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Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 8

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 22:00

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 October 8'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 October 8 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 October 8 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Shorthand for a place that serves burgers; something to smoke weed.

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 J.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 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...

JOINT.

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.

The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals for 2024

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 21:03

With the silly season soon upon us, Amazon has kicked off their second exclusive sales event for 2024, Prime Big Deal Days (not to be confused with Prime Day in July). From now until midnight on Sunday October 13 (AEDT), Amazon.com.au will feature some of it's biggest discounts all year – in some cases, with even lower prices than even Prime Day or Black Friday week.

Bear in mind that the event is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, so, if you're not a member, you'll need to sign up for a free 30-day trial to get in on the bargains.

Without further adieu, here's are the top deals we've spotted so far:

Best robot vacuum dealsBest smart home dealsBest smartphone and tablet dealsBest wearable tech dealsBest headphone and speaker dealsBest TV and home cinema dealsBest laptop dealsBest gaming deals

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What is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?

Similar to Prime Day (which normally takes place in July) this month's Prime Big Deal Days is a sales event exclusive to Amazon Prime members in Australia and overseas. Aside from Prime Day and Black Friday, it's just about your best chance all year to score some eyewatering deals on a huge range of products being sold on Amazon.

When is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days in Australia?

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days in 2024 commenced 12:01am AEDT on October 8, with local deals running for six days until 11:59pm AEDT on October 13.

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days shopping tips

Strategy is key for making the most of the Prime Big Deal Days event. Knowing how to shop on Amazon across the days will get you the best deals and save you heaps of time. If you feel like browsing for fun, be sure to check out the main Big Deal Days page!

Meanwhile, here are our top shopping tips for taking advantage of the sale:

  • Amazon's ‘Spotlight Deals’ run for 24-hours or more – some even run for the whole Big Deal Days event. You can take your time with these purchases, read the reviews, compare prices, and hit "buy" once you are sure you're getting bang for your buck.

  • Meanwhile, ‘Lightning Deals’ last for a limited amount of time, and have a limited amount of stock. If you see a good price on a lightning deal on something you want, be sure to get in quick!

  • Keep an eye on specific items you want, especially with the upcoming holiday gifting season. Simply search for these items on the Amazon store and see if they're on sale.

  • Try out Alexa shopping. You can simply ask “Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?”, or even track your orders by asking “Alexa, where’s my stuff?”.

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 8

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 21:00

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 October 8'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 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 October 8 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: Spooky iconography

  • Green: Stop

  • Blue: Reading music

  • Purple: Types of candy

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: Halloween Symbols

  • Green: Prohibit

  • Blue: Found on Sheet Music

  • Purple: Candy___

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 #485 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Halloween Symbols: BAT, PUMPKIN, SPIDER, WITCH

  • Prohibit: BAN, BLOCK, DENY, FORBID

  • Found on Sheet Music: ACCIDENTAL, NOTE, REST, STAFF

  • Candy___: APPLE, BAR, CANE, CORN

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8

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.

Upgrade your desk setup with one of these keyboard deals live ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 19:56
Best keyboard deals ahead of October Prime Day Best standard keyboard deal Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon (Save $22.53) Get Deal Best mechanical keyboard deal Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Whether you're deep in the rabbit hole that is having a keyboard building hobby or you're simply looking to update your home office setup, Prime Big Deal Days is shaping up to be a great time to pick up a new keyboard on sale.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Though Amazon's sale doesn't officially start until Oct. 8, plenty of keyboards are already marked down from brands like SteelSeries, Epomaker, and more.

What makes a good keyboard can have a lot to do with personal preferences. We've included 15 different keyboard deals on our list below so you can find what you're looking for, whether you want something you can plug and play, or a hot-swappable keyboard you can customize as much as you'd like.

Best standard keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $22.53 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Magic Keyboard is pricey, but for folks who enjoy a quiet, low-profile typing experience, it could very well be worth it. Windows users are probably going to want to pass on this keyboard, but Apple fans will appreciate the easy connectivity to their MacBook or iPad, as well as the 100% layout. Note that this is an older version of the Magic Keyboard without a Touch ID sensor.

Best mechanical keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Royal Kludge Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $90, you're getting a hot-swappable keyboard with a 96% layout, a knob, a small display, and a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C connection. In other words, this Royal Kludge keyboard is a great affordable mechanical keyboard, whether you're into gaming or just want something cute for your desk. There are also four different keycap colorways available, but the coupon amount may vary depending on which you choose.

More keyboard deals

Elon Musk's weirdest weekend, explained

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 19:44

In September, there were signs that Elon Musk's attempts to elect Donald Trump — on and off the network formerly known as Twitter — were faltering.

Now, after a weekend in which Musk immortalized the hashtag #DorkMAGA at a Trump rally, appropriated the @America account from its owner, and used it to literally offer money to swing state voters, those attempts have entered uncharted territory.

How did we get here? Let's recap.

On September 23, Musk was successfully fact-checked, a.k.a. Community Noted, on an X post relating to U.S. politics, for the first time in 2024. Musk spread a false rumor that a bomb had been found at a Trump rally. A New York Times examination of Musk's 171 posts that week found that nearly a third of them were "false, misleading or lacked vital context." The fact that only one of them was marked as such gives you a sense of just how much Musk's supporters on the service are downvoting Community Notes on his posts.

Even for the stans, it seems, a fake bomb threat was beyond the pale.

Meanwhile IRL, Musk's pro-Trump America PAC was stumbling. In two swing states that will decide the 2024 election, Arizona and Nevada, where voter turnout is crucial, Musk fired its entire turnout operation. Given that America PAC is pretty much the only ground game the Trump campaign has, this was bad news for the GOP candidate that Musk officially endorsed back in July. As of last week, with early voting already underway in some states, America PAC was still hiring.

Then on Friday, Musk got another very public online fact-check. Not a Community Note this time, but a response from Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Musk sharing a screenshot of an anonymous text making wild claims about the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Support flights are underway, much appreciated," Musk replied after talking to Buttigieg — kind of claiming credit for solving a nonexistent problem, but also essentially walking back his fake claim about FEMA blocking Musk's satellite internet company from aiding in hurricane relief.

Could the weekend get any more embarrassing for him?

Musk: hold my beer Tweet may have been deleted

At a weekend rally for Trump in Pennsylvania, Musk appeared in a black "Make America Great Again" cap and declared himself "dark MAGA."

According to the Global Network for Extremism and Technology, the #DarkMAGA hashtag goes back to 2022, and represents a desire to go down a harsh path of retribution against MAGA critics. Dark MAGA posts frequently include Nazi and QAnon imagery.

If Musk's intent was to evoke a more terrifying image, he succeeded in part — though not in the way he might have hoped. When Musk shook Trump's hand, a strange look crossed his face — and one photograph launched a thousand memes.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

But even that meme could not withstand the firepower of Musk's midriff-baring ... well, let's just call it a rocket launch.

Tweet may have been deleted

Put the two together, and it's no surprise that a new hashtag blossomed: #DorkMAGA.

New profile, who dis

Those images contrasted with Musk's new Twitter/X profile photo. His red-armored Halloween costume, used on and off since October 2022, was replaced after the Trump rally Saturday by a more flattering (and more edited) picture of Musk in the Dark MAGA cap against an American flag. (Even some of Musk's blue-check buying supporters were quick to note they would lose their verification badge if they were to change their profile photo.)

Clearly, this was a long way from the claim Musk made back in April 2022, when he was preparing to buy Twitter, that the service should be "politically neutral" and upset "the far left and the far right equally."

And in case anyone was confused by the subtlety of the black-on-black MAGA cap, Musk also made his political message clear in his new bio: "Read @America to understand why I'm supporting Trump for president."

This was the first indication that Musk had seized the @America account from its original owner, and handed it over to his America PAC. As my Mashable colleague Matt Binder revealed, the original account owner — someone who happened to call Musk "anti-American" in 2020 — was given the rather less memorable handle of @America123_12.

Musk is within his rights to seize any account, of course — it's his service, he overpaid for it. He has done so once before, appropriating the "X" handle from a photographer. But at least that was the new name of his company. Seizing the name of a country, for entirely political purposes ... well, let's say it may not fully convey the "free speech" concept Musk believes himself to be defending.

Tweet may have been deleted

But hey, what's more American than promising free money for election-related purposes? That's what Musk proceeded to do with the America account, posting a bounty of $47 for any user who got a user in a swing state to sign the PAC's petition (and of course, harvesting their contact data in the process).

Given that America PAC is having trouble hiring, posting the bounty makes sense. Whether it counts as a violation of federal election law, in particular 18 U.S. Code § 597, is up to the Federal Election Commission, which has not yet weighed in. Some seasoned political observers were in no doubt, however.

Tweet may have been deleted Not helping, mom Tweet may have been deleted

And as if that weren't enough, Musk's mother, Maye, weighed in on another one of the X owner's posts — jokingly suggesting election fraud.

"It's not illegal," Mother Musk claimed of the suggestion that her son's supporters register 10 times and vote 10 times at different polling stations.

"This is, in fact, illegal," read a Community Note that was appended on Maye Musk's Saturday tweet. The note appeared to have been removed on Sunday, but was restored on Monday.

For Musk fans, evidently, supporting mom's right to suggest this kind of electoral fraud — something that Republican officials have already been prosecuted for doing — was a step too far.

The best 3D printer deals under $500 ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 18:57
Best 3D printer deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days Best overall AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer $199.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best multi-color deal Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D Printer $199 at Bambu (Save $100) Get Deal Best for large objects Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus $349.99 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal

Not that long ago, a 3D printing hobby wasn't really possible unless you had serious cash to burn. These days, while buying a 3D printer isn't super cheap, there are definitely some affordable options out there, which only become more so during sales like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.

None of the below deals from brands like AnkerMake, Sovol, and Anycubic are officially tied to Big Deal Days, but some of them are limited to Prime members only. These printers are also all from third-party sellers, with the Bambu deal coming straight from the brand's website.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's early Prime Day laptop deals are finally ramping up: Shop record lows on Apple, LG, and Acer

While we typically only recommend products shipped and sold by Amazon, we found that 3D printers are mainly sold by third-party sellers. We still vetted the seller pages and brands, but as always, we recommend shopping at your own risk with third-party — if something feels way too good to be true, it probably is.

With all that said, here are the best 3D printer deals ahead of October Prime Day's official start on Oct. 8.

Best 3D printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: AnkerMake AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) deemed the AnkerMate M5C the best budget option for folks looking to get a 3D printer. They were fans of how easy the printer was to use, and how quickly it worked without sacrificing quality. It comes without higher end features like real-time video monitoring or an on-device display, but as Senior Analyst Tony Hoffman writes "it has a generous print area for its price, and the prints we produced were of high quality, even with the default settings in the slicer software." In other words, it's a great buy even at full price, so shaving $100 off the price makes it an even better value 3D printer.

More 3D printer dealsPROMOTED Canon Pixma Wireless Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Rollo Wireless Printer X1040 $249.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $30.00 Shop Now Canon imageClass D570 $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Don't sleep on these espresso machine deals live ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:49
The best espresso machine deals ahead of October Prime Day Best for the basics De'Longhi Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine $98.98 at Amazon (Save $30.97) Get Deal Best for single serve coffee or espresso Nespresso Vertuo Next $109.19 at Amazon (Save $69.81) Get Deal Best mid-range machine Breville Duo Temp Pro $299.95 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best splurge Breville Barista Touch $799.95 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal

Timeless beverage as it may be, espresso is having an especially good year. For starters, Sabrina Carpenter made it the song of the summer. Now, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are making espresso machines one of the sale's must-get deals.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

It makes sense — the weather is finally cooling down, and the days are getting shorter. Hot espresso and the access to a latte whenever you want it are perhaps most essential at this time of year. Plus, if you like getting your holiday shopping done early, grabbing an espresso machine on sale can save you a couple hundred bucks.

Case in point — most of Breville's espresso machine line is on sale, from the Duo Temp Pro at just $299.95 to the fancier Barista Touch, also on sale for $200 off. If you're more into popping in a pod, Nespressos are also on sale, as well as picks from De'Longhi and Mr. Coffee. Whether you're looking for a high-end machine that can make any espresso drinks with the touch of a button, or something simple that can reliably pull an espresso shot, we've got you covered.

SEE ALSO: Instant Pot deals aren't great, but there are a few worth checking out ahead of Prime Day

Find all our picks for the best espresso machine deals below, and if you don't see one you like, make sure to check back during Prime Big Deal Days — we'll be updating this list as new deals appear.

Best espresso machine deal Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Duo Temp Pro $299.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we picked this

Espresso machines can easily run you near $1,000, and though Breville is known for their pricier machines, this Duo Temp Pro deal sits squarely in the middle of the budget range for most consumer espresso machines. You'll get the low-pressure pre-infusion designed to help you achieve even extraction, a milk frother, and a machine that heats up quickly. If you're not a huge coffee drinker or prefer to be as minimal effort as possible, one of the under $200 options or a Nespresso might work better for you. However, if you're looking to level up your espresso game but don't want to pay $500-plus, then the Duo Temp Pro is a solid pick.

According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this machine has dropped lower in price only one time before for a record low of $279.99.

More espresso machine deals

Best deals under $200

Best deals under $500

Best deals under $1,000

Google Must Open Android to Other App Stores, Judge Says

NYT Technology - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:21
The internet giant was ordered by a federal judge to make a series of changes to address its anticompetitive conduct.

Comcast breach: Over 200,000 customers had their data exposed, including social security numbers

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:06

Comcast customers are the latest victims of a data breach – and the information taken in this one is extremely sensitive.

According to a notice sent to the Office of the Main Attorney General, more than 200,000 Comcast customers have been affected by a data breach at Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS). FBCS is a debt collection agency contacted by various companies to collect on unpaid debts. 

The FBCS breach was previously reported during the summer. More than 3.2 million Americans were affected by the breach. However, the notice, first reported by Bleeping Computer, gives us a look at which customers of which specific companies were affected.

This report revealed that 237,703 Comcast customers were among those impacted.

What data was exposed in the Comcast breach?

The private data involved in the breach is especially concerning. According to the notice, an "unauthorized party" downloaded files that contained Comcast customers' name, address, birthdays, Social Security number, ID numbers, and Comcast account number.

While FBCS discovered the breach in February, according to Comcast, the cable service provider was only made aware that the breach affected its customers in July.

According to The Verge, Comcast no longer uses FBCS' services and the data affected in the breach dates back to around 2021.

Comcast says it's providing affected customers with 12 months of free identity theft protection. In addition, the notice states that there has been no evidence yet of this private data being misused by bad actors.

Two standout PlayStation 5 deals ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 16:32
Best early October Prime Day PS5 deals Best PS5 for the budget conscious PS5 Slim Digital Edition 399.00 (Save $50) Get Deal Best overall PS5 console deal PlayStation 5 Slim 449.00 (Save $50) Get Deal

If you're in the market for a PlayStation 5, now is a perfect time to strike, as some of the best deals on the PS5 Slim are rolling in ahead of Amazon Prime Day. Both versions of Sony's latest, more compact console are currently discounted by $50. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is now priced at $449 (down from $499), while the all-digital version is available for just $399.

Whether you're looking for a streamlined digital experience or want the flexibility of physical games and media, this deal is tough to beat.

One noteworthy deal to keep an eye on this week is Walmart’s preorders for the PlayStation 5 (Slim) Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle. As part of Walmart’s Holiday Deals event — its counterprogramming to Amazon's Prime Day — the preorders will open on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. ET, with early access for paid Walmart+ members. This bundle, which sold out quickly on PlayStation Direct last month, is expected to be in high demand once again. If you're looking to score this limited edition PS5 Slim, you’ll want to act fast.

Best PS5 console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony PlayStation 5 Slim $449.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers who prefer physical media, the PS5 Slim with a disc drive strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and performance. At $449 during this Prime Day deal, it’s $50 off, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy building a physical game collection or prefer buying used games to save even more.

The disc drive also doubles as a 4K Blu-ray player, giving you access to a broader entertainment experience beyond just gaming.

Best PS5 deal for the budget-conscious Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon PlayStation 5 Digital (Slim) $399.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Digital PS5 Slim is perfect for those looking to embrace the convenience of an all-digital gaming experience. Without the bulk of a disc drive, this version is slightly slimmer and sleeker, making it an ideal fit for minimalists who want to keep their setup clean and simple. Priced at $399 during Prime Day, it’s the most affordable way to get into next-gen gaming.

Plus, with the rise of digital game sales and subscription services like PlayStation Plus, you won’t miss physical discs. It also offers the same 1TB of storage and cutting-edge performance as its disc counterpart, so you’re not sacrificing power or features for the savings.

More PS5 deals

Space footage shows Hurricane Milton 'explode' into monster storm

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 16:17

Some hurricanes rapidly intensify. Hurricane Milton has "explosively" intensified.

The National Hurricane Service, after observing the Category 5 cyclone continually strengthen, reported Monday that Florida-bound "Milton Explosively Intensifies With 175-Mph Winds." This means Milton "is unfortunately hitting the top-end of possible intensification rates," meteorologist Levi Cowan posted online. The hurricane jumped from a Category 1 to 5 in under a day.

Tropical storms, particularly the most powerful hurricanes, can exploit favorable environment conditions to rapidly intensify. This means increasing wind speed by some 35 mph, or 30 knots, in 24 hours. Milton has gone well beyond that.

"There is such a thing as 'extreme rapid intensification' and #Milton has done it," Kathryn Prociv, a meteorologist with NBC news, explained online. "Extreme RI defined as a 58mph+ increase in 24 hours. Milton has gone 90mph."

SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

The footage below, captured by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather satellites, demonstrates Milton's robust windup and growth. The storm is projected to make landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula on Wednesday, and is tracking toward the well-populated Tampa Bay region. It's serious.

"If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years," the National Weather Service said.

Tweet may have been deleted "Extreme RI defined as a 58mph+ increase in 24 hours. Milton has gone 90mph." Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The storm is now rapidly spinning through the Gulf of Mexico, with extreme winds circulating around its well-defined eye:

Tweet may have been deleted

Though a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist or dry air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify. Crucially, the oceans, which absorb most of the heat created by burning fossil fuels, are relentlessly warming.

Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.

Early Prime Day deal: The Amazon Echo Spot is 44% off

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 15:07

SAVE $35: If your mornings need a boost, now is the perfect time to upgrade your wake-up routine with the Amazon Echo Spot. With this early Prime Day deal, it's nearly half off, bringing all the smart functionality of Alexa to your bedside for just a fraction of the price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

It's more than just a smart alarm. Sure, it’ll wake you up with your favorite tunes or a custom alarm, but it also lets you control your smart home, check your calendar, or stream music — all hands-free. You can even sync it with other Alexa devices for a whole-home wake-up routine, like having your bedroom lights gradually brighten while Alexa kicks off your morning playlist.

This compact, stylish smart clock is 44% off right now — making it the ideal time to grab one and make mornings a little easier (and smarter). Don’t snooze on this deal — it’s the perfect excuse to refresh your routine before Prime Day.

The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is on sale before October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:58

SAVE $55: The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is on sale just in time for a Fall birthday present for the young reader in your life. Grab one as of Oct. 7 for $114.99, down from $169.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $114.99
$169.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal

The Paperwhite Kids is an e-reader designed with children in mind, so it's durable, water resistant, and has a glare-free screen. Additionally, the screen lights up, so it can be used at night. It also comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ (which normally costs $2.99/month). Amazon Kids+ gives you access to thousands of kid-friendly books and a tool called Vocabulary Builder that's essentially a dictionary.

Regularly priced at $169.99 it's marked down to $114.99 for October Prime Day, which is 32 percent off. While it's not an all-time low price, it's the lowest price since last October Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Keep in mind, though, that this is just an e-reader; all you can use the device for is reading. It offers no games or internet browsing.

The e-reader also comes with a two-year warranty.

Who is Natalie Nunn? The star behind viral 'Baddies, pose for me' TikTok song

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:38

The viral "Natalie Nunn! Baddies! Pose for me!" tune has been blaring across countless TikTok videos, with a trending seated dance alongside it.

This isn’t the first time Nunn’s name appeared in a trending TikTok song. In "Endless Fashion," rapper Nicki Minaj said, "Ayo, even if my name was Natalie Nunn, these [expletive] still couldn't chin-check me."

But the question is, "Who is Natalie Nunn?"

TikToker asking, "Ok, but does anyone actually know who Natalie Nunn is?" Credit: @itskc_10 Who is Natalie Nunn?

Nunn is an alumni of Bad Girls Club, a long-running show that kicked off its first season in 2006. It's basically like The Real World, but with self-proclaimed "bad girls" who try to "out alpha" each other inside a swanky mansion.

The show is now cancelled, but it had a good run with 17 seasons under its belt.

Despite giving nearly 300 women a platform between 2006 and 2017, Nunn is one of the few who stood out from all the cast members.

The promo image for the 14th season of "Bad Girls Club." Credit: Tim Brown/Oxygen Media/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Tanisha Thomas, from Bad Girls Club Season 2, set the tone for the show, becoming viral for a memeable in a scene in which she slammed pots and pans together to vengefully get back at her castmates for not letting her sleep. "I didn't get no sleep 'cause of y'all! Y'all not gonna get no sleep 'cause of me!"

But it's Nunn, I'd argue, who rocketed the show to success.

Natalie Nunn attends a TV premiere in Houston. Credit: Arnold Turner/Getty Images for The ZEUS Network

First introduced to us in December 2009 via Bad Girls Club season 4, Nunn's unique personality caught users' attention. She developed a reputation of being "the most controversial bad girl" in the show's history.

"My roommates need to know that it's about me! Me, me, me, me, me!" she shouted before walking into the Bad Girls Club mansion. "And the minute I get into this house, I'm going to do what I'm going to do, and there are no rules 'cause I make up the rules."

And well, for better or worse, Nunn stood by her word. She did what she wanted to do, said what she wanted to say, and fought when she wanted to fight. Often seen as loud and obnoxious, she regularly shouted, "I run LA!", which is still one of her catchphrases to this day. Beyond her bold behavior, she also made headlines when she claimed to have a relationship with singer-songwriter Chris Brown.

Nunn's season was the most watched in Bad Girls Club history.

To put it succinctly, while some people gain fame from adoration, Nunn launched her career by being controversial, playing the villain, and sparking conversations around her rebellious behavior.

Nunn became the girl you love to hate, and although 15 years have passed since she first graced our TV screen, she's been popping up regularly with new gigs and pop culture moments.

How did Natalie Nunn extend her '15 minutes' of fame?

Nunn is a niche pop culture icon for wild reality TV lovers. She's not quite as well known as figures from The Kardashians nor Jersey Shore, but true consumers of 2000s reality TV know Nunn, as well as the likes of Tiffany Pollard from VH1's Flavor of Love, Nene Leakes from Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Spencer Pratt from The Hills.

Natalie Nunn in 'Celebrity Big Brother' final Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

This isn't to say that Nunn is on the same level as these aforementioned stars who have a hint of mischievousness. The point is that they've all been memorialized in some of the most popular memes and GIFs of our time, showcasing how they've left a mark on viewers and captivated audiences.

Since Nunn's season 4 appearance on Bad Girls Club, she has been casted in numerous Bad Girls Club spin-offs, as well as shows like Bridezillas (which documented her wedding planning woes with Arizona Rattlers football star Jacob Payne), Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars 2, and Celebrity Big Brother 22.

Nunn with husband Jacob Payne. Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Across all these shows, Nunn maintained her "bad girl" image, playing the villain in many instances. She's the girl you'd expect to be casted in a show like House of Villains, which featured fiery characters like Anfisa Arkhipchenko from 90 Day Fiance and Omarosa Manigault Newman from The Apprentice. (Perhaps she'll be casted for House of Villains 2, if it gets a second season.)

While many former Bad Girls Club contestants shied away from the cameras, hoping to shed their "bad girl" image, Nunn leaned into it, even partnering with the Zeus Network for a new-ish franchise called "Baddies."

Baddies! Pose for me!

So this is where the word "Baddies" in the TikTok song comes from.

In fact, it's Nunn herself who is rapping the viral TikTok snippet. Nunn is promoting Baddies, the franchise she’s currently executive producing, which premiered in 2021, starting with Baddies ATL. It's similar to Bad Girls Club, but I'd argue it's far more intense, with more physical and verbal altercations than ever. Baddies received a similar critical response to Bad Girls Club, in that some people believe it's "problematic" and "exploitative."

But even if you've never heard about Baddies, nor Nunn, the snappy 11-second tune has been climbing in popularity in recent weeks. The trend originated with @lyssa and it took off, with TikTok users of all ages participating in it. The video below, for example, has nine million views.

The elements of the seated dance trend are simple: pretend you're stroking your hair, pose for the camera, swoop your head from right to left across the camera, and show off your "slim thick" figure.

Even Nunn herself eventually hopped on the trend.

View this post on Instagram

In another video, she applied a filter that made her chin more prominent, leaning into critics who poke fun at her distinct profile. (As mentioned at the outset, even Nicki Minaj referenced it in "Endless Fashion.")

View this post on Instagram

The tune comes from a two-minute song called "Pose for Me" ft. Natalie Nunn by John Mackk. On Instagram, Nunn released the song to her 2.7 million followers in late August.

Love her or hate her, Natalie Nunn has managed to stay in the limelight, proving that some personalities are simply unforgettable.

Prime Day deal: Get the Apple M2 MacBook Air at its lowest price ever

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 14:01

SAVE $250: If you're in the market for an ultra-portable laptop, now might be the perfect time to grab Apple's M2 MacBook Air at its lowest price ever at $749 — down 25% from its original price. Known for its sleek design and top-notch performance, this laptop is a dream for anyone looking to upgrade from an older MacBook.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M2 Macbook Air $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

This early Prime Day deal marks the first time the Apple M2 MacBook Air hit its lowest price on Amazon. The last time we saw this price was over Labor Day weekend, but it was exclusive to Best Buy and required a paid "My Best Buy" membership to access.

In our review of the M2 MacBook Air, we wrote that the device offers impressive speed, and fantastic battery life thanks to Apple's M2 chip, along with a crisp 13.6-inch display, all while staying remarkably lightweight. Per Alex Perry's review:

“If you’ve been waiting four or five years to upgrade your MacBook Air, go ahead and do it now. That’s because the 2022 MacBook Air, powered by Apple’s in-house M2 silicon, is just about the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion.”​

Though it could use more ports and a higher refresh rate, the overall package makes it a must-buy—especially at this discounted price. Whether you're working from home or on the go, this machine's excellent keyboard and nearly silent operation make it a standout.

Don't wait too long; deals like this don’t last forever.

Hurricane Milton: Debunking online conspiracy theories as the storm looms

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:58

Another powerful hurricane is barreling towards Florida directly on the heels of the devastation wrought across multiple states by Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Milton has strengthened into a Category 5 storm that is all but certain to make landfall in Florida as soon as Wednesday.

Mashable has the info on the latest projections for where and when the storm might hit via forecasting spaghetti models. But the long and short of it is that a major hurricane is once again heading for the state.

"Milton can bring a variety of life-threatening dangers, including an extreme storm surge of 10-15 feet along and near the coast, including in the Tampa Bay area, destructive winds and major flooding to one of the most densely populated parts of Florida, the I-4 corridor, especially from Tampa toward Orlando," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. 

Tweet may have been deleted

But, because the internet is the internet, there has been loads of fake information circulating about the dangerous storm. While Floridians should expect another damaging hurricane, they can also expect to see more misinformation about Milton.

Milton is not a HAARP 'weather weapon' that 'they' can control

This shouldn't be something that we need to explain but, no, neither the government nor some nefarious "they" are able to generate a storm to unleash on its own citizens. But that is something that's circulating online ahead of Milton's landfall. Typically speaking, these sorts of conspiracy theories are coming from rightwing accounts that specialize in trafficking that kind of misinformation. Here are a couple of examples of the whole weather weapon thing, which, to X's credit, have inspired lengthy Community Notes fact-checks.

The conspiracy theorists have latched onto the "High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP") as a buzz-phrase to explain how Democrats or some other "they" created Helene, Milton, or other storms. The HAARP program cannot control the weather, as the AFP news service broke down in detail.

"HAARP had absolutely no connection to the formation of Hurricane Helene, the formation of any other hurricane, or the genesis of any other natural weather event for that matter," Howard Diamond, director of the Atmospheric Sciences and Modeling Division at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Air Resources Laboratory, told AFP.

HAARP has even feIt the need to address the idea of weather manipulation on its site. It wrote on its FAQ page: "The HAARP system is basically a large radio transmitter. Radio waves interact with electrical charges and currents, and do not significantly interact with the troposphere." That's the lower atmosphere where weather exists.

HAARP added: "Radio waves in the frequency ranges that HAARP transmits are not absorbed in either the troposphere or the stratosphere—the two levels of the atmosphere that produce Earth’s weather. Since there is no interaction, there is no way to control the weather."

The false idea that the government, or some other shadowy force, is somehow manipulating the weather has been pushed by some folks in positions of prominence in Republican politics. Folks like Alex Jones have been pushing it for years and now Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — the rightwing congresswoman from Georgia — openly spread the conspiracy theory. She even used the ominous phrasing of "they," which is commonly understood to be anti-Semitic.

"Yes they can control the weather," Greene wrote on X during Hurricane Helene. "It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done."

So it's no surprise the conspiracy theories continue apace as Milton nears landfall. Just know they are baseless.

What's going on with FEMA?

There have also been lots of rumors and headlines regarding FEMA in the wake of Helene and before Milton.

"We are meeting the immediate needs with the money that we have. We are expecting another hurricane hitting," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said last week. "FEMA does not have the funds to make it through the season."

This quote, in part, helped feed into the idea that the government wouldn't be able to help folks recover from Helene or Milton. But, in truth, it just means FEMA might have to spend against the president's budget in response to natural disasters.

Sparked by baseless claims from former President Donald Trump, the idea began to circulate that President Joe Biden's administration had spent disaster relief funds on migrants. The Washington Post published a piece noting that Biden had not redirected disaster money to migrant programs, but Trump's administration had.

FEMA even has a page devoted to debunking the false rumors going around. It reads, in part.

"The funding for communities to support migrants is appropriated by Congress to Customs and Border Patrol – it has nothing to do with FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has enough funding to support Hurricane Helene efforts and FEMA has what it needs for immediate response and recovery efforts. As FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has said, she has the full authority to spend against the President’s budget, but we’re not out of hurricane season yet so we need to keep a close eye on it."

So, no, money that might be needed to help folks recover from Milton has not been redirected.

What to expect with Hurricane Milton?

Unfortunately, it seems that Milton is yet another disaster. NASA has noted that worse hurricanes could be a product of climate change.

The agency wrote in 2022:

"Due to global warming, global climate models predict hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall and have an increased coastal flood risk due to higher storm surge caused by rising seas. Additionally, the global frequency of storms may decrease or remain unchanged, but hurricanes that form are more likely to become intense."

After rapidly intensifying, Milton is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday as a powerful hurricane.

Hurricane Milton: See Tampa Bay webcams live as the storm approaches

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:48

Another storm has rapidly intensified. This time, it's Hurricane Milton.

The now Category 5 hurricane, packing over 160 mph winds, is projected to make landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula on Wednesday, and is tracking towards the well-populated Tampa Bay region. The hurricane jumped from a Category 1 to 5 in under a day.

For those in the Tampa area or interested in the storm's impacts there, you can watch on the webcams below.

This hurricane will undoubtedly be life-threatening. "Prepare for MAJOR impacts from storm surge, hurricane winds, & flooding rainfall far from the center," the National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office posted online. Watch for guidance from local National Weather Service offices and other relevant agencies for updates and evacuation information.

SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

Though a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist or dry air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify. Crucially, the oceans, which absorb most of the heat created by burning fossil fuels, are relentlessly warming.

Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tampa Bay Riverfront webcam Siesta Key Beach

(You may to click the video to watch it on YouTube.)

Clearwater Beach Hilton Clearwater Beach Cam Tweet may have been deleted

And remember, as you're watching the slightly shifting track updates of Hurricane Milton, the track forecast cone is not an impacts cone. Other regions will see extreme deluges of rain, surge, and flooding.

Skullcandy EcoBuds are at all-time low price ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 13:32

SAVE $15: Skullcandy's already inexpensive EcoBuds are at an even lower price ahead of October Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Skullcandy Ecobuds $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Looking for a budget-friendly pair of earbuds? As of Oct. 7, the Skullcandy EcoBuds are on sale for $24.88 — 62 percent off their MSRP of $39.99.

The earbuds come in a fun blue tie dye color, "Glacier," and perform similarly to other inexpensive earbuds. The EcoBud's commitment to sustainability sets it apart from other budget earbuds. To cut down the earbuds' carbon footprint, Skullcandy uses mostly recycled post-consumer plastic that typically ends up in landfills or the ocean and these buds don't feature a battery in the storage case to limit the use of lithium. Skullcandy claims that this cuts the carbon footprint of the EcoBuds by 50 percent compared to similar models.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

However, the EcoBud's commitment to sustainability do make them different from similar models. The case doesn't shut, instead, the EcoBuds are kept in place via magnets and Mashable's Leah Stodart writes that it doesn't take much to accidentally jostle them out. Additionally, the case does not charge the earbuds, but they do have an eight hour battery life.

If you're choosing to stock up on a pair of cheaper earbuds, perhaps pick the one that limits e-waste.

Snag 'Madden NFL 25' at 31% off — a touchdown of a deal

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 12:57

SAVE $22: As of October 7, get Madden NFL 25 for just $47.99, down from $69.99, on PlayStation and Xbox at Amazon. That's a discount of 31%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Madden NFL 25' $47.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

It's finally football season again. If you're the type of person who loves to invite friends and family over and catch the game over dinner, you might also be interested in playing your own version on your favorite console. The Madden series is a great way to do that, and with a new iteration each year, you can have all your favorite teams and players at your fingertips. Didn't buy the latest game yet? You can do so right now with this early Prime Day deal.

As of Oct. 7, get Madden NFL 25 for PlayStation 5 or Xbox for just $47.99. That's $22 off its normal price of $69.99 and a discount of 31%. Both versions are physical editions, so you'll have to wait for the game to be shipped to you.

SEE ALSO: Scope out the best gaming deals ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable Assistant Editor Chance Townsend called this year's Madden "good, not great" in his review, noting that you'll love the game "if you haven't played Madden anytime in the last 10 years." However, he praised its "fluid gameplay, improved visual fidelity, and better player customization." While it's much of the same from last year's version, if you value having the most up-to-date faces and teams at your disposal, it's still worth picking up at a discount.

Don't forget the option to grab this game for friends or family as a gift. The holidays are right around the corner, and this is a popular one for playing online with the squad.

Google's former CEO: AI advances more important than climate conservation

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 12:57

AI is demanding more and more energy for its immense processing needs, and while many of it's leaders are addressing the climate concerns, others are letting artificial intelligence lead the way.

Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt is among the latter, for one. Appearing at a recent Washington AI summit, Schmidt argued that current climate goals should be abandoned in favor of a no-bars-held approach to AI investment. "All of that will be swamped by the enormous needs of this new technology," said Schmidt, referring to recent efforts to make AI more environmentally friendly. "We may make mistakes with respect to how it's used, but I can assure you that we're not going to get there through conservation."

Schmidt has his own AI investments, including the defense company White Stork, which is testing a new legion of AI-powered military drones. "We're not going to hit the climate goals anyway because we're not organized to do it," Schmidt continued. "I'd rather bet on AI solving the problem, than constraining it and having the problem."

SEE ALSO: Bill Nye will only take a selfie with you if you're voting pro-climate

The former executive served as the company's lead from 2001 to 2011, during which time the company became "carbon neutral" for the first time. Since then, the tech giant has invested even more in its image as a climate-conscious company, eliminating its carbon legacy and planning to invest in the clean energy economy.

But Google has admitted its own climate goals (including net zero emissions by the year 2030) are farther off than they would like. The company's 2024 sustainability report showed a 48 percent increase in total greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2023, with the majority tied to larger processing demands beginning in 2022.

Last month, a report from the Guardian revealed that Big Tech's emission stats are still likely off the mark, with true emission numbers obfuscated by what the industry refers to as "market-based" figures achieved by clever renewable energy certificate accounting. In the adjusted report, Amazon was an exponentially worse offender than any other company, with more than double the amount of emissions than the next player on the list. Google and Microsoft (which also saw a rise in emissions since 2020) stood out among the offenders for pledging to phase out the opaque system from its reporting process.

As many AI executives, like OpenAI's Sam Altman, race toward sustainable energy options for AI, others are doubling back to fossil fuels to meet the present demand. Meanwhile some, including several of tech's biggest names and Microsoft itself, are exploring the potential of nuclear energy to match both the speed of AI investment and its demands on the energy grid.

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