TikTok 'fear food' challenges: Can they help with eating disorder recovery?

The videos have all the trappings of a TikTok designed to go viral: an eager creator staring into the camera, poised to give the viewer a before-and-after look at completing a difficult physical challenge. Yet so-called fear food challenges are dramatically different than the typical TikTok stunt. They aren’t meant for anyone to attempt, but are instead produced for people going through or curious about eating disorder recovery. In these videos, creators who indicate that they’re in recovery often reach into a jar filled with scraps of paper labeled with one of their fear foods. Whatever word they pull out — “cheeseburger,” “candy bar,” or the name of a flavorful entree — they then make or buy and try to eat on camera. Sometimes an individual fear food challenge TikTok garners millions of views. Collectively, the hashtag #fearfoodchallenge has more than 470 million views.
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‘Everything Now’ depicts eating disorder recovery like you’ve never seen it

The comments are often overwhelmingly supportive of the creator. But other viewers come across the content with no understanding of why people in recovery have certain fear foods, and they leave cruel comments about the creator, demonstrating the risks of an algorithm pushing these videos into people’s feeds with no context. Eating disorder recovery experts say fear food challenge videos present both benefits and risks to the creator and the viewer. Particularly as people prepare for the new year by exploring wellness and food-related content on TikTok, it’s important to know what the content

Mashable https://mashable.com/article/tiktok-fear-food-challenge

Original Source: Mashable >>

Apple Watch's ban in the U.S. has been lifted, at least for now

Apple’s ban on importing its Watches and selling them in the US has been put on pause, just a week after the company stopped sales of the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.Apple has now confirmed to TechCrunch that the Series 9 and Ultra 2 are available once again in stores and will be in its online shop from Thursday, Dec. 28. How long they stay available for, though, is trickier to tell.
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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: What are the differences?

The road that’s led up to this point has been a twisty one. Back in October, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld a January ruling regarding Apple Watch’s blood-oxygen tracking technology infringing a patent from medical tech company Masimo. This led to the current import ban, which was upheld after the Biden administration declined a presidential veto, leading Apple to pause sales of the products last week — before the appeals court then put a pause on the ban that’s allowing Watches to go on sale again (yep, it’s all a bit complicated). The ban will now stay on pause until the appeals court makes its next move.

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This refurbished Acer N7 Chromebook is just $56.99

TL;DR: This refurbished Acer N7 C731 Chromebook (Intel Celeron N3060, 4GB RAM, 16GB eMMC) is down to just $56.99 (reg. $289) as of Dec. 25. That’s a savings of 80% for a limited time.When you need an extra computer for everyday tasks or to give your older child a device to stream shows and movies and do school work, a refurbished device should really be considered. Something like this refurbished Acer N7 Chromebook is available for just $56.99 (reg. $289) and can add that much-needed additional platform to keep your days and nights moving seamlessly.This Acer N7 comes from the year 2017, so it’s a pretty recent model that can get you online efficiently. Equipped with a 1.6GHz processor, it can provide efficient performance for everyday tasks.Whether browsing the web, streaming content, or working on documents, this Chromebook delivers enough speed to support your professional, educational, or personal efforts. And the 4GB RAM, Intel Celeron CPU, and Chrome OS allow for a smooth multitasking experience, while the 16GB storage will enable you to store some files and photos locally. It has WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, so you can take it on the go and get online via networks or hotspots and connect your Bluetooth-enabled accessories, too. With a 13-hour battery capacity, it will keep going whether you have a long day at work or a long flight to your next vacation destination.This Chromebook has a grade “B” refurbished rating. This means it’s in excellent working order but may have some slight cosmetic blemishes.This refurbished gem is a great option for students, professionals, or anyone needing an affordable secondary device.Get this 2017 refurbished Acer N7 Chromebook on sale for just $56.99 (reg. $289) and keep that resolution to be more productive through the new year.StackSocial prices subject to change.

Mashable https://mashable.com/deals/dec-25-refurbished-acer-chromebook

Original Source: Mashable >>

Save 30% on a 64GB 4-in-1 smart flash drive

TL;DR: Grab a 4-in-1 smart flash drive with 64GB for just $20.99 (reg. $29.99), or a 128GB one for just $30.99 (reg. $39.99) and enjoy high-speed data transfers for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. That’s up to 30% in savings.Digital content is where everything is at. And that means having a reliable and versatile storage solution is essential. Ahead of the coming new year, this smart flash drive could be the ultimate companion for your data storage needs — and it’s only $20.99 (reg. $29) for 64GB or $30.99 for 128GB.The four-pronged design includes USB 3.0, Lightning, micro-USB, and type-C ports so you can save, transfer, and open your important files on different types of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. Transfer files seamlessly and quickly at speeds of 25MB/s without the hassle of cables or adapters. From photos and videos to documents and presentations, the 4-in-1 smart flash drive efficiently streamlines data transfer. With your choice of either 64GB or 128GB storage capacities and a small portable design that weighs just half an ounce, it can come in handy when taking work with you on the go. Save your most recent presentation on it and slip it in your bag to take with you to the meeting. Or if you’re running out of space on your phone and you’d like to make some space by removing some photos or videos, store them on this flash drive to free up space.If you aim to be more productive in the new year, this flash drive offers convenient external memory expansion for your iPad, iPhone, or Android device at a reasonable price.Don’t miss out on this budget-friendly opportunity to simplify your digital life. Elevate your connectivity, enjoy the convenience of versatile storage, and make the 4-in-1 Smart Flash Drive your go-to solution for

Mashable https://mashable.com/deals/dec-25-4-in-1-smart-flash-drive

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I've never had a boyfriend at Christmas and I couldn't be happier

I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There’s just one thing I need. In fact, all I want for Christmas is for singleton shaming to be a thing of the past. That, and a bottle of Le Labo Thé Noir 29, of course (IYKYK). If you’ve ever been single at Christmas, you’ll have likely been asked a question about your relationship status by a nosy relative. In reality, you’re unfettered and ready to snog a stranger under the mistletoe. Being single at Christmas is liberating. You can retire the dating apps for two weeks with a plan to start swiping in the new year. For now, it’s a time to kick back and spend quality time with family and friends. So, why does “single at Christmas” give rise to reactions of pity?’Aw babe, you’ll find someone’Being single over the holidays is — contrary to popular opinion — really great. I’ve never had a boyfriend at Christmas and I’ve always had a lovely time. This year will be no different. How long must I endure pitiful looks and statements like “aw babe, you’ll find someone” any time I mention my status as a singleton over the festive season? Maybe I won’t find someone! Maybe I will! My self-worth and happiness won’t be impacted either way. Let’s not forget: unmarried child-free women are the happiest people in society. Not once have I spent an evening in my pyjamas singing Celine Dion’s “All by myself” at the top of my voice à la Bridget Jones. Never have I lamented my status as a singleton or felt bad about my lack of a partner during the festive season. That hasn’t stopped distant family members asking me when I plan on getting myself a boyfriend (here’s a list of good responses to that question!).

Mashable https://mashable.com/article/single-at-christmas

Original Source: Mashable >>

Some Very Difficult Questions About Israel and the War in Gaza

From Zionism to cease-fires — Ezra Klein answers listeners’ questions.

NYTimes New Year's Eve https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-ask-me-anything.html ‘The Ezra Klein Show’

Original Source: NY Times >>