The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 10:00 pm

‘I WOULD HAVE PASSED OUT’: Florida Aldi customer grabs lettuce. Then she takes a closer look

Posted by Melody Heald

Woman holding up container with fresh lettuce inside being highlighted by white outlined circle(l) Aldi Store Sign(r)

Nobody wants to find an unexpected surprise in the produce section. Not even a cute, four-legged amphibian. One woman shared how she found a stowaway critter in a lettuce container while shopping at Aldi.

In a video with 1.6 million views, Florida-based TikToker Jahnay (@jah__nay) pushes a shopping cart in Aldi.

Boing Boing ([syndicated profile] boingboing_feed) wrote2025-07-19 03:00 pm

Learn 56 languages for less than one month of Duolingo Plus

Posted by Boing Boing's Shop

Qlango Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)

TL;DR: Get a lifetime access to 56 languages with the Qlango Language Learning app for just $34.97 (reg. $119.99). Deal ends July 20 at 11:45 p.m. PT.

Language learning apps want your money and your commitment. But what if one app could just take a one-time payment and chill? — Read the rest

The post Learn 56 languages for less than one month of Duolingo Plus appeared first on Boing Boing.

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 08:00 pm

‘Maintenance has reported 3 sightings of a chihuahua’: Woman says landlord is charging $150 pet fee

Posted by Rebekah Harding

A woman says her landlord accused her of harboring a Chihuahua that wasn’t on the lease. There’s just one problem: she doesn’t have a dog.

In a video with over 3.6 million views, TikToker Rumplemilkskin (@rumplemilkskin) reports that her landlord informed her that property maintenance had observed a Chihuahua being “hidden” in a small cage three times. They attempt to charge her $150 for the supposed “dog” in her apartment.

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 06:00 pm

‘Those aren’t even worth STEALING’: Publix shopper spots bag of On the Border chips with a see-throu

Posted by Ljeonida Mulabazi

close up of Publix logo on building(l) Woman shares what she saw on chip shelf at Publix(r)

For the second month in a row, inflation has been on the rise after falling in the U.S.—and grocery bills are still getting hit the most.

According to a March report by Credit Karma, 77% of Americans say food costs are where they feel it most. Not surprisingly, considering prices have jumped 24% since 2020, per the USDA’s Economic Research Service. 

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 04:00 pm

‘Yall just got the Uno reverse card’: Missouri woman tries to use Venmo to scam man out of $300 of L

Posted by Claire Goforth

Sealed Box of Big Into Energy Labubu(l) Two Women buying a case Labubu figures in parking lot(r)

A Missouri woman accused of scamming a man out of $300 worth of a wildly popular collectible trinket is in for an unpleasant surprise. Thanks to his Ray Ban Metas, there’s a video of the transaction.

Jordan Blount (@816soulz) posted a video of himself selling two women a case of Labubus, a soft plush toy that is a must-have fashion accessory.

Smart Bitches, Trashy BooksSmart Bitches, Trashy Books ([syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed) wrote2025-07-19 02:08 pm

Sunday Sale Digest!

Posted by Amanda

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you!

Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun!

If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section with exclusive content and events.

Everything you’re used to seeing at the Hot Pink Palace that is Smart Bitches Trashy Books will remain free as always, because we remain committed to fostering community among brilliant readers who love romance.

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 02:00 pm

‘Your boss needs a new job’: Server says boss told her she’d make more in tips if she started wearin

Posted by Gisselle Hernandez

Cash folded and held by paper clip on top of coins(r) Female Server Smiling counting her tips(r)

Servers already go through a lot in the restaurant industry–between wrangling entitled customers and dealing with tip-less tables, it’s a wonder they don’t crash out more on the job. 

Especially when many have learned that good service and great food will only go so far with guests. This has been proved time and again when great servers receive measly tips–until they change something that has nothing to do with their service. 

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 12:00 pm

‘You shouldn’t be in here’: Woman makes Antipasto for neighborhood party. Then she leaves in tears

Posted by Rebekah Harding

Woman shares what happened at neighborhood party(l) Antipasto displayed on table(r)

A woman shares the heartbreaking moment she was booted from a neighborhood 4th of July party by its host, sparking outrage on social media as attendees weigh in on what really happened.

In a TikTok with over 37.3 million views, Nicole (@folkmedicineremedies) breaks down in tears in her car after she was “humiliated.”

The Mary Sue ([syndicated profile] the_mary_sue_feed) wrote2025-07-19 10:00 am

The Most Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Movie of the Year Is Finally Streaming on Hulu

Posted by Jake Kleinman

Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel in The Assessment movie(c)

Giving birth to a child is one of the most basic elements of life, which is why so many great science fiction stories revolve around the same terrifying question: What if childbirth were no longer an option? 

Some sci-fi imagines a world where humankind mysteriously loses the ability to procreate, like in Children of Men or The Handmaid’s Tale, where our species’ abrupt biological dead end leads to the collapse of civilization and the rise of fascism. Other genre classics, like Brave New World or The Giver, imagine more advanced societies where birth is no longer a natural process but a bureaucratic and scientific one, emphasizing the ways that technological progress strips us of our humanity.

Smart Bitches, Trashy BooksSmart Bitches, Trashy Books ([syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed) wrote2025-07-19 08:00 am

Book Beat: Jane Austen, Pugs, & More

Posted by Amanda

Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Roazkis

Author: Caitlin Roazkis
Released: May 27, 2025 by Titan Books
Genre: ,

From the NYT-bestselling author of DreadfulBig Little Lies goes to magic school, cozy fantasy perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, Olivia Atwater and Heather Fawcett. Featuring orange sprayed and stencilled edges, with magic symbols, unicorns and baked goods from the book.

Two parents and their recently-bitten-werewolf daughter try to fit into a privileged New England society of magic aristocracy. But deadly terrors await them – ancient prophecies, remorseless magical trials, hidden conspiracies and the PTA bake sale.

When Vivian’s kindergartner, Aria, gets bitten by a werewolf, she is rapidly inducted into the hidden community of magical schools. Reeling from their sudden move, Vivian finds herself having to pick the right sacrificial dagger for Aria, keep stocked up on chew toys, and play PTA politics with sirens and chthonic nymphs and people who literally can set her hair on fire.

As Vivian careens from hellhounds in the school corridors to demons at the talent show, she races to keep up with all the arcane secrets of her new society—shops only accessible by magic portal, the brutal Trials to enter high school, and the eternal inferno that is the parents’ WhatsApp group.

And looming over everything is a prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it’s about Aria. Vivian might be facing the end of days, just as soon as she can get her daughter dressed and out of the door…

This author’s debut, Dreadful, was recommended in the comments when we featured it on sale. I’m very curious how her follow-up will do!

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Pugs and Kisses

Pugs and Kisses by Farrah Rochon

Author: Farrah Rochon
Released: July 15, 2025 by Forever
Genre: ,
Series: Doggone Delightful #2

From the New York Times bestselling author of Almost There, a second chance romance between two dog lovers, perfect for readers of Abby Jimenez and Jasmine Guillory.  

From the outside, veterinarian Evie Williams appears to have the perfect but boring life. She is desperate to figure out a way to shake it up, but gets more than she bargained for when she finds her fiancé in bed with another woman. Suddenly, Evie is without a fiancé or a job, and isn’t sure what her next steps should be. That is, until her college crush, Bryson Mitchell, returns to town.

Now, a nationally recognized veterinary surgeon, Bryson is stunned when he encounters Evie Williams for the first time in half a decade. When they learn the animal shelter where they used to volunteer is in danger of closing, the two must work together to save it. It has Bryson wondering, can he and Evie also save the friendship they once shared and finally bring it to the next level?

Crushes, forced proximity, and some very cute dogs. 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Simple Pleasures

Simple Pleasures by Emma Fontanella

Author: Emma Fontanella
Released: October 24, 2023 by DK
Genre:

Rediscover the joy of cooking simple food using fresh, everyday ingredients.

With easy recipes and time-saving techniques for your favorite pastries, breads, cakes, pasta, pizza, cookies, and more, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth—or your carb cravings.

Cooking and baking don’t have to be time consuming or difficult. With the right techniques, even the most daunting dishes can be simple to master. Chef Emma Fontanella is known for her ability to translate complex methods into approachable recipes that yield amazing results. Utilizing the conveniences of a modern kitchen, she has developed an indispensable collection of classic desserts, comfort food favorites, and everyday meals, all without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Indulge in the simple pleasure of comfort classics such as The Fluffiest Cinnamon Rolls and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Glazed Donuts, or curl up with a cozy bowl of One-Pot Mac and Cheese or Three-Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo.

A section on foundational techniques provides detailed instruction on making and decorating cakes, working with yeast-raised doughs, preparing pasta, and more. Armed with Emma’s thoughtful instructions and labor-saving shortcuts, you’ll be able to execute everything from Cheater’s Artisan Croissants to a stunning fresh Strawberry Cake with confidence.

Over 100 recipes for breakfasts, breads and baked goods, pasta dishes, celebration cakes, and holiday baking.

Time-saving techniques and pastry chef shortcuts for restaurant-quality results with a fraction of the effort.

Superfast microwave snacks that cook in a minute.

Nostalgic childhood favorites, such as Instant Frozen Yogurt and Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.

Simple and indulgent? You have my attention. I’m tempted to borrow this one from the library for a test drive. 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet

The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod

Author: Lindz McLeod
Released: April 29, 2025 by Carina Adores
Genre: , ,
Series: Austentatious #1

Jane Austen meets Bridgerton in this sapphic romance between Charlotte Lucas and Mary Bennet that begins four years after the end of Pride and Prejudice.

When Mr. Collins dies after just four years of marriage, Charlotte is lost. While not exactly heartbroken, she will soon have to quit the parsonage that has become her home. In desperate need of support, she writes to her best friend, Lizzie. Unable to leave Pemberley, Lizzie sends her sister Mary Bennet in her stead.

To Charlotte’s surprise, Mary Bennet is nothing like she remembers. Mary’s discovery of academia and her interest in botany (as well as getting out from under her mother’s thumb) have caused her to flourish. Before long, Charlotte is enraptured, and with each stolen glance and whispered secret, their friendship quickly blossoms into something achingly real.

But when her time at the parsonage begins to dwindle and a potential suitor appears, Charlotte must make a choice—the safety and security of another husband, or a passionate life with Mary outside the confines of the ton’s expectations.

A f/f romance featuring Mary Bennet. I’m always on the fence about reimaginings with well-known literary characters, but I’m also not the target Austenite audience. 

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

Boing Boing ([syndicated profile] boingboing_feed) wrote2025-07-18 09:00 pm

The AI space race may have a winner

Posted by Boing Boing's Shop

1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription

TL;DR: 1min.AI combines all your favorite AI models like GPT and Gemini in one platform, and it's only $80 for life.

The AI space race we've got going on has left us all with an AI junk drawer full of subscriptions that are leaving wallets wheezing. — Read the rest

The post The AI space race may have a winner appeared first on Boing Boing.