Have you ever craved dessert—cake, cookies, ice cream, anything—only to realize you have nothing in the house and no energy for a grocery store run? This happens to me allthe time, but luckily, someone turned me onto cake in a mug, which is exactly what it sounds like. Assemble all the ingredients in a coffee mug, pop it in the microwave, and voila, a… Read More >>

If you've ever watched America's Got Talent or seen a performer in a train station or park, you know that when people share their gifts with the world, the results can range from bizarre to beautiful. But the people in the three videos below take talent to a new level. The lesson? Do what you love, put in your practice hours, and don't forget your video camera. Check 'em out: •… Read More >>

When Greek yogurt first entered my life, I’d top a bowl with figs and walnuts, drizzle honey on top, and imagine I was in Greece eating breakfast overlooking the ocean. Now, I’m all about Greek yogurt for dinner. Try this:I stir a dollop of a plain variety into warm food, right before serving—I’ve found that almost anything with Indian, Mexican, or spicy… Read More >>

You didn’t really think you’d heard the last of “Gangnam Style,” did you? The viral video of this outrageous and infectious song by South Korean pop rapper Psy has been viewed more than 430 million times on YouTube, according to this week’s numbers, and is the most “liked” video in the history of this go-to site. Watch it here. “Gangnam Style”… Read More >>

While the supposed pumpkin spice latte shortage is now under control, it served as a helpful reminder that great seasonal drinks extend beyond the bean. So, Reader's Digest assistant editors—and beer aficionados—Damon Beres and Caitlin O'Connell rounded up their favorite pumpkin brews. There's enough here for a great six pack—check 'em out: • Captain Lawrence Pumpkin AleCaitlin: The perfect pairing of pumpkin pie and beer, this is my favorite pumpkin brew this fall. The flavor is strong enough to satisfy pumpkin lovers, but not so overwhelming that we tire of the taste. See where it's sold » • Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin AleDamon: My favorite! Pumpkin beers too often taste like candy to me, but this has a discreet sweetness and just enoughbitterness to take… Read More >>

Nobody's perfect. There's a story here at  Reader's Digest about one former editor-in-chief who read the manuscript of Kathryn Hulme's book The Nun's Storyand declared categorically that there wasn't a person on the face of the earth who would be interested. It went on to inspire a hugely successful film starring Audrey Hepburn, and it was our most popular title for a span of roughly… Read More >>

Now thatwas a debate. Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan gave America a great show last night, a 90-minute verbal slugfest as invigorating and entertaining as anything you'll see on ESPN or HBO. It was also informative, a clash of policies and philosophies that cast the fundamental differences of the two tickets on major issues like Medicare… Read More >>

Literary awards season is upon us, with National Book Award finalists named yesterday and the Nobel Prizeawarded today, to China's Mo Yan. For the most part, the NBA picks are well-known to Americans. If not household names, they're prominent in the literary world and many are bestselling authors: Junot Diaz, Dave Eggers, Louise Erdrich, Ben Fountain, and Kevin… Read More >>

Did you know that  there was no official line of succession to the presidency until 1967? Or that John Tyler served a mere 32 days as Vice President before becoming President? Or that Richard Nixon nearly lost his VP spot on the 1952 GOP ticket because of a potential scandal. In the spirit of tonight's vice presidential debate—Representative Paul Ryan… Read More >>

What is it about traveling that causes people, even those with good taste, to submit to their tacky side and buy the ugliest, oddest trinkets from some unabashed tourist trap, like a shot glass made from a cow's hoof found in Colombia? Colombia's not the only guilty party. Traveling through Italy? Be sure to pick up a key chain with a small bust of… Read More >>