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Opens in a new window Credit: Prism Drive Prism Drive Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $79.97 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Charge three Apple devices at once with a 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad, now on sale for $26.97 (reg. $69.99).
Smart devices make life easier, but keeping them charged can be a hassle. If you travel with multiple devices, you know the annoyance of bringing a different charger for each one. And if you've ever found a tangled mess of USB-C cables in your bag, you know how frustrating it can be to keep everything organized.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad $26.97 at the Mashable ShopA 60th birthday is a big milestone. Retirement is (hopefully!) on the horizon and the hustle and chaos of life is about to veer in the direction of relaxation, travel, setting your own schedule, and cultivating passions.
To honor this new phase of life, we’ve come up with 24 perfect 60th birthday gifts, from budget to splurge-worthy that will make your birthday person smile and shake their head at their good fortune — you always pick out the most perfect presents.
Electric kettle Credit: Govee / AmazonThis kettle is truly the gold standard for tea lovers of all ilks. An app helps set temperatures exactly where you need them for various brews, and the gooseneck spout provides the most lovely, consistent pour ever.
Opens in a new window Credit: Govee / Amazon Govee Smart Electric Kettle $63.99 at AmazonHelp make sunny days in their backyard even more delightful with this traditional, old-school croquet set. “Off with their head!” calls are optional.
Opens in a new window Credit: ApudArmis / Amazon ApudArmis Six Player Croquet Set $45.99 at AmazonNordic Track Treadmill Credit: NordicTrack / Amazon
This treadmill and the companion iFit software will transform their workout life. Take a (virtual) run up the slopes of Mount Fuji with immersive, cinematic verite, or increase endurance with HIIT sessions where they can vary speed and incline.
Opens in a new window Credit: NordicTrack / Amazon NordicTrack T Series Treadmill at AmazonAre they a little bit clay-curious? Pottery, especially wheel throwing, has become hugely popular recently because it forces you to Focus. On. One. Thing. An incredible gift to give someone who spends most of their life as a masterful multi-tasker.
Opens in a new window Credit: VEVOR / Amazon VEVOR Pottery Wheel $149.59 at AmazonFor the golfer who has everything, small luxuries can make all the difference. That’s where this magnetic divot fixer and cigar holder comes in. This gadget keeps their stogie safe and secure while they set up their next drive.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dynasty Golf / Amazon Golf divot tool and cigar holder at AmazonThe magic of new family photos or videos (up to 15 seconds long) appearing on their digital picture frame is hard to overstate. The connected app means they can program the lineup themselves, or you can take over the reigns and surprise them with new snaps as they happen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Canupdog / Amazon Digital Picture Frame at AmazonBose Noise Cancelling Headphones Credit: Bose / Amazon
A really nice pair of noise-canceling headphones is a luxury that soon feels like a necessity. Incredible fidelity when they want to queue up their favorite podcast or Spotify playlist and sweet silence when they just want to block out the world.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose / Amazon Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones at AmazonYou can never have too many Alexas. Sure they probably have one in their kitchen already, but getting another one means they can get the latest weather while they’re actually getting ready in the bedroom, or play “question of the day” while they wind down in the living room at night.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $34.99 at AmazonKnitted from super soft, chunky, chenille yarn, this will be the blanket they reach for on the couch, in the reading chair, or at the foot of the bed. Pair it with a cute mug and some tea and it’s a self care moment in the making.
Opens in a new window Credit: YnM / Amazon YnM Chunky Throw Blanket at AmazonSelf care comes in many forms, and one of them is most definitely aromatic. This diffuser is controlled by an app, which means they can toggle on and on from the comfort of the bathtub. Win.
Opens in a new window Credit: ASAKUKI / Amazon Essential Oil Diffuser $21.23 at AmazonThis teeny, tiny white noise machine is the size of an egg so they can bring perfect slumber wherever they roam. With 16 sounds, USB recharging, and a glowy on button that means they don’t need to fumble in the dark to turn it on.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamegg / Amazon White Noise Sound Machine $18.99 at AmazonThere is nothing worse than going for that sip and gagging on now-freezing coffee in their morning mug. No more! This 14-ounce electric version keeps their caffeine delivery at the perfect temperature all day long, whether that’s “warm,” “hot,” or “piping” (they choose).
Opens in a new window Credit: Nextboom / Amazon Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug $99.95 at AmazonAs lovely as they are functional, these can take up permanent residence on the dining room table, or also be used to easily grind less conventional dried spices like cardamom or cinnamon. They are completely rechargeable, which means there is literally no excuse for under-seasoned dinners.
Opens in a new window Credit: LARS NYSØM / Amazon Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set $49.99 at AmazonHelp ensure that sleep comes as swiftly and soundly as it did in their 20s with this plush, enveloping sleep mask. Super soft and breathable, this one has extra fabric on the bridge of the nose making sure no light sneaks in. Pair it with a night away at an aesthetic AirBnB and you’re in business.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mavogel / Amazon Sleep Mask at AmazonGood luggage can feel splurge-y, which is why it's a great gift for the avid traveler on your list. This spinner from Delsey harkens back to vintage styles but has all the modern bells and whistles, like TSA-approved combination locks and interior compartments for hanging clothes and shoes.
Opens in a new window Credit: DELSEY Paris / Amazon DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hard + Hardside Luggage at AmazonSomehow the bathrobes in fancy hotels are always the best – the softest, the most luxurious. Now you can gift a Marriot terry cloth robe to your favorite birthday person and make them feel like they’re on vacation every time they step out of the shower.
Opens in a new window Credit: Marriott / Amazon Marriott Terry Velour Robe $89.10 at AmazonHow long has it been since they’ve invested in a new kindle? The latest paperwhite versions have larger displays, extended battery life, and easier page turn. Those Collen Hoover books won’t read themselves!
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite at AmazonThese slippers are everything. Fluffy, cozy and with treads for the occasional impromptu dog walk, these shoes are what indulgent Saturday mornings are made of.
Opens in a new window Credit: EverFoams / Amazon EverFoams Soft Slippers at AmazonThis is a charcuterie board on steroids. Complete with a main board and three side boards, plus carving utensils, dip bows, and a wine opener. You better get an invite to their next shindig.
Opens in a new window Credit: SMIRLY / Amazon Charcuterie Board Gift SetIt’s an influencer darling, but for good reason. This backpack/purse/workbag sized gadget takes grungy lenses and makes them like new again with just a few swipes.
Opens in a new window Credit: Peeps / Amazon Carbon Klean Peeps Glasses Cleaner at AmazonThis fun dessert maker solves an important problem – when you want one seving of ice cream only. The special person on your list can churn their own ice cream in their flavor of choice and 20 minutes later dig into the goodness. Oh, there’s also a special chute for adding mix-ins. We’re sold.
Opens in a new window Credit: DASH / Amazon DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine at AmazonYes its a bit of a splurge, but isnt that what birthdays are for? A Dyson hand vac will transform the cleaning game, ensuring no rogue dog hair or popcorn kernel is ever safe again.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson / Amazon Dyson Humdinger Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at AmazonHelp them conquer their late-night scrolling addiction with this perfect little book light. It hooks right onto their current page-turner, recharges in a jiff, and isn't bright enough to disturb their sleeping partner.
Opens in a new window Credit: Gritin / Amazon Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light $14.99 at AmazonIt's all happening! Someone you love is turning 21, and it's time to find them the perfect birthday gift.
Let's not beat around the bush: For many people, 21 is the official birthday of booze, so a booze-related gift may be in order. Luckily, there are plenty of possibilities here, from pretty wine stoppers to classic cocktail books.
Not everyone wants to ring in 21 with a cocktail, though. For non-drinkers and drinkers alike, 21 is also an opportunity to fully embrace adulthood in all its messy glory. This might mean a fun and goofy gift or a staple gift designed to last a lifetime — whatever you think will set your favorite 21-year-old up for success as they approach their most important birthday. This is, of course, 22, when they'll get to sing that Taylor Swift song for 24 hours straight.
Here are our picks for the best 21st birthday gifts.
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag Credit: Baggu / AmazonFor the Fashion-Forward Friend: Grab them a versatile nylon Baggu in their favorite color — we especially like Candy Apple and Lapis. This size will hold their keys, wallet, a book, and a small water bottle, making it a great everyday bag.
Opens in a new window Credit: Baggu / Amazon BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag at AmazonFor the Host: Send them into their 21st year with a wealth of cocktail knowledge. This comprehensive book includes recipes for classics (think martinis and Manhattans) as well as funkier, more modern options.
Opens in a new window Credit: Cider Mill Press / Amazon The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails (Second Edition): Over 400 Classic Drink Recipes With Great Writing from The New York $21.99 at AmazonFor the Wine Lover: If they'll be drinking wine, they'll need wine stoppers — and you can't get much cuter than a little pair of golden lemons. Of course, we recommend gifting these alongside an actual bottle for maximum celebratory effect.
Opens in a new window Credit: Folkulture / Amazon Folkulture Wine Stopper at AmazonFor the Busy Bee: If you really want to make their twenties easier (and if you're ready to splurge), take a chore off their plate with a Roomba. This one works well on hard floors and carpets and is especially clutch for cleaning up pet hair. It's also adept at avoiding obstacles like cords.
Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot / Amazon iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum $299.99 at AmazonFor the Decorator: Help them get their home bar setup started with this pretty set of scalloped shot glasses with elegant gold rims. They're attractive enough to display on a bar cart, so they're great for people with an eye for design and limited cabinet space.
Opens in a new window Credit: Thyme & Table / Amazon Thyme & Table 4-Piece Scalloped Shot Glass Set at WalmartFor the Introvert: A key lesson of early adulthood: Sometimes, you just need to drown out the noise. Help them get there with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. This particular pair is known for being extra comfortable, so they can be worn for long stretches without the dreaded headphones headache.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose / Amazon Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones at AmazonFor the Apple Fan: Or, if they're more of an earbuds person, grab them a pair of second-gen AirPods. They have noise-canceling and "transparency" modes, so users can choose how much of the world they want to let in.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $199.00 at AmazonFor the TJ's Encyclopedia: Trader Joe's fans take their favorite grocery store very seriously. Help them make the most of this week's finds with this collection of 150 budget-friendly recipes. (We're especially intrigued by the brie and pear galette.)
Opens in a new window Credit: Ulysses Press / Amazon The I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook $10.99 at AmazonFor the Picnicker: This Yeti tumbler will let them enjoy their wine outdoors without worrying about breaking a delicate glass. In true Yeti fashion, it'll also keep cold drinks cold for hours — which means it's also great for iced coffee or tea.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti /Amazon Yeti Rambler Wine Tumbler with MagSlider Lid at AmazonFor the Margarita Drinker: Margarita nights will reach new heights with this stainless steel cocktail rimmer, which will help them crank out perfectly salty glasses with ease. They can toss it right in the dishwasher when the party's over.
Opens in a new window Credit: Outset / Amazon Outset Stainless Steel Cocktail Rimmer at AmazonFor the Backyard Chiller: If they're entertaining outside, help them keep a bottle cold with this Yeti wine chiller. (Yes, it fits most champagne bottles.) We particularly like the silicone ring at its base, which keeps it from slipping and sliding around the table.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti / Amazon Yeti Rambler Wine Chiller at AmazonFor the Efficient Traveler: If they're spending their early twenties jet-setting — or planning a long-distance move — help them pack efficiently with a set of nylon packing cubes. This set of five will fit neatly into most carry-on bags.
Opens in a new window Credit: MUMI / Amazon MUMI Packing Cubes, Set of 5 at AmazonFor the Jetsetter: For the jet-setting skincare enthusiast, consider this scented body care set from Sol de Janeiro, which includes body wash, cream, and perfume mist in a travel case — all in TSA-friendly sizes, naturally.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sol de Janeiro / Amazon Sol de Janeiro Jet Set at AmazonFor the Hard Seltzer Fan: As an insulator, this cooler cup from Hydro Flask can fit most cans and bottles of beer, seltzer, and soda. It can also be used as a cup on its own, is dishwasher-safe on the top rack, and can fit into most cupholders.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask / Amazon Hydro Flask Cooler Cup $19.98 at AmazonFor the Always-Prepared: They might need a little TLC after their 21st birthday bash — no shame in that. This "unwind" kit includes all the essentials for relaxation, including a sleep mask, pillow spray, bookmark, silk scrunchie, face roller, shower steamer, and facial towelettes.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pinch Provisions / Amazon Pinch Provisions Be Kind UnWind Kit at AmazonFor the Gamer: The Nintendo Switch Lite is the ultimate console for gaming on the go. It's lightweight, cute, and packable. Just grab them a copy of Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley along with the console, and they'll be in business.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo / Amazon Nintendo Switch Lite $185.99 at AmazonFor the Chronically Late: Help them become a watch person with this gold-tone Casio number. It has alarm and timer features — subtle hints to the friend who just can't seem to make it to any social gathering on time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Casio / Amazon Casio Women's Vintage Watch $26.29 at AmazonFor the Writer: Gift them a handsome little Moleskine notebook — which comes in dotted, plain, ruled, and squared versions — to jot down their innermost 21-year-old thoughts. Or their acceptance speech.
Opens in a new window Credit: Moleskine / Amazon Moleskine Cahier Journal $12.25 at AmazonFor the Playlist Maker: This handy little speaker is waterproof, which makes it ideal for the pool or the beach. It also has a built-in carabiner, so they can hook it to their backpack, bike, camp chair, or — if they're feeling bold — their belt loop.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL / Amazon JBL Clip 5 Portable Speaker $69.95 at AmazonFor the Fancy Friend: Another elegant addition to their home bar setup is this glass ice bucket, which comes with a gold pair of ice tongs. It doubles as a nice piece of home decor when they're not constantly chilling champagne bottles (understandable at this age).
Opens in a new window Credit: Le'raze / Amazon Glass Ice Bucket $31.99 at AmazonFor the Picnicker: If they love a good picnic in the park, consider this packable blanket from Pendleton, which folds nicely into a tote for easy transport. It also has two big pockets in case they need to tote around a few other supplies.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pendleton / Amazon https://zdcs.link/Qp6VD0 at AmazonTL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Rugby Championship has been typically explosive, with some massive performances and surprise results. Australia have not impressed in this year's competition, and went down 67-27 in their last game against Argentina.
The Wallabies will need to improve against New Zealand, a team looking to bounce back after two defeats against South Africa. The All Blacks will be motivated to end the Rugby Championship on a high.
If you want to watch Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Australia vs. New Zealand?Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship kicks off at 1:45 a.m. ET on Sept. 21. This fixture takes place at Stadium Australia.
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Live stream Australia vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world
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Live stream Australia vs. New Zealand in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
A film that's as much about its own gimmick as what that gimmick represents, Aaron Schimberg's A Different Man casts Sebastian Stan as Edward, a man with pronounced facial differences that he eventually sheds through a miracle cure. However, when a now traditionally handsome Edward is cast in a play about his own life, the thorny question of artistic representation is broached in discomforting and hilarious ways.
The film doesn't just draw attention to its decision to cast a pretty Hollywood face as a man with neurofibromatosis. That would be too easy an escape hatch, and too superficial a character study. Instead, it further complicates its questions of optics and politics by having a real actor with the same condition as Edward play a significant role in the film: Adam Pearson, who is known for appearing in Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin, after which he became a public advocate against "disfigurement stigma." Pearson also starred in Schimberg's 2018 film Chained For Life.
Pearson’s charismatic arrival, as a man who threatens to usurp the role of Edward from himself, sends Edward down a surreal emotional spiral. This on-screen clash of fiction and reality not only forces a strange, poignant self-reflection — for Edward, and for the film as a whole — but it also creates an fascinating meta-text that tells its own story about the actors in the film. It's as much a tale of outward appearance as it is inner anxieties, a balance Schimberg strikes in careful ways as he crafts a stunning, distinctly New York comedy-drama about seeing oneself.
What is A Different Man about? Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, and Adam Pearson star in "A Different Man." Credit: Berlinale Film FestivalAs Edward mopes around his apartment building, avoiding interactions as best he can, neighbors and various handymen alternatingly stare and offer polite but forced nods, as though it takes them special effort to avoid mentioning his differences. Edward is an actor, and not an altogether terrible one, though his roles are limited — not only by his appearance, but by his utter lack of self-confidence. Edward is halfway between invisible and hyper-visible; some don't see him as fully human or as a viable romantic interest, while others stop and stare. He exists in limbo, trudging along day by day in his cramped, dilapidated New York apartment, which Schimberg and cinematographer Wyatt Garfield capture with a sense of grimy texture.
When Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), an attractive wannabe playwright from Europe, moves in next door, Edward's prospects finally seem to change. After an initial skepticism, she takes a curious interest in him, and even offers to write a play for him to star in. However, his lack of conversational skills can't help but create an awkward dynamic whenever they chat, as though he were some pet project for her to foster. Whatever the reality, Edward's hunched-over body language and mousey demeanor hint at a kind of emotional impenetrability, as though he'll read the worst in any situation because it's the treatment he's come to expect.
When a radical medical procedure verging on sci-fi body horror promises him a new life, Edward takes advantage of it in a very literal way, using his new face to start a brand new life and "killing off" the old Edward as though he were a fictional character. Time goes by, and he finds professional success in real estate — a forward-facing career — as a handsome man named Guy. But upon discovering Ingrid has written a play about his life, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he auditions with the help of a flimsy prosthetic mask.
Although Ingrid intends to cast someone with facial differences in the role, which she insists she didn't base on any real person, Guy's performance convinces her that he’s a miraculously a perfect fit, despite the fact that he doesn't have any facial differences. He embodies all of Edward's gestures and his physical and emotional anguish, even in scenes where Ingrid imagines conversations and inner monologues that don't match what we’ve seen unfold between them in previous scenes, back when Guy was still Edward. The play, it seems, is born from Ingrid’s limited, patronizing perspective on Edward. The more this stage production goes on, the more Edward is forced to reckon with the past, and with realizations the film presents through stark, unsettling zooms into his bewildered expression. Despite having a new face, he may still be the same lonely, miserable person on the inside; perhaps now more than ever, since now he has no one with whom he can share the truth about who he once was.
Sebastian Stan delivers an impeccable performance. Credit: A24As an actor playing two versions of a character, and subsequently playing a third, fictitious version — one he can't play too well, lest he be found out — Stan is shouldered with a monumentally complex task. The prosthetics used to craft his differences allow him to emote within reason, but posture and movement are the tools through which he constructs Edward.
Not only does Stan perfect the ticks and eccentricities of a decidedly average actor (i.e. the real Edward pre-procedure), but when he's reborn as Guy and cast as Ingrid's conception of Edward, he crafts a sense of metamorphosis and regression. As the traditionally good-looking Guy playing this Edward, he delves deep into the vulnerable anxieties the character had begun to suppress as part of his new life, if only to try and bring some amount of honesty to a role he believes is dishonest.
These multi-layered complexities yield fascinating scenes of rehearsal and rewriting, bringing to the fore the film's innate question of whether people far outside Edward's physical and emotional experience are capable of telling his story. Ironically, the side the movie seems to come down on is a hesitant "maybe not," at least as far as Ingrid is concerned. But Schimberg is not Ingrid, and he's under no delusions of passing off Edward as a work of pure imagination.
This is largely because to anyone who's seen Pearson before — whether in a movie, a TEDx Talk, or his numerous wrestling game show appearances — it's clear that Edward, played by Stan, is distinctly modeled off Pearson, and the story practically exists so that he can show up in some capacity. The very knowledge that Pearson is involved with the film, and that Schimberg has worked with him before, colors A Different Man in a new light, and brings a wholly external context to Stan's performance.
Of course, even without this knowledge, this context remains discomforting. Either way, Stan is playing a man he theoretically shouldn't be, the same way Guy wearing prosthetics to play Edward ought to be seen as ill-advised to those around him (due to the problematic nature of "performing" physical disability and of robbing a disabled actor of a rare opportunity). However, Guy's in-world explanation for Ingrid as to why he's able to so deeply tap into the character of Edward is illuminating too. He concocts a lie about having once been best friends with someone with facial differences, which he claims not only gives him license to tell this story but allows him to tell it intimately and empathetically.
This is likely akin to Schimberg's own reasoning too. Having become friends with Pearson after their collaboration on Chained For Life — a film that embodies similar debates — he has made an entire movie "about" him in numerous ways, treating him as both concept and human being... But who does Pearson play in the movie? Well, that's an entirely different delight.
While watching the film, one might be inclined to believe it features the best work of Stan's career; it even won him Berlin Film Festival's Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance. However, even this praise is designed to be second-guessed at the back of one's mind, since his role is one that projects a life of awkwardness and isolation onto Edward from people outside his experience — another idea the movie self-reflexively lampoons through debates between Guy and Ingrid. And just when it seems like this moral conundrum is one the film might avoid, it crafts an explosive alternative.
All of a sudden, Pearson shows up as an eccentric man named Oswald, an equally curious actor who stumbles upon Ingrid's production. From the moment he appears, he delivers a performance so radical in its conception that he fundamentally changes what A Different Man is even about.
Adam Pearson is the film's not-so-secret weapon. Credit: A24Between films like The Elephant Man and Schimberg's Chained for Life, facial differences on screen have been tied closely to pity and moroseness, an idea with which A Different Man constantly toys via Edward's story. However, for anyone familiar with the real Pearson — as Schimberg no doubt is — he appears to be fairly upbeat and well-adjusted, despite speaking about the bullying in his past. The film's plot is about a character with the same condition as Pearson, but Edward's reality doesn't seem to match Pearson's in the slightest. So, in order to further highlight this disconnect, Schimberg writes Pearson a role that swings toward a completely different extreme that vastly reimagines the type of roles that ought to be available to actors regardless of differences, facial or otherwise.
The moment Oswald appears, he passive aggressively comments on Ingrid's casting choice with his posh enunciation — Oswald, like Pearson, hails from London— a small detail that yanks the film in an even more head-spinning direction. Oswald is everything Edward wishes he could be: a brash playboy who reads people like a book, wears ostentatious shirts, and worms his way into social and professional circles with ease.
Pearson plays the role with slick, effortless panache. Each moment he's on-screen is incredibly exciting; Oswald swallows every scene whole, practically sapping Edward's energy as he's forced to confront an uncanny reflection of himself who represents truths he might not want to face. Is this who Edward could've been all along? And, more importantly, is the lie he's living worth it?
The more these questions torture Edward, the more surreal A Different Man becomes. Its very premise starts to feel like a fever dream, buoyed by escalating interpersonal tensions as Oswald forces his way into a consulting role on the play. Slowly but surely, he begins imposing his own, supposedly more "authentic" vision of Edward’s life on Edward's own story, until the question of whether or not Oswald should simply replace Guy in the play becomes unavoidable. The concept of authenticity is so stretched and contorted by these developments that it becomes thematic taffy, with no distinct or solid form.
However, as A Different Man piles layer upon layer of confounding complication, it remains emotionally true to itself, which is to say, both to Edward's increasingly paranoid self-reflection, and to Schimberg's scrutiny of his own work (both this film, as well as Chained For Life). The film neither shies away from its innate surrealness, nor hesitates to get its hands dirty when it comes to real and vital conversations on whose stories can and should be told (and more importantly, how), even though it reflects each of its thoughts on the subject through a funhouse mirror.
By grounding its story in a character drama first and foremost, A Different Man anchors its many plot zig-zags, and its anxieties about its own existence, to a tangible emotional reality. Schimberg walks a razor-thin line between sincere self-critique and gaudy exploitation, and in the process, practically erases the boundary between them. The end result reveals uncomfortably funny new modes of on-screen representation, expressed in ways both innovative and exciting.
A Different Man opens in limited release Sept. 20, before going nationwide on Oct. 4.
UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2024, 4:12 p.m. EDT A Different Man was originally reviewed out of the Berlin International Film Festival. This review, which was first published on March 2, 2024, has been updated to reflect its theatrical release.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintA spot or mark.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 20 Hurdle Word 1 answerFLECK
Hurdle Word 2 hintA disease that affects animals' coats.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 20 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerMANGE
Hurdle Word 3 hintAnother word for mayhem.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 20 Hurdle Word 3 answerCHAOS
Hurdle Word 4 hintThe cyber ones are expensive.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 20 Hurdle Word 4 answerTRUCK
Final Hurdle hintYou'll need to clean this up if you have one.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerSPILL
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, September 20, 2024:
AcrossSee who can get there the fastestThe answer is Race.
The answer is Adam.
The answer is Yimby.
The answer is Epee.
The answer is USDA.
The answer is Ray
The answer is Adieu.
The answer is Camps.
The answer is Embed.
The answer is Yea.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A way with wordsThese words are commonly heard in English classes.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are all related to literary terms.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Poetry.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 20Diction
Stanza
Verse
Poetry
Scansion
Rhyme
Meter
Syntax
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Assuming
Green: A person
Blue: Star Wars
Purple: Phrases that could follow after "kitty"
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Presume
Green: Somebody
Blue: Characters in The Empire Strikes Back, Familiarly
Purple: Words After "Kitty"
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #466 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayPresume: FIGURE, IMAGINE, SUSPECT, THINK
Somebody: CHARACTER, INDIVIDUAL, PARTY, PERSON
Characters in The Empire Strikes Back, Familiarly: BOBA, CHEWY, EMPEROR, SOLO
Words After "Kitty": CAT, CORNER, HAWK, LITTER
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To gently apply force to something.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
SMOKE.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
TL;DR: Through Sept. 29, the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle has dropped in price to £30.09 (reg. £1,129.22).
Whether you’re looking to start a career in coding or just want to learn for fun, the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is great for beginners and experienced users alike. With 15 courses and 213 hours of content, this collection of lessons teaches you the basics of coding, game development, ChatGPT, and more while allowing you to learn at your own pace. And for a limited time, it's on sale for £30.09.
These online coding courses are taught by leading industry experts, like Jose Salvatierra (founder of Teclado and a software engineer), and give you the essential tools to get started in web development. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and you can better keep up with the competition by learning a new skill set. Create your own software, design a video game, or utilise OpenAI technologies such as ChatGPT— the creative opportunities are plentiful.
This bundle includes the following comprehensive online coding courses:
Learn to Code with Python 3
C++ for Absolute Beginners 2024
ChatGPT Series: OpenAI Fundamentals 2024
MySQL & SQL for Beginners
The Complete Python Course: Learn Python by Doing in 2024
Google Assistant Automation IoT Development
Computer Vision & Deep Learning with OpenCV and Python: Build 15 Projects
JavaScript Complete Guide with Practical JavaScript Projects
Web Development with Vuex (2024)
Flutter & Dart: Complete Flutter Dart Programming Course
Java Programming for Complete Beginners
Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training
ChatGPT for Salesforce Development
2024 Complete Ruby on Rails 6 Bootcamp
Game Development and Coding for Kids
Through Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle on sale for just £30.09 (reg. £1,129.22), with no coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Joseph Delgadillo The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle £30.09 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The action is really hotting up in F1, with Lando Norris closing the gap on Max Verstappen every week. Things are building to a dramatic climax, meaning fans will be desperate for a way to watch remaining races without spending anything. This is where we can help.
If you're interested in watching the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
When is the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix?The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix takes place over 62 laps of the 4.94 kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit. The full schedule can be found here:
Practice 1 — 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 20
Practice 2 — 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 20
Practice 3 — 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 21
Qualifying — 9 to 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 21
Race — 8 a.m. ET on Sept. 22
The good news is that it's possible to stream the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix without spending anything.
How to watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix for freeYou can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:
ORF, ServusTV, and RTBF are geo-restricted, but anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.
Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria or Belgium
Watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for F1?ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Austria and Belgium
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected
Fast streaming speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2024-25 Women's Super League for free on BBC iPlayer and YouTube. Access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a lot of soccer competitions to keep tabs on, but if women's soccer is your thing, the WSL should be your priority. This league is stuffed full of star players and intriguing storylines that play out every week. And you can watch some of the biggest fixtures from the WSL without spending anything.
If you want to watch the 2024-25 Women's Super League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the Women's Super League?The Women's Super League is the highest league of women's football in England. Established in 2010, it is run by the Football Association and features 12 professional teams.
The defending champions are Chelsea.
When is the 2024-25 Women's Super League?The 2024-25 Women's Super League is the 14th edition of the competition. This year's WSL takes place from Sep. 20 to May 11.
How to watch the 2024-25 Women's Super League for freeBBC Sport has agreed to show 22 live matches for free on BBC iPlayer. And all non-Sky Sports/BBC broadcasted WSL fixtures will be live streamed globally for free on YouTube.
Anyone from around the world can access WSL fixtures for free on YouTube, but the same can't be said for the top games featured on BBC iPlayer. This popular service will block your access if you attempt to connect from outside the UK, so if you want to watch the WSL on BBC iPlayer from the U.S., you'll need to use a VPN.
VPNs can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really simple:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch the WSL on BBC iPlayer for free from the U.S.
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2024-25 Women's Super League season without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the Women's Super League?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the Women's Super League for free with ExpressVPN.
The State Department announced on Wednesday its entering the late 20th century and immediately making its new online passport renewal system fully available to the public.
Tweet may have been deletedThe new offering replaces the former method — printing out a paper application and mailing it with a check. The State Department declares the online renewal system "secure" and says it will save travelers time and headaches.
SEE ALSO: How to file taxes for free onlineClicking through to the online portal (Travel.State.Gov/renewonline) leads users to the seven-step process (eight-step if you choose to enroll in email updates). One of the highlights of the new process is the option to upload a digital photo (no more coughing up money at a pharmacy or post office!), but no selfies allowed.
Another important note: Renewing online can only be done if your international travel is more than eight weeks away. If a trip is planned between three and eight weeks in the future, renewal by mail is the preferred method, while in-person service is required if a passport is needed in three weeks or less.
Moving the renewal process online follows other bureaucratic overhauls at the State Department that promise more efficiency for travelers.
"Thanks to increased staffing, technological advancements, and a host of other improvements, the average routine passport is being processed today in roughly one-third the time as at the same point last summer, and well under the advertised six to eight weeks processing times," according to a statement from State.
A peculiar bug has appeared in iOS 18.
The new Apple software update, which goes live for everyone on Friday, has already become home to a weird little glitch that has potentially catastrophic consequences. According to 9to5Mac, if you reply with a threaded message when someone shares an Apple Watch face with you over Messages, you run the risk of losing your entire text history with that person.
SEE ALSO: Apple iOS 18 release date today: When you can download it9to5Mac went a little deeper into what exactly happens when you reply to an Apple Watch face. Apparently, once it happens, the Messages app will repeatedly crash if you try to open the conversation. Harrowingly, this affects both users in the conversation, not just the person who replied in the first place. As far as anyone can tell, the quickest solution is to delete the chat history between you and the other person.
Obviously, that's not great. The simple act of replying to a watch face shouldn't run the risk of losing years of chats with a loved one. Do not be surprised if Apple fixes this with haste.
Your favorite third-party apps and devices may soon become more integrated with Apple's iOS mobile operating system then ever before – at least if you're in the EU.
On Thursday, the European Commission began its first proceedings in order "to assist Apple in complying with its interoperability obligations" that are enforced under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The first proceedings are actually two specific proceedings. One proceeding is in regard to how iOS devices work alongside other connected devices such as wearables. The other addresses interoperability with iOS devices and third-party developers' products.
"Today is the first time we use specification proceedings under the DMA to guide Apple towards effective compliance with its interoperability obligations through constructive dialogue," said European Commission Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy Margrethe Vestager in a statement. "We are focused on ensuring fair and open digital markets. Effective interoperability, for example with smartphones and their operating systems, plays an important role in this."
SEE ALSO: Apple's iPadOS 18 is causing big problems for some iPad owners"This process will provide clarity for developers, third parties and Apple" Vestager continued. "We will continue our dialogue with Apple and consult third parties to ensure that the proposed measures work in practice and meet the needs of businesses."
Apple has to open up iOSThe DMA is an EU regulation meant to ensure that Big Tech companies are providing open and fair platforms in order to spur competition within the marketplace.
According to the Commission's latest proceedings, Apple is failing to abide by the DMA in two major ways.
The first proceeding addresses "iOS connectivity features and functionalities, predominantly used for and by connected devices." These devices are described as essentially wearables such as smartwatches, headphones, and virtual reality headsets. It appears that the EU wants Apple to be more open with the interoperability between iOS devices such as iPhone and non-Apple wearables. The Commissions specifically mentions that iOS functionalities like notifications, device pairing, and connectivity with these third-party devices need to be improved upon by Apple.
SEE ALSO: Is Apple Intelligence only on iPhone 16? We have the answersThe second proceeding takes aim at Apple over interoperability requests from third-party developers on iOS and iPadOS. According to the Commission, the request process needs to be "transparent, timely, and fair." It appears that the EU wants Apple to provide more developer access to app makers looking to integrate iOS features like Siri and Apple Pay into their software. Today, third-party developer access to some of these features is either severely limited or completely restricted.
Under the DMA, Apple will have six months to address these issues from the European Commission. If the company does not comply, the EU can fine Apple a whopping 10 percent of its annual global turnover.
These fairly new tech regulations in the EU have already impacted Apple in a number of major ways. Most notably, Apple was forced to allow third-party app stores on its iOS devices, like iPhone, which would compete with its own official App Store.
Will these DMA-spurred changes affect Apple users in the United States? In the case of alternative app stores, Apple only makes those available in the EU. However, EU regulations have had broader effects on the company outside of the territory. For example, EU regulation is what spurred Apple's move from lightning cables to USB-C for its charging cables.
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