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Shop our interactive video to find stress-relieving gifts for everyone on your list

2023-03-19 01:24:15 author：dointy.com

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Not sure what to buy for the people on your holiday list who seem a bit frazzled? We got you — just shop directly from our interactive video above, and give them a gift that keeps the calm vibes coming.

Shop our interactive video to find stress-relieving gifts for everyone on your list(图1)

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Get Halloween ready with great deals on pet costumes at Walmart
Get Halloween ready with great deals on pet costumes at Walmart
You Got This is a series that spotlights the gear you need to improve one area of your life. If you buy something from this post, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Anyone who thinks Halloween is just for kids is gravely mistaken. Along with begging for candy, snacking on treats, and watching scary movies through your fingers, no Halloween is complete without a costumed furry friend. Take a look through Walmart’s wide range of pet costumes(Opens in a new tab), and make sure that you and your sidekick are dressed right for the night. Want an extra treat? Check out Walmart's Pet Lovers’ Box(Opens in a new tab) for seasonal selects, delivered monthly.
Let’s be frank
Forget what you’ve heard, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a little weenie, especially when it comes to your furry companion’s Halloween get up.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Hot Dog (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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Costume attack
Land shark. Baby shark. Jaws. The jokes abound when it comes to this clever costume that will make your fur baby the cutest predator on the block.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Shark (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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I scream!
Maybe your pup doesn’t feel like going out on a busy night… and that’s okay! Surprise them with this adorable ghost plushie so they don’t feel any Halloween FOMO on their big night in. Don't let the cats feel left out either – there's a halloween treat(Opens in a new tab) for them too.

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Credit: BARK

BARK Scream Pup Halloween Dog Toy (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$9.97
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Saddle up
Bring some “paw” and order to your holiday with this hilarious getup for your pooch. Make sure to snap a video of them running toward you, because these stand up costumes offer guaranteed laughs.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Cowboy (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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Crustacean on call
If you plan to dress up as a mermaid, or any other undersea creature, you better make sure your pet helps you play the part.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Lobster (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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Through rain or snow
Turn the tables on a classic friend vs. foe dynamic with this hilarious stand-up mail carrier costume.

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Credit: Walmart

US Mail Carrier Pup Pet Costume (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$22.97
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This little piggy wants candy
This two-piece pig getup will have people saying “awe” while you walk all the way home.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Pig (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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Your little pumpkin
You can’t argue with a classic, and this pumpkin costume is begging to be a part of a pet photo shoot.

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Credit: Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Jack-O-Lantern (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$11.97
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4 things to know before googling health issues
4 things to know before googling health issues
Paging Dr. Internet, we need a diagnosis. In this series, Mashable examines the online world's influence on our health and prescribes new ways forward.
After more than a year and a half of hobbling through a pandemic, we’ve learned to depend on public health information like never before. And we've become accustomed to getting it whenever — by scrolling on Instagram, reading a news article, Googling, or maybe all three.
"Across all age groups, everyone is relying on the Internet more and more as a resource for their health information," says Dr. Austin L. Chiang(Opens in a new tab), a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Jefferson Health (Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals) in Philadelphia who has almost half a million followers on TikTok(Opens in a new tab).
There is so much of that info out there, and we have the power to choose where and when we get it. That’s a good thing...but it's not without its problems.
One issue, Chiang says, is that not all content is created equal. For example, since the first cases of COVID-19 were documented in 2019, leaders from China, Iran, Russia, and the U.S. have all played their part(Opens in a new tab) in mis- and dis-informing media and the public for political ends. In the U.S. alone, there has been much back-and-forth on whether to take the pandemic "seriously(Opens in a new tab)" (which everyone(Opens in a new tab) should); whether the virus becomes less contagious in warmer weather (which isn’t supported(Opens in a new tab) by the data); whether masks even "work(Opens in a new tab)" (they do(Opens in a new tab)); and so on. "With so many voices screaming," wrote Dr. Matt Morgan(Opens in a new tab), who works at the University Hospital of Wales, in an open letter(Opens in a new tab) to patients in November 2020, "it’s hard to hear the whispers that really matter."
What if we could hear the whispers over the screams? What if everyone had the tools to spot junk science? Stronger media literacy and science understanding could have prevented very preventable(Opens in a new tab) suffering and death.
As we come up on its two-year anniversary, the pandemic could still do some good — if we take the time and energy to learn from it. To start, three medical experts share what they would advise their own patients to do while searching for health information online.
Remember that the content doesn't know you personally
Whatever health-related info you come across, it will never know your specific case.
Resident psychiatrist Dr. Mehdi Elmouchtari(Opens in a new tab) at State University of New York Downstate (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn says he likes to see patients come in having done their homework. It shows curiosity, and can make collaboration between the patient and doctor easier. "I'm big on shared decision-making," he says.
"If the patient feels empowered by their ability to look up information on their own," he says, then all power to them. The caveat: "As long as they understand that the information they find on the Internet doesn't know them and doesn't know their situation, I think it'd be pretty productive on both sides." So, research away, but don’t let your own digging warrant ignoring an actual doctor. Rather, let it spark conversation.
Dr. Stella A. Safo(Opens in a new tab), an HIV primary care physician and assistant professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, is all about keeping the patient-physician conversation going, too – both in and out of the doctor’s office. She reminds patients to email her when they have questions through her hospital’s online portal, MyChart(Opens in a new tab).
Don’t let your own digging warrant ignoring an actual doctor.
Through the portal, patients can see their medical records, review test results, schedule appointments, and send their doctors electronic notes, or emails. (Opens in a new tab)Given that all this can be done at any time and at no extra cost, it might be worth checking with your physician’s office to see if they offer a portal like MyChart.
Just knowing they can depend on contact with her through the portal, Safo says, helps her patients be more thoughtful when consuming health content. "I find it's helpful because a lot of times, when people know they have someone behind them, they'll self-evaluate and think, 'This seems like it's not a great source.'”
Emailing her, she adds, can make up for any lost time in doctor's appointments, which can sometimes feel rushed.
Chiang finds new patients sometimes go to him after seeing one of his TikTok or Instagram posts. He's encouraged by this, because "there's only so much that can be packed into a social media post, or a 15-second TikTok video.” It signifies that his health content is working as a means to get people to the doctor, not merely as an end in itself.
Keep skepticism alive and well
Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying, "Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth." In general, the health content we find online tends to come with a sense of authority, so you should make sure to keep an eye out for red flags, or reasons to doubt what you’re seeing.
The first red flag, Safo says, is social media. “I tell people for the most part to be careful of what they're seeing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,” she says. “Even though you can get lots of good stuff from that, there's just, especially with Facebook, such a potential for there to be disinformation depending on who you follow."
Information on social media is also more likely than rigorous research to base claims on anecdotal evidence alone. Posts that emphasize "I" or "my," Safo says, can have sentimental value, but should not be used to declare universal truths. "If that's the majority of the evidence they're basing something off, it's worth speaking about if there's any additional considerations," she says. This can be with your doctor, or through searching the topic on reputable sources (we've listed a few below).
Going from social media to search engines, Safo says that sometimes her patients Google medications to understand their treatment options. This is all fine and good, but she reminds them that the first results might be websites of the same companies that profit off of the medications. They're commercials; they're going to use language that promotes rather than qualifies. "It's a good starting place, but let's talk more about what you're finding," she says to patients. Another sign information is from pharmaceutical companies? It shows up with “Sponsored Ad” somewhere in the result.
Health content that tries to sell you something, or that doesn't remind you to consult your doctor, Elmouchtari notes, should receive skepticism. "Usually with well-regarded resources, there's going to be something where they say, 'have a conversation with your doctor about this or that,' whereas a lot of the less-reputable ones will try to usurp that role,” and try to sell you something “better” than what your doctor offers.
He says to remain cautious of sites that assume that "natural" remedies, such as herbs, are automatically better than any drug: "There's a lot of very cynical people out there who use those terms and those ideas to try to sell stuff that's actually quite dangerous to patients." Natural practices where possible, like exercise and eating a balanced diet, can prevent needing to take pills. "But taking some kind of herb or supplement to totally replace a pill is not [recommended],” he says — especially without consulting a physician first.
At the end of the day, Chiang encourages people to question everything, his own content included, and bring it to their doctors. "Dig in a little deeper than just a headline," he says, especially if what you’re reading seems sensationalized, or says that science "proved" something. Technically, science never proves anything; it only accepts or rejects(Opens in a new tab) ideas according to evidence.

He also says to pay attention to the following:
- What are the primary sources?
- Who is being quoted?
- Where is the data coming from?
Are these legitimate sources?
"It does take a bit of extra effort and homework," he adds, but it’s the same effort we would put into researching a major purchase, like a new car, new house, or your favorite tech gadget. “When people see my content, they should approach me the same way," he says.
Know that we only know the latest research
Remember when Pluto was considered a planet? Well, as of 2006(Opens in a new tab), it wasn't anymore. Years later, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson was still telling people to "get over it(Opens in a new tab)."
This may not be what we learned in 5th grade astronomy, Elmouchtari says, but science changes over time. "That's an important thing to understand, and it's something that's not really taught well in schools."
If Safo were able to advise school science curriculums, she would have them emphasize a core principle of scientific discovery: that we're always learning something new. "In our culture, there's this sense of 'Why did you change your mind? Why did you tell me masks weren't good, and then you said masks were good?' There's a definitiveness that we want. But science is not based on definitiveness."
If we understood this, Safo adds, we could avoid a lot of unfounded distrust in science. "I think there is a certainty that's desired that ends up causing issues when information has to change," she says. "If we understood that information would expand and change, I do think that it would make us more open to it, and less believing that if the information changed, it's a lie or conspiracy."
This isn't to say that everything we think we know about science and health could change tomorrow; many findings have been consistently supported by rigorous research, peer review, and data over the years. But especially when new circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic arise, fresh data comes in. Accordingly, recommendations and policies change. "This isn't people flip-flopping on their stance," Dr. Chiang says, "but just acting on the best available information out there."
Consider certain sources with more confidence than others
Chiang, Safo, and Elmouchtari recommend the following sources when surfing the web for health information.
For people who want simpler, verified descriptions of health information:
- Check nonprofit academic and medical centers that are focused on education and research, such as the Mayo Clinic(Opens in a new tab) and the Cleveland Clinic(Opens in a new tab)
- Refer to university hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine(Opens in a new tab), that tend to have patient education pages.
- Turn to hospitals that have clinics built around specific diseases and conditions, which will usually have educational resources.
For people who want more technical descriptions from reputable sources:
- Try Google Scholar(Opens in a new tab), PubMed(Opens in a new tab), and other databases where research is published after a rigorous peer-review(Opens in a new tab) process.
- You can also go to resources such as UpToDate(Opens in a new tab) and The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA(Opens in a new tab)), which offer updated and technical information, though often there are subscription costs.
Where do we go from here?
In addition to being a physician, Chiang serves as president of the Association for Healthcare Social Media (AHSM),(Opens in a new tab) the first 501©(3) nonprofit society for health professional social media use. AHSM was founded on the idea that social media can be a helpful public health communication tool — that is, if mis- and disinformation are reigned in. “Right now, we're trying to pick up the pieces," he says.
Safo, too, sees ways our medical systems can better serve patients. She is founder of Just Equity for Health(Opens in a new tab), a health care improvement company that uses advocacy, education, and care model design to reimagine equitable health care, particularly considering the racism and sexism that harm Black, Indigenous, and other patients, practitioners, and communities.
SEE ALSO: Companies hope new benefits will solve your mental health issues. Don't fall for it.

These organizations can work to combat misinformation and inequities in health care in the future, as our systems adapt to the times, just like science.
Every week, it might seem like there's something new to debate about the pandemic. But behind it all, Dr. Chiang says, "there's a larger issue about how to conceptualize all of this that needs to be addressed." Part of this, he adds, has to do with how we interpret what we're reading on the internet, and "that in itself is something that we have to reframe altogether."
Dr. Internet lovers, keep reading
- Unpacking a medical meme: How does ibuprofen know where the pain is?
- 8 TikTok accounts to follow if you're tired of COVID misinformation
- Why is TikTok removing sex ed videos?
- 'Lose fat in 5 days' exercise videos are harmful for fitness beginners
The sexy, sometimes-awkward life of an audio erotica star
The sexy, sometimes-awkward life of an audio erotica star
Welcome to Porn Week, Mashable's annual close up on the business and pleasure of porn.
Porn isn't personal.
Not really. People absolutely have preferences, a soup of individual fantasies and desires. But while porn performers may seem like they're gazing into a viewer's eyes as they perform sexual acts, they aren't really. They're looking into a camera lens. Every tick of Pornhub's view counter is another viewer gazing into those same eyes. So while it can feel personalized and even intimate, it's not.
Something similar could be said for audio erotica. Performers speak into a microphone without any knowledge of who's on the other side.
But there's something uniquely different about audio porn that doesn't translate into video. Just as podcasts feel like you're a friend joining in on a conversation, there's a je ne sais quoi of settling into bed, earphones on, and having someone weave a sexy story (seemingly) just for you.
The experience is at least personal to ScarlettFever(Opens in a new tab), a creator for the audio erotica site Quinn. Quinn is like YouTube for audio porn. Creators populate the site with content. Many times, the stories are self-insert, meaning the narrator is speaking as if performing sexual acts to "you."
"I had a friend bring up a point that if he were to record something, it wouldn't feel personal to the person you're talking to," Scarlett, who chose to go by her Quinn username for this interview, told Mashable. "But I actually disagree. I think it feels way more personal — and if it pleasures someone, I think it's all positive."
Scarlett doesn't just make her living with audio erotica. Like other voice actors Mashable spoke to, she blends mainstream and commercial work with erotica. After graduating college two years ago, she's taken odd jobs to supplement her acting, like tutoring SAT students. When a friend told her about Quinn, she loved the idea and went for it.

audio porn stars Credit: bob al-greene / mashable

Like Scarlett, Joe Bianco performs audio erotica in addition to doing commercial work. Bianco began his acting career in theater, but when he moved to commercial work he thought there'd be limited options. "I look like a Disney villain," Bianco joked in an interview with Mashable. "I'm bald, I have 'resting evil face.'"
Throughout his life, though, he heard that he had a great voice. He took a voiceover class and began booking freelance gigs.
One of Bianco's top clients is Dipsea. Unlike Quinn, Dipsea(Opens in a new tab) is a content creation studio and produces audio erotica stories in-house. Their stories are sometimes guided and other times are voyeuristic tales where the listener isn't directly involved.
Bianco, who records both kinds of stories for the site, found the opportunity through an audition website several years ago. Not only was the pay rate fair, which was enticing enough, but the audition material wasn't smutty.
SEE ALSO: Can't figure out what kind of porn to consume? This handy infographic can help.

"I did a gig for … this potato chip company and I left the gig and I just felt dirty and slimy and kind of gross," said Bianco. The client asked him to do "sexy" takes, which left Bianco feeling objectified.
But Bianco said he's never felt that way working with Dipsea — an actual erotica company as opposed to a potato chip company. "They create a workspace you're not afraid to be as vulnerable as you have to, and it's really nice, especially having that strange commercial experience."
That's why Dipsea has become one of his top clients. "I appreciate how professional they are because it's such a delicate subject matter," he said, "and because they are so professional it never feels like a delicate subject matter. You never feel like you're walking on eggshells or anything like that. You can just really focus on getting the job done."
Shava'sha Dickerson, an actor, singer, songwriter, and voice actor for both commercial and creative projects, reiterated what Bianco said about Dipsea. She's worked with them for about a year, and it was her first foray into voice acting after a friend sent her the link to audition.
Dickerson initially thought that recording in a studio would be uncomfortable, but found that that wasn't the case. She doesn't see the audio engineer, and Dipsea accommodates her while recording. "They're really good at that," she said in an interview with Mashable, "Asking 'Do you want to watch something? Do you need anything visual? What do you need before we go into this?'"
Dickerston plays Cory in a four-part queer series on the app called "Ride or Die." She loves the character because, like herself, Cory is an intimate person. "I think they do that on purpose," Dickerson said of Dipsea, "They find a character that represents the actor well."

Dickerson voices a character in the Dipsea story 'Ride or Die.' Credit: dipsea

She continued, "Because the script can get so intimate and descriptive, it's nice to know that you have an engineer that's cool."
Both Bianco and Dickerson are public about their work with Dipsea. Their respective wives and loved ones know. Bianco's wife was the one to push him to audition in the first place, and his 20-something niece jokes that she can't download the app despite friends telling her about it. Dickerson's mother even made a cameo when a script called for a mom character.
"Dipsea will take the extra step to incorporate things like consent in a very sexy way, very natural, healthy, not-mood-breaking way which I think some people will falsely say is not possible," said Bianco, who signed an exclusivity deal with the app.
He works from home in a broadcast quality studio. While he's alone, he has Dipsea producer in his ear along with his co-star, if he's working with one that day. Bianco said the most awkward part of the experience is when his wife comes home and he's making sex noises in his studio.
"You're making out with your own hand," he said. "You're doing pushups or jumping jacks to try to make the breath [sound] real." When his character reaches climax, there's so much exhalation and breathing. "You will definitely get lightheaded," he said.
SEE ALSO: Your guide to audio erotica apps and websites

The biggest adjustment for Bianco, however, is the type of performance he gives. "It's really a cinematic performance," Bianco said of recording with Dipsea. "I do voiceover all day every day, and a lot of commercial stuff or video games is just not in the same world." Going down at the end of sentences, stumbling over words — basically, making his character sound natural — is different from the upbeat, stylized work of commercials and video games.
Dickerson said that while one may assume it'd be uncomfortable, the process doesn't feel erotic. "You're not even really thinking about the sexual aspects," she said. "You're just really trying to get them what they're asking you for."
Nathan Grant, an actor for the newer audio erotica site Audiodesires(Opens in a new tab), feels sexy when he records. Like Quinn, Audiodesires has self-insert stories. The site's protocol is for actors to conduct breathing exercises before each read. "Basically, we record a sequence of breaths that turn into a mini orgasm," said Grant, who chose to go by his site alias for this interview.
To get in the right headspace, he imagines a sexy scene and connects with his personal life. "By the time the warm-up exercise is finished, I’m quite aroused and ready for some audio love-making," he said.
Grant got his start narrating romance audiobooks. Over time, the writing became "saucier," so the transition to full-blown erotica was seamless. Audiodesires approached him after they heard audiobook demos. "They described their erotic audio stories for women and couples as 'body positive, diverse, equal, imaginative, relatable, and feminist,'" he said. "When I heard this, I knew that I wanted to work with them."
"You're making out with your own hand. You're doing pushups or jumping jacks to try to make the breath [sound] real."
Elle Corney, another Audiodesires performer who spoke to Mashable under her site alias, has worked in voiceover for nearly two decades. She even used to record voiceovers for adult movies — no moaning involved, just narrating up to the explicit sex. Audiodesires found her through a site that connects creatives with performers.
Acting is Corney's first love, and she's happy to be open and talk about sex — so she enjoys recording for Audiodesires. She figured it would be awkward with other people, but since she's able to record alone, it's a fun experience for her.
As Corney does "boring corporate stuff," in her own words, she needs to get in the zone before recording erotic stories. "They like to get some room atmosphere at the beginning so that's a good time to sit still and let all the other thoughts of the day go away and try to get into a more appropriate mood," she said. "Then I will do some moaning and other noises for the story before starting to read. That way, I am loose and limber and ready to go, just like warming up."
Grant also described a feeling of letting go when recording, both of oneself and the script. The script doesn't articulate realistic noises that occur during sex, according to Grant, so the narrator needs to go beyond what's written and put themselves in the scene. This work can conjure up self-consciousness and vulnerability, Grant said, because these noises are primal and intimate.
"Moans, grunts, mouth sounds, breathing, and cries of ecstasy are all very personal experiences," he said, "so if a narrator is able to overcome certain acting apprehensions and really commit to bringing honesty and a lack of inhibition to the erotic content, then authors and producers will appreciate this commitment and want to continue collaborating."
Grant goes the distance for his work. For one series, which includes his favorite story "Shower for Two," he recorded sounds in a gym, sauna, locker room, bathroom, and shower. "I had a huge amount of fun providing original recorded content for the sound design and hope that the level of immersion feels quite high for our members," he said. "We are all working hard to take our audio erotica to the next level."
While actors for Dipsea and Audiodesires receive a script, Scarlett improvises her stories for Quinn. "It's just me sitting in a closet improvising different fantasies," she said. Usually, Scarlett records from her booth in New York but she relocated to California amidst the pandemic.
A choreographer who was connected to her sexuality once served as a mentor to Scarlett, and she was inspired. When recording to Quinn, she tries not to judge herself. "When I shed the judgment, then it is actually very liberating," she said, "because I get to explore parts of myself that I don't necessarily explore in my daily life."

Artwork for "Shower for Two," Grant's favorite Audiodesires story. Credit: audiodesires

Sometimes she feels silly, especially if she improvises something and it sounds off. "I have fun with myself … I keep good humor while I do it." But overall, it is freeing for her. "That's actually the thing I tell my friends about it is that it's incredibly empowering as well, just to be able to like explore."
RedJess(Opens in a new tab), another Quinn performer, found out about the site when she met the content creator on set for a commercial. Jess, also an alias, had never heard of any audio erotica platform and was fascinated. "Plus, I was already used to working as a voice actor, and liked the anonymity aspect," she told Mashable. "Being in the business of saying 'yes' I thought of it as a fun, new adventure."
Unlike Scarlett, Jess writes a short script herself and riffs when the moment calls for it. Since it's only her recording, she writes in another person but no one else actually speaks. While she's not an avid porn watcher, Jess knows there's a loose plot — a situation of some sort, the relationship between the people involved, and eventually, sex. "That’s usually where I go off script and you know…make it sexy," she said.
Like Scarlett and some other performers, though, Jess performs alone and finds it liberating. "I try to have fun, keep it real, and trust my instincts," she said.
All the performers were adamant that they wanted to keep recording erotica. "Luckily you never see my face so I can probably keep doing it until I'm in my 80s," Corney joked. "I might need some glasses to read the script by then though."
"I could look different to different people. I love not having a face. Being no one. Being anyone."
Dickerson believes Dipsea is groundbreaking in helping people become more sexually liberated. "They're so intentional — and it shows in each and every email that they send down [and] up to every episode that they produce," she said. Both she and Bianco said they'll continue to record with them.
Scarlett reiterated the feeling of liberation in the work. "Digging into one's own sensuality is a beautiful thing, to feel connected with yourself," she said. "I think often in society we can push down. It can be freeing. And I think that's a beautiful thing that I get to experience with doing this kind of work."
Anonymity, which some performers prefer to maintain, is also a beautiful thing. Porn may not be personal, but audio erotica is as close as it can get. "I like being anyone they need me to be," Grant said.
He enjoys having an experience with the listener that's both collaborative and intimate. He continued, "I could look different to different people. I love not having a face. Being no one. Being anyone. Being the one to feed them the words on the page line by line, like delicious grapes."
Check your kids Halloween candy memes hilariously mocks hyped drug warnings
Check your kids Halloween candy memes hilariously mocks hyped drug warnings
Every Halloween police(Opens in a new tab) departments(Opens in a new tab) and certain parents do the same, pretty tired thing. "Parents be warned," they say, "people are lacing candy with drugs/razor blades/poison/whatever."
These old tropes and fears are trotted out despite zero evidence(Opens in a new tab) that deadly Halloween candy is a thing. Also do people understand how expensive edibles are? Why in the world would anyone pass out weed candy? Why would anyone decide to kill kids at random with razor blades?
SEE ALSO: The best outdoor games for kids
People online latched onto that idea and began posting funny memes poking fun at the idea that some neighborhood sadist is trying to hurt kids with Halloween candy.
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The funny thing is, is it really any more ridiculous to think that people would slip Rich Dad Poor Dad into a piece of candy than a razor blade? OK, it's a bit more ridiculous because of the size impossibility. But it's a reversal of the old trope: Wealthy enclaves fear the insidious interloper, all hopped up on drugs, hurting their children. What if everyone else worried about the rich folks indoctrinating their children with the prosperity gospel?
Of course, I could also be overthinking all this. Sometimes stuff is just funny because it's funny.
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Anyway, be safe out there. And remember to check the inside of your child's candy. With reports like these, who knows what you're going to find.
Also, take at least a few pieces for yourself. You know, to test it out.
Gear to complement your new outdoorsy hobby this spring
Gear to complement your new outdoorsy hobby this spring
You Got This is a series that spotlights the gear you need to improve one area of your life. If you buy something from this post, we may earn an affiliate commission.
After months of freezing temps, you may have forgotten how much you actually like spending time outdoors. With daylight savings behind us and spring on the horizon, it’s time to swap out your ski boots for hiking boots and get back out there. After the year we’ve all had, embracing a new screen-free hobby is all the rage (might we suggest fly-fishing?). To switch into spring mode and thaw out your sense of adventure, get all the gear you need from Cabela’s(Opens in a new tab).
Fuel up and stay hydrated
Take your cold brew or water into the wild with a rugged, BPA-free tumbler that won’t chip if you accidentally drop-kick it on gravel. The 20- or 30-ounce capacity keeps beverages hot or cold for a day trip to a National Park.

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YETI Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid ($29.99-$39.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Paddle out to disconnect
Kayaking is a stress-busting activity that can improve mental and physical balance. For quick trips to a local lake or a slow-moving river, choose an ultra-portable kayak with handles on the front and back, and built-in foam to make it extra floaty and boost your confidence on the water.

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Credit: LIFETIME

Lifetime Spitfire 9 Burnt Orange Sit-On-Top Kayak ($369.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Sport surfer-inspired sunglasses
Get 100% UV protection with glare-reducing polarized sunglasses. Plus, comfy nose pads and grippy temples create a solid fit since watching your shades drop overboard isn’t funny (to you, anyway). These ones have the added feel-good value of benefitting a collab protecting sharks.

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Credit: COSTA

Costa Ocearch Rincon 580G Polarized Sunglasses Kit ($259) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Get some multifunctional carabiners
For rock climbers, lightweight, color-coded biners provide durable, hot-forged construction and efficient nose geometry for clipping and unclipping, even single-handedly. For the rest of us, they’re really handy for hanging water bottles, keeping track of keys, and slinging up hammocks.

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Credit: BLACK DIAMOND

Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner Rackpack ($39.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Pack the perfect picnic
Instead of leaving mealtime to chance, pack a proper lunch in a lightweight, soft-sided cooler. A tough and durable option for serious picnickers will keep food and drinks fresh and cool because no one wants to snack on warm, mini carrots after a long hike, or ever really.

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Credit: YETI

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Soft-Side Cooler ($199.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Reel in relaxation
Looking for an alternative to meditation? Fishing is a mindfulness activity that relies on focus and awareness. A general-purpose freshwater rod-and-reel combo is a good place to start assembling a basic tackle.

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Credit: BASS PRO SHOPS

Bass Pro Shops Freestyle Rod and Reel Spinning Combo - FSP260MLS-2 ($29.97, normally $39.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Lace-up for a hike
Lost your last pair of hiking boots to a blowout? Replace them with a breathable, waterproof pair that will see you through muddy trails. These ones have high-traction grips and all-terrain rubber outsoles perfect for unpredictable spring weather.

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Credit: KEEN

KEEN Steens Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots $124.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Take your pup for a walk
When you don’t have time for an all-day escape, even a brisk walk to the park with your dog counts as an outdoor adventure. Back home, treat your four-legged pal with a legit, nonslip food bowl that matches your own Yeti.

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Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl ($39.99-$49.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)

Kick back like a legend
Inflatable, parrot-themed pool chair meets hammock meets swim-up bar for the most laidback way to appreciate a nearby lake or backyard pool. Of course, it has a built-in drink coozy. Because whoever said outdoor adventures have to be strenuous?

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Credit: MARGARITAVILLE

Margaritaville Sit and Sip Inflatable ($14.99) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
Boston Dynamics robodog Spot did a little halftime dance for NCAA fans
Boston Dynamics robodog Spot did a little halftime dance for NCAA fans
It's possible that Spot, the robot dog developed and built by Boston Dynamics, peaked when it danced with BTS. This is still pretty entertaining, though.
Spot took to the University of Missouri's Faurot Field on Saturday as college football's Missouri Tigers faced off against the Tennessee Volunteers. The halftime appearance gave Spot to show off its dancing skills in public once again, this time with the Tigers' halftime cheerleading squad.
And you know what? Spot has got some moves.
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It looks like the school's College of Engineering team may have been responsible for Spot's sweet choreography. The Mizzou Engineering account on Twitter that shared the clip, as well as some looks at the lead-up to the big event.
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Sure, maybe one day we'll all be the subjects of robot overlords like Spot. But for now, this plucky, dog-like machine is armed with nothing more than graceful dance moves and exactly the kind of endearing qualities that will compel us humans to let our guard down.
UPDATE: Oct. 4, 2021, 11:28 a.m. EDT Tell me you don't know a thing about college football without telling me you don't know a thing about college football? An earlier version of this post identified the University of Missouri's football team as the Ole Miss Rebels, and their opponents on Saturday as the Alabama Crimson Tide. That was incorrect. Missouri's team is the Tigers, and on Saturday, Oct. 2 they took on the Tennessee Volunteers. As both the author and the editor on this story, the fault is entirely mine. I'd like to apologize for the error to the collective teams and student bodies at the Universities of Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, the last of which is the actual home of the Ole Miss Rebels. Rest easy in the knowledge that my embarrassment will forever be reflected in the factually incorrect URL for this story.
Todays top deals include a Dyson vacuum, an Audible subscription discount, and more Amazon device al
Todays top deals include a Dyson vacuum, an Audible subscription discount, and more Amazon device all-time lows
Here are the best deals of the day for Oct. 6:
- BEST AMAZON DEVICE DEAL: Blink Mini 2-Pack(Opens in a new tab) — $29.99 ~~$64.99~~ (save $35)
- BEST SUBSCRIPTION DEAL: Four months of Audible Premium Plus(Opens in a new tab) — $5.95/month ~~$14.95/month~~ (save $36)
- BEST HOME DEAL: Dyson Ball Multi-Floor Origin Vacuum(Opens in a new tab) — $239.99 ~~$399.99~~ (save $160)
Not only are we counting down the days until Prime Day 2 (officially named Prime Early Access Sale) on Oct. 11 and 12, but we're also keeping our eyes peeled for competing shopping events — like Target's Deal Days and Walmart's "Rollbacks and More" sale. In the mean time, there's a lot of discounts already live and ready to shop as of Oct. 6.
If you're looking for an Amazon device, you're in luck. With all-time low prices on everything from the brand-new Echo Dot to the parent-favorite Fire HD 8 Kids, these are deals you'll actually want to shop. Plus, save big on subscriptions, home products, and even a few games and toys ahead of the official start of these shopping events.
Here are the best deals of the day for Oct. 6 — happy shopping!
Best Amazon device deal

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Credit: Blink

Our pick: Blink Mini (2-Pack) (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$29.99 at Amazon (save $35)
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Why we like it
For just $30, you can snag a two-pack of Blink Mini cameras and equip your home with a couple extra sets of eyes. Because they're wired, they'll need to stay inside and nearby outlets, which can be a drag. But aside from that, they feature many of the same perks as other Blink cameras, like 1080p video quality, infrared night vision, motion sensors, Alexa compatibility, and two-way audio. With this pre-Prime Day 2 deal, you can get two cameras for less than the regular price of one (the lowest price we've seen to date).
Related Stories
- Was Amazon's Prime Day sequel worth it? Here's our Prime Early Access Sale postmortem.
- Target is taking on Amazon with a 72-hour Deal Days sale — again
- Oh hey, Walmart's 'Rollbacks and More' sale is still live even though Prime Day 2 is over
Best Audible deal

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Our pick: Four months of Audible Premium Plus (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$5.95/month (save 60%)
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Why we like it
Normally $14.95 per month, this limited-time deal gets you four months of Audible Premium Plus for just $5.95 per month instead. While it's not as good as free, that's still 60% in savings. For that low price, you'll get bestselling audiobooks and new releases (one to keep each month), access to a growing collection of podcasts, audiobooks, and Audible Originals, plus 30% off all additional titles you want, as well as members-only sales. After your four months are up, the price will jump back up to $14.95, so be sure to cancel if you don't want to be charged full price.
Best deal

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Our pick: Dyson Ball Multi-Floor Origin Vacuum (opens in a new tab) (Opens in a new tab)
$239.99 at Best Buy (save $160)
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Why we like it
While not quite its lowest price ever, this deal on the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor Origin will save you $160. Considering how dismal the Dyson deals are currently, this is definitely worth the hype. The Multi-Floor Origin Upright boasts high performance on all floor types, but is particularly impressive on carpet. It effortlessly glides thanks to Dyson's signature ball axel and allegedly captures more microscopic dust than any other cyclone. From what we know about Dyson, plus the overwhelmingly positive reviews, it's likely this upright vacuum lives up to expectations. If you want it for just $239.99, grab it ASAP — this deal is only valid for today, Oct. 6.
More Amazon device deals
- Echo Devices(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $14.99 (save up to 70%)
- Select Echo Devices with free 2-Pack GE CYNC Smart LED Color Bulbs(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $17.99 (save up to 72%)
- Amazon Halo Devices(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $39.99 (save up to 44%)
- Ring Video Doorbell Bundles(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $39.99 (save up to 60%)
- Fire Tablets(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $44.99 (save up to 50%)
- Kids Fire Tablets(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $59.99 (save up to 50%)
- Fire TV Cube (2nd gen)(Opens in a new tab) — $59.99 ~~$119.99~~ (save $60)
- Echo Dot (5th gen) with Amazon Smart Plug(Opens in a new tab) — $72.98 ~~$84.98~~ (save $12)
- Kindle E-readers(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $99.99 (save up to 31%)
- Echo Dot (5th gen) with eero Mesh WiFi Router(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $99.99 (save up to 16%)
- Kindle Paperwhite Bundles(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $117.97 (save up to 38%)
- Echo Show 15 with Echo show 5 (2nd Gen) Bundle(Opens in a new tab) — $249.99 ~~$334.98~~ (save $84.99)
- eero Pro 6E tri-band mesh Wi-Fi (3-Pack)(Opens in a new tab) — $419 ~~$699~~ (save $280)
More streaming and subscription deals
- Four months of Amazon Music Unlimited(Opens in a new tab) — free ~~$8.99/month~~ (save $36)
- Three months of Apple TV+(Opens in a new tab) — free ~~$4.99/month~~ (save $14.97)
- One year of Grubhub+(Opens in a new tab) — free for Prime members ~~$119.88~~ (save $119.88)
- Three months of BET+ via Amazon Prime Video(Opens in a new tab) — $0.99/month ~~$9.99/month~~ (save $27)
- First month of Xbox Game Pass(Opens in a new tab) — $1 ~~$14.99~~ (save $13.99)
- One year of HBO Max(Opens in a new tab) — $69.99 with ads ~~$99.99 with ads~~ (save $30)
More home and tech deals
- Tile Item Finders(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $17.99 (save up to 29%)
- Funko Pop! Vinyl: Star Wars 5-Pack(Opens in a new tab) — $51.03 ~~$70~~ (save $18.97)
- Madden NFL 23 (PS5)(Opens in a new tab)— $59.99 ~~$69.99~~ (save $10)
- Insignia HD Smart Fire TVs(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $99.99 (save up to 44%)
- Ninja IG601 Foodi XL 7-in-1 Indoor Grill Combo(Opens in a new tab) — $199.99 ~~$349.99~~ (save $250)
- Sony LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TVs(Opens in a new tab) — starting at $598 (save up to $800)
The surprising reason Lily Allens Smile went viral on TikTok
The surprising reason Lily Allens Smile went viral on TikTok
TikTok users all over the globe are dancing like mad to Lily Allen's "Smile," 14 years after its release.
The 2006 breakup anthem is now part of a genuine dance trend after a TikTok user posted his jubilant choreography in response to the recent uptick in "racists getting exposed." It now has millions of likes and hundreds of thousands of reshares. And, some Twitter users' whining notwithstanding, the dance is good.
TikTok user zockjat posted his celebratory dance routine(Opens in a new tab) set to "Smile" in late June, captioning it, "Me watching all these racists getting exposed." His choreography embodies pure joy — there's no other way to describe it. It's cheerful, unforgiving, and an absolute delight to watch. The song, after all, is about someone facing consequences for their actions. What better way to bring it back to pop culture dominance than to apply it to canceling racists?
In "Smile," Allen sings about finding joy in a cheating ex's unhappiness. "At first, when I see you cry, yeah it makes me smile," she croons. "At worst, I feel bad for a while, but then I just smile, I go ahead and smile."

Since the Black Lives Matter movement re-inspired a widespread fight against systemic racism after George Floyd's killing by police in May, public figures have been called out and removed from positions of power. YouTubers Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star have been steadily losing subscribers(Opens in a new tab) for their past racist comments. Dozens(Opens in a new tab) of company leaders have stepped down after former employees alleged they fostered hostile work environments. High schoolers are using Instagram(Opens in a new tab) to expose other students for their racist actions. Polls suggest(Opens in a new tab) the latest iteration of Black Lives Matter may be the largest mass movement in U.S. history.
From taking down centuries-old statues of colonizers(Opens in a new tab) to speaking out against abusive workplaces, the last six weeks have seen rapid change in the way we think about race in American culture.

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Credit: TikTok / zockjat

With all that as its backdrop, Zockjat's original video has become wildly popular on TikTok. It currently has over 3.3 million likes and more than 200,000 shares. It has also inspired hundreds of thousands of other users to attempt the dance. Over 133,200 videos on the platform currently use the song. There's a slew of tutorials on both YouTube(Opens in a new tab) and TikTok(Opens in a new tab) with breakdowns of Zockjat's every move. TikTok users have copied it while on a skateboard(Opens in a new tab), using puppets(Opens in a new tab), and in groups(Opens in a new tab).
While the dance gained traction on TikTok, however, a few Allen fans expressed disappointment that her song has become a TikTok trend. Several annoyed(Opens in a new tab) Allen fans took to Twitter to complain(Opens in a new tab), voicing(Opens in a new tab) their disbelief(Opens in a new tab) at the reason the song was so popular again.
"TikTok teens won't stop until they've ruined every song on the planet," one curmudgeonly Twitter user said.
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Personally, I'm biased because I spent a good 30 minutes of my day trying to learn this impossibly difficult dance, and I do admittedly have a soft spot for defending The Youths. But I'm all here for this dance trend. We need this sort of jubilant energy now more than ever, especially with the rapidly deteriorating state of the pandemic(Opens in a new tab).
While TikTok users have woefully misinterpreted songs with inappropriate choreography before — Addison Rae was heavily criticized(Opens in a new tab) for dancing to a song about body image issues while promoting her brand sponsorship with American Eagle — this isn't the case with "Smile," a song that touches on deeper issues.
We've seen plenty of YouTube apology videos from creators tearfully trying to make amends for their racist behavior. It's OK to rejoice in folks finally having to face some consequences, even if it's incredibly late and not nearly enough.
Besides, trying to keep the younger generation from enjoying the music you listened to at their age in their own way is some real elitist Boomer energy. Let us have our joyful dances. There are plenty of terrible internet trends to complain about. This isn't one of them.
Orange M&M is now a Gen Z icon because of its extreme anxiety
Orange M&M is now a Gen Z icon because of its extreme anxiety
Remember the orange M&M? Apparently, he's a Gen Z icon now.
In an effort to make the M&M brand more inclusive, Mars has redesigned its beloved M&M characters for a "more dynamic, progressive world," reports(Opens in a new tab) CBS News. The 2022 updates include a significantly less sexy green M&M(Opens in a new tab) — her iconic heeled go-go boots have been replaced with simple, stylish sneakers — and the orange M&M is now embracing his anxiety. Yes, the green lady M&M got new shoes, while the orange M&M is grappling with his mental health!
The orange M&M has always been the anxious one, something I had to be reminded of by this campaign, but now it will "embrace his true self, worries and all." How is the orange M&M's acceptance of his anxious self reflected in the rebranded character design, you ask? He tied his shoes, duh.
Nothing says having control over your life like double-knotted laces.
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According to Mars, the orange M&M is "the most relatable character with Gen Z" because we are "the most anxious generation." Personally, as a member of Gen Z, I feel attacked. Is it our fault that we're understandably anxious to come of age amidst the climate crisis and a years-long global pandemic? The orange M&M is just trying to live its life without being eaten whole by an unforgiving society. It's strange for a brand to single out a generation based on their mental health struggles, but this is the hellscape we are living in.
The new orange M&M design is comical with its expressive, worried face and big tennis shoes. If you really squint, he's kinda giving Timothée Chalamet or Pete Davidson, two goofy, Gen Z icons who wear oversized sneakers.
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On his updated character page on the M&M website(Opens in a new tab), the orange M&M is asked about its "favorite way to unwind?" to which he responds, "I don't understand the question." That's millennial behavior if I've ever seen it. Gen Z is all about self-awareness, introspection, and being in touch with our feelings. If orange wants to be one of us, he has to accept his anxiety and then put it all over social media.
He does make some good points, though. He responds to the prompt "I can't leave the house without..." with "panicking." Maybe orange M&M is the most relatable one after all.
I just hope that part of the orange M&M's journey to embracing its anxious personality involves it getting the help it needs. And that's on prioritizing your mental health!
What is an inadequate cervical screening result?
What is an inadequate cervical screening result?
My heart sunk when I read the letter. I had tested positive for HPV and my smear test result was "inadequate". I could almost hear my pulse thudding in my chest. I had no idea what this result meant or whether I should be worried about it.
I'd never heard the word "inadequate" used in relation to a cervical screening (also known as a Pap smear) before now. This word, coupled with the positive HPV result, understandably prompted me to freak out. It was 11 p.m., so when I tried to ring my mum — my first port of call for all my reproductive health questions — she was already asleep. I googled the words "inadequate smear result," but struggled to find any information I could trust.
If you've also received an inadequate smear test result, we consulted experts to get you the answers you need to put your mind at ease.
What is HPV?
An abbreviation of Human Papilloma Virus(Opens in a new tab), HPV is a group of very common viruses. Around 80 percent(Opens in a new tab) of sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lifetime, but most will be unaware they have it due to the condition's lack of symptoms. Per the UK's National Health Service (NHS)(Opens in a new tab), HPV viruses "do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer." Only high risk strains of HPV cause cell changes which can, in some cases, eventually lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. This is why it's really important to get regular pap smear tests.
Inadequate = unreadable
If you're reading this article in frantic search of answers, do not be alarmed. Take a few deep breaths: it is not an abnormal smear result (abnormal would indicate that there are changes in cervical cells which we'll go into more detail below), it simply means it was unreadable. An inadequate cervical smear test result simply means that the swab sample did not contain enough cells to provide an accurate result. You'll need to repeat the smear test, usually in three months' time, to give the surface of your cervix enough time to regenerate enough cells.
Eluned Hughes, head of information and engagement at charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, understands the worry that receiving an inadequate result can cause.
"Being told you have an ‘inadequate’ cervical screening result can be scary, and understandably so," Hughes tells Mashable. "However, all 'inadequate' really means is that the sample (the cervical cells your GP or nurse collected) either couldn't be tested properly, isn't made up of enough cells to test, or can’t be seen accurately under a microscope."
"At this point, your GP will get in touch and ask you to go back for another cervical screening in three months. An inadequate test can be frustrating and inconvenient, but remember, it’s no cause for concern," Hughes added.
In my case, I went back to my doctor's surgery three months later to get a repeat smear test. It was nerve-wracking (to say the least), but I wanted to be sure that there were no cell changes. My results came back showing no abnormal cells.
An inadequate test can be frustrating and inconvenient, but remember, it’s no cause for concern.
In England, Scotland, and Wales, smear tests have changed in recent years — they now use a test called HPV primary screening during cervical screening. Northern Ireland currently uses a test called cytology, which examines cells, but will move to HPV screening in the future. The U.S. does not pre-screen for HPV during a Pap smear, and instead tests for cell abnormalities.
During an HPV primary screening, the laboratory will pre-screen to see if you have high risk HPV(Opens in a new tab). If your sample is positive for HPV, they'll test for abnormal cells. (You won't need to repeat your smear test, they'll test the same swab they used to test for HPV.)
"High risk HPV can cause cell changes in the cervix, which over time can develop into cancer, according to independent research organisation and charity Cancer Research(Opens in a new tab).
If you test positive for HPV, you'll receive one of the following results:
1. HPV found with no cell changes
You'll be asked to return in a year's time for another screening to see if you still have HPV. If you test positive for HPV three years in a row, you'll be invited to a colposcopy(Opens in a new tab) — a test to take a closer look at your cervix. The microscope stays outside of your body. A small sample of cells (known as a biopsy) might be taken to be tested.
2. HPV found with cell changes
You'll be invited to return as soon as possible a colposcopy.
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3. HPV found with inadequate cell results
You'll be invited to take another smear test in three months' time to gain a better sample to check for any cell changes.
What if I have cell changes?
There are different grades of cell changes — and some do not require any immediate treatment. If you are informed that your cell changes are high risk — they're called CIN3 or CGIN — you will be offered treatment to have those cells removed. CIN stands for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and CGIN stands for cervical glandular intra-epithelial neoplasia.
If your cell changes are classed as CIN1 then no immediate treatment is required as these cell changes are considered low risk. CIN2 cells are considered medium risk and you'll be offered a colposcopy to check the cells and potentially remove them.
What happens after an inadequate smear?
If the laboratory was able to get a clear reading second time around, then you'll be informed as to whether you have any cell changes or not. If your follow-up smear also comes back inadequate, you might be invited for a colposcopy to get a more detailed examination of the cervix.
As I'd had a positive HPV result, I was called back a year later for another smear test. I just got the results back and I received a negative HPV result, meaning my immune system had cleared the virus from my system.
My letter from the NHS Cervical Screening Administration Service read as follows: "Your result is HPV negative. This means your risk of cervical cancer is very low and there is no need to check for abnormal cells even if you had these in the past." My next smear test will now be in three years' time in 2025.
If you're feeling anxious about getting a smear, talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns you have as they will hopefully be able to allay those fears and reassure you. Knowledge is power, after all, so book your smear test when you're invited to do so.