Binchtopia

If you’re bored of all your playlists, bored by your schoolwork, or just bored period, whip out your trusty mobile device, open your preferred podcast app, and put on an episode of Binchtopia. With episodes ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, Binchtopia is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in equally niche and important topics, including the contents of Napoleon’s love letters and Joe Rogan’s beef, water, and salt diet. The episodes are as diverse in their content as they are interesting, with conversations ranging from in-depth analysis, monkey attacks, and life updates. So, if you’re uninspired, wired, or just plain tired, scroll until you find a Binchtopia recording that catches your eye (there will be many).

—Kate Gruetter, Editor-in-Chief

Mildliner Pens

If you’re looking for the perfect multi-faceted pen, the Zebra mildliner will do the job. These pens come in a variety of colors, including all the colors of the rainbow, as well as gray and brown. One side features a highlighter tip, while the other side is a fine marker tip that has many uses such as titling your notes, coloring, or simply writing a note to yourself on a Post-It. Your notes will vastly improve in aesthetics due to these. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your writing, head over to your local Target and buy a pack of mildliner pens.

—Isabella Langner, Public Relations Manager

Shelter

Looking for a new show to keep you on the edge of your seat and up all night? Look no further than Harlan Coben’s Shelter, an eight episode series streaming on Prime Video. Based on Coben’s bestselling book series of the same name, the show follows 16-year-old Mickey Bolitar (Jaden Michael), who alongside his newly-found friends, searches for a missing friend and answers about his mysterious family. Shelter is packed to the brim with shocking plot-twists and twisting storylines, keeping watchers on their toes. As Halloween approaches, this eerie and thrilling show is the perfect heart-pounding, pulse-racing entertainment to add a layer of suspense to your spooky season.

—Nadia Liu, Editor-in-Chief

Safeway Cookies

The Signature Select pink frosted sugar cookies are the iconic Safeway dessert that have become a staple for countless occasions. If you need a last-minute dessert, these cookies are always in abundance in the dessert section of any Safeway, ready to be grabbed and quickly scanned at self-checkout. These cookies are soft and pillow-y, contributing to their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The sweet, traditionally pink frosting and sprinkles give the cookies a fun pop, making them versatile for any occasion. These cookies are probably one of the only processed desserts in Safeway’s slim selection that are well-liked by most people. Despite taking zero effort to run to the store and grab these cookies (for only five dollars), everyone will absolutely love you for bringing them.

—Katie Nelson, Media Production Editor

Panera

With a seemingly endless supply of free wifi, carbs, and caffeinated drinks, Panera could not be a more perfect study location. Open until 9 PM, Panera provides that alternative setting many COVID-traumatized students crave. This bakery/sandwich shop/cafe offers their entire menu all day every day, allowing an early-morning recovery chicken noodle soup or a post-dinner bagel (both of which I personally witnessed). More than just a study spot, Panera also fosters community in the form of (unknowingly) hosting a 15-person fantasy football draft. So the next time you feel yourself slipping into a rut of unproductivity, get up and go grind at Panera.

—Veronica Schubert, Sports Editor

Canadian Thanksgiving

Did the chill in the air get you excited for turkey and mashed potatoes, but the only thing in sight is the Starbucks Pumpkin Cold Brew? Fret not, the best part of the fall season can come early with the celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving. Take the second Monday of October off, run to Whole Foods for some authentic maple syrup, and boom — you’re almost there. Turn on the doubleheader of the Canadian Football League, and holy moly, you’ve officially turned into a moose-lover! Beat the stress of buying stuffing and cranberry sauce in November by celebrating this wonderful October alternative instead. 

—Saya Alvares, People Editor

Charlie Brown

If you are in need of the perfect, nostalgic, fall-related TV special to watch, look no further than It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This film is a cozy mix of relaxing autumn vibes melded with light-hearted comedy. Furthermore, the show’s short length is perfect to get you in the fall mood without completely taking over your day. Watch your favorite — or soon-to-be favorite — characters, such as Snoopy, Charlie, and Lucy trick-or-treat, embark on an aviator mission, and attempt to convince Linus that the Great Pumpkin does not exist. Will the Great Pumpkin really visit them on Halloween night? Watch to find out!

—Ainsley Northrop, People Editor

Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Without a doubt, my favorite thing about fall is not the weather or the leaves changing colors, but Trader Joe’s fall foods, specifically their frozen Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Although it sounds like it would be disgusting and a waste of delicious mac and cheese, this impeccable dish is something that everyone should try. The unique flavors meld together perfectly and the butternut squash within it basically makes it a salad. Next time you go to Trader Joe’s, walk right past the vegetables and head to the freezer section to find this mouthwatering meal.

—Megan Saul, Media Production Editor

Caamp

Do you miss when the Mumford and Sons album Sigh No More was still relevant? Would you sell one of your kidneys for a Mt. Joy or Noah Kahan concert ticket? Then look no further for your next obsession: the three-man band, Caamp. An artful fusion of country, folk, and bluegrass, Caamp is perfect for anyone looking to lift their mood. The band, originally from Columbus, Ohio, encapsulates small-town feelings, nostalgia, and what it means to grow up and find yourself. If you ever find yourself in a music slump, definitely check out Caamp!

—Ella Marrufo, Editor-in-Chief

Doja Cat Album

If Doja Cat sold her soul to the devil for her new album, Scarlett, she should ask for a refund, because only half of this album is even remotely decent. I was expecting more of a Hot Pink or Planet Her type of album, where pop culture resets completely after the album’s drop. However, this was not the case. The album leaned into the satanic aesthetic, with Doja Cat covering herself in red and posting demonic connotations on her social media. The vision was there, but the execution was horrible. The artist denounced her previous albums as cash grabs and promised her fans new music with a unique feel. But some promises can’t be fulfilled, and this album was a massive letdown. The only good songs that stand are Agora Hills and Can’t Wait, which talk about her love for her current boyfriend, all while he is under fire for sexual assault allegations. Doing all of this promo for her album to get fewer streams than her previous ones is saddening. If you’re considering giving this album a listen, don’t. 

—Aliya Koshalieva, National/World Editor