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Makes 6
Prep time: 1 hour
Total time: 3 days (includes overnight refrigeration)

INGREDIENTS

**for the poolish: **1 ¾ cups|250 grams high gluten flour
1 cup|250 grams water
½ teaspoon fresh yeast

**for the dough: **poolish (the entirety of it from above!)
4 ¼ cups|600 grams all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons|150 grams whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon|20 grams granulated sugar
4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon|35 grams kosher salt
2 tablespoons|25 grams extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
semolina flour, for dusting
¼ cup|55 grams mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

**for the filling: **4 ½ ounces|135 grams hot cherry peppers
1 ½ pounds|675 grams whole milk ricotta cheese
¾ cup|120 grams minced pepperoncini
12 ounces|345 grams shredded low-moisture mozzarella
9 ounces|260 grams cherry tomatoes, seeds discarded, peels roughly chopped
6 ounces|180 grams mortadella, diced 
6 ounces|180 grams prosciutto di parma, diced 
6 ounces|180 grams provolone, grated
6 ounces|180 grams salami, diced 
¾ cup|120 grams minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano

**for the dressing: **½ cup|125 ml olive oil
¼ cup|60 ml red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon chili flakes
kosher salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the poolish: Combine all ingredients in a medium container and cover. Store at 20°C for 12 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the dough: The next day and in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the poolish with the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, plus the sugar, on medium speed for 10 minutes until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 cup|250 ml room temperature water and continue kneading until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes longer. Add the salt and knead until combined, then stream in the oil until incorporated. You may need to add an additional ¼ cup|60 to ½ cup|125 ml of water, depending on the temperature of your home and the humidity. Cover with a towel and let sit at room temperature for 4 hours or until doubled in size.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling: In a small food processor, blend the hot cherry peppers until a paste forms. Alternatively, mince by hand. Add to a large bowl with the remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until emulsified, then season to taste with salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 6 equal-sized balls and transfer to a sheet tray drizzled with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. The next day, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Heat the oven to 500°F. Alternatively, if you’re using an outdoor pizza oven*, heat it to 600°F. 
7. Working with one ball of dough at a time and on a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into an 8-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a floured pizza peel and spread about 1 ⅓ cups|360 grams of the filling on half of the circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and use a fork to seal the edges closed. Brush 2 teaspoons of the mayonnaise all over the top and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of sesame seeds. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough. Bake the calzones until golden, about 12 minutes for the home oven and about 5 minutes for the outdoor pizza oven. Cool slightly, then serve with the dressing.

*NOTES FOR COOKING IN THE OONI KARU PIZZA OVEN:

Using Wood: Your temperature will be very hot (900-1100°), tavern-style pizza normally bakes in a deck or conveyor belt oven at 550°F. In order to bring your temperature down, you will need to let heat out. Please be sure to open the vent in the flume as well as the vent above the door in the front. Add wood to the oven and the flame should be low when ready to bake (15 minutes). You will bake with the door open with a total bake time of 3 minutes.

Place calzone into the oven toward the front. Rotate every minute or so to achieve even browning.

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China’s national women’s volleyball team were seen competing in N95 masks in a recent international competition, prompting wide concerns that Chinese authorities are implementing its stringent anti-COVID measures at the expense of athletes’ health. 

The players wore the medical-grade respirators early in their match against Iran on Thursday at the Asian Cup in the Philippines. They were the only team to sport masks as they played, which, social media users noted, appeared to affect their performance. The players lost the first set to Iran. Most took the masks off during half-time and the team eventually won against Iran by 3-1.

China’s Volleyball Association, the team organizer, apologized on Friday and blamed the decision on miscommunication. 

In a statement on Chinese social media Weibo, the group said it required athletes to wear masks when they entered the competition venue, after it learnt that some athletes from other competing teams had caught COVID-19 and some of their own team members also reported symptoms. 

As the group has been unclear on whether masks were required during the match, players opted for masks to protect themselves. The team organizer said it failed to remind players to take off their respirators “due to a lack of on-site experience.” It became aware after the first set that competing in masks was not good for their health.

The apology did not appease angry Chinese social media users, who saw the statement as an attempt to shed responsibility. “Before the athletes could contract the viruses, they would already suffocate from the masks,” a top comment under the statement noted. “This is so unprofessional it made Chinese athletes a laughing stock on the international stage,” another comment read. 

Some users suggested sarcastically that players should don hazmat suits for the full look and disinfect the ball when they catch it.

Masks, a mainstay of China’s zero-COVID policy, are compulsory in indoor venues and public transport, as well as crowded outdoor areas across the country. The strict measures also came into attention in the summer of 2020, when three students in different provinces died after exercising in masks during physical education classes. Some schools have since eased restrictions.

The World Health Organization advises people against donning masks during vigorous physical activity as it makes breathing more difficult.

Follow Rachel Cheung on Twitter and Instagram.

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After years of delays, NASA is finally gearing up to launch the most powerful rocket in history, a behemoth known as the Space Launch System (SLS), for the first time on Monday, which will mark a major milestone toward the agency’s vision of returning humans to the Moon as part of its Artemis program.

The maiden flight of the SLS, which will not carry astronauts, is currently scheduled to blast off some time between 8:33am and 10:33am ET on Monday, August 29 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Coverage of the mission, called Artemis I, will be livestreamed at the link below starting at midnight on Monday. If the launch is scuttled or delayed for any reason, it will be rescheduled for either September 2 or September 5.

Once it reaches space, the SLS will hoist NASA’s new crew module Orion, which can carry six people, on a path to the Moon, where it will conduct a test flight in a distant lunar orbit, before returning to splashdown on Earth on October 1. The capsule will be accompanied on its journey by 10 small satellites, known as CubeSats, that will perform experiments and technical demonstrations, and will remain in space.

NASA hopes that Orion will carry humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era 50 years ago, when six different crews walked on the lunar surface. The next mission in the series, Artemis II, will be the first to carry humans and is currently slated to launch in May 2024. Artemis III, scheduled for 2025, aims to land two people, including a woman, on the Moon’s surface with the Starship Human Landing System, a vehicle that is being developed by the private space company SpaceX.

The Artemis program is designed to build on the Apollo program by enabling longer-duration human visits to the lunar surface, which may eventually last weeks or months. Artemis I will also test-drive a new path in space that will bring it within 60 miles of the lunar surface during its closest approach on the sixth day after launch. It will then swing out to more than 40,000 miles beyond the Moon, much farther than any crewed spacecraft has traveled before.

These parameters are designed to allow future missions carrying astronauts to land on the south pole of the Moon, where water ice exists in permanently shadowed craters. Though no astronauts will land on this mission, Artemis I does carry a mannequin called Captain Moonikin Campos, named after Arturo Campos, an engineer who was central to the successful return of Apollo 13 after the mission suffered an infamous explosion.

The Captain will be seated next to Helga and Zohar, two mannequin torsos that simulate female astronauts, as well as a Snoopy plush doll and a Shaun the Sheep toy, which respectively represent the American and European contributions to the Artemis program. May they all return to Earth safely.

 

Enlarge (credit: Konami / Nickelodeon / Digital Eclipse)

In any other year, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection would be a no-brainer recommendation for '90s gaming nostalgia. Who could turn down an invite to an arcade stocked with 13 of the series' earliest hit games, all set up for free play with welcome modern tweaks?

But this far into 2022, another arcade filled with Turtles fun has already opened on the same block. Shredder's Revenge, a new title featuring the series' old-school arcade action, earned a spot in our year-end best-of list barely two months ago—and its brilliant, beautiful, six-player fun costs $15 less.

TMNT fanatics with big gaming budgets can look forward to a competent and content-rich Cowabunga compilation, and we generally recommend the new collection to that crowd, despite some issues. But for fans with more limited time and money, Shredder's Revenge is the better '90s-styled arcade brawler by far—and it shows that The Cowabunga Collection's games have aged somewhat poorly.

Read 27 remaining paragraphs | Comments

Enlarge / NASA's Space Launch System, reflected in the turn basin at the Kenendy Space Center in Florida. (credit: Trevor Mahlmann)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.—It is time.

Shortly after midnight local time, NASA began loading liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen on board its Space Launch System rocket ahead of a Monday morning launch attempt.

It is difficult to overstate the significance of this mission for NASA. This will be the space agency's first launch of one of its own rockets since 2011, the final mission of the space shuttle. Even more significantly, this Artemis I mission is the first stepping stone on a path that could lead NASA, along with a bevy of international partners, back to the Moon and on to Mars.

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Action planet Mars connects with lucky Jupiter on Monday, September 1, at 7:51 AM: This is a very ambitious and confident aspect. People have faith in themselves that allows things to move forward with speed and good faith. There is an ability to live in the moment and successfully execute ideas.

On Friday, September 2, Mercury, the planet of communication, faces off with Jupiter, the planet of philosophy, at 9:49 PM. The rational mind needs to make room for animalistic impulses. Ideas are simplified to make sense.

All times ET.

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Aries: March 20, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Your planetary ruler Mars connects with lucky Jupiter, and you have a lot of fuel to burn! You’re willing to go above and beyond right now, and things are rolling full steam ahead. Take this feeling and run with it. You can have multiple targets, but life will be easier if you find teammates who can help you out with your ambitious vision. No task is too big, but a helping hand can get you farther, faster. To get a friend on board it is possible that you have to reshape your ideas or make a few adjustments as Mercury, the planet of communication, faces off with Jupiter. Other people are teaching you things that make it possible for you to refine your goals and ambitions.

Taurus: April 19, 2022 - May 20, 2022

The next several months will be charged related to your relationship to money and the material world, as Mars takes an extended journey through your chart’s house of personal resources. Jupiter, the planet of growth, connects with Mars, which can find you discovering mysterious ways to fuel your budget and spending power. You have your ways! Mercury, the planet of communication, faces off with Jupiter, which could find you asking for more money for your work. You’re negotiating your price, and want to ask for more. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have more, but you might have to take on more work or change some things about your job description in order to get it.

Gemini: May 20, 2022 - June 21, 2022

Action planet Mars is just getting started in your sign, where it will stay until spring 2023. There is a lot of determination and strength that you can harness and make your dreams come true. There is an especially hopeful feeling about whatever you’re doing as Mars connects with lucky Jupiter. You can manifest big dreams, especially when you ask your community for some support! You’re seeing how different relationships fit into your future and goals as Mercury faces off with Jupiter. This can have you reconsidering the role that love plays in your life and how you define yourself in all relationships. You’re learning more about your friends and partners and how to get along in a way that feels true to who you are.

Cancer: June 21, 2022 - July 22, 2022

Things are moving in more mysterious ways these days as action planet Mars occupies your chart’s house of secrets and dreams, where it will be until spring 2023. While your sign is one of the more intuitive ones, the pressing feelings are intensified. As Mars connects with Jupiter, the planet of beliefs, you might find that you know what to do based on a faithful message from your higher self. You might need to take some time to think in a quiet, private place in order to have a better understanding of it all. Mercury, the planet of the mind, faces off with Jupiter, the planet of faith, and you’re finding a way to grasp the bigger picture and the way that you play your part in it.

Leo: July 22, 2022 - August 22, 2022

You’re chasing your goals with a strong confidence that everything will work out as action planet Mars connects with optimistic Jupiter. You’re shooting for the stars, reaching as far out as you possibly can. There is a sense that nothing is too big or absurd right now, and you’re just going for it. Shout it out into the void and you’ll surely get a response. You’re listening! Mercury, the planet of communication, faces off with Jupiter, the planet that shares the message, across your chart’s axis of communication and learning. This can have your message reaching far heights and distances. Is there a word that you want to put out there? Something you want to learn about or ask about? Now’s your time to shine!

Virgo: August 22, 2022 - September 22, 2022

Generous support is accessible as action planet Mars connects with Jupiter, the planet of gifts and generosity. Mars is situating itself in your chart’s career sector now, where it will stay for almost half of a year. This is boosting your willpower to take charge of your vocational pursuits. With Mars in positive aspect to Jupiter, you can receive funding or necessary moral support—just ask for whatever you need! There’s extra emphasis on giving and receiving. You might be ready to close out your tab, so to speak! Your planetary ruler Mercury faces off with Jupiter, striking a careful balance between paying close attention to all expenses and being generous and free.

Libra: September 22, 2022 - October 23, 2022

You’re covering a lot of ground, but you’re not doing it alone. With action planet Mars moving into your chart’s house of higher education and travel, you’re more willing to go to new extremes to feed your intellectual curiosities. Jupiter connects with Mars and you’re receiving support from friends, partners, teachers, or colleagues to make these journeys possible. You’re figuring out the terms of your agreements with partners, while still allowing space to keep the spark alive as Mercury, the planet of definitions and words, faces off with Jupiter, the planet of freedom. You want to give everyone enough space to do their thing, but not lose your own idea of who you are in the process. A compromise is made between two parties, but Libras tend to be good at compromises.

Scorpio: October 23, 2022 - November 22, 2022

Take a deep breath out! Your planetary ruler Mars is in the sign Gemini, which corresponds with the lungs. All zodiac signs correspond with a body part. The lungs help us process grief and sadness. Breath allows the body to let things go by taking fresh air in. As Mars moves through a very transformative sector of your chart over the next several months, you’re adapting to changes that ask you to breathe through the motions. Jupiter, the planet of hope, connects with Mars, giving you an ability to have faith in this dedicated course of action. You’re able to see how greater habits and patterns can wear on you in ways that you didn’t notice before as Mercury, the planet of the mind, faces off with Jupiter, cluing you into things that commonly go unnoticed.

Sagittarius: November 22, 2022 - December 21, 2022

You’re learning how to give other people the same Sagittarius-sized space that you would want for yourself. Whether that’s through offering people the forgiveness for things that you could also be guilty of doing, or just trusting that whatever they’re doing is right, even if it’s not exactly how you would go about it. Action planet Mars is heating up your chart’s relationships sector over the coming months. Your planetary ruler Jupiter connects with Mars, helping you have faith in whatever it is they’re doing. You’re figuring out a strategy and maybe rerouting some of your original plans as Mercury, the planet of the mind, faces off with Jupiter, striking up big philosophical conversations. You might have to move some things around in order to make it all possible, and to keep things light-hearted and fun.

Capricorn: December 21, 2021 - January 19, 2022

You’re taking on new commitments with confidence and willingness as action planet Mars moves through your chart’s house of routines and work. This can be a commitment to your health or some private passion projects. Jupiter, the planet of happiness, connects with Mars, fueling your fire and giving you a lot to be excited about. You’re eagerly agreeing to take on tasks and help others. You’re figuring out how to simplify something very personal and natural for the public. You have intuitive and passionate ideas that you also feel needs to be refined for the public eye as Mercury faces off with Jupiter. You are toeing the delicate line between going full beast mode and being a law-abiding citizen.

Aquarius: January 19, 2022 - February 18, 2022

Life is spicy and hot with Mars moving through your chart’s house of sexuality, creativity, and friendships for the next several months! There’s a lot of zest and creative, libidinal energy to harness now. Get excited! Juicy and inspired ideas come as Jupiter connects with Mars. This can be a very fun time when you’re able to move toward your idealistic visions with grace and swag. You’re still trying to figure everything out, though. You have an ambitious vision and a confident ability to take risks as optimistic Jupiter moves through a cerebral sector of your chart. Now Mercury, the planet with a plan, faces off with Jupiter, finding a way to make sense of all of the leaps that you’ve taken.

Pisces: February 18, 2022 - March 20, 2022

There’s a lot on the home and family front to address over the coming months as Mars, the planet of action, moves through a domestic sector of your chart. You’re currently taking matters into your own hands as your planetary ruler Jupiter connects with Mars. It doesn’t all have to be done alone, of course; this planetary aspect implies that you can phone a friend or family member for help! You don’t have to pay for everything yourself. As Mercury faces off with Jupiter, you’re settling a balance and finding a way to ask others for their support with the heroic endeavor. You want to give your all, and can find ways to receive more, opening you up to new channels for abundance.

The moon enters Libra at 5:45 AM, inspiring a friendly atmosphere, and encouraging connection and creativity. The moon meets Mercury in Libra at 12:10 PM, bringing an especially chatty energy. The moon connects with Mars in Gemini at 3:50 PM, encouraging strength, wit, and willpower. Be careful not to over-indulge as the moon opposes Jupiter in Aries at 7:00 PM.

All times ET.

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Aries: March 20, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Your focus may turn to partnership today as the moon enters Libra. This could be a lovely time to connect with people, and as the moon makes a helpful connection with your ruling planet Mars, now in Gemini, exciting discussions can take place.

Taurus: April 19, 2022 - May 20, 2022

The moon enters Libra today, which could find you feeling inspired to get reorganized. You may be rearranging your schedule, sprucing up your workspace, or reflecting on your daily routines and habits.

Gemini: May 20, 2022 - June 21, 2022

The moon enters fellow air sign Libra today, illuminating the romance and creativity sector of your chart! The moon meets your ruling planet Mercury, also in Libra, which can inspire an especially flirtatious or chatty atmosphere!

Cancer: June 21, 2022 - July 22, 2022

Your astrological ruler, the moon, enters Libra today, which may bring your focus to your home and family life. New conversations about these themes begin as the moon meets Mercury, also currently in Libra.

Leo: July 22, 2022 - August 22, 2022

The moon enters charming air sign Libra, activating the communication sector of your chart, and the mood is especially chatty as the moon meets messenger planet Mercury in Libra. You might be very busy connecting with your neighbors and local community at this time@

Virgo: August 22, 2022 - September 22, 2022

Your focus may turn to finances today as the moon enters Libra. Discussions about money, a new budget, or a new approach to wealth or security can be explored as the moon meets your ruling planet Mercury, also in Libra.

Libra: September 22, 2022 - October 23, 2022

The moon enters your sign today, Libra, encouraging you to connect with your feelings! It can be a powerful time to discuss your emotions as the moon meets communication planet Mercury, which is also currently in your sign.

Scorpio: October 23, 2022 - November 22, 2022

The moon enters Libra today, encouraging you to slow down and rest. The moon connects with your ruling planet Mars, currently in Gemini, helping you cut ties with the past. Ot’s a powerful time to resolve longstanding issues and move forward!

Sagittarius: November 22, 2022 - December 21, 2022

Your focus turns to your social life today, Sagittarius, as the moon enters Libra: This is an exciting time to make friends and connect with groups that share your interests. The moon also opposes your ruling planet Jupiter, which is now in fellow fire sign Aries, inspiring plenty of fun and romance…just try not to over-indulge!

Capricorn: December 21, 2021 - January 19, 2022

The moon enters Libra today, Capricorn, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules your career, and exciting new discussions about your professional goals, future plans, and past successes can take place.

Aquarius: January 19, 2022 - February 18, 2022

The moon enters fellow air sign Libra today, which could bring exciting opportunities your way. New discoveries and discussions may take place as the moon meets messenger planet Mercury, which is also in Libra.

Pisces: February 18, 2022 - March 20, 2022

The moon enters Libra today, which could find you and your partners, in love or business, having serious discussions about money and shared resources. The moon opposes your ruling planet Jupiter, currently in Aries: Be careful not to over-commit!

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The moon in Virgo makes a harmonious connection with Uranus in Taurus at 8:47 AM, inspiring excitement and novelty—but we may be in a serious, focused mood as Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius at 2:27 PM. Commitments and standards can be discussed.

The energy isn’t particularly cozy or affectionate, so maybe save your flirtations for another day; though it might be a good time to get clear on expectations. The moon opposes Neptune in Pisces at 7:27 PM, which may stir up confusing emotions, but we connect with our inner strength and embrace transformation as the moon connects with Pluto in Capricorn at 11:08 PM.

All times ET.

Stay in the cosmic loop with the VICE horoscopes newsletter. Get horoscopes straight to your inbox when you sign up here!

Aries: March 20, 2022 - April 19, 2022

Venus in fellow fire sign Leo opposes taskmaster Saturn in Aquarius today, which can find you taking a serious look at what you want from your love life, social life, and creative pursuits. It may be time to set boundaries.

Taurus: April 19, 2022 - May 20, 2022

Your ruling planet Venus, currently in Leo, opposes Saturn in Aquarius, which can find you reconsidering your future plans and rethinking what’s important to you in your home and family life.

Gemini: May 20, 2022 - June 21, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in fellow air sign Aquarius, which brings a conversation that’s been brewing to an important climax. Values, boundaries, and expectations can be discussed.

Cancer: June 21, 2022 - July 22, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius, which can find you and your partners (in love or business) getting clear on your responsibilities to each other, especially when it comes to finances. You may be settling a debt or setting an important boundary at this time.

Leo: July 22, 2022 - August 22, 2022

Venus is currently in your sign, Leo, and today it opposes Saturn in Aquarius, which may find you setting important boundaries in your partnerships, not just in love, but in any sort of relationship. Responsibilities can be discussed.

Virgo: August 22, 2022 - September 22, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius, encouraging you to get clear on your boundaries and set firm limits on your time and availability. You love to be helpful, but you can’t help everyone all the time.

Libra: September 22, 2022 - October 23, 2022

Your ruling planet Venus is in Leo, and today it opposes Saturn in fellow air sign Aquarius, which can find you setting important boundaries in your love life and in your social life. A long awaited project or plan may be materializing.

Scorpio: October 23, 2022 - November 22, 2022

Creating a better work-life balance is an important theme for you at this time as Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius. It’s a powerful moment to set boundaries. Commitments can be discussed.

Sagittarius: November 22, 2022 - December 21, 2022

Venus in fellow fire sign Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius, which could find you having an important discussion about expectations, boundaries, and values. A decision may be reached; there’s a focus on fairness and long-term planning at this time.

Capricorn: December 21, 2021 - January 19, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes your ruling planet Saturn, which is currently in Aquarius, and it can find you having important discussions about money, values, and expectations in your partnerships in love or business. An important decision may be made.

Aquarius: January 19, 2022 - February 18, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes your ruling planet Saturn, which is currently in your sign, Aquarius: An important decision or conversation about partnership, values, expectations, and boundaries may take place today.

Pisces: February 18, 2022 - March 20, 2022

Venus in Leo opposes Saturn in Aquarius, encouraging you to set firm boundaries around your time and energy. Setting limits can be hard for generous, open-hearted Pisces, but it is necessary!

Enlarge (credit: Ars Technica)

It's the weekend, which means it's time for another Dealmaster. Our latest roundup of the best tech deals from around the web includes the lowest price we've tracked for Apple's 10.2-inch iPad, which is currently down to $280 at various retailers. That's about $50 off Apple's MSRP and roughly $25 off the average street price we've seen online in recent months.

You can read our review from last September for more details, but in short, we consider the 10.2-inch iPad to be the best option for most people in the market for an Apple tablet. Yes, its A13 Bionic chip isn't as powerful as the M1 SoC found in the iPad Air and iPad Pro, and the device's older design language means it lacks the USB-C ports, laminated touchscreens, upgraded cameras, and wider accessory support of those higher-end models. The 64GB of storage in this entry-level variant isn't a ton, either. But as a pleasant-to-use screen for reading, streaming, web browsing, and playing the occasional game, the base iPad is still plenty competent. It's fast enough for the essentials, it's still usable for lighter work when paired with a good keyboard case, and it supports all the same apps as any other iPad. It's a boring device, but it works, and it remains a significant step-up from cheaper Android tablets. Most importantly, it's far and away the most affordable iPad, particularly at this deal price.

The caveat here is that Apple is expected to introduce a new entry-level iPad by the end of the year. We don't expect a refreshed model to arrive during the company's just-announced September 7 event, but if history holds, we could very well see it announced in October. Recent rumors suggest this new model could feature a major redesign that brings the device more in line with the look and feel of the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini. (This could also result in a removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, though it's hard to say that for sure just yet.) Either way, if you don't need a new tablet right now, it's probably worth waiting. But if you do, this is a new low for a tablet that was already a decent value.

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Enlarge / HP's 13.5-inch Spectre x360. (credit: Scharon Harding)

Specs at a glance: HP Spectre x360 13.5-inch Worst Best As reviewed Screen 13.5-inch 1920×1280 IPS touchscreen 13.5-inch 3000×2000 OLED touchscreen OS Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home CPU Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1255U RAM 8GB LPDDR4-4267 16GB LPDDR4-4267 Storage 512GB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD GPU Intel Iris Xe Networking Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Ports 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 1x USB-A (3.2 Gen 1), 1x 3.5 mm jack, 1x microSD card reader Size 11.73×8.68×0.67 inches
(297.94×220.47×17.02 mm) Weight 3.02 pounds (1.37kg) Battery 66 Wh Warranty 1 year Price (MSRP) $1,100 $1,760 $1,610 Other Stylus, sleeve included

HP's 13.5-inch Spectre x360 has a little something for almost everyone. An ultralight build puts it a desirable class of convertibles with a frosted finish and flashy accents. A 3:2 screen stands taller than most and includes an OLED option that's vivid yet natural looking. There are also clever design choices, like a chamfered edge with a charging port, light-up volume/mic mute/camera shutter keys, plus decent port selection.

The Spectre x360 13.5-inch gets an A+ in looks and scores high (but not perfectly) in design details. But it has some room to grow when it comes to productivity, especially when compared against other highly capable ultralights in its price range.

For those who insist on squeezing every ounce of performance out of a sub-1-inch-thick convertible, there are stronger competitors. But for the rest, the 2022 Spectre is near the top of its class.

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I used to write predominantly about architecture and design, and in 2016, I met Kyle Hoff, one of Floyd’s founders and CEO, on a flight to Milan to attend Salone del Mobile, a.k.a the Milan Furniture Fair, as Floyd was launching to much fanfare. Since, Hoff and co-founder Alex O'Dell have grown their Detroit-based brand tremendously by showcasing their ideas for accessible, high-end design that can also reduce the waste created by low-quality, disposable furniture. Now, with the brand’s arsenal of sofas, bed frames, and more, it’s hard to believe that it launched on Kickstarter with just one product—the Floyd Leg.

These days, Floyd isn’t just a top player in the direct-to-consumer furniture world; it’s also a house of innovation. And if you’ve been curious about owning the brand’s sleek decor, there’s no better time than now to smash that order button, because Floyd’s Labor Day sale is already live—meaning you can save at least 20% on everything sitewide. Here are our top picks for what to pick up from Floyd during this moment of big-time savings—but hit Floyd’s website to browse its full selection of on-sale seating, tables, outdoor furniture, and beyond.

Get the sectional sofa for 25% off

The Floyd sectional is currently an extra-special 25% off. It’s easy to imagine a cooler version of yourself lounging on this two-piece sectional in cream bouclé, looking chic while reading a book and smoking a Rick n’ Morty doobie—that, my friends, is the epitome of affordable luxury. Not only is this set modular, and can easily accommodate additions (like Floyd’s very mid-century-esque modular table) but it’s also received top marks for being super-comfortable.

Save $35 on the Floyd Leg (that started it all)

The Leg is a really innovative set of four powder-coated steel legs that can turn any flat surface into a table (and it’s currently 20% off). The set is an amazing way to make use of items you might’ve previously tossed in a landfill, i.e. a bunch of old skateboards glued together, an insane slab of driftwood you found, or a broken table top, that now gets a new life—truly the start of a conversation piece, if you use your imagination.

Grab the brand’s ultra-versatile platform bed

You’ve seen it on Instagram; now bring it home and turn your bedroom into a relaxing Japandi den. With 20% off, you’ll save up to $430 on this matches-everything bed frame, depending on which size and style you go for.

Instant shelves

In addition to the OG legs, the shelf brackets will forever be my personal favorites because of how useful and timeless they are; they allow you to choose the placement and length of your wall shelving. They’ve moved with me through countless apartments unscathed and can easily transition through manic style changes every few years. Save 20% on them, too!

At Rec Room, we love Floyd’s pieces because they get our imaginations firing, and inspire us to think about my space differently. Now, go make a table out of something your ex left!

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.

We’ve all woken up with a kink in our back (not the fun kind) and chalked it up to sleeping funny, tossing and turning, or the classic “passing out in downward dog on the couch in between your eighth and ninth DIPA.” Whatever the reason your back is screaming, it doesn’t have to be this way. Seriously—all you need is a solid, supportive mattress to help you stop the cycle of four-Advil mornings. (And, you know, go easy on the couch-boozing.)

Now, getting a new mattress can be a daunting process—we know that. They’re often expensive and a pain in the ass to bring home from the store, and (provided you don’t sleep on a futon) you probably already have one. You also probably have some sort of love-hate relationship with your current mattress and don’t really want to buy a new one, or maybe you have some sort of sentimental attachment to the lumpy slab of springs you’ve been sleeping on since your parents kicked you out for stealing money to buy Digimon cards. The last thing you want to do is listen to some COASTAL ELITE tell you that you need to ditch the bed you found behind the bowling alley because it’s “flea-ridden” and “smells like it was once alive.” Listen, we get it—after all, we’re Americans! We fought a war over the right to stick our fingers in our ears, close our eyes, and never change our outlook on life (or buy a new mattress) despite insurmountable evidence suggesting that we should. [Eats Budweiser can.] But please, fellow patriot, lower the shotgun so that I may share the Good News: Mattresses are higher-quality, more affordable, and easier to purchase than ever. You’ve probably been inundated with ads (and possibly an expertly written article or two) for mattresses lately, and there’s a reason for that. People are finally waking up and realizing they don’t have to live in constant, sleep-induced pain—they just need to invest a little cash in a durable, comfortable mattress. 

Sleeping on a mattress that lacks proper support “reinforces poor sleeping posture, strains muscles and does not help keep the spine in alignment, all of which contribute to low back pain,” writes J. Talbot Sellers, a physiatrist at the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin who specializes in treating spine pain. “A mattress that provides both comfort and back support helps reduce low back pain, allowing the structures in the spine to really rest and rejuvenate during the night.” In other words—if your mattress isn't doing its job, the muscles in your back will be working overtime while you sleep, meaning that you'll wake up to discomfort. But there's a back-friendly mattress for every budget—and getting one can be a total game-changer.

So hop into our virtual sidecar and let us guide you on your quest to purchase the thing you’ll spend an entire third of your life on. 

Saatva’s Classic Mattress

If you haven’t heard of Saatva, you haven’t been paying attention to the mattress game. (Honestly, we don’t blame you.) The brand’s classic mattress offers a plush Euro pillow top, which “cradles you in cushioned comfort” to relieve stress on your pressure points, while the lumbar zone support layers help ensure healthy spinal alignment—no matter how much you toss and turn. Saatva also works with organizations and mentoring programs to introduce young students to “career paths across our business, from finance and operations to digital marketing and product design.”

Nectar’s Memory Foam Mattress

What a good name “Nectar” is for a mattress company—before we even looked at the product, we were already picturing a tired worker bee having a snooze on a sunflower. Thankfully, no bees are included with the Nectar mattress, just a sturdy, seven-inch layer of standard foam as well as a three-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam with phase-change material (sounds straight out of The Matrix) that auto-adjusts to your temperature as you sleep. (PS: You can sleep on one of these bad boys for an entire year and return it for a full refund if you're not completely satisfied.)

DreamCloud’s Luxury Hybrid Mattress

Despite sounding like a Silicon Valley startup, DreamCloud’s mattresses are great for people with back pain. Innerspring, individually wrapped coils that adapt to your body provide custom support, while the gel memory foam relieves stress on your pressure points, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free. There’s also a 100-day free trial if you end up wanting to go back to your alley mattress full of shame and crumpled dollar bills. 

Casper’s Wave Hybrid Mattress

Though, just as friendly. The Wave Hybrid mattress from Casper is the brand’s best offering for sleepers with back pain, and features continuous ergonomic zones with gel pods that help give you “perfect spinal alignment,” as well as resilient springs that prevent sinking. Oh, and, “9/10 Casper sleepers say they have less back pain after sleeping on our mattresses,” according to the folks at Casper.  

Avocado’s Green Organic Natural Mattress

Looking to cosplay as toast? For that, you’ll need an Avocado—the mattress variety. The Avocado Green Organic Mattress is easy on both the planet and your back, and features up to 1,414 individually tuned, tempered steel coils that float independently to reduce motion transfer, keep your back aligned, relieve back pain, and distribute your weight more evenly. Plus, you get to wake up knowing you’re in Mother Earth’s good graces. (There’s also a vegan option for $100 less.)

Tempur-Pedic’s ProAdapt Memory Foam Mattress

Does anybody else remember those commercials? (Wasn’t there one where they, like, sit on an egg?) Anyway, Tempur-Pedic is the tried-and-true OG of the memory foam mattress game—so much so that the brand’s name is often synonymous with the product, like Kleenex, BAND-AID, and Taylor Ham. This TEMPUR-ProAdapt Firm Memory Foam Firm Mattress features a firm yet comfortable sleep surface which cushions and conforms to your body, providing excellent support for people with back pain, as well as reduced pressure on joints and proper body and spinal alignment. Tight.

Sweet dreams, people. 

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story.