(Banner image courtesy of iStock)

An interview with Melissa McBride of The Walking Dead. She talks about Carol and what’s to come in season seven  
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The Best and Worst Films of the 2016 New York Film Festival. Jot down what looks interesting, so you can find them at a theater near you.   
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This Gorgeous Fan Video Puts Studio Ghibli Icons In The Real World. The fan mashup includes characters from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Porco Rosso, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
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Mountaintop Removal Never Ended: Coal River Mountaineers Fight On. Coal companies are still ruining the environment without hiring miners.
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How Gap Years Work. It’s great for those who can afford an adventure, but for most, a year of single shifts and paychecks makes it hard to go back to school.
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Could the Solution to Antibiotic Resistance be More Antibiotics? Combinations of the ones we have seem to do well against superbugs.
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Why you should think twice before using a debit card. A credit card is usually a better option.
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Who Was Dr. Frankenstein? There were many men who could have influenced Mary Shelley’s character.  

The “references” section of a job application is often skimmed over by job seekers who are eager to relay the finer details of their past job descriptions. But recent research shows applicants shouldn’t be so hasty: Your references can make or break your ability to get the gig. According to a 2012 CareerBuilder survey, 80 percent of hiring managers confirmed that they check references before extending a job offer. And hiring managers reported in an Addison Group survey that references are nearly as important as a resume when considering a candidate. In fact, twice as many hiring managers emphasize references as cover letters.

But the time to get your references ready is long before the hiring manager asks for names and numbers, says Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, a career coach and cofounder of SixFigureStart. She walks us through what to do before, during, and after you apply for a job to make sure your references sing your praises.

1. BEFORE YOU APPLY: MAKE YOUR PICKS.

“Identify potential references way before you even have an interview,” says Thanasoulis-Cerrachio. If you’re on the job hunt, reach out to coworkers, previous managers, mentors, and clients who have worked with you closely. “You should be 100 percent confident that they will give you a good reference when asked to, so don’t ask people if you’ve had a substantial disagreement with them or you’re unsure about what they’ll say,” she says.

The CareerBuilder survey found that 62 percent of execs had received negative information when reaching out to a reference. “Rather than asking ‘Would you serve as a reference for me?’ ask: ‘Would you be able to give me a positive reference?’” says Thanasoulis-Cerrachio. Any sign of hesitation means you might want to consider other options.

Before you hand your list of references over to HR, Thanasoulis-Cerrachio also recommends asking your potential picks to write you a LinkedIn recommendation. Reading their comments will give you an immediate sense of what qualities each person is likely to speak to and how effusive they are. And LinkedIn recommendations can also better your odds of getting seen by a hiring manager in the first place: Passive recruitment is on the rise, with 84 percent of organizations now using social media to search for candidates who haven’t actively applied for a position. Public, well-polished recommendations can help you catch the eye of a hiring manager.

2. DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS: REACH OUT.

You might be tempted to share the full job description with each reference or to go into deep notes about how the actual interview went—but resist, says Thanasoulis-Cerrachio. “People are busy and don’t want this level of detail,” she says. But do send each reference a short note, thanking them again for agreeing to be a reference and giving them a heads up that they can expect a call or email for a particular position.

And go ahead and jog the person’s memory about a specific project or accomplishment that they might want to focus on, Thanasoulis-Cerrachio says. At first blush it may sound pushy or tacky, but your references will appreciate that they don’t have to prep for the call, and the examples they give will show off the skills the hiring manager is after.

For example, you could send an email that says: “Thanks, Jane, for agreeing to serve as my reference. I appreciate it very much! By way of background, this position requires especially strong leadership and communication skills. Would you mind giving them the example of when I led the cross-function team of 12 in four countries to create and deliver the new intranet site for our department?”

3. AFTER THE HIRING DECISION IS MADE: FOLLOW UP.

Is there anything more awkward than circling back with a reference to say that you didn’t get the gig? Sure: never following up after that person took the time to endorse you. “You should absolutely let your reference know the outcome,” says Thanasoulis-Cerrachio. That doesn’t have to mean a play-by-play or a lengthy list of reasons you got passed over or decided not to accept a position. Just a simple outcome is fine, along with another thanks for helping you with the reference.

“Whether you got the job or not, they know you’re always focused on your career and it makes you look professional and considerate,” she says. Not bad traits, considering you’ll likely be getting in touch for another reference at some point in the future.

On the morning of July 25, 1610, Galileo pointed his telescope at Saturn and was surprised to find that it appeared to be flanked by two round blobs or bumps, one on either side. Unfortunately, Galileo’s telescope wasn’t quite advanced enough to pick out precisely what he had seen (his observations are now credited with being the earliest description of Saturn’s rings in astronomical history), but he nevertheless presumed that whatever he had seen was something special. And he wanted people to know about it.

Keen to announce his news and thereby secure credit for whatever it was he had discovered, Galileo sent letters to his friends and fellow astronomers. This being Galileo, the announcement was far from straightforward:

SMAISMRMILMEPOETALEUMIBUNENUGTTAUIRAS

Each message that Galileo sent out contained little more than that jumbled string of letters, which when rearranged correctly spelled out the Latin sentence, “altissimum planetam tergeminum observavi”—or “I have observed that the highest planet is threefold.”

As the outermost planet known to science at the time, Saturn was the “highest planet” in question. And unaware that he had discovered its rings, Galileo was merely suggesting to his contemporaries that he had found that the planet was somehow divided into three parts. Announcing such a discovery in the form of an anagram might have bought Galileo some time to continue his observations, however, but there was a problem: Anagrams can easily be misinterpreted.

One of those to whom Galileo sent a letter was the German scientist Johannes Kepler. A keen astronomer himself, Kepler had followed and supported Galileo’s work for several years, so when the coded letter arrived at his home in Prague he quickly set to work solving it. Unfortunately for him, he got it completely wrong.

Kepler rearranged Galileo’s word jumble as “salve, umbistineum geminatum Martia proles,” which he interpreted as “be greeted, double-knob, children of Mars.” His solution was far from perfect (umbistineum isn’t really a grammatical Latin word, for one thing), but Kepler was nevertheless convinced that, not only had he correctly solved the riddle, but Galileo’s apparent discovery proved a theory he had been contemplating for several months.

Earlier in 1610, Galileo had discovered the four so-called “Galilean moons” of Jupiter: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Although we now know that Jupiter has several dozen moons of varying shapes, sizes, and orbits, at the time the announcement of just four natural satellites had led Kepler to presume that there must be a natural progression in the heavens: the Earth has one moon; Jupiter, two places further out from the Earth, has four; and sat between the two is Mars, which Kepler theorized must surely have two moons, to maintain the balanced celestial sequence 1, 2, 4 and so on (his only question was whether Saturn had six or eight).

Kepler got the anagram wrong, and the presumption that Jupiter only had four moons had been wrong. Yet as misguided as both these facts were, the assumption that Kepler made based on both of them—namely, that Mars had two moons—was entirely correct. Unfortunately for Kepler, his theory would not be proved until long after his death, as the two Martian moons Phobos and Deimos (named after Ares’s sons in Greek Mythology) were not discovered until 1877, by the American astronomer Asaph Hall.

Nevertheless, a misinterpretation of the anagram had accidentally predicted a major astronomical discovery of the 19th century, nearly 300 years before it occurred.

So remarkable was Kepler’s misguided—yet ultimately true—misinterpretation of Galileo’s puzzle that other stories and tall tales regarding his misinterpretations of Galileo’s anagrams soon began to emerge. According to the legend, Galileo sent a second coded message to Kepler later in 1610 when he discovered that Venus, like the Moon, has phases and therefore does not emit light itself but merely appears to shine due to reflected sunlight as it orbits nearer to the Sun than the Earth. The message this time read:

Haec immatura a me iam frustra leguntur oy

… or, “I am now bringing these immature things together in vain, oy!”

The correct solution was “Cynthiae figuras aemulatur mater amorum,” meaning “The Mother of Love (an epithet for the planet Venus) copies the forms of Cynthia (an epithet for the Moon).” Kepler however misinterpreted the message this time as “macula rufa in Jove est gyratur mathem,” or, “there is a red spot in Jupiter, which rotates mathematically.” Kepler had done it again. Entirely by mistake, he predicted the discovery of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot more than two centuries before it was officially discovered.

Unlike the earlier account of Galileo and Kepler’s word play, however, this second story might be apocryphal. Galileo certainly sent out this second anagram to Kepler later in 1610, but the idea that he (albeit unintentionally) managed to make a second groundbreaking astronomical prediction entirely by accident appears to be a step too far. One accidental discovery, it seems, is more than enough. 

Fall’s cooler temperatures are great for cozy sweaters, butternut squash, and hot mulled cider—but the transitional weather is not so great for that chronic pain in your knee. Studies show that falling barometric pressure, increased precipitation, and lower temperatures can trigger arthritis flare-ups and headaches.

Cold weather can also increase the likelihood of injuring yourself during a routine workout. “Anything cold causes muscles, ligaments and tendons to sort of tighten up, and that makes them stiffer,” Dr. James Gladstone, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, told weather.com in 2014. “So if you’re going to be doing stuff in cold weather, you want to make sure you warm up well first, and as importantly, have protective clothing on, so you don’t get too cold.”

But let’s say you forgot to warm up or pushed yourself a bit too far during your outdoor run—how do you soothe your aching muscles and sore joints? The below infographic, created by the Cleveland Clinic, tells you whether you should reach for the ice pack or heating pad.

The human body is an amazing thing. For each one of us, it’s the most intimate object we know. And yet most of us don’t know enough about it: its features, functions, quirks, and mysteries. That’s why we’re launching a new series called The Body, which will explore human anatomy, part by part. Think of it as a mini digital encyclopedia with a dose of wow.
 

Everyone knows that when you get cut, you bleed—a result of the constant movement of blood through our bodies. But do you know all of the functions the circulatory system actually performs? Here are some surprising facts about human blood—and a few cringe-worthy theories that preceded the modern scientific understanding of this vital fluid.

1. FROM HIPPOCRATES’ HUMORS TO BLOODLETTING AND LEECHES

Long before we had scientific proof of the importance of the circulation system, ancient people knew it was important to health. That may be one reason for bloodletting, the practice of cutting people to “cure” everything from cancer to infections to mental illness. For the better part of two millennia, it persisted as one of the most common medical procedures.

Hippocrates, for example, believed that illness was caused by an imbalance of four “humors”—blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. For centuries, doctors believed balance could be restored by removing excess blood, often by bloodletting or leeches. It didn’t always go so well. George Washington, for example, died soon after his physician treated a sore throat with bloodletting and a series of other agonizing procedures.

By the mid 19th century, bloodletting was on its way out. That said, it hasn’t completely disappeared. Bloodletting has actually been proven an effective treatment for some rare conditions like hemochromatosis, an excess of iron in the body that can lead to liver disease and heart problems.

Today leeches have also made a comeback in medicine. We now know that leech saliva contains substances with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anesthetic properties. It also contains hirudin, an enzyme that prevents clotting. This lets more oxygenated blood into the wound, reducing swelling and helping to rebuild tiny blood vessels so that it can heal faster. That’s why leeches are still sometimes used in treating certain circulatory diseases, arthritis, skin grafting, and reattaching fingers and toes. (By the way, it turns out that even the blood-sucking variety of leech is not all that interested in human blood, contrary to popular belief.)

2. SCIENTISTS DIDN’T DISCOVER HOW BLOOD CIRCULATION ACTUALLY WORKED TILL THE 17TH CENTURY.

William Harvey, an English physician, is generally credited with discovering and demonstrating the mechanics of circulation, though his work developed out of the cumulative body of research on the subject over centuries.

The prevailing theory in Harvey’s time was that the lungs, not the heart, moved blood through the body. In part by dissecting living animals and studying their still-beating hearts, Harvey was able to describe how the heart pumped blood through the body and how blood returned to the heart. He also showed how valves in veins helped control the flow of blood through the body. Harvey was ridiculed by many of his contemporaries, but his theories were ultimately vindicated.

3. BLOOD TYPES WERE ONLY DISCOVERED IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY.

Austrian physician Karl Landsteiner first discovered different blood groups in 1901, after he noticed that blood mixed from people with different types would clot. His subsequent research classified types A, B and O. (Later research identified an additional type, AB). Blood types are differentiated by the kinds of antigens—molecules that provoke an immune system reaction—that attach to red blood cells.

People with Type A blood have only A antigens attached to their red cells but have B antigens in their plasma. In those with Type B blood, the location of the antigens is reversed. Type O blood has neither A nor B antigens on red cells, but both are present in the plasma. And finally, Type AB has both A and B antigens on red cells but neither in plasma. But wait, there’s more! When a third antigen, called the Rh factor, is present, the blood type is classified as positive. When Rh factor is absent, the blood type is negative. Got it?

Scientists still don’t understand why humans have different blood types, but knowing yours is important: Some people have life-threatening reactions if they receive a blood type during a transfusion that doesn’t “mix” with their own. Before researchers developed reliable ways to detect blood types, that tended to turn out badly for people receiving an incompatible human (or animal!) blood transfusion.

4. BLOOD MAKES UP ABOUT 8 PERCENT OF OUR TOTAL BODY WEIGHT.

Adult bodies contain about 5 liters (5.30 quarts) of blood (except pregnant women, whose bodies can produce about 50 percent more blood in order to nourish their fetus.)

Plasma, the liquid portion of our blood, accounts for about 3 liters. It carries red and white blood cells and platelets, which deliver oxygen to our cells, fight disease, and repair damaged vessels. These are joined by electrolytes, antibodies, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients required to nourish all the other cells in the body.

5. THE LIFE SPAN OF A HEALTHY RED BLOOD CELL IS ONLY ABOUT 120 DAYS.

Red blood cells contain an important protein called hemoglobin that delivers oxygen to all the other cells in our bodies. It also carries carbon dioxide from those cells back to the lungs.

Red blood cells are produced in our bone marrow. But not everyone produces the healthy ones. Sufferers of sickle cell anemia, a hereditary condition, develop malformed red blood cells that can’t move easily through blood vessels. These blood cells last only 10 to 20 days, which leads to a chronic shortage of red blood cells, often causing to pain, infection, and organ damage.

6. BLOOD COULD POTENTIALLY PLAY A ROLE IN TREATING ALZHEIMER’S.

In 2014, research led by Stanford University scientists found that injecting the plasma of young mice into older mice improved memory and learning. Their findings follow years of experiments in which scientists surgically joined the circulatory systems of old and young mice to test whether young blood could reverse signs of aging. Those results showed rejuvenating effects of a particular blood protein on the organs of older mice, as well as muscle stem cells.

The Stanford team’s findings that young blood had positive effects on mouse memory and learning sparked intense interest in whether it could eventually lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The scientist who led the research is now testing the effects of young plasma on Alzheimer’s patients.

And in August, a California start-up announced it would conduct a clinical trial with volunteers 35 and older to see if a young (human) plasma injection offered anti-aging benefits. That trial is proving controversial, however, because of the price tag: The company will charge patients $8000 to participate.

7. AFRAID OF BLOOD? THERE’S A DIAGNOSIS FOR THAT.

If you’ve cringed your way through this list, you’re not alone—many are a bit squeamish about blood. But for 3 to 4 percent of people, squeamishness associated with blood, injury, or invasive medical procedures like injections rises to the level of a true phobia. It’s called blood injury injection phobia (BII). And most sufferers share a common reaction: fainting.

Most phobias cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and often muscle tension, shakes, and sweating. This is part of the body’s sympathetic nervous system’s “fight or flight” response. But sufferers of BII experience an added symptom: after initially increasing, their blood pressure and heart rate will abruptly drop.

This reaction is caused by the vagus nerve, which works to keep a steady heart rate, among other things. But the vagus nerve sometimes overdoes it, pushing blood pressure and heart rate too low. (You may have experienced this phenomenon if you’ve ever felt faint while hungry, dehydrated, startled, or standing up too fast.) For BII sufferers, this so-called vasovagal response can happen at the mere sight or suggestion of blood, needles, or bodily injury, making even a routine medical or dental checkup cause for dread and embarrassment.

As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, October 18.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!

GADGETS

Veho VMS-004 Discovery Deluxe USB Microscope with x400 Magnification & Flexi Alloy Stand for $41.84 (list price $99.99)

NMPB S2 Bluetooth Headphones Wireless Headset Noise Cancelling Sweatproof Earbuds with Mic-Black for $18.99 (list price $99.00)

RAVPower 5.5A 26800mah 3-Port External Battery Pack with iSmart 2.0 Technology – Black for $39.99 (list price $79.99)

iXCC 5 USB ports High Capacity Fast Car Charger 10A/50W for Apple iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Android and Windows Smartphones and Tablets – Black for $14.97 (list price $39.99)

Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger, Ultra-Compact External Battery with Fast-Charging Technology, Power Bank for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy and more for $14.39 (list price $49.99)

American Red Cross FRX3 Hand Crank NOAA AM/FM Weather Alert Radio with Smartphone Charger for $46.74 (list price $52.66)

Merope M50000 Power Bank 20000mAh External Battery Portable Charger for iPhone7 6s 6,iPad(Black) for $22.49 (list price $99.00)

Kingston Digital DataTraveler SE9 Metal Flash Drive 16GB USB 2.0 (DTSE9H/16GBZET) for $4.99 (list price $19.95)

1byone Professional Stereo Sport Earphones with Dual Drivers, In-line Microphone Control, Noise-isolating Headphone Earbuds, Transparent Black for $9.99 (list price $24.99)

Samsung Evo Plus mc128d 128gb Uhs-i Class 10 Micro SD Card with Adapter for $37.80 (list price $102.99)

OPOLAR F401 Mini USB Table Desk Personal Fan (Metal Design, Quiet Operation 3.9′ USB Cable, High Compatibility), Black for $9.99 (list price $24.98)

Lexar Professional 1066x 32GB VPG-65 CompactFlash card (Up to 160MB/s Read) w/Free Image Rescue 5 Software LCF32GCRBNA1066 for $39.95 (list price $116.99)

Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight, Black for $6.99 (list price $9.99)

iKross Universal Compact Flexible Tripod Stand Holder with Adapters For Smartphone / Digital Camera / GoPro Hero All Version for $13.99 (list price $39.99)

Jackery Pop 5200mAh Portable Charger External Battery Pack – Dual USB Portable Battery & Battery Charger for Apple iPhone SE, Apple iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 6 Plus, 5S, 5C, iPad Air, Samsung, and Android Smart Devices for $13.59 (list price $19.99)

Anker PowerPort 2 31.5W Dual USB 3.0 Wall Charger for $25.99 (list price $49.99)

Bluetooth Earbuds TREBLAB XR100, Best Wireless Headphones For Running or Workout, True HD Sound, Secure Fit, Sweat-Proof, 9 Hour Battery for $39.99 (list price $169.99)

Wireless Headphones, Sound Intone P6 Stereo Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone Over-ear Foldable Portable Music Headsets for Cellphones Laptop Tablet TV Headphones(Black Blue) for $35.98 (list price $59.98)

Karakao Windshield Magnetic Universal Car Mount Holder for Smartphones including iPhone 6, 6S- Black for $11.99 (list price $99.00)

Sharkk Flex Bluetooth Headphone Earbuds Wireless Workout Sport Headphones Premium Sound and Perfect Fit for $42.99 (list price $99.99)

Anker Phone Camera Lens Kit – 180° Fisheye, 0.65x Wide Angle, 10x Macro for iPhone 7/6s/6s Plus, Samsung S6/edge/S7/S7 edge, Samsung Note 5, LG G5, Nexus 5X/6/6P, Moto, HTC, Sony and more for $11.89 (list price $29.99)

Jackery Pop Slim 5000mAh External Battery Charger – Portable Charger and Power Bank with Aluminum Shell Casing Designed for iPhone 7 6plus 6s 5s SE, Samsung Galaxy, Smart Phones Galaxy, Smart Phones for $15.99 (list price $35.99)

Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 QC, Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 Portable Charger with Power IQ, 20000mAh Power Bank for Samsung, iPhone, iPad and More for $49.99 (list price $99.99)

iPhone 7 Case, SUPCASE Ares Bumper Case with Built-in Screen Protector for Apple iPhone 7, Clear for $14.99 (list price $19.99)

iPhone 7 Plus Case, SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Series Premium Hybrid Protective Clear Case for Apple iPhone 7 Plus 2016 Release (Blue/Navy) for $12.74 (list price $16.99)

Stuhrling Original Men’s 133.33151  Executive Automatic Skeleton Black Genuine Leather Strap Watch for $119.99 (list price $795.00)

Stuhrling Original Mens “Specialty Grand Regatta” Stainless Steel Professional Swiss Quartz Dive Watch for $59.99 (list price $895.00)

BEWELL ZS – W023A Men Wooden Bangle Quartz Watch with Calendar Display (Brown) for $26.09 (list price $119.99)

Invicta Men’s 22577 Vintage Analog Display Automatic Self Wind Black Watch for $99.00 (list price $590.00)

KITCHEN

Keurig K250 2.0 Brewing System, Black for $81.99 for Prime members (list price $129.99)

Masontops Deluxe Mason Jar Fermentation Tool Set – Glass Weights, Vegetable Tamper and Silicone Airlocks – Regular Mouth for $36.95 (list price $89.95)

Cook N Home 10 Piece Non Stick Black Soft Handle Cookware Set, Blue for $36.79 (list price $59.99)

Crock-Pot 6-Quart 5-in-1 Multi-Cooker with Non-Stick Inner Pot, Stainless Steel, SCCPMC600-S for $110.60 (list price $149.99)

KidsFunwares Me Time Dinnerware Set (Dump Truck) for $14.69 (list price $19.95)

Good Cooking Chocolate Melting Pots Parent for $26.99 (list price $34.99)

Instant Pot Accu SV800 Sous Vide Immersion Circulator (120V, 800W) for $129.95 (list price $250.00)

A29 Moscow Mule 100 % Solid Pure Copper Unlined Mug /Cup (16-Ounce/Set of 4, Hammered) with BONUS Shot Glass and Free Recipe Booklet for $35.99 (list price $104.99)

Koolife Herb Scissors Multifunctional Kitchen Shear with 5 Blades and Cleaning Comb (Green) for $9.99 (list price $29.99)

Willow & Everett Teapot Kettle with Warmer – Tea Kettle and Tea Strainer Set – Tea Pot Infuser Holds 3-4 Cups for $27.99 (list price $69.99)

Cooks Standard 4 Piece Asian Gourmet Chef Knife Set, Stainless Steel for $29.98 (list price $59.99)

Cuisinox Irish Coffee Glass, Set of 2 for $10.99 (list price $12.99)

Jura Automatic Milk Frother for $79.99 (list price $99.00)

Cooks Standard 2 Piece Hard Anodize Nonstick Cookware Fry Pan Skillet Saute, 9.5″/11″, Black for $31.97 (list price $35.97)

Keurig Descaling Solution for $11.63 (list price $12.99)

Dash Go Rapid Egg Cooker, Black for $14.96 (list price $50.57)

Simple Chef SC-FVSPLZR Vegetable Spiralizer for $19.99 (list price $24.95)

Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware, Spring Form Pan, 9-inch for $14.44 (list price $16.45)

Culina Bamboo 1″ Cutting Board, Carved Drain, Large 17.5″ X 12.5″ for $9.99 (list price $19.99)

Silicone Large Pastry Mat With Measurements. 14.9″ x 23.3″ Non-Slip Sheet Sticks To Countertop For Rolling Dough for $19.99 (list price $29.95)

SterlingPro Double Wall Stainless Steel French Coffee Press, 1 Liter for $79.98 (list price $89.95)

Whynter BWR-18SD 18 Bottle Built-In Wine Refrigerator for $380.92 (list price $495.00)

Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD 8-Cup (Cooked) Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer with Stainless Steel Exterior, Silver for $29.92 (list price $31.47)

Cuisinart Smart Stick CSB-75BC 200 Watt 2 Speed Hand Blender (Brushed Chrome) for $33.99 (list price $64.99)

Lodge L8DD3 Double Dutch Oven and Casserole with Skillet Cover, 5-Quart for $38.99 (list price $64.00)

SterlingPro Pear Shape Doublewall Stainless Steel Mirror Finish French Coffee Press, 35-ounce for $29.97 (list price $59.98)

Maxam Granite Mortar and Pestle for $23.99 (list price $48.40)

Waiters Corkscrew By iXCC, Handle Wine Corkscrew Made of Ebony Wood and Stainless Steel – All in One Wine Bottle Opener and Foil Cutter for $16.99 (list price $24.99)

Cook N Home 2481 Paella and Everyday Pan, 4 quart/11″, Stainless Steel for $15.95 (list price $29.99)

Hamilton Beach 40865 Glass Electric Kettle, 1.7-Liter for $26.99 (list price $60.00)

Besiva Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid Ingredients for $9.99 (list price $29.99)

Cook N Home Mesh Oil Splatter Screen Guard with Rest Feet, 13″, Stainless Steel for $10.39 (list price $24.99)

RTIC 30 oz. Tumbler for $13.56 (list price $59.95)

Lodge SCRAPERPK Durable Polycarbonate Pan Scrapers, Red and Black, 2-Pack for $5.35 (list price $6.43)

Eparé Stainless Steel Battery Operated Salt or Pepper Mill with Adjustable Ceramic Grinder for $19.95 (list price $29.95)

Cook N Home 02447 Manual Lemon/Citrus Hand Juicer Squeezer, with Silicone removable handle, Stainless Steel for $12.99 (list price $24.99)

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper for $21.00 (list price $29.99)

Cook N Home Multi Purpose Chinese Chef Knife Heavy Duty Chopper Cleaver Butcher, 7″, Stainless Steel for $7.88 (list price $19.99)

Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26009) for $19.28 (list price $27.99)

Yeti Rambler Tumbler Stainless Steel, 30 oz for $25.64 (list price $69.95)

Sharkk Basics 300W Mini Personal Blender with Two (2) 20oz Sport Bottles Smoothie Maker Stainless Steel Blades and Automatic Safety Function for $39.99 (list price $149.99)

HOME

Rowenta DW8080 Pro Master 1700-Watt Micro Steam Iron Stainless Steel Soleplate with Auto-Off, 400-Hole, Blue for $55.00 (list price $125.00)

Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside 21 Inch Spinner Rolling Suitcase, Black, One Size for $148.99 (list price $229.99)

Lasko 755320 Ceramic Tower Heater with Digital Display and Remote Control for $51.05 (list price $64.79)

Zinus 14 Inch SmartBase Mattress Foundation / Platform Bed Frame / Box Spring Replacement / Quiet Noise-Free / Maximum Under-bed Storage, Full for $69.00 (list price $79.00)

Mildew Resistant Fabric Shower Curtain Waterproof/Water-Repellent & Antibacterial, 72×72 – White for $9.99 (list price $29.99)

Black & Decker BDH1200PVAV 12V Pivot Automotive Vacuum – Corded for $35.99 (list price $56.24)

Cold Iron Mojito Citrus-Mint Wrinkle Releaser Spray 32-ounce Plant Based Wrinkle Remover, Ironing and Spray Starch Alternative, that Controls Odor and Static. for $14.49 (list price $17.45)

Black & Decker BDH100WW Powered Squeegee Vac – Cordless for $41.49 (list price $69.99)

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray 4-Ounce Bottle, Original Scent for $10.69 (list price $14.99)

Neiko 60166A Toilet Plunger with Patented All-Angle Design | Heavy Duty | Aluminum Handle for $13.99 (list price $22.99)

AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter with Replaceable 3-Stage Filter Cartridge – Chrome for $31.86 (list price $49.95)

Danco 9D00010306 Microban Hair Catcher for $4.98 (list price $29.48)

Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 Shower-Head /Handheld-Shower Combo for $23.99 (list price $43.18)

The Original GORILLA GRIP Non-Slip Bath and Shower Mat Featuring Powerful Gripping Technology, Machine Washable, Fits Any Size Bath Tub (Clear: Rectangle 35″ x 16″) for $12.99 (list price $29.99)

Rubbermaid RM-3W Folding 3-Step Steel Frame Stool with Hand Grip and Plastic Steps, 200-Pound Capacity, Silver Finish for $30.49 (list price $79.99)

Home Dynamix HD4791-999 Royalty Collection Hearth Area Rugs, 23-Inch, Multicolor for $13.64 (list price $23.99)

Chemical Guys MIC_721 Miracle Dryer Absorber Premium Microfiber Towel, Gold (25 in. x 36 in.) for $10.81 (list price $18.95)

United Solutions LN0309 White Hands Free Laundry Tote -Laundry Basket with Shoulder Strap for Hands Free Carrying in White for $7.44 (list price $21.78)

Instapark LCL Series Battery-powered Flameless LED Tealight Candles, Pack of 24 for $12.99 (list price $44.00)

Sunbeam Steam Master Iron with Anti-Drip Non-Stick Stainless Steel Soleplate and 8′ Retractable Cord, 1400 Watt for $29.99 (list price $49.99)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Philips Sonicare Essence Sonic Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush, White for $19.97 after on-screen coupon (list price $49.99)

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, WP-660 for $64.95 (list price $79.99)

EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale w/ Extra Large Lighted Display, 400 Pound Capacity and “Step-On” Technology for $22.95 (list price $25.95)

Gillette Fusion Manual Men’s Razor Blade Refills, 12 Count for $28.15 after on-screen coupon (list price $47.99)

Pure Body Naturals Beauty Dead Sea Mud Mask for Facial Treatment, 250g / 8.8 fl.oz for $14.95 (list price $29.95)

Natural Charcoal Teeth Whitening, Mint Tooth And Gum Powder, Organic Activated Charcoal and Bentonite Clay Formula for $17.97 (list price $29.99)

Best Professional Makeup Brushes Set for Eye and Face, Includes FREE Leather Brush Holder for $29.97 (list price $83.00)

Q-tips Cotton Swabs, 500 Count (Pack of 4) for $10.44 after on-screen coupon (list price $14.44)

Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment Skin Protectant 14 Ounce Jar for $11.79 (list price $16.89)

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, Kind to Skin 25 Count, Twin Pack for $5.89 after on-screen coupon (list price $8.39)

Gillette Mach3 Base Cartridges 15 Count for $24.97 after on-screen coupon (list price $39.99)

Dove Men+Care Body Wash, Extra Fresh 23.5 oz for $5.29 after on-screen coupon (list price $9.19)

Wahl Color Pro Complete Hair Cutting Kit #79300-400T for $17.09 (list price $40.99)

Professional Water Resistant Heavy Duty Steel Nose Trimmer with LED light. Backed by a Lifetime Guarantee for $17.95 (list price $24.95)

Gillette Venus Embrace Women’s Razor Blade Refills 4 Count for $14.77 after on-screen coupon (list price $20.49)

Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, Extra Fresh 2.7 oz, Twin Pack for $6.09 (list price $12.56)

Art Naturals Enhanced Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid 1 Oz – Top Anti Wrinkle, Anti Aging & Repairs Dark Circles, Fades age spots & Sun Damage – 20% Vitamin C Super Strength – Organic ingredients for $10.95 (list price $15.00)

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, 12 oz. for $11.67 (list price $13.99)

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, 12 Ounce for $8.89 (list price $16.25)

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Refill Pack, 25-Count (Pack of 6) for $26.94 (list price $37.14)

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND CRAFTS

8 Inch Foam Halloween Pumpkins – Craft Shapes – 24 Pack for $10.47 (list price $14.99)

Fellowes Powershred 465Ms 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder with Auto Reverse (4689401) for $288.02 (list price $333.00)

Aglaia Dimmable LED Desk Lamp 7W with USB Charging Port, 3-Level Dimmer Eye Care Table Lamp with Touch Sensitive Control and Flexible Neck (Black) for $21.99 (list price $79.99)

Pacon Creative Products Heavyweight Construction Paper, Value Mega Pack, 684 Sheets for $20.13 (list price $23.63)

Oxford Ruled Index Cards, 3″ x 5″, White, 100/Pack (31) for $1.00 (list price $1.79)

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I for (list price $18.07)

Mungyo Non Toxic Square Chalk, Soft Pastel, 64 Pack, Assorted Colors (B441R078-7003A) for $8.70 (list price $13.99)

LolliZ 70 Gel Pens Tray Set, 70 Unique Color Choices for $9.99

Crayola Colored Pencils, 50 Count, Vibrant Colors, Pre-sharpened, Art Tools, great for Adult Coloring for $9.75 (list price $12.89)

Acrylic Paint Set – Artist Quality Paints for Painting Canvas, Wood, Clay, Fabric, Nail Art, Ceramic & Crafts – 12 x 12ml Heavy Body Colors – Rich Pigments – Professional Supplies by MyArtscape for $12.97 (list price $29.97)

Paint Brush Set Acrylic Xpassion 10pcs Professional Paint Brushes Artist for Watercolor Oil Acrylic Painting for $6.6999 (list price $19.99)

ACCO Binder Clips, Large, 12 Per Box (72100) for $2.99 (list price $10.74)

Trade Quest Letter Size Clipboard Low Profile Clip Hardboard (Pack of 6) for $14.95 (list price $16.95)

Wilson Jones Round Ring View Binder, 1 Inch, Basic, 362 Series, Customizable, White, 4 Pack (W70362-14W) for $10.99 (list price $33.82)

uni-ball Vision Rollerball Stick Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 12-Count for $12.79 (list price $33.99)

Brother DCPL2540DW Wireless Compact Laser Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Enabled for $99.99 (list price $179.99)

Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Black, 12-Count for $6.00 (list price $7.54)

Sharpie Pocket Highlighters, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 12-Count for $5.24 (list price $12.86)

Elmer’s E1324NR Glue-All Multi-Purpose Non-Toxic Glue, 7.625 oz. Bottle, 1.25″ Height, 3″ Width, 7.02″ Length, White for $2.19 (list price $8.38)

Artist’s Loft Fundamentals Watercolor Pan Set for $9.71 (list price $12.50)

Fabric Markers Crafts 4 All Permanent 12 Pack Dual TIP Premium Quality Assorted Bright Fine Writers Art Fabric Pens. Child Safe & Non Toxic.design Your Own T-shirts,bag,shoes for $9.99 (list price $13.99)

TOPS Prism Plus 100% Recycled Legal Pad, 8-1/2 x 11-3/4 Inches, Perforated, Assorted Colors: Gray, Orchid, Blue, Legal/Wide Rule, 50 Sheets per Pad, 6 Pads per Pack (63116) for $9.19 (list price $11.17)

UBOXES, LLC Smart Moving Boxes Kit & Packing Supplies with Tape for $41.34 (list price $49.25)

Reaeon 72 Coloring Pencils Art Set, Colored Wooden Pencil with Watercolor Soft Core  for $13.99 (list price $38.00)

Graphite Transfer Tracing Carbon Paper – 50 Sheets – 9″ x 13″ – MyArtscape (Black) for $14.97 (list price $29.97)

Darice Embossing Multi-Purpose Heat Tool, 320 Watt for $11.99 (list price $24.99)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

Deckey Solar Powered Wall Light Super Bright 20 LED Motion Sensor Detector Light Sconces Waterproof Outdoor Security Lamp Light for $14.99 (list price $59.99)

G4Free 80L Lightweight Foldable Portable Travel Duffel Bag for Gym Sports Luggage Camping(Black) for $19.99 (list price $45.59)

Divine LEDs 2 Pack Ultra Bright Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern (Black, Collapsable) for $12.99 (list price $35.55)

LE Solar Flower Fairy String Lights 50 LEDs 23ft, Waterproof, Purple Violet, Portable, Blossom Fairy Christmas Lights with Light Sensor, Outdoor and Indoor Use, Ideal for Wedding, Party, Halloween Lights Decoration for $8.79 (list price $24.50)

Asamoom Reflective Stripe 60 MPH Windproof Umbrella, Double Canopy Auto Open Close Waterproof 300T Fabric Compact Travel Automatic Folding Umbrellas for $16.99 (list price $42.98)

TriggerPoint Foam Massage Ball for Deep-Tissue Massage, MB1 (2.6-inch) for $11.95 (list price $14.99)

EasyFlex 1131-6C Tree Trunk Protectors, 6 Count, Grey for $12.88 (list price $14.30)

AquaFusion Fruit Infuser Water Bottle – Eco-Friendly BPA-Free Tritan 24 Ounce Drinking Water Bottle – Best Infused Fruit Infusion Water Bottle for $7.99 (list price $29.99)

Novelty MFG 30408A Watering Can, 2-Gallon, Assorted Pastel for $13.56 (list price $17.19)

Hydration Pack Water Rucksack Backpack Bladder Bag Cycling Bicycle Bike/Hiking Climbing Pouch + 2L Hydration Bladder (Blue) for $11.99 (list price $14.99)

Cyalume SnapLight Green Light Sticks – 6 Inch Industrial Grade, Ultra Bright Glow Sticks with 12 Hour Duration (Pack of 10) for $11.99 (list price $19.50)

POOF Jarts Lawn Darts for $16.34 (list price $23.00)

Exerpeutic 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer with Double Transmission Drive/Bluetooth Technology/Mobile Application Tracking for $299.00 (list price $499.00)

Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym for $799.00 (list price $1,299.00)

Butterfly Match 22 Rollaway Table Tennis Table, Blue for $773.89 (list price $1,099.99)

HiHiLL Camping Tent Lantern, Emergency Lamp for Backpacking, Rechargeable Magnetic Light for Garage for $7.99 (list price $21.99)

Ohana 7-Piece Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture Sectional Conversation Set with Weather Resistant Cushions, Turquoise ((PN7037TQ) for $1,251.49 (list price $1,422.58)

Pogo BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottle with Chug Lid, Blue, 18 oz. for $8.52 (list price $15.55)

EcoGear FX Flashlight Holster (AHS-L1): Covered Flashlight Holder that Fits Most Large Size Flashlights Including EcoGear FX Model TK120X for $9.99 (list price $14.99)

Chinook Trekker Snowshoes, 22 for $55.73 (list price $75.00)

Columbia Women’s Mighty Lite Hooded Plush Jacket, Emerald, Large for $48.18 (list price $130.00)

Columbia Thermarator Neck Gaiter, Marine Blue, One Size for $11.92 (list price $20.00)

Columbia Women’s Flash Forward Long Down Jacket, Tradewinds Grey, Medium for $68.23 (list price $159.99)

Columbia Men’s Mighty Light Hooded Jacket, Hyper Blue, Large for $55.92 (list price $125.00)

Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered 170 MPH Handheld Leaf Blower (CARB Compliant) for $129.00 (list price $149.95)

Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Snow Thrower with Light for $139.99 (list price $249.99)

Amyhomie Giant Spider,50 In Halloween Spiders,Best halloween decorations,Christmas Decor (1, black) for $18.99

ELECTRONICS

Q-See QTH916-16AG-2 16 Channel 720p Analog HD System with 16 High-Definition 720p Cameras and 2TB Hard Drive (grey) for $869.99 (list price $999.99)

Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera Kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens for $399.00 (list price $549.00)

DOBERMAN SECURITY Door & Window Mini-Alarm – Compact Design Fits on All Doors and Windows – Powerful 100 dB Alarm OR Chime – Features Long Battery Life – Perfect for Home, Office, Dorm Room or Even RVs – Model SE-0129 for $16.07 (list price $19.96)

CyberPower TRVL918 Travel Surge Protector with 3-Outlets, 2 USB Charging Ports, Flip Out Plug for $9.48 (list price $16.95)

Denon AVR-S510BT 5.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Bluetooth for $229.00 (list price $279.99)

Verbatim 25GB 6x Blu-ray Single-Layer Recordable Disc BD-R LTH Low to High, 40 Disc Spindle FFP 97707 for $22.52 (list price $34.49)

M-Audio AV32 | 10-Watt Compact Studio Monitor Speakers with 3-inch Woofer (Pair) for $79.00 (list price $99.00)

Sunmy Wireless Security Camera 1080P Pan-Tilt WiFi IP Camera Survillance Webcam Home Monitor Baby Pet Network Security with Night Vision Alarming Function for $42.41 (list price $49.90)

Zomei ZM430 Professional Manual Speedlite Flashlight with LCD Display Hard Flash Diffuser GN56 for Canon Nikon DSLR Camera for $37.99 (list price $99.99)

Turcom Graphic Drawing Tablet 8 X 6 Inches for $36.99 (list price $119.99)

Jensen CD-490 Sport Stereo CD Player with AM/FM Radio and Aux Line-In, Red and Black for $31.33 (list price $49.99)

Samsung CF591 Series Curved 27-Inch FHD Monitor (C27F591) for $300.36 (list price $349.99)

TOOLS

Vastar Hair Drain Clog Remover Drain Snake Cleaning Tool for $5.99 (list price $15.99)

eBoot 100 Pieces Adhesive Cable Clips Drop Clamp Cable Tie Holder for Car, Office and Home for $7.99 (list price $11.99)

Brita On Tap Faucet Water Filter System Replacement Filters, Chrome, 2 Count for $23.28 (list price $29.99)

Infora Utility TU247 KeyTool Multitool Set for $1.95 (list price $11.83)

Makita T-01725 Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set, Black Oxide, 70-Piece for $23.99 (list price $45.00)

LE Adjustable Focus Mini LED Flashlight Torch, Super Bright, Batteries Included, Zoomable LED Flashlights (1 Pack) for $6.99 (list price $10.99)

3M TEKK Protection Chemical Splash/Impact Goggle for $2.96 (list price $7.49)

Bosch DDB181-02 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger and Contractor Bag for $114.13 (list price $159.00)

Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set for $9.89 (list price $19.48)

Stanley TR150HL SharpShooter Heavy Duty Staple Gun for $15.00 (list price $30.38)

Dremel 4000-2/30 120-Volt Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit – Corded for $79.49 (list price $150.91)

If flickering candles, squeaky staircases, and coffin beds fit your description of a cozy vacation home, Airbnb has the perfect listing for you. As The Telegraph reports, the lodging service is inviting two guests to stay at Bran Castle, or “Dracula’s Castle,” on the night of October 31.

Though Dracula author Bram Stoker never visited the location in person, it’s believed to have been one of the primary inspirations for the castle featured in his famous novel. He described his fictional fortress as sitting “on the very edge of a terrible precipice”—a striking parallel to the real-life building in the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania, Romania.

According to the Airbnb listing, guests will arrive at the castle in a horse-drawn carriage at sunset. The description reads: “The chill that suddenly fills the carriage is not the evening mist, it’s a fear older than the forests now grown up around the castle rock. This is the lair of vampires, and you cannot leave until dawn.”

From there, visitors will be welcomed in by their host for the night, Dacre Stoker, the great grandnephew of Bram and a “vampire expert.” After dining on a “blood-enriching” dinner, guests will retire to the Count’s crypt for a good night’s sleep in velvet-lined coffin beds.

Dracula’s castle does enforce a few house rules: Garlic-scented items are banned, mirror-selfies are frowned upon, and crossing cutlery or “placing anything in a cross formation” is prohibited. Anyone who can agree to adhere to those conditions can enter to win their stay through Airbnb. As was the case with the one-night stay in the Paris catacombs offered through the site last Halloween, guests will be chosen based on their response to an essay question. This year’s prompt: Explain what you would say to Count Dracula if you were to meet him in his castle.

[h/t The Telegraph]

All images courtesy of Airbnb.

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