Entertainment
An X-Files Director Demonstrated Real Paranormal Abilities
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
The X-Files became a pop culture phenomenon in the ‘90s by posing a very provocative question to incredulous audiences: what if paranormal phenomena were real and the government had been trying to cover up the existence of these events for decades? Of course, the secret sauce was that Mulder was the fanatical believer and Scully was the cynical skeptic, and their interactions constantly had audiences questioning what had really happened in episodes featuring aliens, monsters, and all things that go bump in the night. But in one classic episode, the unthinkable happened: a director seemingly demonstrated his own paranormal abilities in front of the entire cast and crew!
The episode in question is “War of the Coprophages,” which featured a small town getting terrorized by cockroaches that may or may not be highly advanced alien robots. Episode director Kim Manners had trouble filming this episode because the live roaches on the set would scurry in random directions rather than going were supposed to go. That’s when Manners did something deliciously demented: he put his head into the roach bucket and told the critters what to do as if he were giving instructions to his actors.
Giving New Meaning To “Papa Roach”
Obviously, he just did this as a joke, which helps to illustrate how much these cockroaches’ assorted antics had him at his wits’ end. They were ruining take after take, so he decided to blow off steam with a movie guaranteed to make everyone on set laugh. Needless to say, nobody expected the mindless cockroaches to actually listen to anything the man had to say.
To everyone’s surprise, however, that’s exactly what they did! Manners stuck his head in the roach bucket to give them their marching orders after these little guys ruined countless takes. After he gave them specific instructions, though, the roaches did exactly what he told them to do, and they were able to complete the scene in the very next take.
Paranormal Or Freaky Coincidence?
In its own weird way, this event served as a mirror of The X-Files itself; after all, the show was always about forcing viewers to question whether some paranormal event had really happened or whether there was a perfectly reasonable scientific explanation. After the roaches seemingly listened to Kim Manners’ instructions, those who witnessed what had happened had to determine for themselves whether the director had suddenly developed the kind of paranormal abilities that Fox Mulder would investigate. Or it could just be a coincidence that the erratic cockroaches finally ran in the exact right direction after they were told what to do.
Scully would tell us that it’s far likelier for this to be a coincidence than for a random television director to suddenly develop a paranormal ability (in this case, the ability to get roaches to do his bidding). However, I’ve always been fond of a certain underrated Mulder quote: “If coincidences are just coincidences, why do they feel so contrived?” Regarding whether or not the late, great X-Files director suddenly developed the power to control roaches, my answer can be summed up by the iconic poster on this spooky FBI Agent’s office wall.
“I want to believe.”
Entertainment
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse is now only $90 — save $60 at Amazon
TL;DR: The Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse is down to just $89.99 at Amazon, saving you $60 on its usual $149.99 list price
$89.99
at Amazon
$149.99
Save $60.00
Going to a well-known brand for a lightweight gaming mouse is usually best. You’re generally getting higher build quality for intense play over long periods of time — and Logitech has a new deal that offers quality in adundance. As of Feb. 10, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight has dropped to $89.99 on Amazon, marking a steep $60 discount on one of the most popular esports mice on the market.
That price represents 40% off its regular list price and pushes the Superlight into a much more accessible bracket for players who want pro-grade performance without paying full premium pricing.
Mashable Deals
Designed in collaboration with top esports professionals, the Pro X Superlight focuses on speed, precision, and minimal weight above all else. It weighs under 63 grams, nearly 25% lighter than Logitech’s standard Pro Wireless mouse — while still promising a rock-solid build quality. As for components, it features Logitech’s Hero 25K sensor, offering ultra-precise tracking up to 25,600 DPI with no smoothing, filtering, or acceleration.
Connectivity is handled via Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology, which delivers a fast and reliable connection suitable for high-level competitive play. You also get five programmable buttons, large PTFE feet for a smooth glide, and long battery life that can last days of regular gaming on a single charge. With that low latency and light build, paired with your quick reflexes, you’ll have the tools in your arsenal to take on fast-paced shooters like Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and Call of Duty with ease.
Mashable Deals
You can also grab the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro wireless gaming mouse for around the same price at $89. As for more from Logitech, the G305 range of gaming mice are also on sale, with at least $20 off.
Entertainment
Dunkin is giving away free iced coffee on Feb. 9 — use this promo code to qualify
Did you catch the Dunkin’ ad during the Big Game? Dunkin’ reimagined Good Will Hunting as a sitcom, including cameos from the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Jason Alexander, Ted Danson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jaleel White, and Jasmine Guy. It was a welcome hit of ’90s nostalgia.
During the commercial, Dunkin’ announced that it would be giving away 1.995 million free iced coffees of any size to customers who use the code GOODWILLDUNKIN in the Dunkin’ app on Feb. 9. Simply download the Dunkin’ app to your smartphone (it’s free) and use the code at the checkout. It’s that easy.
Mashable Trend Report
It’s worth noting that this offer is only valid while supplies last and you’re limited to a single redemption.
Dunkin’ has also dropped a collection of authentic vintage and ’90s-inspired clothing that very much fits the vibe of the commercial. This exclusive drop features vintage windbreakers, denim jackets, workout sets, and much more. The entire collection is available to shop now but items are selling out fast.
Entertainment
National Pizza Day 2026 is here — celebrate with deals and freebies from 7-Eleven, Chuck E. Cheese, and more
Monday, Feb. 9 is National Pizza Day. What’s that? This is news to you? You don’t have us fooled. This is one of the biggest days of the year for foodies. Don’t pretend for a second that you haven’t been eyeing up this date for months.
The great news for lovers of dough and melted cheese is that a bunch of popular retailers run promotions on National Pizza Day, including Chuck E. Cheese, Grubhub, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut. That means you can celebrate this occasion with a cheap slice. We’ve tracked down everything that’s out there and lined up a selection of standout offers for your consideration.
If you want to make the most out of National Pizza Day 2026, check out some of the best freebies and discounts we found below.
National Pizza Day deals
7-Eleven
7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can buy one pizza and get another for just $3. Plus, use the code DELIVERY10 to get $10 off any first-time orders of $20 or more on the 7NOW Delivery app.
California Pizza Kitchen
Get $10 off $40+ orders at select California Pizza Kitchen locations with the code WINTER10 at checkout.
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Cheez-It
On National Pizza Day, get Cheez-It Duoz Pesto and Mozzarella and Cheez-It Snap’d Margherita Pizza for 20% off plus free shipping with the code PIZZA20.
Chuck E. Cheese
Until Feb. 12, celebrate National Pizza Day with a $5 large one-topping pizza with a games purchase. Fun Pass holders can score this deal without a games purchase.
Grubhub
On National Pizza Day, enjoy BOGO on six-piece wings with orders of at least $15 at Popeyes, get $7 off orders of $30+ at Pizza Hut, and get 25% off orders of $30+ at 7-Eleven. Plus, all Amazon Prime Grubhub+ members can use the code GET10 at the checkout to get $10 off a $30 order.
Papa Johns
Get the XL NY Style Pizza for $11.99 on National Pizza Day.
Papa Murphy’s
Get $10 off $25+ orders with the code PZDAY26.
Pizza Hut
Join Hut Rewards to get a free large one-topping pizza on your next order through the Pizza Hut app. Place a qualifying order through the app or online with a minimum purchase of $7.99 and Hut Rewards members will get a coupon for the free pizza within 24-48 hours in the app.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse is now only $90 — save $60 at Amazon
Dunkin is giving away free iced coffee on Feb. 9 — use this promo code to qualify
