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GET A GIFT CARD WORTH UP TO $150: Apple rarely has discounts on its products, but leading up to back-to-school season, it's offering $50 off iPads and $100 off laptops. Plus, with your purchase, receive a gift card worth up to $150.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple $150 Apple gift card with purchase of MacBook Get DealHaving tested hundreds of laptops, our favorite is from Apple. MacBooks are sleek in design, easy to toss in a backpack, and they also have advanced processing power. They're the most loved models of creative industries like video editing or graphic design. So it's safe to say they're coveted.
Unfortunately, Apple has taken advantage of that and rarely offers sales on any of their products... until back-to-school season. That's when you can start to find some price cuts directly from the source. When it's time to head back to school, Apple offers a variety of discounts as part of its Education Store, including a special discount that's running from now through the beginning of fall in September: a gift card that can net you a decent discount off of a Mac or iPad, just in time for the new school year to begin.
As of June 21, Apple is offering $50 off iPads and $100 off laptop purchases bought from the Apple Education Store. Additionally, you'll get a $150 Apple gift card when you purchase a MacBook or iPad. Just add the unit you plan on purchasing to your cart and check out, and the $150 gift card will automatically be applied to your total. It will be sent to your email address within 24 hours of your purchase being shipped or confirmed for pickup at an Apple Store. The Apple Gift Card may then be redeemed independently of your purchase. This sale is valid through September 30, so you have a few months still to decide what you're interested in buying.
There are a wide variety of options and configurations to choose from if you're looking to bring home some new Apple tech. Whether you want to pick up a base model MacBook Air or a souped-up MacBook Pro, you can benefit from this deal. If you need to bring home a new MacBook or other Apple product, you'd do well to take advantage of this sale while it's on.
Adobe has rolled out a new addition to its Lightroom photo editing platform called Generative Remove. It leverages Firefly, Adobe's generative AI model, to enable novice and hobbyist photo editors alike to select and erase elements from pictures, where the replacement content seamlessly fits in with its surroundings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Adobe Lightroom $9.99 at AdobeWith the recent arrival of Generative Remove, three major reasons emerge that make Lightroom a powerful photo editing suite for non-pros:
Easy clean-upWith Generative Remove, Lightroom users can simply mouse or swipe over objects, people — whatever is interfering with their otherwise well-composed photo, and the tool will automatically recognize the thing that doesn’t belong and wipe it from the image. You don’t need to define the element by outlining it. Generative Remove just knows what you’re pointing out and how to get rid of it.
Plus, the AI engine can generate ultra-realistic backgrounds or mimic complex patterns like paisley based on a photo’s visual information.
Studio-level lens effectsLightroom comes with Lens Blur, a tool for adding professional-grade lens effects to your photos in post-production. With this feature, you can achieve the soft focus and macro-lens look and feel associated with studio shooting with the output of any camera or smartphone.
There are also seven presets to choose from, giving novices an easy way to apply these dreamy effects to their photos.
Mobile-friendly workflow Credit: AdobeAdobe knows that so much of today's photography is captured and viewed by smartphones. The company has built out a truly mobile-optimized UI for its Lightroom app so that creators can manage their photo production from start to finish, all in the mobile app. This includes Generative Remove.
If you're ready to try your hand at the latest AI-enhanced Lightroom, Adobe is offering a seven-day free trial. Get started here.
The directorial debut of Julio Torres, co-creator and co-star of the celebrated comedy series Los Espookys, has already won over the hearts and minds of critics and now it's on its way to streaming to win over yours. Problemista is a whimsical tale of of immigrants and outsiders in New York who make the city their home. It stars Torres himself opposite Tilda Swinton, not to mention a gaggle of other stars, including Isabella Rossellini, Past Lives' Greta Lee, A League of Their Own's Kelly McCormack, Hacks' Meg Stalter, Abbott Elementary's Larry Owens, and Wu-Tang Clan's RZA. Mashable's Film Editor Kristy Puchko has dubbed it "one of the best films of 2024," highlighting that it's not only a clever story, but also "a deeply funny, feel-good movie that doesn't pull punches on its political or social satire."
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Problemista at home.
What is Problemista about?Problemista is a quirky comedy about how Alejandro (Julio Torres), a young man from El Salvador, seeks to make his dreams of designing toys in New York City a reality. Those dreams, however, along with his immigration status, are in jeopardy and he must turn to the aggressive, fire-breathing art critic Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton) for support. She takes him under her wing and an unlikely friendship between misfits is born. Expect tons of laughs, zany characters, political and social satire, and lots and lots of trash.
Is Problemista worth watching?As noted above, Problemista has earned a top five spot on our list of the best movies of 2024 (so far), and other critics appear to agree. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has earned an 88 percent critic rating and 84 audience rating. It may not have wowed overall at the box office, but its limited release in New York City and Los Angeles on the first weekend in March posted the highest per-screen average, grossing $140.9k on just five screens. That just proves that box office numbers aren't everything.
As Mashable's Film Editor put it, "In short, it's one hell of a directorial debut."
Read our full review of Problemista.
How to watch Problemista at homeJust a month shy of its theatrical debut, Problemista became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. Just remember once you start watching a rental, you'll have just 48 hours to finish before you lose access. If you'd rather stream Problemista, keep reading to learn more.
As of April 19, you can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:
Prime Video — buy for $17.74, rent for $3.74 for Prime members
Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99
YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent starting at $4.99
Problemista is set to make its streaming debut on June 28 on Max. This comes as no surprise, since A24 has a licensing deal with Max to bring its releases to the platform following their theatrical run. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are some ways you can save some money on your plan. Check out the deals below.
Best Max streaming dealsBest for those new to Max: Get a free seven-day trial through June 23 Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max trial free for 7 days through June 28 Get DealMax is one of many streamers that typically does not offer a free trial to its service. However, through June 23, new users can sign up for a free seven-day trial. That trial period would allow you to watch Problemista when it premieres on Max, if you time your trial to line up with the release date. It'll be a close call, but you can technically stream it for free, then cancel your account before being charged. The trial is available through all three tiers: With Ads, Ad-free, and Ultimate Ad-free. Just remember, if you don't cancel before the trial is up, you'll be charged the full monthly price for whichever tier you choose — $9.99/month, $16.99/month, or $20.99/month.
Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 17% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 17%) Watch NowMax subscriptions start at $9.99 per month if you don't mind ad interruptions. You have the option to sign up for a single month (once Problemista is released), then cancel before you're charged for another. However, if you stick with it for the long haul, you can score a discounted subscription. An annual plan with ads goes for $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month — that's 17% (or $1.66) in savings per month. The only downside is you'll have to splurge on a full year upfront.
Best Max deal with no ads: Save 17% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 22%) Watch NowCan't stand ads interrupting your viewing experience? There are two ad-free tiers to choose from. The basic Max Ad-Free tier will run you $16.99 per month, while the Max Ultimate tier goes for $20.99 per month. However, if you opt for a yearly plan instead, it will only cost you $169.99 per year (which breaks down to $14.17 per month) or $209.99 per year (which breaks down to $17.50 per month). That's a total savings of 17% on either plan.
Note: While both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch NowIf you've never considered Cricket as a wireless provider, this deal might change that. Cricket Wireless customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get Max with ads for free as long as their accounts remain in good standing. That's a $99.99 per year value. Head over to the Max app or navigate to Max.com on a browser, then choose Cricket as your provider and enter your credentials to log in. Then you'll be able to watch Problemista and plenty of other A24 films at no extra cost. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.
Bugatti is known for very fast, expensive, and extravagant cars. The company is also known for upping the ante every time a new model is released, and the new Bugatti Tourbillon, launched on Friday, fits the profile perfectly.
The name tourbillon comes from the world of mechanic watches, where it means a cool-looking rotating thingy that makes the watch a little more accurate and far more expensive. On the Bugatti Tourbillon, it also indicates priciness — the car starts at €3.8 million ($4.06 million) — but it's mostly a nod towards those mechanical watch makers that dare to be different.
Unmistakably a Bugatti, but (partially) electric inside. Credit: Bugatti RimacThe Bugatti Tourbillon is, indeed, very different, not only when compared to other cars, but also other Bugattis.
It's the first Bugatti in decades that's not powered by a turbocharged W16 engine, instead coming with an 8.3-liter, naturally aspirated V16 engine that produces 1,000 horsepower, and paired with three electric motors (two in the front, one in the back) producing an additional 800 HP.
SEE ALSO: Best car CES 2024: Forget the Sony car! This Razer car has an Xbox Series X What, you thought the doors open to the side? Credit: Bugatti RimacNot all of the numbers are available yet, but what we do know is pretty nuts: top speed is 277 mph, the car goes from 0-186 mph in less than 10 seconds and from 0-62mph in less than two seconds. The only metric where your electric Volkswagen may fare better is the all-electric range, which is just 37 miles for the Tourbillon.
The fact that the Bugatti is now partially electric is no surprise given that Bugatti is now a part of Bugatti Rimac, with CEO Mate Rimac known for its electric supercar, the Rimac Nevera. It's also a very strong trend, with sports car makers such as Porsche, Lamborghini, or Koenigsegg all going fully or partially electric in the past couple of years.
Wait, where are all the screens? Credit: Bugatti RimacBut inside, the Tourbillon is defiantly non-electric-looking, instead opting for a car interior equivalent of a pricy mechanical watch. Among the many analog gizmos inside, the one that catches the eye is the instrument cluster, which is placed inside of the steering wheel yet remains fixed as you turn the wheel. It looks odd, yeah, but we guess it's the sort of thing people with $4 million to burn on a car may be looking for.
The details make a car like the Tourbillon, and there are tons to soak in. The materials are, of course, the most expensive you can get; as Christophe Piochon, president of Bugatti, said in a press release, "If you see a piece of what you think is titanium, then that’s what it is." This especially goes for that instrument cluster, which is constructed from titanium as well as gemstones like sapphire and ruby, as well as the center console, which is a "blend of crystal gass and aluminum." Oh, and Bugatti's engineers even thought to increase the storage space compared to the Chiron, though you will have to buy bespoke Bugatti luggage to take full advantage of that.
If you think it's titanium, then that's what it is. The trick is in never allowing yourself to think of cheap materials. Credit: Bugatti RimacThe Bugatti Tourbillon has now entered its "testing phase," with prototypes already on the road. Customer deliveries are planned for 2026; Bugatti says that 250 units will be made (by hand, of course), and Rimac says they're all "mostly" sold out already.
TL;DR: Watch West Indies vs. United States in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We're now into the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup Super Eights phase, and the next fixture is one fans won't want to miss as co-host nations West Indies and the United States go head-to-head. This year's tournament is fairly monumental, marking the first time the USA has hosted a global cricket competition.
If you catch all the action from West Indies vs. United States in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading because we have all the information you need.
When is West Indies vs. United States?West Indies vs. United States in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 21 / 1:30 a.m. BST on June 22. This fixture takes place at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
How to watch West Indies vs. United States for freeSmartphone users in India can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.
This free content is geo-restricted to India, but anyone from around the world can access this free live stream with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access this free content on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.
To access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams, follow these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in India
Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app
Watch West Indies vs. United States in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch West Indies vs. United States (plus the rest of the T20 World Cup) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live sport on Disney+ Hotstar, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including India
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Watch West Indies vs. United States in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 21 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 21Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, June 21, 2024:
AcrossWhat drivers in New Jersey can't legally get on their ownThe answer is gas.
The answer is orbit.
The answer is fiona.
The answer is fever.
The answer is few.
The answer is grief.
The answer is above.
The answer is sinew.
The answer is off.
The answer is tar.
SpaceX has a new option for users who want to take their satellite internet with them.
Called Starlink Mini, it's a smaller version of the Starlink antenna. SpaceX says (via CNBC) it's a "compact, portable kit that can easily fit in a backpack," which provides "high-speed, low-latency internet on the go."
The new antenna, which costs $599, isn't widely advertised on SpaceX's website or social channels yet, Instead, SpaceX has been sending its customers emails, offering Starlink Mini as a limited release.
According to the VP of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, Michael Nicolls, the company is currently ramping production of the Mini, which will be available in international markets "soon."
SEE ALSO: Watch SpaceX's Starship booster ace its splashdown for the first timeNotably, Starlink Mini is pricier than the standard Starlink antenna, which costs $499. But in its email to customers, SpaceX said that its goal is to reduce the price of the Mini, without going into specifics.
Sawyer Merritt listed Starlink Mini's detailed specs on X. According to his tweet, Starlink Mini is 63 percent lighter than the standard Starlink antenna, but consumes less power, has a built-in WiFi router, and has max download speeds of over 100 Mbps.
Tweet may have been deletedSpaceX is offering the Starlink Mini bundled with the Mini Roam service, which offers 50GB of mobile data (which can be used anywhere in the U.S.) for $30 per month.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk chimed in on Twitter, saying that he setting up the Starlink Mini took less than five minutes, and that the dish is easily carried in a backpack.
Tweet may have been deleted"This product will change the world," he tweeted.
Of the myriad controversies plaguing OpenAI, the issue of training data has emerged as the most polarizing. For publishers, this polarization comes in the form of a choice between getting as far away as possible, or cozying up and making a deal.
OpenAI has kept a lid on information about what models like GPT4o were trained on, meaning ChatGPT's recipe is a secret. Similar LLMs, however, are fed on social media posts, blogs, digitized books, online reviews, Wikipedia pages, and pretty much any piece of information on the web that you can think of. In fact, at least one scholar, Berkley computer scientist Stuart Russell, thinks most of the known internet was gobbled up by LLMs in order to replicate human intelligence and mirror it back to us in automated form.
Naturally, AI training data also includes articles from online news and media sites.
Publications soon caught on that ChatGPT's knowledge of historical and current events was clearly fueled by stories published on their sites (even paywalled pages) and that OpenAI was profiting from it. What has followed is a messy copyright dilemma with no clear answer. Publications like the New York Times have filed lawsuits against OpenAI alleging copyright infringement. OpenAI claims "training AI models using publicly available internet materials is fair use." But, while the careful wording of "publicly available" may sound like "public domain," it only refers to how the data was obtained, not the copyright status.
As Ed Newton-Rex, CEO of the AI certification organization Fairly Trained, says, "there is a very real danger that the phrase 'publicly available' is used to hide copyright infringement in plain sight." Yet OpenAI has deep historical precedent on their side, and U.S. copyright laws strongly protect fair use and freedom of information.
Tweet may have been deleted A way to avoid obsolescence, or a 'devil's bargain'?The question of what OpenAI can legally feed into its models is still being worked out, but in the meantime some publications have sorted themselves into factions to settle the question in the short term: some block OpenAI from ingesting their products altogether, while others have struck deals.
Media companies that have partnered with OpenAI argue that generative AI is here to stay, and that it's better to get a piece of the pie than risk becoming obsolete. Plus, partnering with OpenAI gives publications some semblance of control over how their journalism surfaces in ChatGPT responses.
"As the media and technology landscapes change, it’s vital that accurate, trustworthy information reaches the public," said Pam Wasserstein, president of Vox Media, which recently announced a licensing partnership with OpenAI, "and this partnership recognizes that human creativity and quality journalism are a key part of responsible deployment of generative AI."
Jessica Lessin, CEO of The Information, who is critical of these deals, has summed them up as follows:
"Facing the threat of lawsuits, they are pursuing business deals, to absolve [OpenAI] of the theft. These deals amount to settling without litigation. The publishers willing to roll over this way aren't just failing to defend their own intellectual property — they are also trading their own hard-earned credibility for a little cash from the companies that are simultaneously undervaluing them and building products quite clearly intended to replace them."
More succinctly, Damon Beres from The Atlantic (one of the publications that signed a licensing agreement with OpenAI) called striking a deal "a devil's bargain."
What OpenAI gets from these deals is pretty clear: exclusive access to real-time news, splashy displays of goodwill towards media, etc. But for publishers, there's little public knowledge about the terms of the licensing agreements. Vox's statement about its deal mentions "innovative products for Vox Media’s consumers and advertising partners," but it's not at all clear exactly what goodies Vox, or any of these companies, may receive. It's worth noting that many of the announcements mention access to reader data and insights as part of the exchange. So you can bet your ChatGPT data will play a part in the agreement.
Here's who has been successfully courted so far. We've also rounded up all the media companies that have sued OpenAI for copyright infringement. Read on and stay tuned since this story is sure to have updates.
Media companies that have licensing deals with OpenAIAssociated PressOn July 23, 2023, the non-profit news agency announced a deal with OpenAI. As part of the deal, OpenAI is granted access to the AP's news archive going back to 1985 for training its models and providing ChatGPT responses based on its data. "AP firmly supports a framework that will ensure intellectual property is protected and content creators are fairly compensated for their work," Kristin Heitmann, AP senior vice president and chief revenue officer, said in the announcement.
Axel SpringerPublications: Business Insider; Politico
On December 13, 2023, the German media company Axel Springer which owns Business Insider and Politico announced its OpenAI partnership. "We want to explore the opportunities of AI empowered journalism – to bring quality, societal relevance and the business model of journalism to the next level," said Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner. Axel Springer reportedly received tens of millions of euros for the deal.
FT GroupPublication: Financial Times
Colloquially known as the FT, the British daily newspaper announced a partnership with OpenAI on April 29, 2024. The agreement "recognises the value of our award-winning journalism and will give us early insights into how content is surfaced through AI," said FT Group CEO John Ridding.
Dotdash MeredithPublications: People, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Investopedia, InStyle, Verywell
On May 7, 2024, the media company that owns several lifestyle and entertainment magazines announced an agreement with OpenAI. "This deal is a testament to the great work OpenAI is doing on both fronts to partner with creators and publishers and ensure a healthy Internet for the future," said Neil Vogel, CEO of Dotdash Meredith.
News CorpPublications: The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, the Daily Telegraph, Barron’s, MarketWatch, Investor’s Business Daily, FN, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Australian, news.com.au, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail, The Advertiser, Herald Sun
Fox News parent News Corp, best known in the publishing context for owning the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post announced a deal with OpenAI on May 22, 2024. "We are delighted to have found principled partners in Sam Altman and his trusty, talented team who understand the commercial and social significance of journalists and journalism," said Robert Thomson, News Corp CEO.
Vox MediaPublications: Curbed, The Cut, The Dodo, Eater, Grub Street, Intelligencer, New York Magazine, Now This, Polygon, Popsugar, SB Nation, the Strategist, Thrillist, The Verge, Vox, Vulture
Vox Media announced a deal with OpenAI on May 29, 2024. The company which owns a collection of publications that span technology, culture, sports, entertainment, and food, allegedly didn't inform its staffers ahead of time.
"As both journalists and workers, we have serious concerns about this partnership, which we believe could adversely impact members of our union, not to mention the well-documented ethical and environmental concerns surrounding the use of generative AI," said the Vox Media Union in a statement on X.
The AtlanticThe Atlantic shared its partnership with OpenAI on the same day as the Vox Media announcement (May 29, 2024). "We believe that people searching with AI models will be one of the fundamental ways that people navigate the web in the future,” said Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic.
But "generative AI has not exactly felt like a friend to the news industry, given that it is trained on loads of material without permission from those who made it in the first place," countered Beres, senior technology editor at The Atlantic in his aforementioned story.
Media companies that have filed lawsuits against OpenAIOn December 27, 2023, The New York Times was the first major publication to file a lawsuit against OpenAI and its major investor Microsoft for copyright infringement. The Intercept, Raw Story, and AlterNet, represented by the same law firm, filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act on February 29, 2024. The Intercept also included Microsoft in its suit.
A collection of daily newspapers consisting of New York Daily News, the Chicago Tribune, the Orlando Sentinel, the Sun Sentinel of Florida, San Jose Mercury News, The Denver Post, the Orange County Register and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft in April 2024.
One of my favourite sex toys looks like a slice of jelly. It’s a psychedelic shade of bright green and shaped like a tiny rectangle and has a slippery silicone texture. It also requires zero batteries or power at all. It sounds simple, but it’s the simplicity of the TENGA Uni toy that I love so much. Able to slip over fingers or a penis (or whatever else you fancy) and usable by yourself or with partners, each colour of this toy provides a different barrier of texture, giving that contact a little something extra.
For a long time, vibrators were a woman or person with a vulva’s first port of call when it came to self pleasure, or adding a toy to partnered sex to elevate sensations. Rabbits, which vibrate on both the clitoris and the G-spot, have been knocking around for literal decades and women have been masturbating with massage guns since the moment they realised it was possible.
But now, toys like the Uni — ones that don’t buzz but instead offer other types of sensations — are on the rise. Over the last few years, we’ve watched as the iconic Womanizer toy developed air pressure technology and became a staple on every woman’s bedside table, a clit sucking toy received viral acclaim as the world’s best sex toy, Lovehoney released a popular water-based toy, and toys that require no power at all like grind pads entered the scene.
Mashable looks into whether we might be moving away from vibration and shifting towards toys that provide other sensations instead, speaking to sex toy retailers on the trends they’ve noticed.
Why vibration doesn’t work for everyoneNow that I think about it, I don’t really get on with vibrators as much as I used to. Having vaginismus (a condition that causes involuntary vaginal contractions that make penetration difficult), internal toys like rabbits were never for me. I did once love my trusty massage wand (which focuses on the external) and it was a perfect first toy but I found that once I discovered the other sensations and technologies available on the market, vibration simply couldn’t live up to it.
Most of the time, I get pins and needles in my vulva before I’ve got anywhere near to finishing and toys that prioritise other sensations simply do the trick better than vibrators ever have with me.
SEE ALSO: Playboy Pleasure just dropped three new sex toys — two have a detachable cock ring base34-year-old teacher Charlotte feels similarly. "I have never got on with vibrators to be honest. I think I just used them because everyone was," she tells Mashable. "I much prefer using texture based toys like grind pads now. They don’t look like much but they provide so much incredible sensation — it’s actually amazing."
"I have never got on with vibrators to be honest. I think I just used them because everyone was."And this makes sense, since massage wands were never invented for women in the first place. Massage wands were created as a medical device for men. It was later, when it was discovered that their wives were using them for sexual stimulation, that they were repackaged and sold as a sex toy.
Of course, since then, plenty of sex toy developers and retailers have updated the massagers and other buzzing toys to suit women entirely. That’s why they still remain so popular. But there’s no doubt that
Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert at sex toy retailer Lovehoney, says that the arrival of the Womanizer clit sucker in 2014 created a huge momentum shift in which sensations women look for in a sex toy. "In recent years, as the options have increased several fold, this has snowballed even further. Clitoral suction vibrators have been the best selling category on Lovehoney for a number of years now, outselling the next biggest category by more than double in 2023," she explains.
She adds that both Lovehoney’s best selling product – the Lovehoney x Romp Switch – and Lovehoney’s most famous product (the viral Rose toy) use air pressure, which shows how popular that technology has become over vibrators.
Kelly Gordon, sales and creative lead at sex toy brand Hot Octopuss, tells Mashable she’s also seen a rise in people looking for sensations outside of vibration for its sex toys. Hot Octopuss’s best selling toy is not a vibrator, but toys that use its PulsePlate Technology™. This technology essentially works by using oscillation as stimulation, rather than traditional vibration. "The result creates deep rumbly sensations that stimulate whole areas of the anatomy," Gordon explains. "We use this tech and the design of our toys to ensure that you can use our products in whichever way suits the user," she adds. For example, the flat side of the products can be used for wider stimulation or the tip for a more targeted sensation.
Since these products have been made with women and vulva owners in mind specifically, with decades of technological advancement under the developers' belts, it makes sense that these toys would be preferred over vibes.
Advancements in sex techAdvancements in technology mean that companies have been able to produce new products and new forms of pleasure that, for some people, work better than their predecessors, according to Knight
We’ve come a long way from misusing medical devices until they were offered to us directly. From air pressure technology to pulsating technology, and the embracing of AI and Virtual Reality technology in toys, sex tech has made leaps and bounds. Knight suggests the excitement of having new things to try may be the reason why so many of us are swapping out vibrators for other options.
SEE ALSO: Has sex tech capitalism hijacked sexual liberation?One example of this is Womanizer’s new water technology. In 2023, Womanizer created yet another non-vibrating sex toy with the potential to make as many waves as the Womanizer toy did. They launched a shower head as a sex toy, which Knight says has been extremely popular. This toy works by manipulating water to stimulate the clitoris and other erogenous zones, rather than any physical ‘vibrations’ of sorts — looking exactly like a regular shower head (you can replace your current one with it).
Sexual wellness is accepted more into the mainstream, the consumer and the industry alike are becoming more innovative in what they are willing to try or create, leaving room for these ‘less traditional’ categories to grow.
28-year-old marketer Caitlyn collects sex toys, telling Mashable that she loves to have a "variety of sex toys that offer different experiences". She’s a big fan of the Womanizer toy, the shower head they developed, and Hot Octopuss’ pulsating technology. "For someone who just loves sex toys and is a bit obsessed with them, these new technologies are just way more exciting than vibrators are," she adds.
"Using texture based toys, especially ones that can slip over the hands, is much more friendly for my disability than using vibrators." How new tech helps accessibilityAnother reason why these new technologies are giving vibration a run for their money is accessibility. 33-year-old receptionist Daisy tells Mashable that being disabled leaves her with limitations in the bedroom sometimes. "Using texture based toys, especially ones that can slip over the hands, is much more friendly for my disability than using vibrators," she explains. Having Endometriosis, she adds that vibration can also "rub the wrong way" and finds that grind pads offer her the much gentler sensation she needs during a flare up.
All this isn’t to say that the Rabbit, the Bullet, or the Wand are dead – quite the opposite in fact. 45-year-old property assessor Eleanor tells me she’s tried "basically every sex toy under the sun" and "the rabbit reigns supreme". "I grab every rabbit I can get my hands on," she tells me. "Double vibration will never be beaten for me".
SEE ALSO: Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationshipsIn fact, Lovehoney shares that one of their rabbits is still in their top five best selling products this year. They’re just seeing other kinds of sex toys on the list for the first time.
What the shift does demonstrate is a better understanding of women’s pleasure from sex toy developers and retailers, an acknowledgment from toy designers that different stimulations work for different people. If you’re still clinging to your vibrator, more power to you. But there's now a wealth of choice on the market available to those who — like me — are over it, and that’s really exciting.
Ask Hank Green to tell you how people get cancer, and he'll tell you about ants.
The video creator, science educator, and novelist will explain how ant colonies communicate through pheromones, and how they're built to pass genetic material not to the next generation of ants, but to the next generation of ant colony. But what if one ant — call him Trent, Green suggests — becomes an individualist and decides to only focus on self-propagation, as opposed to the betterment of a whole? Then Trent and his many offspring will hijack the other ants' pheromonal communication systems, gain more resources from the rest of the ants, and multiply fruitfully. At a certain point, the colony simply won't be able to support the constantly multiplying Trents. The entire system will collapse.
Now imagine the Trents and ants are human cells, Green explains, and you get cancer.
SEE ALSO: Inside 'Game Changer,' the internet's favorite game showThe ant comparison is a very Hank Green description of cancer, which is to say that it's educational, funny, and delivered at a rapid-fire clip that telegraphs his enthusiasm and bolsters our own. It's also one of the most memorable sections of Green's first-ever stand-up special, Pissing Out Cancer.
In May of 2023, Green was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. As he navigated his illness and underwent chemotherapy, he decided that he would write a stand-up show about the experience. "And I would see if I was any good at that," he says in a behind-the-scenes video about the special.
"There were times that were actually funny," Green told Mashable of finding humor in his cancer journey. One moment from his first day of chemotherapy springs to mind, when Green's nurse told him, very tactfully, that "for the next few days, nothing that comes out of you should go into anyone else."
"When that happened, I was like, 'Oh no, I have to do stand-up!'" Green laughed. "The story's too good."
Hank Green performs "Pissing Out Cancer." Credit: DropoutGreen enlisted Missoula-based comedian Sarah Aswell to be his coach, and over the course of eight weeks (including weekly shows), he went from 10 minutes of material to 70. During this time, he sent footage of his act to comedians for honest feedback. Among them was Sam Reich, CEO of streaming service Dropout, which produces series like Game Changer and Dimension 20. (Green himself starred in Dimension 20: Mentopolis.) Reich wrote back and asked whether Green would consider making Pissing Out Cancer a full special with Dropout. Now, it kicks off Dropout Presents, a series of seven comedy specials — ranging from one-person shows to improv specials — that will be releasing on Dropout in 2024.
Green was initially "worried" about the prospect of opening Dropout Presents. "Dropout's first comedy special is from a guy who's not a comedian, he's a TikTokker and and YouTuber," he said. "I don't want people to feel like I'm cutting in line."
"I appealed to Hank by saying, 'if you kick this off, it'll offer a lot of attention to folks with smaller followings,'" Reich told Mashable in a joint interview with Green. "Appealing to his sense of altruism is the way to Hank's heart. That's how you get him to do anything."
SEE ALSO: Brennan Lee Mulligan on the joys of 'Dimension 20: Dungeons and Drag Queens'Another aspect of working with Dropout that appealed to Green was the chance to candidly share his own cancer journey with a much larger audience. "To have an opportunity to [produce Pissing Out Cancer] in a way that looks a lot better than if I had just done it myself would be better for the material," he said. "If it was just me doing stand-up, that would be one thing. But I actually do quite want to pull the big, dark blanket off of cancer and say, 'it might not be how you're imagining it.' It might be worse, it might be better, but don't have your conception of what cancer and cancer treatment are like stuck in 1995."
Green's candor about his experience was something that appealed to Reich from the very first footage Green sent him. "I imagine that a lot of people can connect to [the material], because unfortunately not only do a lot of people get cancer, but a lot of people are very close to people who get cancer," Reich said.
Hank Green performs "Pissing Out Cancer." Credit: DropoutReich also responded to Green's delivery, which he considered especially impressive given how recently Green had started performing stand-up. "It's easy to compare stand-ups to other stand-ups. Hank is very much his own," Reich said. "But he also has this combination of something that feels very personal, almost like Mike Birbiglia does, with something that felt very anecdotal and all over the place in the way that Eddie Izzard is, who I also adore."
"You've put your finger on two of my favorite comedians!" Green added. "Eddie Izzard was my introduction to comedy, and Mike, I'm obviously extremely inspired by him."
Green cites Taylor Tomlinson and Josh Johnson as other inspirations, along with other sets where a comedian grapples with their cancer. Think Nimesh Patel's Lucky Lefty, about Patel's testicular cancer diagnosis, or Tig Notaro's Live, which she performed four days after being diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
One of Green's biggest touchstones was John Mulaney's Baby J, about Mulaney's struggles with addiction and his experience in rehab. "The whole special was about rehab, and I was like, 'oh, you can do a special that's one story,'" said Green. "That was very freeing for me as a person. Doing comedy as a story is, in a way, easier because you have a beginning, middle, and end set up, and you don't have to be stringing bits together in more nonsensical ways. So [Baby J] was one of the [specials] that I watched right as I was starting to get comfortable with the idea that I might do this. It was sort of a signal that, 'the way you want to do this is OK. That is a thing that is possible to do.'"
Throughout all the laughs, Green never shies away from the hard truths of his cancer journey.While Pissing Out Cancer follows the arc of Green's cancer journey — literally opening with the line, "so I got cancer" — it isn't without its fair share of diversions. Green weaves the ant-cancer comparison into a conversation with his doctor. Elsewhere, he finds time to give us a crash course in how hair grows. And in a standout bit, he takes us into a fever dream involving the assassination of the Baltimore Orioles. ("I went through all the baseball teams, and they were the funniest name," he explained.)
Throughout all the laughs, Green never shies away from the hard truths of his cancer journey. From navigating the hellscape that is the American healthcare system to the physical toll cancer and chemotherapy take, this is a special that can get heavy. Yet there's a hopefulness to it too, with Green raving about how amazing and miraculous life can be not long after ranting about its many pitfalls and pains.
"Illness is a part of life. Death is a part of life. Cancer is a part of life. It's not going to go away," Green said. "There was a time when pretty much every cancer ended the same way, and it wasn't that long ago, but that is not the case anymore. The majority of people who get cancer will die of something else now. [And with the special] we are pulling back the curtain a little bit and saying, 'it's OK to shine some light on this thing.'
He continued: "I think the biggest piece of good that [Pissing Out Cancer] will do is take the temperature down a little bit and say, 'if you're worried about a thing, you need to get to a doctor, because you're not going to get it fixed without them. But don't think there's nothing they can do, because that is definitely not the case.'"
Pissing Out Cancer premieres June 21 at 7 p.m. ET on Dropout.
TL;DR: Take your IT education to the next level with this Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt certification training bundle, on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $78.99).
Navigating the IT field can feel like a maze, but this Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt course bundle offers a clear path to success. This bundle equips you with the skills to improve processes and reduce errors, potentially making you an invaluable asset in your team. For a limited time, you can get this Six Sigma certification training on sale for $39.99.
Six Sigma is not just a buzzword; it's a proven methodology that enhances problem-solving abilities and optimizes workflows. With both Green and Yellow Belt training, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma principles, preparing you to tackle diverse challenges in data analytics, project management, and system improvements.
The practical, real-world approach of these courses ensures you can apply your new skills directly to your job. Plus, the flexibility of online learning allows you to progress at your own pace, fitting professional development into your busy schedule.
Investing in this training could be a strategic move for your career. IT professionals with Six Sigma certification often enjoy better job prospects, higher salaries, and more opportunities for advancement. It’s a credential that demonstrates your commitment to excellence and your ability to lead projects to success. While completing these courses won't give you Six Sigma certification, you'll be well prepared for certification.
In a field where staying ahead is key, these online courses offer you a chance to elevate your career. Get the Lean Six Sigma Green and Yellow belt certification training bundle for just $39.99 (reg. $78.99).
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Opens in a new window Credit: Getty Images The Six Sigma Green & Yellow Belt Certification Training Bundle $39.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Grab this Raspberry Pi and Arduino Developer bundle on sale for $59.97 until June 26.
Some people dive headfirst into home renovations over the summer months. Others pick up arts and crafts projects only to abandon them halfway, and a few channel their inner baker to whip up homemade goodies from scratch. If you're also looking for something to sink your teeth into this summer, why not learn a new skill instead?
This Raspberry Pi and Arduino Developer bundle is an online course collection designed to teach you how to build, develop, and code your own tech projects, and it's on sale for $59.97 through June 26. You know the saying, "Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime"? Well, this is like that, but with tech. Sure, it doesn't include an actual Arduino board, but it packs expert-led lessons that will have you building awesome projects from the ground up.
With courses from software engineer and entrepreneur Edouard Renard — who co-founded a robotics startup and built a complete robotic arm from scratch using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Ubuntu, and ROS — this bundle is designed to share his knowledge of creating cool gizmos.
You'll learn to tinker with Arduino boards and Raspberry Pi and get acquainted with programming languages like Python and C++. Expect hands-on lessons where you can apply your newfound skills ASAP. Learn to build your portfolio with projects like a complete surveillance and alarm tool, an interactive obstacle detection application, an ultrasonic sensor, and more.
All courses are beginner-friendly, so you won't be drowning in technical jargon. Plus, you can take them on your own time and at your own pace, so there’s absolutely no pressure.
If you've ever wanted to learn Raspberry Pi or create your own gadgets, this is your chance. Upgrade your summer hobby with lifetime access to this Raspberry Pi and Arduino course bundle, on sale for $59.97 (reg. $423) through June 26.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The All-In-One Raspberry Pi & Arduino Developer Bundle $59.97 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Bring home a refurbished Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook for only $110.99 (reg. $475.99), on sale for a limited time.
Need a new computer? Forking over your dough for a new laptop can be a painful process... unless you discover the perks of shopping for a refurbished model. Imagine getting a new-to-you device for under $150? Well, this Lenovo deal can do even better: Get a refurbished 2-in-1 Chromebook-tablet combo for just $110.99.
If you're deciding between a laptop or a tablet, the Lenovo Chromebook doesn't make you choose. And for a limited time, this refurbished Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook, can be yours for $365 off the usual price tag.
The Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook is a dependable, multitasking computer that's ready to tackle all of your daily tasks, at both home and work. Equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, it's easy to navigate and knock items off of your to-do list in both laptop and tablet mode. It's also gentle on the eyes with an anti-glare finish. Under the hood, the Chrome OS helps you work smarter, not harder, and the fast CPU performance and 4GB of RAM support that as well.
If you're hoping to store files on your device, 32GB of onboard storage space is available to house your important data. This 2018 model comes with an impressive grade "B" refurbished rating, making it affordable without having to skimp on quality. It may have minimal scuffing and potential light scratches or dents on the bevel or case, but will otherwise arrive in excellent condition.
Save big on this refurbished Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook, now only $110.99 (reg. $475.99) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook 300e 2nd Gen 11.6" (4GB RAM, 32GB SSD, Refurbished) $110.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Pay only $95.99 (reg. $299.99) for the Costway 3-in-1 Portable Evaporative Air Cooler and beat the heat this summer.
Did you know that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded? And as we head into summer 2024, much of the U.S. is already experiencing an early heat wave. Summer is coming in hot and fast, so brace yourself for some serious heat. But if the thought of sweating buckets on your couch terrifies you as much as an abnormally huge electric bill, then it’s time to ditch the traditional air conditioner and consider a portable air cooler instead.
The Costway 3-in-1 Portable Evaporative Air Cooler is designed to deliver three functions: air cooler, humidifier, and fan. And for a limited time, you can grab it on sale for over $200 off. If you're prone to overheating, then consider it an early summer treat.
Evaporative air coolers, also known as swamp coolers, don't work like traditional air conditioners, which are also big energy hogs. Instead of blowing cold air into the room, these appliances cool the ambient air using ice. With a honeycomb cooling pad and two ice-crystal boxes, this cooler provides high-level cooling. No more feeling like you're in an oven. The non-compressor system cools naturally and efficiently without guzzling power like a monster.
Feeling lazy? The remote control lets you customize settings from the couch. Adjust the 7.5-hour timer, swing feature, and three fan modes and speeds with just a few taps. With a 19.5-feet range, you don't have to move a muscle. The best part? It has four caster wheels, meaning you can roll this air cooler from room to room. Bring it into your office during the day, then set it up in your bedroom while you sleep.
Do yourself a favor this summer and check out the Costway 3-in-1 Portable Evaporative Air Cooler. It normally retails for $299.99, but for a limited time, you can grab it on sale for only $95.99 — no coupon necessary. You can even get free shipping.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: costway Costway 3-in-1 Portable Evaporative Air Cooler with Remote Control $95.99 at The Mashable ShopHow much can life shatter and transform in just two weeks? Writer/director Erica Tremblay's debut feature-length narrative film Fancy Dance wrestles with that question and more in the tale of a missing Native woman and the ripple effects of her disappearance. Featuring an impeccable cast, the movie transcends its straightforward aesthetic trappings to become a dazzling performance showcase. It's a work that beats with fury and despair, even in its quietest moments.
Fancy Dance is a film of strained relationships, of cultural specifics rooted in character, and conversely, of character moments informed by culture. Tremblay brings to life parts of her upbringing as a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation, turning in a vivid, occasionally intense film about an aunt and niece on the run from authorities, and from structures hell-bent on doing more harm than good.
SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: Every film you oughta knowWhile the story concerns the mystery of a missing Native woman, its twists and turns are entirely emotional. The film's most imposing antagonist is the apathy with which her family is met, a dynamic that yields heart-wrenching moments in which optimism collides headfirst with resigned acceptance, resulting in a spiritual tug-of-war worn on the actors' faces
What is Fancy Dance about? Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV+.The film opens with a playful con at a secluded creek. The queer, tomboyish Jax (Lily Gladstone) distracts a naïve target, while her adolescent niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson) — dressed like her aunt in short sleeves, and trying to act just as tough — steals his car keys. The pair of them have a wordless understanding, speaking Cayuga with one another when most characters, Native or otherwise, seem content with English.
Roki even tries to match Jax's body language at times, crossing her arms like her resilient aunt. However, their behavior diverges anytime the topic of Roki's missing mother Tawi comes up. Jax leaves plenty of flyers around the Seneca-Cayuga reservation and even conducts investigations of her own, to make up for the failings and indifference of the local police and the FBI. Deep down, however, she seems to know she might not see her sister again.
But while Jax is on the hunt for closure, Roki maintains a sense of buoyancy against all odds. She speaks of her mother in the present tense, while everyone around her seems to reduce Tawi to a "was," and she makes sure to prepare for their mother-daughter dance at the reservation's upcoming powwow. On one hand, this seems to stem from innocence and inexperience; the Native adults around her have seen too many of their women killed, or disappear and never be found. On the other hand, that Roki isn't yet as jaded as Jax is an emotional driving force behind Fancy Dance, even if it feels like she'll eventually be let down.
Complicating matters further is Jax's drug-dealing past and prior convictions, which come under the scrutiny of the state of Oklahoma. Its power and callousness are embodied by a white social worker who takes Roki from Jax and places the young girl with Jax's white father, Frank (Shea Whigham) and his wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski). (Jax and Tawi's mother died long ago.)
This leaves Jax and Roki with little choice but to abscond, tracking down various leads themselves as authorities remain on their tail. The ensuing culturally thorny dynamics represent larger structural woes in microcosm.
The cultural nuances of Fancy Dance are baked into its story. Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV+To most non-Native viewers, tales of missing and murdered women (and the indifference of authorities) have only recently come to the fore, through films like Killers of the Flower Moon, recent seasons of shows like Dexter and True Detective, and podcasts like CBC's Missing & Murdered. These historical and genre tales are rooted in painful truths, which Fancy Dance works into its intimate backdrop in skillful ways.
SEE ALSO: Missing Black and Indigenous people don’t get the same attention as missing white womenIt's a film whose political outlook is entirely innate, and skillfully woven into the characters' lived realities. Tawi has been missing for a mere two weeks, and while this has turned Jax and Roki's lives upside down, the rest of the world seems to move on with an indifferent shrug. There are a handful of exceptions to be found, like friends and neighbors who knew Tawi, as well as Jax's stripper girlfriend, who passes her scraps of information she overhears. But even Jax's half-brother J.J. (Ryan Begay), a local police officer, finds his hands tied by structures that dismiss Tawi as yet another runaway.
These conundrums are unfortunately expected in a story such as this; Flower Moon, while set a whole century ago, resonates because this brutal indifference persists. Jax knows it too — Fancy Dance is a film in which we even see how the search for missing women has become ritualized, even familiar — which is why she so often steps outside the bounds of local law and tribal methods, "missing person" flyers at the ready, brusquely interrogating people who might know something about what happened to Tawi. The more troubling and unexpected developments, however, involve Frank suddenly reentering their lives after abandoning them years ago.
Frank and Nancy are sympathetic characters who make an effort to understand the nuances of Seneca-Cayuga culture, and the importance of the forthcoming powwow to young Roki. However, their intrusion in the film's fabric is eerily symbolic. They may technically be family, but in assuming Roki's guardianship, they represent a broader and more sinister dynamic: that of cultural genocide, and the forced placement of Native children with white families in order to separate them from their cultures.
These historical ripples don't simply disappear just because Frank and Roki are related by blood, and they continue to radiate outward when Jax breaks Roki out of Frank's home one night. Frank, though he's conflicted, is ultimately the one to call the cops on Jax, despite the harm it might cause her.
There are few moments when these decisions need to be discussed at length to be emotionally understood. This is largely because of how stellar each and every performance in the movie is, resulting in Fancy Dance overcoming even its most consistent aesthetic flaws.
Fancy Dance is elevated by its performances. Credit: Courtesy of Apple TV+There's nothing ostensibly or overtly wrong with the way Fancy Dance is shot. It just so happens to be a plain and unobtrusive film. Its mildly washed-out color palette seldom adds to the on-screen drama, and it can feel visually repetitive at times, with little by way of rhythm built through its editing. However, Tremblay's trust in her performers is well-earned. While the camera might fail to enhance or emphasize some emotional subtleties, the cast works overtime to ensure these are deeply felt.
Since her breakout performance in Certain Women, Gladstone has proven to be a beautiful force of nature, and they play Jax's frayed edges with aplomb. A strong, reliable presence in Roki's life, the character also experiences moments of moral confusion, like when she's dragging her niece through various criminal scenarios or amusing tightrope heists at lonely strip malls. As a performer, Gladstone seems to carefully consider every relationship and potential consequence during each new scenario, imbuing even the most functionally shot and edited scenes with a raucous intensity.
Whigham brings a similar thoughtfulness to Frank. He bears a sense of burden, which he balances with a spark of hopeful (if misguided) desire to atone, resulting in the corners of the film being fleshed out with a complex empathy for a figure meant to be symbolically villainous. However, the film's secret weapon is Deroy-Olson in her first feature role. It's hard to match a talent like Gladstone, but the young newcomer creates a vibrant sense of shared history through moments of mischief and gentleness built on mutual trust.
Roki is given plenty to say, but at the risk of paying a backhanded compliment to Deroy-Olson, these lines may as well be perfunctory, given how incredibly and imaginatively she performs each moment of fear and childlike desire, wrestling silently between them. Without a word, she turns Roki's expressions into an emotional roadmap. During a scene when Roki revisits taped footage of herself dancing with her mother, the love and longing in her eyes is enrapturing; it feels like Deroy-Olson might float towards the TV screen.
What Fancy Dance lacks in cinematic flair, it more than makes up for in human drama, resulting in a deeply moving piece about characters left stranded far off-shore, with little to hold onto but each other. When it works, it works like a charm.
Fancy Dance opens in select theaters June 21, before premiering on Apple TV+ June 28.
Kinds of Kindness begins with the pulsing beat of Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)." Hearing Annie Lennox and the sharpened notes of Dave Stewart's synth over the title sequence of the latest film of Yorgos Lanthimos is a reminder that the director has rarely moved quietly. After the crowd-pleasing opening, which caused my Cannes audience to clap in unison, Lanthimos surprisingly switches gears — and not for the better.
Kinds of Kindness features his heralded recent Poor Things collaborators, like Willem Dafoe, Emma Stone, and Margaret Qualley, with new additions like the excellent Jesse Plemons and Hong Chau. However, it doesn't have the same spry spirit of his recent mainstream successes, like the Best Picture–nominated Poor Things, the royal sapphic comedy The Favourite, or even the Colin Farrell–fronted The Lobster.
A tryptic fable told over the span of 164 minutes, Kinds of Kindness is a prickly, dark offering that returns the Greek filmmaker to his unconventional roots, his older, spikier films like Kinetta and Dogtooth. It's a return, however, that doesn't wholly fit. Like a person trying on an old school uniform only to find it now feels unfamiliar, Kinds of Kindness — despite Plemons' best efforts — is a shaggy imitation of the director's previous era.
What's Kinds of Kindness about? Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight PicturesReteaming with his Greek co-writer Efthimis Filippou (Dogtooth, The Lobster, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer), Lanthimos offers three short films whose stories are only thematically connected. His cast recurs across these shorts, playing different roles.
In the first absurdist story, "The Death of R.M.F.," Raymond (Dafoe) is a wealthy businessman who dispatches his groveling assistant Robert (Plemons) to purposely crash into the car of a specific stranger. This isn't the first time Raymond has ordered Robert to carry out a risky task for his own amusement. Raymond, in fact, handsomely compensates Robert by furnishing a lush lifestyle that includes his wife Sarah (Chau), a luxe home, a gleaming SUV, and other exorbitant gifts, like one of John McEnroe's smashed rackets. All Robert has to do is allow Raymond to control every aspect of his life. But when Robert he says "no" for the first time, his decision leads to dire consequences.
Part two, "R.M.F. Is Flying," is a mix of The Lobster and Gone Girl. This time, Plemons plays Daniel, a quiet cop whose wife has gone missing. But once she returns, he worries Liz (Stone) might be an imposter, leading to strange tests for his theory.
In part three, "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich," Emily (Stone) and Andrew (Plemons) are a pair of investigators for a cult led by Omi (Dafoe) and Aka (Chau). They are searching the country for a prophesied person with the ability to raise people from the dead. Their search will lead Emily back to the life she left behind, putting her standing in the cult in jeopardy.
In Kind of Kindness, Plemons proves he can't miss. Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight PicturesThrough every section of Kinds of Kindness, you get the sense that none of this would work without Plemons. While this is the fourth collaboration between Lanthimos and Stone (The Favourite, Bleat, and Poor Things being the others), Plemons, surprisingly, has not previously worked with the Greek director.
As seen most recently in The Power of the Dog and Civil War, Plemons' uncanny ability to infuse leading-man gravitas into oddball characters brings a haunting and fragile energy to Kinds of Kindness. Plemons is a necessary addition. Each short begins with a burst of provocative energy, held together by Plemons making you believe that each seemingly disparate man he's playing is cut from the same cloth and is therefore worth getting to know. But despite his best efforts, each short eventually fizzles under the pressure of its own conceit.
The first section, arguably the strongest, remains fascinating because of Plemons. Once Lanthimos reveals the reality of Robert's situation — exactly how absurdly controlled his life under Raymond is — it's only Plemons' unmatched ability to play pitiful characters that keeps the audience engaged. His dedication makes for one of the film's best scenes, in which a desperate Robert employs a violent scheme to attract a woman's attention. The deadpan Plemons plays in these hapless scenes with aplomb, especially when Qualley comes into the picture, beguiled by his buffoonery.
The other sections, however, offer progressively diminishing returns. Plemons is subtler in "R.M.F. Is Flying," translating the psychological angst of a disquieted husband to give the paranoid narrative some type of heady propulsion. Of the three parts, "R.M.F. Is Flying" is also probably the bloodiest, wielding body horror as a kind of love language with a touching dexterity that eventually loses its thoughtfulness once the conceit runs to its logical conclusion.
Kinds of Kindness is mind-numbingly obvious. Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight PicturesOn a thematic level, Lanthimos and Filippou are to the point: Each short is a type of kindness that leads to brutal results. There are some other key features: opulence, marriage, sex, and godlike figures. These arrive to unbalance the viewer. Lanthimos, particularly in his early work, is often most engaging when he is cutting the audience down to size, daring to elicit a(ny) response from them. In Kinetta, it was a group of people reenacting murders; in Dogtooth, there was incest; The Lobster opens with a woman coldly shooting a donkey. But in Kinds of Kindness, where every component exists on the surface, the entirety of the picture lacks a deeper register.
There is no soul underneath the flash. It's all pure spectacle. And maybe that is the point: the vapidity of the onscreen cannibalism, kidnapping, and sex matches how our contemporary society is often consumed by buzzy headlines, trending topics, viral videos, and unmitigated wealth. But those components, even when taken together, do not often add up to a satisfying whole — partly because Lanthimos doesn't lean on Plemons enough and, for the most part, eschews emotionality in favor of provocation. The latter decision isn't wholly surprising. Stoicism has always been a component of Lanthimos' films, from Colin Farrell's deadpan observations in The Killing of a Sacred Deer to Rachel Weisz's severe sensuality in The Favourite; he likes his actors to nimbly balance tones.
As such, a number of scenes — like when Sarah discovers that her husband Robert sterilized her at Raymond's bidding or when Emily is matter-of-factly waiting in line to have sex with a cult leader — walk the line between comedy and shock. But where once there was soulfulness beneath Lanthimos' antagonization, here, it's just titillation without any further thought or philosophy behind his restless prodding.
By the time we reach the third story, "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich," the focus has shifted to Emma Stone. The Best Actress Oscar–winner portrays Emily as a keen observer torn between the love for the daughter she abandoned to join a cult and her loyalty to cult leader Omi (a lascivious Dafoe). While much of the film concerns the purity of acts, the third section takes that interest to the extreme. All the members of Omi's cult must have pure fluids in their body; they can't have sex with anyone but Omi and Aka. It's a doctrine that puts Emily in direct conflict with her ex-husband (Joe Alwyn). Still, in her purple Dodge Challenger, with the stoic Andrew (Plemons) by her side, she dutifully zips from town to town, into the morgues where Will (an underrated Mamoudou Athie) works, searching for a person capable of raising the dead.
Though Plemons and Stone have tremendous chemistry during the first two parts to Kinds of Kindness, their sizzle dwindles in the third section. It's frankly an odd turn of events. Throughout "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich," it often feels like Stone is miscast. There is a mysteriousness to Emily, to her past and the parts of herself she keeps buried, that Stone struggles to tease out.
Such an unfocused performance is exhausting to endure, giving very little payoff to sit through the onscreen shock. Even when an underused Qualley emerges, an actress with a reputation for dynamism, particularly in Drive-Away Dolls, the pulse of the film doesn't return. Rather, Qualley's signature energy is undercut playing a character, who, like Plemons, purely exists on the periphery as an enigma.
Ultimately, Kinds of Kindness circles the drain as more of a thought experiment of the types of cruelty that can emerge in the universe. It's a film incapable of inciting the type of staggering, profoundly smart character-work involving doomed individuals that was the hallmark of Lanthimos' early work. Fans hoping to see a return to his formerly subversive voice will only find a poor thing.
This year has already gifted us some pretty great TV shows, but what about great episodes? I'm talking about the kind of episode that makes you laugh nonstop, or stand up and cheer, or force you to such points of emotional devastation you can't think of anything else.
SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV shows of 2024 (so far)You'll find episodes that accomplish all these things and more on our list of the best episodes of 2024. Whether you love drama or comedy, narrative shows or reality TV, we can assure you that the following 13 episodes are absolute bangers. Who knows — maybe you'll find some new and wonderful show to check out!
So without further ado, here are the 13 best episodes of 2024 so far, and where to watch them.
13. Game Changer, Season 6, episode 7, "Beat the Buzzer" Becca Scott, Rekha Shankar, and Erika Ishii in "Game Changer." Credit: DropoutThe joy of Dropout's game show Game Changer comes from its sheer versatility. Each episode, contestants don't know the rules of the game until they start playing. The result is delightful chaos.
SEE ALSO: Inside 'Game Changer,' the internet's favorite game showNowhere is that chaos more apparent on Game Changer Season 6 than in "Beat the Buzzer," an episode which removes a key component of any quiz show: the buzzer itself. Players Rekha Shankar, Becca Scott, and Erika Ishii must compete in a series of mini-games in order to gain access to the many buzzers hidden around Dropout HQ. They'll destroy cakes, make a witch's brew, plead with strangers in the street, and more, all in the hopes of getting some sweet, sweet points. Endlessly inventive, and less competitive than it is sweet and collaborative, "Beat the Buzzer" will have you smiling nonstop from start to finish. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Game Changer is now streaming on Dropout.
12. 3 Body Problem, Season 1, episode 5, "Judgment Day" Credit: Courtesy of NetflixNetflix's 3 Body Problem has more than a few spectacles, from winking stars to the many levels of a way-too-real VR game. But it's episode 5 that takes the cake, or a slice of it at least, thanks to a truly horrifying sequence.
SEE ALSO: '3 Body Problem' creators on *that* horrifying scene from episode 5Aboard Judgment Day, the repurposed tanker HQ of oil magnate Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce) and his Earth-Trisolaris Organization (ETO), a thousand people — including children — await the arrival of the aliens known as the San-Ti. Problem is, they've just gone cold on Evans after a bedtime story. In the climax of the episode, the ship sails through through the Panama Canal, where a fatal trap awaits. Auggie Salazar's (Eiza González) super-thin nanotechnology is deployed by Strategic Intelligence Agency head Thomas Wade (Liam Cunningham) against the ship, effectively functioning as a large-scale egg slicer through its bow. Taken directly from Cixin Liu's book, it's one of the most horrifying scenes you'll see on TV this year. The repercussions will send the characters into a moral spiral, especially Auggie, whose entire science career has been turned into a massacre. But in this episode, we also find out exactly what the San-Ti's intentions are, as the incoming aliens declare the human race to be "bugs," scaring the shit out of everyone with their sophon sentient supercomputer, and revealing worldwide surveillance. It's a lot. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.
11. One Day, Season 1, episode 13, "Episode 13" Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in "One Day." Credit: Ludovic Robert / NetflixThere are few episodes that will send you through an emotional upheaval as intense as One Day's penultimate chapter, set over several years of our beloved protagonist's lives. Finally together after decades of what we'll put down to bad timing, Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) have a whole future ahead of them, side by side. We accompany this besotted pair through their wedding plans, a new business, trying for a baby, and establishing family bonds with Dex's daughter. It's everyday life in all its romantic mundanity, from brushing teeth together to arguing over the news, and it's all we've wanted for these two for the previous 12 episodes. However, a tragic turn means a cruel end, and a voice note holds more power than Em and Dex can possibly know at the time. The shell shock of this episode of One Day will stay with you through the finale and long after you've watched. Call the people you love, right now. — S.C.
How to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Netflix's 'One Day' explores the challenges of dating across the class divide 10. The Traitors UK Season 2, episode 12, "Episode 12" Credit: BBC / Studio LambertThe entirety of The Traitors Season 2 was TV at its most binge-watchable, but the finale took things to dizzy new heights of tension. A reality TV game show with a cash prize, The Traitors sees members of the public divided into "traitors" and "faithfuls" while carrying out missions in a Scottish castle; the faithfuls have to try and banish all the traitors, while the traitors must "murder" (the game show kind, not the actual kind) all the faithfuls without getting caught. The entire show is great, but what made the finale stand out was the elite levels of treachery displayed by Harry Clark, a contestant who'd been a traitor from the very beginning but who'd manage to convince everybody else that he was faithful through and through. The brutal levels of suspense and the looks on everyone's faces when they realize the truth is television at its finest. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
How to watch: The Traitors UK is now streaming on Peacock.
9. Bluey, Season 3, episode 49, "The Sign" Credit: Ludo StudioIn an endless desert of insipid TV shows aimed at kids, Bluey has proved an oasis for grown-ups. Spirited, silly, and emotionally intelligent, the show's standard seven-minute episodes are a pleasure for audiences of all ages. But show creator Joe Brumm leveled up with the super-sized 28-minute episode "The Sign."
SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' special episode 'The Sign' had a ton of Easter eggs for fansIt wasn't just that this very special episode was four times as long as usual eps, or that it offered a big wedding and a series of teachable moments for pups and big dogs alike. "The Sign" also centered on a heart-wrenching storyline about the Heeler family preparing to move away from their home, a space that fans knew every nook and cranny of, for parts unknown. As Bluey and her little sister Bingo must learn to say goodbye, watchers young and old wept over the loss. But there were tears of joy as well because — beyond a third-act twist that caused cheers across social media — Brummer also laced in Easter eggs that revealed positive news for a string of beloved supporting characters. Incredibly, it's a cartoon show about a playful puppy that has provided the biggest — yet briefest — emotional roller coaster ride of 2024. —Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Bluey is now streaming on Disney+.
8. Doctor Who, Season 14, episode 6, "Rogue" Jonathan Groff and Ncuti Gatwa in "Doctor Who." Credit: Disney+Doctor Who bested Bridgerton when it comes to queer romance with this Regency-era episode, and we're still swooning.
SEE ALSO: 'Doctor Who's Easter eggs for 'Rogue,' far beyond 'Bridgerton'The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his bestie Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) travel back to 1813 in Bath, England, just to take in the period appeal of balls and courting. But when a murderous alien shapeshifter is discovered in their midst, the Doctor must team up with a new ally named Rogue (a dashing Jonathan Groff), to save the day. Whovians were thrilled with the intersection of monster-of-the-week fun and Bridgerton drama. But what made this episode the best of a solid season from returning showrunner Russell T Davies is the scorching romance between the Doctor and Rogue. Their enemies-to-lovers arc was swift and satisfying, featuring biting banter, tense misunderstandings, a flashy proposal, a kiss, and a not-so-simple request: "Come find me."
The series will whir on, but our hearts — and the Doctor's — will not soon forget this debonair lost love. —K.P.
How to watch: Doctor Who is now streaming on Disney+.
7. Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Season 1, episode 5, "Do You Want Kids?" Donald Glover, Ron Perlman, and Maya Erskine in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Credit: David Lee / Prime VideoEvery episode of Mr. & Mrs. Smith examines an aspect of romantic relationships through the lens of a spy mission, and while the show as a whole is a blast, nowhere is it more fun than in its fifth episode, "Do You Want Kids?"
Here, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) have to protect a reluctant asset named Toby (Ron Perlman) as he comes under attack from rival spies. Between chase scenes and shootouts through Lake Como, Toby essentially become the Smiths' child, whining about taking medicine and fussing around in the backseat. Meanwhile, the Smiths — the portrait of frazzled parenthood — evaluate their own relationship. Hilarious and action-packed, "Do You Want Kids?" is one hell of a ride, made all the better by the visual gag of two people having to baby Ron Perlman, of all people. — B.E.
How to watch: Mr. & Mrs. Smith is now streaming on Prime Video.
6.True Detective: Night Country, Season 4, episode 5, "Part 5" Finn Bennett in "True Detective: Night Country." Credit: Michele K. Short / HBOWhile earlier True Detective: Night Country episodes gave us plenty of buzzworthy moments — all hail the corpsicle! — it's the show's fifth episode that really sticks in our minds. Here, the many threads of the season begin to converge, joining Night Country's oft-present ghosts and grief to the more human evils our detectives are facing down. Tensions boil over at the Silver Sky mines, we uncover further secrets from Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Navarro's (Kali Reis) Wheeler investigation, and we finally understand Hank's (John Hawkes) true involvement in the Annie Kowtok (Nivi Pedersen) cold case. The entire episode culminates in a brutal father-son clash, complete with a tooth-centric moment I'll never forget. Ennis, Alaska may already be drenched in eternal night, but this episode takes us far deeper into the darkness. — B.E.
How to watch: True Detective: Night Country is now streaming on Max.
5. Expats, Season 1, episode 4, "Mainland" Sarayu Blue in "Expats." Credit: Jupiter Wong / Prime VideoClaustrophobia proves fruitful in "Mainland," the fourth episode of Lulu Wang's Hong Kong-set Expats. Our trio of leads each find themselves walled-in here in different ways, and the gradually increasing pressure reveals painful secrets.
SEE ALSO: How to watch Nicole Kidman's show 'Expats'Margaret (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Clarke (Brian Tee) wait in a morgue to identify a body that might be that of their missing son Gus. Each wants a different outcome: Clarke needs the body to be Gus, in the hopes that the family can grieve and get closure on this nightmarish period of their lives. Margaret needs it not to be, so she can continue searching. Elsewhere, Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) reckons with the fact that she might be pregnant with her affair partner David's (Jack Huston) child. But is she ready for motherhood? The episode's most affecting storyline belongs to Hilary (Sarayu Blue), whose own mother (Sudha Bhuchar) bursts in for a visit, criticizing her every move. When the two find themselves trapped in an elevator, Hilary bites back with a chilling childhood story of witnessing her father's abuse of her mother. It's an unforgettable scene in an episode that forces us to sit alongside our leads as they contemplate the horrors of an unknowable future. — B.E.
How to watch: Expats is now streaming on Prime Video.
4. Ripley, Season 1, episode 3, "III Sommerso" Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn in "Ripley." Credit: Lorenzo Sisti / NetflixWith striking black-and-white cinematography and a cast that was more compelling than accurate to the source material's descriptions, Steven Zaillian's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's delectably deranged novel The Talented Mr. Ripley was as bold as it was slyly seductive.
SEE ALSO: Andrew Scott on crafting the iconic 'Ripley' in Netflix's new mystery seriesThe series as a whole proves a showcase for leading man Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers), who transforms from a timid social climber to a sleek killer. But episode three, when the eponymous anti-hero gets his hands dirty, is the best of the batch. Here, Tom's relationship with the carefree American heir Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) sours, so a day trip in Italy turns from mirthful to murderous. Yet the violence isn't as disturbing as the aftermath, which delves into ASMR in a brilliant way. Tom, left to his own devices, is surrounded by the sounds of covering up his crime. And we are bound to him, a silent witness — or accomplice — left to wonder if we're rooting for him to be caught or get off scot-free. —K.P.
How to watch: Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Interview with the Vampire, Season 2, episode 3, "No Pain" Jacob Anderson, Assad Zaman, and Sam Reid in "Interview with the Vampire." Credit: Larry Horricks / AMCSure, the second half of Interview with the Vampire Season 2 has fans of the series — as well as the source text by Anne Rice — salivating for more, more, more. Rightly so, as Rolin Jones' daringly different adaptation has brought fresh blood to the toxic romance between vampires Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Lestat (Sam Reid). But with "No Pain," Jones teased some details that would come back to haunt us as we watched those biting latter eps.
SEE ALSO: 'Interview with the Vampire' Season 2 review: Theater, romance, and bloody good TVIn "No Pain," human journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) meets a member of the Talamasca — a secret society that's getting its own spinoff series. This episode also touches on the heart-wrenching tragedy of Lestat's lost Nicki. Not only that, but it pulls details from The Vampire Armand, The Vampire Lestat, and The Tale of the Body Thief, and it introduces the perspective of Louis' current curious paramour, Armand (Assad Zaman). The reveals of episode 5 and beyond wouldn't hit as hard if you didn't know the shared heartache and hatred Louis and Armand have for Lestat. Plus, this episode gives us those two in goo-goo couple mode — much to the annoyance of the deeply unsentimental Daniel — and the vampire Lestat in full theater kid mode, flashing his smile and his ass with equal panache. To top it all off, there's the hopefulness of Claudia joining the theater coven, a move we all know will come to no good. There's a lot of bangers this season, but "No Pain" is the one that lingers. — K.P.
How to watch: Interview with the Vampire is now streaming on AMC+.
2. Baby Reindeer, Season 1, episode 6, "Episode 6" Richard Gadd in "Baby Reindeer." Credit: Ed Miller / NetflixMany Baby Reindeer episodes could have found a home on this list, including a tragic, flashback-centric fourth episode that lends new context to comedian Donny Dunn's (Richard Gadd) relationship with stalker Martha (Jessica Gunning). But it's the sixth episode where Baby Reindeer reaches a fever pitch, as Donny delivers a barn-burning, 10-minute monologue about his trauma and shame onstage at a comedy show. Long, unbroken close-ups and Gadd's arresting performance make this confessional one you can't look away from, no matter how painful it gets. — B.E.
How to watch: Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.
1. Shōgun, Season 1, episode 9, "Crimson Sky" Anna Sawai in "Shōgun." Credit: Katie Yu / FXDo you ever watch an episode of TV and think, "What in the world could possibly top that?" Well, that was my reaction to Shōgun's "Crimson Sky," a perfect hour of television that reaches peaks of heartbreak and suspense that have yet to be replicated this year.
SEE ALSO: 'Shōgun' writers on saying goodbye to Mariko in 'devastating' episode 9The entire episode centers on Toda Mariko's (Anna Sawai, giving the TV performance of 2024) final diplomatic mission for Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). It's a mission that requires her to face down her own mortality at several points, including a sharp-tongued royal audience and a gate encounter that is a masterclass in tension. Add in poetic, deeply felt conversations between Mariko, Lady Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido), and John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and there's no way you'll escape this episode unshattered.
As unwavering in its brilliance as Mariko is in the face of death, "Crimson Sky" is the send-off Mariko deserves, and proof that she is Shōgun's central figure. As showrunner Justin Marks told Mashable in an interview: "If you thought it was about anyone else, then you probably weren't watching closely enough." — B.E.
How to watch: Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu.
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