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If you're already dreaming about next summer's family vacation, Royal Caribbean just gave you a major reason to lock in your plans early. The cruise line has officially launched its boldest "Kids & Teens Sail Free" promotion ever, opening up massive savings for families looking to sail during the prime summer 2027 season.

The limited-time deal applies to new bookings made between July 31, 2026, and September 14, 2026, covering select sailings departing between May 28, 2027, and August 20, 2027. Whether your family is aiming for a bucket-list European adventure, an Alaskan glacier expedition, or a quick tropical getaway to the Caribbean, the offer makes bringing children and teenagers along significantly more affordable.

Related: Star of the Seas Cruise Ship Review: Royal Caribbean's Newest Megaship

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Some of the biggest highlights for summer 2027 include Legend of the Seas returning to Europe for seven-night Western Mediterranean voyages departing out of Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, bringing the lineup's iconic features to classic European ports. For travelers eyeing the Pacific Northwest, Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seaswill run seven-night Alaska itineraries out of Vancouver and Seward, taking guests up close to Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and Dawes Glacier.

Related: I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap

If a quick weekend trip is more your speed, families can also grab three- and four-night island getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas out of Port Canaveral or Wonder of the Seasout of Miami. Both short routes feature stops at Royal Caribbean's top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as Nassau, Bahamas, where guests can check out the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Between deck-defying entertainment, expansive water parks, and onboard dining tailored for every age group, the promotion gives parents a rare window to snag peak summer travel dates without paying full fare for the whole crew. Full details and booking options for the summer 2027 sailings are available directly at royalcaribbean.com.

Related: Every Incredible New Surprise Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Latest Megaship, Legend of the Seas

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Imagine waiting in a long security line before a concert or football game, finally reaching the front, only to be told your bag doesn't meet the venue's policy. That exact situation happened to one disappointed Ariana Grande fan who went viral on TikTok after getting turned away at the gate before a recent concert on the Eternal Sunshine tour. 

It's a frustrating way to kick off an event — and one that's completely avoidable. With more stadiums, arenas, and festivals requiring clear, small purses, it's worth keeping one on hand before the busy season arrives. 

@natbosu

EDIT: Y’ALL I TRIED TO PUT THIS IN MY PANTS/SHIRT BUT KNEW THAT THERE WERE METAL DETECTORS AND DIDNT WANT MY TICKETS TO BE VOIDED/GET IN TROUBLE WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE. I HAD ABOUT 2 MINS TO DECIDE WHAT I WANTED TO DO BC I DIDNT WANT TO MISS THE FIRST ACT. ITS JUST A BAG ITS NOT THAT DEEP I WAS OK LETTING IT GO AND IT WAS NOT “STOLEN”. I AM ABUNDANT ✨ THAT DIVA WAS MEANT TO HAVE MY BAG 🫶🫶🫶 for all the other divas going to barclays IT’S A CLEAR BAG POLICY ‼️ shoutout my bestie for moral support and getting the content ❤️ I love our nyc minutes #eternalsunshinetour #barclayscenter #arianagrande

♬ son original - floflette74 ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

To help you skip the last-minute scramble, we've rounded up the best clear stadium bags under $15 at Amazon that check the boxes for both practicality and style. Whether you're headed to a fall football game or your favorite artist’s concert, these affordable picks help make getting through the gate one less thing to worry about.

Uspeclare Clear Crossbody Purse, From $9 (was $13) at Amazon

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Measuring 8.3 inches high by 6.7 inches long and 2.8 inches wide, this compact crossbody is designed to fit comfortably within the clear bag size limits. While it's small enough to breeze through security, the thoughtfully designed layout makes the most of every inch, with a roomy main compartment for your phone, wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, and other essentials, plus a front pocket that keeps tickets, cards, and keys easy to grab. 

The bag's adjustable, removable nylon strap — available in 25 colors — lets you wear it comfortably as either a crossbody or shoulder bag, making it a practical option whether you're navigating a packed concert or cheering from the stands. Made from thick, durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with sturdy stitching, it feels substantial while remaining lightweight enough to carry all day.

Busiuw Clear Top-Handle Bag, From $10 at Amazon

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While most clear bags stick to the basics, this one adds a little more personality with its structured silhouette and sporty details. Measuring 6.5 inches high by 8.27 inches long by 3.27 inches wide, the transparent body is framed with contrasting nylon binding, giving it a sleek, polished look. Its boxy shape feels more like a mini handbag than a traditional stadium pouch, with a front zip pocket that breaks up the see-through design and keeps smaller essentials like tickets, lip balm, or keys within easy reach.

The adjustable wide nylon strap comes in 28 colors, making it easy to customize the look while carrying it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or handheld bag. Made from thick, cold-resistant PVC, it’s designed to resist stiffening or cracking in cooler temperatures, making it a smart pick for chilly winter games and outdoor events. The smooth exterior also wipes clean easily, so spills can be handled with a quick swipe.

Shop More Deals

• Fibrdoo Clear Bag, from $9 (was $10) at Amazon
• Maxtop Small Clear Crossbody Bag, from $14 (was $19) at Amazon
• Wuflyover Clear Shoulder Bag, $13 at Amazon 

Uspeclare Clear Fanny Pack, From $14 (was $16) at Amazon

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If you're Type A and like having a dedicated place for everything, this clear fanny pack was made for your organizational instincts. Instead of tossing everything into one open compartment, it features four zippered sections that step down in size, creating a built-in system for keeping essentials sorted. The roomy main compartment can hold larger items like your phone, wallet, and portable charger, while the medium pockets are handy for smaller necessities like keys, lip balm, or earbuds. The smallest compartment keeps grab-and-go items like tickets, cards, or sunglasses easy to find.

Measuring 5.5 inches high by 9.5 inches long by 4 inches wide, the structured design gives it enough depth to carry everyday essentials while keeping everything neatly separated. Made from thick, waterproof PVC, it’s designed to hold up through busy days at stadiums, concerts, and events while maintaining its shape. 

Wuflyover Small Clear Bag, $10 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Just taking the essentials? This transparent PVC clutch is made for the minimalist packer who doesn’t want to lug around more than they need. Its slim 8.49 inches long by 5.59 inches high by 1.35 inches wide silhouette is compact while still leaving room for necessities like your phone, lip balm, cards, keys, and tickets. A front pocket keeps smaller items within reach, while the metal loop adds a handy spot for keys or a favorite charm. The adjustable strap extends from 29 inches to 56 inches, letting you switch between a crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch-style carry.

Related: Patagonia’s 'Small but Mighty' Crossbody Bag Is $29 at REI Right Now

A great event starts before you even walk through the gates. With one of these clear bags in your rotation, you can spend less time worrying about what you’re carrying and more time enjoying the reason you showed up. Shop them for under $15 at Amazon! 

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.

With so many books being published each month, it’s easy to overlook some greats. Well, you don’t need to worry about missing out, because here’s a lookback at some of the quieter releases that are sure to disrupt your sleep schedule.

They cover all the genres, whether you’re a thriller fan or a romance reader, released throughout July 2026. Of course, now the only problem is finding time to read them, since there are already some exciting releases coming throughout August!

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘An Infinite Love Story’ by Chanel Cleeton

If you love historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, then you’ll need to go back to the releases at the start of July. An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton is a beautiful tale of what it really means to be in love. This is more than a romance. It’s a love story that sweeps time and space.

Set with the backdrop of the Space Race, we follow a woman who is told that her husband’s spacecraft has gone missing. He and the other two men on board are presumed dead, but she refuses to believe it. Throughout the course of the story, we see how they meet and fall in love, but we also feel the weight off the loss and that need to believe in something bigger. It doesn’t get bogged down with the science and the explanation, offering an ending that is open to interpretation.

Courtesy of MacMillan Publishers ‘Pretty Dead Things’ by Kelsey Cox

How about something for the mystery fans out there? Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox is a must, especially if you love multi-POV stories. This one offers a story from the view of the adults and the teenagers, as we learn all about the disappearance of a girl 25 years earlier, and the buildup to the next pageant for the town.

Pretty Dead Things offers unreliable narrators, a small-town mystery, and the stereotypical women you would expect to see when a pageant is involved. There are teenagers learning about life and friendship, while there’s a sister who is still mourning, and in need of finding out the truth. You can’t always escape from your past, but you can certainly try!

Courtesy of Putnam ‘We Will See You Bleed’ by Ron Currie Jr.

It’s 1984, and Babs Dionne’s town is on the verge of collapse in We Will See You Bleed by Ron Currie Jr. Yes, this is the Babs Dionne you’ve met before in his books, and we get another tale that helps to fill in some gaps and further develops her story.

It’s another story with multiple stories going on at the same time. They look like they’re standalone offerings, but then you slowly start to see how everything comes together. It’s all connected when it comes to small towns. This is more of a story of how far people are willing to go when things get hard and they start struggling, and it adds to the thriller aspect of it.

Courtesy of St. Martins ‘The Forest Becomes Her’ by Julie Carrick Dalton

There is something magical about forests, and in The Forest Becomes Her by Julie Carrick Dalton that takes on a literal meaning. When a centuries-old forest is removed, the locals immediately become upset. However, people move into the new, eco-friendly housing development, just wanting a fresh start.

We get a story of three women — Hazel, Stella, and Polly — who are all at different stages of life. They have different wants and interests, but they all find themselves drawn into the last remaining oak tree from the forest and the lingering shadows that haunt them. While there is magical realism within the story, this is grounded in grief, life changes, and guilt. There are stories that are sure to connect to your heart, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Dominion’ by Jean Kwok

When it comes to romantasy, there have been some huge releases throughout July. You’ve likely heard all about Daggermouth and The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy, but what about the YA, animal-bonding romantasy Dominion by Jean Kwok? This is a must if you love Chinese mythology mixed into the tale in a way that honors it.

It’s clear that there is far more world-building that can be done with this universe, which opens up to more novels. For a start, this is a beautiful take that has warriors, elemental magic, and deadly trials. You’ll feel like you’re in a mixture of Divergent and Fourth Wing, but you’ll also feel the originality in the tale. This is just the start of a duology, and you need to read it right away.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘A Date with Death’ by Kelly Creagh

Sometimes, you just want a bit of a paranormal romance with some humor, and that’s exactly what A Date with Death by Kelly Creagh offers. As you can guess from the title, it’s a story of a woman who ends up falling for Death, but there’s so much more to this tale.

There’s something about adding heart to the Grim Reaper, and it’s something Helena manages to do throughout the story. He’s immediately entranced by her, especially with the fact that she sees him and speaks to him, but as time goes on, he realizes that she’s making him feel. However, she’s fated to die, and there may not be anything he can do to stop that. There are moments that the plot is kind of lost, but it picks it all back up again with a cute and romantic ending.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘If Books Could Kill’ by Kate Eberle

We sticking with some humor, but this time, we’re adding thriller into the mix. If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle is a fun take on the “if only” type of trope. If only we could live in the next book that our favorite author writes, becoming the main character in the story. That’s exactly what Roxie wishes for since her favorite author is a romance one.

Well, the author makes a switch to thriller for her next book, which nobody realizes. Soon, Roxie finds herself in a novel that involves running away from a man who wants to kill her, and we spend a journey learning all about the genre and how to survive a murder. Maybe, there’s a happily ever after thrown in there.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Henry Tudor Must Die’ by Jillian Laine

Sometimes, you need to have a lot of fun in the fantasy realm, and Henry Tudor Must Die by Jillian Laine is that story. It’s a take on John Tucker Must Die but with Catalina de Aragón and Anne Boleyn working together to take down the king and his men. The only problem is that one of them is dead, and the other one is going to be executed the next day.

Laine does a wonderful job of bringing multiple POVs together. We learn about the different queens, their wit and resourcefulness, and the relationships they had within the court. All the while, there’s a chance to see how women can get along, especially how Henry’s queens could have bonded if they only had the chance.

Courtesy of MacMillan Publishers ‘Carry Me to My Grave’ by Christopher Golden

It’s summer, and that means Summerween, so there is no doubt that you need to add Carry Me to My Grave by Christoper Golden to your list. The novel brings supernatural entities and a story of life and death to the forefront, and you will find yourself grieving as well as being terrified.

Golden is able to pack the pages with suspense. Once you’re on the ride, that’s it! There is no letting up, and you’re hooked all the way to the end. Don’t read this at night, because when you finish, you will feel the walls creeping in on you and start to hear sounds in the shadows.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster ‘Buyer Beware’ by Catherine Ryan Howard

Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard isn’t quite the thriller that you would initially expect. Many went in thinking they were getting something a little Freida McFadden or Lisa Jewel like, but this story is one of life choices, facing the past, and figuring out the future.

We get two POVs, although it feels like three at first, and their lives interconnect thanks to one man. Hannah returns to a home she owns — although didn’t buy! — after 10 years in prison, and she just wants to start a new life. Of course, the neighbors won’t let that happen, and as break-ins happen and a bloody stain is found on the floor, Hannah starts to question if she’s safe and if the man she once knew is out to get her.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Getting Away with Murder’ by Shari Lapena

Never skip out on a Shari Lapena book. While Getting Away With Murder doesn’t quite meet the standard of The Couple Next Door, it’s still an amazing thriller that is more than worth your time. This one is set in a brownstone that Jill and Ted adore and have carefully made into a status symbol.

Of course, things take a turn after bad investments and a lost inheritance. That puts their marriage and their life together at risk, and they’re willing to turn to murder to get the money they need. It’s certainly a story that will make you question just how much you could ever trust someone else, even if it is your spouse.

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Nothing beats wearing a breezy linen top during the summer, especially when it comes with an under-$5 price tag. The bestselling Yteetum Cotton-Linen T-Shirt is currently on sale for as low as $3, down from $9, at Walmart, and it features a lightweight, airy design that's perfect for warm-weather wear. 

The versatile closet staple is available in sizes small to 2XL and comes in so many gorgeous color options. Though the pretty green hue is currently on sale for the lowest price at just $3, you can also shop it in classics like beige, black, blue, navy, and white starting at $5. With shipping, you may end up paying slightly more, but for the green version you'll still pay under $10 overall.

Yteetym Cotton-Linen T-Shirt, From $3 (was $5) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Whichever shade you choose, the cute top has a flowy, summery look that can be worn anywhere from the office to a casual lunch date to a backyard barbecue. It features a classic V-neck with button detailing at the front and billowy, elbow-length sleeves with a small slit in the cuff that allows for extra breathability and easy movement. The fit is relaxed and oversized, with shoppers calling it "super comfy" to wear all day long.  

Made from 60% cotton and 40% linen, the shirt is designed to be soft, airy, and breathable, so you can wear it on hot summer days without breaking into a sweat. The hip-length hem makes it effortless to pair with just about anything, whether you're donning it with denim shorts or tucking it into a skirt. It's also easy to maintain; simply hand-wash it in cold water and let it hang dry whenever it needs a refresh.  

If you've been looking for a pretty, breezy top to round out your summer wardrobe, this cotton-linen short-sleeve shirt is a top-rated pick you won't want to miss out on. It's cute, lightweight, and available in a range of colors to suit anyone's style. Grab a couple in your favorite shades for $5 and under before this deal ends at Walmart. 

Related: Walmart’s $10 Romper Is ‘Soft,’ ‘Super Stretchy,’ and ‘Effortlessly Flattering’ for Summer

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In 1984, Hank Williams Jr. gathered some of country music’s biggest names for a music video that looked more like an unforgettable party than a typical country production.

It ended up making history.

Williams Jr., 77, filmed the video for "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" on Aug. 1, 1984, with director John Goodhue. The song would become one of his signature tracks, but the video had a life of its own.

The guest list alone was enough to make it memorable.

Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings appear playing poker.

George Jones is seen riding a lawn mower.

Little Jimmy Dickens and Paul Williams haul a keg.

Cheech and Chong emerge from a smoke-filled limousine.

Kris Kristofferson, Porter Wagoner, Mel Tillis, Grandpa Jones, Jim Varney and George Thorogood were also among the stars who joined Williams Jr. for the wild gathering.

It was essentially the country legend's larger-than-life personality turned into a music video, complete with a party at his "pad out in the woods."

But the video had a more personal moment hidden among all the chaos.

At the end, a ghostly Cadillac rises into the night sky. The image was a nod to Williams Jr.’s father, country legend Hank Williams, who died in 1953 while riding in a Cadillac.

The video’s impact went beyond its memorable cameos.

"All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" became the first video to win the Country Music Association’s Music Video of the Year award, helping establish the importance of music videos in country music.

The song itself reached No. 10 on the country chart after its October 1984 release. Years later, its familiar refrain would become even more recognizable when Williams Jr. reworked it as "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night," the iconic opening theme for Monday Night Football.

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One of the biggest names when it comes to the Stoics of ancient history is Epictetus. He was a Greek Stoic philosopher born in 55 CE and “flourished in the early second century” with his Stoicism, per the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP). He never wrote any original works, with only his teachings being passed down and recorded by his students. Epictetus influenced other philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, and his teachings bleed into modern thought. Our quote of the day focuses on one of his teachings, which tells us not to have unrealistic expectations and, instead, embrace the unknown, letting go of control.

According to the Daily Stoic, Epictetus was born as a slave in a wealthy household in Hierapolis, which is present-day Turkey. When he was old enough, he was allowed to study, leading him to discover philosophy through Musonius Rufus, another Stoic. Epictetus studied under him and then gained his freedom after Emperor Nero’s death, going on to teach philosophy in Rome for almost 25 years. As the IEP reported, Emperor Domitian banned all philosophy, which meant Epictetus had to flee Rome, which is where he settled in Nicopolis, in modern-day Greece. 

As Project Gutenberg reported, Epictetus was different from other Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius because he taught it “as a doctrine and as a way of life,” as opposed to using it as a way to express “their existential problems of independence, solitude and history.”

According to Yale University Press, Stoicism is a school of thought in philosophy that teaches that there are things out of our control and because of that we should not worry about them. In fact, they believed that fixating on things you could not change or control would “bring us ruin.” 

Related: Friedrich Nietzsche's Quote on Persevering Through Hard Times Still Applies Today

Quote of the Day by Epictetus

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“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will—then your life will flow well.”

This quote appears in The Enchiridion by Epictetus, which was essentially his handbook, per the book’s description, and was a compilation of practical behaviors and rules. According to Project Gutenberg, the word means “manual,” and played a “large role in the rise of modern attitudes and modern philosophy.” 

No original writings by Epictetus exist, but the book was compiled by his student, Arrian, and was published in 125 CE. Project Gutenberg reported that this book is “the living spirit of Stoicism,” and a “manual for the combat officer,” as the Roman Stoics after Epictetus coined the phrase, “Life is being a soldier.”

Because this is a translation, there are different versions of the above quote out there. Project Gutenberg writes it as, “Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.” And the Elizabeth Carter version says, “Don't demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.”

Related: Steve Irwin's Inspirational Quote on Sharing the Planet With Wildlife Still Deeply Resonates Today

Deeper Meaning of Epictetus’ Quote—Letting Go of Control

Stoicism teaches you not to worry about things that are out of your control. So, with this quote, Epictetus is teaching us not to expect or desire things to turn out how we wish they would be. Since we can’t control most things outside of ourselves, expecting or wishing for things to be a certain way, especially if it’s unrealistic, is just setting us up for failure. He says that we should, instead, wish for things to happen how they should. 

That’s not to say that we shouldn’t have high standards for ourselves in terms of treatment or love, nor does it mean that we shouldn’t aim for ambitious goals. It’s saying that we shouldn’t wish for life to be something that it never can be. Instead, we should hope for things to go how the universe—or God if you’re religious—planned them to go.

Your future will be what it will be, so try to embrace this unknown and your lack of control; your life will be better off for it.

Related: Quote of the Day: Inventor Sir Humphry Davy on Why Deserving Praise Matters More Than Receiving It

More Quotes from Epictetus

• “How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
• “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
• “Curb your desire—don’t set your heart on so many things and you will get what you need.”
• “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
• “If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, ‘He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would have not mentioned these alone.'”

Up Next:

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

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Coasters may seem like a small home accessory, but they're one of those affordable upgrades that can make a surprisingly big impact. Not only do they help protect your coffee table, nightstand, or dining table from water rings and everyday wear, but they also offer an easy way to add personality and style to your space. Choosing a set that's both functional and decorative means you can keep your furniture looking its best while giving your home a little extra charm.

If you want something playful, colorful, and full of personality, the Dolly Parton Ceramic Coaster Set is a fun choice. Dolly’s home collection is known for blending bold designs with timeless charm, and this set brings that same cheerful energy into your decor. Right now, it’s on sale for 28% off at Amazon, bringing the price down to just $13.

Dolly Parton Ceramic Coaster Set, $13 (was $18) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The set includes four ceramic coasters with detailed floral mosaic designs, including two pink designs and two blue designs. They’re eye-catching enough to display on a coffee table, kitchen counter, or desk while still being practical for protecting surfaces from hot mugs and condensation from cold drinks.

Made from durable ceramic, these coasters are designed to keep their vibrant colors and decorative details over time. Each coaster measures 4 inches long by 4 inches wide and 0.4 inches high, giving them plenty of surface area while still keeping a sleek profile.

Related: Dolly Parton's ‘Gorgeous’ Nonstick Muffin Pan Bakes a Whimsical Butterfly Design Into Every Cupcake

Shoppers seemed to love the cheerful design, too.  One reviewer described the set as “vibrant” and “full of personality” in a five-star review, noting that it “instantly brightens up” their coffee table. They added, “Functional, fabulous, and built to last — just like the Queen of Country herself!"

Another shopper highlighted the “pop of color” the coasters add to their living room, writing: “The designs are so elegant and beautiful, and I've already received so many compliments on them when we've had people over. Because they're ceramic, they really do well with absorbing the condensation and protecting your wooden tables!”

Shop More Deals

• Dolly Parton Bag Clip Set, $11 (was $12) at Amazon
• Dolly Parton Preserving Clamp Jar, $10 (was $15) at Amazon
• Dolly Parton Tumbler With Handle, $18 (was $22) at Amazon

For an easy way to add a little Dolly-inspired charm to your home without spending much, the Dolly Parton Ceramic Coaster Set is a great pick. And with Amazon’s current 28% discount, you can bring home this colorful, functional set for just $13.

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Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle covers tools seen on the green, college sports conferences, football terminology, and garments worn under shoes. 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 1, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, August 1, 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 1, 2026

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

• Yellow: Choose right, and you might get a hole in one.
• Green: Not meant for cereal.
• Blue: NCAA champs on East Coast and Midwest.
• Purple: Two makes a pair.

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: GOLF CLUBS
• Green: CAN PRECEDE "BOWL," IN NFL CONTEXT
• Blue: AN ATLANTIC 10 ATHLETE
• Purple: _____ SOX

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 #677 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• GOLF CLUBS: DRIVER, HYBRID, IRON, PUTTER
• CAN PRECEDE "BOWL," IN NFL CONTEXT: FOG, ICE, PRO, SUPER
• AN ATLANTIC 10 ATHLETE: BILLIKEN, FLYER, RAMBLER, SPIDER
• _____ SOX: AQUA, RED, WHITE, WOO

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)

Today's NYT Strands puzzle deals with things that are too good to be true. 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 #881 on Saturday, August 1.

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: "As if!"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: Skilled workers.

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:

• PR
• LA
• LU
• SI
• AB
• GE (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 1

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, August 1, 2026, isGETREAL.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, August 1?

• PREPOSTEROUS
• LAUGHABLE
• LUDICROUS
• SILLY
• ABSURD
• SPANGRAM: GETREAL

Related: I Tried Reese Witherspoon's Grandma's Corn Salad and It's the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I'll Be Making on Repeat

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle covers everything from baked goods in unexpected places to tools used to make a cavity.

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 #1147 onSaturday, August 1, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, August 1, 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, July 1

1. It looks better when you make it.
2. Exceptional leading men.
3. Like an excavator or a shovel.
4. Preferably slathered with butter.

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 1:

1. BEDDING: COMFORTER, SHAM, SHEET, THROW
2. OSCAR-WINNING ACTORS SINCE 2010: BALE, JORDAN, PHOENIX, WALTZ
3. PERFORM SOME HOLE MACHINING OPERATIONS: BORE, COUNTERSINK, DRILL, REAM
4. STARTING WITH BREAD SHAPES: BOULEVARD, BUNDLE, LOAFER, ROLLS-ROYCE

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

Today's NYT Wordle answer is the consistency of a popular drink from 7-Eleven. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1869 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: Like partially melted snow or a cold, fruity beverage.

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 #1869 on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, August 1, 2026, is SLUSH.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Ah, the 90s. The golden age that gave birth to the internet, several of today’s fashion trends, and countless early forms of the tech that has become so embedded in our lives today. It was an age of experimentation and innovation that saw us finally inching toward the future promised to us by The Jetsons. Google was just beginning to take shape; the World Wide Web was only an idea, and telephones were still tethered to the wall. What a time to be alive. 

Even more so, our kitchens were filled with gadgets and doohickeys that did one thing or another—and while they didn’t always work, some of them actually deserve a second look. From the ubiquitous and endlessly useful George Foreman to unitaskers that fell short, like the Presto Hot Topper, the 90s definitely aimed to make tasks in the kitchen quicker, if not easier. And in our quest to streamline some of the more mundane parts of preparing a meal, we might have actually struck gold. 

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

That being said, it’s high time we took a stroll down memory lane to remind ourselves of the good old days when things were a bit more analog and less complicated. Here are eight kitchen gadgets your mom likely had on her countertop that actually worked better than similar items today.

90s Kitchen Gadgets Every Mom Used1. George Foreman Grill

Anthony Harvey / Getty Images

It’s a pretty safe bet that you either had a George Foreman Grill or you knew someone who did and honestly, we still kind of miss it. Not only was it incredibly easy to use, but it made grilling less of a hassle and more of a weeknight dinner possibility. All you had to do was turn it on, lift the lid, and place your burger, chicken breast, veggies, or even fish on the grates, close it and let it work. No fussing around with charcoal or heating up the entire kitchen; you could have perfectly juicy grilled burgers without using up too much countertop space.

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Sure, the George Foreman Grill had its limitations, but because it only did one thing, it did it really well. Instead of relying on frills and multifunctions, it generally just did a great job at grilling burgers on the countertop. Now that’s worth gold.

2. Hamilton Beach Popaire 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wJNL23FLuuE

Popping popcorn on the stovetop isn’t exactly difficult per se, but it can be a little messy. Butter and oil splattering everywhere, big, bulky pots to clean, and if you’re not careful, you can burn it pretty easily. All minor annoyances, but the Hamilton Beach Popaire solved all those problems and then some. This genius gadget used heated air to pop corn kernels to fluffy perfection without the need for any extra butter or oil. It also took up minimal space on the countertop. 

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

The reason the Hamilton Beach Popaire made so much sense is that it used heated air to eliminate the need for any excess heat or oil. Instead of reinventing the wheel, it just made smart use of a readily available resource—air. 

3. Presto Salad Shooter @morgandavii

Presto ‘Salad Shooter’ commercial, 1989. 🥗 #presto #kitchen #kitchengadgets #oldcommercials #commercial #nostalgia #nostalgic #throwback #flashback #late80s #early90s #salad #saladshooter #gadget #dessert #saladtoppings #veggies #saladsoftiktok #shred #electric #kitchentools #cheese #saladrecipe #memoryunlocked #cooking

♬ original sound - MD🫈

If you’ve ever prepared a Chef’s or chopped salad before, you know how tedious it can be to work your way through a mountain of veggies and ingredients. For some, it can be meditative, but when you just want to get things chopped, it can quickly feel like a task. Luckily, the 90s gave us the Presto Salad Shooter, which made chopping ingredients virtually instant. Essentially, it acted as a hand-held food processor that you could just aim at your bowl and go. Dinner in half the time? No wonder Mom loved this one.

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Although the Presto Salad Shooter is considered a unitasker, it’s kind of like having a cherry pitter. You might only need it for one thing, but you’ll quickly find out you can use it for so much more than just the task it was created for. Not to mention, unlike more modern food processors, the Salad Shooter was fairly compact, making it easy to put away when not in use. 

4. Black & Decker Toast-R-Oven

There are several different schools of thought when it comes to toaster ovens, but the Black & Decker Toast-R-Oven arguably changed the game. It made heating up smaller portions and quick kitchen tasks easier and less time-consuming. Instead of heating up the whole house, you could just turn on the toaster oven, pop in your lunch, and be ready to eat in a fraction of the time. It was also one of the few appliances we were cleared to use in the kitchen without much supervision. 

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Today, you’ve got toaster ovens that you can program to cook meals virtually on their own without any additional intervention on your part. You can control them from your phone and even scan barcodes that tell your toaster exactly what setting and how long to cook for. But what smart tech can’t do is give you the same satisfaction of knowing you remembered to pull your toast out just before it burned. Intuition beats smart gadgets any day of the week.

5. Manual Egg Beater

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

One could argue that a fork could be considered a manual egg beater, but truly nothing compares to having one of these gadgets in the kitchen. Before electric hand mixers came along, this manual hand crank option did a lot of heavy lifting in the kitchen. It was essentially two balloon whisks attached to a gear that you had to turn to whip eggs into fluffy perfection. Beyond eggs, it was great for creaming butter, mixing batters, and even making ultra-smooth sauces.

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Manual egg beaters worked better primarily because it was easier to control your results without overmixing. Sure, long mixing tasks meant getting an arm workout, but you could almost guarantee consistent results every single time.

6. Ronco Food Dehydrator

We’re not sure why everyone wanted to dehydrate food in the 90s, but the Ronco Food Dehydrator was all the rage back then. It took up a decent amount of space on the countertop and wasn’t one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, but it was one of those things every mom had. Essentially, you would insert trays into the tower and dehydrate everything from fruit and veggies to beef jerky without any excess fat or oil.

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

While you can easily dehydrate things in a conventional oven, dehydrators work by removing moisture from food without requiring heat. The lowest oven temperature is typically around 170°F, while the Ronco Food Dehydrator can go as low as 95°F for things like herbs and flowers. It’s not exactly a necessity, but it was nice to have in the 90s.

7. Jack LaLanne Juicer

Chris Weeks / Getty Images

Even if you grew up during the tail end of the 90s and into the early aughts, you likely remember seeing Jack LaLanne Juicer infomercials, and you definitely knew someone who had one. Although it wasn’t exactly a small appliance, this cold-pressed juicer made light work of fibrous fruits and veggies, making it easy to make your own juice at home without any extra additives. It capitalized on the health fads of the 90s, but it didn’t hurt that it was being marketed and sold by fitness and nutrition guru Jack LaLanne, who lived to be 96 years old. 

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Juicers today are more compact and sleek, but the Jack LaLanne juicer still could stand with the best of them. It had a larger feed chute, making it easy to juice bulky produce; the motor was relatively quiet, and it was generally affordable at around $100 to $150. Comparatively, juicers today can go for upwards of $400. 

8. Breadman Bread Maker

Armastas / Getty Images

Clearly you can see there was a theme with making tasks pretty much hands-off in the 90s and bread making was one of them. You can’t beat having fresh bread warm from the oven with dinner, but actually taking the time to make it can end up being an all-day process. Bread machines solved that by effectively doing all the heavy lifting for you. All you had to do was toss in your ingredients and the machine would mix and bake without you having to lift a muscle. Today bread makers are still around, but they’re considerably less popular than they used to be.

Why Analog Beats Smart Tech

Although bread making is one of those activities that requires virtually nothing more than your hands, a heat source and time, it can be daunting for even the most experienced cooks. Not to mention heating up the oven, waiting for dough to proof and then timing things perfectly is a skill that takes time to master. Bread machines take all the guesswork out, giving you more time to do other things—like juicing all the produce in your fridge.

Final Takeaways

There’s no denying that the advent of technology has made things a bit easier and more convenient, but smarter doesn’t always mean better. Just because you can make a robot grill that flips burgers for you while simultaneously cooking French fries to crispy golden perfection doesn’t mean you should. Besides, a George Foreman Grill is way more affordable.

Did we miss any? Let us know which kitchen gadgets you grew up using in the comments!

Related: 7 Forgotten Kitchen Trends From the 1980s That Are Secretly Making a Massive Comeback

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Whether you're into wine, coffee, martinis, or margaritas, having a dedicated place to mix and serve drinks in your home is a game changer for entertaining. If you don't have the space or the funds for a custom-built bar, a well-organized freestanding cabinet is a solid, budget-friendly alternative. Like any piece of furniture, you'll want something that blends with your home's decor but also offers plenty of storage for drinkware, mixers, and small appliances like blenders or espresso machines — and options with built-in charging ports where you can plug things in without needing an extension cord are even better. 

If that sounds like something your home needs ASAP, Walmart has a gorgeous option with a fluted design, a built-in spot for a mini fridge, and all the features you need to make your home the best place in town to grab a drink. Best of all, it's currently 50% off! Right now, the Biemlerfn Coffee Bar Cabinet is on sale in both black and brown finishes, with a limited-time flash deal slashing the price in half from $440 to $220.

Biemlerfn Coffee Bar Cabinet, $220 (was $440) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This 55-inch-long bar cabinet centers around an open compartment designed to house a mini fridge or wine cooler, with removable open shelving space above, depending on the size of the fridge. On either side are smooth-gliding drawers positioned atop two spacious storage cabinets, which feature beautiful fluted doors, gold-tone handles, and adjustable interior shelves for customized organization. Built-in wine glass holders are positioned within the cabinets, underneath each drawer, so you can safely store stemware without worrying about it getting knocked off the bar top.

At 39.6 inches tall, its spacious tabletop is the perfect height for mixing drinks, making coffee, or displaying decor. The top is also more durable than the average build-it-yourself cabinet at nearly an inch thick and made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a polished faux woodgrain finish that's waterproof, scratch- and stain- resistant, and can support up to 150 pounds. 

The cabinet also features a built-in charging station, equipped with two AC outlets, one USB port, and one Type-C port. You can use it to plug in small appliances like a microwave or coffee maker, a crockpot if you're serving snacks, or even as a charging hub for your guests' phones. 

Shop More Deals

• Chic House Fluted TV Stand, $226 (was $370) at Walmart
• Lefhda Fluted 3-Drawer Dresser, $76 (was $108) at Walmart
• Behost 3-Tier Rolling Microwave Cart, $87 (was $150) at Walmart

Walmart shoppers were impressed by the cabinet's "exquisite" fluted design, with multiple reviewers raving about how stylish it looked in their living rooms and kitchens. Offering "ample storage," customers also noted that this bar cart was "practical and convenient." Shoppers mentioned that assembly was straightforward, taking about an hour to complete, and that the result was a "sturdy" cabinet that should hold up for years to come.

Related: The Pioneer Woman's Retro-Style Turquoise Toaster Looks 'Pretty' on a Countertop and 'Toasts to Perfection'

You won't want to miss the chance to snag the Biemlerfn Coffee Bar Cabinet for half off! Flash deals don't last long, so head to Walmart and add it to your cart while it's still on sale. 

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Rapper, singer, and one half of the musical duo Outkast, André 3000 began writing a song in 2000 that would go on to effectively change music entirely. Inspired by bands like The Ramones, The Smiths, and The Hives, André wrote and recorded the first verse, the intro, the chorus/the hook several times, and stacked his vocals.

The song he was working on would go on to be the smash hit, "Hey Ya." The other half of Outkast, Big Boi, is not featured on the track but instead recorded the counterpart single, "The Way You Move."

"Hey Ya" was released in August of 2003 and was subject to widespread critical and commercial acclaim. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, and would go on to be the first song on iTunes to surpass a million dowloads.

The breakdown, or bridge of the song, contains the iconically memorable line "Shake it like a Polaroid picture." The line caused for a termporary boost in Polaroid's sales, but moreso just became an absolute moment in the zeitgeist. Outkast even did a deal with the camera brand to bring the company's cameras on stage at certain performances. And all of this was not for nothing, as recently, Billboard ranked their list of the "100 Best Bridges" in music put "Hey Ya" in the top spot.

"Hey Ya" went on to be one of the most significant songs of the 21st century and almost universally critically acclaimed. Pitchfork included the song in its list of "The Pitchfork 500" and Rolling Stone ranked it number 10 in its ranking of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

In terms of awards, "Hey Ya" ran away with several including:

• The Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance
• The MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, Best Hip-Hip Video, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction
• The Soul Train Award for Best Video of the Year
• The BET Award for Best Video of the Year

The song "Hey Ya" is synonymous with the early 2000s and for good reason. The bridge the hook will likely be stuck in your head simply from seeing the title, and that's an accompishment in and of itself.

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Related: 1987 Debut Album, Written By a 16-Year-Old, Became an International Sensation

Bubblegum pop dominated the early 2000s, with stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera leading the charts. But when it came to bringing angst and edge to the new millennium, Avril Lavigne helped push pop-punk into the mainstream. 

In 2002, the then 17-year-old, famously described as the “pop punk princess,” seemed to come out of nowhere when she released her debut single, “Complicated.” The song became an immediate commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and spending 31 weeks on that chart. 

Though not a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Complicated” became Lavigne’s breakthrough hit and was a chart-topper on the Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay charts. Internationally, it reached No. 1 in Australia, Norway, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Beyond its chart success, “Complicated” has earned recognition on several ranked listings, including Billboard’s "Top 100 Singles of the Decade" and “Greatest Minivan Rock Songs” lists, where she ranked at No. 83 and No. 2, respectively. 

In 2025, Lavigne also ranked at No. 132 on Rolling Stone's'200 “Greatest Songs of the Century” list, which includes tracks like Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow,” Olivia Rodrigo’s "Drivers License,” and several others. 

Written by Lavigne alongside The Matrix production team — Lauren Christy, Scott Spock, Graham Edwards — “Complicated” pairs clean acoustic guitars with crunchy electric guitars over a straightforward rock beat. Lyrically, Lavigne calls out a romantic love interest for acting differently around friends and trying too hard to impress others. 

Lavigne was only a teenager when she released “Complicated.” But her candid songwriting and relatable delivery of the tune earned her two Grammy Award nominations for Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. 

“Complicated” appears on Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go, her highest-selling album to date. The project spawned three more hits, including “Sk8er Boi,” “I’m with You,” and “Losing Grip.”

Related: 1996 No. 1 Hit, With 14-Year-Old Singer, Became a Motivational Anthem

When Emerson, Lake & Palmer released their self-titled debut album in 1970, they immediately established themselves as one of progressive rock's most adventurous new bands.

Among the album's standout tracks was "Knife-Edge," a dramatic fusion of classical music and hard rock composed by Keith Emerson that featured lyrics and vocal melodies by Greg Lake, who was just 22 years old when the song was recorded. More than five decades later, it remains one of the trio's most celebrated recordings.

"Knife-Edge" demonstrated the band's willingness to push musical boundaries from the very beginning.

Keyboardist Keith Emerson adapted portions of Leoš Janáček’s Sinfonietta, transforming the orchestral fanfare into a thunderous Hammond organ-driven rock arrangement. Lake then crafted an original vocal melody and lyrics that complemented the dramatic music, while drummer Carl Palmer anchored the piece with his powerful, intricate rhythms.

"'Knife Edge,' which was the only rock track on the very first album, was something which came together very, very quickly in the studio and really worked - it was fantastic," Palmer told Songfacts. "We thought it was an instrumental, and Greg said, 'No, hang on.' He said, 'I could put a topline on this, we could have something.'"

The result was unlike almost anything else on rock radio in 1970.

By blending classical composition with heavy rock instrumentation, Emerson, Lake & Palmer helped define the emerging progressive rock movement. "Knife-Edge" became one of the earliest examples of the band's signature style, showcasing the technical virtuosity and ambitious arrangements that would become hallmarks of its career.

Comically, neither Lake nor Palmer realized that the song was an adaptation.

"We thought we'd written [Knife-Edge] but we didn't know that Keith Emerson had stolen the piece from the composer Janáček," Palmer told Glide Magazine years later. "We did get a knock at the door a year later from the publisher saying this isn't all yours, you know."

Although it was never released as a major hit single, the song quickly became a fan favorite.

It appeared on the band's debut album, which helped establish Emerson, Lake & Palmer as one of the leading progressive rock acts of the decade. "Knife-Edge" also became a fixture of the band's live performances, where its explosive keyboard passages and soaring vocals regularly drew enthusiastic responses from audiences.

"I was a little bit disappointed [with the album] because the one side just had Keith Emerson playing organ on it," Palmer admitted. "There was no bass, there was no singing, there was no drums. So I thought maybe we haven't got this right. But that's the way it went and I just let it go and, fortunate enough, American radio was a lot more open than what it is now. It was a true art form where anything and everything could be played at any time of day. And they did play 'Knife-Edge' and they did play 'Lucky Man' and they did get into the top ten and they did play 'The Barbarian' by Bartok. I don't know how much of 'The Three Fates,' the three organ pieces, that they played but at that stage it didn't matter. We'd got three or four tracks on the airwaves and that was enough to get us through."

For Greg Lake, the song marked another important milestone in an already remarkable career.

Having previously helped launch King Crimson with In the Court of the Crimson King, the 22 year-old singer and bassist once again found himself at the forefront of a groundbreaking musical movement. His lyrical contribution to "Knife-Edge" demonstrated the emotional depth he could bring to even the most technically ambitious compositions.

More than 55 years after its release, "Knife-Edge" remains one of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's defining songs. What Greg Lake helped create at just 22 years old continues to stand as a beloved rock classic, showcasing the fearless creativity that made the trio one of progressive rock’s most influential bands.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 51 Years Later

Ranjuo Tomblin, 20, is quickly rising through the ranks and establishing himself as one of the world's best artistic swimmers. The British swimmer pulled out all the stops at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris this week, taking home gold for the second year in a row in the men's solo technical final. Swimming to George Michael's 1984 hit "Careless Whisper" while wearing bedazzled red swim trunks, Tomblin brought his signature personality and theatricality to his award-winning performance, drawing new attention to international competitive artistic swimming.

The "Golden Boy" of Artistic Swimming @eurovisionsport

The golden boy does it again! 🥇🇬🇧 @_ranjuotomblin_ delivers a brilliant Men's Solo Technical routine to take gold in Paris 🌊✨ @aquatics_gb @euroaquatics 📺 Watch live and free on Eurovision Sport and AquaticsGB website. #EuropeanAquatics #Paris2026 #ArtisticSwimming #EurovisionSport

♬ original sound - EurovisionSport

Affectionately nicknamed the "Golden Boy," Ranjuo Tomblin has quickly established himself as one of the leading figures in men's artistic swimming. By successfully defending his European title in the men's solo technical event, he captured gold for the second consecutive year, reinforcing his status as the standard-bearer in one of the sport's fastest-growing disciplines.

A Performance That Captivated Fans

Thanks in part to his dramatic flair and emotional performances, coupled with his boundary-pushing technical maneuvers in the pool, Tomblin has helped shine a brighter spotlight on men's artistic swimming at a time when the sport is gaining unprecedented international recognition. While his routines combine extraordinary technical precision, strength, and flexibility, it is Tomblin's artistic expression that has made him one of the sport's most exciting athletes to watch.

His latest gold medal-winning routine, performed to George Michael's "Careless Whisper," showcased both his technical excellence and his ability to connect emotionally with audiences.

Related: Olympic Skating Legend, 62, Who Created Magic at the 1988 Winter Games, Can Still Make the Ice Sing

A Rising Star on the Global Stage @ranjuotomblin

Free solo at the World Aquatics artistic swimming super final 🥇💪 Video from🎥: @WorldAquatics #swimming #competition #routine #gold #artisticswimming

♬ original sound - ranjuotomblin

As men's artistic swimming continues to grow in popularity, thanks in part to increased access through streaming services and social media, Tomblin has emerged as one of its most recognizable ambassadors. His back-to-back European titles have positioned him as one of the favorites heading into future global competitions, while his creativity and charisma have attracted new fans well beyond the artistic swimming community.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Still early in his career, Tomblin's rapid rise suggests he could become one of the defining athletes of his generation. With consecutive European championships already to his name and a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, the "Golden Boy" is helping shape the future of artistic swimming while inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans around the world.

Related: Olympic Gymnast, Standing Just 4-Foot-8, Soared 12 Feet During This Gravity-Defying Floor Routine

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

To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you'll need to know a thing or two about film festivals, have an understanding of human anatomy, and be generally familiar with different AI models. That should get you started, but the rest is up to you.

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

So, if you're working on today's Mini Crossword on Saturday, August 1, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Saturday, August 1, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Coffee choice before bed — HINT: Ends with the letter "F"

6 Across: Recurring bug? —HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

7 Across: California's most valuable crop, just barely edging out grapes — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

8 Across: Fist pound — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

9 Across: Back of a soccer goal — HINT: Starts with the letter "N"

10 Across: Carefully thought (over) — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

12 Across: Brain sparks — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

13 Across: Something that might end after "Pencils down!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "T"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Indentations at the end of a smile — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

2 Down: Green: Prefix — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"

3 Down: Film festival with the Palme d'Or — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

4 Down: No ___ sugar (product claim) — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

5 Down: Speedy — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

6 Down: Anthropic's A.I. assistant — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

7 Down: Own up to — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

11 Down: Back muscle, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter "L"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Saturday, August 1, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Coffee choice before bed — DECAF

6 Across: Recurring bug? —CICADA

7 Across: California's most valuable crop, just barely edging out grapes — ALMONDS

8 Across: Fist pound — DAP

9 Across: Back of a soccer goal — NET

10 Across: Carefully thought (over) — MULLED

12 Across: Brain sparks — IDEAS

13 Across: Something that might end after "Pencils down!" — TEST

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Indentations at the end of a smile — DIMPLES

2 Down: Green: Prefix — ECO

3 Down: Film festival with the Palme d'Or — CANNES

4 Down: No ___ sugar (product claim) — ADDED

5 Down: Speedy — FAST

6 Down: Anthropic's A.I. assistant — CLAUDE

7 Down: Own up to — ADMIT

11 Down: Back muscle, for short — LAT

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The best summer footwear is lightweight, breathable, and supportive enough to wear for all your warm-weather outings. If you've been searching for an easy throw-on-and-go pair of shoes that you can keep by the front door all season long, Amazon has a new deal that's worth checking out. Skechers' On-the-Go Flex Radiant Dreaming Slip-Ins are now on sale for nearly 50% off, and they have a comfy, cushioned feel that offers plenty of comfort for all-day wear. 

Originally priced at $83, the top-rated shoes are now on sale for as low as $43 in the classic all-black color. You can also shop it in six other color options, including taupe, navy, and caramel, at $43 to $70. Sizes range from 5 to 12 (including half sizes and wide widths), although availability depends on color.  

Skechers On-the-Go Flex Radiant Dreaming Slip-Ins, From $43 (was $84) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These popular loafer-style shoes feature an air-cooled memory foam insole with ultra-soft cushioning, offering a pillowy, supportive feel for walking or standing all day. It has a sleek slip-in design with a mesh upper that enhances breathability, keeping your feet cool and dry even in sweltering hot temperatures. The bungee laces offer a secure fit, while the flexible rubber outsole provides extra traction for uneven terrain or slippery surfaces.  

With a rounded toe, a polyester lining, and a stretchy, sock-like fit, these stylish shoes have an open, airy feel that's perfect for summer. The heel pillow holds your foot securely in place, with a 0.50-inch heel that provides just the right amount of lift. The versatile colors and slim, modern design gives them a chic feel that's more elevated than sneakers and flip-flops, but just as comfortable. 

Related: Amazon's 'Flowy' $9 Rolled-Sleeve Tee Is 'Great for Summer' and Comes in Over 35 Colors

These Skechers slip-ins are a favorite among Amazon shoppers, with over 1,100 five-star ratings. Several highlighted the soft, "comfy" footbed, with one noting that they're "supportive" and "great for everyday wear." Another buyer said they're "lightweight, stylish, and offer amazing comfort" for long days on your feet. 

Shop More Deals

• Skechers On-the-Go 600 Brilliancy Sandals, $45(was $50) at Amazon
• Kidmi H-Band Flat Sandals, From $26 (was $40) at Amazon
• Mazeskin Faux-Leather Flip-Flops, From $14 (was $22) at Amazon

If you want to round out your summer shoe collection with a cute and comfy pair that you can effortlessly take on and off, these Skechers slip-ins are an excellent pick. They're lightweight, cushiony, and available in seven versatile colors that complement anything. Grab them while they're nearly 50% off at Amazon. 

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