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On angel number day 10/21/26, three zodiac signs will be the most impacted.

Angel number day 10/21 on October 21, 2026, carries a numerological theme of ambition, fresh beginnings, and personal growth. In numerology, 1 represents initiative and leadership, while 2 symbolizes cooperation, balance, and faith in the process. Together, these numbers offer a symbolic reminder to trust your vision and take meaningful steps toward your goals.

Adding to the day’s reflective energy, the Moon moves into Pisces, a water sign associated with intuition, imagination, and emotional insight. For three zodiac signs, angel number day offers a meaningful opportunity to align their intentions with the goals they want to bring to fruition.

Check for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs.

Aquarius, today’s Pisces Moon activates your income, possessions, personal resources, and self-worth. It’s divine time to reflect on what financial security means to you and how your relationship with money supports the life you want to build. Instead of focusing only on what you hope to earn, consider the values and priorities that guide your financial decisions.

Angel number day 10/21 offers a cosmic reminder to take your resources seriously and recognize the value of your skills. You may feel inspired to revisit a financial goal, explore a new income source, or reconsider whether your talents are being given the recognition they deserve. If you’ve been undervaluing your effort or hesitating to pursue a new practical path, use this moment to think about what needs to change.

Manifesting abundance isn’t simply about wishing for more. It’s also about developing a healthier relationship with what you have and making intentional choices about what comes next. By aligning your ambitions with your values, you can begin building a more sustainable foundation for success.

Gemini, your professional aspirations in the spotlight. October 21 is a meaningful day to reflect on the legacy you want to create and the direction you’re taking to get there. Today’s Pisces Moon also moves through your house of career, reputation, public visibility, and long-term achievements.

Rather than measuring success by how quickly you reach a milestone, consider whether your current path reflects your broader ambitions. You might benefit from revisiting a professional goal, refining an idea, or strategizing how you want your work recognized. If you’ve been waiting for inspiration before taking the next step, Piscean, imaginative lunar influence can help you envision possibilities you haven’t fully explored.

The numerological symbolism of 10/21 adds another layer to this reflection: 1 represents initiative, while 2 highlights collaboration. Together, they remind you that career growth can involve both owning your ideas and staying open to support from others.

Success may begin with a clearer vision of where you’re headed. Once you know what you’re working toward, you can make more deliberate choices about how to get there.

Taurus, the Pisces Moon activates your sphere of friendships, professional networks, collective projects, and long-term hopes. This sector is also traditionally associated with gains that follow your efforts, making it a natural fit for a success-themed October 21 interpretation.

Reflect on the people, communities, and shared ambitions that help you move closer to your goals. Progress comes from a conversation that introduces a new possibility, a friend who encourages you to think bigger, or a collaborative project that allows your talents to reach a wider audience.

Angel number day 10/21 invites you to consider which dreams are worth investing in and which connections help you move toward the future you envision. If you’ve been pursuing a goal on your own, this could be a good moment to consider where collaboration might make the journey more rewarding.

The Pisces Moon also encourages you to listen to your intuition about the communities you join and the plans you commit to. You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity. Instead, focus on relationships and shared projects that genuinely align with your aspirations.

Your next step toward success may come from recognizing that you don’t have to build everything alone.

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Even if you’re the kind of person who likes to go all out with your Christmas decor, there will come a point when the holiday season has passed, and it’s time to take everything down. Red and green aren’t allowed solely in December, so if you have accent pieces and accessories like bedding, throw blankets, and pillows sporting these hues, it’s worth considering how you could work them into your home’s aesthetic come January. Love the farmhouse look? We found a gorgeous patchwork quilt set with a reversible plaid design that’ll set the tone for Christmas and beyond. 

New for the 2026 holiday season, the Martha Stewart North Star 3-Piece Quilt Set is made from 100% cotton flannel to keep you nice and cozy all winter long. Normally $200, you can snag this quilt set in the full/queen size for just $84 at JCPenney when you enter code GHOSTS at checkout. It’s already on sale for 40% off, but the discount code drops that price another 30%. In total, you can save a whopping $116 on this bedding set — 58% off the original cost. If you’re outfitting a bigger bed, the king size is also on sale from $220 down to $91 with the discount code. 

Courtesy of JCPenney

Made from soft, brushed cotton flannel and a lightweight polyester fill, this quilt set offers plenty of warmth, particularly in cold weather, without being overly bulky. The set comes with a full/queen sized quilt measuring 92 inches wide by 96 inches long and two standard pillow shams measuring 26 inches wide and 20 inches long. All pieces are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified free from harmful substances, and machine washable for easy care.

To give your bedroom a festive look throughout the holiday season and classic farmhouse style afterward, this reversible quilt has two sides to choose from. One features an eight-point patchwork star motif, accented with red-and-white ditsy florals, red-and-green plaids, and alternating triangles of crisp white and forest green. The flip side boasts a traditional red-and-green plaid, offering a cleaner, less Christmassy style that looks like something you might find in a quaint country cottage.

• Martha Stewart Joss 3-Piece Reversible Comforter Set, $91 (was $220) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart Jack Pine 3-Piece Embellished Comforter Set, $91 (was $220) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart Snowflake Tile 3-Piece Comforter Set, $91 (was $220) at JCPenney

Related: Martha Stewart’s New Christmas Quilt Set Has a Reversible Plaid Design for the Post-Holiday Season

You won’t want to miss the chance to snag the Martha Stewart North Star 3-Piece Quilt Set while it’s on sale for $84 at JCPenney ahead of the holiday season. Don’t forget to add the code GHOSTS when you check out to secure this deal!

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

If your bathroom countertop is overflowing with skincare products, hair care essentials, and medications, a little extra storage could make all the difference. A freestanding cabinet gives you a place to keep toiletries and other daily necessities organized, so you can spend less time shuffling things around your sink. Amazon has a stylish cabinet that offers plenty of room for all those bathroom essentials. 

Right now, the Grusign Bathroom Cabinet is on sale at Amazon for $63, down from $70. It features a beadboard-style detailing and matte finish that fit right in with modern farmhouse and minimalist decor. You can shop the unit in four colors — white, black, brown, and gray — making it easy to find a style that suits your bathroom. Prices vary by color, but every option costs less than $80. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Measuring 11.8 inches deep, 22 inches wide, and 33.5 inches tall, the Grusign Bathroom Cabinet packs plenty of storage into a compact design. It features a spacious tabletop, an enclosed cabinet, an open compartment, two small drawers, and one large drawer, giving you room to organize everything from skincare products and medications to toiletries and other daily essentials.

The tabletop supports up to 30 pounds, while each shelf holds up to 15 pounds, for a combined capacity of 60 pounds. The cabinet also comes with a pre-installed anti-tip kit for added stability, which can be especially helpful in homes with children or pets. Assembly is also designed to be simple, with numbered parts and illustrated instructions. According to the brand, setup can take less than 30 minutes without tools.

Amazon shoppers praised the cabinet’s storage capacity and appearance. One reviewer called it an “excellent purchase for the money,” adding that it offered plenty of room for their toiletries and looked “very stylish.” Another described it as “sturdy” and “just the right size,” for their bathroom. While a third wrote that it was “easy to put together” and appreciated that the instructions were clear. 

• Hanes Midweight Fleece Joggers, From $18 (was $26) at Amazon 
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Related: Amazon’s 5-Tier Rolling Cabinet Is a ‘Chic’ Storage Fix for Kitchens With No Counter Space

For anyone who needs extra room to organize bathroom essentials, the Grusign Bathroom Cabinet is worth a look. Head to Amazon to grab one in your preferred color while the sale price lasts!

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For the majority of her career, Amy Griffin was predominantly known in circles as a marketing professional first, marrying a billionaire next, and then, as of 2017, a venture capitalist. That year, Griffin founded G9 Ventures, where she worked on deals with the likes of Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and the dating app Bumble.

However, despite her massive success in the financial services sector, Griffin had more she wanted to do, and more she needed to say, especially as it pertained to her past growing up in Texas.

According to Griffin, even though she had what many would consider a picture-perfect life, she was constantly running from something. So she turned to psychedelic therapy in order to uncover things from her past that were continuing to plague her psyche. Through this therapy, predominantly done with MDMA, Griffin relived traumatic events involving sexual abuse at the hands of a teacher she had in middle school while in Texas.

Griffin took this experience and the discoveries she made in therapy and turned it into the best-selling, explosive memoir, The Tell. The Tell was an immensely buzzy book upon publication in 2025, being selected for Oprah’s Book Club and instantaneously hitting the New York Times bestseller list. The memoir was so prolific in just one year and some change post-publication that the reading platform Goodreads placed it among their “Most Popular Memoirs of the Last Decade” among the likes of Becoming by Michelle Obama and Know My Name by Chanel Miller.

However, The Tell was also met with its fair share of controversy. In the fall following its publication, medical professionals as well as readers were skeptical of the claims Griffin made about MDMA-assisted therapy uncovering repressed memories. Bigger than this, though, a former classmate of Griffin’s came forward claiming that the incidents of assault described in The Tell had actually happened to her, and that Griffin had effectively plagiarized her life. She also alleged she had been subjected to invasions of privacy by Griffin and/or people associated with her, in addition to negligence and infliction of emotional distress. She sued Griffin, who subsequently filed her own lawsuit against this former classmate for defamation.

Both lawsuits are still ongoing.

The Tell is out now and available wherever books are sold.

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Related: 1813 Classic, Originally Published Anonymously, Ranked the ‘Best Romance Book of All Time’ by Goodreads

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The most wonderful time of the year is approaching fast, which means that it’s almost time to break out the Christmas decorations. Whether you’re the type who puts the tree up in early November or prefers to wait until Thanksgiving weekend, there’s no doubt that a few cute ornaments can dial up those festive feelings even more. This year, Walmart has an impressive variety of amazing collections at reduced prices, like the Ayieyill 24-Piece Christmas Ornament Set.

The vintage vibes here are strong! Each ornament is crafted from polished plywood slices and designed to last. Normally $25, the set is currently on sale for just $15. There are three varieties available, all featuring vibrant gnomes and other holiday-friendly characters. Each ornament has a fun design, ranging from a classic Santa gnome to red trucks filled to the brim with colorfully wrapped presents.

Courtesy of Walmart

They aren’t just for the tree, either! With their smooth finish and slim profile, these ornaments make a versatile addition to your decorating setup. They have pre-drilled holes and include hemp rope, so you can easily attach them to gift bags, put them on the tree, or hang them on the wall to make any room feel a little more merry and bright. 

Some reviewers shared that they’ve used them for crafting and for art projects with children, too. Because they lay flat, you can just as easily use them to decorate gift boxes for a brilliant finishing touch. Most people highlighted the attention to detail, noting the exquisite artwork and quality of the laser-cut slices.

“These are the cutest little ornaments ever! The color and design is amazing,” one shopper wrote. 

Another called them “sturdy and colorful,” adding that they’re “adorable and very festive” and “great for the tree or embellishing a gift.”

• Hoofun LED Christmas Tree Boxes Set, From $26 (was $46) at Walmart
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You can’t go wrong with classic gnomes — and what better way to kick off the holiday season than with some nostalgic decorations? Pick up the Ayieyill 24-Piece Christmas Ornament Set in your preferred variety while it’s marked down to just $15 at Walmart!

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

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

There’s something so appealing about a rolling multi-tier storage cart. While it offers plenty of space for storage and organization, it also gives you the option to move it around if you ever need to. While most utility carts have an open design, those with drawers are more handy. They’re more secure, allowing you to fit more things inside, like this Sunally 4-Drawer Storage Cart at Amazon. 

Normally retailing for $45, this storage cart is now marked down to just $40 in your choice of black or white. If you’re looking to organize your space and give it a visual upgrade ahead of the holiday hosting season, you should grab this cart ASAP because this sweet deal is only available for a limited time! 

Courtesy of Amazon

Featuring a wooden top with exposed grain, this storage cart subtly lends itself to the farmhouse aesthetic with a rustic and natural feel. The wooden surface allows you to display decor pieces or hold everyday items you need easy access to. Alternatively, you could use it to hold an espresso machine or coffee maker to create your dream coffee cart!

The rest of the cart is made of metal in either a black or white finish, which gives it an industrial vibe as well. Designed with clean lines and a sleek silhouette, this cart will effortlessly blend with all your furniture and decor in any room you keep it in. 

Compared to most utility carts with an open design, this version boasts four drawers that’ll still give you easy access to all your belongings while keeping them secure. Each drawer measures around 12.3 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep, and 5.4 inches tall. Because the drawers have high edges, you can fit more into each tier compared to a typical rolling cart. 

You can use these drawers to store and organize nearly anything, whether it’s crafts, snacks, skincare products, tools, stationery, or just miscellaneous items. The mesh drawers promote visibility and airflow, allowing you to see everything stored inside while keeping it fresh. You can easily pull them out whenever you need access. They’re fixed on a frame with an anti-drop design that prevents the bins from sliding all the way out. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Equipped with four 360-degree swivel wheels, this storage cart is also incredibly convenient. You can effortlessly move it from room to room, which will come in handy whenever you’re hosting guests or deep cleaning your home. Whenever you want to keep the cart stationary, just enable the brakes on two of the wheels.

This rolling cart has a 156-pound weight limit, and several shoppers noted that it feels incredibly sturdy. It measures around 32 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 11.4 inches deep, making it ideal for small and large spaces alike (there’s a slimmer option on sale for $30 as well). As a bonus, many also raved that it was really quick and easy to put together, so it’ll be ready to use in no time.

“I’ve found it useful for organizing pantry items, bottles, snacks, and cleaning supplies, but it would work just as well in a bathroom or laundry room,” one reviewer wrote. “Overall, it’s a practical organizer that helps turn wasted narrow spaces into useful storage.”

Another reviewer said that it “controls the clutter” and “doesn’t take up much space,” while a third described it as “very roomy and sturdy.”

• Officejoy 10-Drawer Storage Cart, From $49 (was $52) at Amazon
• Jarlink Over-the-Door Organizer, From $21 (was $27) at Amazon
• Ukeeptap 2-Pack of Under-Sink Organizers, From $20 at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s Oversized Tote With Over 2,200 Five-Star Reviews Is 64% Off and Comes in 26 Prints

Ready to get your home organized while adding a farmhouse accent piece? If so, head to Amazon and grab the Sunally 4-Drawer Storage Cart while it’s still on sale for just $40!

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.

In March of 1991, songwriter and legendary guitarist Eric Clapton faced every parent’s worst nightmare and personal tragedy. Clapton’s four-year-old son, Conor, fell out of a 53rd-floor window while at a friend’s apartment. Conor did not survive the accident.

After the horrific incident resulting in the loss of his child, Clapton went through a period of isolation. He returned to work, beginning to put together music for the film Rush. He started writing a song but felt the material was too painful, and enlisted the help of Will Jennings to write the piece. After the song, which ended up being the track “Tears in Heaven,” was completed, Clapton spoke about how cathartic the experience was, saying, “I almost subconsciously used music for myself as a healing agent, and lo and behold, it worked… I have got a great deal of happiness and a great deal of healing from music.”

Rolling Stone ranked the track at number one on their list of the “Saddest Songs of All Time.” Of the track, the publication wrote, “By 2004, Clapton could no longer bear to perform the song at his shows, and he dropped it; it returned earlier this year.”

“Tears in Heaven” went on to be Clapton’s best-selling single in the United States, with almost 3 million copies sold, going Platinum for the first time in 1992. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the best-selling singles of the decade.

Additionally, the song went on to win several awards and be noted with numerous accolades. “Tears in Heaven” took home three Grammy Awards in 1993 for Best Pop Vocal Performance Male, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. In addition to being noted in Rolling Stone for just how emotionally moving the song is, the publication also included it in its well-known ranking of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Understandably, the song was difficult for Clapton to perform, and in 2004 he stopped including it in set lists altogether, stating that he didn’t want the feelings necessary to play “Tears in Heaven” to come back. However, as of 2022, the song has reappeared in set lists for live shows of Clapton’s.

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Related: 1993 Hit Single by Real McCoy Ranked the ‘Best Pop Song of All Time’

Many know Donald Fagen as one of the founding members of Steely Dan, but in the early 1980s, he broke free to embark on his solo debut that led to a one-hit wonder about technology.

“I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)” was released in 1982 as a jazz-rock track written by Fagen. While some may not consider it a one-hit wonder due to his work with Steely Dan, it did become his biggest hit as a solo act. The song was released as the first track for his The Nightly album that became platinum-certified.

Fagen used a lot of what he had learned with Steely Dan to develop the song, and his own experience to create a sense of ironic hopefulness. It largely ties into the inspiration behind the song’s title. I.G.Y. refers to the real-life International Geophysical Year, an event that ran from July 1957 to December 1958.

The event marked an end to the halt of scientific exchanges between the East and West that occurred during the Cold War. Sixty-seven countries came together for a global science project where they learned about Earth, the atmosphere, the oceans, and outer space. It was the first time since the end of the Cold War that scientists banded together to explore how the world works.

I.G.Y. also led to an important moment in the Space Race when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite. The lyrics to Fagen’s song mimicked the optimism of a future filled with technological breakthroughs and achievements, but also poked fun at the irony of technology creating utopia.

“With something like ‘IGY,’ some people think it’s a benign album about what a great future we’re going to have, but that’s not the way I wrote it. [Laughs.] It was supposed to be funny,” explained Fagen to Variety.

“And I was hoping that the disappointment that a kid would feel… It’s about, as a kid, the way we saw the future, and what we were fed by the media and government institutions about how great things are going to be and how technology was going to make life easy and save the world, and how things really turned out, and the dark side of technology. That’s really what it was about. So maybe it was a subtler edge, but there was definitely an edge.”

Despite fans not having caught on to the real message behind the chorus, “I.G.Y.” landed at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also ranked at No. 8 on the Adult Contemporary chart, with success in Canada and Australia. Collider included the song in its list of the “Best Classic Rock One-Hit Wonders.”

Related: 1974 Rock Hit, Written by a 26-Year-Old in a Club’s Kitchen, Ranked as the Best Breakup Anthem of the ’70s

Dedication Night on Dancing with the Stars was an emotional journey for every duo and the loved ones they honored on Tuesday, October 20. But it marked the culmination of a particularly tumultuous week for actress Jenna Dewan, her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, and his temporary replacement, pro Alan Bersten.

Following a social media comment that Chmerkovskiy posted (and later deleted) aimed at judge Carrie Ann Inaba, which series creator BBC Studios deemed “inappropriate,” the longtime pro was suspended for one week of the competition (the first suspension in the show’s history). Bersten, who was eliminated in September with his original season 35 partner, Giada De Laurentiis, stepped in at the last minute to fill Chmerkovskiy’s shoes.

Chmerkovskiy was absent from the ballroom, but watching on a screen like the rest of America. After issuing lengthier statements in past days, including posting two apologies, Chmerkovskiy kept his reactions short and sweet post-show.

As the show ended with the surprise news that none of the duos would be eliminated on Dedication Night, Chmerkovskiy issued a one-word reaction in his Instagram Stories: “Thanks❤️”

He offered another one-word response to a video of the duo’s dance featuring her mom. When DWTS posted it on Instagram after the show, Chmerkovskiy commented, “Perfection❤️”

Hours before DWTS went live on October 20, Bersten posted a photo of himself dancing with Dewan rehearsing in the ballroom and wrote, “I am so honored to be stepping in and dancing with @jennadewan you are such a light and it’s so beautiful to see you and your mom share the floor.”

Chmerkovskiy hopped into the comment section and wrote a note to Bersten that said, “Thank you for stepping in and doing such an amazing job. Jenna looks so good and most importantly happy.”

He cutely added “You’re my new favorite follow 😉” which likely referred to online rumors he’d unfollowed Bersten on social media, even though he hadn’t been following him in the first place.

DWTS tiptoed around the reason for Chmerkovskiy’s absence, with host Alfonso Ribeiro simply telling the live audience at the start of the show, “As you can see, Alan Bersten is with Jenna Dewan because Val Chmerkovskiy is not with us this week.”

That was the only time Chmerkovskiy’s name was mentioned. But Dewan and Bersten briefly addressed their temporary pairing at the start of their prerecorded package, sitting on a couch in the rehearsal room, with producers putting a time stamp of “Friday at 6PM” over the scene.

Bersten told Dewan, “First and foremost, I know it’s a really unusual situation, but I feel so honored to be able to step in and help you this week.” She responded, “Alan! Thank you!” And they moved on to show them talking and rehearsing with her mom.

After the duo’s ethereal dance was complete, DWTS co-host Julianne Hough said to Dewan, “Obviously, it’s been an emotional night, it’s been an emotional week. How do all of the stars performing navigate such a weight of emotions?”

Dewan responded, “I think when there is such an emotional moment in life, for me, it’s really important to go back to myself, and to my core, true north, as to why — what’s my intention? What am I here for? What do I want to show into the world? What do I want to share with the world? And that brings me right back to where I want to be, and that’s what this week was truly all about.” Embracing Bersten, she said with a huge sigh, “And thank you, Alan! You were amazing.”

The duo received 37 out of 40 points for their dance: a 10 from Inaba, a 9 from Derek Hough, a 9 from guest judge Kym Johnson, and a 9 from Bruno Tonioli.

Dancing with the Stars’ next live show will air on Tuesday, October 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. Chmerkovskiy is expected to be back on the dance floor with Dewan, but two duos will be eliminated by the end of the two-hour episode.

To solve today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, consider topics like basketball shots, St. Louis sports teams, past and present Green Bay Packers wide receivers and words that follow “blue,”.

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 Wednesday, October 21, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Scoring in hoops.
• Green: Meet me in …
• Blue: Cheeseheads root for them.
• Purple: Not red or yellow.

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

• Yellow: BASKETBALL SHOTS
• Green: ST. LOUIS TEAM
• Blue: PACKERS WRS, PAST AND PRESENT
• Purple: BLUE____

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 #758 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• BASKETBALL SHOTS: ALLEY-OOP, DUNK, FADEAWAY, FREE THROW
• ST. LOUIS TEAM: BILLIKENS, BLUES, CARDINALS, ST. LOUIS CITY
• PACKERS WRS, PAST AND PRESENT: ADAMS, DRIVER, GOLDEN, NELSON
• BLUE____: DEVILS, JACKETS, JAYS, LINE

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Shirley Ballas will be a guest judge on the next episode of Dancing With The Stars!

At the end of the show’s “Dedication Night” episode, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that Shirley, mom of pro dancer Mark Ballas, will be appearing on next week’s “Horror Movie Night” episode.

Shirley has served as the head judge of the British counterpart of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing, since 2017 and recently was on the judging panel of DWTS: The Next Pro alongside her son and a rotating third adjudicator.

“Next Tuesday on ‘Horror Movie Night,’ our special guest judge is our dancers’ worst nightmare—Shirley Ballas!” Ribeiro exclaimed during Tuesday’s episode as Mark and his celebrity partner, Love Island UK star Maura Higgins, laughed behind him.

“And I can attest to that,” Hough, a longtime friend of the Ballas family, quipped. “She’s one of the most respected ballroom dancers in the entire world, but she is very, very strict.”

On both Strictly Come Dancing and The Next Pro, Shirley is known for her tough judging and, at times, blunt critiques. Next week’s episode will also mark the first time she has judged her son’s dancing on a competition show.

RELATED: Val Chmerkovskiy Breaks Silence on ‘DWTS’ Suspension

Additionally, since no couples were eliminated during “Dedication Night,” Ribeiro and Hough announced that not one, but two couples will be eliminated during next week’s episode—bringing the total couples left down to 8.

The songs and dance styles being performed for “Horror Movie Night” have yet to be revealed.

DWTS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.

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More than 20 years after The Office first introduced viewers to Michael Scott and the employees of Dunder Mifflin, the beloved NBC sitcom is still giving fans reasons to revisit their favorite episodes. Over nine seasons, the workplace comedy welcomed an impressive lineup of celebrity guest stars, but according to a new ranking from TVLine, the show’s very first big-name guest star was also its best. The Saturday Night Live veteran appeared in a 2005 Season 2 episode that not only delivered some unforgettable laughs but also revealed a surprising side of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott that would help shape the character for seasons to come.

The American version of The Office debuted in 2005 with a shortened first season that wasn’t exactly a breakout hit. Season 2 premiered in September 2005 with one of the show’s more memorable episodes, “The Dundies.” It wasn’t until Season 2, Episode 7, that the show welcomed its first big-name celebrity guest star when Saturday Night Live alum Tim Meadows appeared in “The Client.”

Meadows effortlessly fits into the show’s deadpan comedy style, portraying Christian, a potential major client whose business could save Dunder Mifflin from downsizing. This is peak Michael Scott awkwardness as he, Jan (Melora Hardin) and Christian meet at a local Chili’s, with Michael even breaking out a cringey version of the restaurant’s theme song.

While Michael grills Jan about her personal life and tries to tell a joke, Meadows looks like he’s been part of the Dunder Mifflin crew for years. For better or worse.

Meadows nails his straight-man role, but according to the new ranking, his guest appearance is also pivotal to the show’s storyline. Viewers get to see, maybe for the first time, something Michael is actually good at: dealing with people (who don’t work for him).

Michael Scott may be the king of cringe, but he has a certain way with people, and he gets to showcase that when he meets Christian and tries to win his business. It sets up the trajectory for Michael’s character throughout the series. Michael may be awkward at work (understatement), but he can be surprisingly engaging with strangers.

We won’t spoil the episode if you haven’t (gasp!) seen it, or if it’s been a minute, but needless to say, Michael Scott is at his best when he’s at Chili’s, trying to score a big client while singing the restaurant’s theme song.

From Mean Girls to his guest-starring role on The Office, Tim Meadows manages to do one of the hardest jobs in comedy (in this writer’s opinion): playing the straight man opposite other actors’ big comedic performances.

Is this the best guest-starring role on The Office? You decide in the comment section below.

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Fall baking and holiday meal prep are right around the corner, making now a good time to stock your kitchen with the essentials for mixing, baking, and getting ahead on family meals. From whipping up a batch of homemade cookies to preparing sides for holiday gatherings, having the right bowls on hand can keep you organized while you cook. If your kitchen could use an upgrade before the busy holiday season, JCPenney has a Martha Stewart find worth adding to your collection. 

Right now, the Martha Stewart 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set is on sale at JCPenney for $30, down from $60. If you use the code GHOSTS at checkout, the price drops even further to just $27, saving you a total of $33 off the full price. You get four bowls and four matching lids in one set, making it an easy way to restock your kitchen without buying pieces one at a time. 

Courtesy of JCPenney

Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, the bowls are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup after baking. They also nest inside one another when not in use, keeping your cabinets organized and freeing up room for other kitchen essentials.

The set includes four bowls ranging from 1.8 to 6.2 quarts, great for everything from mixing cake batter and preparing marinades to storing ingredients. Each bowl has a matching lid, making it easier to refrigerate prepared food or keep leftovers covered without reaching for separate storage containers. The set comes in linen (a cream color) and light blue, either of which would be versatile in your kitchen. 

JCPenney shoppers praised the bowls’ quality and snug-fitting lids. One reviewer called the set “great quality” and noted that “the lids fit well,” which comes in handy for food storage. 

JCPenney has more Martha Stewart kitchenware on sale, including the Martha Stewart 4-Piece Nonstick Ramekin Set and Martha Stewart 13-by-9-Inch Nonstick Baking Pan. Both are worth a look if you’re stocking up on baking essentials ahead of the holiday season! 

• Martha Stewart Rose Ribbon Sheet Set, $50 (was $120) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart Festive Patchwork Quilt Set, $84 (was $200) at JCPenney
• St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $20 (were $65) at JCPenney

Related: Dolly Parton’s $25 Stackable 3-Piece Butterfly Mixing Bowl Set Makes Whipping Up Meals Even More Fun

If you’ve been meaning to upgrade your kitchen essentials before holiday baking begins, now is a great time to grab the Martha Stewart 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set for as low as $27 at JCPenney with the code GHOSTS. With four bowls and matching lids for mixing, prepping, and storing food, this set is a practical find worth snagging while the deal lasts! 

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

To help you solve today’s NYT Strands puzzle, think of things you might discover tucked away in an attic, from old boxes, trunks and luggage to yearbooks and forgotten holiday decorations.

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 #962 on Wednesday, October 21.

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Put that away.

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:

• BO
• TR
• LU
• YE
• DE
• IN (SPANGRAM)

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

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, is INTHEATTIC.

• BOXES
• TRUNKS
• LUGGAGE
• YEARBOOK
• DECORATIONS
• SPANGRAM: INTHEATTIC

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

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Life can get pretty exhausting, so you should make the most of your downtime and relax in the coziest environment possible. If you want to transform your living space into a cozy sanctuary, the right lighting makes all the difference. Overhead lights are often too bright and pierce into your eyes, making it nearly impossible to completely unwind. Lamps are a simple solution, illuminating your space with a soft and warm glow to create a soothing ambiance.

There are so many different options to choose from, but the best versions are those that double as a piece of decor, like the Roria 2-Piece Chinoiserie Ceramic Table Lamp Set at Walmart. Oozing with vintage charm, this set delivers cozy lighting while accenting your space with the trending chinoiserie aesthetic. 

While they look like an expensive antique store find, you can currently score these lamps on sale at a budget-friendly price for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal. Normally retailing for $110, the two-lamp set is now marked down to $60, which means that you’re getting each lamp for just $30! They’re available in two blue-and-white chinoiserie patterns with slightly different artwork styles. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Featuring a nature-inspired pattern, the body of these lamps is plastered with dainty flowers and leaves in a rich blue hue. They’re set against a cream backdrop so the design pops. Similar to chinoiserie ginger jars, the body has a curved silhouette.  The ceramic body has a crackled texture that makes the lamps look like authentic family heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. For a touch of luxury, the shaft, finial, and base all have a shiny gold finish. 

Placed anywhere in your home, these lamps will instantly elevate the aesthetic of your space. You can keep them on your nightstands, console, side table, or anywhere else that could use some perking up. Because they match, the duo brings a sense of visual balance, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional. 

These lamps feature a drum-shaped lampshade made of linen, designed to soften the light and prevent it from glaring into your eyes. Sleek and simple, the lampshades balance out the ornate body. The lamps already come with LED lightbulbs, so you don’t have to make a separate purchase. If the lightbulbs happen to burn out, you can grab new ones that are compatible with the E26 base.

Courtesy of Walmart

The light has a yellowish temperature, filling your space with a warm, cozy glow. One lamp should be bright enough to illuminate your space for movie marathons, reading sessions, and other lounging activities. You can turn on both lamps if you’re doing work around the house, crafting, or need to stay alert. 

For size reference, these lamps measure 22 inches tall. The base has a 4.3-inch diameter, so they shouldn’t take up too much surface space. Each lamp is equipped with a 5-foot-long power cord, which should be long enough to reach a convenient outlet without needing an extension cord. As a bonus, shoppers noted that they were very easy to assemble.

Walmart shoppers absolutely adored these lamps. “They are beautiful lamps and light up the room very well,” one reviewer said. A second customer raved that these lamps “updated the look of the bedroom without spending a lot of money.” A third person commented that they “add some class to the room” and look “very attractive.” 

• Volivo Mushroom Table Lamp, $15 (was $26) at Walmart
• Sunmory Floor Lamp with Table, From $60 (was $110) at Walmart
• Noahstrong Touch Night Light, $13 (was $23) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Classy’ $24 Cordless Pleated Touch Lamp Looks Like a ‘High-End’ Heirloom Treasure

If you want to bring some vintage charm to your space and transform it into a cozy retreat, don’t hesitate to snag the Roria 2-Piece Chinoiserie Ceramic Table Lamp Set at Walmart while it’s still on sale for just $60! 

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

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, consider topics like types of classic children’s games, terms for important people, famous works of art and names that are misleading because neither word accurately describes the thing.

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 #1228 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

New York Times

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

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

1. Let’s play.
2. A VIP.
3. Mona Lisa is another one.
4. Both words are wrong.

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

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

iStock

1. CLASSIC CHILDREN’S GAMES: DUCK DUCK GOOSE, HOT POTATO, LEAPFROG, MUSICAL CHAIRS
2. IMPORTANT: ALPHA DOG, BIG CHEESE, HEAVYWEIGHT, TOP BANANA
3. FAMUOS PAINTINGS: AMERICAN GOTHIC, CAMPBELL’S SOUP CAN, SUNFLOWERS, THE SCREAM
4. DOUBLE MISNOMERS (NEITHER WORD IS AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION): ENGLISH HORN, GRAPE-NUTS, MANTIS SHRIMP, SWEETBREAD

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The legs of Geoffrey Holt’s bed had gone through the floor of his mobile home in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, the Associated Press reported. The home was mostly empty of furniture, with no TV or computer.

Holt grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, graduated from Marlboro College in 1963 and served in the Navy, according to the Associated Press. He settled in Hinsdale in the 1970s and worked as a caretaker at a mobile home park, CNBC reported. He had once taught driver’s ed but gave up driving, so he used a bicycle and later a lawn mower. He rarely left town, the AP said.

He rode his lawn tractor to a nearby convenience store for beer and reading material, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, the Brattleboro Reformer reported. He read them at a secluded spot on Ash Swamp Brook.

Holt invested in mutual funds and studied financial publications, and his first fund focused on communications, the AP said. He died in June 2023 at age 82 and left a $3.8 million estate to Hinsdale, a town of about 4,200 people. “He seemed to have what he wanted, but he didn’t want much,” his friend and estate executor, Edwin “Smokey” Smith, told the AP.

His will directed the money to the town “to benefit the community in the areas of education, health, recreation and culture,” per the AP. The money sits in a trust managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and grants come from the interest, about $150,000 a year. Hinsdale residents received more than $150,000 from the fund in 2024, according to the Reformer.

“I don’t think anyone had any idea that he was that successful,” selectboard chairperson Steve Diorio said, per the AP. Town administrator Kathryn Lynch said Hinsdale will use the money “very frugally as Mr. Holt did.”

A similar story played out about 7 miles away in Brattleboro, Vermont, CNBC reported. Ronald Read, a janitor and gas station attendant, died in 2014 at age 92 and left $6 million of his $8 million fortune to the local hospital and library.

Holt was not the only person to leave money behind for others. Stephen Girard died in 1831 and left over $6 million to Philadelphia for an orphans’ school, and Sylvia Bloom, a Wall Street legal secretary for decades, left $6.24 million to the Henry Street Settlement for college scholarships.

To solve today’s NYT Wordle puzzle, think of a one-cent coin, a small amount of money or a name commonly associated with something inexpensive.

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 #1950 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There is one vowel and one sometimes vowel in today’s Wordle.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are double letters in today’s Wordle.

Today’s Wordle answer can refer to a small coin worth one cent.

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

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

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

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

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, is PENNY.

-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)

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Anyone with wide feet knows that finding shoes can feel like a never-ending game of trial and error. A pair of sneakers or flats might look adorable online, only to squeeze your toes the moment you try them on. Others might offer plenty of breathing room but leave something to be desired in the style department. And while comfort should always be a priority, there’s no reason you should have to sacrifice a cute outfit just to make it through the day without aching feet.

Fortunately, Dr. Scholl’s knows a thing or two about making footwear that’s both fashionable and functional, and the brand’s Be True Sneakers are a prime example. Reviewers raved over their “roomy toe box” and “supportive” arch cushioning, which made them “incredibly comfortable” to wear. Better yet, they’re currently 50% off at Amazon, bringing the usual $100 price tag down to just $50.

Courtesy of Amazon

Inspired by old-school tennis shoes, these sneakers have a low-profile silhouette with rounded toes, lace-up fronts, and contrast stitching. They come in over 15 colors, with both faux suede and faux leather finishes to choose from. But what really sets them apart is the roomier toe box, which gives your toes more space to spread out. That’s especially good news for anyone with wider feet who’s tired of squeezing into narrow sneakers. The adjustable laces also let you loosen or tighten the fit to your liking.

Courtesy of Amazon

The sneakers have a zero-drop design, meaning the heel and forefoot sit at the same height for a more natural walking feel. Their flexible outsoles bend with your movements, while soft EVA midsoles and anatomically cushioned insoles provide extra comfort and arch support. Dr. Scholl’s also added anti-odor technology and 15% plant-based BLOOM foam to the insoles, plus light-colored outsoles are pretreated with an easy clean repellant to help keep the sides looking fresh.

• Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Win Sneakers, From $45 (were $110) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers, From $31 (were $110) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Max Sneakers, From $53 (were $125) at Amazon

For fall, try styling them with cuffed jeans, a chunky cardigan, and a tote for a weekend look. They’d also complement tailored trousers and a sweater for the office, or leggings and an oversized sweatshirt to run errands.

Amazon shoppers praised the shoes for their “stylish” looks, “lightweight” feel, and “excellent” fit. One shopper dubbed the style as “super cute,” saying that they are “a good option if you need shoes that can handle long days out.” 

Related: Clarks’ Leather Sneakers Have a ‘Stylish’ Sporty Look That’s Perfect for Fall, Now 40% Off

Give your toes some breathing room and your wallet $50 back. Shop Dr. Scholl’s Be True Sneaker while they’re half off 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.

Founded in the ‘70s, Snapple grew from a small beverage brand into a nationwide pop culture phenomenon, becoming a nostalgic favorite for generations of drinkers.

However, amid its growing popularity, the bottled drink experienced a massive shift after Quaker Oats entered the picture.

In 1972, three friends, Arnold Greenberg, his childhood friend Leonard Marsh and Marsh’s brother-in-law Hyman Golden, started a small side hustle selling pure fruit juices to health food stores.

Years later, they named the drink “Snapple” after an early carbonated apple juice product fermented in its bottles, causing the caps to pop off.

They eventually bought the rights to the name for $500.

In 1987, the brand launched what would become the secret to its commercial success after introducing its very first iced tea product.

“We made the first ready-to-drink tea that didn’t taste like battery acid,” Greenberg told the New York Times. “We came up with the first real brewed tea that was cooked.”

Ramin Talaie/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Lemon Iced Tea helped transform the brand into a national beverage powerhouse, with skyrocketing sales as Americans increasingly sought alternatives to soda.

The hype prompted Snapple to introduce more naturally styled beverages, eventually offering 53 different flavors, including peach tea, kiwi strawberry and raspberry tea.

In the first six months of 1989, Snapple’s revenues from noncarbonated beverages increased by 600 percent, as cited by Company Histories.

By 1994, the company was at the height of its success and was generating approximately $700 million in annual revenue.

This prompted Quaker Oats to acquire Snapple for $1.7 billion, betting that its rapid growth would continue.

Following the acquisition in 1994, Quaker Oats experimented with the brand’s business model despite its significant position in the market.

One of its major moves was removing Wendy Kaufman, the iconic Snapple employee who became famous for answering customer letters and appearing in the brand’s quirky advertisements.

Unfortunately, the changes weakened Snapple’s identity and contributed to mounting financial losses, prompting Quaker Oats to sell it to Triarc Companies for $300 million.

Just 27 months after acquiring the iconic beverage brand, Quaker Oats sold it at a loss of approximately $1.4 billion.

The new owner restored Snapple’s original marketing style, packaging and distribution, helping the brand reclaim the distinctive identity that had made it popular with consumers.

However, Snapple changed hands again in 2000 when Triarc Companies sold the brand to Cadbury Schweppes as part of a $1.45 billion acquisition of the Snapple Beverage Group.

It later became part of the independent Dr Pepper Snapple Group in 2008 before joining Keurig Dr Pepper in 2018, its current parent company.

Related: In 1949, Charles Lubin named his cheesecake Sara Lee after his 8-year-old daughter; 7 years later, he sold the bakery for $3 million