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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 hint

Can be used to describe how thin something is.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 21 Hurdle Word 1 answer

WAFER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Avoid, particularly an outcome.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 21 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AVERT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A high edge.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 21 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 21 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CLIFF

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An expression of joy or a search engine.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 21 Hurdle Word 4 answer

YAHOO

Final Hurdle hint

Great for wreaking.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

HAVOC

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 November 21 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow - Great at shielding, leading or stopping

• Green - Colorful

• Blue - Not very sportsmanlike

• Purple - Schools with the same second name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow - Guardian

• Green - Shadows of brown

• Blue - Cavalier

• Purple - Nicknames for Cleveland

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 Sports Edition #58 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Guardian: CHAMPION, DEFENDER, KEEPER, PROTECTOR

• Shades of brown: BEIGE, CHESTNUT, KHAKI, TAN

• Cavalier: ARROGANT, DISDAINFUL, HAUGHTY, HIGH-HAT

• Nicknames for Cleveland: BELIEVELAND, CLE, THE 216, THE LAND

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.

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 Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, November 21, 2024:

AcrossMan of few words?

• The answer is Mime.

Absolutely love

• The answer is Adore.

Bit of headwear with gems on it

• The answer is Tiara.

Your ___ (words when addressing a judge)

• The answer is Honor.

Roof goop

• The answer is Tar.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 21 DownClass in which you'll encounter a lot of problems

• The answer is Math.

"American ___" (Green Day's 2004 "punk rock opera")

• The answer is Idiot.

Disney heroine with an upcoming November sequel

• The answer is Moana.

An editor might catch one

• The answer is Error.

Cochlea's place

• The answer is Ear.

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 Games

Are 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 had to sum up the driving force behind any Mike Schur show in one word, it's "community." Whether they're set in the workplace (like The Office, Parks and Recreation, or Brooklyn Nine-Nine) or in the afterlife (like The Good Place), the shows Schur has created or co-created always center on ensembles who grow from mere acquaintances into the fastest of friends.

A constant within that transition is community's power of break down the walls we've built up to shut other people out. Take how Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine's resident toughies Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) and Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) show up for their coworkers. Or how The Good Place's Michael (Ted Danson) — a literal demon — ends the show working side by side with the humans he'd initially wanted to torture.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Schur's latest offering, A Man on the Inside, once again sees the ways community can bring us out of our shells. This time, the focus is on a retirement home, and its latest arrival, retired professor Charles (Danson). With Danson in the picture, A Man on the Inside serves as a wonderful The Good Place reunion, one that's just as sweet and silly as Danson and Schur's first team-up.

What is A Man on the Inside about? Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Kerry O'Malley, and Ted Danson in "A Man on the Inside." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

As A Man on the Inside kicks off, Charles is a bit of a recluse. His wife passed away a year prior, and since then he's distanced himself from most people, including his concerned daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), and thrown himself into an unbreakable routine. Emily takes it upon herself to get Charles back into the world, issuing him a challenge to find something new that excites him. What he chooses is... out of the ordinary, to put it mildly.

Instead of, say, taking an art class or joining a book club, Charles becomes the assistant to private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada). His mission? To go undercover at Pacific View Retirement Home and recover stolen jewelry. Sounds unlikely? Well, there's some truth to this tale. A Man on the Inside is actually based on the 2020 documentary The Mole Agent, about a man who goes undercover at a retirement home to investigate elder abuse.

Of course, there are several roadblocks on Charles's quest to becoming a spy extraordinaire. First, he'll have to learn how to use covert recording equipment, a process that sparks a delightful montage of an overwhelmed Charles messing up (much to no-nonsense Julie's annoyance). Then, once he gets into Pacific View, he'll have to weather his most daunting task yet: fitting in with a new crowd.

SEE ALSO: 'A Man on the Inside' trailer: Mike Schur and Ted Danson reunite for an undercover comedy

Early scenes at Pacific View play out almost like a high school comedy, with Charles struggling to find a table to sit at or a clique to hang out with. He also garners the romantic attention of sunny Virginia (Sally Struthers), which makes him a target for her belligerent ex Elliot (John Getz). It's too much drama for him to handle in addition to the investigation!

Speaking of the investigation, that gets off to a rocky start too. Between social distractions and the occasional threatening note, it's clear that Charles is in over his head. And that's before Emily crosses paths with Julie, who's posing as Charles's daughter for the investigation. Their meeting sparks a crisis of mixed identities and launches A Man on the Inside into hysterical screwball territory.

Yet despite all the gizmos, gadgets, and setbacks that come with Julie's investigation, it's not long before it fades into the background to focus on what really matters to A Man on the Inside: how Charles's mission opens him back up to the world.

A Man on the Inside is a sweet reminder to put yourself out there. Ted Danson and Mary Elizabeth Ellis in "A Man on the Inside." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Charles, while timid, is a sweet man with boundless enthusiasm for things he loves. He can barely hide his excitement from Julie while starting his initial observations, and he'll geek out about the Golden Gate Bridge for hours if you let him. Danson plays Charles's eagerness with a slight reserve to start — after grieving the loss of his wife, it might be too soon to let anyone else in. Yet by the end of A Man on the Inside's first season, he's experienced a signature Schur transformation thanks to the power of community. No longer content to hide within his carefully curated routine, he'll fight for his fellow Pacific View residents and give impassioned speeches about how much they mean to him.

But Charles's change doesn't just apply to his relationship with the people he meets at Pacific View. It also extends to his relationship with Emily, who is always trying to figure out where exactly she and her father stand. As Emily contends with the ups and downs of raising three rambunctious boys, her involvement in Charles and Julie's investigation proves to be an unlikely outlet for her parenting frustrations and an ideal way to connect with Charles. Watching A Man on the Inside turn from unlikely spy caper to father-daughter bonding time is one of the show's greatest joys.

A Man on the Inside offers up meaningful stories about aging. Margaret Avery and Sally Struthers in "A Man on the Inside." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The other great joy of A Man on the Inside is seeing the simultaneous gravity and levity with which it treats its aging characters. We get to see the residents of Pacific View live life to the fullest, whether that means smoking a joint together, sniping at each other like catty high schoolers, or making new romantic connections late in life. In one of the show's most moving, yet still disarmingly funny scenes, Virginia convinces her best friend Florence (Margaret Avery) to buy the massage chair she's wanted for her entire life but was always too scared to buy.

However, A Man on the Inside also dives into the challenges that come with aging and moving into a retirement home. Charles's close Pacific View friend Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson) struggles with his workaholic son visiting him less and less. Characters face heartbreaking diagnoses and lose their friends. Saddest of all, some residents struggle with dementia, leading them to be shunned by other members of the community in A Man on the Inside's most heartbreaking scenes. Thankfully, care from Charles, who's witnessed firsthand the effects of dementia, and Pacific View head Didi (a wonderfully sweet Stephanie Beatriz) prove that there's hope in the darkness.

Still, that sense of abandonment from other residents rings truer to a broader shunting aside of the elderly in real life. Earlier this year, the June Squibb-led film Thelma examined how older people can be discounted or babied, and the anxiety that that can cause. A Man on the Inside continues this discussion with empathy, giving the Pacific View residents space to express their frustrations while also acknowledging how painful it can be to watch someone you love age and gradually lose some of their physical or mental faculties. Chances are, you'll see a lot of your parents and grandparents in Charles and his compatriots, and those suggestions are bound to make you shed a tear. (You've been warned: This show made me cry buckets.)

A Man on the Inside tempers this heavier material with its sharp humor, never leaning too far into schmaltz or lecturing. Its ensemble also boasts incredible chemistry right off the bat, with Danson proving a rock-solid ringleader. These are things you'd expect from a Schur show, and they build A Man on the Inside's wonderful foundation. But again, it's the show's thoughtful portrayal of aging that really makes it stand out, and turns A Man on the Inside into something remarkable.

A Man on the Inside is now streaming on Netflix.

In a landmark antitrust case, the government asked a judge to force the company to sell its popular Chrome browser.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime device license for Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for £63.21 (reg. £458.43) and make pro-level diagrams in a snap.

Need a way to make sense of your ideas and share them with others? Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 is here to make your colleagues jealous the next time you give a presentation, and it can help visualise everything from flowcharts to floor plans. It’s the perfect tool for anyone who wants to whip up aesthetically pleasing visuals without spending hours figuring out complicated design software. At the Mashable Shop, a lifetime license is on sale for £63.21 (reg. £458.43) through 21 November.

Microsoft Visio comes with an extensive library of templates, covering everything from organisational charts and network diagrams to building layouts and data flow maps. These templates give you a head start, so you’re not starting from scratch every time you need to create something. Whether you’re a student working on a group project, a professional creating a business plan, or someone who simply loves organisation, Visio’s ready-made designs keep everything neat and accessible.

One of Visio’s major benefits is its integration with Microsoft 365, allowing you to share and collaborate on your diagrams seamlessly. This feature makes it simple to get feedback from colleagues, present your ideas to others, or even work together on projects in real-time. And because it’s a familiar Microsoft product, navigating and using Visio feels intuitive.

With this deal, you’ll have pro-level tools for everything from corporate diagrams to family tree projects — all with that familiar, easy Microsoft feel.

Through 21 November, get a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for £63.21 (reg. £458.43).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows £63.21 at the Mashable Shop
£458.43 Save £395.22 Get Deal

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Don't feel bad. We've all done it. At one time or another, the hustle and bustle of life gets on top of us all. Which is to say, we've all left the gift buying until the last minute. And let's face it: Gift-buying can be a tricky task. You love your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, and other family members, but sometimes they're hard to shop for and time just gets away from you.

That's why we're here to help. Finding a last-minute gift that's actually meaningful is hard, but it's not impossible. There are still ways to get personalised or sentimental gifts even in a time crunch.

Gift cards are generally the first thought when it comes to last-minute gifts, and while those are great, they're not your only option. Throughout this guide, you will see some gift cards, but don't feel like you're stuck getting one.

Depending on how last-minute you're pushing it, you do have options. This is especially true if you're an Amazon Prime member and get free one-day shipping. As long as your last-minute shopping doesn't happen literally hours before Christmas Day, you should be golden ordering something from Amazon.

Safe bets for last-minute gifting include online services, items with digital delivery, stuff with fast shipping, and subscription services. Check out our top choices below.

These are the best last-minute gifts ideas in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you don't have a tablet, where are you been? Along with the smartphone and laptop, a tablet is one third of the holy trinity of must-have smart devices. Compact and sleek, you can take at tablet anywhere. But they're not only about portability. Some have the kind of processing power that will allow you to do serious work, creative tasks, or gaming.

But with so many different types of tablets and competing brands out there, it's difficult to find the perfect tablet for you. Indeed, there's no shortage of options. Which means there's no shortage of questions to ask yourself before making a purchase.

For instance, do you want an Android tablet? Perhaps an iPad? Maybe an Amazon Fire tablet would be a good fit? Fear not because we can help you answer those questions. We took the time and read through reviews to find the best tablet for just about anyone — not to mention any budget. But firstly, here's some helpful information.

Do you need a tablet?

Sure, a tablet isn’t for everyone. It might be surplus to requirements, but they’re also super handy and productive. If you do lots of video streaming and eBook reading on the go, or you simply need a portable device for work and play, a tablet is almost certainly for you. There are other benefits too. They usually pack plenty of battery power and handle apps (of which there are thousands) at lightning speed.

What is the best operating system on a tablet?

It generally comes down to a choice of four — Apple, Android, Windows, or Fire. Each has its own benefits. Apple is generally accepted as the slickest all-rounder, with its simple-to-use interface and intuitive syncing between devices.

Android is more customisable and is supported across various manufacturers (such as Samsung and Lenovo). Windows is designed as a cross-platform OS, which suits pretty much any device. Often people stick to their preferred OS — it’s a lifestyle choice as much as tech preference — so we’ve included options for each OS. Fire is for Amazon devices only, so you'll get Alexa and other Amazon-specific features.

What are the most important features on a tablet?

Every model and operating system has its own spin on the user experience. Not to mention all those apps. But there a few basics that are worth bearing in mind:

• Battery Life — Tablets outstrip smartphones for battery life, but you’ll still want to make sure you get plenty of juice for your money. Look for 10 hours or more.

• Camera — Front and rear facing cameras are relatively standard on tablets and 12MP is pretty decent. Though even better cameras are available in top tablets.

• Ports — Make sure the tablet you’re buying has the ports you need. Do you have wired headphones? Then make sure there’s a headphone port (increasingly rare). Also check for USB and micro HDMI ports.

• Screen Resolution — This will be important if you’re a big time streamer or you like playing games. Tablets are generally HD — 1280 x 720 — or higher.

• Speakers — You might not buy a tablet expecting great sounds, but if streaming movies and shows is your thing, good sound is a must.

• Storage — This is important for keeping music, photos, and videos, plus offline downloads from streaming sites, such as Netflix. Around 38GB is standard for a mid-priced tablet, but they can go way over that — anything up to 1TB.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next tablet.

What is the best tablet for kids?

Most tablets made specifically for kids are already equipped with parental controls. Things to keep in mind when shopping for a tablet for kids: screen resolution (depending on the amount of movie watching and gaming they'll be doing), storage (they'll probably have more apps than you do), the intensity of parental controls (for obvious reasons), and rugged-ness (because kids drop and break things — fact).

What is the best tablet?

To make your purchase easier, we've lined up a selection of the best tablets according to online reviews, with popular models from top brands like Apple and Samsung making the cut. You just need to consider all of these options and select the device that meets your tablet requirements.

These are the best tablets in 2024.

In a landmark antitrust case, the government will ask a judge to force the company to sell its popular Chrome browser, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Black Friday is nearly here (on November 29, to be precise), and the deals have already kicked off. Joining the bargain bonanza this week is Eureka Vacuums, with some fantastic deals for Aussie shoppers. If you’ve ever wanted to upgrade your cleaning routine with smart technology, now is the best time to do so all year.

Eureka are offering significant discounts – up to 55% – on their Australian range of robot vacuums, as well as their spot cleaner. These deals will be available from now until Cyber Monday, on December 2.

Eureka E10s Opens in a new window Credit: Eureka $600 Off Eureka E10s – A$499 at Amazon AU was $1,099, 55% off. Running Nov 19 until Dec 2. Get Deal

The Eureka E10s is a versatile robot vacuum and mop hybrid that offers powerful cleaning and smart features. It automatically detects floor types and adjusts its cleaning mode accordingly, ensuring optimal performance on carpets and hard floors.

Key Features:

• No dust bag, 45 days’ dust storage

• Automatically recognises carpet to raise the mop

• Smart navigation system to plan the best cleaning route

• Strong suction power

Eureka J12 Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Eureka $800 Off Eureka J12 Ultra – A$799 at Amazon AU was $1,599, 50% off. Running Nov 19 until Dec 2. Get Deal

The Eureka J12 Ultra is a premium robot vacuum that takes home cleaning to the next level. With its powerful suction, AI-powered navigation, and self-emptying base, it effortlessly tackles dirt, dust, and pet hair.

Key Features:

• Self-emptying, Automatic docking station

• 55℃ hot wind mop drying systems

• 5000PA strong suction

• Laser navigation and obstacle avoidance

Eureka NEY100 Opens in a new window Credit: Eureka $73 Off Eureka NEY100 – A$196 at Amazon AU was $269, 27% off. Running Nov 19 until Dec 2. Get Deal

The Eureka NEY100 is a portable spot cleaner perfect for tackling tough stains on carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces. Its lightweight design and portability make it easy to use, ideal for quick clean-ups.

Key Features:

• Can be used in multiple scenarios, such as cleaning carpets, pillows and couch

• Water temperature heating helps to remove stubborn stains.  

• Large water tank.  

• Easy to carry and store.

Want more bargains? Check out out the best Black Friday deals we’ve spotted in Australia here.

Gautam Adani was charged with wire and securities fraud by prosecutors in Brooklyn.

Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milligan share how Hot Frosty blends humor, heart, and holiday magic.

Hot Frosty is streaming now on Netflix.

Tens of thousands of users reported that the website and app were inaccessible starting just before 3 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday.

The company, which dominates the market for chips used to build artificial intelligence, expects another big jump in the current quarter.

No, babe, your posts on X are so funny! You should totally post whatever you tweeted four years ago on a new platform in 2024. Everyone is going to love that!

A post from an unofficial "Bluesky Support" account says otherwise: "Stop importing your old tweets! they sucked the first time too!"

Some Bluesky users are reading a lot into the mere idea of importing old tweets to a new platform, saying it's a sign of narcissism or implying that people who choose to import their old tweets are living in fear of the unknown. While we all must take a deep breath and recognize that nothing is that deep, it does seem to be a trend.

SEE ALSO: I've barely used Bluesky, and the engagement already feels more real

One Bluesky user posted, "Stop importing your old tweets from 2015. No one needs to read your jokes about Taken 3, and I am trying to post! "

"In theory i support people importing their old tweets but it should only allow you to import the absolute bangers. i want that good shit ONLY," one user posted, reasonably.

"Instead of importing my old tweets, i will be posting your old bangers as though they are my own," another user joked.

SEE ALSO: Will Bluesky train gen AI with your posts? The X rival addressed concerns.

If you decide to make moves against the haters, you can import all of your old tweets — with the exception of retweets, replies, and reposts — by using the Porto Chrome extension.

Bluesky has been experiencing nonstop growth ever since election day. The alternative social media platform is starting to stand out above all of the others as users flee Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, due to changes at X as well as Musk's role in the incoming Trump administration. 

On Tuesday, Bluesky announced that it had hit 20 million users. It has also begun surpassing another big X competitor, Meta's Threads, in some key statistics as well.

SEE ALSO: I've barely used Bluesky, and the engagement already feels more real

As Bluesky continues to grow, scammers and other bad actors are going to take notice. In fact, some have already. 

Fake accounts on Bluesky

On Wednesday, for example, an account claiming to be billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman went viral on Bluesky after it published a post suggesting that Bluesky should be acquired in order to stop the user exodus from Musk's X. It was a fake. There have already been fake Gaza fundraiser accounts and fake accounts falsely claiming to be British MPs.

Of course, fake accounts are not unique to Bluesky. If you'll recall, Musk's X had to temporarily shut down its paid verification system when it first launched due to an influx of paid fake accounts. And Bluesky has been pretty good so far at quickly shutting down accounts that have been reported for breaking the platform's rules. 

However, Bluesky is fairly new. 20 million users is a lot, but it's still only 20 million users, and a lot of well-known individuals on other similar platforms are not yet on Bluesky. When an account claims to be a notable individual from another platform, even though — or perhaps because — that individual is not already established on Bluesky, users are often fooled.

No Bluesky verification

Unlike most major social media platforms, Bluesky does not currently have an identity verification system. 

Before Musk's takeover, the verified blue checkmark on Twitter was a sign of authenticity. An account was indeed who it claimed to be or represented. With the roll out of paid verification on platforms like X and Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, the trustworthiness of the verification mark has been diluted. However, seeing the value in verifying noteworthy users, many big accounts on these platforms are still provided with free verification.

Some may argue that no verification is better than a system that sells it. That may very well be the case. However, Bluesky does have a problem unique to its platform when it comes to fake accounts: Custom domains.

Bluesky's custom domain problem

When signing up for Bluesky, users pick a username which appears on the platform as "@yourname.bsky.social". Many users choose usernames that correlate with their handle on other platforms.

After signing up, Bluesky users can further alter their username by connecting their own domain name to use. When doing this, user's Bluesky usernames then become "@yourname.com". This helps customize a user's experience and, if the domain name is representative of that user, can serve as a form of verification itself. In fact, that's how Bluesky itself promotes it – a way to "self-verify."

But, when using your own custom domain name as a Bluesky username, Bluesky releases the originally registered "@yourname.bsky.social" username back into the wild, available for anyone to register. 

Some have taken the extra step of registering a separate account with that handle in order to deter bad actors from grabbing the username. However, Bluesky is fairly new, so even some of the most tech-savvy users may not realize that their original "@yourname.bsky.social" is no longer reserved for them once they set up their own custom domain username.

The takeaway, then, is that Bluesky may not be as saturated with scammers, bots, and trolls as X, but it's still just a platform on the internet, and if you're planning on spending time there, you'd better keep an eye out for frauds.

Bluesky is still in its infancy, but the social media platform is growing fast. And it might already be a more engaging place to post than Elon Musk's X.

In case you missed it, Bluesky's growth has skyrocketed since the election. It shot to the top of the App Store and nearly doubled in growth to some 20 million users and counting. On Wednesday, it added about 8 users per second.

SEE ALSO: X users are fleeing to Bluesky: Here’s a quick-start guide on how to sign up

With that growth has come an interesting development: Bluesky might be a better place for actual engagement than X, the website formerly known as Twitter. With its choose-your-own-algorithm model, users can opt to follow the app's Discover feed, chronological Following feed, or one of the many feeds curated by other users — a formula for a better, more real experience.

I was, by most metrics, a Twitter power user. I've posted more than 28,000 times since joining in 2012 and, as a digital journalist, have used the site as a key part of my job. And, as recently as October, I wrote that while Musk's version of X sucked, I would not be leaving. I'm no longer so sure.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X sucks and I'm not leaving

Setting aside moral qualms about using X — though those exist — it's become increasingly difficult to enjoy using the platform. If you refuse to pay the world's richest man for a blue check, then you'll see your engagement get throttled. God forbid, though, you have a post break through. Then your replies will be a flood of blue check replies, most of which read like bots or trolls.

Still, most of the time, posting on X seems like talking into the void. I have a few thousand followers on X, but most posts these day get very few, if any, likes. That wasn't the norm pre-Elon. And, importantly, any engagement I have gotten often sucks. A recent post that did well I pretty much immediately muted due to annoying replies. A social media site can only be flooded with spammy flotsam for so long before it takes over the experience.

On Bluesky, anecdotally, I feel like I get roughly the same amount of engagement as on X: very little. But I've barely used the platform and have just 75 followers. But any likes and replies I have gotten have been from real human beings. And my new followers? Ditto. Meanwhile, on X, my latest mention is a crypto scam and my last three follows are spammy bots.

Other folks have noticed that perhaps engagement is better on Bluesky. Here's NBC tech and culture reporter Kat Tenbarge, for instance.

Credit: Screenshot: Bluesky / @kattenbarge.bsky.social

I asked around at Mashable, as well, among folks who've used Bluesky often.

"On Twitter, I've got more than 7,000 followers. On Bluesky, I've got fewer than 2,000. But my posts feel like a ghost town on the former, while consistently getting at least a little bit of engagement on the latter," said Mashable tech and video games reporter Alex Perry. "It should also be noted that 100 percent of replies I get on Bluesky are from real people, and not blue check bots."

Mashable reporter Matt Binder, meanwhile, noted that Bluesky felt a lot like old Twitter.

"Replying to an account actually has meaning and can find you new followers and engagement. Now, on [X], it doesn't matter," Binder said. "Replies are all just blue checkmarks getting prioritized and AI-generated replies to get engagement. But the content of replies on Bluesky matters like how they did on old Twitter."

Sure, migrating to Bluesky means starting from scratch. But it also might mean more genuine engagement and using a social media site actually functioning for its users.

Everyone loves their Spotify Wrapped, but if you're more of a fan of YouTube Music, you can still get your data summary and fun little graphics.

Some people already have access to their YouTube Music 2024 Recap, but it only appears to be available for some. According to a Diamond Product Expert who responded to a query about seasonal recaps on YouTube Music Help, "The 2024 Seasonal Recap experience will live exclusively in the YouTube Music and YouTube Main apps on mobile devices. It is unavailable on web. Users will be able to search for their 2024 Recap playlist on the web."

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Spotify Wrapped 2024

"Audio in the background of Recap stories is only available for Premium members in the YouTube Music app," they added. "If you are a free user or watching your Recap on Main, you won’t be able to hear audio with your Recap."

If the recap is available for you, you should see a banner advertising it below the "speed dial" section on the YouTube Music app on Android or iOS. If you don't see the banner, navigate to your profile, open the "Your Recap" option, and then tap "get your recap."

This years' YouTube Music 2024 Recap will include music video stats, mood insights, and Google Photos integration, Headphonesty reports. The theme is "your music character."

Not everyone is happy with their recap. In a post on Reddit, users complained that their recaps weren't accurate and were disappointed that they came out toward the end of November instead of the end of the calendar year.

Production company A24 has brought us incredible films, from this year's Love Lies Bleeding and The Brutalist to past Best Picture winners like Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Now, they're delivering another treat: themed chocolate bars.

A24's Movie Chocolate is a collection of three milk chocolate candy bars, each themed around various concessions. The Fizzy Fountain Soda bar pairs root beer and popping candies, the Popcorn & Candy bar features popcorn and chocolate-covered candies, and the Salty Peanut Crunch bar combines the timeless duo of peanuts and caramel.

SEE ALSO: How to watch your favorite A24 films, from 'Love Lies Bleeding' to 'Civil War' to 'MaXXXine'

The private-label chocolate is currently available to purchase through the website moviechocolate.co, as well as through A24's online shop. Each bar retails for $5, with the Triple Feature gift set of six bars costing $33. Bars will also be coming soon to select AMC Theaters, where they'll cost $5.99 plus tax.

While these bars nod to classic movie theater concessions, we couldn't help but wonder what an A24 movie-themed chocolate bar collection would look like. How would Heretic taste? Would The Witch fulfill its promises of living deliciously? So here, without further ado, are our pitches for 12 additional A24 chocolate bars, as varied and strange as the company's many offerings.

Everything Everywhere All at Once Stephanie Hsu in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Credit: A24

The ultimate nihilistic treat, this everything bagel chocolate bar is inspired by Stephanie Hsu's Jobu Tupaki. We're talking a bar filled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and kosher salt — we might skip the garlic and onion flakes. When you really put everything on a bagel, then on a chocolate bar, it becomes this. The truth. Nothing matters. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Heretic Hugh Grant in "Heretic." Credit: A24

Mr. Reed's (Hugh Grant) terrifying blueberry pie-scented candle prompted special scented Heretic screenings. So how about we translate that experience to a chocolate bar next? Blueberry clusters give this dark chocolate a juicy pop, but a smoky aftertaste will leave you questioning your reality. But on the bright side, maybe if we give some of this to Mr. Reed, he'll let us out of his house of horrors? Please? — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

SEE ALSO: 'Heretic's intense ending, explained I Saw the TV Glow Mr. Sprinkly's ice cream truck in "I Saw the TV Glow." Credit: A24

We had to go with ruby chocolate for our I Saw the TV Glow-flavored bar, which pays tribute to the Buffy-esque series The Pink Opaque. Appropriately pink, and covered in sprinkles as a nod to the nightmarish Mr. Sprinkly, we can promise that this chocolate will taste exactly the same now as it will decades down the line. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'I Saw the TV Glow' cast and crew play "Slash or Pass" Aftersun Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal in "Aftersun." Credit: A24

Flash back to Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio's heartbreaking Turkish vacation with this Aftersun-flavored chocolate. Peppered with mini chunks of Turkish delight, this bar is sure to make you ponder your relationship with your father. Eat while listening to "Under Pressure" for the full effect. — B.E.

Midsommar Florence Pugh in "Midsommar." Credit: A24

No, there's no bear meat in our Midsommar chocolate. Instead, this beer-infused bar encourages you to celebrate the midsummer festival, with dried edible flowers sprinkled on top evoking everyone's majestic flower crowns. Don't worry; there definitely aren't any hallucinogens in this chocolate. Nothing suspicious at all. — B.E.

The Witch

Wouldst thou like to live deliciously... by sinking your teeth into this The Witch bar? In the spirit of Black Philip, we've thrown dark chocolate and butter together, because we wouldst like the taste of butter very much, thank you. — B.E.

Babygirl Nicole Kidman in "Babygirl." Credit: A24

We've still got a bit of time before Halina Reijn's erotic thriller Babygirl comes out, but that doesn't mean we can't fantasize (wink) about what it might taste like. From the trailer alone, we know that milk and cookies play key roles in Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson's BDSM courtship, so how about we make a milk chocolate bar studded with decadent cookie crumbles? Lap it up. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'Babygirl' review: Nicole Kidman to 'Challengers': Hold my beer Moonlight

The dinner Kevin (André Holland) makes Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) in the final act of Moonlight is one of the best food scenes put to film, so of course we have to pay homage to it in our Moonlight bar. In honor of Kevin's pollo a la plancha, this bar features hints of lime and cilantro. I don't care if that's polarizing — it's movie-accurate! — B.E.

The X trilogy Mia Goth in "MaXXXine." Credit: A24

How do you sum up Ti West's genre-bending X trilogy in one tiny bar of chocolate? By splitting it into three parts, of course! One dark chocolate, one white chocolate, and one milk chocolate. Sample at will, or eat all three at once to experience three very different eras of horror — er, I mean types of chocolate. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'MaXXXine' review: Mia Goth and Ti West return with a bloody film noir We Live in Time Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in "We Live in Time." Credit: A24

You're going to need this experimental haute cuisine-inspired bar to get through We Live In Time. Inspired by the "Douglas fir parfait" Florence Pugh's chef Almut feeds to Andrew Garfield's Tobias, this bar is a pine emulsion-infused innovation. It's salty as hell, from the avalanche of tears we poured while watching this film. — S.C.

SEE ALSO: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield on how food is used as a form of intimacy in 'We Live in Time' All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt Sheila Atim in "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt." Credit: A24

If you have the word "taste" in your movie title, we're going to theme a chocolate bar around it. That's the case for Raven Jackson's moving directorial debut All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt. The title gives us one key ingredient already with salt, but we'll toss in flecks of edible clay to pay tribute to the film's focus on the tradition of eating clay dirt, and how it moves from generation to generation. — B.E.

Uncut Gems Adam Sandler in "Uncut Gems." Credit: A24

This Uncut Gems confection is nothing short of a panic attack in a chocolate bar. Like A24's Fizzy Fountain Soda chocolate, this sweet is chock-full of popping candy — enough to make you feel like your mouth is going to explode and all your gambling plans are going to fall apart. Plus, Pop Rocks look like gems if you squint, right? — B.E.

Cambridge Dictionary has chosen its word the year, and it's manifest. It beat out brat (inspired by Charli XCX's album of the same name), ecotarian, and resilience.

SEE ALSO: We're living through the age of delusion

According to the dictionary, the verb means "to use methods such as visualization and affirmation to help you imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen." The dictionary chose the word because users searched for it over 130,000 times.

It claims that in 2024, manifest "jumped from being mainly used in the self-help community and on social media to being mentioned widely across mainstream media." It attributes its popularity to celebrity culture and athletes claiming manifestation as a strategy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the word has been in the public consciousness for several years.

The graph in Cambridge Dictionary's announcement shows the word's growth over the past five years, which is on par with its popularity on social media. It doesn't show any significant spikes this year compared to previous years, making it an odd choice.

SEE ALSO: 'Very demure' demonstrates TikTok's ability to shape modern language

"When we choose a Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year, we have three considerations: user data, zeitgeist, and language. What word was looked up the most or spiked? Which one captures what was happening in that year? And what is interesting about this word from a language point of view?" said Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager at Cambridge Dictionary, in the announcement. "Manifest won this year because it increased notably in lookups, its use widened greatly across all types of media, and it shows how the meanings of a word can change over time.”

Since the pandemic, there have been pockets of TikTok devoted to manifestation, and in early 2023, "Lucky Girl Syndrome" took over FYPs. The platform encouraged women to manifest by repeating the phrase, "I am so lucky; everything works out for me." Twenty-seven thousand posts have been tagged "Lucky Girl Syndrome" on the platform.

Here's to hoping!