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When you think of famous physicists or chemists, your mind might go to several different people. Nevertheless, Marie Curie should absolutely come to mind, considering how important a scientist she was and what she discovered alongside her husband, Pierre Curie (and on her own). Marie Curie won the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics with Pierre, for their research in "radiation phenomena,” per the Nobel Prize website. She then won the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on her own for “the isolation of radium.”

With these achievements, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win it twice and the only person to win it in two different scientific fields. And with all of her work in scientific fields, making discoveries that shaped modern science, it makes sense that our quote of the day includes her words about progress. 

Marie Curie was born in Poland on Nov. 7, 1867, and always kept such a love for her home country. Not only did she teach her two daughters Polish and took them to visit the country often, but she also named polonium, one of the elements she and Pierre discovered, after Poland, per Britannica. As a young woman, she became a governess after her mother died and her father couldn’t support her anymore, teaching herself through reading on her own, per the Marie Curie charity. She then went to Paris to live with her sister in 1891 and started college at Sorbonne University. She met Pierre Curie there and they married in 1895. 

In addition to discovering polonium, she and Pierre also discovered radium soon after; they both went on to study radiation and radioactivity. Her husband died in 1906, and “despite her grief,” Curie became a professor at Sorbonne University, becoming the first female professor there. 

Curie died on July 4, 1934, due to aplastic anemia, which was caused by her work with radiation. Her hard work and dedication to her work are not only admirable but also really play into how meaningful her quote about advancement is; she, more than anyone else, knew the price of progress. 

Related: Quote of the Day by Karen Horney, Psychoanalyst: ‘If You Want To Be Proud of Yourself, Then Do Things in Which You Can Take Pride'

Quote of the Day by Marie Curie

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“I was taught that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy.”

This quote appears in the education book, Java Connector Architecture: Building Custom Connectors and Adapters (2002) by Atul Apte. The official Nobel Prize website also attributes this quote to Curie.

If anyone knows a thing or two about progress, it’s Curie. According to Britannica, during World War I, she and her daughter Irène worked on developing the use of X-radiology. As the National Park Service reported, she provided X-rays for about 1 million soldiers during the war. Curie was world-renowned by that point, and she went on to found the Curie Institute in Paris in 1920 and the Curie Institute in Warsaw, which are still around today.

All of that, in addition to her countless other achievements and accomplishments, Curie was responsible for the advancement of modern science. And as Britannica also reported, Curie’s research—along with Irène and Irène’s later-husband, Frédéric Joliot’s, contributions—made way for Sir James Chadwick to discover the neutron later on. This then also led to the discovery of artificial radioactivity in 1934 by Irene and Frédéric Joliot-Curie.

Related: Psychiatrist Alfred Adler on the 'Meanings We Give to Situations’ and Choosing Our Own Paths

Deeper Meaning of Marie Curie’s Quote—Progress Is ‘Neither Swift nor Easy’

Marie Curie’s research created a lot of progress and advanced modern science in ways that we still benefit from today. But progress isn’t easy; it involves hard work, ambition and determination. And it’s not fast either; any scientific advancements and discoveries Curie made took years, and some even continued after her death, either by her daughter or other scientists.

Curie's words remind us all that any growth you achieve—whether that’s in your career, in the greater scientific world or in your personal life—won’t be handed to you and won’t happen overnight. It’s good to be realistic about the long and hard road ahead. As someone with the same initials—Miley Cyrus—once said: “Life’s a climb, but the view is great.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychotherapist Viktor Frankl on Choosing Your ‘Attitude in Any Given Set of Circumstances’

More Quotes from Marie Curie

• “One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.”
• “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.”
• “The older one gets, the more one feels that the present moment must be enjoyed, comparable to a state of grace.”
• “I am one of those who think like Nobel, that humanity will draw more good than evil from new discoveries.”
• “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
• "I am among those who think that science has great beauty. A scientist in his laboratory is not only a technician: he is also a child placed before natural phenomena which impress him like a fairy tale."
• "Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas."

Up Next:

Related: Writer Mary Renault on How Hate Can Consume Us Like Love: 'What We Loathe, We Graft Into Our Very Soul'

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Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer dressing, which means now is a great time to stock up on breathable staples that can handle warm weather. Right now, Walmart has its bestselling Giftesty Button-Up Blouse on sale for as low as just $6, down from $14. It comes in 20 colors, including hot pink, beige, purple, yellow, sky blue, and more, with sizes ranging from small to 2XL.

The blouse is made from a lightweight linen-like fabric, making it perfect for days when you want a more dressed-up look without melting from the heat. It features a V-neck design and button-front styling, and can be worn on its own or layered. It can also be hand-washed or gently machine-washed in cold water and line-dried.

Giftesty Button-Up Blouse, From $6 (was $14) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You can wear this versatile blouse with lots of different outfits. If you’re looking for something breathable yet professional for the workday, this would pair well with linen pants or a lightweight midi skirt. Alternatively, if you want some extra UV protection while you’re out and about, running errands, or heading to brunch, you could throw this top on with a flowy maxi skirt. You could even layer it over a tank top and leave the blouse open for a more casual look with denim shorts or a mini skirt. 

Shoppers appreciated its appearance, with one person writing, “The blouse is beautiful enough to wear by itself.” They also noted that it can be an easy layering piece. Another reviewer called it “very nice,” while a third described it as “stylish,” which is truly all you can ask for from a summertime wardrobe essential.

Related: Walmart’s 'Flowy' Cotton-Linen Pants Are Just $4 Ahead of Memorial Day, and They Come in 30 Colors

The wide color range gives you plenty to work with, which is especially convenient if you’re looking for something patriotic for Memorial Day weekend. You can get it in white or one of the blue shades, or go brighter with yellow or hot pink if your wardrobe needs a little more color. There are also easy neutrals like beige and black if you want something you can wear to work or throw on with jeans. 

Shop More Deals

• Temofon Short Sleeve Eyelet T-Shirt, From $13 (was $27) at Walmart
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It’s not every day you find a wardrobe staple for under $10 in 20 different colors. It’s even more appealing when it’s made of a soft, breathable  material that’s actually lightweight, which is why now is the perfect time to scoop up the Giftesty Button-Up Blouse. Be sure to snag it at Walmart before your favorite styles start selling out.

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.

The series may have just recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its debut, but Patricia Heaton isn't letting Everybody Loves Raymond fade into obscurity—and neither are her fans.

The actress is looking back on an Entertainment Weekly feature from this month, 21 years ago, and having a blast reminiscing on the publication's take of the relationship between her and her TV husband, which took inspiration from the covers of bodice-ripping romance novels.

"This was a fun one because the whole cast was part of it," she captioned the post. "Oh, and bravo to @entertainmentweekly for such a fun concept! #ThrowbackThursday#tbt#everybodylovesraymond#harlequinromance."

Heaton previously addressed the cover on her social media, noting that the publication was "a champion of our li’l show that could" from the very beginning. "So, Ray [Romano]and I were truly ticked [sic] to do this cover -a real full circle moment!"

Naturally, the duo had a blast shooting what turned out to be the show's one and only "big cover" while it was on the air. And now, the glammed-up cover—which features Heaton in a blown-out wig with sultry makeup and Romano in a low-cut, frilly-collared shirt—is still almost too good to be true.

Funnily enough, many hadn't ever seen the cover before, and thought it was just an edit.

"This was a real cover?! It's perfect!" one gushed, while another agreed, "Oh my goodness!!!! My first thought was this was a crazy funny AI generated magazine cover."

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It may be over two decades since the conclusion of the much-watched series, but fans are still streaming the sitcom, with one excitedly telling the actress in the comments, "I still watch everybody loves raymond every night!❤️❤️."

Other longtime fans are starting to introduce the show to their kids, with one writing, "We just started binging the series with our teen daughter. She has BELLY LAUGHED so many times already." In response, the beloved actress declared, "It holds up, right?! 🤍."

"Loved this one!" someone else addressed the magazine cover directly. "I remember picking it up. I picked up anything that had the cast on it. Still the best sitcom on tv in my opinion."

"Best series ever. 🙌," another emphasized.

And, of course, the brown-haired beauty got lots of compliments, too.

"Look at fancy Patty looking glamorous! Love😍😍😍," one commenter wrote, while another agreed, "You look fabulous."

Heaton is embracing her grays these days, but the sentiment remains!

Related: Patricia Heaton Shares Throwback 2001 Photos With Late 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Co-Star in Emotional Message

Booking seats at your favorite shows might just become a whole lot easier for subscribers to a certain streaming platform.

Spotify announced on Thursday, May 21 a new service for premium users called Reserved, which will let select artists set aside tickets for fans on the app.

“Getting concert tickets today can feel like a race you’re set up to lose,” Spotify wrote in a post, per The Hollywood Reporter. “You show up at the right time, refresh endlessly, and still miss out. Too often, the experience is stressful, unpredictable, and disconnected from what should matter most: whether real fans actually get tickets. We think there’s a better way.”

Check out the platform's recent Instagram post below.

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Fans took to the comments section to show their support for the new feature. "Wait this is a fantastic idea 🔥🔥🔥," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "GAME CHANGER 😱😱😱."

Per THR, Spotify said the select artists will be able to use Reserved starting this summer. The platform has partnered with Live Nation on the program as part of a multiyear agreement. The platform will use streams, shares and other types of activity to “identify an artist’s most dedicated fans and hold two tour tickets for them.”

Fans selected through Reserved will get up to two tickets, and they’ll have a daylong window to make a ticket purchase if selected Spotify didn’t give any details on what artists will work with the streaming service for the new feature, or how many tickets artists would set aside with Reserved, THR also noted on Thursday. But the service acknowledged “there will be significantly more superfans than there are seats available on a tour, so not every fan will receive an offer.”

In other Spotify news, the streamer recently announced which Netflix series have the most-streamed soundtracks, and at the top of the list is none other than Stranger Things. Since its premiere in 2016, the soundtrack has racked up a total of 765 million all-time streams, according to new data released by Spotify.

Stephen Colbert just signed off from his final Late Show episode, marking the end of an era with an emotional message.

On Thursday, May 21, The Late Show—which premiered in 1993 with host David Letterman—officially aired its last episode after CBS announced its cancellation last summer.

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"Folks, we have done over 1,800 of these shows, and most nights, I come out here, and I talk to the audience beforehand," Colbert began. "And tonight, I thought I'd talk to the audience in here and the audience out there at home."

"This show, I want you to know and you to know, has been a joy for us to do for you," he added. "In fact, we call this show the joy machine, all right? Louis [Cato, the Great Big Joy Machine bandleader] stole it from us, and we are currently in litigation right now. You better lawyer up, buddy."

Colbert continued, "We call it the joy machine because to do this many shows, it has to be a machine. But the thing is, if you choose to do it with joy, it doesn't hurt as much when your fingers get caught in the gears. And I cannot adequately explain to you what the people who work here have done for each other and how much we mean to each other. So I will just say to them, you are all the great Achilles whom we knew."

He kept going: "On night one of The Colbert Report back in the day, I said anyone can read the news to you; I promise to feel the news at you. And I realized pretty soon, in this job, that our job over here was different. We were here to feel the news with you. And I don't know about you, but I sure have felt it. And I just want to let all y'all know, in here and out there, how important you've been to what we have done. The energy that you have given us, we sincerely need that to have done the best possible show we could have for you for the last 11 years. You've given it to us, we've given it all right back to you."

To conclude his opening remarks, Colbert shared, "We love doing the show for you, but what we really love is doing the show with you. Now, I'll say to you what I've said to every audience for the last 11 years. And I have meant it every time: Have a good show. Thanks for being here. And let's do it, y'all."

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The episode went on to feature cameos from Bryan Cranston, Paul Rudd, Tig Notaro, and Ryan Reynolds, among others. After "Pope Leo" backed out of being Colbert's last guest, Paul McCartney filled in at the last minute to take on the honor. During the chat, the former Beatles superstar, 83, promoted his new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which will be released on May 29.

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After periodic technical glitches all night, Colbert went to investigate the issue backstage, where Neil deGrasse Tyson explained it was a wormhole threatening to destroy all of late-night TV. John Stewart came to speak with Colbert after Tyson was swallowed by the wormhole. (It also swallowed Andy Cohen.) Ultimately, fellow late-night hosts John Oliver, Seth Meyers,Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon explained the wormhole was a metaphor and gave Colbert a pep talk to help him finish the last 12 minutes of the episode. (A forlorn Elijah Wood also randomly popped up when Oliver dissed The Lord of the Rings.)

Next, Colbert sang Elvis Costello’s “Jump Up (Honky Tonk demo)” with the help of Jon Batiste, the original Late Show bandleader, and Cato, the current bandleader.

To end the final Late Show episode, Colbert didn't make a speech but instead sang "Hello, Goodbye" with McCartney and others.

The Late Show finale ended with McCartney shutting off the building’s power, causing it to be swallowed by the wormhole and transformed into a snow globe.

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Related: Stephen Colbert Issues Direct Response to Jimmy Kimmel’s Monologue in Record-Breaking Return

On July 17, Colbert announced the Late Show's cancellation in a video he posted on Instagram.

"I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season. The network will be ending The Late Show in May," he began.

After the live studio audience booed loudly, Colbert acknowledged, "Yeah, I share your feelings. It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced, this is all just going away."

CBS also addressed the news in a statement, sharing, "We consider Stephen Colbert irreplaceable and will retire The Late Show franchise at that time. We are proud that Stephen called CBS home. He and the broadcast will be remembered in the pantheon of greats that graced late night television.”

The network continued, "This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.  It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount."

Next: Stephen Colbert Issues Blunt Political Response to Charlie Kirk’s Death After Fatal Shooting

Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle answers will take you from the slopes to the field. 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 Friday, May 22, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Friday, May 22, 2026 / New York Times

New York Time

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 May 22, 2026

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

• Yellow: Command
• Green: Canes
• Blue: Ranger
• Purple: Burns

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: ATTRIBUTES FOR A BASEBALL PITCHER
• Green: NHL TEAMS, FAMILIARLY
• Blue: CAN FOLLOW TH WORD "TEXAS"
• Purple: MEMBERS OF THE CINCINNATI REDS

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 #606 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• ATTRIBUTES FOR A BASEBALL PITCHER: COMMAND, CONTROL, STAMINA, VELOCITY
• NHL TEAMS, FAMILIARLY: AVS, CANES, HABS, ISLES
• CAN FOLLOW TH WORD "TEXAS": LEAGUER, LONGHORNS, RANGERS, TECH
• MEMBERS OF THE CINCINNATI REDS: BURNS, DE LA CRUZ, SINGER, STEER

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 Thursday, May 21, 2026

British icon Steven Patrick Morrissey, known mononymously as Morrissey, was born May 22, 1959 to Irish Catholics Elizabeth and Peter in Old Trafford, Lancashire. Morrissey would go on to be the co-founder and frontman of the band The Smiths, and have a prolific solo career following their split in 1987. In 2026, Morrissey turned 67.

Morrissey met Johnny Marr in 1978 at a Patti Smith concert. Four years later, Marr showed up on Morrissey's door asking him if he wanted to start a band. The pair got along extremely well and ended up finding a bassist in Dale Hibbert. Morrissey chose the name "The Smiths" for them saying, "It was the most ordinary name and I thought it was time that the ordinary folk of the world showed their faces."

After several performances that garnered them a following and singles, The Smiths signed to Sire Records in late 1983. Their self-titled debut album reached number two on the UK charts. The album and other singles were met with controversy due to the suggestive nature of the lyrics and how some touched even on homicides that occurred around Manchester.

The Smiths became known for being polarizing, political, and unafraid of being subversive. Morrissey was even known for putting complaints about feeling the band deserved more recognition into their lyrics. In 1987 there was significant tension within the band, and specifically with Marr and Morrissey who were not getting along. The band attempted to record and replace Marr, but none of the tracks were ever released.

Morrissey released his first solo album, Viva Hate, in September of 1987. The album reached number one on the UK charts despite the political themes and lyrics on the album (some of which even describing the assassination of Margaret Thatcher) getting Morrissey labeled a terrorist by members of Parliament. As part of his solo career, Morrissey has released 14 total albums and won 18 NME awards and been nominated for a Grammy.

Biographers and journalists have noted how devoted fans of Morrissey really are—people who love him, really, really love him. Of his fandom, The Independent said, "Most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status he has reached in his lifetime," and NME labeled him "one of the most influential artists ever."

In 2006, a BBC poll ranked Morrissey as the second most influential British celebrity of all time, only behind David Attenborough. Many prominent artists like Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke, and Brandon Flowers have all cited him as a major influence on their work. It's clear that whether within his solo career or with The Smiths, the impact from Morrissey is evident from his prolific 44 year career.

Related: Olivia Rodrigo Pays Homage to This Epic 1987 Love Song In Hit Single from Latest Album

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Airbnb is expanding far beyond vacation rentals with its latest summer release, unveiling thousands of new immersive travel experiences designed to help travelers connect more deeply with the destinations they visit.

The platform announced it is adding thousands of new expert-led experiences across three of travelers' most sought-after categories—food, landmarks, and events—signaling a continued push to transform Airbnb into a one-stop travel-planning platform.

The move comes as travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful, local experiences over traditional sightseeing. According to Airbnb, guests already rate Airbnb Experiences an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars, underscoring the growing demand for curated activities led by locals rather than standard group tours.

Adding one-of-a-kind local experiences

One of the biggest additions is Airbnb's expanded lineup of landmark experiences. The company says more than 75 percent of travelers visit a landmark when exploring a new city, and it wants to make those visits feel more personal and insider-driven. Airbnb now offers more than 3,000 landmark experiences around the world, allowing travelers to explore iconic sites alongside local experts who know the destinations intimately.

That includes everything from guided visits to the Tower of London to experiences centered around Tokyo Skytree and the iconic Taj Mahal. Rather than simply walking through crowded tourist attractions, Airbnb says these experiences are designed to offer historical context, local perspectives, and behind-the-scenes insights that travelers may not get through traditional tourism channels.

Food tourism is also becoming a major focus for the company. Airbnb announced more than 2,500 food culture experiences that aim to give travelers direct access to the chefs, markets, and culinary traditions that define destinations. The company is partnering with brands including Chef's Table and Grand Central Market to offer more exclusive culinary experiences around the globe.

Among the new offerings is a six-course food-and-wine pairing experience in Rome hosted by Michelin-starred chef Gianfranco Pascucci at Pascucci al Porticciolo. Travelers can also participate in cocktail-making experiences at De Vie in Paris, one of the world's top-ranked bars. The emphasis on food culture reflects a broader travel trend in which visitors increasingly plan trips around dining experiences and local culinary traditions.

Related: You Can Literally Have the Best of Both Worlds at This Iconic Malibu Beach House

Airbnb is also tapping into events and sports tourism ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place across North America, at a time when the company is donating more than $1.2 million to communities across California through its FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Impact Program. The company says it will offer exclusive World Cup-themed experiences across six host cities, including intimate watch parties and training sessions with soccer legends.

For example, fans will have the opportunity to join World Cup champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy for a watch party in Los Angeles as the U.S. faces Australia. Travelers can also train on the pitch with Argentine football icon Javier Mascherano, creating the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experiences Airbnb increasingly wants to be known for.

Other events include local performances—whether the experience is attending a local concert and getting backstage or having a private Broadway meet-and-greet.

Making experiences easier to organize

Airbnb is also rolling out new social and planning tools designed to make coordinating experience-heavy trips with friends and family easier. With so many new experiences, restaurants, and activities now available on the platform, the company is introducing an updated Trips tab that acts more like a personalized travel hub.

The new feature includes an interactive map that shows travelers their Airbnb reservations alongside nearby restaurants, local experiences, and attractions—complete with estimated travel times from their stay. Users can save places they want to visit, organize ideas in one spot, and add activities directly into a shared itinerary so groups can plan trips collaboratively instead of juggling screenshots, text threads, and separate apps.

Airbnb is also leaning into social recommendations with a new Connections and Travel Map feature launching later this summer. The update will allow users to add friends and family as connections and see where people they trust have traveled using the platform in the past. Travelers can tap into friends' previous trips to view what they booked, browse the reviews they left behind, and even message them directly for recommendations and insider tips.

The feature reflects a growing shift in how travelers discover destinations and experiences, with many relying more heavily on personal recommendations than traditional guidebooks or online rankings. Rather than searching endlessly through reviews, Airbnb wants to help users plan trips through the lens of those they trust, turning the platform into both a booking app and a travel-inspired social network.

The recent updates to Airbnb's experiences and trip-planning tools highlight a broader ambition to evolve from a home-sharing platform into a full-service travel marketplace centered on local connection, experiential travel, and curated cultural access.

Related: United Is Seeing a Huge Spike in Travelers Flying for One Specific Reason This Summer (and It's Not Beaches)

Tonight marked the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which is not only the last episode for Stephen Colbert, but also the last episode ever of the 33 years The Late Show has been on the air. The late-night staple was popularized by David Letterman and has continued for the past 11 years with Colbert as host.

The show taped inside the famous Ed Sullivan Theater, where a music legend has been known to hang out. Tonight, he returned for the first time since 2019: Sir Paul McCartney.

Of course, McCartney set foot for the first time in the theater for The Beatles' iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance, which McCartney and Colbert spoke about in the first segment of the interview.

McCartney went on to promote his upcoming album release, "The Boys of Dungeon Lane," which has roots in his youth growing up in Liverpool along with fellow Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison. The album seems to be pointing towards some themes of change, the past, and childhood. McCartney added an anecdote about being robbed by some older boys when he lived back in Liverpool.

McCartney closed out the show with the final musical performance of the Late Show, playing the iconic "Hello Goodbye." With a backing band featuring Jon Batiste, who served as band leader on the show from 2015-2022, and has blazed a wonderful career for himself. Colbert joined in on the performance too, hopping in on backing vocals for McCartney.

The performance was full of joy, celebrating all of the years everyone on stage enjoyed in that theater.

It was an incredible way to close out such a solemn marker in television history. McCartney was in youthful form, harkening back to the sound of the original recording, all the way back in 1967.

As of a few minutes ago, the late show has come to a close. Thirty-three years of television history went out with a joyous, honest celebration of a staple we'll all need to learn to exist without. Thank you for all the years of entertainment Stephen Colbert, and thank you for all the incredible music over the years Paul McCartney -- tonight was a wonderful send off.

Related: Bruce Springsteen Makes Bold Political Statement During Performance As Penultimate 'Late Show' Guest

It's been over 10 years since Julianne Moore won Oscar gold for Still Alice.

The longtime actress, 65, has kept busy with other dramatic roles of late, including The Room Next Door with Tilda Swinton. But now, she'll be returning to her comedic side as star and executive producer of a new Netflix project by Higher Ground, the production company started by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

Variety describes the untitled project as "a multi-generational story in the vein of the beloved rom-com Crazy, Stupid, Love [that] follows a mother (Moore) who panics when her daughter is offered a promotion that would take her across the country. Desperate, she kicks into overdrive trying to find the ideal romantic partner to keep her daughter at home."

The ensemble piece reportedly has four main roles, Variety also noted on Thursday, May 21, and casting will get underway for the three remaining parts in the coming days.

Higher Ground’s Anikah McLaren is producing the comedy, which marks the latest collaboration between Netflix and the Obamas — who currently have a first-look arrangement at Netflix.

Moore certainly hasn't shied away from comedy in recent years, having been Golden Globe-nominated for her subversive black comedy May December alongside Natalie Portman. She’ll next be seen in Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut for A24, per Variety, along with fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford’s highly anticipated third feature, Cry to Heaven.

She also made headlines last month when a series of new photos posted to her Instagram blew followers away as to how much Moore's daughter Liv Freundlich looks just like her, from the red hair and freckles to the stunning smile. Check out the carousel below.

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Freundlich graduated from Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in English in 2024. Moore shares two children with husband Bart Freundlich.

Today's NYT Strands puzzle is something your clothes are made with. 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 #810 on Friday, May 22.

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: "Put down your ruler."

A hint for today's Strands game: HUGE.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• VA
• EP
• IM
• WH
• BO
• AS
• IT (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 22

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Friday, May 22, 2026, isITSBIG.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Friday, May 22?

• VAST
• EPIC
• IMMENSE
• WHOPPING
• BOUNDLESS
• ASTRONOMIC
• SPANGRAM: ITSBIG

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, May 21, 2026

It’s true — anything can happen in New York City, including getting serenaded over dinner by ’80s sitcom legend Tony Danza, 75. The former Who’s the Boss? recently treated patrons of Manny’s Bistro in Manhattan to an al fresco concert of classic standards. Fans were in awe of his surprise skill as a singer, and Danza's ageless looks.

Tony Danza’s Surprise New York City Performance Delights Fans @whosthebosstonydanza

If you live in New York City , you can see Today Tony Danza for an awesome show 🎶🎶🎶 #tonydanza #singing #newyorkcity #live #fyp

♬ son original - whosthebosstonydanza

Tony Danza is best known for his spot-on comedic timing while playing former baseball player-turned-housekeeper Tony Micelli on Who’s the Boss?, which debuted in 1984. A former boxer himself, Danza is a man of many talents — singing being one of them.

Video recently shared to social media captures Danza doing what he was clearly born to do: joyfully entertaining people. Wearing a long-sleeved white T-shirt and jeans, with his dark hair now turned a striking white, Danza perfectly embodies the term “silver fox.”

Danza is a regular at Manny’s Bistro, delighting restaurant goers with covers of classic ’50s and ’60s standards.

Fans were quick to gush over the TV legend’s performance — and his ageless looks — in the social media comment section.

“I LOVE TONY DANZA. HE'S STILL HANDSOME,” exclaimed one commenter.

Another added, “Tony living his best life, he still looks great.”

“Looks great and sounds good too,” shared another fan.

One more commenter wrote, “Love it 🎶🥰 still a great actor and singer.”

Related: 1976 ABBA Best-Seller Originally Called 'Tango' Became a No. 1 Hit 50 Years Ago

Tony Danza’s Career After Who’s the Boss?

First discovered on The Mike Douglas Show, Tony Danza has built a career around his everyman charm and natural performance talent. Who’s the Boss?, which co-starred Judith Light and Alyssa Milano, ended its television run in 1992. Since then, Danza has enjoyed a long and enduring career that blends both acting and music.

Danza has stayed busy across television, Broadway and live performance, even entertaining crowds at a sidewalk bistro simply for the joy of performing.

In addition to starring in the early 2000s legal drama Family Law and hosting his own syndicated talk show, The Tony Danza Show, the multitalented entertainer has also appeared on Broadway in The Producers and Honeymoon in Vegas, among other productions.

Tony Danza’s Singing Career Has Deep Roots

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J3MtJAn--WE

While some social media commenters were surprised to see footage of Tony Danza singing classic songs on the streets of New York, the television personality is no stranger to performing timeless standards.

In 2022, Danza released the standards album The House I Live In, cementing his long-standing interest in classic pop and traditional vocal styles.

His recent performance — bringing beloved classics to a crowd of thrilled diners — may surprise some fans, but at heart, it’s exactly who Danza is and always has been. Fans may know him best from his charming role on Who’s the Boss?, but at his core, Tony Danza is just here to entertain.

Related: 1969 Hit That 'Started It All' for Beloved Rock Band Is a Timeless Ode to Lost Love

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If you eat a lot of the first category in today's NYT Connections puzzle you'll notice the results in the second category. 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 #1076 onFriday, May 22, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Friday, May 22, 2026 / New York Times

New York Time

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Friday'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 Friday, May 22

1. Getting back to you.
2. Don't step out of line.
3. Movin' right along.
4. Sounds like...

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 Friday, May 22:

1. REACH BACK OUT: CHECK IN, FOLLOW-UP, RECONNECT, TOUCH BASE
2. THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE: CONVENTION, CUSTOM, SOCIAL NORM, UNWRITTEN RULE
3. PLACES WITH CONVEYORS BELTS: ASSEMBLY LINE, BAGGAGE CLAIM, CHECKOUT LANE, REVOLVING SUSHI BAR
4. STARTING WITH NAME HOMOPHONES: CARRY-ON, EL NINO, LOOSEY-GOOSEY, TAILER-MADE

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, Thursday, May 21, 2026

On May 22, 1993, CBS aired Willie Nelson The Big Six-0: An All-Star Birthday Celebration, a star-packed television event that felt less like a birthday party and more like a hall-of-fame concert lineup.

The special celebrated Willie Nelson turning 60, and the guest list was almost unbelievable even by 1990s television standards.

The night featured appearances and performances from Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, B.B. King, Paul Simon, Travis Tritt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Bob Dylan, Marty Stuart and Kris Kristofferson.

Looking back now, fans are especially struck by how many legendary artists from completely different corners of music came together for one television special.

"That was a great special," said one Facebook user on a 2025 post by musician Mark O'Connor. "'Pancho and Lefty' from Bob and Willie, a moving 'Hard Times' from Bob, and Paul Simon and Edie Brickell harmonizing brilliantly with Willie on 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.' Good job on the accompaniment!"

"Mark O'Connor, this is one of the few times I’ve seen Willie with his hair undone, unbraided," another chimed in.

Country, blues, folk and rock all collided around Nelson, whose influence stretched far beyond Nashville by that point in his career. The special also arrived during a fascinating era for television music events.

In the early 1990s, major broadcast networks still regularly aired large-scale concert specials like this that could pull together enormous audiences and even bigger celebrity rosters.

Today, a lineup like this would likely dominate social media for weeks.

For longtime fans, some of the most memorable moments came from seeing Nelson reunited with his closest collaborators and fellow outlaw country pioneers, including Jennings and Kristofferson. Their easy chemistry reminded viewers why Nelson had become one of the most beloved figures in American music.

More than 30 years later, The Big Six-0 remains a remarkable snapshot of Nelson’s enormous reach across genres and generations, and maybe even more so, proof that very few artists could gather that much musical firepower into one room for a birthday celebration.

RELATED: A Lost 1970s TV Performance Is Stunning Fans Decades Later

Fans of Sinners are about to get thrown directly into the movie’s nightmare.

After becoming one of the biggest horror phenomena that critics called "near-perfect," Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort announced that Sinners is officially coming to Halloween Horror Nights as a fully immersive haunted house experience.

And honestly, this feels like one of the rare modern horror movies that was practically built for Horror Nights.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film exploded into a genuine cultural phenomenon after its release, pulling in more than $370 million globally and earning massive praise from both horror fans and critics.

Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) as they return home to open a juke joint, only for the celebration to spiral into absolute chaos when vampires descend on opening night.

What made the movie hit so hard with audiences wasn’t just the scares.

It was the atmosphere.

The sweat-soaked juke joint. The live music. The Southern Gothic setting.

The growing dread that something evil was slowly creeping into every corner of the room.

The film mixed supernatural horror with music, history and deeply human characters instead of relying only on jump scares, making it the perfect setting for a Horror Nights haunted house.

According to Universal, guests will walk directly into Club Juke and come face-to-face with the film’s terrifying vampires, including Remmick, Bert and Joan, while trying to survive encounters with chaos unfolding around Smoke and Stack.

The house will also feature familiar characters from the film, including Sammie, Annie, Mary, Pearline and Cornbread.

If Horror Nights can successfully recreate the movie’s suffocating tension and eerie blues-club atmosphere, this could easily end up becoming one of the event’s standout houses this year.

Because Sinners never felt like a typical vampire movie in the first place. Which is exactly the kind of energy Horror Nights fans tend to love most.

RELATED: Universal’s New ‘Harry Potter’ Experience Goes Darker Than Ever

In 1970, a nearly seven-minute rock song with hypnotic grooves and extended instrumental jams unexpectedly became a major radio hit.

"Green-Eyed Lady" by Sugarloaf helped launch the group into national fame and became one of the defining rock singles of the early FM radio era even though it never reached No. 1.

Built around swirling organ lines, jazz-influenced instrumentation and a driving bass groove, the song stood apart from many shorter pop singles dominating AM radio at the time.

Written by vocalist and keyboardist Jerry Corbetta, the song was reportedly inspired by his then-girlfriend, whose green eyes became the centerpiece of the track's dreamy, psychedelic lyrics. "She has incredible green eyes and people were always saying stuff like, Corbetta’s green-eyed lady," he said in a 1985 interview.

But, what made "Green-Eyed Lady" especially unusual for a hit single was its length.

The original album version stretched close to seven minutes, filled with extended instrumental passages and improvisational sections that reflected the growing influence of psychedelic rock and jazz-rock fusion at the turn of the decade.

The recording also featured guest vocalist Veeder Van Dorn of Moonrakers, whose additional vocals helped add texture and depth to the song's layered sound. Though Sugarloaf is most closely associated with Corbetta's voice and keyboard work, Van Dorn's contribution became part of the rich musical atmosphere that helped distinguish the track from other rock singles of the era.

Although shorter edits were created for some radio stations, many FM rock stations embraced the longer version, helping the song become a staple of the emerging album-oriented rock format.

That exposure transformed "Green-Eyed Lady" into Sugarloaf’s breakthrough hit and introduced the band to mainstream audiences nationwide.

Despite peaking just shy of No. 1, the song became far more influential than many chart-topping singles of its era. Its mixture of hard rock energy, jazz-inspired musicianship and psychedelic atmosphere helped capture a moment when rock music was becoming more adventurous and expansive.

The song also became closely associated with the rise of FM radio culture, where longer, more experimental tracks had room to thrive outside the constraints of traditional pop programming.

Although Sugarloaf would later score additional hits, "Green-Eyed Lady" remained the band's defining song and one of the most recognizable rock tracks of the early 1970s.

More than 50 years later, the song still feels larger than life, a sprawling, groove-heavy rock classic that proved a nearly seven-minute single could still become a mainstream phenomenon.

Related: 1973 Rock Classic With Iconic Guitar Riff, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among Best ‘American Rock Songs’ of All Time

Today's NYT Wordle puzzle answer is what happens when two people have the same opinion. 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. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1798 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: can refer to things relating to the voice.omething.

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 #1798 on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Friday, May 22, 2026, is VOCAL.

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

Related: Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1797 on Thursday, May 21, 2026

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The perfect casual summer sandal has to be able to offer at least three things: all-day comfort, durability, and style, and it’s surprisingly not always easy to get all of those in one shoe. Fortunately, Clarks’ Breeze Maye Flat Sandals fit the bill, and Walmart has them on sale for just $33 right now, down from $45. They come in five colors, including black, navy, sand, silver, and white, with sizes ranging from 5 to 12.

The sandals are part of the brand’s popular Cloudsteppers line and feature synthetic uppers, a cushioned footbed, high-density foam cushioning, and a lightweight midsole. The outsole is designed for durability and traction, and the heel height measures 30 millimeters, which gives you a bit of subtle height without being a wedge.

Clarks Breeze Maye Flat Sandals, $33 (was $45) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

These are ideal if you’ve been searching for something more put-together than a basic flip-flop without committing to a pricey pair that you might only wear occasionally. They offer a casual shape with plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable from morning to night, whether you’re running errands, grabbing brunch, taking a walk, or planning a vacation outfit. And since the price is currently the same across all five colors, you don’t have to hunt through shades to find the best deal.

The sandals boast a consistent five-star rating on Walmart’s site, and the low price point is a huge perk if you’re trying to round out your summer shoe collection without splurging. The cushioning and lightweight feel also make them more practical than a flimsier pair, especially if you need a summer shoe you can reach for daily.

Related: Clarks’ Summer-Ready Sandals Are 'Stylish,' 'Supportive,' and Just $33 at Walmart Ahead of Memorial Day

The silver option is perfect if you want something a little dressier, while the sand and white are great as warm-weather neutrals. Black and navy also work well if you need something darker that can handle frequent wear. You could pair them with lots of closet staples, including linen pants, denim shorts, sundresses, casual maxi skirts, and wide-leg jeans. 

Shop More Deals

• Crocs Baya Clog, $35 (was $50) at Walmart
• Clarks Mira Bay Open Toe Flat Sandal, $60 (was $70) at Walmart
• Clarks Arla Stroll Low Heel Wedge Sandals, $48 (was $60) at Walmart

If your current summer wardrobe situation could use an upgrade, these versatile shoes are a must-have, especially while they’re marked down this low at Walmart ahead of Memorial Day.  Be sure to snag the Clarks Breeze Maye Flat Sandals in your favorite color now before the price goes back up.

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 1973, a hard rock song built around one unforgettable guitar riff helped define the sound of American arena rock for decades to come.

"Rock Candy" by Montrose was recently ranked among the best American rock songs of all time by Ultimate Classic Rock, further cementing its reputation as one of the most influential heavy rock tracks of the 1970s.

Despite never becoming a No. 1 hit, or even a major mainstream chart smash, the song evolved into a cornerstone of classic rock radio and guitar-driven hard rock.

At the center of the track was guitarist Ronnie Montrose, whose massive riff gave "Rock Candy" its instantly recognizable power. Thick, bluesy and relentlessly aggressive, the guitar work became hugely influential on later hard rock and heavy metal bands. The song also featured an early star-making vocal performance from Sammy Hagar, years before he became one of rock’s biggest frontmen both as a solo artist and later with Van Halen.

"When I was 25 I knocked on Ronnie Montrose’s door and asked if he wanted to start a band with me," Hagar told Louder. "I'd seen Ronnie the night before at a sold-out show Winterland with Edgar Winter, who had the number one album in the country, and so to me he was a big rock star and my ticket to the big time."

"Rock Candy" appeared on Montrose's self-titled debut album, a record that many fans and critics now consider one of the foundational hard rock albums of the decade. While the band never achieved the same commercial dominance as some of their contemporaries, Montrose became enormously respected among musicians because of the group's musicianship, energy and stripped-down heaviness.

The song itself was especially important because of its groove-oriented simplicity. Unlike more elaborate progressive rock songs dominating parts of the early 1970s, "Rock Candy" relied on pure force: pounding drums, swaggering vocals and one crushing riff. Over time, the track became a staple of rock playlists, sports arenas and road-trip soundtracks, helping it endure long after its original release.

"'Rock Candy' is a staple for 99 percent of the shows I’ve done in my life since 1972," Hagar said in a 2021 interview.

Many younger rock fans later discovered the song through its influence on generations of hard rock acts that followed, from 1980s metal bands to modern classic rock revival groups. Its inclusion among the greatest American rock songs of all time reflects how deeply the track shaped guitar-driven rock music, even without massive chart success.

"At the time, as with that whole Montrose record, I had no idea how legendary 'Rock Candy' would be," said Hagar.

More than 50 years later, "Rock Candy" still sounds loud, raw and timeless, a reminder that sometimes a legendary riff matters far more than a No. 1 single.

Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1