Technology

Hurricane Ian is tracking toward the Florida coast as the storm threatens to make a historic landfall within hours.

The storm has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, and the National Hurricane Center’s predicted path is entirely focused on central Florida.

If the predictions are accurate, Hurricane Ian will make landfall in the U.S. somewhere relatively near Fort Myers Wednesday afternoon. The storm will slowly move inland as it turns northward and carves across central Florida.

As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Ian is threatening to bring storm surge of up to 12 feet to some areas of the coast between Bonita Beach and Fort Myers. Tampa Bay is expecting up to six feet of storm surge as of Wednesday morning.

SEE ALSO: The best survival kits to prepare for all the things you can’t predict

As the storm continues to approach the coastline, several webcams show realtime conditions across the central Florida coastline. See the following webcams below to see for yourself what it looks like as Hurricane Ian approaches.

Live Fort Myers webcams show Hurricane Ian lashing Florida

Hundreds of people were watching the beach webcam of the PierSide Grill restaurant in the Fort Myers area Wednesday morning. The live feed from the restaurant shows a stretch of beach not far from where Hurricane Ian could potentially make landfall.

See Florida traffic cams, road conditions as Hurricane Ian nears landfall

A YouTube channel called Florida Traffic has collected live feeds of traffic webcams operated by the Florida Department of Transportation and paired it with Tampa Bay-area weather radio audio from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For Hurricane Ian updates, check out the National Hurricane Center forecasts and follow them on Twitter.

A hacker has obtained access to Fast Company's Apple News account, and used it to send extremely offensive message alerts to subscribers on Tuesday.

The message, which we will not quote here, is offensive on several levels, and is signed "Thrax was here."

Apple News has confirmed that the message was sent by Fast Company's account.

"An incredibly offensive alert was sent by Fast Company, which has been hacked. Apple News has disabled their channel," Apple News's official Twitter account said in a tweet Wednesday.

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

There's no word on when and if Fast Company's channel on Apple News will be reinstated.

The message you'll see if you try to access Fast Company on Apple News. Credit: Apple

In an official statement, Fast Company said its content management system was hacked on Tuesday evening and used to send "two obscene and racist push notifications" to the publisher's followers, "about a minute apart."

"The messages are vile and are not in line with the content and ethos of Fast Company."

SEE ALSO: Teen who hacked Apple told to use 'gifts for good rather than evil'

Fast Company says that the hack is related to the hack of its website on Sunday afternoon, where similar language appeared on the site's homepage and other pages. The company shut down the site but restored it two hours later.

However, it appears that the hacker has leveraged access to Fast Company's Apple News account as well. Fast Company says it's investigating the situation, and has shut down its website over at FastCompany.com until the matter has been resolved. As of this writing, that website is still unavailable.

With a new month drawing near, it’s time to ask the all-important question: Should you drop that Netflix bill and save yourself $15 a month?

That’s ultimately a question only you can answer for yourself, but it’s one a lot of people have found themselves wondering lately. A recent survey of 1,000 Americans by Reviews.org found that 25 percent of respondents plan on dropping Netflix this year, which is a pretty high number for the streaming service that, well, made streaming a thing. 

So, let’s figure out if Netflix is worth keeping around or if that $15 can be better spent elsewhere.

SEE ALSO: Sophie Turner steals Netflix's 'Do Revenge' in 5 outrageous minutes How much does Netflix cost again?

As of September 2022, there are three plans available for Netflix subscribers:

• Basic: $10/month, standard-definition quality

• Standard: $15.49/month, HD quality

• Premium: $20/month, 4K quality

The only difference between the three tiers for now is streaming quality. There are no restrictions on which devices you can use to watch Netflix or anything like that if you decide to pay less for it. Netflix is also one of the only streaming services that up-charges for 4K access; HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video all include that for free.

There is one major caveat to all of this: Netflix plans on launching a cheaper, ad-supported tier by early 2023. We don’t know all the details yet, but theoretically, that could replace the standard-def version of Netflix that frankly doesn’t make much sense in a world where almost every display is 720p or better now.

Is Netflix worth the money?

As always, this comes down to personal taste, but there are some objective measures by which Netflix has a real argument as being worth the monthly hit to your bank account.

For starters, the sheer quantity of trendy titles on Netflix make a subscription feel necessary just to keep up with watercooler conversations at work. Recent examples of zeitgeisty Netflix shows and movies include Squid Game, Dahmer, Drifting Home, and Do Revenge. It can feel impossible to keep up with pop culture and participate in group chats without at least knowing a little bit about what’s big on Netflix at any given moment.

Netflix’s efforts to bring foreign titles to American audiences shouldn’t be ignored, either. While both are unfortunately only available in dubbed form on the app, the Indian epic RRR and the French antifa thriller Athena are two of the best movies I’ve seen this year, and both were easily available to me thanks to Netflix. The approach isn’t perfect, but the movies being watchable at all is a godsend.

But, for all the effort Netflix puts into stuff that’s exclusive to the service, it’s been lacking in non-exclusive classics lately. Legendary sitcoms like The Office and Frasier used to be Netflix mainstays, but have since moved onto other platforms. Personally, the removal of King of the Hill years ago was a tragedy. 

Put simply, Netflix is now the place you go to watch things that are only on Netflix, and there are a whole lot of those. Not all of it is good or worthwhile, but considering how good the best Netflix titles are (and the fact that you can still watch Better Call Saul there), I’d say Netflix is still worth the price…for now.

A NASA spacecraft intentionally slammed into a stadium-sized asteroid on Sept. 26 — possibly giving the space rock its worst day of the last 1,000 years — and then the paparazzi showed up.

LICIACube, a satellite the size of a breadbox provided by the Italian Space Agency, arrived on the scene of the crash three minutes later, taking pictures of the impact and debris plume. The images, combined with data from a follow-up European space mission, will help scientists prepare to intervene if an asteroid ever threatens to hit the planet in the future.

It took less than 24 hours for the first images from LICIACube (Light Italian CubeSat for Imaging of Asteroids) to be returned and processed. The Italian agency released before and after shots on Sept. 27, showing the dramatic flash produced by NASA's DART mission. Many more images are expected to follow over the coming days and weeks.

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab) SEE ALSO: Boom! NASA just slammed into an asteroid and filmed the crash

The 1,300-pound NASA spacecraft self-destructed by ramming into a harmless asteroid shortly after 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 26. The high-speed crash was in the name of planetary defense, part of the U.S. space agency's Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART.

It was the first time in history humans have ever tried to alter the path of an asteroid, a flying chunk of rubble left over from the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists are monitoring the orbits of 30,000 large objects in the solar system that travel near to Earth (within 30 million miles) and estimate there could be 15,000 more waiting to be discovered.

Most of the time, these ancient rocks pose no danger to Earth, including Dimorphos, the one NASA just used for target practice about 6.8 million miles away. But at least three have caused mass extinctions, the most infamous of which wiped out the dinosaurs.

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Scientists won't know for sure whether they achieved their main goal of moving Dimorphos for a couple of months. They must analyze its new trajectory and speed with ground-based telescopes around the world.

"I don't think any of us named the spacecraft."

From the beginning, the spacecraft headed toward the egg-shaped rock was destined to be destroyed. For that reason, the mission operations team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, tried to never get too attached to their flying machine. They cheered when they lost its signal.

"I don't think any of us named the spacecraft," said Ed Reynolds, project manager at the laboratory.

Check out the before and after views, side by side. The images show Dimorphos, a moonlet orbiting a larger asteroid named Didymos, getting super bright post-collision.

Left: Before the crash. Credit: ASI / NASA Right: After the crash. Credit: ASI / NASA Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

Fifteen days prior to the collision, the spacecraft deployed LICIACube, which has its own propulsion system, an autonomous tracking system, and two cameras, nicknamed Luke and Leia to document the impact of the, er, impact.

During a press conference on Sept. 27, Elisabetta Dotto, LICIACube science team lead, said in Italian that the little flying instrument trolling the collision site is already revealing itself to be a scientific success.

TL;DR: As of Sept. 30, you can get the Soundfreaq Compact Bluetooth Speaker for just $29.99 instead of $79 — that's a 32% discount.

Where would we be without the convenience of Bluetooth-compatible speakers? Gone are the days of having to lug one of those huge boombox speakers to the pool or beach. The great thing about Bluetooth speakers is that most of them are portable and compact enough to travel with or be placed on any surface without taking up a lot of space. The same goes for the Soundfreaq SFQ-07 Sound Spot Compact Bluetooth Speaker. Its small size makes it the ideal speaker to tote along anywhere you want to groove out to some tunes. Better yet, it's on sale for 62% off, costing you only $29.99.

On a single charge, the Sound Spot can play up to seven hours of your favorite music. That's enough for a full beach day or a fun gathering with friends. It claims to have a long battery life, eliminating the need to recharge throughout the day or night. However, it's not waterproof so be sure to keep it clear of beverages and water. It's equipped with Tone Control settings so you can adjust the audio to your liking, as well as a sound bar where you can change the volume, forward and rewind tracks, and hit pause/play at your leisure. 

Playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks — just set this 5 x 5-inch speaker anywhere in the room so you can enjoy high-quality sound. You can listen to whatever suits you without the hindrance of headphones or that tinny sound quality your smartphone provides. Aside from the speaker, you'll also receive a USB charging cable and a line-in cable.

Bring high-quality sound into your home or outdoor space for an enjoyable experience no matter what you're doing. This Soundfreaq Compact Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $29.99 (reg. $79) for a limited time.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Soundfreaq Soundfreaq Compact Bluetooth Speaker (opens in a new tab) $29.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

TL;DR: Through Sept. 30, you can get the Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Air for just $295.99 instead of $1,199 — that's a 75% discount.

From online shopping to starting a side hustle, laptops make life more convenient. And an Apple MacBook Air takes the perks of portability to a new level, serving up all the best Mac attributes in a sleek, thin frame. This popular product typically costs a pretty penny, but a refurbished model allows you to score one for less.

If you've been in the market for a MacBook Air, now is a great time to take advantage of major savings. The Refurbished Event is happening now through September 30 and this Apple MacBook Air 13.3" bundle, complete with a black case to keep it safe, is available for just $295.99 — 75% off the usual price — with no coupon code required. 

Enjoy all the perks of a MacBook Air without overpaying with this refurbished model. It offers a better-than-ever browsing experience with a 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5 processor that lets you power through your to-do list with ease. A 13.3" widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix display ensures this laptop is portable without sacrificing your viewing quality — the Intel HD Graphics 5000 provides high-quality images and allows you to stream content without draining your battery power.

Turbo Boost 2.0 provides extra power when you need it while maintaining an energy-efficient status when you don't. 128GB of storage means you should be able to safeguard your most important files and take them anywhere, from family photos to important documents. If you start missing those family members, a 720p FaceTime HD webcam helps you keep in touch.

This particular model hails from 2014 and comes with a refurbished "B" rating, which means you might see light scuffing on the bevel or case, or light scratches or dents on the body, but the laptop will work like new. 

Save 75% on a 13.3-inch MacBook Air during our Refurbished Event and bring one home for just $295.99 now through September 30, no coupon code required. You'll also receive a black case to keep your new laptop looking great with this bundle.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Apple Refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Air (opens in a new tab) $295.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

TL;DR: Through Sept. 30, you can get the Refurbished Apple iPad Mini 4 for just $234.99 instead of $599 — that's a 60% discount.

Have your eye on an iPad? It doesn't get much more convenient than the iPad Mini, a sleek and powerful Apple product that brings the power of a computer to the palm of your hand. Give your smartphone a break and let the iPad help you tackle everyday responsibilities. From helping organize your life to keeping you connected to the most important people in your world, the Apple iPad Mini 4 makes life a little easier. 

Though they typically come with a hefty price tag, if you've been in the market for an iPad, you may want to take advantage of this Refurbished Event to score one for 60% off. A refurbished space gray Apple iPad Mini 4 can be yours for just $234.99, no coupon needed, now through September 30.

Work or play from anywhere with this thin and portable iPad mini 4, equipped with a powerful 1.5GHz Apple A8 processor and pre-installed iOS 9. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite show or tackling some work emails, the 7.9-inch screen displays all of your content in perfect clarity and allows you to navigate it all with the touch of your finger. 

Capture precious memories with the 8MP iSight camera or catch up with your favorite friend with the 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera. 128GB of storage safeguards all your important data, and lets you download all your favorite apps with plenty of space to spare. 

Busy lives require hefty battery life, so the 10 hours of battery this iPad should have on a full charge comes in handy when you're on the go. You'll also enjoy Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi capability to keep you connected and wireless from anywhere. 

Enjoy all the bells and whistles of this beloved Apple product for a fraction of the cost with this refurbished Apple iPad Mini 4. It hails from 2019 and comes with a refurbished "B" rating, which means it might have light scuffing, scratches or dents, but should work like new. It's available for $234.99 now through September 30.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple iPad Mini 4 (opens in a new tab) $234.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

TL;DR: Through Sept. 30, you can get the Refurbished HP 11.6" ProBook for just $229.99 instead of $269 — that's a 14% discount.

A new laptop makes for a great investment, especially if you're going to use it for work that can bring in more revenue. But it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go over your budget to score a computer that would fit your needs.

If you want to score significant savings on electronics, buying refurbished is a smarter, more economical option, and in this Refurbished Event that runs until September 30, you can snag a like-new HP ProBook X360 11-G1-EE on sale.

The HP ProBook is already affordable to begin with, but this deal offers an additional discount to help you rake in more savings. This multi-purpose laptop comes equipped with an 11.6-inch full HD touchscreen display that showcases content with full clarity and precision, an Intel Pentium dual-core processor that's designed to optimize your work for better productivity, and 128GB HDD storage that provides enough space to store essential files.

With 8GB RAM, you can expect faster and smoother performance with every use. And despite being a 2013 model, it already comes with the Windows 10 Pro operating system, making it compatible with most apps and software. It also provides a wealth of connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, 3 USB ports, and RJ45 (LAN) ports. Plus, clocking at only 2.98 lbs, you won't find trouble toting it around anywhere.

While this HP ProBook is refurbished, it offers a grade "A" rating, meaning it's in near-mint condition. It may not be the fresh-out-of-the-box type of new, but it's in perfect working order and has minimal to zero scuffing, making it like-new.

Now may be your last chance to score this laptop at a nearly rock-bottom price. It usually retails for $269, but until September 30, you can get it on sale for only $229.99 — no coupon needed. That's a savings of 14 percent.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new tab Credit: HP Refurbished HP 11.6" ProBook (opens in a new tab) $229.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

When you are a person who reviews products for a living, sometimes, review opportunities are extra opportune.

For instance, this past summer, the first full summer I have lived in my apartment in sunny Los Angeles, I discovered that the window unit air conditioner in my front room does not really reach my bedroom where I work and sleep — and doesn't have windows suitable for an air conditioning unit. I rediscovered that fact all over again when a historic heat wave hit, which left me looking for reprieve wherever I could get it.

So when Westinghouse reached out asking if I wanted to try their new bladeless 3-in-1 tower fan, I politely and professionally responded "Yes, please." However, what I meant was, "I am sweating around the clock so voraciously that if you asked me to review a bowl of ice water I would cry tears of gratitude."

The Westinghouse joined the rank of two other fans in my home: the Honeywell Quiet Set, which I've owned for over a year, and one I purchased at the start of the summer, the Vornado 533XT.

I want to be clear — my desperation for heat relief did not mean that any form of it would translate to a glowing review. If anything, I have never been more serious and discerning about which products are worth purchasing for cooling off a space.

My most loyal soldiers this summer, with the Westinghouse in the middle <3 Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

When the Westinghouse finally arrived, it looked great. It was easy to set up. But as a fan, it works just fine. The air flow was not, for lack of a better word, giving. With that said, I can definitely see it having a place in some homes.

This fan is a 3-in-1 deal

As suggested by its name, the Westinghouse bladeless fan is a three-parter: one part fan, one part air purifier, and one part room-disinfecting UV light. It's not Westinghouse's first venture into fan or bladeless fan territory, and considering this is a company that's been around 100-plus years, I had decently high hopes for each of its component parts (which we'll get more into further down).

At $300, I definitely expected each of the parts to be worth it. But I also had a hunch that a sizable part of that price tag came from the desgin.

The Westinghouse looks awfully similar to a Dyson bladeless fan

Even if you don't really want a Dyson product, there's probably at least a small part of you that wants the sleek, futuristic look of a Dyson product. So we don't really blame Westinghouse for jumping on the design.

Dyson was the brand that popularized the bladeless fan design with the release of its very first one in 2009. The Pure Cool, an ovular bladeless fan with an air purifier that sits at its base, stands as the clear inspiration for the Westinghouse fan. And in line with most Dyson products, it isn't cheap, retailing for $400.

SEE ALSO: Dyson's cheapest laser vacuum made me feel bad about my dirty floors...in a good way

That puts the Westinghouse at a full $100 cheaper, but there are some immediately clear aesthetic differences. The fan part doesn't blow air from the entire circumference of its oval shape like the Dyson as it's actually more of an arch, with the air purifier sitting where the bottom of the oval would be.

Overall, it's a bit shorter, with the total fan height clocking in at 32 inches compared to Dyson's 40.1 inches.

The Westinghouse bladeless fan next to the Dyson Pure Cool. Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Westinghouse / Dyson

Unlike the Dyson, the Westinghouse fan offers starker color differences, with a choice between white and black, as compared to Dyson's silver variations. And on the base of the fan, you get an LED display that makes it easy to see what speed setting the fan is on, if the timer is on, and if the high power or UV light is on.

The biggest functional difference, however, is that Dyson does not include a dedicated disinfecting component beyond the air purifier.

The disinfecting power of the Westinghouse fan

The Westinghouse fan has "360 degree UV light sterilization." I had never personally used a disinfecting light before, and was dubious to how much it could actually do, especially in a product where the disinfecting was only one of three features.

First, a quick breakdown on UV light sanitation:

UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation we usually get via the sun. One type of UV light, UV-C can kill microbes like viruses and bacteria, making it a popular pick for disinfecting, particularly in hospitals. Most commonly, UV-C radiation is used in air ducts to disinfect the air, but has been more often found in everything from phone sanitizing cases to lights for consumers since the start of the pandemic.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, UV-C lights found in consumer electronics can be too low dose to actually do much disinfecting. Plus, exposing your skin and eyes directly to UV-C light can pose a risk to your health.

The only indication that the UV light on the Westinghouse was even on was the small sun symbol on the LED screen, which I guess means you don't risk exposing your eyes, but it does seem to defeat the purpose of including the feature in the first place.

The small sun symbol was the only clear indication the UV disinfecting light was on. Credit: Bethany Allard

So, while I didn't possess the tools or scientific knowledge to independently assess whether or not this fan was killing the germs in my bedroom, it's safe to assume that my bit of healthy skepticism wasn't unwarranted. Though I'm definitely cautious about germs, I only turned on the light once or twice for the purpose of testing that it existed.

In short, I wouldn't recommend buying this fan for its disinfecting potential.

The air purifier seemed to be fully functional

Similarly to the disinfecting light, it's hard for me to say definitively how well the air purifier and its HEPA filter built in to this fan actually worked.

What I will say is that the air purifier and its filter were incredibly easy to install and remove. And when I did pop the filter out to take a look, there was a clear layer of dust and debris in it. For all intents and purposes, it seemed to work great.

The air purifier was to remove and definitely collected some dust during the testing period. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The filter can take up to 720 hours of use, according to the manual. As that averages out to about 30 days, mine is definitely due for a replacement. The manual also said that the fan would beep five times and show a special screen when it was time for a replacement, but I never saw it.

One quick note for California residents: According to the Westinghouse fan's Amazon page, this fan cannot be shipped to California as it does not meet California air cleaner requirements. This notice is given to any air cleaner that fails to adhere to the California Air Resources Board's standards for electrical and ozone emissions.

As a California resident, this is the notice I saw on the fan's Amazon page. Credit: Amazon / screenshot

Obviously, I was a bit alarmed when I saw this notice. But, when I consulted the ARB's certified list of air cleaning products, the Westinghouse fan was there. A representative for the ARB confirmed to me via email that any product on that list does meet the ARB's standards.

"If Amazon is blocking sales of the device to consumers in CA, then that is an issue to be resolved between the manufacturer/seller and Amazon and is not something that CARB has control over," the representative wrote. Based on this, it seems entirely possible that this is more clerical error than an actual issue with the purifier.

Once a product is CARB-certified, sellers receive an executive order number, and then have to submit that number to Amazon in order for it to qualify for sale in California. Basically, if Westinghouse hasn't submitted the EO number to Amazon, the notice stays up on the fan's page, even though the purifier meets the regulation requirements. I've reached out to Westinghouse to confirm, but they've yet to respond at the time of publishing.

How well the fan part of the fan actually worked

Though the Westinghouse fan has nine different speeds, plus a high power mode, I found it difficult to really feel a difference through the first four speeds.

Only when I hit speeds five and six did I notice there was a bit more gusto behind the gust, but there was also a noticeable shift in how much sound it took to make that happen. The fan claims to max out at 55 decibels, which according to this chart from the Yale University Environmental Health & Safety Department, is about how much sound a fridge would make.

I wouldn't consider myself particularly sensitive to noise — again, I spent a good chunk of my summer with three fans running around the clock — but I almost never went above the sixth speed due to the noise. Though the high power mode did give a greater gust, it was so loud as to be almost not worth it.

The vents for blowing out the air were limited to the arch section of the fan, which maybe accounts for why the air flow could only get so strong. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

And no matter the speed, I never felt all that blown away by the air relief. For most of my testing period with this fan, and especially during the two-week-long heat wave, I kept it only a couple feet from my bed. My aforementioned Honeywell fan (which cost $50, by the way), sat on the other side of my bed, maybe two or three feet farther from me than the Westinghouse.

It's not that I didn't feel anything from the Westinghouse. It was just that 98 percent of the time, if I sighed with relief courtesy of a cool breeze, it was coming from the right side of my bed where the Honeywell was. Maybe I'm just partial to really feeling a fan putting in the work, but I wish the Westinghouse brought a little more. With that said, I did appreciate that it oscillated up to 80 degrees.

The remote control could be stronger

Controlling the fan was as simple as you'd expect controlling a fan to be. The digital display made the experience of turning it off and on and adjusting the speed feel higher end than you'd expect from a fan.

While there's not too much to say about the experience, I will say that the remote range would occasionally cause me to really lean in and point it directly at the fan with a ferocity that felt both very understandable and very unwarranted. I was a little surprised, as the remote range is 16.4 feet and I was never more than 10 feet away from the fan.

Power the fan on and adjust its settings with the remote, which is just slightly larger than a tube of lipstick. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Or use the power button directly on the base of the fan. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

There was a single power button on the base of the fan that you could press to cycle through all the different speeds, if God forbid, you misplace the remote. Designating between a speed change push and an on/off push was pretty simple, with the latter requiring a press and hold.

I was glad to see that there was on-fan speed adjustment, but considering the button was all the way at the bottom of the fan, I couldn't imagine it being ideal to not have the remote and bend down every time you need to adjust the settings. I actually have misplaced the remote on my Honeywell fan, but as the controls are all at the top of the fan, it's never bothered me much.

The other high-end fan features

In addition to its 80-degree oscillation, you can tilt the fan 30 degrees forward or backward to change the range it blows cold air to. It wasn't game changing, but it was a nice bonus, as I preferred the air tilted up some while I slept. At the very least, it felt like a feature unique to this design that couldn't be replicated with a typical tower fan.

The 30 degree tilt up was especially welcome during hot nights. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Though I can't imagine when the down tilt would come in handy, unless you want your fan to look sad. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The aforementioned LED screen was another nice bonus. It made it super clear to see fan speeds, when the air filter needed a clean, the sleep timer, when the UV light was activated, or when the high power mode was on. Ultimately it was useful and well-integrated into the rest of the fan's design, and wasn't so bright as to be distracting at night.

The LED screen made it easy to see which power the fan was on, though the light was never distracting, as it turned off after a few seconds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The timer, by the way, worked flawlessly every time I used it, and gave me the option to have the fan automatically turn off on an hour mark anywhere from one to eight hours. As I've mentioned, the heat meant I left my fan on around the clock most of the time. But if I knew I wouldn't be home or wanted to consolidate down to two fans while I slept, the fan shut off when I needed it to.

Is the Westinghouse 3-in-1 bladeless tower fan worth it?

For all my gripes, the Westinghouse tower fan is honestly a decent year-round fan, especially if you appreciate aesthetics even in the most functional of home appliances. Avoid getting it for pure heat relief (or for the purpose of disinfecting) — and though it may not revolutionize the fan experience for you, it will get the basic job done while looking great.

With that said, this fan does cost a pretty penny at $300. For heat relief, you could easily find a decent tower fan for a fifth of the price (which would still leave you plenty of cash left over to invest in a dedicated air purifier). For the ease of having the appliances combined in one stylish package, it could very well be worth it for you.

Plus, despite being new, we've already seen it on sale for $279 on more than one occasion, so maybe that extra $20 makes all the difference for you.

Wednesday is the best day to solve Quordles. You're halfway through the workweek, and you deserve a little reward, but it's not going to come as easy as, say, a Wordle solution. That's your little reminder that there's still work to be done.

If it's a little too challenging, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer's creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like "curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can't afford to waste guesses unless you're eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn't the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it's a normal part of the player's strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We've had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn't helping, and you're still stumped, here are some hints:

A semi-useful hint about today’s puzzle

Synonyms for all four words are in the following very strange sentence (in no particular order).

My father’s brother tells me planting went alright, but he’ll feel more secure when the growing season has started, and he’s confident that the crops are being cultivated correctly.

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

No.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

No.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

U, B, G, and S.

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

1. UNCLE

2. BEGUN 

3. GROWN

4. SAFER

Sites that created Wordle archives have been pressured by the New York Times to shut down. That means there's no longer any way to access the full archive, but we’ve provided a list of the past 15 Wordle answers for you to see what words have already been used, and plan your strategy going forward.

The free daily word game Wordle blew up in popularity at the start of 2022 despite not having an app and only allowing players to tackle one puzzle per day. Both were intentional choices, as Wordle founder Josh Wardle told the BBC, so fans couldn't spend too much time on it. As such, previous puzzles aren't available through the official website.

"Wordle is very simple and you can play it in three minutes — and that is all you get," Wardle said in his BBC interview. "There are also no ads and I am not doing anything with your data — and that is also quite deliberate."

SEE ALSO: 'Taylordle' is 'Wordle' for Swifties What is today's Wordle?

You can find clues and the answer for each day's Wordle right here.

Why was the Wordle Archive shut down?

Since the acquisition, the NYT has moved to safeguard what is now its wholly owned intellectual property by placing pressure on Wordle affiliates to shut down their "unauthorized" recreations of the game's earlier daily puzzles, starting with the Wordle Archive in March. By the beginning of June, all of the best-known ways to play Wordle outside of the NYT website were gone, including the game's original, pre-acquisition home.

While there's no guarantee that the game will remain freely available for non-NYT subscribers to access, it hasn't slipped behind the paywall yet. It's also unknown whether the NYT will one day build an archive of its own so that players can play through old Wordle puzzles.

• Here are the best starting words to step up your Wordle game today

• Hooked on 'Wordle'? You're really going to hate 'Absurdle'

• 12 of the best 'Wordle' clones, because one word a day isn't enough

Past Wordle answers (and their meanings)

Wordle #452: THYME - An aromatic green herb with tiny leaves.

Wordle #453: DOUBT - A feeling of uncertainty or suspicion.

Wordle #454: PARER - A small knife or special tool used to peel or trim fruits and vegetables.

Wordle #455: CHUTE - A sloping channel of slide for transporting or loading items from a higher level.

Wordle #456: STICK - A long and thin piece of something, usually wood but also other substances (i.e. dynamite, gum). Also, to adhere.

Wordle #457: TRICE - A very short period of time — "in a trice" is like saying "in a flash" or "in a single moment".

Wordle #458: ALIKE - Similar.

Wordle #459: RECAP - To recount or sum up.

Wordle #460: SAINT - A holy figure canonized by the church, or informally, a very virtuous or patient person.

Wordle #461: GLORY - High renown, honor, or beauty.

Wordle #462: GRATE - To irritate, or to shred; also a frame of metal bars.

Wordle #463: ADMIT - To confess or reveal, or to allow entry.

Wordle #464: BRISK - Energetic and quite fast, even dismissive — or when describing wind, cool and energising.

Wordle #465: SOGGY - Wet to the point of saturation and softness.

Wordle #466: USURP - To take over a position of power, by force or illegal means.

Best Wordle starting words

We have some ideas to help you pick the perfect first move (or as close to perfect as you can get without just magically guessing the exact right word). Such tips include choosing a word with at least two different vowels in it, plus a few common consonants such as S, T, R, or N.

Will Wordle run out of words?

Wordle as we currently know it is built to end sometime toward the end of 2027. That's when the list of answers in the daily word puzzle's source code stopped prior to the NYT acquisition, and the paper has trimmed a few words out of that master list since taking the reins.

Realistically, though, Wordle has been a big hit and there's no reason to believe the ending built into its original source code is an actual end. The game will very likely continue past any suspected cutoff dates, even if it means cycling old words back in, or perhaps rewriting the rules around words that use more letters.

Wordle alternatives

Thousands of people around the globe now play Wordle each day, and fans have even created alternatives inspired by the original format. This includes music identification game Heardle, Hollywood nerd faves Actorle and Framed, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.

More Wordle

• Just 9 wild pitches for the inevitable 'Wordle' movie

• The NYT bought Wordle, but you can make it yours by simply downloading it

• One Wordle a day not enough? Dordle gives you two at once.

• You're not a true 'Wordle' connoisseur until you start with the scientifically proven worst word

• 'Wordle' memes are everywhere

• 'Lewdle' is the NSFW 'Wordle' clone your dirty mind deserves

• Google gets in on 'Wordle' fun with a delightful Easter egg

• 'Primel' is a tricky new 'Wordle' spin-off that'll make your head hurt

Featured Video For You Three words could save you, thanks to this app

It is Wednesday, my dudes, and guess what — there's also a new Wordle! Surprise! (Not a surprise.) But if you've hit a wall on today's puzzle, never fear — we're here to help every day.

If you just want the answer, you can jump straight to the end of this article for September 28's Wordle solution. If you'd rather work through it yourself, keep reading for some tips, tricks, and clues.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for September 27 Where did Wordle come from?

Wordle was initially created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, though it quickly spread until it became an international phenomenon. Thousands of players across the globe tackle Wordle each day, with some fans even having created alternate versions of the daily word puzzle game. These include battle royale format Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

The popularity of Wordle even reached such heights that the New York Times bought it earlier this year, while TikTok creators live-stream themselves playing it.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

If you're finding Wordle too easy, you can try enabling its Hard Mode to give your brain a tougher challenge. But Wordle isn't getting any harder by itself — it's the same difficulty that it's always been. 

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Wordle is a fun, collective experience specifically because everyone's solving for the same word every day. Occasionally, though, Wordle will accept two different solutions as correct on the same day. This is because the New York Times made changes to the Wordle word list after acquiring it, and sometimes swaps out words from the original list. To ensure you're getting the right answer every day, refresh your browser before you play — the site will save your streak.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It's a verb, and you might associate it with thrones.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

It does — but they're not consecutive.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

The letter S!

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your guesses in — it's the last call before we reveal the answer to today's Wordle!

Are you ready?

The solution to Wordle #466 is...

USURP.

It is Wednesday, my dudes, and guess what — there's also a new Wordle! Surprise! (Not a surprise.) But if you've hit a wall on today's puzzle, never fear — we're here to help every day.

If you just want the answer, you can jump straight to the end of this article for September 28's Wordle solution. If you'd rather work through it yourself, keep reading for some tips, tricks, and clues.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for September 27 Where did Wordle come from?

Wordle was initially created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, though it quickly spread until it became an international phenomenon. Thousands of players across the globe tackle Wordle each day, with some fans even having created alternate versions of the daily word puzzle game. These include battle royale format Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

The popularity of Wordle even reached such heights that the New York Times bought it earlier this year, while TikTok creators live-stream themselves playing it.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

If you're finding Wordle too easy, you can try enabling its Hard Mode to give your brain a tougher challenge. But Wordle isn't getting any harder by itself — it's the same difficulty that it's always been. 

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Wordle is a fun, collective experience specifically because everyone's solving for the same word every day. Occasionally, though, Wordle will accept two different solutions as correct on the same day. This is because the New York Times made changes to the Wordle word list after acquiring it, and sometimes swaps out words from the original list. To ensure you're getting the right answer every day, refresh your browser before you play — the site will save your streak.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It's a verb, and you might associate it with thrones.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

It does — but they're not consecutive.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

The letter S!

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your guesses in — it's the last call before we reveal the answer to today's Wordle!

Are you ready?

The solution to Wordle #466 is...

USURP.

Hugh Jackman is rebinding his skeleton with adamantium and returning as Wolverine in Deadpool 3. After all, if you're the best there is at what you do, why stop doing it?

Deadpool actor and superfan Ryan Reynolds has tweeted out a video not only announcing a Sept. 6, 2024 release date for the third film in the offbeat Marvel superhero series, but also revealing that Jackman has joined the project to reprise his role as Canada's angriest little weeb.

"Hard keeping my mouth sewn shut about this one," wrote Reynolds, referencing Deadpool's unfortunate venture into body horror in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. In the accompanying video, he plays it pretty straight until a special guest wanders into the background.

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

Jackman's last outing as Wolverine was the critically acclaimed Logan in 2017, which took a decidedly melancholy look at the end of a superhero’s bloody career. It’s been even longer since Jackman’s James Howlett and Reynolds’ Wade Wilson have shared the screen, appearing together only once in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

The reunion of these two stab-happy Canadian superheroes isn't the only significant milestone that Deadpool 3 will achieve. The film will mark the Merc with a Mouth's official admission to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, after Marvel's parent company Disney acquired Deadpool's production company 21st Century Fox in 2019.

As such, Jackman's return means Deadpool 3 will now also be Wolverine's introduction to the world of Thor and Thanos. I'd also rescind my retirement if it meant I got to be part of the MCU. Considering how much Marvel's recent films have been playing with alternate universes, it won't be surprising if the existing characters are woven into the MCU's mythos in their entirety.

Of course, no details are yet forthcoming about exactly how big of a role Jackman will play in Deadpool 3. For all we know, he could just pop in for 10 seconds during Marvel's signature after-credits gag. Though considering Marvel tends to like to keep those bits a surprise, there's a good chance everyone's favourite tiny hairy man will be featured during the film proper.

Deadpool 3 is currently scheduled for release Sept. 6, 2024.

You Got This is a series that spotlights the gear you need to improve one area of your life. If you buy something from this post, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Anyone who thinks Halloween is just for kids is gravely mistaken. Along with begging for candy, snacking on treats, and watching scary movies through your fingers, no Halloween is complete without a costumed furry friend. Take a look through Walmart’s wide range of pet costumes, and make sure that you and your sidekick are dressed right for the night. Want an extra treat? Check out Walmart's Pet Lovers’ Box for seasonal selects, delivered monthly.

Let’s be frank

Forget what you’ve heard, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a little weenie, especially when it comes to your furry companion’s Halloween get up.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Hot Dog (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

Costume attack

Land shark. Baby shark. Jaws. The jokes abound when it comes to this clever costume that will make your fur baby the cutest predator on the block.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Shark (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

I scream! 

Maybe your pup doesn’t feel like going out on a busy night… and that’s okay! Surprise them with this adorable ghost plushie so they don’t feel any Halloween FOMO on their big night in. Don't let the cats feel left out either – there's a halloween treat for them too.

Opens in a new tab Credit: BARK BARK Scream Pup Halloween Dog Toy (opens in a new tab) $9.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

Saddle up

Bring some “paw” and order to your holiday with this hilarious getup for your pooch. Make sure to snap a video of them running toward you, because these stand up costumes offer guaranteed laughs. 

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Cowboy (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

Crustacean on call

If you plan to dress up as a mermaid, or any other undersea creature, you better make sure your pet helps you play the part.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Lobster (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

Through rain or snow

Turn the tables on a classic friend vs. foe dynamic with this hilarious stand-up mail carrier costume.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Walmart US Mail Carrier Pup Pet Costume (opens in a new tab) $22.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

This little piggy wants candy

This two-piece pig getup will have people saying “awe” while you walk all the way home.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Pig (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

Your little pumpkin

You can’t argue with a classic, and this pumpkin costume is begging to be a part of a pet photo shoot.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Vibrant Life Vibrant Life Halloween Costume: Jack-O-Lantern (opens in a new tab) $11.97 Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

When you need to quickly and efficiently get rid of sensitive banking or identification documents, a paper shredder provides a convenient solution that's far more efficient than just ripping pages by hand. These machines easily shred all sorts of paper documents and credit cards, too, and you don't even have to worry about removing staples or paper clips. Some heavier-duty models can even shred CDs and DVDs.

What to consider before buying a paper shredder

Whether for personal pages at home or highly-sensitive professional documents in the office, a paper shredder offers that next level of security and peace of mind you need—but you’ll want to make sure you pick up the right kind of shredder to suit your needs and budget. There are a number of things you should bear in mind when buying a paper shredder. This includes things like paper size, load size, the type of cut, shredding spread, the level of noise the shredder makes, safety around small children and inquisitive pets, any advanced features (some shredders can shred credit cards and paper clips), and energy efficiency.

Looking for the right paper shredder to suit your needs? We’ve rounded up some of the best shredders on the market that’ll ensure your documents are properly destroyed without breaking the bank.

Which is better: Cross-cut or micro-cut shredder?

In terms of shredder paper, both the cross-cut shredder and micro-cut shredder are as good as each other. The real question should be how much security does each shredder provides. In that case, we would say the micro-cut shredder is better. These machines shred paper particles into smaller pieces. This ensures any sensitive information on your shredded documents is completely destroyed.

How long should a shredder last?

While some shredders will ideally last longer and work efficiently for a long time, you should expect any well-maintained shredder to last ten years. You can take care of a paper shredder by emptying the bin and cleaning and lubricating the blades on a regular basis. You should also run the shredder in reverse from time to time. This helps unclog any blockages.

How often should you lubricate a paper shredder?

If you do not use your shredder very often, you only need to oil the blades every two months. This will ensure the shredder continues to operate smoothly whenever it is used. However, if you use your shredder often, the best way to keep it healthy is by oiling it whenever you empty the waste bin.

How long can you run a paper shredder?

If you own a standard household shredder, you can usually run the machine 5-10 minutes before a cool-down period is necessary. However, office shredders can run for 30 minutes without needing a break. There are also some heavy-duty commercial shredders that can run continuously without ever needing to stop.

Can you sharpen a paper shredder?

Of course. In fact, it is remarkably easy to sharpen your blades. All you need to do is run a few sheets of standard aluminum foil through the shredder, the same way you would sharpen a dull pair of scissors by cutting up the foil. Many paper shredder manufacturers recommend that you do this every week in order to keep your shredder running at maximum efficiency.

What is the point of shredding paper?

The main purpose of a paper shredder is to ensure all of your sensitive documents are disposed of with no threat of theft. It is always a good idea to shred your financial letters or anything with your home address and name which can be used to commit identity fraud.

However, if you are just getting rid of junk mail or scrap paper around the house, recycling plants recommend you recycle these sheets whole. Shredded paper can clog the machines used to sort through recycled paper and cardboard, as they are designed for larger sheets in general. In fact, if shredded paper ends up at a recycling plant, it is swept away with other trash.

Part of the reason I adopted a dog was to have a buddy with me at all times on camping and hiking trips. For the past year, my border collie mix rescue pup, Miso, has been my constant companion — indoors and out.

As the dog of a shopping writer and avid camper, Miso has tried pretty much every piece of outdoor dog gear that exists, from Ruffwear's classic life jacket to numerous pairs of dog boots, harnesses, and leashes. While there are tons of fancy products out there for the dedicated outdoorsmen (and outdoorsdog), I've put together a list of all the basic products Miso and I have used on camping trips over the last year that have made our lives easier.

The gear on this list has been tested and approved by Miso. Credit: Jae Thomas Credit: Jae Thomas

I bought all the products on this list for my own personal use (with the exception of the dog first aid kit), and I think every piece is worth the cost. We only recommended products that haven't had any quality or durability issues after using them for one year.

This isn't an exhaustive list of every piece of dog camping gear that exists, but these are the products that kept us both happy and comfortable during a year packed with car camping, road trips, and hiking. If you're ready to take your pup to the campground this season, scroll down for our gear recommendations, or read on for the answers to some commonly asked questions about taking your pooch camping.

How to take your dog camping

Before you shop around for dog gear, take these tips into account to make your camping trip with your canine companion a bit smoother:

• Plan to spend some time getting your dog used to their camping gear before heading on a trip

• Check the dog policy on any campground or hiking trail you'll be on

• Prepare to stay leashed up to keep your dog and other dogs safe

• Pack plenty of food and water for your pup for the duration of your trip

• Keep your vet's and emergency vet's phone number on hand in case of any accidents

Can I take my dog to a national park?

Nearly every national park in the United States allows dogs, but there are many parks with specific restrictions for where they can go within the park. With the exception of task-trained service animals, most parks only allow leashed dogs on paved roads, unpaved dirt roads, and at campgrounds, but a select few — like Acadia National Park — have miles of trails and carriage roads that dogs are allowed on.

Before you set out to take your dog camping at a national park, be sure to check the individual park's rules on pets. If you're planning on doing long hikes in your park of choice, ensure your dog can tag along with you, or else you may have to replan your entire trip.

Does my dog need boots to hike?

Your dog doesn't need boots to hike, but they can help reduce the risk of paw injuries and assist with traction on slippery trails. For dog parents who are planning on spending time in the outdoors during the warmer months, note that if the weather is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, pavement, asphalt, and even dirt may be too hot for your dog's paws. This level of heat may cause blisters on dog's paws if they're exposed for too long. In these cases, a pair of dog boots can ensure your pup is safe while having fun during the summer.

Ruffwear's Grip Trex boots keep my dog's paws cool and safe from any sharp rocks, twigs, or debris. Credit: Jae Thomas Credit: Jae Thomas

Paw injuries are some of the most common injuries dogs face, and dog boots will drastically reduce the risk of your pup hurting a paw pad. Especially when in the outdoors, dogs may step on sharp sticks, rocks, glass, or break their nails while running or playing, so a good pair of boots keeps their feet secure while hiking, camping, and romping outside.

Not all dogs take to boots quickly, though. We've all seen videos of a pup forgetting how to walk normally when wearing boots, so be sure to allow time for your dog to get used to their new footwear. Positive association and slow desensitization are key for helping your dog learn to love wearing boots.

The ‘Santay Observatory’ is a multifunctional community space. The building was constructed by locals on the banks of Babahoyo, Ecuador and has since found its new home on Santay Island. The structure is a continuation of research carried out by Juan Carlos Bamba and Natura Futura on floating habitability and serves as a space for local artists, visitors and the island community.

UPDATE: Sep. 27, 2022, 3:45 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the latest sale prices and availability on sex toys.

• The We-Vibe Tango is a bullet vibe that packs a punch — $55 $79 (save $24)

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

• 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 Opens in a new tab Credit: We-Vibe Our pick: We-Vibe Tango (opens in a new tab) $55 at We-Vibe (save $24) Get Deal (opens in a new tab) Why we like it

We-Vibe knows how to make a good vibrator, and the Tango might just be their best. This little vibe has garnered plenty of praise online, including from Mashable sex and relationships reporter Anna Iovine, who deemed it, "the best bullet vibrator I've tried." That's thanks to it's 90 minutes of battery life and flat head, which can provide more stimulation than the typical rounded design found on this type of toy. Though some may find it a bit on the intense side, if you're looking for a vibe that's the size of a tube of lipstick and packs a serious punch, the Tango is the way to go.

More vibrator deals:

• Pleasure Works Pirouette Waterproof Vibrator — $19.59 $27.99 (save $8.40)

• Lovehoney Secret Sensations Love Egg — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• Satisfyer Magic Bunny Vibrator — $34.95 $79.99 (save $45.04 with code FALL)

• Adam & Eve Intimate Curves Rechargeable Wand — $38.47 $69.95 (save $31.48 with code AESAVE45)

• We-Vibe Tango — $55 $74 (save $24)

• Original Magic Wand — $69.95 $99.99 (save $30.04 with code FALL)

• We-Vibe the Smörgåsbord Collection — $125 $178 (save $53)

• Lelo Soraya Wave — $194.25 $259 (save $64.75)

• MysteryVibe Crescendo — $195 $229 (save $34)

Clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals Opens in a new tab Credit: Satisfyer Our pick: Satisfyer Pro 2 (opens in a new tab) $29.95 at Pink Cherry (save $40 with code FALL) Get Deal (opens in a new tab) 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.

More clitoral stimulator and suction toy deals:

• Womanizer The One — $5 $10 (save $5 with code FALL)

• Satisfyer Pro 2 — $29.95 $69.95 (save $40 with code FALL)

• Better Love Tap Dancer — $69.99 $175.99 (save $106)

• Womanizer x Lovehoney Pro40 — $74.25 $99 (save $24.75)

• We-Vibe Tango X and Satisfyer Pro 2 bundle — $96.99 $148.99 (save $52)

• Lelo Sona Cruise 2 — $109.99 $149 (save $39.01)

• Womanizer Premium Eco — $139.30 $199 (save $59.70)

• Womanizer Premium — $159.20 $199 (save $39.80)

Dildo deals Opens in a new tab Credit: PinkCherry Our pick: PinkCherry Lucky Dick 8.25-inch dildo (opens in a new tab) $24.98 at PinkCherry (save $24.97 with code FALL) Get Deal (opens in a new tab) 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 onto the non-porous surface of your choosing.

More dildo deals:

• Adam & Eve Cool Curve jelly dildo — $13.72 $24.95 (save $11.23 with code AESAVE45)

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Deals on sex toys for penises Opens in a new tab Credit: Fleshlight Our pick: Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack (opens in a new tab) $69.95 at Fleshlight (save $11.90) Get Deal (opens in a new tab) 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.

More deals on sex toys for penises:

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• Lovehoney Head Master stroker set — $17.99 $29.99 (save $12)

• Tracey Cox EDGE Penis Sleeve — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)

• Fleshlight Go Stamina Training Unit Lady Pack — $69.95 $81.85 (save $11.90)

• Buy 2 Fleshlight sleeves, get one free — $99.90 $149.85 (save $49.95)

• MysteryVibe Tenuto 2 — $212 $249 (save $37)

Anal toy deals Opens in a new tab Credit: Vedo Our pick: Bump rechargeable anal vibe (opens in a new tab) $27.47 at Adam & Eve (save $22.48 with code AESAVE45) Get Deal (opens in a new tab) 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 wide 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.

More anal toy deals:

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Even more sex toy deals:

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SAVE $14.97: Through Oct. 31, new and returning subscribers can get three free months of Apple TV+, rather than paying the usual $4.99/month.

If you're sick of hearing everyone gush over Ted Lasso and being out of the loop, it's about time you binge-watch the award-winning series yourself. You won't even have to pay a cent.

Through Oct. 31, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Apple TV+ for free. A subscription to the exclusive streaming service usually goes for $4.99/month, so you'll save $14.97 with this deal. This is a rare chance to save on an Apple TV+ subscription without purchasing a brand-new Apple device.

Make note, Apple One subscribers are not eligible to redeem the offer. And, of course, after your three-month trial is up, your plan will automatically renew for the usual $4.99/month. Be sure to go to Settings > Apple ID to cancel at least one day before the exact renewal date if you don't want to be charged.

Apple TV+ is home to exclusive content you won't find on any other streaming service, including the lovable Ted Lasso, Bad Sisters, Loot, Prehistoric Planet, and The Morning Show, among many others. While it doesn't offer quite as much content as, say, Netflix or Hulu, the content it does offer is definitely top-notch. And with this three-month trial subscription, you'll be able to binge-watch a whole lot without paying a cent.

Redeem the offer through this link before Oct. 31 to enjoy all the Apple Originals you can in three months.

Opens in a new tab Credit: Apple Apple TV+ (opens in a new tab) 3 free months (save $14.97) Get Deal (opens in a new tab)