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If the thought of booking a flight and a hotel without knowing where you are actually going sounds like a thrill, you are not alone. A viral deal on Groupon is capturing the internet’s imagination by offering a "Mystery Getaway" package that includes roundtrip airfare and a hotel stay starting at just $199 per person.

The concept is simple: you buy a voucher, submit your preferred travel dates and local departure airport, and wait for a travel agent to call you within 72 hours to reveal your secret destination. The offer boasts a pool of over 50 potential destinations spanning everything from quick domestic weekend escapes to bucket-list trips to London, Paris, Rome, Bali, and Tokyo.

Related: Windstar's New 'Mystery Cruises' Keep Destinations Secret

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To keep the pricing fair across different airline hubs, Groupon organizes departures into three pricing tiers: Gate A airports (like Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Miami) start at $199, Gate B airports (like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco) start at $249, and Gate C airports (like New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle) start at $299. Every voucher guarantees a minimum three-star or four-star hotel rated at least 7/10 on Booking.com or 3.5/5 on Tripadvisor, along with a free personal item on your flights.

While the thrill of rolling the dice on a surprise vacation has inspired thousands of travelers to hit buy, TikTok and Reddit are filled with wildly mixed reviews once the mystery is finally revealed. The source of most travelers' frustration usually comes down to math and expectations.

Related: 9 Ways to Get a Premium Travel Experience on a Basic Economy Budget

Out of every pool of 2,000 vouchers sold, the odds are heavily weighted toward short, domestic breaks. Only six vouchers in the pool belong to the legendary Gold Tier, which awards a seven-night international adventure to destinations like Thailand or Europe. Twelve vouchers land in the Silver Tier for a four-night tropical or bucket-list escape to places like Hawaii, Los Cabos, or Iceland. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,982 vouchers—over 99% of the total pool—are in the Bronze Tier, which sends travelers on a two-night trip to a major U.S. city like Orlando, Las Vegas, Atlanta, or Phoenix.

Social media users sharing their experiences with Groupon's viral mystery vacation deal have reported wildly different outcomes. One lucky traveler, @rachiejo, was thrilled after beating the heavy odds to score a Silver Tier package to Los Cabos, Mexico, for a memorable getaway.

On the flip side, another creator found themselves disappointed by the luck of the draw when their surprise destination turned out to be Salt Lake City—a far cry from the exotic bucket-list trips featured in the promo.

The most frustrating experience came from @doubledecktravels, who arrived at the airport only to be turned away at the counter; the airline claimed the travel agency's payment was declined, and the hotel had no record of their reservation, leaving them stranded and out hundreds of dollars.

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Others have pointed out the fine print caveats, such as mandatory double-occupancy rules that require buying two vouchers minimum or paying a $150 solo surcharge, non-refundable policies once you redeem your voucher code, and potential extra costs like hotel resort fees, seat selection, or carry-on bag charges from budget carriers.

Still, plenty of adventurous budget travelers say the experience is an absolute blast if you go in with an open mind and realistic expectations. Many reviewers praise the customer service representatives for helping them adjust dates or swap similar destinations if they had already visited the first option drawn.

For open-minded travelers who love a good surprise and just want an affordable, spontaneous excuse to pack a bag for 40 hours in a new city, the $199 price tag delivers a fun story to tell—even if you end up in Orlando instead of Paris.

Related: One of Riviera Maya’s Most Popular All-Inclusive Resorts Just Unveiled a Huge Upgrade for Families

Angie Harmon's daughter, Finley Seahorn, is a dead ringer for her stunning actress mother.

Harmon, 53, came to fame during the ’90s on Baywatch Nights and Law and Order and earned significant acclaim for her role as Jane on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles. The brunette beauty has also dipped her toes into directing and producing. But if there’s one thing that sticks out from her social media, it's that Harmon is a proud mom. In a new photo set alongside Seahorn, 22, whose father is former football player Jason Seahorn, it's almost shocking how much Harmon's daughter looks like her. Just take a look at that smile!

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Finley Seahorn is a Recent College Grad

Earlier this summer, Seahorn made it clear that she's got plenty of brains to go with that beauty. Standing on campus at the University of Arizona in a cap and gown, Seahorn celebrated her college graduation alongside her proud parents. According to her gown, she was a member of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

View this post on Instagram Harmon Is Known For Her Pet Squirrels

One thing that sticks out from Harmon's social media is her love of animals. Recently, Harmon posted a video with her latest little friend, a rescued squirrel named Simeon.

“What are you doing, little man? He’s having his lunch,” Harmon told the camera as the squirrel sat on her shoulder and nibbled from its food. “Just a little bit of a snack. Oh my god, he’s so cute and precious. Little Simeon. Sweet baby boy. I love him.”

Despite having a rodent friend on her shoulder, Harmon managed to look chic throughout the video. Sporting minimal makeup and oversized black glasses, the natural beauty was as beautiful as ever.

“Snack time with tiniest troublemaker 🐿️❤️ Simeon is doing GREAT!! 💕 #squirrelmom#squirrelrescue,” Harmon captioned the video.

View this post on Instagram She Has a History of Bringing Squirrels Home

Back in 2023, Harmon opened up to PEOPLE about a different squirrel, a 3-month-old one named Thomas.

“I mean, when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was me,” Harmon told the publication. “So my youngest daughter found him on the sidewalk, and there was no tree to put him on.”

While they put him under a tree and waited for his mother to return, she never did. 

“So, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll come get him,'” Harmon said. “And then I’ve had him ever since.”

Harmon would get up every hour and a half to feed the squirrel, and said she didn’t sleep for a month. She called the experience “brutal.”

As Thomas grew up, Harmon would show him off to social media and hold him as she did her makeup.

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Related: Angie Harmon Feeds Her Pet Squirrel as It Crawls in Her Home’s Window: ‘Coming by for Her Daily Visit'

It’s hard to believe that one of the most iconic authors in the realm of magical realism turns 84 today. Isabel Allende, born on Aug. 2, 1942, continues to capture hearts and minds with her novels.

You’ve likely heard of La casa de los espíritus, which is known in English as The House of the Spirits. This novel would start a trend for the “Grand Dame of Magical Realism,” as she diligently started working on her novels on Jan. 8. Over the years, her novels, which she now starts on Jan. 8 of the year she plans to write them, have sold an impressive 77 million copies around the globe, and they have been translated in more than 40 languages!

Allende is the most-read Spanish-language author in the world, and it all started with The House of the Spirits, which is a heartfelt tale published in 1982. Many may not realize that this was actually a spiritual letter to her 100-year-old grandfather, who was dying at the time it was being written in 1981.

While many authors have their own personal stories of hardship, Allende’s is one of fear and danger. She lived in Chile all the way up to her exile in 1973, after a military coup ousted President Salvador Allende, who was her second cousin, initially fleeing to Venezuela, and in 1989, she moved to California, getting citizenship just four years later. The horrific and terrifying experience helped to shape her focus for her writing, making it part of her life’s work to write about social justice and women’s resilience.

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 21: Isabel Allende presents her new book "Mi nombre es Emilia del Valle" at Casa de America on May 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Images)

It’s where the realism with the magic comes from. Most of her novels are based on personal experience, as she weaves real historical events into her stories of myth and legend. A trailblazer for women in Latin American literature, Allende pays homage to the lives of women throughout her stories, and she continues to lecture and teach literature across U.S. colleges.

Two of her more recent novels were published in 2022 and 2023, Violeta and The Wind Knows My Name, respectively. If you haven’t checked them out yet, then you need to right away. She also released My Name Is Emilia del Valle in 2025, which is set in 1866, following an Irish nun left pregnant and abandoned by a Chilean aristocrat. The titular character is the daughter, who is raised to be independent and self-sufficient, and that leads to a story of writing, love, and destiny, all with the backdrop of a civil war in Chile.

Now, not only does she write, but she has also started her own foundation, the Isabel Allende Foundation. This was initially created in honor of her late daughter, Paula, and is focused on offering women and girls empowerment programs. All she wants is for women and girls to be protected, and she stands up for those rights every single day. If you haven’t read any of Allende’s works, make today the day to change that.

Theme park fans, grab your tissues: a true legend of the coaster world is officially taking its final loop. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, has set the final ride date for Kumba, giving thrill-seekers one last weekend to bid farewell to the iconic steel coaster after an incredible 33-year run.

If you want to take one last spin on the roaring fan favorite, time is running out fast—guests have until Sunday, August 2, 2026, to experience the coaster before it closes its gates for good.

Related: Busch Gardens' 2026 Annual Pass Just Got a Dramatic Upgrade

View this post on Instagram One Last Roar for Pass Members

For die-hard fans holding annual passes, the park is rolling out a special red carpet send-off. Pass members get exclusive access to Kumba during a dedicated final ride window on Saturday, August 1, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving long-time riders a chance to log a few extra laps before the general public fills the queue.

First opening back in 1993, Kumba instantly put the park on the map for coaster enthusiasts worldwide with its groundbreaking inversions, intense g-forces, and signature roar that echoed throughout the Congo section of the park.

Related: Waldameer Just Announced a Major New 2027 Roller Coaster—And It Proves Smaller Parks Are Dominating Right Now

New Wildlife Adventures on the Ridge

While saying goodbye to a classic coaster is always bittersweet, the park gives visitors plenty of reasons to look forward to what's next. If you're heading to the park for one last ride on Kumba, you can balance out the nostalgia by checking out the park's major new animal habitat, Lion & Hyena Ridge.

Designed to bring guests face-to-face with Africa's top predators, the state-of-the-art expansion offers expansive, naturalistic outdoor spaces for the park's lion pride and spotted hyenas. Guests can get up-close views through floor-to-ceiling glass observation windows, learn about wildlife conservation efforts straight from the animal care team, and watch the animals explore multi-level rock formations and shaded lounge areas.

It’s a fantastic addition that highlights what Busch Gardens does best—pairing world-class thrills with incredible wildlife encounters. Kumba's 33-year legacy as a pioneer of modern steel coaster design is definitely going out with a bang, but there is still so much fresh magic waiting across the grounds.

Related: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Unveils Huge New Savanna for 5 Lion Brothers

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A comfortable pair of slip-on sandals is often the MVP of any summer wardrobe. The best pairs are easy to throw on, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and versatile enough to work with everything from beach cover-ups to brunch outfits. When you find a pair that checks all those boxes, you'll likely end up reaching for them constantly.

One standout option is the Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals. They deliver the lightweight comfort Crocs is known for, but with a sleek, modern design that looks nothing like the brand's classic clogs. Right now, they're on sale for 30% off at Nordstrom Rack, bringing the price down from $50 to just $35.

Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals, $35 (was $50) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

Available in sizes 5 through 11, these sandals feature adjustable straps with button closures for a more customized fit. The two-strap slide silhouette feels clean and minimalist, while the subtle wedge adds a trendy, chunky look without feeling bulky.

Comfort is where these sandals really shine. They're made from Crocs' LiteRide foam technology for lightweight cushioning, along with a Croslite foundation that helps keep them supportive and easy to wear. The flexible Matlite straps feel soft from the start, while the deep heel cup and raised profile provide added stability throughout the day.

Their neutral color palette and streamlined design make them incredibly easy to style. Pair them with denim shorts and a linen button-down for casual weekends, wear them with leggings or biker shorts for errands, or dress them up with a breezy sundress, crochet maxi dress, or wide-leg linen pants for brunch and daytime outings.

They're also surprisingly versatile when it comes to where you can wear them. The water-friendly materials make them great for the beach, pool, and boardwalk, while the supportive footbed makes them comfortable enough for sightseeing, travel days, and long walks. They're just as useful for coffee runs, grocery trips, and everyday wear around town.

Related: Crocs' Brand-New Clog Is an Elegant Upgrade From the Original

If you're looking for a stylish sandal that combines comfort, versatility, and easy summer styling, the Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandals are a great choice. With Nordstrom Rack's current 30% discount, you can save $15 on a pair you'll likely wear all season long.

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.

Another week is here, and you know that means a lot of new novels are coming out. It’s all about Aug. 4, 2026, whether you want a new thriller, a romance, or something completely different!

On this week’s list, we even have an indie book that is perfect for fans of music. It’s a romance packed with heart and dreams, while also having all the tropes everyone loves. Now, you just need to find the time for work, because productivity is going to drop thanks to the obsession over these nine releases to check out.

Courtesy of Little, Brown and Company ‘Steelborn’ by Taylor J. LaRue

The place to start is with a romantasy. Taylor J. LaRue is a debut author, and Steelbornhas everything that you could need if you love an enemies-to-lovers trope. It’s described as perfect for fans of Danielle L. Jensen and Callie Hart, and I agree! Plus, this debut has beautiful sprayed edges and bookends that make it a must for the bookshelf!

The story follows Reya Connery, who is known as the Crimson Dagger in Rhiterra, thanks to her being the most successful and notorious thief. She puts it all down to keeping herself to herself, but when a heist goes wrong, she has to figure out how to get coin fast. Enter Caelan Halcyon, who is an immortal warrior with a curse that threatens his life. Maybe Reya can save him, and maybe they do more than help each other’s problems.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Hardest Ones to Fool’ by Christina Lee

If you’re looking for a YA thriller, The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li is the one to put on your list for the week. This is something perfect for fans of Inventing Anna, bringing a story of a teen scammer who isn’t going to let anything get in her way of what she wants. That includes murder.

Amelia Wu is our main protagonist, and she’s not quite the hero that we’re used to. She’s heavily flawed, willing to be in three relationships at once, keeping each guy a secret from the other. Things take a turn when her best friend ends up dead, and now the town is rocked by the murder. Amelia needs to team up with unlikely allies to get to the bottom of it, and secrets are about to be revealed.

Courtesy of HarperCollins ‘The Iron Hex’ by Victoria S. Walsh

If you’re looking to start a new trilogy, then you’ll want to turn to The Iron Hex by Victoria S. Walsh. It’s another romantasy on the list, and this one has an FMC who has a fractured memory. It adds another layer to the story, as she tries to figure out who she is and where she came from.

Eira Eckhart has spent years trying to work it all out, and she’s done it all while being watched by the Iron Empire, a totalitarian-like structure that only allows specific types of potion magic. When Hugo Benton walks into her shop and knows more about her than she does, mysteries start to unfurl. Of course, there’s also a terrifying encounter that brings soldiers to the door and puts a bounty on their heads. This is a great read for fans of Potion Study and anything to do with witches and witch hunters!

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Unknown’ by Riley Sager

We can’t not have a horror novel on the list, right? Riley Sager’s 10th novel, The Unknown, is out this week, and while it’s a little later in the year than we’re used to, it’s worth it! This mystery thriller is packed with the supernatural horror that you’re used to, and it brings a storyline in two timelines.

It all starts in 1926, when five women disappear from a remote Vermont island. In the present day, it starts happening again. This time, it’s a struggling actress, Marin Keane, whose new role takes her to the remote island with the rest of her castmates. As they all start to disappear, it’s clear that something sinister lives deep on the island, and now they’re all stranded.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Time Travel for Beginners’ by Jaclyn Moriarty

Liane Moriarty’ssister is back with another book, and this time we get science fiction and time travel. Time Travel for Beginnersby Jaclyn Moriarty is a story of three people who end up on a collision course without ever realizing it.

It all starts with a car accident that leads to Anna getting a job at the Time Travel Agency. This place has a reputation for humor, as nobody believes that time travel is real. However, it turns out that maybe people really are traveling through time, and as Teddy and Jade’s paths align with Anna’s, there’s a ripple effect that changes everything. This is more literary fiction than adventure, but it’s a read for those who love character-based stories.

Courtesy of Sourcebooks Landmark ‘How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle’ by Alissa DeRogatis

For those who need contemporary fiction, we have you covered. How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle by Alissa DeRogatis is perfect for those who need a beach read to finish out their summer weeks. If you love Emily Henry and Katherine Center, then you’ll want to jump right on this one.

Ainsley Green loves to write happily-ever-afters for her rabid fanbase, but her real life is a mess. Her boyfriend just broke up with her, and she’s lost all heart for her stories. That is, until her best friend Lucas decides that she needs to get some real-life inspiration for her next novel, and he forces her into some real meet-cutes. Will it spark new ideas, or will it help her on a personal level?

Courtesy of Quiana Glide ‘The Music Between You and I’ by Quiana Glide

We have another contemporary romance to offer, and this is from indie author Quiana Glide. The Music Between You and I brings the age-gap trope, as nerdy Black millennial Poppy Thomas falls for a reclusive British rocker who is twice her age. They’re not supposed to make sense, but they do!

Of course, it takes time for the romance to build. At first, Poppy isn’t even sure the man she hears and sees is even the rocker that she’s been obsessed over for her whole life. This is the man she wrote fanfiction about, and here he is, in her life! It’s a fun-packed, music-filled journey that will have your heart swooning.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘Good Girls Die Bored’ by Elizabeth Little

If you want an adult thriller instead of a YA one, then Elizabeth Little has you covered this week with Good Girls Die Bored. It’s packed with adventure and action, bringing an FMC that many would love to be! Juno is an ex-military security guard who absolutely abhors Los Angeles, but she’s stuck here for the near future.

What starts as a normal security detail becomes a job that Juno isn’t quite prepared for. She and her new team are supposed to work a three-day job at a charity gala, which is supposed to be focused on protecting the First Amendment Rights of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. In the end, it becomes a story of survival and conspiracy, and once you start, you will not be able to put it down.

Courtesy of Berkley ‘Embrace’ by Bal Khabra

We end with a sports romance — a hockey romance, to be specific — with Embrace by Bal Khabra. It’s the fourth in the Off the Ice series, so if you loved the first three, then you definitely need to get into this one.

Embrace follows Kian Ishida, who loves hockey, parties, and living in the moment. However, he realizes that if he doesn’t buckle down with his studies, he’s going to let his late dad down by not getting his degree. Of course, when he joins a study group, he meets Scarlett Kilner, and if you know romances, then you know exactly how it all starts. Things are made a little more complicated with this one as Scarlett’s dad is the coach, and Kian is one of his star players. They’re probably not supposed to end up together!

Fifty-one years ago today, a California band that built its name on country-rock harmonies added some R&B bite and landed right back at No. 1.

"One of These Nights" by the Eaglestopped the Billboard Hot 100 on Aug. 2, 1975, becoming the group's second chart-topping single in a single year.

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The track followed "Best of My Love", the band's first No. 1, which had reached the top back in March. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, "One of These Nights" pushed the Eagles somewhere new. Frey said he had been listening to Spinners and Al Green records when he started writing it, and he wanted a song with "a lot of teeth, a lot of bite." Don Felder answered with a bluesy guitar solo he later described as basically "an alto saxophone solo," while Randy Meisner floated high harmonies over the chorus.

A Sound Shift That Paid Off

The single marked a clear turn from the band's country-rock roots toward soul, R&B and the disco creeping onto radio that summer.

It knocked Van McCoy's 'The Hustle' out of the No. 1 spot and held the top for a week before the Bee Gees' "Jive Talkin'" took over. The parent album, also called One of These Nights, gave the Eagles their first No. 1 record on the album chart and spun off more hits, including "Lyin' Eyes".

The Start of Something Bigger

Frey later called it "a breakthrough song" and named it his favorite Eagles recording. The album was the last to feature founding member Bernie Leadon, and it set up the run that led to Hotel California the following year. For a band that opened 1975 with its first No. 1, closing that summer with a second was proof the reinvention was working.

Related: 1973 Country-Rock Album Released 53 Years Ago Today Produced Zero Hit Singles Before Becoming a Timeless Classic

Sam Worthington is turning 50, 17 years after leading the highest-grossing movie of all time.

The Australian actor, born in England and raised in Perth, was largely unknown outside his home country before landing the role of Jake Sully in Avatar. Before that breakthrough, Worthington had sold nearly everything he owned and was living out of his car, sleeping on a mattress in the back of a hatchback.

"I sold everything I owned to my mates because I didn't like who I was," Worthington told Variety. He said he needed to get away from the pressures of being recognized around Sydney following his earlier work in Australian film and television.

Worthington's audition for Avatar almost didn't happen the way anyone expected. The project was shrouded in secrecy at the time, and Worthington said he wasn't given much information about the role. Frustrated with the process, he responded by spitting his gum at the camera during his audition tape instead of reading the scene as instructed.

Rather than costing him the part, that reaction reportedly caught director James Cameron's attention. Worthington went through months of additional auditions before landing the role that would change his career.

Avatar premiered in 2009 and became a global phenomenon, going on to become the highest-grossing film in box office history. The role transformed Worthington from a relatively unknown actor with a handful of Australian film credits into an international star almost overnight.

He has since reprised the role of Jake Sully in multiple sequels, including Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash, with additional installments in the franchise still to come.

Despite his newfound fame, Worthington has spoken candidly about how difficult the transition was, admitting he struggled with the sudden attention that came with global stardom.

Before Avatar, Worthington had already built a respected career in Australian cinema, including winning the Australian Film Institute's Best Actor award in 2004 for his role in Somersault.

Halloween is still a few months away, but we're already getting into the spooky spirit.

It’s called Summerween, OK?

Fortunately, so is Disney. And if you’re the kind of Disney adult who thinks there’s no such thing as "too early" to start planning your Halloween décor, Disney Store has your back.

The retailer just launched its new Mickey Family Halloween Collection, and there’s one festive home décor piece that could make your house feel a little more like Halloween at the Happiest Place on Earth.

The Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Wreath puts a classic Disney spin on seasonal decorating, making it a particularly fun way to bring some spooky Disney magic to your front door. And honestly, if you’re already counting down to your next Disney trip, why not let Mickey greet you at home, too?

The wreath is just one piece of the new collection, which is available now on DisneyStore.com. It brings together some of Disney’s most beloved characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Stitch and Chip ‘n Dale, for a mix of seasonal home décor, apparel, accessories, plush and collectibles.

For more Halloween decorating, there’s a Mickey Mouse Jack-o'-Lantern Stoneware Halloween Candy Bowl, a Disney Halloween Countdown Calendar Figurine Set and a Mickey Mouse and Friends Halloween Fleece Throw.

Naturally, Disney fans can also dress for the occasion. The collection includes a Mickey Mouse Halloween Hockey Jersey, Mickey and Minnie Mouse "Happy Halloween" Spirit Jerseys, graphic tees, pajamas and plenty of festive accessories.

And because no Disney Halloween collection is complete without something ridiculously cute to bring home, there are also Mickey, Minnie and Stitch Halloween plush, a Minnie Mouse as Witch Halloween Mini Figure and a Mickey Mouse Halloween Light-Up Bubble Wand.

So, yes, Halloween is months away. But Disney adults know there’s really only one correct response to that: Let the Summerween shopping begin.

RELATED: Lenox Just Released a Halloween Spice Village Set That’s Perfect for Fall

Few names are as famous as “Einstein.” Albert Einstein was born in 1879 and was most active from the early 1900s until he died in 1955, but he’s still just as well-known today as he was when he first released his famous research, such as the theory of relativity. He’s known for his IQ, his scientific findings and much more, including the fact that he won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 for “his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect,” per the official Nobel Prize site. And our quote of the dayfeatures one of Einstein’s more inspiring quotes about imagination being more important than knowledge. 

Einstein was a German-born physicist, and in fact is deemed “the most influential physicist of the 20th century,” per Britannica. They also reported that, after he got his diploma in 1900 and acquired Swiss citizenship, he was unable to find a teaching position. This is because he had done all his studying on his own, skipping class much to the chagrin of his professors and ultimately blacklisting him from letters of recommendation. After struggling with supporting himself and taking lower tutoring jobs, in 1902 he was recommended for a position as a clerk in the Swiss patent office and things turned up from there. 

Einstein was a pacifist and opposed Germany’s entry into WWI, and by the time the Nazi movement came to power in Germany after the war, Einstein’s fame and his activism against war—along with his Judaism—made him a target in Europe. This forced him to flee Germany in 1932 and never go back. 

Later in his life, as Britannica reported, Einstein continued to study his theory of general relativity and came up with some “key developments” such as wormholes, the possibility of time travel, the existence of black holes and more. He was very ahead of his time, and you could argue that this was partly due to his ever-present imagination and curiosity.

Related: Quote of the Day: Carl Sagan on Why Imagination Is the Key to Progress

Quote of the Day by Albert Einstein

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“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Einstein said this quote in an interview with George Sylvester Viereck in 1929 for The Saturday Evening Post. It was titled “What Life Means to Einstein,” and is very in-depth and long—honestly a good read if you like Einstein, history or just knowledge in general. 

It appears in the section titled ”The Measles of Mankind,” after Einstein says that he believes in “intuitions and inspirations,” sometimes thinking he’s right about his theories but of course never knowing, fully, if he is. Though he says he “would have been surprised” if he’d been wrong about a hypothesis he made. Viereck asks him if he trusts imagination more than knowledge, and then he responds with today’s quote: “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Martina McBride on Why Being Your Best Doesn’t Mean Being Perfect

Deeper Meaning of Albert Einstein’s Quote—Prioritize Creativity

For someone who is universally considered a genius, it might be shocking to read his words saying that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” However, Einstein was a man who very much believed in the significance of curiosity and creativity as well. And the fact that he said this after his statement regarding feeling strongly about “intuitions and inspirations” hits home his stance even further. 

Einstein is saying that if you have only knowledge, you can only go so far. But when you have imagination, the sky is the limit; endless possibilities await you when you can dream up things. Of course, you can’t come up with the theory of relativity or conduct other research Einstein did without knowledge and intelligence. However, he is saying that you can’t just stop at the know-how. You need to have a visionary mind to continue propelling you forward. 

While many—or rather all—of us could not have come up with the formulas, research and theories that Einstein did, imagination gives us the ability to create so many potentialities for our own future.

Related: Mark Twain’s 'Best Way' To Stay Positive Is Exactly What We Need To Hear Today

More Quotes from Albert Einstein

• “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
• “Failure is success in progress.”
• “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
• “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”
• “Be a loner. That gives you time to wonder, to search for the truth. Have holy curiosity. Make your life worth living.”
• “Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.”

Up Next:

Related: Oscar Wilde Wrote This More Than 130 Years Ago—and It May Be More Relevant Than Ever

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle covers everything from teams in the A to things seen on your visage. 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 Sunday, August 2, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, August 2, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 2, 2026

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

• Yellow: They keep on turning.
• Green: Peach state orgs.
• Blue: Associated with the Marlboro Man's grandson.
• Purple: Like your countenance.

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: THINGS WITH WHEELS
• Green: ATLANTA TEAMS
• Blue: ASSOCIATED WITH SAM DARNOLD
• Purple: ENDS IN A PART OF THE FACE

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 #678 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• THINGS WITH WHEELS: BICYCLE, RACE CAR, SKATEBOARD, ZAMBONI
• ATLANTA TEAMS: ATLANTA UNITED, DREAM, FALCONS, HAWKS
• ASSOCIATED WITH SAM DARNOLD: JETS, SEAHAWKS, SUPER BOWL LX, TROJANS
• ENDS IN A PART OF THE FACE: BOURNEMOUTH, DIAGNOSE, HAWKEYES, KICKFLIP

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

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

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

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Summer's in full swing, which means the season of bright colors, pastels, and florals is upon us. There's nothing more satisfying than walking into a refreshing home, and Macy's is the perfect place to go to begin upgrading your space, thanks to the incredible discounts on bedding, furniture, and more. The Charlotte Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set is about to be your new obsession, and it's 69% off right now.

The comforter initially cost $80, but has been reduced to $25 during a limited-time special deal. You can shop the set in three sizes: twin (68 inches long and 90 inches wide), full/queen (90 inches long and 90 inches wide) and king (106 inches long and 90 inches wide). And, yes, they are all marked at the same price. The three-piece set comes with a comforter and two shams — but do note that the twin set only comes with one sham, making it a two-piece set. 

Charlotte Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $25 (was $80) at Macy's

Courets

Shop at Macy's

The pattern features gorgeous flowers of pink, yellow, and green coloring. The reversible side displays a pale yellow with a subtle shell print that's perfect for muted homes. The shams are also reversible and match the print accordingly. Shoppers described the piece as "beautiful," "super soft,"  and "cozy." One customer even cited the design as "the perfect punch of happiness." 

Related: Macy's 'Beautiful Bow Earrings' Are a 'Classy' Take on the Balletcore Trend for Just $9

The reversible comforter is made with a 100% polyester shell and fill, so it's machine washable. When it comes to bedding, make sure to carefully read the care instruction label to ensure it maintains its quality over time. According to the description, this style provides medium warmth and is intended for year-round use.

"It's warm and breathable — enough to keep me warm in the winter without waking up in sweat from overheating," another reviewer said, adding that it "brightens" any space. Considering the low cost, some shoppers even purchased multiple sets for different rooms. 

Don't wait until summer is already over to feel joy in your space. Shop Macy's gorgeous comforter set while it's 69% off! 

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.

Hank Cochran, the country music songwriter behind some of the genre's biggest hits, would have celebrated his 91st birthday on Aug. 2.

Born in 1935, Cochran became one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters during the 1960s, writing songs that would become classics for some of country music’s biggest stars.

One of his most famous compositions was "I Fall to Pieces," which Cochran co-wrote with Harlan Howard. Patsy Cline recorded the song in 1961, and it became one of the defining hits of her career.

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard country chart, giving Cline her first chart-topping country hit and helping establish her as one of the genre’s most important voices. "I Fall to Pieces" would remain closely associated with Cline throughout her career and long after her death.

But Cochran’s songwriting credits extended well beyond Cline.

He wrote hits recorded by artists including Ray Price, Eddy Arnold, Merle Haggard and George Strait, making his mark on country music across several generations.

He was also a recording artist in his own right. Cochran released music between 1962 and 1980 and placed seven songs on the Billboard country chart. His biggest solo success came with "Sally Was a Good Old Girl," which became a Top 20 country hit.

Still, his legacy is perhaps best measured by the songs other artists took to the top of the charts.

Cochran was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, four years after his death at age 74.

RELATED: 1956 Elvis Presley Hit, No. 1 on 2 Charts, Took 17 Takes to Record

Today's NYT Strands puzzle requires you to reach for the stars. 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 #882 on Sunday, August 2.

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: "Eyes on the prize"

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

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:

• AM
• IN
• GO
• OB
• PU
• PL
• AI (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 2

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, August 2, 2026, isAIMHIGH.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, August 2?

• AMBITION
• INTENTION
• GOAL
• OBJECTIVE
• PURPOSE
• PLAN
• SPANGRAM: AIMHIGH

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

Will "Barbie 2" ever see the light of day? Fans are eagerly waiting.

Blockbusters like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are ruling the current box office, and three years ago it was the summer of "Barbenheimer."

Barbie in particular made roughly $1.5 billion at the box office, and enough time has passed for die-hards to be itching for any updates regarding a follow-up.

On Friday, July 31, The New York Times reported that the project has hit a roadblock of sorts. Warner Bros. still needs to reach agreements with the talent involved in the first film, including writer-director Greta Gerwig as well as stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. The studio chiefs have been negotiating with the talent for months, the Times also noted.

While negotiations continue, industry whizzes know all about the pending merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, which was just put on hold following a lawsuit. That means Warner Bros. needs to keep operating independently, and Barbie remains front and center in the studio's strategy.

Gerwig, 42, and her writing partner and husband, Noah Baumbach, have made it clear in negotiations that they have a story they want to tell and are ready to begin writing, per the Times — but Warner Bros. doesn’t know what the idea is. And the pair won’t tell the studio, or begin writing, until the deal is done.

Meanwhile, Gerwig is finishing up Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew for Netflix, which recently delayed the film's release date from November of this year to February of 2027. It comes down to getting a bigger theatrical focus, to all the fans who were bummed upon hearing the news. This is good in the grander scheme of things, as a fantasy story of this magnitude deserves to be on the big screen for as long as possible.

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle deals with states of being, flight destinations and more.

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 #1148 onSunday, August 2, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, August 2, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday'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 Sunday, August 2

1. Like "um" or "uh".
2. Like my last email.
3. With ice cream.
4. Places you might fly into.

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 Sunday, August 2:

1. FILLER WORDS: ACTUALLY, LIKE, SO, WELL
2. BY MEANS OF: BY, PER, THROUGH, VIA
3. ___ MODE: AIRPLANE, BEAST, DARK, À LA
4. U.S. AIRPORT CODES PLUS STARTING LETTER: ASEA, FLAX, LORD, OLGA

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

Accio sugar.

McCormick is sprinkling a little more magic into the baking aisle with four new Harry Potter finishing sugars, and Potterheads are already losing it. The limited-edition lineup, first shared by food-news account markie_devo, is casting its spell on major stores this month.

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The four flavors read like a Honeydukes shopping spree: Cauldron Cake, Pumpkin Pasty, Chocolate Frog and Licorice Wand. Each one is a shimmery finishing sugar, the kind you shake over cookies, cupcakes and lattes or swipe around the rim of a glass for a little wizard-worthy sparkle. Cauldron Cake and Chocolate Frog are naturally flavored, while Licorice Wand leans into its dark-arts side as the artificially flavored one of the group.

This is McCormick's second trip to the wizarding world. Back in March, the spice brand dropped a Butterbeer finishing sugar and a Butterbeer flavor for the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, made with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. That $3.99 Butterbeer sugar flew off shelves at Walmart, Amazon and other retailers, so a four-flavor encore is a serious glow-up.

View this post on Instagram What Are Finishing Sugars, Anyway?

Think fairy dust, but edible.

Finishing sugars are flavored, sparkly sugars you sprinkle over baked goods or use to rim a festive drink. McCormick has been on a collab tear this year, teaming with Netflix's Bridgerton for a trio of finishing sugars and crowning Black Currant its flavor of the year. A full Harry Potter set is its biggest wizarding flex yet.

When Can You Grab Them?

Soon, and maybe already.

The sugars are hitting major stores in August, and sharp-eyed shoppers say bottles are turning up in the wild right now. If this rollout looks anything like the Butterbeer launch, expect them at big grocery and retail chains rather than one secret Room of Requirement. These are limited edition, though, so grab yours before they vanish faster than a Golden Snitch.

Today's NYT Wordle answer deal with matters of the law. 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 #1870 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: Of or constituting punishment.

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 #1870 on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, August 2, 2026, is PENAL.

-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)

On Aug. 1, 1931, Elliott Charles Adnopoz, better known as folk music legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and the stories he's told over the course of his life and career have been leaving a mark on listeners for decades. Today, Aug. 1, 2026, the singer/songwriter celebrates his milestone 95th birthday.

The musician left home at age 15 to forge his own path away from his father's career choice for him, which he had no interest in. “I didn’t like the smell of ether. I didn’t like the sound of babies crying. I didn’t like anything at all about being a doctor,” he once told American Blues Scene. All the stories he "rambles on" about are said to be real-life adventures of his, starting from his teenage years.

A close collaborator of some of the genre's most notable names, the urban cowboy inspired many. Bob Dylan, widely regarded as the King of Folk himself, called Elliott "The King of the Folk Singers," as did Tim Grimm in his 2013 song "King of the Folksingers." The tune is famously a loving tribute to Elliott, who was purposefully name-dropped many times in the lyrics.

"Someone grabbed a hammer, must've been Big Jon / Skinny Pete is hollering, gonna strap his banjo on / Arlo’s in his teepee, playing spoons and bones / Dylan got the sceptre, but ramblin' Jack is on the throne," Grimm croons of Elliott authentically holding the top spot in his eyes. The song was written to pay homage to the star who earned his moniker due to his tendency to ramble on and on, a key feature of his signature storytelling.

Related: '60s Music Legend, Nicknamed 'The Guitar Man,' Turns 95

Arlo Guthrie told Rolling Stone in 2009, “I’ve known him for close to my whole life, and I’ve never heard the same story twice. It wasn’t until I was older when I realized that ‘ramblin’ was not a geographical name.”

Ramblin’ Jack was among the ten Solo Living Artists inducted into the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame in 2024, and has recorded over 40 albums. "One of the country's legendary foundations of folk music," the two-time Grammy winner's most prolific works include "San Francisco Bay Blues," "Roll on Buddy," and his defining covers of Woody Guthrie material, like "Hard Travelin'."

And after a storied career spanning over seven decades, he still hasn't hung up his mic yet. According to his official website, Ramblin' Jack put on a string of shows this past spring, most recently appearing on May 22 at The Freight in Berkeley, Calif.

Next, 'Rock and Roll's Original Lonely Boy' Turns 85