Feed aggregator

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

It might not always seem like it, but the online world is full of restrictions.

Access to your favorites sites is not guaranteed. There will be many locations around the world that will restrict your access to certain sites, including porn sites like xHamster. There is probably a good reason for that, but there is also something to be said for online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to navigate the online world without hassle.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock xHamster for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world.

Unblock xHamster by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to xHamster

4. Access xHamster from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-year subscription + 3 months free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you might need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• 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.

Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from the University of Michigan are available to take on edX.

Have you every wished you could become a student of a famous school, but don't have the time or money to apply? Well look no further than edX. This popular hub for online courses offers free lessons on a wide range of subjects from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world, including the University of Michigan.

You can find free online courses from the University of Michigan on Python programming, JavaScript, and so much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of courses to get you started.

These are the best free online courses from the University of Michigan this month:

• Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences

• Building Web Applications in Django

• Community Engagement: Collaborating for Change

• Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL

• Data Science Ethics

• Django Features and Libraries

• Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making

• Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries

• Inspiring and Motivating Arts and Culture Teams

• Intermediate PostgreSQL

• Introduction to Data Analytics for Managers

• JSON and Natural Language Processing in PostgreSQL

• Leading Change: Go Beyond Gamification with Gameful Learning

• Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

• Public Library Marketing and Public Relations

• Python Data Structures

• Storytelling for Social Change

• Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills

• Using JavaScript and JSON in Django

• Web Application Technologies and Django

The catch is that these free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but you can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials. So what's stopping you from enrolling?

Find the best free online courses from the University of Michigan on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: University of Michigan University of Michigan Online Courses Free at edX Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders on YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

NFL Week 15 action continues with a matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. The Atlanta Falcons are at 6-7 and the Las Vegas Raiders are at 2-11 for the season.

During their last game, the Atlanta Falcons lost 21-42 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Las Vegas Raiders lost 13-38 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

When is Falcons vs. Raiders?

Falcons vs. Raiders takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will play at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise.

The game will air on ESPN, where Chris Fowler is expected to do the play-by-play. Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky will join him in the booth. Laura Rutledge will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Falcons vs. Raiders

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Falcons vs. Raiders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Falcons vs. Raiders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (including other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most popular: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV Fro $82.99/month Get Deal

Hulu + Live TV offers three plans that support ESPN+. The lowest plan that includes ESPN+ is $82.99 per month. To stream more networks without ads, such as Disney+, you can also choose a plan that's $87.99 per month or $95.99 per month.

Hulu + Live TV's sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, BTN, FOX, FS1, CBS, ACC Network, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

During NFL Week 15, the Chicago Bears play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. The Chicago Bears are at 4-9 for the season and the Minnesota Vikings are at 11-2.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Minnesota Vikings won their game against the Atlanta Falcons at 21-42, while the Chicago Bears lost against the San Francisco 49ers at 13-38.

When is Bears vs. Vikings?

The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will face off at the Soldier Field in Chicago.

The game will air on ABC, where Joe Buck is expected to do the play-by-play. Troy Aikman will join him in the booth. Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Bears vs. Vikings

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Bears vs. Vikings:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Watch Now

The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, as well as other NFL fixtures.

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Watch Now

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 today'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 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 December 16 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Radios

• Green: Kid fights

• Blue: Snacks that are also sounds

• Purple: Corny joke openers

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

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

• Yellow: Types of Radio

• Green: Kinds of Play Fights

• Blue: Snack Cakes

• Purple: Classic Joke Staples

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 #554 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Types of Radio: AM, HAM, SATELLITE, WALKIE-TALKIE

• Kinds of Play Fights: FOOD, PILLOW, SNOWBALL, WATER BALLON

• Snack Cakes: DEVIL DOG, DING DONG, HOHO, YODEL

• Classic Joke Staples: BAR, CHICKEN, KNOCK-KNOCK, LIGHT BULB

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 16

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.

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 December 16 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: Extra man on different sports teams

• Green: Where to sit

• Blue: Creators of collectibles

• Purple: Played by comedian & singer behind 'Eight Crazy Nights'

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: Bench player

• Green: Stadium seating sections

• Blue: Sports card brands

• Purple: Adam Sandler characters in sports films

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 #84 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Bench player - PINCH HITTER, RESERVE, SIXTH MAN, SUB

• Stadium seating sections - BLEACHERS, MEZZANINE, SUITE, UPPER DECK

• Sports card brands - BOWMAN, LEAF, PANINI, TOPPS

• Adam Sandler characters in sports films - BOUCHER, CREWE, GILMORE, SUGARMAN

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 today'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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 16 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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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 December 16 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Loud and excessively prideful.

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 B.

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...

BOAST.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 16

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.

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 Mashable

By 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: Answer, hints for December 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Crossed words

These words are combined.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are made up of a crossover of two other words.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Portmanteaux.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 16

• Smog

• Brunch

• Zorse

• Spork

• Anklet

• Athleisure

• Portmanteaux

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.

The field of politics has become even more complicated for women leaders, with the rise of generative AI posing an even greater risk for female politicians than men, according to a report released this week.

The analysis, published by disinformation think tank the American Sunlight Project (ASP) via The 19th on Dec. 11, uncovered more than 35,000 pieces of digitally altered nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) depicting 26 members of Congress. ASP's numbers, when broken down, outline a stark reality for victims of NCII: Of those thousands of images, the organization found 25 women politicians depicted by AI. Only one man was the subject of such content.

Throughout the entire study, women members of Congress were 70 times more likely than men to be targeted by non-consensual synthetic images and 1 in 6 congresswomen (or 16 percent) are the victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery.

SEE ALSO: Defense Department going big on generative AI to 'meet critical warfighter problems'

Leaders across the political aisle have attempted to address the rise of both NCII and synthetic AI-generated images, but have been slow to reach consensus. In January, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (Defiance Act), intended to criminalize the act of spreading nonconsensual, sexualized "digital forgeries" made with AI. It was passed in July but is still being considered by the House.

Last week the Senate passed the Take It Down Act, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz in June. The bill similarly criminalizes the publishing of digitally manipulated deepfakes online but also metes out penalties for companies who fail to remove such content within 48 hours of it being reported.

But the gendered reality of AI-boosted images can't be understated, especially as women leaders navigate a precarious online environment putting them at greater risk for sexual abuse. In August, the Center for Countering Digital Hate published a study on the rise of online hate and negative engagement on the social profiles of women politicians. According to an analysis of the Instagram profiles of 10 female incumbents, one in 25 comments was "highly likely" to be toxic. Instagram failed to act on 93 percent of reported abusive comments targeting female politicians.

"We need to kind of reckon with this new environment and the fact that the internet has opened up so many of these harms that are disproportionately targeting women and marginalized communities," said American Sunlight Project founder and author Nina Jankowicz. "My hope here is that the members are pushed into action when they recognize not only that it’s affecting American women, but it’s affecting them. It’s affecting their own colleagues. And this is happening simply because they are in the public eye."

ASP informed the offices of affected politicians, alerting them to AI-generated NCII. The images were almost entirely removed following the notice, although the organization didn't receive any comments.

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

Brian Cox, Gaia Wise and Luca Pasqualino are joined by the filmmakers of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim to do a deep dive into how the prequel film sets the stage for the epic Peter Jackson trilogy.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is now in theaters.

Nothing makes our current reality feel more surreal than when Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update headlines are more truth than punchline.

SEE ALSO: Adam Sandler as a bloody surgery patient completely breaks 'SNL' cast

Co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che ran through several Trump-related headlines on this week's show, hosted by Chris Rock. The lineup included the president-elect being named TIME's Person of the Year, Elon Musk insinuating that Trump and late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were reproductive justice allies, and the leader's recent pledge to end Daylight Savings Time (Thanks, I guess?).

From the Starbucks-drinking United Healthcare CEO assassin to Amazon donating $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration, this week has felt far too long.

How best to signal to an audience that a sketch is about to go off the walls? You throw Adam Sandler's sliced artery on the operating table. Literally.

In a surprise appearance on this week's episode, Sandler is the unfortunate, tropical shirt-wearing victim of a baffled surgical team led by Saturday Night Live host Chris Rock.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' cold open questions why the internet finds Luigi Mangione so hot

There's blood everywhere, the fourth wall no longer exists, and just about everything in this operating room is going haywire, mostly due to an inept (but really hot) nurse named Leslie (Sarah Sherman). She's a Gen Z-coded, AirPod-wearing questionable medical professional who the doctors, and Sandler, keep sticking up for, because everybody needs that one coworker you can rag on. Where are Dr. Please and Jeffrey Thank You when you need them.

Nancy Grace is on the case of why the internet finds United Healthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione so hot, in this weekend's Saturday Night Live cold open.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 15

With questionable uses of the phrases "BDE" and "twunk," Sarah Sherman, donning a gravity-defying Nancy Grace wig and over-the-top accent, embraces the legal commentator's YouTube era, complete with annoying interrupting ads.

Sprinkle in appearances from a guy who was in the McDonald's where Mangione was arrested, and new cast member Emil Wakim finally fulfilling the internet's dream of seeing him play Mangione (or his lookalike... close enough), and the sketch is a quick rundown of the week's favorite, thirst-filled memes.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 Sunday December 15, 2024:

AcrossHalloween costume with a bedsheet

• The answer is Ghost.

Role for Leonardo DiCaprio in a '90s romantic tragedy

• The answer is Romeo.

Thwart, as disaster

• The answer is Avert.

"Switching gears here ..." or "On a similar note ..."

• The answer is Segue.

British baby buggies

• The answer is Prams.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 15, 2024 DownWrap one's mind around

• The answer is Grasp.

Float like a hummingbird

• The answer is Hover.

Upscale Swiss watch that shares its name with a Greek letter

• The answer is Omega.

Truth ___

• The answer is Serum.

Slangy "For sure!"

• The answer is Totes.

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.

Cafeteria melees. Students kicked in the head. Injured educators. Technology is stoking cycles of violence in schools across the United States.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to the OneAir AI Travel Elite Plan for $49.97 and save big on flights for your 2025 adventures.

You’ve spent ages dreaming about your 2025 getaway plans — but finding affordable flights? That’s a headache waiting to happen. Luckily, OneAir AI Travel makes it easier to book smarter and stress less while saving big. December 15 is your last chance to grab this low price on an Elite Plan before its price increases again — just $49.97.

With a lifetime membership, you’ll have an AI-powered travel assistant scanning for the best flight deals — real-time updates included. Whether you’re planning a beach retreat, a family reunion abroad, or a solo escape, OneAir keeps you ahead of price drops and promotions so you can lock in the best deals without endless searching.

OneAir’s features go beyond just finding cheap tickets. It includes fare protection services, helping you secure refunds if ticket prices fall after booking. Plus, personalized deal alerts and a streamlined dashboard let you focus on where you’re going, not how to get there.

Don’t wait to book your next adventure. Take those dream 2025 trips with confidence — and keep your budget intact.

For just $49.97 until December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT, this lifetime OneAir AI Travel Elite Plan sets you up with all the tools you need for hassle-free travel planning.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: OneAir OneAir Elite: Lifetime Subscription (Book Unbeatable Hotel and Flight Deals + Earn Up to 10% in Cash Rewards on Most Bookings) $49.97
$790.00 Save $740.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for life for only $17.97 through Dec. 22 and unlock smarter tools for work and play.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $18.97
$199.00 Save $180.03 Get Deal

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $17.97 through December 22 and unlock smarter tools for work and play.

What you'll get with Windows 11 Pro:

• Snap layouts make multitasking easy, letting you organize your workspace in seconds

• Integrated Copilot provides AI-powered assistance to help boost productivity and creativity

• Run Android apps alongside your favorite desktop programs for a seamless workflow

• BitLocker encryption keeps your data secure, even on lost or stolen devices

• Optimized to run on older PCs—no hardware upgrade required

• Virtual desktops let you switch between work and play setups effortlessly

• Lifetime access means no subscription fees, ever

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro with a lifetime license today for just $17.97 (reg. $199) until December 22 and level up your PC experience.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Own Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for $39.99 through Dec. 22 and get premium tools for work and home use.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac $39.99
$229.00 Save $189.01 Get Deal

Own Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $39.99 for life through Dec. 22 and get premium tools for work and home use.

What you can expect with your lifetime license:

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams Classic for all your productivity needs

• Word’s smart editing tools help you create professional documents effortlessly

• Excel delivers advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities

• PowerPoint enables polished presentations

• Outlook simplifies email management with integrated calendars and contacts

• OneNote helps you organize your notes, ideas, and to-do lists in one easy-to-use digital notebook

• Teams Classic keeps you connected with chat and collaboration tools for seamless teamwork

• One-time payment for lifetime access — no monthly or annual subscriptions required, with updates and customer service for life

• Compatible with macOS 13, 14, and 15, offering seamless performance on Mac devices

• Software license keys and download links delivered instantly

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for Mac for $59.97 (reg. $219) until December 22 and boost your productivity without breaking the bank.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get secure, ad-free, and unrestricted internet access anywhere with the Deeper Connect Air VPN router for $169 with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Deeper Connect Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router $169.00
$219.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Online privacy is an integral part of life, no matter how old you are or where you are. However, it's probably even more important to have safeguards when you travel and need to rely on random networks.

The Deeper Connect Air Portable VPN Travel Router is made to be an all-in-one internet security solution. Compact and lightweight, it’s designed to deliver military-grade encryption, blazing-fast speeds of up to 300Mbps, and access to 150,000+ worldwide servers — all without a subscription.

For just $169 (reg. $219) with free shipping, this sleek device lets you browse securely, block ads, and unlock geo-restricted content wherever you go.

Whether you’re catching up on Netflix abroad, accessing sensitive work files at a café, or keeping your kids safe online, the Deeper Connect Air has you covered. Plug it in, select a server, and connect up to five devices wirelessly, with no complicated setup required. It’s privacy, speed, and convenience in one pocket-sized package.

Using the Deeper Connect Air is made to be super easy:

1. Plug the router’s USB-C output into your laptop or power source.

2. Choose a server from 150,000+ global options.

3. Connect up to five devices wirelessly — compatible with everything from smartphones to gaming consoles.

With Decentralized VPN (DPN) technology, you’re protected by a serverless architecture that intelligently routes your data while maintaining privacy. You can even block ads (yes, even YouTube ones) and enjoy a more seamless browsing experience.

You’ll enjoy secure browsing in airports, hotels, and coffee shops—no more worrying about your sensitive information being compromised.

Need to stream your favorite show or access restricted sites? This router bypasses geo-blocks effortlessly, making it perfect for travelers, remote workers, or anyone tired of digital limitations. 

Get the Deeper Connect Air for $169 and on time for Christmas when you order through Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to BitMar Streaming Content-Finder for $14.99 with coupon code SAVE25 and make your holiday movie marathons easier than ever.

There’s nothing like settling in for a cozy holiday movie marathon — but finding something to watch can feel like a job of its own. BitMar makes it easy to dive straight into the good stuff. This all-in-one content discovery platform brings free streaming content together in one user-friendly hub — perfect for holiday movie nights, TV binges, or finding new music to set the festive mood.

Use promo code SAVE25 to get a lifetime subscription for just $14.99.

Powered by Bing and smart internal algorithms, BitMar helps you filter through countless options to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s free holiday classics, family-friendly comedies, or even YouTube videos (ad-free...major score), BitMar aggregates content from multiple sources without making you pay for additional subscriptions.

What sets BitMar apart? You get a centralized platform that’s ethical, legal, and doesn’t bombard you with ads — something even YouTube can’t claim unless you pay for Premium. And since it’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, it’s a gift that keeps on giving — ideal for cord-cutters or anyone tired of juggling multiple streaming services.

Turn endless browsing into effortless streaming. BitMar makes it easy to plan your holiday marathons and beyond, all without the stress of landing on sketchy sites or missing out on great content.

Make your holiday movie nights effortless — grab BitMar’s lifetime subscription for $14.99 with code SAVE25.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $15.99
$150.00 Save $134.01 Get Deal