10 years later, the Candle Queen of Appleton wouldnt change anything about her viral Bath & Body Works rant
2023-03-19 06:19:25author：dointy.com
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10 years later, the Candle Queen of Appleton wouldnt change anything about her viral Bath & Body Works rant
"Hello, everybody. This is going to be extremely explicit, so if you don't like swearing or angry people from Wisconsin, then turn your mother-effing camera off now."
So begins the 11-minute, 49-second video(Opens in a new tab) Angela Julius uploaded to YouTube on Nov. 4, 2012, in which she dramatically unpacked a futile quest to find two specific scented candles at her local Bath & Body Works brick-and-mortar stores.
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Classic Bath & Body Works scents, ranked
A prolific vlogger who goes by the username Az4angela(Opens in a new tab), Julius, 48, of Neenah, Wisconsin, enjoys spilling tea and sharing snippets of her daily life with her followers — many of whom tune in for her candle reviews. That video, entitled, "I MIGHT Boycott Bath & Body Works RANT!," was an intentionally silly and over-the-top retelling of a frustrating customer service experience that Julius made for a niche, clued-in audience. Then the rest of the world found it.
The video blew up overnight after YouTuber Tyler Oakley shared it on his Tumblr page(Opens in a new tab) in October 2014, turning Julius into a prototype of the "Karen" trope(Opens in a new tab) that spawned memes(Opens in a new tab) and comedic reenactments(Opens in a new tab). A parody(Opens in a new tab) appeared in a Season 1 episode of Ryan Murphy's slasher comedy Scream Queens. Allusions to the screed have popped up on Bath & Body Works Yelp(Opens in a new tab), Facebook(Opens in a new tab), and Foursquare(Opens in a new tab) pages over the years. Forget Team Edward or Team Jacob — are you Team Angela or Team Jen, the Appleton store manager who had incorrect intel about the true location of Winter Candy Apple and Iced Gingerbread three-wicks?
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As someone who grew up in America's Dairyland, the video has an oddly special place in my heart. Wisconsinites typically go viral for far worse reasons — a local serial killer gets a big-budget biopic, a quarterback says something stupid(Opens in a new tab), a Republican politician says something stupider(Opens in a new tab). There's something refreshingly trivial about Julius's candle rant, and her Green Bay Packers garb and Inland North accent(Opens in a new tab) are so true to the real Wisconsin I know. Seeing the video referenced in the wild incites the same feeling as spotting a brandy old-fashioned(Opens in a new tab) on an out-of-state bar menu: pleasant surprise muddled with a warm pang of homesickness.
I caught up with Julius over email ahead of the candle rant's 10-year anniversary, and just after a spot-on lip sync(Opens in a new tab) gave it new life on TikTok(Opens in a new tab) and Twitter(Opens in a new tab). In the spirit of Small Talk, the self-proclaimed Candle Queen of Appleton(Opens in a new tab) opened up about the events leading up to the video, viral backlash, her lifelong love of candles, and one of her newer online ventures: OnlyFans.
The interview below has been edited for length and clarity.
Mashable: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What's one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a single mom of two girls, one of which is over 30. People may be surprised to learn that I take care of children for a living — I have the non-emergency number memorized, and when I call, they know me by name.
Can you walk us through the day you decided to make the original candle rant video?
That day, I was with my mother. We were shopping in Oshkosh at Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle. I was previously looking for two scents to review on my channel. I had a pretty good relationship with the Appleton Bath & Body Works store. I was surprised when they called me and asked if I could come to Appleton because they had both of the candles in.
I would have never gone to the mall that day if it hadn’t been for them calling me. My mom and I had just enough time to run to the mall to pick up the candles and get back home for dinner with my dad. At that time, he was recently diagnosed with cancer and, due to chemo, his appetite was down, so we were making daily meals. I thought it was just gonna be a quick in-and-out at the mall, but then it turned into a big fiasco. My whole point in the video was they should have never called me if they weren’t 100 percent sure they had the items in.
What would I have done differently that day? Absolutely nothing. It’s true I was upset that my time was wasted, but if you listen closely you can hear my daughter laughing in the background. It was obviously a fabrication, and I was having fun.
What was it like to have the candle rant go viral?
When I posted the video [in 2012], I only had the candle community watching. They completely understood what happened and sympathized. When Tyler Oakley posted the video [on Tumblr in 2014] and I woke up the next morning with thousands of notifications in my email inbox, I started freaking out. Back then, going viral was different than it is now. I immediately sent the video to private. Unfortunately, I missed out on a huge chunk of change.
I almost didn’t go to work that day. My friend and [vlogging] sidekick Miss Judy(Opens in a new tab) talked me into going, telling me that if I didn’t go that day I would never go back. I went and my place of employment was a circus. Everyone knew, including my whole city and surrounding cities. It was in the newspaper, on television, everywhere. I just wanted to hide.
Is there anything people often get wrong about you based on the candle rant?
People always say I was the first Karen. Again, I was having fun in the video, but people took it literally. I never intended on having millions of people watch the video. I thought it was just going to be the candle community. People who truly know me agree that I’m extremely kind and have excellent customer service [skills] and also treat workers with respect. People do recognize me from time to time, but more often now [than back when the video first went viral]. It’s usually when I’m in Appleton shopping.
Are you still a big fan of Bath & Body Works? You've mentioned a candle collection in some of your videos.
I will never stop shopping there. I go at least four times a year, if not more. And I do have a big candle collection, but to be honest it’s mostly Yankee candles. I will always be a fan of both companies.
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Have you heard from or run into Jen since?
Never! And I’ve been back to the store, and I have never seen her... She never got fired to my knowledge. I honestly believe that she was definitely trying to help me out and once she learned of her mistake, she felt bad. I’m sure she’s a very nice person, and I wish her all the best.
What was it like being parodied on Scream Queens?
It was like a dream come true. I absolutely love Ryan Patrick Murphy. Anything he does turns to gold.
A woman recently went viral on TikTok(Opens in a new tab) for lip-syncing to the candle rant. What was your reaction to seeing her video?
She is definitely brilliant! It was word-for-word perfection! She even had my voice pitch down. I was definitely surprised by her talent. To be honest, I was not surprised to see my video resurface. It usually does once a year. Someone famous will do a shout-out on Twitter, and my views skyrocket. But this was definitely something special!
What made you decide to start an OnlyFans account? What's that experience been like?
This is a touchy subject because not a lot of people know. At the start of COVID-19, like many, I got laid off... I started trying to think of different ways I could earn money, and OnlyFans was it! I didn’t have to show my face, and I could choose what I wanted to post. I definitely do soft adult entertainment — the least of the least!
On a lighter note, can you tell us your favorite candle scent and your favorite discontinued Bath & Body Works product(s)?
I will always be true to Cherries on Snow by Yankee Candle(Opens in a new tab). That fragrance will always be in my collection. I also like anything that is almond-raspberry-scented. From Bath & Body Works, it is definitely Winter Candy Apple(Opens in a new tab). I also miss the glitter roll-on sticks from Bath & Body Works back in the day. We used to roll them all over our bodies and would be covered in glitter and then go to the clubs.
Because I have to ask: Any thoughts on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this season?
I don’t care for Aaron Rodgers. He’s just not my vibe. Even though I rarely watch the Packers, I still get highlights from Miss Judy, and I also have Packer clothing.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
My love for candles started when I was just a little girl. My father and I used to go downstairs in the basement, and I would watch him pour wax into molds for friends and family as Christmas gifts. Spending one-on-one quality time with my dad was very special. Before the video went viral, my father was able to view it. He laughed and laughed and thought that it was so hilarious. He was one of the only people that understood my humor. I just wish he was alive when it did go viral, but I know he’s looking down lighting a candle and still laughing.
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Billie Eilish is absolutely fed up with people saying All Lives Matter
Billie Eilish isn't afraid to speak out against injustice.
On Saturday, the 18-year-old singer posted a blunt and lengthy statement to her 63.3 million Instagram followers to address the death of George Floyd.
Since Floyd died on May 25 after a Minnesota police officer pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, protests against racism and police brutality have taken place across the United States.
Celebrities such as Taylor Swift have started using their giant platforms to help raise awareness and amplify an urgent need for change in America, and now Eilish is joining in. Eilish posted a statement written in her Notes app that detailed a plea for white people to understand their own privilege and use it to help those in need.
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"I've been trying to take this week to figure out a way to address this delicately," Eilish wrote. "I have an enourmous [sic] platform and I try really hard to be respectful and take time to think through what I say and and how I say it… but holy fucking shit I'm just gonna start talking."
Eilish went on to slam anyone who uses the slogan "All Lives Matter" instead of "Black Lives Matter," especially after publicized acts of police brutality, and explained why the slogan is so upsetting.
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Nike urges people to stand against racism in striking new ad
"No one is saying your life doesn't matter. No one is saying your life is not hard. No one is saying literally anything at all about you… all you MFs do is find a way to make everything about yourself. This is not about you. You are not in need. You are not in danger," she wrote.
The singer proceeded to use several metaphors to explain why the phrase infuriates her so deeply.
"If your friend gets a cut on their arm are you gonna wait to give all your friends a bandaid first because all arms matter? No you're gonna help your friend because they are in pain because they are in need because they are bleeding!" the teen wrote. "If someone's house was on fire and someone is stuck in the house, are you gonna make the fire department go to every other house on the block first because all houses matter? No! Because they don't fucking need it."
Eilish then called out white privilege and urged those reading her statement to think long and hard about how the color of white people's skin does not make their lives harder.
"If all lives matter why are black people killed for just being black? Why are immigrants persecuted? Why are white people given opportunities that people of other races aren't?" Eilish wrote. "Why is it okay for white people to protest literally being asked to stay at home while carrying semi-automatic weapons? Why is it okay for black people to be called thugs for protesting the murder of innocent people? Do you know why? White. Fucking. Privilege."
Eilish concluded her four-photo statement with the hashtag #justiceforgeorgefloyd, and her words left quite an impression on followers. The singer's post has received more than 2.5 million likes since it was posted around early on Saturday morning, and celebrities such as SZA, Chloe and Halle Bailey, Zoë Kravitz, and more have thanked her for speaking up.
Earlier in the week Eilish also shared a photo of Floyd(Opens in a new tab) on Instagram and highlighted several ways people can take action. You can find additional ways to demand justice for George Floyd and support protests here.
Chrissy Teigen promised $200,000 for bail funds after Trumps MAGA night tweet
Chrissy Teigen once again proved why she’s the unofficial queen of Twitter.
When Donald Trump responded to nationwide protests against police brutality and the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by tweeting that it was "MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE," no one quite understood what he meant. The tweet falsely stated that protests around the White House had "little to do with the memory of George Floyd" and made less sense from there.
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One of the Twitter users confused at what "MAGA NIGHT" meant was Chrissy Teigen, who didn't bother to parse Trump's tweet before committing to donate $100,000 to bail funds for protesters arrested in the course of exercising their rights.
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Another Twitter user, who has since deleted his account, must have said something to egg Teigen on, because shortly after tweeting her pledge, she quote-tweeted his currently unavailable response with a decision to double her donation.
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After posting her pledge to donate, Teigen tweeted that her mentions were a "maga shit show" but appeared unbothered by all accounts. Several other Twitter users attempted to criticize her for supporting the protests, but if there is one unspoken rule of Twitter (besides never becoming the main character), it's don't mess with Chrissy Teigen.
Seriously, she has just shy of 13 million followers, zero filter, and most importantly the time today.
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After smacking down a few of her louder MAGA-aligned critics, some of whom Teigen claimed were bots, Teigen sent a final message of support to those protesting.
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Teigen has not posted confirmation of her donation yet, but she and her husband John Legend have a history of donating in support of social justice organizations like the ACLU, Time's Up, and a North Carolina woman's remaining beauty school tuition.
YouTube has its faults, but it's also one of the few brands that stepped up swiftly with a tangible response to widespread protests against police brutality.
On Friday, the company tweeted a pledge to donate $1 million "in support of efforts to address social injustice." It was a vague promise at the time, motivated by what the company described as a desire to "stand in solidarity against racism and violence."
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More clarity came on Sunday in the form of a brief YouTube post, bearing the title "Stand Against Racial Injustice." The video(Opens in a new tab) is basically the same as a Nike ad that ran in response to the protests – just white text on a black background, set to soft piano music – but it reveals the beneficiary of YouTube's donation pledge as the Center for Policing Equity(Opens in a new tab).
It's a non-profit research center that embraces the idea of using "data science for justice." The website(Opens in a new tab) describes the Center's staff as "research scientists, race and equity experts, data virtuosos, and community trainers" who use "data as tools to build more fair and just systems."
It looks like much of the work they do takes the form of consulting with police departments and using their data science wizardry to improve local policing efforts, with a particular eye toward reform and eliminating racial biases. The idea of using data science to improve police effectiveness isn't new(Opens in a new tab) (and has faced criticism in the past), but this non-profit seems to have the right philosophical approach, at least.
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How a remix of 'This is America' became a TikTok anthem for protesting police brutality
And hey. Look. It's something. There's been a lot of empty, nothing statements around the protests from brands that were seemingly looking for an easy PR win. Whether or not you think YouTube is partnering with the right organization, this is at least a tangible action aimed at improving the world.
That's the kind of behavior we should be applauding, and trying to emulate. There are plenty of ways we can all do our part to help during this difficult moment.
In the week since the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes, protests continue to spread across the country. Many people, brands, and popular influencer accounts are using social media to publicly condemn racism and police brutality, and among them lies a somewhat surprising furry ally: Marnie The Dog's sister, Phyllis.
Marnie, the beloved internet-famous Shih Tzu, died back in March, but her owner Shirley Braha vowed to keep the dog's social accounts up and running. Now, Braha posts updates about Marnie's sister, a senior rescue named Phyllis, who apparently really does not like the cops.
On Tuesday, Phyllis' account changed its display name to "marnie the dog (sister phyllis) ACAB(Opens in a new tab)" (All Cops Are Bastards) and posted a photo with the caption,"Breaking curfew don't tell the pigs." On Instagram(Opens in a new tab), Phyllis' post also included the hashtag, #dogsagainstfascism. Pig is a derogatory name for law enforcement.
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SEE ALSO:
Nike urges people to stand against racism in striking new ad
It was somewhat surprising for fans of Marnie — who was known for adorable, silly, and generally very peaceful posts — to see Phyllis' human use the platform to take such a blunt, anti-cop stance. But it doesn't look like Braha regrets the social strategy one bit.
On Tuesday when a Twitter user replied to the photo of Phyllis saying, "That is not language befitting a celebrity dog Marnie," Braha tweeted, "Oh sorry I meant fuck the police."
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Though the' bold statements appear to have made several loyal followers of Marnie's handle uncomfortable, many people are praising Braha (and Phyllis) for using the large platforms to speak out against injustice. Even the popular @dog_rates account(Opens in a new tab) offered some high praise. (The Marnie accounts currently have 1.8 million Instagram followers and more than 115,000 Twitter followers.)
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On Tuesday night, Braha posted a second photo of the pup out on the street in front of armed forces, alongside the caption, "The militia took over my town howbowdat."
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It's unclear if Phyllis' accounts will continue sharing police-focused updates as protests proceed, but Mashable reached out to Braha for comment and will update this article when we hear back.
#Babygate trends after Trump surrounds the White House with fencing
As protests continue in Washington, D.C., Donald Trump seems to be seeking out all the protection he can get.
On top of Secret Service agents that have the president's back 24/7 and a line of law enforcement officers stationed outside the White House, there's now a hideous black fence surrounding Trump's residence.
The fencing along the White House perimeter was added(Opens in a new tab) on Thursday morning, and is expected to remain there until Wednesday, per NBC News(Opens in a new tab). Though White House spokesperson Judd Deere told the outlet that "The White House does not comment on security protocols and decisions," the Secret Service explained that "the closures are in an effort to maintain the necessary security measures surrounding the White House complex, while also allowing for peaceful demonstration."
Since the White House already has deep layers of security measures in place, many people feel that barricading the presidential residence in with a tall black fence is a pretty severe step.
Twitter users have even started mocking Trump by calling the fence a "baby gate."
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On Friday morning, #Babygate(Opens in a new tab) started to trend on Twitter and at the time of writing this article the hashtag has been used nearly 28,000 times. Some people are comparing the fence to the gates used to hold in toddlers, while others are drawing parallels between the White House barricade and Trump's border wall.
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Since the police killing of George Floyd on May 25, large groups of people have been protesting racism and police brutality around the world. Protests in D.C. have particularly escalated, however, and last Friday night Trump — along with Melania and their son Barron — were reportedly taken to the underground presidential bunker for safety(Opens in a new tab).
Trump also received criticism for his trip to the bunker, and singer Courtney Jaye mocked him in a viral song called "Bunker Boy."
The White House may just be preparing for additional protests that are planned in D.C. over the weekend, but whatever the reason for the excess fencing, it's an undoubtedly bizarre sight to behold.
Virtual internships and the Zoom skills you dont learn in college
With the spread of the coronavirus, summer internships — once a staple of collegiate and post-grad life — have dried up(Opens in a new tab). Now, like many jobs, they've gone virtual.
A survey(Opens in a new tab) of more than 400 companies conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that around 80 percent of employers were making some kind of change to their internship programs, which included things like pivoting to remote work or shortening the length of the program. (Other programs have been canceled or postponed.)
For most students and recent grads, though, a loss of internships might be just one of several other concerns. Young people entering the workforce right now, whether as graduates of the Class of 2020(Opens in a new tab) or as current students, are encountering a job market(Opens in a new tab) in which more than one in five(Opens in a new tab) Americans are unemployed. (Analysis from payroll platform Gusto(Opens in a new tab) found(Opens in a new tab) that those under 25 are experiencing a job loss rate 93 percent higher than those 35 and older.)
To make matters worse, many seasonal jobs at restaurants and coffee shops have disappeared(Opens in a new tab) because of COVID-19 lockdowns. That makes internships one of the few employment options left for many young people.
And for students who come from less privileged backgrounds, internships can provide a ladder to higher-paying work down the road, said Carlos Mark Vera, co-founder of Pay Our Interns(Opens in a new tab), a nonprofit centered on the rights of interns.
"Internships work as a pivot point. For working class students, it gives them a foot in the door," Mark Vera said. "[With cancellations], you're impacting folks who don't have the same networks as other folks. This is hurting everyone, but it's hurting some students more than others."
"This is hurting everyone, but it's hurting some students more than others."
Shawn VanDerziel, executive director of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), predicts the summer of 2020 will serve as a watershed moment for virtual internships.
"[This] summer is a big test," VanDerziel said. "If I had to predict, there will be many more virtual internships moving forward."
Goodbye, career center listservs
For some people, virtual internships aren't a new concept.
Back in 2017, the gears were already turning for Ahva Sadeghi and Nikita Gupta, the co-founders of Symba, one of the few platforms out there that helps companies find and manage virtual interns.
Students can find virtual internships on the platform. Once they send in their resumes and answer job-specific questions, Symba's team analyzes them, and then sends qualified candidates to companies
Additionally, for employers implementing a virtual internship program, Symba’s team designs onboarding and orientation materials, as well as feedback and performance metrics specific to the internship.
When they launched, back in 2019, Sadeghi says employers were largely hesitant.
"It was like that line from Mean Girls," Sadeghi said, in reference to Regina George's iconic zinger(Opens in a new tab). "Like, 'Stop trying to make virtual internships happen.'"
The coronavirus pandemic changed quickly that.
"This is the future of work," Sadeghi said. "People don't need to put on a suit, go to a cubicle, or wait until summer to [do an internship.] We're preparing people for what work looks like now."
Symba's not alone. Chuck Isgar and Megan Kasselberg, two students from Brown University, co-founded Intern From Home(Opens in a new tab), a portal for employers and potential interns to connect.
The platform, which their team initially built in 48 hours after being told to leave campus(Opens in a new tab) because of COVID-19, compiles job listings, not unlike Indeed or Glassdoor. Students can look for internships by job category, role, and internship type (current or exclusively summer; paid or unpaid).
This means that rather than slogging through general online job hubs or relying on listservs, students can come to Intern From Home with one goal: Find a virtual internship.
"This is the future of work. We're preparing people for what work looks like now."
Intern From Home primarily posts internships from startups, including some from Y Combinator(Opens in a new tab) and Snap’s accelerator program(Opens in a new tab), which typically reach out to the site to get their internship positions listed. Students then submit applications, all of which are managed through Google Forms.
Unlike Symba, Isgar and Kasselberg's team sends all applications to employers. (Intern From Home is free for both employers and students, unlike Symba, which makes money by charging corporations for its services.)
Isgar claims students can find a job on Intern From Home much faster than on traditional career sites. Some students were able to find an internship "in a couple of days," he said, which is a "big plus to people."
Miryam Rudolph, a student at Duke University who found her current summer internship through Intern From Home, noted that when she first started applying to positions in March, she was looking on generic job boards and email blasts that her school was sending out.
"The big problem at that stage was that companies were so overwhelmed about what to do with their own employees that they weren't really thinking about [hiring] interns," Rudolph said.
It was frustrating, in Rudolph’s telling, to put so much energy into finding (seemingly) open positions, writing cover letters, and polishing up her resume, only to find that the company was on a hiring freeze, or had terminated their internship program entirely without conveying that information on their website. (She's still getting emails saying positions she applied for in March now don’t exist.)
Rudolph called Intern From Home a "lifesaver."
"It was the only site where I actually heard back from companies," Rudolph said.
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No cubicle needed
If the current uptick in virtual internships holds, it could shift a generation’s relationship to work.
Depending on a student’s background, an internship might mark their first encounter with an office setting, Vera from Pay Our Interns notes. For many, a formal internship can serve as an introduction to the basics of office life, such as how to interact with co-workers and dress for work. Should virtual internships remain popular, it could become more difficult for students — particularly those who are first-generation or from low-income backgrounds — to learn the ins and outs of working in an office.
VanDerziel, executive director of NACE, highlighted several skills that are especially important to an intern’s success in a virtual setting.
First, interns need to be proactive about communicating. It's easier to disappear from your boss' radar when you're just a name on a screen. They also need time management skills, since there is nothing stopping them from wasting a couple of hours watching Netflix each day. For those with chaotic home lives, carving out the time and space to work could prove especially challenging, VanDerziel notes.
Additionally, interns need a level of tech savvy and adaptability to adjust to unfamiliar situations. Even students acclimated to a semester of remote schoolwork might not be totally comfortable in a more formal work environment.
He notes that some personality types might be at a disadvantage: It’s easier for interns who are quiet to isolate themselves, which makes it more difficult for them to become "known."
It’s also important to note that many (virtual) internships are shortening(Opens in a new tab) their duration, potentially giving interns less time to make connections at their workplace.
"We found that 41 percent of employers were reducing the length of the internship for the summer," VanDerziel said. "What that says to me is that companies are being creative and careful."
Though in some cases existing programs are just shortening their usual in-person program to adapt to remote work, VanDerziel also points to the emergence of what he calls "micro internships," shorter, project-based internships, which can be a way for interns to gain specific skills.
Rudolph notes that the structure of her internship, which is project-based rather than a traditional nine-to-five, has allowed her to explore other interests this summer as well. (She’s also helping out a local nonprofit near her house, and working for a lab from her school remotely.)
"It’s something I didn’t expect, but it’s helped me to work on other projects as well," Rudolph said.
Location, location, location
Requiring students to move to major metropolises, like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, has long prevented students unable to relocate from accessing otherwise valuable internship opportunities. (As a point of reference: The average rent in Los Angeles is over $2,500, according to the listing service RentCafe(Opens in a new tab).)
"Unless you can afford to temporarily move, you're not going to be able to get those good internships," Vera said.
Thus far, the virtual internships being offered this summer have largely circumvented this: Technology permitting, students living at home in Michigan could complete an internship "in" New York, and vice versa.
When Rudolph went looking for internships, back in March, she largely ignored the locations posted alongside them (that is, if they even listed one), assuming that most of them would be moved online. (Rudolph lives in Dallas, but her fellow interns are all in different time zones.)
That’s a major plus for interns living in less urban areas, for instance, as well as those financially unable to relocate — but it’s only useful insofar as interns have broadband access(Opens in a new tab), a living situation conducive to work, and other essential tools at their disposal.
Though VanDerziel notes some internship programs are able to provide laptops and iPads for their interns working remotely right now, it could be a barrier for many interns, particularly those in financially harder-hit industries, or those working for small companies.
Virtual mixers
At big companies, internships typically include educational and social interaction among interns, VanDerziel points out, which is something that has had to pivot online as well.
"One of the things that is really important is the ability to interact with [employees] regularly," VanDerziel said. "[This regular interaction can be] used as a pipeline for future employment."
In the past, though, networking events, like industry-specific happy hours, were cost-prohibitive for many interns, Vera points out. Now, plenty of virtual internship programs have remote happy hours and mixers, which Vera acknowledges could help those unable to afford in-person meetups.
In some instances, outside groups might be able to step in as well. Isgar and Kasselberg’s team at Intern From Home launched a discussion-based program called "Cohorts(Opens in a new tab)" in which students can apply for live sessions with peers and experts to learn about work-related topics. (Sample "Cohorts" topics include "The Power of Data Visualization" and "Competitions, Acquisitions, and Monopolies in Big Tech.")
When students left his school’s campus in March, Isgar felt as if the main thing missing from remote learning was stimulating in-class discussions. "Cohorts" is meant to recreate that in an internship context.
"The mission is to replicate those discussions," Isgar said. "It’s challenging to be networking [remotely]. You can’t get coffee."
It's likely, though, that interns down the road won't be fetching coffee either, like so many internships of yore. With the disruption to internships already brought on by the summer of 2020, it's likely that changes to the working world for young people are just starting.
Alicia Keys strong commencement speech recognizes the most powerful time to be coming of age
Alicia Keys has levelled with graduating students who might not feel like celebrating right now, but should honor themselves nonetheless.
Students are graduating across America, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and after weeks of protests for racial justice and against police brutality, following the police killing of George Floyd, who died after an officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
It is a unique time in history to be finishing school or college, to say the least.
On Sunday, as part of a YouTube Original series of virtual commencement events called Dear Class of 2020(Opens in a new tab), celebrities and public figures including Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Keys addressed newly graduated students in heartfelt speeches from home — and they all recognised the significance of what a time it is to be graduating right now.
"Let's be honest, it's been a hard week," Keys began. "A hard week and a hard month and a hard year, and I know right now, it might not feel like there's a lot to celebrate — and that's OK. It's OK to not be OK right now.
"I know so many of you are not thinking about your time at school, you're thinking about what's happening right now in the present. You're thinking about marching and protesting and making sure that your voices are heard in a time that we cannot be silent," she said.
Keys commended the collective action of those who have joined the fight for justice in whichever way they can. "You're taking your heartbreak and your outrage and you're putting into into action and you are showing that your generation is the one that's going to heal this."
She also took a moment to reflect that "the world feels broken" right now, and that this moment of action, outrage, and uprising has been a long time coming. "The pain we're experiencing right now, it's not new. But it feels different this time, right? I think for the first time, all of us, no matter what we look like or where we're from, we can see so clearly what injustice looks like and now we all can choose how to respond.
"But change only happens if all of us educate ourselves, if we hold each other accountable, when we register to vote(Opens in a new tab) in November, when all of us recognise our biases and we find ways to empathise with people that look different from us or seem different from us on the surface. That's the key right there," she said. "So, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the inspiration, for inspiring the world to see our collective humanity."
Keys ended with a call for students to take the moment to celebrate their accomplishments, and to take whatever hat they have and throw it in the air, to honor themselves "in the most powerful time to be coming of age."
It's just under four minutes, but it speaks loud and clear. Mandatory viewing for students who no longer have to answer to anyone telling them something is mandatory viewing.
While you're at it, why not spend a moment with the Schitt's Creek cast thanking your teachers. (There's a performance in it for you, don't roll your eyes.)
On Tuesday, Paramount Network announced it would no longer produce Cops, a half-hour reality series that takes camera crews on police ride-alongs and investigations. On Wednesday, A&E announced(Opens in a new tab) that Live P.D. would not be returning either.
The news comes after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25. Former officer Derek Chauvin, who has since been charged with second-degree murder, kneeled on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Floyd was 46.
Cops, which first premiered on Fox in 1989, ran for a total of 31 years before its cancelation, making it one of the longest standing reality programs in history. Amid national protests against police brutality and systemic racism, Paramount Network pulled the program(Opens in a new tab) from its schedule last week as A&E took similar steps with Live P.D.
"Cops is not on the Paramount Network and we don’t have any current or future plans for it to return," a spokesperson said, per The Hollywood Reporter(Opens in a new tab). Cops had been part of the Paramount Network since 2013.
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“This is a critical time in our nation’s history and we have made the decision to cease production on Live PD,” A&E told Deadline(Opens in a new tab). “Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them. And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments.”
Sources familiar with the matter told The Hollywood Reporter and Deadlinethat Paramount had pre-existing plans to move away from unscripted programming. However, Cops had been scheduled to debut the first episode of Season 33 on Monday. Reality shows Ink Master, Bar Rescue, Battle of the Fittest Couples, and more remain with Paramount.
Cops has been repeatedly criticized for wrongfully glorifying police work(Opens in a new tab), as well as been accused of targeting poor people of color(Opens in a new tab), abusing the individuals being arrested(Opens in a new tab), staging crime scenes(Opens in a new tab), and supplying camera crew members(Opens in a new tab) with weapons to use in case of a violent arrest. Footage from Cops has been admitted in multiple defense cases to argue around matters of police misconduct. In 2014, Cops audio technician Bryce Dion and suspect Cortez Washington were shot and killed(Opens in a new tab) by officers during the filming of a robbery at an Omaha Wendy's.
Live P.D. also reportedly captured, but later destroyed,(Opens in a new tab) footage of the death of a black man, Javier Ambler, in custody of Texas law enforcement in March 2019.
UPDATE: June 11, 2020, 12:03 p.m. AEST This story has been updated to include the announcement that 'Live P.D.' will not be returning from hiatus.
New meme has some great ideas for what to put up instead of Christopher Columbus statues
It's way overdue, but America is reckoning with some of the darker parts of its history.
As the fight to remove Confederate monuments continues, lots of folks were also wondering why the nation still displays statues of Christopher Columbus across the country. The famous explorer, after all, carried out horrific atrocities, including mass genocide of the indigenous people in the Americas.
Still, some Italian Americans hold onto the idea that he represents something bigger, including New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who defended having a statue of the explorer in NYC on Thursday.
"The Christopher Columbus statue in some way represents the Italian American legacy in this country and the Italian American contribution in this country," he said at a press conference(Opens in a new tab).
Setting aside the fact that Columbus sailed for Spain and never set foot(Opens in a new tab) in the United States, some helpful folks online came up with a great meme about who might prove a suitable replacement for the explorer. Things took a turn toward the absurd and, honestly, it was wonderful.
1. Not a bad idea
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2. I need to see this statue in person
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3. Keeping with the Sopranos theme
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4. Could get behind this
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5. I support any and all efforts to have more statues of corn
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6. Please find me a better Italian American icon. You cannot.
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Danny DeVito a true Italian America icon.Credit: Shutterstock
7. In case you didn't know, this is Bigtime Tommie(Opens in a new tab)
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8. You don't even need to change that many letters!
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9. More Willie in the world is definitely a good idea
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10. A litany of options
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11. I don't know who Mr. Pickle is but I really, really support this
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12. Kind of thought we were past the Baby Yoda moment, but sure why not?
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Paint-by-numbers should be your next relaxing self-care hobby
When it comes to self-care these days, your efforts to wind down don't always have to be ambitious.
You should mediate, tackle a reading list, or set out to complete a challenging home improvement project if those things soothe you. But perfect self-care activities can also be as simple as playing with sidewalk chalk, coloring with crayons, or doing a puzzle.
In the spirit of reclaiming beloved childhood activities as a means of de-stressing in adulthood, we have a suggestion for your new self-care hobby: Paint-by-numbers. Next time you need to relax, give it a try.
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The allure of losing yourself in methodical tasks
Some of you may remember making paint-by-numbers artwork when you were younger, but for those who've never tried it, or who have simply forgotten what it's like to immerse yourself in the mundane task of filling in little numbered areas with colorful paint, let's review.
A paint-by-numbers kit comes with a piece of paper or canvas that features a numbered, outlined design. You'll also receive small containers of different colored paints, and a variety of different size brushes.
Paint-by-numbers in action.Credit: Getty Images / iStockphoto
The directions that come with each DIY kit will break the paint-by-numbers process down for you, but essentially, your job is extremely simple: You fill in the areas of white space on the page with paint. You'll be able to determine exactly which color goes where by matching the numbers on the top of each paint container with the corresponding numbers on the paper. Depending on the difficulty of your project you might be asked to mix some paints together to form new colors, or occasionally wash some brushes, but otherwise the activity is mostly straightforward and mindless.
SEE ALSO:
10 ways to make your work from home desk less depressing
For several minutes or hours you can give your brain a rest from worrying about the world and take solace in thinking solely about which paint color goes where. You can train your eyes to scan the canvas in front of you for numbers like "5" or "29," and let yourself feel a small sense of accomplishment as the once bleak page before you transforms into an eye-catching masterpiece.
Doesn't that sound nice? And one of the best things about paint-by-numbers is that they help even the least artistic people to create professional-looking depictions.
A perfect quarantine craft
Completing paint-by numbers, especially more complex ones, often requires some time. Which is why the guided painting projects are a perfect quarantine craft.
If you're looking for a way to keep your hands and mind busy while staying at home, something to fill your empty social schedule, or a delightful distraction from social media, consider investing in a paint by numbers kit. And if you have old paint-by-numbers that you haven't yet used, now's the perfect time to dig them out.
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People of all ages are falling in love with paint-by-numbers in quarantine, and since you end up with a nice picture to show for your time, it's truly becoming a self-care hobby worth sharing with the internet.
Where to find paint-by-numbers kits
If you're looking to get into this very low stakes hobby, there are a bunch of places to shop for kits online. Try Etsy(Opens in a new tab), JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores(Opens in a new tab), Michael's(Opens in a new tab), Herrschners(Opens in a new tab), and Artsool(Opens in a new tab), among others. You can also transform your own photographs into a paint-by-number activities, too.
Here are a few of the many paint-by-numbers templates that are just waiting to be filled in.
Mountain Spring River(Opens in a new tab)
A gorgeous mountain and river scene.Credit: OurPaintAddictions / etsy
Price: $27 on Etsy(Opens in a new tab).
Pink Vespa Roses(Opens in a new tab)
If you wish you were traveling.Credit: paintathomestore / etsy
Price: $30 on Etsy(Opens in a new tab).
Houseplant Set(Opens in a new tab)
Wall plants!Credit: NotablyPaperCompany / etsy
Price: from $10.00 on Etsy(Opens in a new tab).
If there's a specific subject you'd like to paint, such as animals, plants, scenery, or food, be sure to include it in your search terms. And when you're seeking out your perfect paint-by-numbers template, keep in mind the level of difficulty you want to take on. Consider starting with a more basic version and then see if you want to move on to more intricate ones.
If paper and paint isn't your style, have no fear. You can always download a paint-by-numbers app — like Paint By Number(Opens in a new tab), Happy Color(Opens in a new tab), or Colors by Number – No.Draw(Opens in a new tab)— on your phone or tablet for a soothing virtual experience.
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Whichever method you use, we're sure paint-by-numbers will add some serious variety and color to your daily unwinding routine.
Heardle today: Correct answer and song hints for August 11
We're almost through this week. It's Thursday. Everything is going fine, but the answer to today's Heardle is a song you can't quite pin down. There's no way you can finish out the workweek in this kind of suspense. Thankfully, we're here to help.
The answer will be spoiled below, and you can even play the song. But first, here's some strategy, a few hints, and a little information about the game itself to help jog the answer loose from your brain before we just blurt out the solution.
What is Heardle?
Heardle is a song-guessing game along the lines of Worldle, mixed with the TV gameshow Name That Tune. The game presents a song introduction in the form of six short clips, and the player must guess the song. Clips start at one second, and get progressively longer, eventually totaling a maximum of 16 seconds.
The fewer clips it takes a player to guess the song, the more bragging rights they have when they share their success on social media or in a group chat. So far, the vast majority of the songs have been popular on U.S. and U.K. radio, and all are from the 1960s or later.
Does Heardle have the same creator as Wordle?
No. Heardle was created by a London-based designer named Glenn Angelo(Opens in a new tab), during the February 2022 boom in Wordle derivatives. After its initial viral success, it was acquired by Spotify in July of 2022 for an undisclosed amount(Opens in a new tab). Game functionality was not noticeably different after the change in ownership.
How is Heardle pronounced?
It's pronounced "hurdle," which would seem to explain why our research indicates many people find it online by searching something like "hurdle game," or "hurdle wordle."
Are there any strategies for becoming good at Heardle?
The only way to up your Heardle game is to listen to a lot of pop music. Unlike Wordle, which can reward players for strategy, Heardle is almost a pure trivia game — meaning one either knows the answer or they don't. It may seem like some Heardle puzzles are harder to solve — perhaps because the answer is on the tip of your tongue and you still lose, or because after learning the answer, you feel you could not have been expected to know it. Nonetheless, every Heardle puzzle is equally "hard," because knowing or not knowing something is a binary.
What kinds of songs does Heardle feature?
If you have a look at the complete list of Heardle(Opens in a new tab)(Opens in a new tab) answers at Pro Game Guides(Opens in a new tab), you'll see some patterns emerge. Answers can be from any decade from the 60s to the present, but recent songs are a little better represented. In the past, perhaps due to being the creation of a U.K.-based music fan, there were occasionally artists most Americans probably have not heard, like Kevin Lyttle. After the Spotify acquisition, artists like Carrie Underwood, who probably aren't well-known to the British, started to appear. But these are by no means clear trends. The only universal criteria seem to be that the songs are all hits, and that they're sung in English.
And now, here come the hints.
What decade is today's Heardle answer from?
The 1970s.
Is today's Heardle answer by a band or a solo artist?
A solo artist.
What genre is today's Heardle answer?
Rock.
Is today's Heardle answer a song from any particular subgenre?
This one qualifies as soft rock, and might even be considered "yacht rock."
How to set boundaries in the early stages of dating
I'd just got in the bath when my phone buzzed on the window sill. It was, alas, out of reach. But I had a sneaking suspicion of who the message was from.
I got up and leaned across to my device, bath suds and water dripping all over the floor. With wet fingers, I swiped up to see the WhatsApp and instantly wished I'd stayed in the bath.
"Send pics," read the message from the guy I barely knew.
Until this moment, things had been going so well. So well, in fact, that I was deeply suspicious.
Sending nudes to a near-stranger in the early stages of dating is a boundary for me. That might not be the case for everyone, but in my case, it's not something I do unless I'm sleeping with the person. But at this point, I hadn't even gone on a first date with this guy yet. We'd simply kissed on a night out with friends and started texting each other.
I sat back in the bath and deliberated how to respond. My heart raced as I asked myself if it was easier to just comply with this request. My thoughts urged me not to be awkward, not to be a prude. But something stronger was overriding these — a fierce feeling that I just didn't want to do what was being asked of me. The anxiety I could physically feel told me I'd be crossing my own boundaries if I yielded.
I waited an hour, scrambling to find the right words to tell him 'no.' "Hey," I began. "So I have a rule that I don't send pics to someone unless I've slept with them." He replied almost instantly. "That is a very good rule," he said. The conversation went back to whatever we'd been talking about before. No awkwardness, no annoyance, nothing that I'd feared had happened.
But I couldn't shake the feeling that at age 30, I shouldn't be struggling to tell a man I'd met twice that I didn't want to do something. But here we are. My friends also tell me they feel highly nervous, overcome with anxiety when setting boundaries in the early stages of dating.
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How to stop caring what people think about you
So, why are boundaries so important? "Boundaries set the basic guidelines for how a person wants to be treated," according to Neil Wilkie, founder of online couples therapy platform The Relationship Paradigm(Opens in a new tab). "Clear boundaries are essential for our own mental health and self-esteem."
While this post deals primarily with boundaries in dating and romantic and sexual relationships, I'd note that boundaries are vital in ALL relationships — be that with family, friends, colleagues, and even your internet followers. For marginalised communities, in particular, respecting boundaries is deeply important in preventing re-traumatisation, and examples of boundary violations can include white people asking their Black friends to explain racism(Opens in a new tab) and people tagging sexual violence survivors in social media posts about sexual trauma. Everyone has the right to set boundaries and to have them respected.
Seeking approval while compromising boundaries
Boundaries are key, but in terms of dating, establishing them with someone you like and don't know very well can seem a little daunting at first. "When we’re nervous about holding onto someone else’s approval we can compromise on boundaries," Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at eharmony, told me. "But once you start doing that, your own sense of self can erode and you can soon lose yourself in the relationship." If you're not 100 percent sure of your own boundaries, Lloyd said you might be clued in by your instincts. "You’ll know when a boundary is overstepped because you’re likely to suddenly feel triggered emotionally, within your body."
Getting in early with boundary setting also means heading off at the pass any potential future sources of resentment and friction that could arise. "In the early days of a relationship it is rare for a couple to discuss boundaries, which will mean that the ground rules are unclear and uncertain," explained Wilkie. Discussing your sexual boundaries with a new partner is particularly important in making sure you both feel comfortable and safe. "It is so much easier to talk about boundaries in the early days of a relationship as that will be coming from a place of growth and clarity rather than resentment and blame," Wilkie added.
How to talk about boundaries
What do you do if a discussion with someone you're newly dating veers into territory that you're not OK with? "If you enter into a topic of conversation that makes you feel uncomfortable or is delicate, such as political views, family life or salary, politely assert your boundary and explain that you’d rather not discuss that at this point, while changing the conversation to something that you have in common," explained Lloyd.
But you don't have to wait until a line has been crossed before having a chat about boundaries. Why not have a conversation about both your boundaries? "Introduce the topic gently, maybe by asking them, 'What is important for you in a relationship?'. If they open up, great. If not, then try again in a different way," Wilkie suggested. "Notice what is important for you and what boundaries you feel are being transgressed. Bring these up in a way like: ‘When you do x, I feel y’ rather than ‘It’s horrible when you do x’ do."
If the person is reluctant to discuss boundaries, or if they react badly to you setting a boundary, this could be a red flag. "If they are breaking the boundaries and don’t want to engage in conversation about it, question if are they right for me?" said Wilkie.
When it comes to intimacy, it's advisable to bring up sexual boundaries before you've entered a sexual encounter with that person. In the moment, if you are having sex with someone and a boundary is being crossed, remember that consent can be withdrawn at any point, and each new sexual act that's introduced in an encounter needs to be consented to. Our boundaries change and evolve over time, so if you're in a long-term relationship with someone, check in with each other and see where you're at.
If you're in a long-term relationship with someone and you want to have a meaningful exchange about one another's boundaries, you could try drawing up a list. Wilkie suggested getting each partner to draw up a list of what their boundaries are, then sharing and discussing what those boundaries mean to them, before comparing any similarities and differences. Making sure you've been listened to and understood is really important. If you feel there's room for improvement in the way your partner interacts with and respects those boundaries, let them know. If you want to, schedule regular meetings to chat about these and whether sufficient progress has been made.
Setting boundaries while social distancing
Given that we're living in a global pandemic, we also need to think about a person's boundaries in relation to COVID-19. You might feel fine with hugging a close friend, but the person you're meeting up with might not be up for that, for example. Same when it comes to dating — many will feel uneasy about meeting up in person for a first date.
Dating expert Melissa Hobley from OkCupid said it's important to remember that intimacy isn't just a physical thing, and you don't have to touch someone to create a meaningful connection.
"The hallmark sign of any strong relationship is honesty," said Hobley. "If you’re concerned about meeting your date or partner in a public place, voice your concerns. Suggest an alternative suggestion. For instance, a dinner date over FaceTime or a virtual movie night with Netflix Party — these are both ways to keep the fun alive, but also assert those physical boundaries."
It's important to remember that virtual dates aren't for everyone, and though sexting and sending nudes have been on the rise during lockdown and quarantine periods, you get to decide what you're comfortable with. If you do meet up in person, have a think about what you will and won't be OK with — even down to how soon you'd like to meet in person if you've been chatting on an app. "Be aware of your physical boundaries too, and plan the level of intimacy that you’d be comfortable with before meeting up with your new date," said Lloyd. "This will avoid any spontaneous decisions that may put you in situations that make you feel uncomfortable. It’s OK to say, 'I want to take things slowly, as I’m really enjoying getting to know you.'"
At the end of the day, we're all entitled to boundaries and we deserve to have them respected. Just because you're in the early stages of dating someone doesn't mean you have to compromise on something that keeps you feeling protected and safe. The person's response to a boundary being set will usually give you a good idea about whether this relationship is worth pursuing.
Life for the perpetually online: you rise from slumber, rub the sleep from your eyes, take a deep sigh, grab your phone, pop open Twitter, and, "What the... 'demon sperm' is trending?"
At least, that was life on Tuesday for those of us who spend too much time on Twitter. America, really, truly, did wake up to "demon sperm" trending.
"Why in the hell was demon sperm trending?" you might be wondering. Even more, "Why is demon sperm trending and also labeled as politics?"
Good questions, reader. Let me explain, so you don't have to do that digging yourself. But just know it can pretty much be blamed on Twitter's trending section being hopelessly broken.
So Donald Trump Jr.'s Twitter account was temporarily frozen on Tuesday after he posted a video spreading misinformation about the coronavirus. Dr. Stella Immanuel, a minister featured prominently in that video, has spouted off dubious claims about COVID-19. She has touted hydroxychloroquine — the drug President Donald Trump has praised despite the FDA warning against its use(Opens in a new tab) — and said that facemasks aren't needed to stop the virus's spread.
Classic politics news.Credit: Tim Marcin / Mashable / Twitter screenshot
Immanuel has also made some... let's say... strange claims about all kinds of topics. As the Daily Beast wrote in detail(Opens in a new tab), she has claimed alien DNA is used in medical treatments and that reptilians/aliens run the government. She has also repeatedly preached against biblical characters dubbed “nephilim," which basically boils down to the idea that many physical issues are caused by people having dream sex with demons and receiving demon sperm.
“They turn into a woman and then they sleep with the man and collect his sperm,” Immanuel said in a sermon. “Then they turn into the man and they sleep with a man and deposit the sperm and reproduce more of themselves.”
So, yep, that's why demon sperm was trending.
But here's the thing — it shouldn't be trending. Back in May, I wrote about how Twitter's trending topics was especially awful during the pandemic. Somehow, it's only gotten worse.
SEE ALSO:
Twitter's trending section is an extra hellish minefield during the pandemic
At this point, trending topics feels beyond repair. At a time where there is just more news than ever, trending topics — which pulls out phrases via an algorithm(Opens in a new tab) — does nothing to clarify for users what the news that's trending actually is. Instead, it often leaves confused readers scrolling through tweets asking why the topic is trending. Useful!
In a sensible version of today's events, Twitter's trending would've done a quick, clear job of explaining how and why Trump Jr. was temporarily booted. Instead, we got demon sperm.
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Demon sperm is a funny phrase, sure. But the real story is that people in power are sharing dangerous ideas about a deadly disease. Nearly 150,000 Americans(Opens in a new tab) have died.
Trending, as it stands now, is impersonal and insufficient. It hardly ever actually tells you anything. It's easily overwhelmed by pullout phrases that tell only a tiny part of much larger, more important story. Sometimes you can dig to the heart of the matter, but other times it's almost impossible.
It'd be nice to have an easy-to-discern digest of what's happening online during the pandemic, the ongoing political crisis, and whatever else this year throws at us. Twitter is a firehose of news and, theoretically, it could be a nice spot to quickly see what's important in the moment.
Flex your date-from-home game with Edible Arrangements
No matter how crazy you are about someone, being with them 24/7 for six months can definitely dampen the spark. How can you keep the sexy vibes going in these times? Reinvent date night! A tasty meal, your cozy sofa, a movie, and these delish concoctions from Edible Arrangements(Opens in a new tab) will help keep the stay-at-home love alive.
Order online from their dizzying array of pretty food (edible fruit flowers, anyone?) and have it delivered or pick it up. Edible Arrangements offers free delivery on select products throughout the year, so be sure to check their site(Opens in a new tab) for the latest deals.
Here are a few delectable picks that make us swoon, plus a few date-night tips:
After dinner, break out the fondue
When I dip, you dip, we dipCredit: Edible Arrangements
Whether you’re cooking for your live-in partner or having someone new over for dinner, stare into each other’s eyes from across your kitchen table and then dive into a wickedly decadent dessert. This Edible Arrangements Chocolate Strawberry Dipping Kit ($39.99, normally $49.99)(Opens in a new tab) will do the trick. With succulent strawberries, Edible’s® Dipping Chocolate, and toppings like mini sequin sprinkles and crushed almonds, it’s sexy as heck.
Sip wine and nibble on fancy mini cheesecakes
Credit: Edible Arrangements
Not into cooking for date night? No problem. Just cork the vino, light the candles, and devour the Edible Arrangements Cheesecake with Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Box ($37.99).(Opens in a new tab) The single-serving cheesecakes are airy yet rich and topped with scrumptious fruit and whipped cream. A side trio of chocolate-dipped fruits seals the deal.
Upgrade your movie snacks
Credit: Edible Arrangements
No date night is complete without a movie. Your home-theater advantage also means you can stuff your face with any snacks you want. This Edible Arrangements Pineapple Curry Popcorn Bundle ($46.98)(Opens in a new tab) has Maddy and Maize™ Thai curry popcorn, pineapple chocolate-chip cookies and chocolate-dipped cookies. If you’re not smitten yet, you will be by the time the credits roll.
Stay healthy and hydrated this socially distanced summer
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.
If you’re participating in socially distanced outdoor gatherings, going camping, or just hanging out in your yard this summer, consider these simple ways to stay healthy and hydrated.
Get fruity
If you’re one of those people who is always trying to drink more water, but need a flavor boost to make it more enjoyable, take a hint with Hint Water. Flavors are straight out of the fruit bowl, ranging from peach to cherry to watermelon. These have no added sugar or sweeteners, either.
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New customers: Get 36 bottles for $36
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Stop squinting
Upgrade your sunglasses to a polarized pair to block out harmful UVA and UVB rays. This highly-rated pair from SOJOS are a designer dupe for a fraction of the price.
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Score some polarized SOJOS for $13.99
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Put some pep in your step
Avoid dehydration, improve your skin health, regulate your body temperature, and more — the benefits of drinking water(Opens in a new tab) are incontrovertible. If you prefer zesty bubbles, try Hint Sparkling.
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New customers: Get 36 bottles for $36
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Tell bugs to buzz off
Ah, bug spray. A summer staple. If mosquitoes seem to love you, gain the upper hand with a DEET-free option like Repel. Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus, you’ll be protected from biters without smelling like chemicals.
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Repel bugs for $4.99
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Keep the kiddos hydrated, too
Juice boxes are cool and all, but Hint Water boxes are even cooler, thanks to zero sugars or sweeteners. Throw these in your kids’ lunch boxes before heading off on a hike.
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New customers: Buy 2 cases of Hint Kids, get 1 case free with free shipping
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Slather up
Wearing sunscreen is a no-brainer. Frequently recommended by dermatologists, Elta MD UV Clear is a good mineral-based option with transparent zinc, protecting your face from UVA and UVB rays, without feeling greasy.
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Protect your face for $36
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Buff up
If running is your jam, stay protected with a face covering that’s actually breathable. Neck gaiters are especially easy to pull up and down, making them versatile for working out. Runners often recommend the Buff, praised for its cooling and odor control properties. Plus, they come in lots of fun patterns and colors.
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Snag a Buff for $18.99
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Caffeinate without the crash
Hint Kick is water infused with 60mg of caffeine per bottle, but no sugars mean you won’t have that crash that sometimes accompanies your latte.
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New customers: Get Hint Kick for $1 per bottle with free delivery
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Irish health IT system shut down due to ransomware attack
Ireland's health services are in jeopardy.
Health Service Executive, the country's health service, has shut down its IT system in order to deal with a "significant" ransomware attack.
"We have taken the precaution of shutting down all our our IT systems in order to protect them from this attack and to allow us fully assess the situation with our own security partners," HSE Ireland said on Twitter.
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According to the HSE, the National Ambulance Service is still operating normally(Opens in a new tab).
Paul Reid, the chief executive of the HSE, said that the attackers were “an internationally operated criminal operation," the Irish Times(Opens in a new tab) reported(Opens in a new tab). No ransom demand has been made at this stage, he said.
Reid also clarified that equipment in hospitals wasn't affected by the hack, nor was the system for COVID-19 vaccinations; however, the system for radiological imaging has been impacted.
SEE ALSO:
Colonial Pipeline turns fuel taps back on amidst ransomware mess
The attack follows a ransomware attack on U.S. pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline, causing a nationwide gas shortage. The company also had to shut down its IT systems following the attack. The episode ended with Colonial Pipeline paying hackers nearly $5 million in ransom(Opens in a new tab), after which its systems have been restored.
Branch-less banking is here to stay, according to this Dubai bank
With the rise of banking apps, it’s clear that in-person visits to the bank for everyday transactions are largely a thing of the past. Many millennials will tell you the only bank they need is the one in their hands — and the next generation coming up is even more digitally attuned.
At the cutting-edge of smartphone banking, Mashreq Neo(Opens in a new tab) launched out of Dubai in 2017 right when fintech, or the merging of finance and technology, was going from burgeoning to booming. They invested early — and heavily — in the digital transformation of banking and now their customer experience for mobile banking is among the best in the world.
“Mashreq Neo’s digital-first and customer-oriented solution is designed to deliver a hassle-free banking experience,” said Sridhar Iyer, executive vice president and head of Mashreq Neo. “With the increasingly digitized banking space in the UAE, our aim is to embrace and extend this experience to the millennials on the go.”
Mashreq Neo(Opens in a new tab) customers can send money to more than 30 countries, earn cashback on salary transfers, and bank and invest right in the same app, among other benefits. “Mashreq Neo's dedication to providing state-of-the-art solutions and experiences to its customers with innovative features like face biometric onboarding has allowed us to become a leader in the sector and a favorite among the bankers in the region,” said Iver. “This bouquet of offerings is not only poised to change customer preferences, but the digital banking industry as a whole.”
Here are ways Mashreq Neo made smartphone banking even better.
Credit: Getty
Everything’s digital — even opening an account
Last year, the full-service, digital banking app made it even easier to open an account remotely through facial recognition technology thanks to online data available from the Ministry of Interior. Residents can simply scan their Emirates ID by tapping it on their smartphone, snap a selfie, and open an account. The entire process takes less than five minutes most of the time, and if there’s any lag in confirming the biometric data, it could take up to 24 hours at most.
Sensitive info is on lockdown
It’s fast, but it’s also incredibly secure. When a new customer opens a Mashreq Neo(Opens in a new tab) account remotely, it’s active and ready to use on the spot, but every detail has been thoroughly checked and adheres to strict central bank rules, including protecting sensitive, personal data. Another way they’ve innovated to improve customer satisfaction is speeding up the back-end processes. They’ve built everything to be a true branch-less experience from the ground up.
Taking digital banking to a new level for generation ‘Nxt’
Pushing digital banking forward again, the Neo Nxt app is even more tailored to the banking needs of teenagers and young adults. In the UAE, it’s the first product that really gets the way kids and their parents handle money in real life. In fact, it was designed largely based on user feedback from Mashreq customers looking for something different. It gives younger clients financial independence, but parents can still monitor their money moves.
Empowering lessons in budgeting through accountability and rewards
To make it a learning tool for financial literacy, the Neo Nxt app lets users set spending limits on different categories. For example, a sneaker lover can keep their spending habits in check by assigning a certain amount of money for shopping. Another cool feature is setting rewards for getting certain things done, such as acing a test or meeting a goal. It’s the one way to inspire and celebrate achievements — some extra cash is the best thumbs up.
Making money matters smarter and more fun
Teens also wanted their smartphone banking to have a social aspect, according to consumer feedback to Mashreq. For some added fun in the app, they can create an avatar for their profile and share it with their friends. Looking forward, one thing younger folk won’t be doing anytime soon is going into a bank or possibly even hitting an ATM. There are even plans for a future SuperApp enabling all-in-one transactions and instant payment solutions.
Lil Nas X, still Very Online, stays unbothered by conservative outrage
Lil Nas X is handling the conservative backlash to his latest music video by leaning into it.
The artist and professional troll enraged the right with his new music video "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," a queer retelling of humanity's banishment from the Garden of Eden.
In this version, abundant with references to Greek mythology and biblical symbolism, Lil Nas X has an illicit affair with a demonic serpentine creature, is judged before a denim-clad angelic council, and then accepts his fate by descending into Hell via pole dance. There, he gives the king of the dead a steamy lap dance before snapping the devil's neck and claiming the throne for himself.
It's a story of sin, banishment, and redemption, but the redemption is granted by Lil Nas X himself rather than an omnipotent deity who dictates right and wrong. Why adhere to the rules of morality if you can't exist freely?
"In life, we hide the parts of ourselves we don't want the world to see," Lil Nas X narrates. "We lock them away, we tell them, 'No,' we banish them. But here, we don't. Welcome to Montero."
Christianity has demonized homosexuality for centuries, and the shock from the religious right over the music video echoes its own message. Lil Nas X told Time(Opens in a new tab) that he grew up in a "pretty religious kind of home" that was "fear-based," and hoped the video would reach LGBTQ youth who are still in the church.
"Even as a little child, I was really scared of every single mistake I may or may not have made," he told Time. "I want kids growing up feeling these feelings, knowing they're a part of the LGBTQ community, to feel like they're OK and they don't have to hate themselves."
Though the video was widely praised as a radical acceptance of queerness, the religious right was outraged by the "demonic" imagery and homoeroticism much like the satanic panic in past decades. To promote the song, Lil Nas X also launched(Opens in a new tab) a limited collection (only 666 pairs were released) of "Satan Shoes" in collaboration with art collective MSCHF, which featured an inverted cross, a bronze pentagram, and a drop of human blood. They sold out within minutes. Nike, which manufactured the shoe's base, responded by suing MSCHF(Opens in a new tab).
Outspoken conservative figures voiced their disapproval, and particularly religious ones — who seemed to miss the entire plot of the video — claimed Lil Nas X would face punishment upon Judgment Day. But Lil Nas X isn't backing down, and rather than handle the controversy with grace, is instead feeding into it with memes and snarky responses. He even co-opted the infamous apology video format to further promote(Opens in a new tab) the song.
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Instead of an apology tour, though, Lil Nas X is embracing the controversy. In the last few days, the artist has been exceedingly online to respond to moralistic critics. He reminded followers that despite his popularity among children for the viral hit "Old Town Road," he isn't responsible(Opens in a new tab) for the media children consume. He responded to a fire and brimstone sermon denouncing "Montero" as "wicked" by claiming he'd sample it(Opens in a new tab). He told South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to do her job instead of tweet about shoes when she expressed her anger at the song, and quoted the lyrics back at her(Opens in a new tab) when she cited a Bible verse. When gun enthusiast Kaitlin Bennett tweeted about him, Lil Nas X brought up the ongoing rumor(Opens in a new tab) that she allegedly defecated on herself at a college party. His responses to attacks were personal and anything but gracious, but they did go viral, further promoting the video.
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Lil Nas X has mastered the art of going viral, and knows that fanning the flames only garners more attention. By feuding with the critics, he's drawing more views to the video and entertaining his followers in the process. He even joked about dropping a collection of Chick-fil-A themed shoes to "even the score" — the franchise is notoriously homophobic(Opens in a new tab).
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While seemingly unbothered, the artist did admit in a tweet(Opens in a new tab) on Monday that the backlash took "an emotional toll" on his well-being. Still, his responses throughout the weekend following the music video's drop is a lesson in relevance: Taking the high road may make you morally superior, but dancing with the devil will make you viral.
Exclusive dating app for Tesla owners is not a joke (maybe)
If you own a Tesla and want a partner to raise a little X Æ A-12 of your own one day, you're in luck: Tesla Dating(Opens in a new tab) is an up-and-coming dating site just for you.
With the tagline "Because You Can't Spell LOVE Without EV [electric vehicle]," one might think that this is a prank — and according to founder Ajitpal Grewal, it did start out as one. "To be honest the site was put up as a joke," he told Mashable over email, "but now that I'm seeing some traction I might consider building out the app to launch."
There are already prototypes for the app's design:
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meet tesla ownersCredit: tesla dating
Grewal, a Canadian e-commerce entrepreneur according to the Wall Street Journal(Opens in a new tab), thought of the app after hearing from "countless" friends and acquaintances about how much they love their Teslas. He said, "It seemed like once they became a customer, that's all they wanted to talk about. It became a big part of their identity."
Besides massive dating apps like Tinder or OKCupid, there are many apps that cater to a particular niche — think FarmersOnly(Opens in a new tab). In 2020, a year during which Elon Musk's net worth tripled(Opens in a new tab) and he (briefly) endorsed Kanye West for president(Opens in a new tab), why would that niche not be Elon Musk stans?
After hearing these fans — or as TheNextWeb(Opens in a new tab) lovingly referred to them as, bootlickers — wax poetic about Teslas, Grewal said, "It hit me, these people would be perfect for each other." As of publication, Tesla Dating has received 200 opt-ins for early access and thousands of hits to the site, according to Grewal. Users must prove Tesla ownership before launch, though, so it's unclear how many will be left standing.
Regardless, if you want to ride away from the wildfires(Opens in a new tab) into the sunset in your Tesla with your partner who...also has a Tesla... (will you both be alone in your respective Teslas?) you can sign up for early access at Tesla Dating(Opens in a new tab).
Related Video: How to go on a virtual date during the coronavirus pandemic
We knew those Build-A-Bear people had to be freaks.
The mall and children's birthday party mainstay has launched a new product line with a description that frankly just sounds kind of dirty. "HeartBox" is a series of gift boxes that contain tchotchkes and, duh, a bear, that aren't meant for Build-A-Bear's usual customers — which, please God, are usually kids. Instead, Build-A-Bear describes the line as an "adult gifting brand."
Sorry, it can't just be us. "Adult gifting" makes it sound like Build-A-Bear is launching a weird line of bear-themed sex products, right? RIGHT? We know, we know, it's probably only differentiating that these boxes are for "adults" because, again, those usual customers are (HOPEFULLY) children.
But c'mon, they gotta know what "adult entertainment" means! When you're in the business of making bears (and not, ya know, bears(Opens in a new tab)), it's on you to watch the innuendo, Build-A-Bear.
HeartBoxes are launching with four different themed boxes. And indeed, one of them is the "Romantic at Heart" box, with marketing copy that invites you to "Set the Mood." Hello Build-A-Bear! Maybe all that wink adult gifting wink wasn't in our heads. The box comes with "well-coordinated items such as gummy bears, tumblers, and candles." Throw a plush bear in there and hot damn do you have the makings of a night to remember.
Build-A-Bear actually already has a bunch of bears meant for adults that live on a portion of the company's website called The Bear Cave(Opens in a new tab). You have to acknowledge that you're 18 or older to enter the site, which really got me excited that I was maybe gonna see some like, bears with dicks.
The fact that this bear cave has a digital red velvet curtain? Promising.Credit: Screenshot: Build-A-Bear
Alas, the Bear Cave seems to be where collectible-level bears live, which is why they're for grown ups, duh. But don't worry! There are also sassy bears seemingly made for exhausted moms (there are sloths wearing t-shirts that say "nap queen"), or for partners in the dog house/bear cave who want to deliver the message of "I'm Sorry" on the t-shirt of a toy. Other bears in the Bear Cave are, in fact, ready to have a good-ass time, though. Some come bearing bottles of bubbly and wine, and one of them is just… Satan. Am I into bears now??
Bears: They're here to party.Credit: Screenshot: Build-A-Bear
Mr. Bear, have I been bad?Credit: Build-A-Bear
If one thing is clear, it's that these bears fuck. And maybe, with their help, you can too.
