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nonpareil
Sep. 23rd, 2025 01:00 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
merriamwebster_feedMerriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 23, 2025 is:
nonpareil • \nahn-puh-REL\ • adjective
Nonpareil describes that which has no equal because it is better than any other.
// To this day, the band's debut album is still considered nonpareil, raising the bar for every rock group to follow.
Examples:
"The Crew's soccer operations have been nonpareil during this latest golden era of their history." — Michael Arace, The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch, 24 Feb. 2025
Did you know?
Trace nonpareil back to its Middle French origins and you'll find that it comes from a term meaning "not equal." Pareil itself comes from the Latin word par, which means "equal," and non- is a common prefix meaning "not." In addition to its adjectival use, nonpareil also functions as a noun referring to an individual of unequaled excellence (as in "the nonpareil of cellists") as well as to a chocolate candy disk covered with small sugar pellets. A full exploration of the word's history, and its current functions in French, can be found here.
spacearium
Sep. 23rd, 2025 04:48 amwordsmithdaily_feedTylenol Is Popular and Safe, Yet Nobody Knows How It Works
Sep. 22nd, 2025 10:40 pmsciam_feedThe common pain reliever is safe when used as directed, research shows. But scientists remain puzzled by one aspect: how it reduces pain and fever
Announcing the #SciAmInTheWild Photography Contest Short List
Sep. 22nd, 2025 09:00 pmsciam_feedTo celebrate Scientific American’s 180th anniversary, we invited readers to place our magazine covers in the wild. See our staff’s favorite submissions
A Golden Moment for Boreal Forests
Sep. 23rd, 2025 12:00 amearthobservatory_iod_feed
Hillsides in Alaska’s interior showed their changing colors ahead of the autumnal equinox.
This Onn 10.1" Android 14 Tablet Is on Sale for Just $80 Right Now
Sep. 22nd, 2025 09:00 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
The onn. 10.1" Android 14 tablet is on sale for $79.99 on StackSocial right now as part of an open-box deal. In this case, “open box” usually just means it’s leftover stock or a store return, so while the packaging might not look perfect, the device itself is tested, in new condition, and comes with a one-year warranty. For under $80, this tablet lands firmly in the everyday-use category (think streaming, browsing, and casual apps) without needing any subscriptions or hidden add-ons.
The tablet runs Android 14 right out of the box, which means you’re getting the latest interface and features without waiting for updates to trickle down. The screen is bright enough for watching shows, casual gaming, or scrolling, and the 2GHz octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM handles everyday multitasking reasonably well. Storage is limited to 32GB, but a microSD slot means you can add more space if needed. You won’t mistake the cameras (a 2MP front and 5MP rear) for those on a phone, but they’re serviceable for video calls or the occasional snapshot. Where the device pulls ahead of other low-cost tablets is its battery life: up to 17 hours (according to the manufacturer), which is enough to get through a full day of use without hugging a charger.
It also leans heavily toward being family-friendly. Google Kids Space and YouTube Kids are built in, giving parents some peace of mind with curated content, and Play Protect adds another layer of safety by scanning for malware in apps. Features like GPS and Google Assistant make it a handy travel companion too, even if it isn’t replacing a high-end tablet. The biggest trade-off is performance—this isn’t a powerhouse, and heavier apps will test its limits—but as a lightweight, affordable device for streaming, browsing, and keeping kids entertained, it does its job well.
How to Watch Pornhub Even If It's Blocked In Your State
Sep. 22nd, 2025 08:00 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page.
The internet is changing rapidly, and the (rather large) chunk of it devoted to adult entertainment is no exception. Porn sites in an increasing number of U.S. states must now verify that their users are adults by requiring them to submit a government-issued ID or some other suitable method of proving their identity. Understandably, this is not necessarily something everyone wants to do every time they visit an adult site.
In response, Pornhub, as well as other sites under its parent company Aylo, have gone dark in some of these states in protest. As such, many users across these states are now searching for the best VPNs (virtual private networks) to install on their devices so they can still access the site.
What states have blocked PornHub?
As of the end of September 2025, 24 states have put these age verification requirements in place: Louisiana, Utah, Mississippi, Virginia, Arkansas, North Dakota, Texas, Montana, North Carolina, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Nebraska, Indiana, Alabama, South Dakota, Arizona, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Additionally, an age verification bill has passed in Ohio, effective Sept. 29, 2025.
Bills are also pending in an additional 14 states: Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Maryland. State-level legislation aside, the federal SCREEN Act (2025) could bring in country-wide measures if it passes into law. Further, the Supreme Court has upheld Texas' age verification law, setting a precedent that could impact attempts to challenge these laws in the future.
It's a shifting landscape, as laws are proposed and appealed in each state, and the best resources for keeping up to date that I've found are from the Age Verification Providers Association (which is pro-age verification measures) and the Free Speech Coalition (which is against them).
On one side is the argument that kids need to be protected from adult content online, and on the other is the argument that free speech is paramount and kids will find porn anyway—perhaps through sites that have fewer safeguards and rules around adult content than Pornhub.
The Louisiana exception
Pornhub owner Aylo's issues with all of this legislation are that age verification systems are ineffective, and an invasion of privacy for those aged 18 or over. Instead, the company is calling for user ages to be verified at the device level, perhaps through the app stores managed by Apple and Google, for example. Lawmakers in Texas have already passed legislation requiring app stores to verify ages before users can download any apps, not just ones with age-restricted content.
Louisiana stands out as the one state where Aylo sites, including Pornhub, are cooperating with an age verification system to keep adult content available to users. That system is known as LA Wallet, the digital driver license app that's already active in Louisiana, and which provides robust ID verification. One of the reasons Aylo has kept Pornhub open for business in Louisiana is that LA Wallet can work anonymously: It's a bit like using a two-factor authentication code. Through this mechanism, Pornhub doesn't know who you are, but does know you've been verified as an adult through LA Wallet.
For now, other states are lagging in introducing similar tech. They either don't have digital ID systems like LA Wallet, or have systems that aren't as simple to use for the purpose, or as respectful towards user privacy. And so the stand-off continues: Both state governments and Aylo want users to have to verify their age to access Pornhub, they just want to go about it in different ways.
How to watch Pornhub if it's blocked in your state
Whatever your position on age verification laws, remember that the best VPNs can connect your computer to a server in a different part of the world—making it look like you're located somewhere other than where you actually are. So wherever you are, if you want to access porn sites that are blocked, a VPN is your new best friend.
That's just the start, though, when it comes to the benefits of installing a VPN. These software tools hide your browsing activity from governments, law enforcement agencies, and whoever is providing your internet connection. Generally, VPNs make it harder for companies to track you, and give you more security and privacy (though not total anonymity) online.
With that in mind, Lifehacker has covered the best free VPNs, the best paid VPNs, and the best free VPNs for Android in the past, but I'd like to highlight a couple of recommendations here—if you want more suggestions for your internet browsing needs (adult site-related or not), follow those links above.
The best free VPN: Proton VPN
We've written in glowing terms before about how good the free Proton VPN is, and it's a great pick if you don't want to spend anything. Its appeal starts with Proton itself: It's committed to privacy, was started by scientists in Switzerland, and is siloed from the big tech names (like Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft). It's a name you can trust.
There are also surprisingly few restrictions for a free VPN. The two main limitations are you can only connect from one device, and you don't get to choose which country's servers you connect to. That's it—it's not painfully slow, like a lot of free VPNs. If you do need more flexibility in your VPN connections and features, there are paid upgrades available too.
Add in the ease of use you get with Proton VPN, the support for a broad range of devices, and the reliability you get from servers around the world, and it's difficult to beat in terms of a free VPN. Sign up here for a Proton account, if you don't already have one.
The best paid VPN: NordVPN
You've got a lot of excellent options to pick from when it comes to paid VPNs, and there's no app that's far and away above the others—but we're going to highlight NordVPN here, which we recently compared to ExpressVPN. It's fast, it's flexible, and the software it offers across multiple platforms is more polished and intuitive than with a lot of its rivals.
You get lots of features with NordVPN, from split tunneling to DNS customizations to support for the super-private Onion network. While you can easily use the software with just a couple of clicks (or taps), there are numerous advanced features available if you want to dig a bit deeper—you can even have a dedicated IP address (though it costs extra).
Pricing for NordVPN starts at $12.99 a month, but you can get some pretty significant discounts if you pay for a year (or two years) up front. That's enough to get you up to six simultaneous connections, and you can sign up here to register and download the apps.
You Can Get Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Adobe Acrobat Classic for Just $90 Right Now
Sep. 22nd, 2025 07:30 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
You can get a three-year license of Adobe Acrobat Classic (valued at $324) and a lifetime license of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows (valued at $219.99) together on sale for $89.99 on StackSocial right now. The bundle is only available to U.S. customers, though. The Acrobat license works on both Mac and Windows, while the Office license is limited to a single Windows PC. And because these are digital codes, delivery is instant, and once redeemed, you can use the software offline without the monthly costs that come with subscriptions. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to deal with cloud tie-ins, recurring payments, or limited trials, the upfront structure of this deal is straightforward.
Adobe Acrobat Classic is the desktop-only edition, also labeled as Acrobat Pro 2024. It’s not tied to cloud services, which means everything from editing text and images to converting PDFs into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint happens locally. That’s especially useful if you work with sensitive files and don’t want them traveling online. You also get tools to password-protect or redact documents, along with a refreshed interface that makes features like creating forms or extracting specific pages quicker to find. There are limitations, including no AI Assistant add-on and no browser or mobile support, but if your workflow is mainly on a desktop, those missing pieces might not matter. Plus, the three-year license means you can lock in access without thinking about renewal until 2028.
On the Microsoft side, Office 2021 Professional offers the familiar full suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Access, and OneNote. A free version of Teams is included as well. This isn’t Microsoft 365, so you don’t get ongoing cloud-based perks or syncing, but the trade-off is that you own the license outright for one PC. For many, that’s enough, especially if you just need reliable offline access to the programs you already know. The applications themselves include some refinements, like quicker ribbon navigation and more customization for documents and presentations, but don’t expect radical changes from earlier Office versions. The real appeal lies in stability: you buy it once, install it, and it works without recurring fees. Put together, this bundle feels like a pragmatic option for anyone who spends most of their time drafting, editing, and managing documents without needing constant cloud integration.
Does Tylenol Use during Pregnancy Cause Autism? What the Research Shows
Sep. 22nd, 2025 05:30 pmsciam_feedPresident Trump and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. tie Tylenol use during pregnancy and folate deficiencies to rising autism rates—but the evidence is thin
How to Sign Up for ‘Invite-Only’ Deals During October Prime Day
Sep. 22nd, 2025 07:00 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page.
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Not all Prime Days deals are open to just anybody. Since 2023, some of the best offers in Amazon's annual sale are invite-only—meaning you have to sign up for them in advance of the sale going live, and hope you get chosen to receive the discount. These deals have become a common fixture for Amazon's major sales, including this past summer's Prime Day.
With Prime Big Deal Days 2025—the fall version of Prime Day—kicking off on Oct. 7, you can expect to see more invite-only deals popping up around the site. Here's how to find and sign up for them, so you have a fighting chance at scoring some great offers.
Who is eligible for Prime Day invite-only deals?
Only a select number of products will be available via invite-only deals. You'll be able to spot them by the "invite-only" banner visible on the product page. As Amazon explains, you must be a Prime Member to sign up for the invite-only deals, and when you sign up, you're essentially requesting an invitation to purchase the deal, which will come by email—but only if you're chosen to receive it.
Here are the steps to sign up:
Find an "Invite-Only Prime Deal" that you want to purchase. You can find these deals listed on the Deals page once Prime Day begins.
Navigate to the product detail page.
Select "Request Invite." If you are not a Prime member, sign up for Prime to be able to request an invite.
You will receive an email notification confirming that you requested an invite. The confirmation will be sent to the email that is on your Amazon account. If you don't have an email on your account, add one by navigating to Your Account > Login > Security.
How to know if you were approved for an invite-only deal
Keep in mind that just because you requested an invitation doesn't mean you'll receive one. If you are selected, you'll receive both a push notification in the Amazon app and email notifying you during the sale. If you're not selected, Amazon will also let you know you didn't get one. You can only buy one of the products that you were invited for, but you can request as many different product invitations as you want. The invitation will last as long as Prime Day lasts (four days this year), or as long as there is stick remaining.
Invite-only deals are usually some of Prime Day's most impressive offerings. Last year, for example, Amazon sold a 43-inch 4K Smart Fire TV for just $99, and you'll likely see similar deals this year.
Here are more tips to shop smartly for Prime Day, using Alexa to remind you about deals to signing up for deal alerts so you receive notifications related to your Amazon searches and recently viewed items.
BBC Inside Science
Sep. 18th, 2025 04:00 pmbbc_sci_nature_feedA Touchscreen MacBook Could Be Right Around the Corner
Sep. 22nd, 2025 06:30 pmlifehacker_feedDid you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.
If there’s one area where MacBooks lag behind Windows laptops, it’s gaming. But if there’s another area, it’s display technology. Yep, while Apple still stands behind its trademark LCD “retina” displays, Windows machines have been adopting OLED and touchscreens for years now. Luckily, according to industry experts, MacBook owners will soon be able to plan on having better screens, too.
The latest rumors come courtesy of TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as well as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, both of whom have reliable track records reporting on Apple products. While this isn’t the first time Apple has been rumored to be updating its laptop displays, we’ve now got a timeline update.
According to a post Kuo made to X on Sept. 17, the MacBook Pro will be the first MacBook to receive an OLED update, and as a bonus, the new screen will also support touch. The upgraded model is “expected to enter mass production by late 2026,” although as is par for the course with these leaks, the post didn’t point to any particular sources to back this up. However, if you read between the lines and look at Kuo’s past spot-on speculations, it’s likely an anonymous source from within Apple.
For a little bit of assurance, Gurman, who also frequently relies on such sources, was quick to agree with Kuo’s assertions in his weekly Power On newsletter this weekend, pointing to his original reporting on the topic from 2023. However, the reporter also added that the actual release date might be closer to early 2027, depending on how quickly Apple can get supply out. He also clarified that, technically, the revamp was planned for this year, but was moved back “due to OLED supply issues.”
As for the rest of Apple’s MacBook line, neither expert has updates on that end, although Gurman speculates that “if touch resonates on the MacBook Pro, I expect it to eventually come to other Macs as well.”
While the benefits behind a touchscreen laptop are fairly self explanatory, OLED is higher on my personal wishlist. The technology’s self-illuminating pixels will help with contrast, yes, but like on the iPhone, they should also aid with battery life. That’s because, while current MacBooks rely on a backlight that spans the entire display, parts of an OLED screen can remain off when not in use.
It’s notable that Kuo and Gurman’s proposed timeline also matches with the release of the iPad Pro just last year, which upgraded to an OLED screen for the first time. Given that iPadOS 26 also revamped the iPad user experience to be much more like using a MacBook, it’s likely Apple is currently planning for more parity between its product categories.
On that note, Kuo’s post also reminded readers that a potential lower-cost MacBook that uses an iPhone processor could be in the works for later this year, although specifics are still largely in the dark at this point. The analyst, however, did say this model would likely not include touch support, although that could change in the future.
As for other rumored Apple products, also still largely in the dark is a potential foldable iPhone, which Gurman says “will be the star of Apple’s 2026 product lineup.” As predicted by my colleague David Nield, the reporter’s sources are increasingly telling him that “users should imagine two titanium iPhone Airs side-by-side,” but pricing and release date specifics are still up to the imagination for now.
Ozlo Sleepbuds Review: I Can Now Share a Bed With My Snoring Boyfriend
Sep. 22nd, 2025 06:00 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page.
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As a chronically light sleeper, I've tried everything from white noise machines to sleeping on the couch. It doesn't help that I 1) live above a noisy Brooklyn bar and 2) share a bed with someone who snores and grinds his teeth. My go-to solution had been wearing my Anker Soundcore headphones with some sort of "deep sleep" playlist, but to be honest, sleeping with over-ear headphones is like trying to nap while wearing a helmet. Uncomfortable, potentially unsafe, and a surefire way to destroy my expensive electronics.
That's what led me to the Ozlo Sleepbuds, currently available for $299. Unlike my AirPod Pros, which are great for daily use but pierce my eardrums when I lie on my side, the Ozlo sleepbuds have a remarkably low profile. The pre-installed ear tips fit perfectly, creating a secure seal without the pressure points that make traditional earbuds a nightmare for side sleepers. Despite their mixed online reviews, I've found that these smart earplugs really do help me sleep deeper (and possibly saved my relationship).
The app experience
Here's where the Ozlo sleepbuds diverge from typical wireless earbuds, and honestly, it's a double-edged sword. Unlike AirPods that connect automatically via Bluetooth, these require opening the Ozlo app like a control center. You'll need to select your soundscape, adjust volume, and set your alarm through the app interface.
Initially, this felt clunky compared to the seamless connectivity we're all used to. But after a few nights, I found myself positively reframing this friction as more of a "ritual." Opening the app, placing the buds in my ears, and selecting a soundscape became a bedtime ritual that signaled to my brain it was time to wind down.
Wearing my sleepbuds through the night
The moment of truth came on my first night testing them against my boyfriend's powerful snoring. I opted for the "ocean tide" sound to lull me to sleep. The audio quality is solid, especially knowing these were created by former Bose engineers.
So: Did these earbuds completely eliminate my partner's snoring? Not entirely—his snores are truly in a league of their own. But the combination of noise blocking and the ocean tide sound significantly reduced my nightly interruptions from constant to few and far between. Most importantly, when I did hear him, it didn't immediately snap me awake. The soundscapes seemed to cushion the noise, making it less startling.
But the street noise from the bar below? Completely gone. The upstairs neighbors walking around? Barely noticeable. These Sleepbuds excel at blocking consistent ambient noise while taking the edge off sudden, disruptive sounds.
Another feature I love is the in-ear personal alarm. Instead of a jarring phone alarm that jolts both you and your partner awake, the Sleepbuds gently vibrate and play a soft tone directly into your ears. My boyfriend has never been woken up by my alarm since I started using them.
Tips and tricks for sleeping with earbuds in
After a few weeks of use, I've discovered several ways to optimize the Sleepbuds experience:
Find your perfect soundscape: Don't settle for the first one you try. I cycled through several before discovering that rain sounds work better for me than ocean waves or white noise.
Create a charging routine: Keep the charging case on your nightstand and make putting the buds back a part of your morning routine.
Experiment with volume levels: I really recommend starting lower than you think you need. Your ears adjust to the soundscape within minutes, and too-loud audio can actually be stimulating rather than relaxing.
Use the app's sleep timer: If you don't want soundscapes playing all night, set a timer. You might only need the audio to fall asleep, not maintain it.
Try different sleeping positions: The low profile means you can experiment with side sleeping even if you've never been able to before.
The bottom line
Are the Ozlo Sleepbuds perfect? No. The app dependency isn't ideal, and they won't completely eliminate every noise (I'm looking at you, Greg's snores). But compared to my previous solutions—uncomfortable headphones, potentially unsafe sleeping positions, or relegating myself to the couch—these Sleepbuds rock.
If I'm choosing between traditional foam earplugs, regular earbuds, or these specialized sleep buds, I'd pick the Ozlo Sleepbuds every time. My only concern? I'm becoming so dependent that I'll have trouble sleeping without them. But honestly, if that's the price for consistently good sleep in a noisy city apartment with a snoring partner, I'll take it.
Target’s ‘Circle Week’ Sale Will Start Before Amazon’s October Prime Day
Sep. 22nd, 2025 05:30 pmlifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page.
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Target is no stranger to competition with Amazon sales. They've overlapped their Circle Week sales with Prime Day many times before. Since October Prime Day is around the corner, Target has just announced its own sale for October. Here are all the details you need to know.
What is Target's Circle Week?
Circle Week is Target’s name for its biggest sale. As the name suggests, it lasts a whole week, and while it used to happen just once a year but, it now occurs multiple times a year. The most recent sale was this summer, and before that, in the spring, overlapping with Amazon's Prime Day and Big Spring Sale, respectively.
When is Circle Week?
The next Circle Week will take place from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11. That means it begins two days before October Prime Day, which runs from Oct. 7 through Oct. 8.
Do you need to be a member to shop the sales during Target Circle Week?
Like Amazon's Prime Day sale, you will need to be a Circle member to take part in the sale, but unlike a Prime membership, Target Circle is free. You can sign up for an account on the Target app or Target.com.
You can also pay for a Target Circle 360 membership, which grants you early access to the sale as well as other perks, like same-day delivery. If you're a teacher or student, you can save 50% on the one-year Circle 360 subscription through Sept. 13; otherwise, it starts at $10.99 per month. But again, a paid membership isn't necessary to get all the best Circle Week deals.
What deals can I find during Target Circle Week?
Circle week will focus on apparel; home products like kitchen appliances, storage, floor care, and bedding; fun and entertainment; and Halloween costumes and treats. You'll also find tech products on sale, which we'll be covering as usual. You can shop in person or online, and there will be a "Deal of the Day" for every day of the event that will start at 40% off.
While Target hasn't released a list of deals you can expect, you can get a pretty good idea from past Circle Week sales. Here are some of the deals they had at the tail end of the Circle Week last fall.
What competitors are also offering sales?
Amazon’s October Prime Day will take place from Oct. 7 through Oct. 8, so all the other sales tend to revolve around these dates. Walmart will likely have its Walmart Deals sale, like they've done in the past, and Best Buy will likely have its own sale as well. I'll cover the details of those sales as they are released.