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Melissa Etheridge performs yet-to-be released song at her daughter’s Sonoma Valley wedding

Posted by Charles Swanson

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/melissa-etheridge-performs-yet-to-be-released-song-at-her-daughters-sonoma-county-wedding/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225413&preview=true&preview_id=12225413

Melissa Etheridge helped celebrate her eldest daughter’s wedding at a Sonoma Valley winery earlier this month with the performance of a yet-to-be-released song.

Bailey Cypheridge married Jocelyn Simone Rhude on Sept. 5 at B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, in front of 160 guests. The celebration included a concert on the winery’s outdoor stage.

Bailey Cypheridge and Jocelyn Rhude wedding photographed in Sonoma Sept. 4, 2025. (Hailley Howard Photography)

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Bailey Cypheridge and Jocelyn Rhude wedding photographed in Sonoma Sept. 4, 2025. (Hailley Howard Photography)

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“She would’ve sang the whole time if we let her,” Cypheridge said of her Grammy Award-winning mother in a phone call Saturday. “It was really special. Jocelyn works in music and my whole family are musicians so (the concert) was really important to us.”

Other artists who performed included friends, clients of Rhude’s music marketing business and family members, such as Sonoma singer-songwriter Marty O’Reilly; Jessa Graves (J. Graves), a Portland, Oregon-based artist; Liza Colby and Kia Warren (SUSU), New York City-based songwriters; and San Francisco’s Sutro String Quartet.

The “Come to My Window” singer’s set included a song she wrote for the couple, “More Love,” that brought tears to every eye in the house, Cypheridge said.

“It was the sweetest present and very classic her,” she said, adding that the song is expected to be included on Etheridge’s next album, due in 2026.

The wedding’s culinary offerings were Mexico City-themed, Rhude said, with catering led by chef Emma Lipp of Sonoma’s Valley Bar + Bottle and Valley Swim Club.

“We are such big fans of Valley, we love Emma so much and it was such an honor, honestly, to have them do the food for us,” Cypheridge said.

The wedding additionally featured all women or queer vendors, including Sonoma florist Heather Finch, photographer Hailley Howard and stylist Chloey Badaway.

“We wanted to make sure that we’re putting our money where our mouth is in supporting our community,” Cypheridge said.

Along with the wedding, the couple is celebrating their recent move into a new house in Sonoma, Rhude’s hometown, where they live with their three dogs.

“We’re having fun, it’s dreamy,” Rhude said.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/melissa-etheridge-performs-yet-to-be-released-song-at-her-daughters-sonoma-county-wedding/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225413&preview=true&preview_id=12225413

Invasive tree-killing beetle spotted in Santa Cruz

Posted by Aric Sleeper

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/invasive-tree-killing-beetle-spotted-in-santa-cruz/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225343&preview=true&preview_id=12225343

SANTA CRUZ — After infested trees were recently discovered near the Tannery Arts Center, the city of Santa Cruz is asking community members to watch out for signs of an invasive beetle that has the potential to damage or kill a variety of trees.

According to a statement from the city, “the Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension, has confirmed the presence of the invasive shothole borer beetle in trees located in the Tannery area of the city of Santa Cruz. Arborists identified two affected trees, prompting local agencies to call on the public’s help in early detection and prevention of further spread.”

The tiny nonnative shothole borer is about the size of a sesame seed and tunnels into its tree host, where it introduces a fungus called Fusarium. The fungus subsequently causes the tree to develop a disease called Fusarium dieback, which has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of trees in the state and poses a threat to the integrity of forests, according to the University of California.

The invasive beetles do not eat wood, but create channels in host trees where they farm a symbiotic fungus that serves as their food. At-risk trees include the box elder, California sycamore, valley oak, Japanese maple and American sweet gum. The beetles range in size from about one-eighth inch to one-sixth inch and range from brown to black in color.

Because the shothole borers spend most of their lives living inside of the host tree, the best indicator that a tree is infested is the presence of round holes, about the size of a ballpoint pen tip. The abdomen of beetles can sometimes be spotted protruding from the holes, which may be covered by sap or frass, which is the sawdust left behind by boring. Other symptoms include wet staining, gumming and a sugary buildup around the holes.

According to a statement from the city, a heavily infested tree was recently found in Paradise Park, upriver from the Tannery, “with hundreds of entry holes — clear evidence that more beetles are present and spreading. Local officials want residents to be aware and vigilant in spotting early signs.”

To determine whether a tree is showing symptoms, complete the Invasive Shot-hole Borers Assessment at ucanr.edu.

Last October, the beetles were spotted along a section of Zayante Creek, south of Graham Hill Road, after tree damage was spotted by a Felton resident while hiking in the area.

To report suspected infestations, the city asks property owners to call the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 831-763-8080 or email Brian Woodward with the UC Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz Mountains Forests Program at bdwoodward@ucanr.edu.

Magnified photo of an adult female invasive shothole borer beetle (Courtesy of John Kabashima/UC Cooperative Extension)

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/invasive-tree-killing-beetle-spotted-in-santa-cruz/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225343&preview=true&preview_id=12225343

Entry tags:

Wednesday Reading Meme & Books 100 - 101 of 2025

What I Just Finished Reading: Since last Wednesday I have read/finished reading: Garden of Lamentations (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) by Deborah Crombie and Key Lime Sky by Al Hess.

What I am Currently Reading: Children of the Storm (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters

What I Plan to Read Next: I have another library book out and one on request, so probably one of those.

Can you believe that I've actually reached (and surpassed) my goal of 100 books?!!!

Book 100 of 2025: Garden of Lamentations (A Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James Mystery) (Deborah Crombie)

I enjoyed this book a lot! ( spoilers )

This book was really good and I'm giving it five hearts. My only concern is that I'm reaching the end of the series. o_O I found an interview that in which the author says she's working on #20, but there seems to be more time between each release, so I don't know when it might be coming out.

♥♥♥♥♥

Book 101 of 2025: Key Lime Sky (Al Hess)

This book was nothing at all what I expected, and yet I liked it quite a lot. When I finally got around to starting it, I finished it in two days. ( spoilers )

I enjoyed this book and am giving it five hearts.

♥♥♥♥♥

Whole Foods closes original Mill Valley market

Posted by Steven Rosenfeld

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/whole-foods-closes-original-mill-valley-market/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225374&preview=true&preview_id=12225374

Whole Foods is closing its store on Miller Avenue in Mill Valley but leaving its East Blithedale Avenue store open a mile away.

“What I’m told from Whole Foods and Amazon leadership is that it just isn’t working to have two stores in Mill Valley that close together,” said Todd Cusimano, Mill Valley’s city manager. “It doesn’t work in their business model.”

A spokesperson for the company said, “We value our relationship with the Mill Valley community and look forward to continuing to serve our customers at our nearby Blithedale store.”

The employees at the Miller Avenue store have been transferred to other nearby markets, the spokesperson said.

For more than a month, questions and rumors have swirled about the fate of the store.

In July, a rat infestation closed the market. Inventory was discarded. An extensive cleanup ensued. Fencing was set up and signs said “temporarily closed.” The property also underwent a roof repair that finished this week.

When the market did not reopen, rumors ensued about its closure. A petition was launched that as of Tuesday had more than 1,600 signers.

“Help us save our neighborhood Whole Foods,” it said. “For over three decades, this store has been more than just a grocery store — it has been a community hub, a place with character, and an essential resource for local families, seniors, and workers.”

“I signed the petition because my son goes to school nearby and it’s really convenient,” said Katie Cooper, who was putting groceries in her car at the East Blithedale Avenue store.

“I get it — business. But I thought maybe they still might be there,” said Jennifer Ullstrom, who was pushing a baby carriage with groceries outside the shuttered Miller Avenue location and also signed the petition. “It’s a neighborhood grocery store.”

In recent weeks, Cusimano said city officials have asked company executives and the property owner what they could do to reopen the market.

The company told the city late last week that the store would not, he said. One rumor, that local permit requirements were an impediment, was false.

“They closed the store and had work to do,” Cusimano said. “The building is up to code. There are no issues. There are no other permits pending.”

On Tuesday, the roof work was complete and the store had renovations and new lighting. Shelves and food cases were set up, clean and neatly wrapped in plastic. Self-checkout stations were in place. It appeared poised to reopen.

However, Whole Foods confirmed additional upgrades would be costly and factored them into the decision to permanently close the store.

The store’s lease runs for several more years and city officials do not want the building to sit idle.

“Can we find somebody to move in that would be acceptable to Whole Foods and Amazon and the property owner?” said Cusimano, referring to the parent company of the chain. “Our concern is that it doesn’t just sit there dormant.”

“It’s closing. We can’t stop that,” he said. “But what are our options? Can we move in a non-competitive grocery store? Is there another use that would be exciting to the landlord and the community?”

When Whole Foods opened its second Mill Valley store on East Blithedale Avenue, it did so to prevent a competitor from moving in, according to the city. On Tuesday, several Whole Foods shoppers said they would welcome that chain in Mill Valley.

“Those are the two places that I shop, either Trader Joe’s or here,” said Faith Ann Hodges, who was putting groceries into her car at the East Blithedale Avenue store. “I bet most of the people who live in the area would like that.”

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/whole-foods-closes-original-mill-valley-market/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12225374&preview=true&preview_id=12225374

Fluffy stumpers, mount up! It’s the 2025 Corgi Con in Pleasanton

Posted by John Metcalfe

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/2025-corgi-con-festival-bay-area-alameda/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12200049

Ever had a weird desire to swim in a sea of thousands of fluffy, smiling dogs? Well, experience the reality at this year’s Corgi Con, an annual gathering of the corgis held this month at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The organizers bill the convention as the “largest corgi event in Corgifornia and probably the world,” and who’s going to fact-check them on that? Regularly held at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach before regulations forced it into the suburbs, Corgi Con attracts legions of these short-legged, fluffy-bottomed hounds, whose name is Welsh for “dwarf dog.”

While the schedule is yet-to-be announced, past conventions have included costume contests and a “Corgi Ninja Warrior” obstacle course tailored for very wee legs. There are usually speed races and a giant group picture that should provide phone-background happiness for a year. Also merch, from vendors selling everything from keychains and corgi plushies to patterned dog scarves. Note: Other dog breeds are welcome, and will be treated like honorary corgis for the day.

Details: Event takes place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Ave., Gate 8, Pleasanton; $11.20, corgicon.com

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/2025-corgi-con-festival-bay-area-alameda/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12200049

You Can Get the Latest JBL Flip 7 Portable Speaker on Sale for Just $90 Right Now

Posted by Pradershika Sharma

https://lifehacker.com/tech/jbl-flip-7-stacksocial-sale?utm_medium=RSS

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The JBL Flip 7 (2025) portable speaker is currently on sale for $89.99 as an open-box deal on StackSocial, shipping to the contiguous US with a one-year warranty included. Open-box here doesn’t mean used—it typically refers to excess retail stock that’s been handled, sometimes with stickers or scuffed packaging, but the speaker itself is verified to be in new condition before shipping. On the outside, the Flip 7 looks almost identical to the Flip 6, with the same cylindrical body and fabric covering. The differences show up in durability and usability.

JBL reinforced the rubber bumpers, now thicker and longer, to make the speaker drop-proof from a meter onto concrete, and the upgraded IP68 rating makes it fully dustproof and safe for submersion in water. Also, instead of the flimsy string loop from earlier models, there’s now a PushLock system with a built-in carabiner, which makes clipping the Flip 7 onto a backpack or hanging it from a branch much easier. Pair that with Bluetooth 5.4 and a new USB-C audio option that supports lossless playback (if you have high-res sources from Apple Music or Tidal), and you’ve got a speaker that’s both rugged and more flexible than before.

When it comes to sound, it does about as well as you’d hope for a speaker of this size. The 25W woofer and 10W tweeter give it enough punch to feel bigger than it is, though you’re not getting window-shaking bass. For anyone who likes to tinker with sound, the app now includes a 7-band customizable EQ that gives you more room to adjust things your way. The app also brings in Auracast, which lets the Flip 7 connect with newer JBL models. The catch is that it won’t play nice with older PartyBoost speakers, but this JBL Flip 7 (2025) on sale for $89.99 is a solid deal.

https://lifehacker.com/tech/jbl-flip-7-stacksocial-sale?utm_medium=RSS

Entry tags:

otw board meetings

OTW Board Meeting on October 5!

The OTW has announced the next public Board meeting will be held on October 5 from midnight to 1:00 UTC. For some that will actually be the 4th, though, so be sure to check what time that is for you.

The posted agenda:

Decisions made since the last public board meeting
2025 OTW Board Election wrap-up
OTW Culture Roadmap Update
Board Roadmap Update
Any other business (Questions & Answers)

Meetings are held in the OTW Discord server and last approximately an hour. The Board will address the agenda first, and once that business is concluded they will take at least ten questions. Questions that are not answered during the meeting will be combined and posted as weekly Q&A threads in the #questions-answers channel starting two weeks after the most recent public meeting.

For this meeting, there is the option to send in questions in advance through a Google Form. You'll need to be logged into a Google account in order to submit a question, and only one question per person will be accepted. Questions can be submitted up to three days before the meeting begins or until fifty questions have been submitted. At that point, the form will be closed.

Because procedures may continue to change, we recommend reading through the OTW Discord's Community Guidelines in the #rules channel to familiarize yourself with the details of how meetings will be run.

We hope to see you there!

--The Fandom Against Racism Team

malamute

malamute (MAL-uh-myoot) - n., an Alaskan breed of husky.

who's a good malamute? you are!

Thanks, WikiMedia!

A particularly large breed of husky, bred for hauling heavy freight sleds. The name (which English has used since the 1890s) is short for Malamute dog, which is named after the Malamute people, a subgroup of Inupiaq of the Kotzebue Sound region and Kobuk River valley. Where they got their name, I can't track down atm, but it's an Inupiaq endonym. [Sidebar 1: To oversimplify a confusing situation and nomenclature system, the Inupiaq are those Inuit peoples who live in Northern Alaska, in contrast to those Inuit who live in Canada and the Greenlandic Inuit who live in, well, Greenland -- the modern nation boundaries happen to nearly align with borders between cultural and linguistic zones.] [Sidebar 2: I should have addressed this by now, but the Inuit, Yupik, and Aleut peoples, formerly all collectively called Eskimo, have a separate heritage from all other Indigenous peoples of the Americas, having crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia much later, "only" around 3000* years ago.]

* Exact timing disputed.

---L.

Bay Area News Group high school football predictions: Week 5, 2025

Posted by Darren Sabedra

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/bay-area-news-group-high-school-football-predictions-week-5-2025/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12219403

We’re on to Week 5.

That’s almost the midway point of the regular season and about one-third of the way to state championship weekend.

Yes, the football season moves at warp speed.

The latest Bay Area News Group picks are in, with Christian Babcock trying to maintain a two-game advantage over Nathan Canilao and Darren Sabedra.

Glenn Reeves, a longtime observer of the Bay Area’s prep football scene, is filling in this week for Mike Lefkow.

Of course, this is all in fun.

Week 4: Where to find our complete coverage

Will it be De La Salle or St. Mary’s-Stockton on Friday night? What about Archbishop Mitty at St. Ignatius? Or St. Francis playing host to Archbishop Riordan?

Who will win Saturday’s game in San Jose between Serra and Valley Christian?

We pick those games and several more.

In this week’s video podcast, our guys discuss the public challenge De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh sent to his defense and whether the West Catholic Athletic League champion will go undefeated in league play.

Be sure to check out the video below.

Watch on YouTube

Now on to the picks …

WEEK 5 PICKS

Friday

Marin Catholic (1-3) at Pittsburg (2-1), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Pittsburg

Canilao: Pittsburg

Reeves: Pittsburg

Sabedra: Pittsburg

Berean Christian (2-1) at Redwood Christian (4-0), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Berean Christian

Canilao: Berean Christian

Reeves: Berean Christian

Sabedra: Redwood Christian

McClymonds (2-1) at California (4-0), 7 p.m.

Babcock: McClymonds

Canilao: McClymonds

Reeves: McClymonds

Sabedra: McClymonds

Liberty (3-1) at Clayton Valley Charter (2-2), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Liberty

Canilao: Clayton Valley

Reeves: Clayton Valley

Sabedra: Liberty

Archbishop Riordan (3-0) at St. Francis (0-3), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Archbishop Riordan

Canilao: Archbishop Riordan

Reeves: Archbishop Riordan

Sabedra: Archbishop Riordan

Tennyson (3-1) at Bishop O’Dowd (1-3), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Bishop O’Dowd

Canilao: Bishop O’Dowd

Reeves: Bishop O’Dowd

Sabedra: Bishop O’Dowd

American (2-1) at Washington-Fremont (2-1), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Washington-Fremont

Canilao: American

Reeves: Washington-Fremont

Sabedra: Washington-Fremont

Burlingame (2-2) at Hillsdale (2-2), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Burlingame

Canilao: Burlingame

Reeves: Burlingame

Sabedra: Burlingame

Menlo School (4-0) at Northgate (2-2), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Menlo School

Canilao: Menlo School

Reeves: Menlo School

Sabedra: Menlo School

Sacred Heart Cathedral (2-1) vs. Bellarmine (2-1) at SJCC, 7 p.m.

Babcock: Sacred Heart Cathedral

Canilao: Sacred Heart Cathedral

Reeves: Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sabedra: Sacred Heart Cathedral

Santa Clara (2-2) at Woodside (4-0), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Woodside

Canilao: Woodside

Reeves: Woodside

Sabedra: Woodside

Salesian (3-0) at Oakland Tech (1-2), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Salesian

Canilao: Salesian

Reeves: Salesian

Sabedra: Salesian

Archbishop Mitty (2-1) at St. Ignatius (1-2), 7 p.m.

Babcock: Archbishop Mitty

Canilao: St. Ignatius

Reeves: Archbishop Mitty

Sabedra: Archbishop Mitty

St. Mary’s-Stockton (3-1) at De La Salle (4-0), 7 p.m.

Babcock: De La Salle

Canilao: De La Salle

Reeves: De La Salle

Sabedra: De La Salle

Saturday

Serra (0-3) at Valley Christian (2-1), 6 p.m.

Babcock: Serra

Canilao: Valley Christian

Reeves: Serra

Sabedra: Serra

WEEK 4 RESULTS

Thursday

MacDonald 51, Gunn 14

Babcock: MacDonald (W)

Canilao: MacDonald (W)

Lefkow: MacDonald (W)

Sabedra: MacDonald (W)

Friday

Alameda 45, Mt. Diablo 21

Babcock: Mt. Diablo (L)

Canilao: Mt. Diablo (L)

Lefkow: Mt. Diablo (L)

Sabedra: Mt. Diablo (L)

Liberty 28, Amador Valley 20

Babcock: Liberty (W)

Canilao: Liberty (W)

Lefkow: Amador Valley (L)

Sabedra: Liberty (W)

Cardinal Newman 39, Bishop O’Dowd 7

Babcock: Cardinal Newman (W)

Canilao: Cardinal Newman (W)

Lefkow: Cardinal Newman (W)

Sabedra: Cardinal Newman (W)

Willow Glen 21, Christopher 20

Babcock: Christopher (L)

Canilao: Christopher (L)

Lefkow: Christopher (L)

Sabedra: Willow Glen (W)

De La Salle 47, Grant-Sacramento 20

Babcock: De La Salle (W)

Canilao: De La Salle (W)

Lefkow: De La Salle (W)

Sabedra: De La Salle (W)

Windsor 31, Dublin 14

Babcock: Windsor (W)

Canilao: Windsor (W)

Lefkow: Windsor (W)

Sabedra: Windsor (W)

Foothill 14, San Leandro 7

Babcock: San Leandro (L)

Canilao: San Leandro (L)

Lefkow: San Leandro (L)

Sabedra: San Leandro (L)

Leigh 48, Gilroy 14

Babcock: Leigh (W)

Canilao: Leigh (W)

Lefkow: Leigh (W)

Sabedra: Leigh (W)

Las Lomas 33, Alhambra 0

Babcock: Las Lomas (W)

Canilao: Las Lomas (W)

Lefkow: Las Lomas (W)

Sabedra: Las Lomas (W)

McClymonds def. Santa Cruz, forfeit

Babcock: McClymonds (W)

Canilao: McClymonds (W)

Lefkow: McClymonds (W)

Sabedra: McClymonds (W)

Piedmont 36, Aragon 16

Babcock: Piedmont (W)

Canilao: Piedmont (W)

Lefkow: Piedmont (W)

Sabedra: Aragon (L)

Clovis North 43, San Ramon Valley 14

Babcock: Clovis North (W)

Canilao: Clovis North (W)

Lefkow: Clovis North (W)

Sabedra: San Ramon Valley (L)

Branham 56, Sobrato 27

Babcock: Branham (W)

Canilao: Branham (W)

Lefkow: Branham (W)

Sabedra: Branham (W)

Saturday

Sacred Heart Prep 22, The King’s Academy 19

Babcock: The King’s Academy (L)

Canilao: Sacred Heart Prep (W)

Lefkow: Sacred Heart Prep (W)

Sabedra: Sacred Heart Prep (W)

WEEK 4 STANDINGS

Canilao: 12-3

Babcock: 11-4

Lefkow: 11-4

Sabedra: 11-4

SEASON STANDINGS

Babcock: 44-17

Canilao: 42-19

Sabedra: 42-19

Lefkow: 39-22

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/bay-area-news-group-high-school-football-predictions-week-5-2025/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12219403

Saratoga State of the City focuses on preparation, connection and protection

Posted by Nollyanne Delacruz

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/saratoga-state-of-the-city-focuses-on-preparation-connection-and-protection/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12217684

Wildfire preparedness, infrastructure improvements and economic vitality were the big topics of Saratoga Mayor Belal Aftab’s State of the City address on Sept. 20 at Argonaut Elementary School.

“Usually at the State of the City, we’ll list out all of the things that we did,” Aftab said. “But behind each of those items is a story, where people in our city–residents, city staff, nonprofits, agencies–they all came together to try and make things better for the place we all call home.”

The State of the City is a yearly event where the mayor updates residents on Saratoga’s progress and priorities and celebrates the people and organizations that support the city. It coincided with a Safe Routes to School event where children could participate in a bicycle obstacle course or get helmets fitted and bikes repaired. There was also safety education and free bike helmets for students.

Several other local officials were also in attendance, including Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, Los Gatos Vice Mayor Rob Moore, Los Altos Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor and several other representatives from the Santa Clara County Fire Department, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department and members of school boards in and around Saratoga.

Aftab broke his speech into three parts: prepare, connect and protect. He pointed out residents’ efforts to stay prepared for wildfires and earthquakes, like joining Firewise USA and working with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. He also announced that the city would be putting $349,000 toward vegetation management in parks and trails and encouraging private residents to build defensible space.

While looking to the future, Aftab reminded residents that more housing is coming, which has been a controversial topic in the city.

“My sincere hope is that for all of the new neighbors that will be coming to Saratoga, we’ll be welcoming and kind to them just as we do with all of our existing neighbors today,” Aftab said.

The mayor also highlighted residents’ desire for connection, highlighting local events and efforts to encourage more foot traffic to Saratoga Village, like brightening parking lots, moving sidewalks, fixing drainage, installing clearer signs and unveiling the first public restroom in the downtown area. Aftab said the council would be asking business owners to make sure vacant storefronts look “nice and tidy” while trying to make it easier for residents to get different kinds of permits.

“None of this work is flashy, but it’s part of how downtown can actually start to feel alive,” the mayor said.

He also acknowledged West Valley College’s attempts to shoulder the cost of food and housing for its students and concerns about the Trump administration’s treatment of visas and visaholders.

“It’s on all of us to make Saratoga a better place to live, to gather, to belong,” Aftab said.

Lastly, Aftab spoke about protection, or “the everyday stuff that helps everyone get home at night,” like safe crosswalks, physical infrastructure that makes it easier and safer to get around, defined bike lanes and lower speed limits around school. He announced that the city had secured funding for a new traffic signal and the use of license plate reader cameras to track stolen vehicles and prevent thefts.

He closed the State of the City address by saying that while Saratoga is dealing with many of the same issues as many other California cities, he hoped that the city would be known for its kindness.

“If we become known as a city that’s just a little bit nicer than everybody else,” Aftab said, “we already are a special place, but it’ll make us that much more a special place.

“You face the same headlines that are in every California city,” he added. “Rising costs, tight revenues, a lot of rules that are changing mid-game. The way through this is what we’ve always done: Do the work, mining the basics, taking care of each other. And what comes next is really ours to shape.”

Aftab also presented Saratoga’s annual community awards. Santa Clara County firefighter and engineer Michael Buchanan was recognized as Firefighter of the Year. Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff Brandon Perez received an award for Officer of the Year. Susan Stark was chosen by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce as Businessperson of the Year. The Chamber also recognized Tiger Teerlink as Citizen of the Year. Kenz Coffee Bar owner Mohammed Subeh was recognized with the city’s Courage and Leadership Award. Finally, Aftab awarded Organization of the Year to the Saratoga Historical Foundation.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/24/saratoga-state-of-the-city-focuses-on-preparation-connection-and-protection/

https://www.mercurynews.com/?p=12217684

This Roborock Vacuum/Mop Combo Is Over 40% Off

Posted by Naima Karp

https://lifehacker.com/tech/roborock-s8-max-ultra-robot-vacuum-mop-deal?utm_medium=RSS

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

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If you’re looking for a new all-in-one robot mop and vacuum to make your life easier, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is currently 42% off, dropping from $1,300 to $750 in this deal ahead of Prime Day in October and marking its lowest price ever, according to price tracking tools.

Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

$749.99 at Amazon

$1,299.99 Save $550.00

Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

$749.99 at Amazon

$1,299.99 Save $550.00

This vacuum and map combo has a robust auto-dock system with auto-dust emptying, mop washing, and mop drying. It has a suction power of around 8,000Pa compared to the 10,000Pa suction of the pricier and more advanced S8 MaxV model, according to this PCMag review. The mop features hot-water washing with smart dirt detection to better clean the spinning pads as well as heated air drying, which reduces odors. A single fill of the automatic detergent dispenser will last you for about three months of cleaning. Like the S8 MaxV, they both have a 100ml built-in water tank, a 4L clean water tank, and a 270ml dustbin. Unlike the S8 MaxV, this model doesn’t include an Intelligent Voice Assistant and remote viewing, though the Roborock app uses AI to adjust cleaning intensity based on certain areas.

You can customize cleaning zones by tweaking features like “Add Area” for more targeted cleaning, and “Skip Area” to bypass spots, while the mop lifts to avoid soaking carpets. Furthermore, different modes like deep-carpet cleaning or carpet boost make it ideal for mixed floors. A FlexiArm side brush also reaches edges more effectively, while LiDAR tech and Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance stop it from bumping into furniture (and pets) more effectively. Another perk for pet owners, who praise this model on Amazon, is the Pet Area Deep Cleaning setting, which provides extra sanitation of areas where pets sleep or spend their time.

Overall, if you’re seeking an advanced robot mop and vacuum hybrid with plenty of hands-free features and don’t mind slightly less suction than the S8 MaxV (which will cost you an extra $350) and the lack of an RGB camera and voice control, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra is a top-tier model with solid performance, strong automation, and only a couple of small tradeoffs, offering strong value at 42% off.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99)

Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99)

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99)

Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99)

Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

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Current Mood: What he said

Entry tags:

autism

Autism and good sense

“I’ve just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None.

In fact a major study was done back in 2024 in Sweden, involving 2.4 million children, and it did not uphold those claims. So I would just say to people watching: don’t pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine. In fact, don’t even take my word for it as a politician. Listen to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS."

I don't always agree 100% with Wes Streeting, our Health Secretary, but he nailed it this time.

Entry tags:

2025,
update

Collection on track to open on time (with 24 hr delay)

All of our pinch hits are in feverishly working hands (if you have free hands and a hankering to be doing some writing, don't forget about the treats for pinch-hitters post!), so the collection is currently set to open on time. HOWEVER, due to the planned AO3 outage (thanks to everyone who pointed it out) which is scheduled to be in progress at our reveal time, we are going to delay reveals for 24 hours, until September 27.

The Best Deals on Apple TV+, Hulu, and Other Streaming Services Right Now

Posted by ARRAY(0x55eff2c49720)

https://lifehacker.com/best-streaming-deals?utm_medium=RSS

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Streaming services have basically come full circle: what started as a cheap alternative to cable TV has become an expensive monthly cost in its own right, as price hikes and crackdowns on password sharing have made subscribing to multiple streaming services just as expensive, if not more so, than some conventional cable plans.

Luckily, there are often discounts, deals, and loopholes to exploit that can make streaming more affordable—and sometimes even free.

This month's best streaming deals

Two of the strongest streaming deals right now come from Apple TV+ and Hulu. If you buy a new Apple device, you’ll get three months of Apple TV+ free (or one month free with a promo valid through Jan. 7, 2026), giving you plenty of time to catch up on originals like Severance and Ted Lasso. Meanwhile, students can subscribe to Hulu for just $1.99/month—an 80% discount off the regular $9.99 price—unlocking next-day network shows and Hulu Originals like The Bear at a fraction of the cost.

Here are the best of the rest of the streaming deals right now:

Amazon Prime Video

Credit: Amazon

Home to buzzy originals like The Boys, Reacher, and Fallout, plus a deep movie catalog.

You can try a 30-day free trial.
You can get a free Amazon Prime membership when you sign up for Metro by T-Mobile’s $60/mo with Autopay plan.
Prime Video is also available on its own for $8.99 a month, so if you’re only in it for the shows and movies, you can skip the full Prime membership and save yourself six bucks a month.
Check out the best Prime Video Original movies to watch.

AMC+

Credit: AMC+

Your go-to for The Walking Dead universe, Interview with the Vampire, and prestige dramas.

You can try AMC+ for $5 for the first month (regular price is $9.99/month) through Sling TV (scroll down to see the deal). You don't need a Sling plan to get this deal.
If you do sign up for a Sling subscription, you’ll get your first month of AMC+ for free.
You can also try a seven-day free trial.
Get 30 days of AMC+ free (ad-free plan) with code AMC30FT4—valid only for new Monthly or Annual Ad-Free subscriptions via amcplus.com.
Or sign up for the Annual Premium plan and save 20% with the promo code PLUS20. This offer is available to website customers only and ends Sept. 30.
You can bundle AMC+ with STARZ on Prime Video for $13.99 (saves you $6.99/month).

Apple TV+

Credit: Apple TV+

Features critically acclaimed originals like The Morning Show and Slow Horses.

You can get a seven-day free trial of Apple TV+.
You can get a free subscription if you’re a T-Mobile customer with their Experience Plans.
Verizon’s One Unlimited for iPhone plan gives you an Apple TV+ subscription through its Apple One bundle.
You get three months of free Apple TV+ when you buy an Apple product (for new or eligible returning subscribers.
Try this link to get one month free—valid through Jan. 7, 2026.
You can get Apple Music for just $5.99/month with a student discount (new subscribers only), and it comes with free access to Apple TV+.
You can get the MLS Season Pass for a 65% discount at $14.99 a month or $29 for the full season.
If you already subscribe to Apple TV+, you can get the MLS Season Pass for an even lower price of $12.99 a month or $25 for the full season.
Check out the best original series and movies from Apple TV.

The Criterion Channel

Credit: The Criterion Channel

A haven for arthouse, international, and classic cinema.

This arthouse streamer is the best service for true movie buffs, and you can sign up for a free trial before being charged the $99.99 annual fee.

Crunchyroll

Credit: Crunchyroll

The top destination for anime, from new simulcasts to beloved classics.

You can start with a seven-day free trial.
Check out what to watch on Crunchyroll.

Curiosity Stream

Credit: Curiosity Stream

A niche option for fans of science, history, tech, and real-world storytelling.

Save $20 when you sign up for a Standard Curiosity Stream annual plan, and $50 when you sign up for the Smart Bundle annual plan.
New users can also score a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream’s Standard plan for just $200.

DirecTV Stream

Credit: DirecTV Stream

Best if you still want a traditional channel lineup plus access to streamers like Max and STARZ.

You can try a five-day free DirecTV Stream trial.
You can save $35 on your first month when you subscribe to any of the packages.
You can also unlock 105+ free live channels just by signing up for MyFree DirecTV with your email and downloading the app.

Discovery+

Credit: Discovery+

For reality TV and docu-series fans.

You can subscribe to Discovery+ ($9.99/month) as an add-on through Sling TV—no base plan required.
If you bundle it with Sling Blue or Sling Orange, you’ll get the first month free.
Or you can also get Discovery+ free for six months with select Verizon Unlimited plans—then you’ll have to pay $6.99/month after the trial ends.
There's also a seven-day free trial if you just want to test it out.

Disney+

Credit: Disney+

Everything from Marvel to Mickey Mouse.

You can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99 (a 43% discount off its original 29.97/mo price)
Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99 (a 42% discount off its original $51.97/mo price)
You can get Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month (save 44% per month).
You can get Disney+ and Hulu (no ads) for $19.99 per month (save 42% per month).
You can get a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select (with ads) bundle for $16.99 per month or its Premium bundle for $26.99 per month.
Or you can get a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited (with ads) bundle for $29.99 per month for a year or its Premium bundle for $38.99 per month. This offer ends on Jan. 5, 2026.
Verizon subscribers who have an Unlimited Ultimate plan have the option to include a Disney package, which provides them with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) for just $10 monthly (save $6.99 per month).
You can also get Disney+ Basic with Spectrum’s TV Select Signature, Select Plus, and Platinum plans.

FuboTV

Credit: FuboTV

A cable alternative focused on sports—think NFL, MLB, international soccer, and more.

Try a seven-day free trial of FuboTV.
If you’re a new subscriber, you get 30 days free of FuboTV Pro if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member.
New subscribers also get $30 off the first month.

HBO Max

Credit: HBO Max

From HBO's prestige shows like Succession and The Last of Us to Discovery content.

You can get the new Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99 (save $12.98/month).
Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99 (save $21.98/month)
You can get Max (with ads) for $99.99 per year (save $19 per year over the monthly cost).
You can get Max (with no ads) for $169.99 per year (save $33)
You can get Max Premium (with no ads) for $209.99 per year (save $41 per year).
Verizon subscribers who have myPlan have the option to include a Netflix and Max bundle package with ads for just $10 monthly per line (save $7.98 per month).
Cricket Wireless includes HBO Max (with ads) in its Supreme Unlimited plan.
Or if you use DoorDash regularly, you could sign up for a DashPass Annual Plan (which runs you $96), and you’ll get Max (with ads) included at no extra cost for a year.
Students get HBO Max Basic with Ads for just $4.99 per month, which is 50% off the regular $9.99 price.
Check out the best movies and TV shows to stream on Max.

Hulu

Credit: Hulu

Catch network shows the next day, plus Hulu Originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.

You can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99.
Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99.
Get an annual plan of Hulu (with ads) for $99.99 instead of $9.99 monthly (save $19.89).
Get Hulu + Live TV (including Disney+ and ESPN Select) with ads for $82.99 per month.
T-Mobile members can get Hulu at no cost through Hulu on Us with their Experience Beyond plan.
Students can get Hulu for $1.99 per month (as opposed to the regular $9.99/mo) after an 80% discount.
Verizon subscribers who have an Unlimited Ultimate plan have the option to include a Disney package, which provides them with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) for just $10 monthly (save $6.99 per month).
You can also try a one-month free trial of the ad-supported Hulu plan, available to new and eligible returning subscribers.
Check out some of the best Hulu Originals to watch.

Magellan TV

Credit: Magellan TV

A smaller docu-streamer with a strong lineup of history, science, and war content.

You can get a seven-day free trial with monthly billing, or a 14-day free trial if you choose the annual plan.
You can get a subscription for $5.99/month, or save with annual billing at $4.99/month.
Or you can get a lifetime membership for $149.97 through StackSocial (regularly $199).

MGM+

Credit: MGM+

Rotating library of classic films and newer series like Godfather of Harlem.

You can try for free with a seven-day trial on Amazon Prime.

MHz Choice

Credit: MHz Choice

Specializes in international dramas, particularly European crime shows and thrillers.

You can try a seven-day free trial of the service.
Or get 30% off your first three months with promo code FALL25.

MLB TV

Credit: MLB TV

Baseball fans, this one's for you. The official streaming home for out-of-market Major League Baseball games.

You can try a free trial.
Get a 35% discount for military members through GOVX.

Netflix

Credit: Netflix

From Stranger Things to Bridgerton and Beef, Netflix is still a heavyweight in original content.

If you’re a Verizon customer, you can get Netflix for a year if you buy an annual subscription to STARZ through +play. Read the FAQ here.
Verizon subscribers who have myPlan have the option to include a Netflix and Max bundle package with ads for just $10 monthly per line (save $7.98 per month).
You can save on Netflix (Standard with ads) if you’re a T-Mobile customer with a Go5G Plus or Experience Beyond plan.
Check out what’s new on Netflix this month.

NFL+

Credit: NFL

Live local and primetime NFL games on mobile, plus replays and highlights.

You could get the NFL+ annual plan for $49.99, saving yourself $33.89.
Get NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube for $34.50 per month for the first eight months if you’re a new user.
Or if you're a Verizon customer, you can get NFL Sunday Ticket via their +play marketplace and save a little over $200.

Paramount+

Credit: Paramount+

Home to CBS shows, NFL games, Yellowstone spinoffs, and Showtime originals.

You can get Paramount+ Essential for free when you sign up for a Walmart+ membership (or if you already have one) as part of your subscription.
Or if you have a Hulu subscription, you can add Paramount+ with Showtime for $12.99 more.
You can save $35 by choosing the Paramount+ Premium annual plan at $119.99 per year after a one-week trial, instead of paying $12.99 each month.
Students get half off the regular price of any Paramount+ plan for their first 12 months.

Peacock

Credit: Peacock

The only place to stream The Office, Poker Face, live WWE, and the Premier League.

You can get Peacock Premium for free when you sign up for a Walmart+ membership (or if you already have one) as part of your subscription.
Students can get Peacock Premium for $2.99/month and teachers for $3.99/month—both for 12 months, down from the usual $10.99.
Xfinity internet customers who sign up for NOW TV for $20 a month, which includes 40 live TV and on-demand channels, can get Peacock Premium for free for as long as they subscribe to NOW TV.
Instacart+ members get a free Peacock Premium (ad-supported) annual membership, valued at $109.99.
Subscribe to any annual Peacock plan and get 12 months for the price of 10.
Here are some of the best original Peacock shows worth watching.

Philo

Credit: Philo

Budget-friendly live TV with lifestyle and entertainment networks.

You can try a seven-day free trial of Philo.

Showtime

Credit: Paramount+ with Showtime

Now part of Paramount+, still home to Billions and Yellowjackets.

You can try it free for seven days with Paramount+.
Get it bundled with Paramount+ across streaming services, including Hulu and Sling TV.

Sling TV

Credit: Sling TV

Customizable live TV packages.

You can save $31 by prepaying for five months of Sling TV.
You can sign up for Sling and get AMC+, MGM+, STARZ, and Paramount+ with Showtime free for a month. It’s part of their Premium Pass deal, which normally costs up to $35.98.
Students get $10 off for six months when they sign up for Sling with a Student Beans account.

Starz

Credit: Starz

Known for Outlander, P-Valley, and a strong movie catalog.

You can get a Starz subscription at $4/month for three months.
Or you can opt for the annual plan and pay $29.99 for 12 months.
And if you love British shows, you can get a Starz + BritBox bundle for $14.99 per month.
You can try Starz for $5 for the first month (regular price is $10.99/month) through Sling TV. You don't need a Sling plan to get this deal.
If you do sign up for a Sling subscription, you’ll get your first month of Starz for free.

YouTube TV

Credit: YouTube TV

Live TV plus unlimited DVR.

You can get $10 off YouTube TV each month if you’re a Verizon home internet customer. New subscribers only. Offer ends 7/23/26.
Get YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket for $34.50 per month (plus $49.99/month for the YouTube TV base plan for the first two months).
You can also try YouTube TV for free for 10 days.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00)

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 256GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) — $699.99 (List Price $1,099.99)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00)

Roku Streaming Stick Plus — $29.00 (List Price $39.99)

Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $34.99 (List Price $69.99)

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — $79.99 (List Price $149.99)

Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $34.99 (List Price $69.99)

Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $49.98 (List Price $79.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

https://lifehacker.com/best-streaming-deals?utm_medium=RSS

The Gift Of Encouragement

Posted by Jen

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/the-gift-of-encouragement-2025

I remember the first time I told my Mom the publisher wanted me to go on a book tour for Cake Wrecks. She responded by telling me about an author she'd seen at a big warehouse store the previous weekend, sitting alone behind a card table and looking desperate.

"I just don't want that for you," she said.

...

Motherly concern aside, you could say my mom has a real gift for encouragement.

Kind of like these people:

"Oh, and happy engagement. I guess."

This is your moment. Enjoy it.

Q: What do you get the birthday girl who's allergic to birthday cake?

A: A birthday cake with an apology. ("More cake for us! Woot!")

As we get older, we look for signs from our loved ones that age is really just a number, it's about staying young at heart, etc, etc.

"Well, sure, NOW I am."

And there's nothing quite so encouraging as ill-concealed shock at your personal accomplishments:

"We had you guys pegged at two years, tops. Wow!"

And finally:

"Note that we haven't expressed any sadness over this fact, or stated whether Kyle is happy regarding his imminent departure. However, the fact that we're having cake would seem to indicate a celebration of Kyle's coming absence."

"Wow, you got all that from four words?!"

"No, I'm reading the card."

Thanks to Edmund H., Rachael G., Kim K., Sarah C., G.D., & Kyle C. for the encouraging words.

*****

Oh hey, this seems like a good time to remind you this exists:

Cake Wrecks, THE BOOK

It's totes hilarz, and I don't say things like "totes hilarz" in it even once.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

https://www.cakewrecks.com/home/the-gift-of-encouragement-2025

Entry tags:

i made a thing

Did You Make a Thing?

This month is almost over, so, let's hear it. *g* How did it go with your fannish creativity?

Did you manage to make a thing?

Created fanart or made vids? Wrote fic or meta? How about picspams, link collections, character mood boards, themed playlists, promo posts, or whatever else you create for fannish enjoyment?

Here's the place to share it with us! Leave a link in the comments, or elaborate on it as much as you want.

Entry tags:

Knightfall: Showcase '93 #7

Writer: Doug Moench

Pencils and inks: Klaus Janson

While Alfred tries to save the seriously injured Bruce, Tim thinks back to a previous adventure.

( Read more... )

Why You Should Exercise Before Studying, According to Science

Posted by Lindsey Ellefson

https://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-exercise-before-studying?utm_medium=RSS

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Before you sit down to study or get started on a big project for work, you might want to consider hitting the gym or taking a brisk walk. Besides just generally being good for your health, research also shows it can actually help with cognition. And with, say, the start of a new semester bearing down upon you or a work deadline looming, anything that can give you a brain boost is likely welcome.

What the research says about exercise and studying

There’s no shortage of solid, peer-reviewed research on the effect of exercise on cognition, going back decades. There's just a shortage on explanations. The exact reasons that exercise helps thinking aren’t fully understood, but one 2018 review in Frontiers in Psychology discusses evidence that it may increase blood flow to the brain, boost levels of certain neurotransmitters, and increase your feelings of control and self-esteem. Purely anecdotally, I think that's true. When I leave the gym in the morning, I feel like I've already accomplished something and tend to be a little more of a go-getter at work, riding my smug little wave to continue the day's productive streak.

Another review, from 2013, notes that “more active” individuals are better able to pay attention to their surroundings and process information more quickly. Exercise may even change our brains for the long term; the 2018 review concluded that “chronic aerobic exercise is associated with potent structural and functional neuroplastic changes, with an improvement in cognitive functions.”

What exercises work best for your brain?

The research is pro-exercise in all forms, but especially hones in on acute aerobic exercise—or the kind of exercise where you’re moving around a lot and your heart rate is up. A “single bout” of this kind of movement is related to improved cognitive functions, according to the researchers in Frontiers.

So, before you sit down to study, plan your week, or have an important conversation with your boss, consider swimming, biking, jogging, running, hopping on the elliptical, or taking a brisk walk around the block. You want to get in some solid cardio here, even if it is as simple as biking to work or taking your lunch break at the gym. (Here’s a guide to how much exercise you need each week, in general.)

How to make time to work out

I know it's hard to find time to work out, especially if you're a stressed-out student—but that makes it all the more important you do carve out some time for taking care of your body, regardless of the effect it has on your mind. Taking into account that it could make you a better student, it practically becomes non-negotiable.

If getting to the gym, the bike path, or the rec center truly isn't feasible, there is plenty you can do from the comfort of home or your dorm room. Since we're looking to get the heart rate up here, focus on cardio, to the extent possible in your space. YouTube is full of great follow-along workout videos that can get blood pumping, for instance. I'd also recommend having a designated workout app to guide you. I'm partial to Peloton's app, but while that app has all kinds of class types from cycling to walking to yoga, it can also cost up to $44 a month, making it a little difficult to maintain for a student. As a free alternative, you can try Nike Training Club, which has similar classes you can follow along with from home. Check with your university's student center about what's available, too. Schools offer all kinds of wellness-focused resources, from fitness apps to on-campus recreational centers. In grad school, I taught spin classes in my university's rec center that were free for other students to attend—and, true to the research, I always noticed a little cognitive boost when I did it right before class.

https://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-exercise-before-studying?utm_medium=RSS

Use the ‘Feynman Method’ to Tell If You’re Ready for a Test

Posted by Lindsey Ellefson

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-the-feynman-method-to-study?utm_medium=RSS

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Study methods are usually all about what you can do in your own time to maximize what you learn and that's generally most important, but bringing someone else in to your process can be helpful if done correctly, too. That’s what Richard Feynman, a theoretical physicist, thought—at least in theory. According to many possibly apocryphal sources, the Nobel Prize-winner once said, “If you cannot explain something in simple terms, you don’t understand it. The best way to learn is to teach.”

It’s entirely possible Feynman never said that at all. The closest documented quote I could find, courtesy of his colleague and fellow physicist David Goodstein, stated that Feynman’s inability to break a subject (in this case, a complex question of particle physics) down to the level a freshman student could understand it meant that science didn’t effectively understand it.

But whether this study method truly came from Feynman or not, the basic principle—to know you truly understand a subject, you should be able to teach it to someone else—is pretty sound. Here’s how the Feynman study method works and how you can use it to master new concepts (just maybe not particle physics, apparently).

What is the Feynman method?

The Feynman study technique is so popular for learning and retaining information that it’s recommended to college students and even real-world professionals. It’s a four-step technique that should, when practiced correctly, help you fully grasp the content you’re studying. Here are the steps involved:

Identify exactly what material you need to learn (to do that, try using a method like KWL or SQ3R to determine which parts of the topic are most critical before you even get started), and then study it on your own using the methods that have proven most effective for you. I recommend the Leitner flashcard method for vocabulary words and simple question-and-answer problems. Then, try blurting, where you write down everything you can remember about the topic before checking it against your materials to see what you missed.
Once you feel comfortable with the material, teach it to someone else—ideally someone who has never studied it. Explain the material as though you were doing so to a total neophyte (Feynman advises to imagine talking to a child), as thoroughly and as straightforwardly as possible.
Return to your source material whenever you come across an element you have difficulty explaining in detail.
Rewrite and streamline your notes, breaking down complex topics into simpler parts, and further clarifying the topic until you reach a level of granularity that seems almost too basic.

Step 2 isn't as simple as it seems, though. You need a pretty willing participant for this and they should ask questions while you teach them. Questions are crucial because the other person may come up with ones you didn't think of while studying the material and a back-and-forth dialogue can help you make connections between concepts in your brain. Don't treat this as though you're standing in front of them giving a lecture. Rather, turn it more into a real conversation where you're presenting the material, but they're also participating. If they ask something you can't answer, head to Step 3, look it up, and then go back to them with the details.

How the Feynman method works

The most important element of this technique is in dissecting and simplifying the material until you feel like you could explain it all to a child. As the story from Goodstein above reveals, Feynman believed if you couldn’t reduce a topic to information comprehensible to a young student, you didn’t really understand it. (A similar quote has also been attributed to Albert Einstein, so consider it a pedagogical philosophy with legs—though there’s no proof Einstein actually said anything of the sort, either.)

It works fine if you choose an adult who is unfamiliar with the topic to teach it to. The idea is just for you to simplify it to a child's level of understanding, but you'll probably get more substantive feedback if you actually do the discussion with an adult. Maybe they’ll ask a question you can’t answer, or help you find connections between ideas. Maybe their unique perspectives and experiences will inform their understanding of this new material and launch some groundbreaking revelations for you. Who's to say? This feedback will help you as you move to the third step of reviewing your materials, as it will give you additional things to consider as you do so.

When you’re done refining your notes further, try teaching the topic to someone else again, or moving on to another technique, like distributed practice or overlearning, where you’ll study your simplified notes periodically until you fully grasp the material.

Feynman when no one else is around

It's a nice idea to imagine you could call up your mom or best friend to Feynman it out every time you have a big test coming, but realistically, that's probably not possible. If you can't find anyone with whom to practice this technique, turn to AI. Language models like ChatGPT are great study helpers when used correctly.

Instruct the chatbot to act like it's totally unfamiliar with the subject, then type everything you can remember about it into the text-entry box, as though you were using the blurting method. Ask if the AI has any questions and go from there. I've done this and actually just told the bot I was using the Feynman method, which it understood, and it worked just as well as talking to a human being, although it felt a little weirder. Fire up ChatGPT before a big test in case of emergency.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-the-feynman-method-to-study?utm_medium=RSS

My Favorite Sports Recovery Gadgets (That Aren't Just Massage Guns)

Posted by Meredith Dietz

https://lifehacker.com/health/best-sports-recovery-gadgets-that-arent-massage-guns?utm_medium=RSS

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My massage guns are precious to me, and I don't plan on giving them up any time soon. At the same time, the world of sports recovery is so much bigger than a $400 Theragun. Maybe you love your massage gun, but you're still wondering what other tools are out there to help soothe your sore muscles. I've got you covered on this front. After six years of running marathons without any major injury, here are some of my favorite massage gun alternatives that deserve a spot in your recovery arsenal.

Percussive foam rollers

Foam rolling is a recovery staple on its own, but I recently discovered how the Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager (which I review in-depth here) elevates this classic technique with built-in vibration. This hybrid tool combines the familiar benefits of traditional foam rolling with gentle percussion therapy, which seriously reduces the effort required for effective self-massage. Traditional foam rolling can be exhausting, especially when you're already fatigued from training. The percussive action does much of the work for you, allowing for deeper muscle penetration without the same physical exertion. Anecdotally, I've noticed solid improvements in my recovery time when using the Chirp roller, particularly for IT band and calf muscle maintenance.

Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager

$249.99 at Amazon

Orbital massage guns

When most people think of massage guns, they picture the typical back-and-forth percussion motion. Lately, I've opted for the Rally orbital massage gun to break up the jackhammering with a unique circular motion pattern. It feels less aggressive than traditional percussion therapy, but just as effective. I've found it particularly effective for post-workout recovery on large muscle groups like quads and hamstrings, where traditional massage guns can sometimes feel too intense. Plus, if you turn the orbital massager at a slight angle, it works just like a percussive massage gun, too.

The device is also surprisingly quiet compared to most percussion massagers, making it ideal for apartment living or late-night recovery sessions. It's no small investment, but for me, it's been worth every cent.

Rally Orbital Massager

$499.00 at Rally

Compression therapy on a dime

Professional compression therapy systems can cost thousands, but I get a lot out of simple compression socks. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of medical-grade units, there's a good chance you don't need a medical-grade unit—just a $20 3-pack of socks.

Tennis or lacrosse balls

Before massage guns existed, athletes relied on simple tools like tennis balls and lacrosse balls for trigger point release. These remain incredibly effective and cost basically nothing. And trust me, a $5 lacrosse ball from a sporting goods store performs identically to a $25 "recovery ball" with fancy packaging.

Pro tip from dealing with plantar fasciitis: You can put your tennis ball in the freezer for a nice cooling effect, especially if you muscles are inflamed.

Recovery techniques that cost nothing

Before you drop hundreds on a fancy massage gun or decompression table, make sure you're taking care of yourself for free in these ways:

Mobility work. The most overlooked recovery tool is completely free: strategic stretching and mobility work. Spending 15-20 minutes on targeted stretches can be more beneficial than any gadget. Focus on dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching afterward, paying special attention to areas that feel tight or overworked.
Quality sleep. Quality sleep is the foundation of all recovery, yet it's often ignored in favor of expensive gadgets. I've invested in my sleep with this pair of sleepbuds so that I can actually sleep through my partner's snoring.
Active recovery sessions. Light movement on rest days can be more effective than complete inactivity. Walking and yoga are great ways to get your blood flowing without adding training stress.

The bottom line

The best recovery protocol is the one you'll actually follow. Whether that includes high-tech gadgets or a simple tennis ball matters less than your commitment to making recovery a priority in your training regimen. I've always made it a priority, and I've yet to be sidelined from marathon running in the past six years (knock on wood). My advice is that a combination of one or two quality devices—alongside all those free recovery techniques—used regularly will always deliver better results than a collection of expensive gadgets used sporadically. And remember that the most powerful recovery tool is time itself, so don't turn to a massage gun when what you really need is a rest day.

I'm currently testing a $599 decompression and massage table, so stay tuned on whether I think that sort of device is worth your money.

https://lifehacker.com/health/best-sports-recovery-gadgets-that-arent-massage-guns?utm_medium=RSS