademarks was born from a near-fatal accident that changed his life forever.

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‘Tis the season. Well, spooky season that is. This year, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort officially kicks off on Aug. 21, bringing with it spooky décor, ride overlays and most important: frighteningly delicious eats. Foolish mortals won’t want to miss the seriously yummy bites, which include returning favorites, like the Jolly Holiday Bakery BooGogi beef toasted cheese sandwich and Mickey Mouseshortbread bat cookie. There’s also must-order new options, like a tantalizing churro hand tart.

No matter what you decide to try, the additions transform the “Happiest Place on Earth” into a foodie’s frightful delight.

Related: Disneyland Reveals its Fall Line-up

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Park goers can expect plenty of fang-tastic returning favorites, like Harbour Galley’s seasonal pumpkin cookies and the spicy Oogie Boogie burrito from Hollywood Lounge. Creepy new cravings can also be found, like buffalo chicken ranch pull-apart bread, sweet and tangy gochujang wings and an apple pie sundae.  The iconic Little Red Wagon, known for its hand-dipped corn dogs, will be serving an inventive version of the classic with spicy chili and jalapeno-cilantro crema.

Disneyland regulars in the know, won’t want to miss a spooktacular lineup of specialty coffees, including a Vietnamese coffee with ube sweet cream foam, a brown butter maple cold brew and the Grizzly pumpkin cold brew latte. And when it comes to cocktails, there’s a bewitching selection to choose from, like a new caramel apple martini. Specialty churro dips, a hallmark of Disneyland holidays, also abound, including cranberry cream cheese dip and apple pie dip.

Related: All 6 Major Halloween Experiences Coming to Universal Orlando

Plaza de la Familia also returns to Disney California Adventure Park, celebrating Dia de los Muertos, Aug. 21 through Nov. 2, bringing with it limited-time eats inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”

The fun continues at the Disneyland Resort hotels with seasonal cocktails at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Halloween, the return of the beloved Grand Californian Great Hall Cart and much more. Collectors will also discover a number of novelty items around the resort, including the Oogie Boogie Moon Glow Cube and a vampire Mickey Mouse bucket.

Guests visiting Oogie Boogie Bash, a must-do after-hours event at Disney California Adventure Park, have even more options to choose from. Highlights include the Haunted Highway Cocktail, crafted with pineapple lemonade, blue Curacao, apple pucker and Sprite, a fitting sip to enjoy while experiencing the brand new Haunted Mansion Street Party, Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake. Attendees can also purchase the event exclusive Headless Horseman popcorn bucket. And for the ultimate way to enjoy the party, the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party returns, offering reserved seating for Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake and tempting treats. The event runs select nights Aug. 18 through Oct. 31.

Related: A New Attraction is Coming To Walt Disney World

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort runs from Aug. 21 through Oct. 31. With spooky delights and crisper weather, Halloween is a favorite time to visit the bustling Southern California resort. And on tap this year is family-friendly entertainment, characters in spooky attire, the return of Haunted Mansion Holiday, and much more. 

Related: Disneyland Reveals Its Fall Lineup, and Spoiler—It's Wicked Fun

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You don't need to book a flight to the South of France to embrace the Euro summer aesthetic. Sometimes, creating that same relaxed feeling is as simple as updating your space with a few thoughtfully chosen pieces. Swapping out your bedding can instantly make a bedroom feel lighter, warmer, and more inviting while bringing a touch of rustic European charm into your everyday routine.

One especially chic option is the Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set. Right now, it's on sale for 70% off at Macy's, bringing the price down from $80 to just $24. It's an easy and affordable way to give your bedroom a seasonal refresh without spending a fortune.

Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set, From $24 (was $80) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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The set is available in twin, full/queen, and king sizes. The twin version includes a comforter and one sham, while the full/queen and king sets come with a comforter and two matching shams. That gives you a coordinated look right out of the package with minimal effort.

It's also designed for everyday practicality. The comforter offers medium warmth, making it suitable for year-round use in most climates. Both the shell and fill are made from 100% polyester, and the entire set is machine washable for easy care.

The design is what really makes this set stand out. It combines delicate vines and blooming flowers with classic blue stripes, creating a look that feels timeless, fresh, and almost wallpaper-like. The color palette features soft shades of rose, light blue, and muted sage green against a crisp white background, giving the bedding a light and airy feel.

Related: This Classic 1950s Comic Strip Inspired the Sweetest Serving Tray on Sale at Macy's

The reverse side is a solid dusty blue, making the comforter fully reversible. Fold it over at the top or flip it entirely to create a different look whenever you want a quick refresh. That versatility helps the set feel like two styles in one. The overall aesthetic feels straight out of the French countryside. It also fits beautifully into cottagecore, grandma chic, and vintage-inspired decorating styles without feeling overly kitschy.

To complete the look, pair it with natural materials and organic textures. Wooden furniture, woven baskets, rattan accent pieces, and ceramic accessories all complement the comforter's vintage-inspired design. A jute or sisal rug can add warmth underfoot, while fresh flowers bring in an extra touch of countryside charm.

One shopper described it as “gorgeous” and dubbed it the “softest comforter ever,” writing, “I washed it right when I received it and it came out of the dryer super soft and cuddly. I have had it for a few days now and love the warmth! The quality is high and the softness is unmatched.” 

Another reviewer shared, “This was an amazing find. I wanted to brighten up our room and the fabric is so pretty. A bonus surprise is that it's soft.” 

For anyone looking to bring a little Euro summer charm into their home, the Vanelisse 3-Piece Comforter Set is a stylish and budget-friendly option. With Macy's current 70% discount, you can snag this vintage-inspired set for as little as $24.

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The Beatles' Revolver reached America 60 years ago today. Four days later the band opened the North American tour that turned out to be their last, and played nothing from it.

Onstage the Beatles were four men with guitars and a drum kit. Nothing on the record had been built that way, and there was no version of "Eleanor Rigby" or "Tomorrow Never Knows" that four people could carry to a stadium.

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The Last Show Did Not Sell Out

By the time they reached Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Aug. 29, the tour had gone badly wrong. Disc jockeys across the American south had taken a stray John Lennon remark about the Beatles being more popular than Jesus and built a record-burning campaign out of it, and a band used to selling out ballparks was playing to empty seats. Only 25,000 tickets sold against a capacity of 42,500.

They knew it was the last one. Lennon and Paul McCartney carried a camera onstage and took pictures of the crowd and of each other. McCartney asked an aide to tape the show. They finished with "Long Tall Sally," took a bow, and were driven out of the park in an armored truck. Lennon put it plainly: "We're not those people any more. We are old men."

The American Edition Lost Three Songs

Capitol had put the record out three days behind Britain and cut the 14-track album to 11, because "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Doctor Robert" had already gone out that June on Yesterday…And Today. It was the last time Capitol would rebuild a Beatles record for America. The shortened version still spent six weeks at No. 1.

A Voice Through an Organ Speaker

The band cut Revolver at EMI Studios between April and June 1966. On "Tomorrow Never Knows" Lennon wanted to sound like the Dalai Lama chanting from a hilltop, so his vocal went through a Leslie cabinet, a rotating speaker normally used with Hammond organs.

They played none of it on a London rooftop in 1969 either, the last time the four of them ever performed together.

Country star Ella Langley has dominated Billboard charts for nearly half the year. 

Since February, her breakout single “Choosin’ Texas” has held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a cumulative 16 weeks, tying for the fourth-longest reign in the chart’s nearly 68-year history.

Langley’s 16-week run puts “Choosin’ Texas” among only eight songs in Billboard Hot 100 history to spend at least 15 weeks at No. 1. 

It has surpassed classic female-led hits like Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” for the longest run among non-holiday songs by a solo female artist.

On Friday, Aug. 7, Langley and Morgan Wallen earned their fifth and 22nd Country Airplay No. 1s, respectively, with “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” continuing its domination.

In fact, it’s the first time in Hot 100 history that the Top 5 has featured only country songs, marking a full-on country genre takeover. In addition to the duet and "Choosin' Texas," Wallen's "Been By Now," Taylor Swift's "I Knew It, I Knew You" and Stella Lefty's "Boston" rounded out the top 5.

But every historic chart reign eventually faces a challenger. As Langley continues her unprecedented run, the question now becomes: who has the momentum to take over the No. 1 spot?

Her position may be at risk as a new bombshell enters the villa, as pop sensation Ariana Grandemay prove to be a worthy opponent following the release of her eighth studio album, Petal, which dropped on Friday, July 31.

Related: Global Music Superstar, With Multiple No. 1 Hit Songs, Earns a New Career Milestone

Billboard reports that there’s a high likelihood that Petal will take the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 next week, marking her seventh album to shoot to the top of the chart; however, there’s also a possibility that she’ll knock Langley out of the top spot on the Hot 100 once again.

This wouldn’t be the first time Langley was knocked down to No. 2, with Bad Bunny’s “DtMF” and Swift’s “Opalite” and “I Knew It, I Knew You,” briefly interrupting her run, before her return to the top spot less than two weeks later. 

Grande even managed to take the No.1 spot from Langley on the Billboard Hot 100 in June, earning her 10th with “Hate That You Love Me.”

The popstar has also achieved the No. 1 feat in years prior, with her 2024 single, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” and her 2019 hit, “7 Rings,” securing three spots on the Hot 100 at the time, making her the first solo artist to achieve the feat.

Can she do it again and permanently dethrone Langley—or will Langley's chart reign prevail and continue its dominance?

Related:Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Earns a New Career Milestone

One of Kenny Rogers' signature story songs, "Coward of the County" has been giving fans something to talk about for decades after its release.

According to Billboard, "Coward of the County" is one of the best-performing songs on the country charts ever, earning a spot on the Greatest of All Time Hot Country Songs list, where the it's ranked at No. 48. (The list ranks the weekly performance of songs on the Hot Country Songs chart from its October 1958 inception through June 2016.)

The crossover hit was released in September 1979 as part of Rogers' eighth studio album, Kenny, before being released as a single two months later in November. By January 1980, the track had reached its peak at the top of the Billboard country charts, but the song's chilling storytelling would go on to spark discussion and debate among country fans for years to come.

Written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Roger Bowling, "Coward of the County" is a narrative-driven song that touches on the difference between being peaceful and being cowardly. The song not only contains dark themes of violence in the lyrics, but its surprising moral twist in the last verse is part of the reason it became one of Rogers' most controversial songs.

At the time, "Coward of the County" was Rogers' most successful hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would later be dethroned by his 1980 smash hit "Lady" and the 1983 Dolly Partonduet "Island's in the Stream," which both had multi-week runs at No. 1.

But "Coward of the County" isn't the only song from Rogers' catalog to make Billboard's Greatest of All Time Hot Country Songs chart, as "Islands in the Stream" is also ranked at No. 32 on that list.

Kenny Rogers' No 1 Hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart

1. "Buy Me a Rose"
2. "Islands in the Stream"
3. "Morning Desire"
4. "Crazy"
5. "Real Love"
6. "Lucille"
7. "Tomb of the Unknown Love"
8. "Make No Mistake, She's Mine"
9. "The Gambler"
10. "We've Got Tonight"
11. "Every Time Two Fools Collide"
12. "Love Will Turn You Around"
13. "She Believes in Me"
14. "Coward of the County"
15. "I Don't Need You"
16. "All I Ever Need Is You"
17. "What Are We Doin' in Love"
18. "Daytime Friends"
19. "Lady"
20. "Love or Something Like It"
21. "You Decorated My Life"

Related: 1992 Country Song Wasn't Expected to Be a Success—Then It Hit No. 1

David Howell Evans, better known around the world as the Edge, is celebrating his 65th birthday on Aug. 8.

Long before U2 became one of the biggest rock bands in history, the future guitar icon was just a 15-year-old student at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin when he answered drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s famous noticeboard advertisement seeking musicians for a new band. Evans joined alongside his older brother Dik, Paul "Bono" Hewson and Adam Clayton. After several lineup changes, the group officially became U2 in 1978.

Nearly five decades later, the Edge remains one of the defining sounds behind U2, thanks to his signature guitar style built around shimmering tones, rhythmic delay and atmospheric textures that helped shape classics including "Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday."

The guitarist wasn't always known by the nickname that made him famous.

Early in U2's career, members of Bono's Lypton Village street gang gave Evans the nickname "the Edge." While many fans have long believed it referred to the angular shape of his head, the exact origin has been debated over the years, with other explanations pointing to his distinctive guitar playing or his tendency to remain "on the edge of things."

The nickname stuck, becoming one of the most recognizable stage names in rock music.

His innovative approach to guitar eventually earned widespread acclaim. In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Bono and the Edge among its 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, while the magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists placed the Edge at No. 38.

"Bono and the Edge have been the primary songwriting team in the band from day one. Bono brings the grand vision and uncanny ear for heroic hooks, and the Edge brings his sonic mastery and an eagerness to push boundaries," wrote Rolling Stone in the songwriters list, adding, "As the band's charismatic frontman, Bono may soak up a lot of the credit, but he's the first to admit how important the Edge is to their songwriting. 'Smart people know what [the Edge] does, and he doesn't care about the rest of the world,' Bono told Rolling Stone in 2005."

On the Greatest Guitarists list, Rolling Stone added, "His secret is that he taught himself to play – that's why he's so unique. He's got such an innovative mind ... The Edge is a scientist, and a poet by night; he's always got a little rig at home."

The milestone birthday comes at an exciting time for U2.

The band has confirmed that its 16th studio album, its first full-length collection of new music since 2017's Songs of Experience, is expected to arrive in November 2026. The album is complete, has been delivered to the label and follows the release of the new single "Street of Dreams" in July.

Producer Jacknife Leerecently described the band's renewed chemistry in the studio, saying the four members have "rediscovered their power as a group of people" after returning to writing and playing together in the same room. He added, "I think this is an important era for the band. They have not sounded so energized in decades."

As the Edge celebrates his 65th birthday, U2 appears poised to begin another chapter, proving that the band formed by a handful of Dublin teenagers nearly 50 years ago is still looking ahead.

Related: '70s Rock Legends Announce New Album 51 Years After Breakthrough Hit 'Dreamboat Annie'

Among the most famous polymaths and minds of history is René Descartes. He was a French philosopher, mathematician, scientist and much more. According to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP), Descartes is considered the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” mostly thanks to his “break... [from] Scholastic-Aristotelian philosophy" of the time and his “development and promotion of the new, mechanistic sciences.” Our quote of the daycomes from one of his most famous works, and highlights what he thought about a “good mind” without intention (spoiler: it's nothing good).

Per Britannica, Descartes was born on March 31, 1596, in Touraine, France, to a modestly noble family. His mother died when he was a baby, and he was raised by his grandmother and his great-uncle. As the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy reported, Descartes first became a mathematician, then a natural scientist/philosopher and finally a metaphysician. 

While metaphysics has changed in concept over time, it’s essentially a branch of philosophy that inspects the “nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter,” per the University of Georgia’s Department of Philosophy. As Britannica stated, Descartes came up with the “first modern version of mind-body dualism,” which holds that those are two very different and distinct entities. They report that his metaphysics is “rationalist” and combines the concepts of three “innate ideas of mind, matter and God.”

Descartes had much to say and made a lot of discoveries and theories that still stand the test of time. He left behind many words of wisdom, including today’s quote, which says that a brilliant mind is only as good as what you do with it.

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Ellen Langer’s Words on Keeping an Open Mind Are More Relevant Than Ever

Quote of the Day by René Descartes

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“It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.”

This quote is a modern translation of a line Descartes wrote in his 1637 treatise, Discourse on the Method. A treatise is a written discourse on something with arguments and evidence to back up the claims in it; this one is philosophical and autobiographical. 

Its full title (translated from its original French) is Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's Reason and of Seeking Truth in the Sciences. Famously, this is where Descartes wrote his most well-known quote: “I think therefore I am.”

As Texas A&M University reported, Descartes believed in logic and reason being “essential” for getting to the truth of something. And in this treatise, he came up with a new method for logical thinking, which had four rules: 

1. Don’t accept anything as true unless there is clear evidence.
2. Come at problems in pieces; break down a situation into smaller parts and address each small part of the problem to figure out the full answer. 
3. Start from the easiest thing to figure out and move up to the most complicated aspects. 
4. Double-check your work to make sure you didn’t miss anything or make a mistake. 

Our quote of the day appears in Part I, in the very first paragraph. Descartes says that “good sense” or common sense is mostly equal among men, and that differences of opinion or different levels in intellect aren’t necessarily because someone has more “good sense” than others. But rather, they just think in different ways. He then writes our quote:

“For it isn’t enough to have a good mind; what matters most is using it well. Sheer quality of intellect doesn’t make the difference between good and bad: the greatest souls are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues. Nor is nimbleness of intellect the key to making discoveries: those who go very slowly but always on the right path can make much greater progress than those who sprint and go astray.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Joyce Brothers on Why Success Begins With Believing in Yourself

Deeper Meaning of René Descartes’s Quote—A 'Good Mind’ Requires Action

If you take that full paragraph above, Descartes is saying that a good mind without action or purpose is worthless. He then shares a couple of bits of advice or wisdom: someone with great intellect isn’t necessarily better than someone else, and being quick-witted or sharp doesn’t mean that you’re going to make the biggest strides first (if at all). Even if it takes someone longer to figure something out, they’ll make more progress if they’re staying on the correct path and taking steps forward.

And Descartes is almost urging people against an elitist view of smart vs. "simple" people. He’s saying that intelligence can be subjective depending on how you use it; a highly intelligent person is only as smart as their outward actions.

Related: Quote of the Day: Norman Lear on Why Everyone Has Something to Teach You

More Quotes from René Descartes

• “Except our own thoughts, there is nothing absolutely in our power.”
• “For how do we know that the thoughts which occur in dreaming are false rather than those others which we experience when awake, since the former are often not less vivid and distinct than the latter?”
• “In truth, the most important thing for curing illnesses and maintaining health is good humor and joy.”
• “If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”
• “Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.”

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Related: Quote of the Day: Albert Einstein's Famous Words on the Power of Imagination Still Inspire Today

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If you're looking for an accent piece that can deliver both style and function to a living area, bedroom, or entryway, Macy's has a gorgeous side table currently available at a steep discount. Martha Stewart's Sadie Wood Accent Table has a luxe modern-minimalist look that will elevate any space, and it's marked down to 30% off for a limited time. 

The stunning side table has a chic round silhouette that's designed to fit easily into small spaces. Originally $189, it's on sale for just $132 now through August 12. It comes in a classic dark wood finish that blends easily with a range of decor, with clean sculptural lines that add a touch of sophistication to any space. 

Martha Stewart Sadie Wood Accent Table, $132 (was $189) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Featuring a solid wood veneer top with an elegant starburst design on top, the accent table is durable, long-lasting, and designed for everyday use. It measures 22 inches deep and 24 inches high, making it compact enough to effortlessly fit in apartments, reading nooks, tight entryways, and more. Weighing just 24 pounds, it's also easy to move from room to room as needed. 

Related: Macy's 'Elegant' $24 Embossed Quilt Set Is 'Soft,' 'Breathable,' and 'Perfect for Year-Round Use'

The effortlessly stylish table offers a designer-style look without the designer price tag. It's versatile enough to work in a variety of ways around your home: Use it as an end table in your living room, a nightstand in a bedroom, or as an eye-catching accent piece in an entryway or hallway. It's also easy to maintain. To keep the wood surface looking like new, simply wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth. 

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Winfield Upholstered Dining Chair Set, $375 (was $749) at Macy’s
• Martha Stewart Lia Oval Accent Table, $110 (was $219) at Macy’s
• Martha Stewart Elmcrest Upholstered Dining Chair, $240 (was $479) at Macy’s

If you've been searching for an accent piece that's elegant, practical, and compact enough to fit easily in limited spaces, this wooden end table is an excellent option that won't break the bank. Don't hesitate to grab one for 30% off before this limited-time sale ends at Macy's.  

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

Today's New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers baseball pretty heavily, but also includes a few basketball references, too.

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, August 8, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, August 8, 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 August 8, 2026

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

• Yellow: Determines who gets control first.
• Green: Baseball for tots.
• Blue: Given to the best pitchers.
• Purple: Like the Playoffs in the NBA.

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: WAYS A GAME BEGINS
• Green: LLWS
• Blue: AL CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS
• Purple: PRECEDES "FINAL"

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 #684 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• WAYS A GAME BEGINS: FACEOFF, FIRST PITCH, JUMP BALL, KICKOFF
• LLWS: LEAGUE, LITTLE, SERIES, WORLD
• AL CY YOUNG AWARD WINNERS: BLUE, COLE, COLÓN, VIOLA
• PRECEDES "FINAL": QUARTER, SEMI, STANLEY CUP, WORLD CUP

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: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every '90s Mom Had on Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

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August is widely known in the running world as Marathon Month. Temperatures may reach triple digits, but that doesn't stop runners from hitting trails and streets across the country to pound the pavement. This month, calendars are jam-packed with amped-up training schedules, 5K events, half-marathons, and longer races. Since every runner needs a good pair of shoes, REI is getting in on the action with a massive site-wide sale on some of the most popular styles from brands like Brooks, Hoka, Nike, and Adidas.

One of the top deals at REI right now is on the Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes. Normally $170, these race-ready sneakers are currently 41% off, dropping the price to $100 in all five available color combinations. Even if you're not planning to run a marathon anytime soon (or ever), these shoes offer the type of supportive comfort needed for long days on your feet. If you regularly work 12-hour shifts, plan to hit up a theme park, or will be doing a lot of sightseeing on your next vacation, these sneakers are absolutely worth a look.

Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes, $100 (were $170) at REI

Courtesy of REI

Shop at REI

Built to handle long distances and prevent foot fatigue, these sneakers offer maximum cushioning for a plush, bouncy feel underfoot. Weighing under 9 ounces, these lightweight running shoes feature a thick layer of responsive foam with a durable carbon rubber sole that provides traction as you move. Available in whole and half sizes from women's 6 through 11, select sizes in some colors are already sold out.

REI shoppers praised these sneakers for their "fit, comfort, and performance," earning a five-star rating from more than 100 customers. Beyond the numerous marathon runners who shared that they're "excellent for long distance running," everyday people who deal with podiatry issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and ankle instability noted how "supportive," "very soft, and comfortable" these sneakers were.

One shopper who's worn these sneakers to run on a treadmill after long work days, on multiple college tours, and exploring historic sites on vacation raved, "My feet and legs have never been so happy with a pair of sneakers!" Another reviewer who said they "walk for a living" working in a hospital said, "I will never buy anything else."

Shop More Deals

• Hoka Clifton 10 Road-Running Shoes, $100 (were $155) at REI
• Brooks Hyperion 3 Road-Running Shoes, $84 (were $140) at REI
• Nike Pegasus 41 Road-Running Shoes, $108 (were $145) at REI

Related: New Balance’s $50 Podiatrist-Recommended Sneakers Provide ‘So Much Support’ for Hikes, Workouts, and Everyday Errands

Run, don't walk, to secure the Saucony Hurricane 25 Road-Running Shoes while they're on sale at REI for over 40% off. This deal won't last, and with some styles already sold out, if you have your eye on this pair, you'll want to act fast!

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.

It’s hard not to associate Alicia Silverstone with the cult classic Clueless, but before she ever became known as the wealthy and fashion-obsessed Beverly Hills character known as Cher Horowitz, she played a rebellious teenager in the music video for Aerosmith’s 1993 hit “Cryin.’” 

Silverstone was just 16 years old when she starred in the song’s accompanying music video, which became the first installment in a trilogy of interconnected clips. 

RELATED: 2002 Breakthrough Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of the 21st Century’

“Cryin’” wasn’t Silverstone’s first acting role, though. 

In 1993, she starred in the thriller TheCrush, earning MTV Movie Awards for Best Breakthrough Performance and Best Villain at the 1994 ceremony. However, “Cryin,’” along with Silverstone’s subsequent appearances in Aerosmith’s “Amazing” and “Crazy” videos, helped propel her to a much wider audience and make her a recognizable face of the MTV generation. 

So much so that the video even caught the eye of Clueless director and writer Amy Heckerling. 

“Here’s how I found Alicia. I was minding my own business on my treadmill watching MTV when I saw ‘Cryin” and just went cuckoo bananas,” Heckerling told Rolling Stone in 1995 of seeing her in the music video. “She’s funny and beautiful – anyone who shows even a glimmer of that mix becomes a major star. I’m thinking of people like Sally Field and Goldie Hawn.” 

Directed by Marty Callner, the “Cryin’” video finds Silverstone playing a free-spirited yet mischievous teenager who catches her boyfriend, played by Stephen Dorff, cheating on her at the movie theater. Determined to stand up for herself, she confronts him and, as revenge, takes off in his car before it breaks down and she abandons it, impulsively gets a tattoo and pierces her navel, and later fights off a purse snatcher, played by Josh Holloway. 

Select scenes of the video also show Aerosmith performing the song, which was filmed in the Central Congregational Church in Fall River, Massachusetts. The clip saves perhaps its most iconic moment in the final scene when Silverstone bungee-jumps from a tall building and gives her ex-lover the finger. 

“After watching all these other videos, it’s cool to see that one, to see a video with a real person,” Silverstone shared of looking back at her character in the clip. “I’m never posing, never doing this supersexy stuff. I’m just being.”

RELATED: 1994 No. 1 Breakthrough Song, Written by a 22 Year Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 32 Years Later

The video for “Cryin’” was the most successful of the trilogy in terms of accolades, becoming a major hit for Silverstone and Aerosmith. The music video won three major awards at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in 1994. They included the night's highest honor, Video of the Year, as well as Viewer's Choice and Best Group Video. Though “Amazing” and “Crazy” didn’t receive an award, the latter of those two helped launch the career of Steven Tyler’s then-unknown daughter, Liv Tyler. 

As for the song, “Cryin,’” written by Aerosmith’s Tyler and Joe Perry alongside frequent collaborator Taylor Rhodes, helped revive the band’s career. The power ballad reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Cryin,’” as well as “Amazing” and “Crazy,” appear on the band’s eleventh studio album, Get a Grip.

Related: 1999 Power Ballad, Lasting 53 Weeks on the Charts, Ranked Among ‘Favorite Country Love Songs of All Time’

Today's NYT Strands puzzle is made for thrill-seekers.

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 #886 on Saturday, August 8.

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: "It has its ups and downs"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: Amusement park attraction.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• TR
• CO
• TR
• CU
• LO
• TU
• RO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 8

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 8, 2026, isROLLERCOASTER.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, August 8?

• TRACK
• CORKSCREW
• TRACK
• CUTBACK
• LOOP
• TUNNEL
• SPANGRAM: ROLLERCOASTER

Related: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

During the height of the British Invasion, Herman's Hermits proved that sometimes the simplest songs could become the biggest hits.

The band's spirited rendition of "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 61 years ago today, cementing its place as one of the most memorable recordings of 1965. At the center of the song was frontman Peter Noone, who was just 17 years old when the single became an international sensation.

Although many listeners associate the tune with Herman's Hermits, it was actually much older.

Originally written in 1910 by Fred Murray and R. P. Weston, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" was a popular British music hall song decades before the rock era.

"I have the original Harry Champion recording of that, on wire," Noone told Songfacts. "It's from a time when people were just lucky enough to be in the music business. If you were at my house you'd get Elizabeth Schwarzkopf and Fats Waller and a lot of that hymn stuff that my grandfather liked. Because of the BBC we were exposed to multiple types of music, and rock 'n' roll was only 30 minutes a day."

The band, on the other hand, gave it a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek makeover, trimming away later verses and turning the catchy chorus into an irresistible singalong.

Noone's youthful energy helped make the recording unforgettable.

His cheeky vocal delivery perfectly matched the song's playful humor, while the band's upbeat arrangement captured the carefree spirit that made Herman's Hermits one of the defining acts of the British Invasion. The performance also showcased Noone's natural charisma, despite his being one of the youngest stars on the charts.

American audiences embraced it immediately.

Released in the United States during the summer of 1965, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent one week at the top. It became Herman's Hermits' second U.S. chart-topper, following "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," and further established the group as one of Britain's most successful exports.

The song has remained a fixture of pop culture ever since.

Its infectious chorus has appeared in films, television shows, sporting events, and commercials, while Herman's Hermits continue to be closely identified with the recording. Even listeners who know little about the British Invasion often recognize the song within its opening lines.

"I never expected my songs to be able to stand the test of time, we made them in a particular moment," Noone said years later. "We got the idea for a song on Thursday and we’d make it over the weekend and it would be in the stores and on the radio in a few days. Herman’s Hermits, we were radio top 40 staples, it was sickening we were on so much. That was a joyful period.”

Sixty-one years after reaching No. 1, "I'm Henry VIII, I Am" remains one of the defining novelty hits of the 1960s. Featuring a 17-year-old Peter Noone at the microphone, the song became a chart-topping success whose joyful energy continues to entertain generations of listeners.

Related: 1976 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 50 Years Later

In today's New York Times Connections puzzle, you'll find quirky exclamations, methods of communication, words and phrases in shorthand, and tools used to keep you out of harm's way.

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 #1154 onSaturday, August 8, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, August 8, 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, August 8

1. "Gee willikers, Batman!"
2. Get your point across.
3. Like a novelty license plate.
4. Preventative measures.

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, August 8:

1. QUAINT EXPRESSIONS OF EXCITEMENT: HOT DOG, HURRAH, WHOOPEE, YAHOO
2. CONVEY: COUCH, EXPRESS, FRAME, PHRASE
3. WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH LETTERS AS HOMOPHONES: CUTIE, EASY, EFFECTS, I OWE YOU
4. SAFETY _____: BELT, GOGGLES, PIN, RAZOR

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

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