Saturday, 30 April 2022

18 Ways to Spend That $50 Gift Card - CNET

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Great deals on everything from speakers and headphones to tech and small kitchen appliances -- all for $50 or less.

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10 Essential Kitchen Tools for a Vegan Kitchen in 2022 - CNET

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Work smarter, not harder with these handy kitchen gadgets.

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HBO Max: The 36 Best TV Shows to Watch - CNET

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Watch horror comedy series The Baby and see what else is available on the Warner Bros. streamer.

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'Genshin Impact' update is delayed, players speculate as to why

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Genshin Impact character Ayaka in a screenshot from a her in-game story quest.

Genshin Impact, one of our favorite video games of 2020, has announced the delay of its latest update 2.7. Players suspect that government-mandated COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai, where developer miHoYo is based, may be to blame. In past week, restrictions within the city have been so suffocatingly stringent that some people are having trouble accessing food.

In a tweet announcing the delay, miHoYo gave few details beyond promising to deliver more information about its content adjustment and compensation plans, which should appease even the most disgruntled players.

As Kotaku reports, this delay is a first for Genshin Impact, an expansive open world RPG that has managed meet its official release dates throughout the pandemic.

So, if you're a fan, now might might be a good time to save up for when that next update does inevitably drop.



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HBO Max: The 28 Best Movies to Watch - CNET

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From a tech thriller starring Zoë Kravitz to sports drama King Richard, here's what you need to see on the Warner Bros. streamer.

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Psy says BTS has achieved the 'unfulfilled dreams' of 'Gangnam Style'

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In a still from the

Ten years ago, Korean performer Psy released "Gangnam Style," a satirical sensation that is largely considered a major international breakthrough for K-pop.

Now, the pop legend is reflecting on the effects of that overwhelming success. While promoting his latest single "That That," a rowdy collab with BTS' Suga, Psy alluded to "Gangnam Style" as a kind of "one-hit wonder" for him in the global market. During a press conference for his new album Psy 9th, as translated to English by @Modooborahae, he said, "It was so exhausting at the time of its success [because] the song got popular so it wasn’t a 'healthy hit.'"

In Korea, where Psy was already a star, "Gangnam Style" made him an icon. On the global stage, he became a meme. "There were even people who thought my name was ‘Gangnam Style.’" he explained, "Some people overseas who would say 'Hi, Gangnam Style.'"

Meanwhile, Psy — who now runs his own label, P Nation, managing a diverse, dynamic slate of Korean talent like Hyuna and Dawn, Heize, and Jessi — described the modern popularity of Asian acts like BTS and Blackpink in the West as the "opposite" of his viral moment because they have achieved a "permanence and persistence" he could not.

"There are cases where the song increases in popularity and cases when the [artist] increases in popularity, and longevity is that much longer in the latter," he said.

"Gangnam Style" may not have provided Psy with the global longevity he desired, but it revolutionized the industry and propelled the success of BTS and Blackpink. The outsized popularity of the music video, which recently passed 4.4 billion views, likely prompted Billboard to adjust their charting criteria to decrease the importance of radio play and include YouTube streams. “Even for the famous BTS and Blackpink, the wall of American radio is very high because the songs are in a foreign language," Psy said. "Our biggest weapon is YouTube."

BTS in particular, "achieved unfulfilled dreams," he added, like reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 2020's "Dynamite." Surprisingly, "Gangnam Style" only peaked at no. 2 on the chart, losing the top spot to Maroon 5's "One More Night."

"If they continue like this, though they’re not doing music for the sake of raising national prestige, I think they're giving [Korea] a lot of proud moments," Psy concluded. "I feel very proud that I had a role in being that trigger. BTS have thanked me for that part several times, so I'm proud of it."



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Friday, 29 April 2022

What to Know About Bird Flu, or Avian Influenza - CNET

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The first human case of highly pathogenic bird flu in the US has been detected, but the threat to the general public is still low, the CDC says.

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2023 Toyota Supra Finally Gets a Manual - CNET

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The six-speed manual transmission only comes on 3.0-liter models.

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Best Buy Deals: Save Up to $500 On Select Windows Laptops - CNET

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Laptops from Surface, Lenovo, Samsung, HP, Asus and more are on sale now, many featuring responsive touchscreens, fast memory and ample storage.

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'Obi-Wan Kenobi': Trailer, Release Date and Everything to Know About the Disney Plus Show - CNET

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Ewan McGregor's beloved Jedi Master is getting another Star Wars adventure next month, with the first two episodes dropping on the same day. The legendary John Williams and Loki composer Natalie Holt are handling the music.

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Amazon just dropped a big hint about when Prime Day will be

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illustration of a man looking confused amid a pile of amazon boxes

If the recent price hike on Amazon's Prime membership service didn't scare you away, you're in for a sales spectacular come Prime Day. Here's what you need to know about its return in 2022.

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is an annual sitewide sale that Amazon puts on for its Prime members. First held in 2015 in honor of Amazon's 20th anniversary (with mixed success), it was originally plugged 404 404 as a "one-day-only event filled with more deals than Black Friday, exclusively for Prime members around the globe." In the years since, it's morphed into a 48-hour extravaganza that's preceded by a week or so of teaser deals. "Prime Day" is probably a misnomer at this point.

When is Prime Day 2022?

There's yet to be an official announcement about this year's dates, though Amazon's first quarter earnings report stealthily confirmed that "Prime Day will take place in July in more than 20 countries" in 2022. This is a return to its usual schedule after two years of adjustments: Amazon bumped it back to October in 2020 because of the pandemic (which made for an extra-long holiday shopping season), then moved it up to June because of the Olympics in 2021.

Given Amazon's historical preference for Monday/Tuesday and Tuesday/Wednesday slots (h/t CNET), we can safely predict that Prime Day will probably happen between July 11-13 or 18-20. Stay tuned to see how that pans out; Amazon typically drops the news a few weeks ahead of time, and we'll update this post as soon as that happens.

What will be the best Prime Day deals?

Prime Day is Amazon's favorite excuse to discount its own devices, so expect to see a ton of deals on Echo smart speakers and displays, Fire tablets, Kindles, and Blink- and Ring-branded security equipment. Older gadgets will be super cheap, especially if you buy them in bundles, while everything from Amazon's most recent product launch will probably get some new all-time low pricing — that includes the Smart Thermostat, Echo Show 15 wall-mounted display, Halo View fitness tracker, and Glow projector/video-calling device. (No promises on the Amazon Astro robot or flying Ring Always Home Cam, though: Both are still invite-only products.) Prime Day will also be your chance to score some discounted rates on in-house services like Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible Plus.

Other usual Prime Day suspects include 4K OLED TVs, robot vacuums, headphones, earbuds, and basically every Apple product under the Sun. (Amazon's been going ham on iMac, MacBook, iPad, AirPod, and Apple Watch deals ever since the Peek Performance event in March, so the pressure's on for some extra-good Prime Day offers.) Discounts on Instant Pots are a given, too, though they probably won't sell as fast as they have during Prime Days past now that air fryers have become everyone's kitchen gadget of choice.

The dawn of Peloton's flop era should shake things up on the home fitness side of things. Competitive deals on exercise bike alternatives from brands like NordicTrack and Echelon are definitely in the Prime Day forecast. We'll also be on the lookout for sales on treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, smart mirrors, and adjustable dumbbells, just in case you never got around to renewing your Equinox membership after the lockdowns.

Gaming deals will probably pop off more than they have in recent years thanks to big new releases like Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. (Prime Day would be a great opportunity for Mr. Bezos to restock the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, too — wink wink, nudge nudge.) The same goes for discounts on pet supplies, toys, and accessories; the upcoming Amazon Pet Day sale on May 2 could be a sampling of what's to come, so take a peek if you're got a furry, feathered, or finned friend at home.

Wish list-wise, it would be nice to see some decent Prime Day discounts on camping gear — that way, outdoorsy folks have an opportunity to upgrade their tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, stoves, and other equipment before the usual end-of-season clearance sales in August and September. Deals on the TikTok-famous products from Amazon's Internet Famous storefront would also be a fun Prime Day addition, if only so no one has to pay full price for that goddamn $350 toaster.

How to sign up for Amazon Prime

Anyone who hasn't been an Amazon Prime member within the past 12 months can sign up for a free 30-day trial by following these steps:

  1. Visit amazon.com/prime.

  2. Click on the orange button that says "Start your free 30-day trial."

  3. Sign in or create an Amazon account.

  4. Add a payment method and a billing address. (Don't worry — you won't be charged.)

  5. Click the yellow button that says "Activate your free trial."

After your trial period ends, you'll automatically be upgraded to a paid membership plan for $14.99 per month or $139 per year. Pro tip: The latter saves you just over $40 annually.

Getting your degree? Anyone with a .edu email address can take advantage of a free six-month trial that converts to a $7.49-a-month paid tier under the Prime Student program. (You can ride out that rate for four years or until graduation, whichever comes first.) As a member, you're entitled to several bonus offers on top of the standard Prime perks:

EBT and Medicaid cardholders are also eligible for a discounted monthly rate of $6.99 — you just have to verify your eligibility every 12 months.

Is Amazon Prime worth it?

Prime's current annual rate is the result of a 17% price bump earlier this spring (from $119 to $139), which wasn't totally unexpected: Amazon has increased it by $20 every four years since 2014. But that higher cost is undoubtedly harder to swallow after two years of a pandemic that made us ultra-reliant on deliveries — especially when Walmart's rival service hovers at just $98 a year.

That being said, $139 is still a decent value for all of the perks a Prime membership includes if you're someone who does most of their shopping online. Subscribers get free two-day (or faster) shipping on millions of items, plus exclusive access to the Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Gaming, and Prime Reading libraries and unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos. Amazon also offers special discounts on items to its members beyond Prime Day, including early access to time-sensitive Lightning Deals. (For more tips on how maximize all the perks of a Prime membership, click here.)

But there is a way to shop this year's Prime Day deals without committing to a Prime membership, and that's by scheduling your 30-day free trial around the sale. We recommend activating it a week ahead of time so you can take advantage of any early offers; just remember to cancel as soon as the sale is over to avoid getting charged.

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The best laptop deals as of April 29: Chromebooks, gaming laptops, and more

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Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop

UPDATE: Apr. 29, 2022, 1:45 p.m. EDT This list has been updated to reflect pricing and availability as of April 29.

  • BEST SAMSUNG DEAL: Samsung Galaxy Book Pro, a nice alternative to the similarly priced MacBook Pro — $809.99 $999.99 (save $190)

  • BEST GAMING DEAL: Razer Blade 15, a powerful gaming laptop that'll keep you playing on the go — $1,618.05 $2,599.99 (save $981.84)

  • BEST 2-IN-1 DEAL: Asus Chromebook Flip C434, an affordable 2-in-1 for those who want the basics of a laptop and a tablet at once — $418 $569.99 (save $151.99)


What's better than a great laptop? A great laptop that's cheap. Nowadays, even budget machines can pack the punch to carry you through whatever's on your to-do list, whether it's work, watching Netflix, or endlessly browsing social media. If you're looking to pick up a new laptop but don't necessarily want to drop your life savings in one go, we'll be compiling a list of the best deals on cheap laptops right here, each and every week.

Best Samsung deal

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro product photo
Credit: Samsung

Why we like it

We love Apple, but MacBooks aren't the only laptops out there. The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a nice alternative to the similarly priced MacBook Pro, with a stunning display, a speedy 11th-gen Intel Core processor, a 20-hour battery life, WiFi 6E support, and a sleek, ultra-thin design.

Best gaming deal

Razer Blade 15 Advanced product photo
Credit: Razer

Why we like it

The Razer Blade 15 Advanced model is packed with solid internals that'll work well for PC gaming newbies and seasoned players alike. Under the hood, you'll get a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H processor with up to 5.0 GHz max turbo and 8 cores, as well as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card that has the power to run some pretty visually intense games. The 300Hz screen provides buttery-smooth frame rate performance and offers full HD visuals within a bezel-less display. It's all housed within a thin, compact body that you can take anywhere.

Best 2-in-1 deal

Asus Chromebook Flip C434 product photo
Credit: Asus

Why we like it

Having your laptop and your tablet in one place is a convenience you need in your life. The Asus Chromebook Flip C434 is a fantastic budget 2-in-1 device, with speedy performance, a full HD touchscreen, and components that should be able to handle all of your daily tasks.

More great laptop deals

How to shop for a new laptop:

Choosing a laptop is entirely dependent on what you'll be using it for. Beginner laptop owners need something user-friendly and straightforward, frequent travelers need something light with a long battery life, designers and gamers need top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors, and everyone needs something that will last. 

The first thing you should do is ask yourself a simple question: PC or Mac? This is an important question, as it's going to make a world of difference in what you can and can't do with your computer. Are you a gamer? A video editor? A business professional? An Apple device owner? The answer to any of these will probably point you towards your final answer. If you're constantly buying the new iPhone every year, editing YouTube videos, recording a podcast, or other creative endeavors of the sort, your best bet may be a Mac laptop. Apple obsessives will be happy with their Mac's compatibility with their other Apple products, and everyone can benefit from Macs' propensity to have better virus protection than that of a PC. 

That brings us to the perks of picking up a PC. You can still complete a number of creative projects on a personal computer, but where PCs really shine are their options for customization. PCs are much easier to upgrade part-by-part, as they aren't constrained to Apple-manufactured products (like Macs). And because there is a seemingly endless supply of PC manufacturers, there are a lot more options from what brand you chose, to the software you buy, to the type of graphics card you pick out for your gaming rig. Yes, gamers should always go the PC route — they are far more powerful than what a Mac laptop can handle, and also give you the option to connect VR headsets, if you're into that sort of thing.  

What size laptop should you get?

This really comes down to two things: Personal preference and lifestyle. Personal preference is self-explanatory, really — do you like having a huge display, or do you prefer something more compact? Lifestyle is where practicality comes into play. If you're traveling often and usually have your computer on your back in some way, you're going to want to go with something more light and compact (thin, 11-inch models will most likely be the best). But if you're a huge movie buff who doesn't normally take their laptop on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch (and higher) screen with a bulky construction so you can have epic Netflix sessions. If you're getting a gaming laptop, you should probably "go big or go home," as well.  

How much should you spend on a new laptop?

This is much more subjective, and at the end of the day, it's really going to come down to your budget. But, if money isn't the number one concern for you, you should really think hard about what you're going to use your laptop for. Need a device with lots of power under the hood and bountiful storage space? Aim for something in the $800 and beyond range. Only using your laptop to edit the occasional Google Doc? Then you can probably get away with spending way below the $500 mark. In other words, don't blow your savings if you don't need to. And if you're looking to go all out, meaning buying a laptop with every bell and whistle imaginable, you can get a monster of a machine for somewhere closer to $2,000.

Are cheap laptops worth it?

You know the old saying: You get what you pay for. But thanks to the technology boom of the last few decades, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far and won't break down immediately. It's all about knowing which one to select. Depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. Check out our roundups for the ones that we think are worth it — here are our favorite cheap laptop models under $500, and the best under $300.  

What does it mean when a laptop is certified refurbished?

Don't let the words "refurbished" or "renewed" scare you away — these types of devices are usually perfectly viable options and can end up saving you a lot of money without sacrificing much of anything.

A refurbished device, in its simplest terms, is a product that has been bought, but then returned for some reason. Notice that we didn’t necessarily say that it was returned due to some sort of fault on the device’s part. While that can certainly be true in some cases, it isn’t always. Oftentimes, a certified refurbished laptop never even left its original packaging.

While yes, saving money is a huge benefit of buying a "refurb," it's far from the only reason to consider getting one. What's great about refurbished devices is that they undergo rigorous performance tests to ensure that they are still in good condition (sometimes more strictly than the stuff coming right off the production line). There's also a chance that any refurbished laptop you buy may have been so lightly used, that it could almost be considered brand-new (just way cheaper).

We're big fans of buying refurbished gear for kids, especially when it comes to electronics. If you're shopping for a laptop for a kid who is under the age of 15, then refurbished is really the way to go. For kids of high school age and beyond who are a bit more careful with their digital gear, then a new laptop isn't as risky. Of course, it depends on the kid.

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Thursday, 28 April 2022

Snapchat Wants to Put You in the Director's Seat With Director Mode - CNET

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Director Mode adds new camera and video editing tools to the disappearing messaging app.

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DIY iPhone Repair: What Happened When I Replaced My Own Battery - CNET

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My iPhone 6 needed a new battery so I decided to try replacing it myself. Here's what you should know before trying it yourself.

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'Moon Knight': Everything you need to know before watching Episode 5

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Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, May Calamawy smiling in front of the 'Moon Knight' logo

Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, May Calamawy and the directors of 'Moon Knight' take us through all the backstory before Episode 5.



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Between Glasses, Phone and Drone, Snap Aims to Blanket the World in AR - CNET

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Snap's latest tools (and a new selfie drone) look to expand augmented reality a lot further. Cloud-connected, city-scale lenses could be more like world portals.

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Snap Unveils Pixy, a $230 Pocket-Size Flying Camera Drone - CNET

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The gadget is available for purchase in the US and France.

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New 'Jurassic World Dominion' Trailer Teases World-Saving Mission - CNET

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In the words of beloved Jurassic character Ellie Sattler: "If our world's gonna survive, what matters is what we do now."

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Wednesday, 27 April 2022

How many licks does it actually take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

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Illustration of giant tongue licking a Tootsie Pop with text reading

Scientists are more puzzled than you'd think. Join us as we explore the many attempts at solving one of advertising's most memorable slogans.



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'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers' trailer dives deep into a wild Disney metaverse

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Chip and Dale, of

Remember the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? That's the vibe Disney seems to be going for in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers.

The upcoming Disney+ movie revisits the classic '90s cartoon series with shiny new visual effects — a mix of classic 2D animation and computer-generated imagery — and a distinctly metaversal twist. In this Disneyfied vision of the world, Chip (John Mulaney) and Dale (Andy Samberg) are former TV stars who grew apart after their hit series was canceled. But they're forced to set those differences aside when a former castmate mysteriously disappears.

Every inch of this trailer feels like it's introducing a movie that's built for people who watched the cartoon as kids. Just like us, Chip and Dale are all grown up now. Dale even ditched his old 2D look, thanks to transformational "CGI surgery." That's the kind of humor we're dealing with here. The trailer opens with a reminder that "Chip 'n Dale" is not the same thing as Chippendales.

Everything in the trailer unfolds against the backdrop of a world where fleshy humans, artful cartoons, and sharp-looking (but also unsettling) CG creations live together in relative harmony. Going back to the Roger Rabbit example, it's as if the borders of that movie's LA-adjacent Toontown exploded outward, and, over time, was gently absorbed into the vast expanse of the southern California city.

It looks like a wild ride, is what I'm saying. Prepare to watch this trailer a couple times if you're a fan of playing "spot the reference." Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers comes to Disney+ on May 20.



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More Than Half of Americans Have Had COVID, the CDC Says. What to Know About Omicron's Subvariants - CNET

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New versions of omicron are pulling the pandemic on, but deaths and hospitalizations remain relatively low in the US.

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Why 'Lightyear' will feel like a different kind of Pixar film

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Text reading

The animation pros that made Lightyear tell us how they made the long-awaited film, plus why it has the potential to be a real game changer in animation.



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How to Get Overwatch 2 Beta Access From Twitch Drops Today - CNET

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The first beta for Overwatch 2 is finally here, and Blizzard is giving out access for watching qualifying streams.

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Tuesday, 26 April 2022

How to Work Out at Home: Tips, Equipment and Where to Find Exercises - CNET

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This guide will help you stay fit and healthy when you're stuck working out at home.

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Best Laptop Backpack for 2022 - CNET

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You only have one back -- you might as well get the best bag for it.

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No Filters Allowed: This Up-and-Coming Social Media App Aims for Authenticity - CNET

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Tired of curated feeds and over-edited photos? You'll find none of that on BeReal.

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Libs of TikTok tweeted fake accusations about a school teaching second graders about furries

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A spread of the troll's worksheets

Second graders are learning about furries in school?

That's what the prominent right-wing Twitter account Libs of TikTok (@LibsofTikTok) said in a tweet on Monday. However, it turns out that Libs of TikTok fell for a troll. The accusations she tweeted were faked.

"A second grade teacher in @AustinISD allegedly gave students worksheets on furries," the account, which is run by conservative activist Chaya Raichik, claimed. "These included a furry wordsearch and an activity on designing your own furry persona."

Fake Furry Curriculum Facebook Post
A fake Facebook post shared by @LibsofTikTok that was created by a troll on rDrama. Credit: Mashable Screenshot

In the tweet, Libs of TikTok embedded two photos: a screenshot from a Facebook post claiming to be the concerned parent of one of those second graders and a picture of the alleged furry-related coursework. The worksheets included a "Design Your Fursona" page that supposedly asked students to pick out their furry's gender and a "Furries Word Search." An additional sheet pictured allegedly informed parents that their students would be learning about "youth subcultures, from goths to furries" for "Culture Month."

Fake Furry Curriculum Worksheets
An internet troll created fake schoolwork about furries, which was shared by @LibsofTikTok as if it were real. Credit: Mashable Screenshot

The Libs of TikTok account also included the Twitter handle for Austin Independent School District, @AustinISD, a district that runs 125 schools based in Austin, Texas, in the tweet. As a result, @AustinISD received thousands of inflammatory tweets, alleging that they were teaching "sexual fetishes" to children, "grooming" young kids, and accusing the school district of child abuse.

Mashable reached out to the school district via phone and email correspondence. Austin ISD Media Relations Manager Cristina Nguyen confirmed that these worksheets were not taught in any second grade class and were not part of the district's curriculum.

"Our curriculum team looked at our resources, and it is not in our curriculum nor is it part of counseling or social emotional learning," Nguyen told Mashable. She also said that the Libs of TikTok tweet interrupted the daily functions of the district as they were "inundated" with messages regarding the tweet.

It's not surprising that Austin ISD was unable to find these worksheets in their curriculum. It's because they were created by an online troll on the website rDrama specifically for the purpose of tricking reactionary internet users like Raichick.

In a since-deleted post that was archived via Google on April 13 – 12 days before Libs of TikTok fell for the fakes — members discussed the "Furry Culture Month school worksheet" troll, created by one of rDrama's moderators. The post compiles a number of Reddit posts created by the mod in an attempt to trick users. 

"Most of the top comments aren't falling for it, but if you sort by controversial [comments] you get a few special redditors," explained the rDrama user who created the thread.

Nearly two weeks later, Raichik would also fall for the troll.

rDrama Furry Post
An archived Google cache of the rDrama.net forum thread from April 13 discussing the furry troll. Credit: Mashable Screenshot

rDrama.net is an offshoot of the shuttered r/drama subreddit on Reddit. The website and its users are known for creating internet hoaxes, such as last year's "Abortion Bounty Hunters" subreddit group, which has also since been shut down by Reddit.

r/drama and the subsequent rDrama.net exists specifically to, well, create drama. Members of the forum claim to not be all that ideological, simply looking to troll those who easily fall for "ragebait."

One obvious tell that the furry worksheets were the work of trolls: Their creator gave a shoutout to "rDrama" right in the "Furries Word Search."

Furry Word Search rDrama Shoutout
A highlight of the "rDrama" shoutout in the fake furry word search that fooled @LibsofTikTok. Credit: Mashable

Furries are an internet subculture whose members often create an anthropomorphized animal version of themselves and identify and act as that animal character. Furries are not explicitly sexual in nature; however, furry fetish tropes have pigeonholed the community into being identified as such by the mainstream.

With nearly one million followers, Libs of TikTok is an influential right-wing Twitter account that often targets LGBTQ users and schoolteachers who post videos on TikTok. Its owner, Chaya Raichik, has previously boasted about the account's influence on Republican administrations in Florida and Texas. Both states have pushed anti-LGBT legislation in recent months. Supporters of the @LibsOfTikTok account claim it only re-posts videos of the individual it's targeting. 

However, since-deleted tweets from the Libs of TikTok account show that it had previously doxxed individuals, sharing a physical address, place of work, phone number, and email connected to the targeted person. Libs of TikTok also encouraged her followers to call the listed phone number. Those deleted tweets include a post accusing the LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline, The Trevor Project, of being a "grooming organization" for providing these services.

This isn't the first time Raichik has posted fake stories. The account previously spread a conspiracy theory about schools leaving out litter boxes for students that were choosing to "identify as cats."

The Libs of TikTok account was previously run anonymously. That is, until last week, when Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz uncovered that Chaya Raichik was behind the account. In the fallout of the report, it was also discovered that Raichik is now being funded by the right-wing media outlet, The Babylon Bee, to run the Libs of TikTok account.

Conservative supporters of Raichik criticized the basic journalistic tactics deployed by Lorenz, such as confirming she had the correct information by knocking on doors connected to Raichik. If Raichik and the Libs of TikTok account engaged in similar due diligence, perhaps it would have avoided falling for a troll and publishing a post that resulted in harassing messages sent to the faculty of an entire school district.



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More Building Blocks of DNA Seen in Meteorites, Boosting Wild Theory of Life on Earth - CNET

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We are all made of star dust, or maybe more specifically, star dust that hitched a ride on an asteroid and smashed into Earth as a meteorite.

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The best sex toy deals as of April 26: Le Wand, Satisfyer, Magic Wand, and more

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a person gripping on to bedsheets

UPDATE: Apr. 26, 2022, 2:15 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the latest sex toy steals, including new markdowns on toys from Womanizer, B-Vibe, and Njoy.

  • The We-Vibe Tango is a bullet vibe but better — $59 $79 (save $20)

  • The Satisfyer Pro 2 is one of the best clit stimulators out there, with a budget friendly price just got even friendlier— $29.95 $69.95 (save $40 with code SPRING)

  • The Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack is an enticing offer from one of the best masturbation sleeve brands in the biz — $69.95 $81.85 (save $11.90)


We're not saying that treating yourself to some new sex toys will almost certainly improve your life, but we're also not not saying that. Spending some money on upping your solo sesh game or adding a little spice with a partner is well worth the investment. Though we do believe in springing for well-made toys since you'll be putting them in, on, and around your genitals, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to drop a ton of cash. Every week, we'll be rounding up the best deals directly from manufacturers and online sex shops alike, so you can find a toy you'll love, at prices you'll love (almost) as much. Check out our finds from this week below.

Vibrator deals

pink bullet vibrator
Credit: We-Vibe
Our pick: We-Vibe Tango
$59 at We-Vibe (save $20)

Why we like it

Read more from Mashable about the We-Vibe Tango.

Think bullet vibrator, but better. The We-Vibe offers the perfect pinpointed vibrations, with a flat-topped lipstick-shaped head that's better than the rounded design you'll find on most bullet vibes. It's also waterproof and rechargeable, making it clear why Mashable culture reporter Anna Iovine deemed the Tango "the best bullet vibrator I've tried."

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Clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals

champagne clit stimulator
Credit: Satisfyer
Our pick: Satisfyer Pro 2
$29.95 at Pink Cherry (save $40 with code SPRING)

Why we like it

Read more from Mashable about the Satisfyer Pro 2.

We'll be honest — clit stimulators are not everyone's cup of tea. But if you want to try some fun suction sensations without hurting your bank account, the Satisfyer Pro 2 is a great budget option that's sale price makes it even more enticing. It has 11 different settings, whisper-quiet modes, vibration-free settings, and it's waterproof, only adding to its allure.

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Dildo deals

realistic dildo
Credit: PinkCherry
Our pick: PinkCherry Lucky Dick Realistic 8.25-inch Dildo
$24.98 at PinkCherry (save $35.01 with code SPRING)

Why we like it

When it comes down to it, everyone will have their own preferences when it comes to dildos (or any sex toys, for that matter), but here's why this one is worth a second look. The silicone material gives the dildo some flex, so you can find those just-right angles (which can feel even better thanks to its approachable size). The circular base doubles as a suction cup too, making this dildo easy to hold, fit into a harness, or stick on to the non-porous surface of your choosing.

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Deals on sex toys for penises

fleshlight sleeve with two bottles of lube
Credit: Fleshlight

Why we like it

When it comes to sex toys specifically for people with penises, Fleshlight might just be the most recognizable name out there, and for good reason — they're masters at the masturbation sleeve. Fleshlight's sleeves have made our favorites list before, and this bundle comes with a compact version of one of the brand's most popular sleeves, the Stamina Training Unit, as well as lube and cleaner.

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Anal toy deals

black butt plug
Credit: Vedo
Our pick: Bump rechargeable anal vibe
$27.47 at Adam & Eve (save $22.48 with code AESAVE45)

Why we like it

From a glance alone, this Bump pick looks like a pretty good plug — it's not too big, not too small, has a nice tapered edge and a wind end for keeping things where you want them, and is silicone-smooth so it slides right in without friction. Once you realize it has 10 different vibration modes and can be submerged safely in water, well, you may just feel like you've won the butt plug lotto.

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