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Seth Meyers takes 'A Closer Look' at the RNC's most awkward moments

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 06:22
From Babydog to "and there goes the teleprompter..." Seth Meyers takes an unhinged 'Closer Look' at the RNC's last three days.

Stephen Colbert gets through 'borrifying' RNC night 3 with bonafide whimsy

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:58
'The Late Show' host Stephen Colbert brought the bubble machine for this Day 3 recap of the 2024 Republican National Convention.

The tinyPod Apple Watch case is both the best and worst idea ever

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:40

Sometimes, a gadget comes along that I love, or want to love, but I'm also unsure that it makes any sense whatsoever. Reader, the tinyPod is one of those gadgets.

The tinyPod (via MacRumors) is a small device — a case, essentially — that wraps around your Apple Watch and turns it into a small iPod. Instead of wearing the watch around your wrist, you carry it in your pocket, and use the iPod-like scroll wheel to control it.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch SE: How do they compare?

The idea, according to the project's website, is to "transform the most powerful mini computer in the world into something new." And it does make sense; the Apple Watch can do a lot of things, but I mostly use it to glance the time, track workouts, and check on the occasional food delivery time. By putting it (sans the wristband, of course) into an iPod-like form factor, you might be more inclined to unlock more of its functionality, and if you have a cellular version, you can even use it as a super-small phone.

Who needs a wristband? Credit: tinyPod

While that's all fine and dandy, Apple Watch is a device that's made to be on your wrist. For example, once you unlock it, it stays unlocked as long as its back side is touching your skin, which obviously isn't practical with the tinyPod case. This means that you'll have to turn that feature off, and unlock the watch manually every time you use it, or leave it unprotected (also not a great idea).

Also, the only way the tinyPod makes sense, in my mind, is if you have an old Apple Watch lying around unused and want to do something with it. Purchasing an Apple Watch just to use it as a small phone or iPod-like music player doesn't seem like a good use of your money.

Charging, fortunately, is quite simple. As the tinyPod leaves the back of the Watch exposed, you charge it with the same charger and in the same way you'd normally charge your Watch (unless you have a particularly oddly shaped charging stand).

It comes in Apple Watch Ultra size, too. Credit: tinyPod

If you're willing to deal with these compromises, you can get the tinyPod for $79.99, and there's also a tinyPod lite version, which doesn't have the scroll wheel, for $29.99. The tinyPod comes in three sizes to accommodate various Apple Watch sizes. Yes, you can even have it for the 49-millimetre Apple Watch Ultra, but that increases the pricing to $89.99/$39.99.

Check out NASA's next space station. It won't orbit Earth.

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:30

As the International Space Station nears its retirement in 2030, NASA and its contractors are working full tilt on a new lab that will be whizzing through space much farther from Earth.

Right now, at a facility in Turin, Italy, engineers are stress-testing the core module for Gateway, a lunar space station designed to provide astronauts with a place to live, conduct scientific research, and prepare for moonwalks.

Though it may not look like much at the moment, the gunmetal-gray hollow cylinder, pictured above, is a critical facet of NASA's Artemis moon missions. It will house life-support systems for astronauts, exercise equipment, and banks for scientific instruments. NASA has dubbed the main module HALO, short for Habitation and Logistics Outpost.

If this all sounds like sci-fi mumbo jumbo that is decades into the future, think again: NASA and its partners plan to send HALO and its propulsion element into lunar orbit on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket as early as next year, welcoming its first guests around 2028. If successful, Gateway will be the first moon-orbiting space station.

"NASA and its international partners will explore the scientific mysteries of deep space with Gateway," the agency says, "to return humans to the Moon and chart a path for the first human missions to Mars."

SEE ALSO: How a NASA moon mission survived a death spiral in space NASA has dubbed the main module HALO, short for Habitation and Logistics Outpost. Credit: Thales Alenia Space

Maintaining a space station around a planetary body other than Earth won't be an easy feat. While the ISS orbits just 250 miles above Earth and is only a short spaceflight away in an emergency, the moon is over 230,000 miles in the distance, with the quickest journey back home taking two to four days. 

Despite the challenges, NASA is getting lots of international help to bring Gateway to fruition. Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and Japan are contributing key components to build the station, which will have a unique path around the moon.

Scientists considered many potential orbits before determining the best fit for Gateway. The station will fly in a so-called "near rectilinear halo orbit." Since 2022, a small microwave-oven-sized spacecraft, CAPSTONE, has scouted out this path, which would look a little like a string of pearls hanging from a neck, if you drew it on paper. 

The unusual orbit is intended to be fuel-efficient and offer relatively close access to the lunar south pole, where astronauts will explore, look for water ice around the shadowy craters, and practice living in an extraterrestrial environment.

Why not a low circular orbit around the moon, one might ask? It certainly would put the station closer to the ground, but it would also require a lot more fuel to counteract the tug of the moon's gravity, according to NASA. A distant retrograde orbit, on the other hand, while more stable and less fuel-consuming, would be too inconvenient for trips back and forth to the surface. 

But the near rectilinear halo orbit, a weeklong loop around the moon's poles, is thought to offer the best of both worlds. The station would also continuously face Earth, allowing uninterrupted communication with flight controllers. 

Tweet may have been deleted

The HALO section is just one of four modules where international astronauts will live and work. NASA has said the assembly of Gateway in space will happen in stages, beginning with the Artemis IV mission, slated for no earlier than September 2028, and finishing with Artemis VI. The expansion pieces will launch with the Orion spaceship atop NASA's Space Launch System, casually referred to as the "mega moon rocket." 

If you're having trouble visualizing how this will all come together, take a look back at the new photo of HALO. Inside the module on the right side of the tube is where a cargo spacecraft and the European Space Agency's Lunar View, a module with large windows, will dock. That crucial ESA part will have refueling capabilities for the propulsion module. 

NASA has given the propulsion module perhaps the least creative name in the agency's history: the Power and Propulsion Element. It will harness solar power for Gateway's subsystems and ionize xenon gas for the thrust needed to maintain the station's orbit. 

NASA astronauts see images like this when they're touring the Gateway space station with virtual reality. Credit: NASA Johnson Space Center

To the left on the outside of HALO is a docking port where SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers will dock during the Artemis IV and V missions, respectively. NASA administrator Bill Nelson has said using private vendors will help the agency buy down the technical risks and costs for the Artemis program, which seeks to use the moon as a springboard for eventual missions to Mars.

"I've said it before: We want more competition. We want two landers, and that's better, and it means that you have reliability. You have backups," Nelson told reporters last year. "These are public-private partnerships. It's the new way that we go to the moon."

After engineers finish stress-testing HALO at Thales Alenia Space in Italy, the module will go to Gilbert, Arizona, where Northrop Grumman, its builder, will finish its outfitting and prep it for launch. 

Earth's melting ice sheets may screw with your tech

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:15
The climate crisis is making days longer, and it’s bad news for navigation tech.

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 18

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:14

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 18

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: At your fingertips

If you’re reading this, you can touch them right now. Seriously. You might be touching them as you read this.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 18 Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Today’s theme refers to keys on a keyboard.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today:

Today's spangram is keyboard.

NYT Strands word list for July 18

  • Shift

  • Space

  • Enter

  • Return

  • Escape

  • Delete

  • Keyboard

  • Control

Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.

The Kindle deals were kind of disappointing this Prime Day, but these ones are still live

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

UPDATE: Jul. 17, 2024, 11:50 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Kindle deals on Prime Day two.

Best Prime Day Kindle deals at a glance: BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen) $234.99 (save $105) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL FOR KIDS Kindle Paperwhite Kids $169.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal BEST KINDLE BUNDLE DEAL Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle $164.97 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal KINDLE UNLIMITED DEAL 3-month Kindle Unlimited subscription Free (save $35.97) Get Deal

We're halfway through Amazon Prime Day and, to be honest, we were expecting more from the Kindle deals. They're not exactly bad, but they're certainly not the insane discounts we've seen in the past.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Prime Day 2024

There hasn't been a new Kindle model since 2022, when the entry-level Amazon Kindle got a refresh and the Kindle Scribe made its debut. So, we were hoping to see some impressive discounts across the board. But alas, our original predictions were right. We saw the lowest price ever on the Kindle Paperwhite last Prime Day, and then smaller discounts for Amazon's October Prime Day and Black Friday. With that pattern, we weren't expecting record-low prices this summer, and that's what the deals reflect.

Still, there are discounts on our favorite Kindle models worth grabbing if you're in the market for an e-reader. Here are the best Prime Day Kindle deals you can get right this moment.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Our pick: Kindle Scribe (16GB, Basic Pen) 🔥 $234.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Kindle Scribe.

It's not a perfect device, but the Kindle Scribe is the most versatile option for those looking for a smoother transition into e-reading. It comes with a stylus to mark up whatever you're reading, bridging the gap between the traditional and digital world. Feel free to highlight, take notes in the margins, and doodle to your heart's content. The digital drawing features aren't the best out there, but if you're a note-taking reader, this is your best bet. The 16GB version with the Basic Pen is on sale for just $234.99 on day two of Prime Day — that's 31% in savings and its lowest price on record. The Premium Pen version was also on sale for a record-low price, but has since sold out.

Featured Video For You Prime Day 2024: 5 must-shop product categories Best Kindle deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Kindle Paperwhite Kids $149.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite Kids.

Unlike typical tablets, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids doesn't get access to apps, videos, or games, making for a distraction-free reading device for your kiddos. During Prime Day, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is down to $149.99, saving you $20 for 12% savings. Plus, when you purchase two, you'll receive an extra $20 off. Just add two to your cart and the discount will automatically be applied.

More Kindle deals

3 addicting new features from iPadOS 18 public beta

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

iPadOS 18, currently in public beta as of this writing, is packed with a flurry of new features, including the new Calculator app.

Funnily enough, up until now, the iPad didn't have a Calculator app (and it's been a long-running meme for iPad). Apple has made up for lost time by jam-packing the Calculator app with convenient features that will delight anyone who owns an Apple Pencil.

But first, before you can enjoy the new iPad features, you must install the iPadOS 18 public beta. (We highly suggest that you back up your iPad before downloading because it is, after all, a beta.) Once you've done that, here are the most addicting features on iPadOS 18.

SEE ALSO: iPadOS 18 announced at WWDC 2024: 7 new features, including Apple Intelligence 1. Scribble an equation and get the solution with Apple Pencil

I cannot get enough of the new Math Notes feature on iPadOS 18. With your Apple Pencil, you can scribble any equation on the empty field. Once you draw an equal sign, the Calculator app will give you the solution to your math problem.

Here, you can see that I did some equations, starting with how much I should save each month to collect $40,000 in two years.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's more convenient to put pen to paper (or pen to tablet, in this case) all the equations you'd like to solve as opposed to tapping buttons on a digital calculator.

You can access this feature by going to the Calculator app and tapping on the tiny calculator icon on the bottom left. Next, tap on "Math Notes" before scribbling away.

2. Let Apple TV tell you which actor is currently on screen

Apple TV now has a new "Insights" feature, which tells you which actor is currently on screen — in real time.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, if you're watching Ted Lasso, and an unknown actor appears, it will tell you who it is with a clickable picture that leads to more details about them if you tap on it.

Again, this is all in real time, so as actors appear off screen, their clickable pictures disappear, too.

You can access this by going to Apple TV, hitting play on your favorite TV show or movie, and tapping "Insights" on the bottom left.

3. Offload note taking to 'Voice Memos' app

Note taking can be such a drag, particularly for work or school. Fortunately, thanks to the new-and-improved Voice Memos, you can record a lecture — and the app will transcribe everything for you.

This Voice Notes feature is available on macOS Sequoia, too, as well as other OS updates. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Even if you aren't in school or work, I find this new transcription feature to be useful for jotting down ideas I have throughout the day when I don't have much time to type. It's also ideal for anyone who is a verbal thinker, in that you find it easier to articulate your thoughts through speaking before committing them to writing.

You can access this fun feature by heading to Voice Memos, recording your speech, and tapping on the top-right chat bubble.

2022 Apple iPad Air $598.99 at Amazon
$678.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal

This Candlestick stock trading and analysis master class bundle is just $30

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Learn how to trade stocks from the comfort of home with the 2024 Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class Bundle, on sale for just $29.99 (reg. $400) for a limited time.

Navigating the stock market is daunting, especially for newbies. Understanding the intricacies of market movements and making informed decisions require more than just basic knowledge. That’s why the 2024 Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class Bundle can be a game-changing resource.

For just $29.99, this eight-course bundle is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and trade with confidence.

One of the standout courses in this bundle is The Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class. Tailored specifically for beginners and featuring 24 lessons, this course takes you step-by-step through the process of analyzing candlestick charts, teaching you technical analysis essentials, and some of the most valuable candlestick patterns.

There are also courses called Day Trading for Dummies, Day Trading Secrets: Learn Day Trading with Tape Reading, and Swing Trading Strategies for Big Stock Market Profits. These practical courses aim to provide you with the strategies you need to start trading.

The Options Trading 101: A Beginner's Guide to Trading Options is comprised of 23 lessons on the basics of options trading. You'll explore call and put options, strike prices, expiration dates, and in-the-money (ITM) and out-of-the-money (OTM) options.

All of the courses are taught by Travis Rose, a full-time day trader and investor. After each course, you can receive a certificate of completion.

With a focus on practical skills and real-world applications, this bundle can be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to get started in the world of trading.

Learn on your own timeline with the 2024 Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class Bundle, on sale for just $29.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The 2024 Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class Bundle $29.99 at The Mashable Shop
$400.00 Save $370.01 Get Deal

Try the Stamina Upper Body Exercise Bike while it's just $150

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: The Stamina Seated Upper Body Exercise Bike with müüv app access is on sale for just $149.99 (reg. $349.99) for a limited time.

Incorporating effective exercise into your daily routine can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding fitness equipment that targets both your upper body and cardiovascular health. The Stamina Seated Upper Body Exercise Bike is a versatile and practical solution designed to help you stay active and fit at home.

Now available for just $149.99, a 57% savings off the regular price, this home exercise bike also comes with free access to the müüv fitness app, offering a comprehensive workout experience.

While it's not a bike in the sense of moving foot pedals, it does have moving hand pedals to help you strengthen your upper body. This includes your core, arms, shoulders, back, and chest area. It also gives you a cardio boost while you improve your upper-body strength.

It features customizable resistance, padded ergonomic handlebars and seat, an adjustable seat height, and a step-through build that makes it easy to get situated on the bike. This is ideal for nearly anyone, especially those with certain mobility issues.

Track your progress on the LCD screen. Easily see your speed, time, distance, and more right on the unit. Its space-saving design means even those with minimal space can utilize this workout machine at home.

This offer also gives you free access to the smart coaching app called müüv. This audio fitness coaching app connects to your bike via Bluetooth to provide you with an array of different types of workouts to try. 

You must be 18 or over to purchase; this bike has a weight limit of 250 pounds.

Check out the Stamina Seated Upper Body Exercise Bike with müüv app access while it's on sale for just $149.99 (reg. $349.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stamina Stamina Seated Upper Body Exercise Bike (Free App Access) $149.99 at the Mashable Shop
$349.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Take your coding to the next level with Microsoft Visual Studio Pro for just $35

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Utilize advanced coding features and seamless integrations with lifetime access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 on sale for $34.97 through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows $34.97 at The Mashable Shop
$499.00 Save $464.03 Get Deal

If you're a developer looking to elevate your coding experience, Visual Studio Professional 2022 could be your ticket to a more efficient workflow for desktop applications, web projects, or mobile apps.

Through July 21, you can get a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Visual Studio Pro for your Windows computer on sale for $34.97 (reg. $499).

This 64-bit IDE (integrated development environment) has features designed to streamline your development process, making it easier to manage large projects and collaborate with team members.

Enhanced debugging and diagnostics tools can help you quickly identify and resolve issues so that your code runs smoothly, and you can inspect variables and evaluate expressions on the fly.

In addition to debugging, Visual Studio offers seamless integration with popular development frameworks and services. This includes support for .NET, Azure, and various other cloud services, making it easy to deploy and manage your applications. The built-in collaboration tools also make it simple to work with your team, with features like real-time code sharing and integrated version control.

The intuitive interface and customizable environment allow you to tailor the workspace to your liking. Plus, with continuous updates and support from Microsoft, you can be sure that you're always equipped with the latest tools and features to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of software development.

Until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 on sale for $34.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get one streaming subscription to rule them all for just $30 — for life

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Discover BitMar, the all-in-one streaming platform that offers unlimited access to movies, TV shows, live channels, music, and more with a lifetime subscription on sale for $29.99 (reg. $150).

Opens in a new window Credit: Bitmar BitMar All-in-One Streaming Platform: Lifetime Subscription $29.99 at The Mashable Shop
$150.00 Save $120.01 Get Deal

If you're tired of paying insane prices for all your subscriptions, there's a better option to streamline your streaming experience with just one platform.

BitMar is your one-stop destination for everything entertainment, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $29.99 (reg. $150). You'll have endless access to movies, TV shows, live channels, music, and much more — all from a single platform.

BitMar has over 200,000 on-demand channels and lets you explore thousands of titles from different genres and languages, so there's something for everyone. Whether you're a movie buff, a TV series binge-watcher, or a music enthusiast, BitMar has got you covered. Plus, with live channels, you can stay updated with news, sports, and events in real time.

Not only does BitMar consolidate all your favorite streaming services into one convenient platform, but it also offers a user-friendly experience that can be used by kids and adults alike. No more switching apps or searching endlessly for what you want to watch.

The best part? It's a lifetime deal, so you won't have to worry about recurring monthly fees. Enjoy seamless access to a vast library of entertainment without the hassle of multiple subscriptions. 

Regularly $150, get a lifetime subscription to the BitMar all-in-one streaming platform on sale for $29.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

NASA reveals how it will plunge the space station into Earth's ocean

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

The International Space Station, weighing in at nearly 1 million pounds, will meet a dramatic death.

After breaking apart and largely vaporizing while falling through Earth's atmosphere, the leftover charred chunks will plunge into a remote ocean, and then sink to the seafloor. The grand deorbit of the aging laboratory will happen around 2030, and NASA has revealed how.

The agency picked the successful rocket and space exploration company SpaceX to develop and deliver the "U.S. Deorbit Vehicle" that will attach to the station — which is the largest single structure in space ever built. The hefty $843 million contract requires that the vehicle bring the ISS down to Earth in a controlled, safe manner, specifically avoiding populated regions.

Taking the whole behemoth structure down at once is necessary. A piece-by-piece deconstruction would be highly complex, likely dangerous for crew, and present a host of engineering hurdles.

"The station wasn't designed to be taken apart," Ken Bowersox, the associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, said at a press conference on July 17.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

In retiring the space station, NASA is looking ahead to the next decade and well beyond, particularly human missions to the moon and Mars. The agency, for example, plans to return astronauts to the moon as soon as late 2026. Rather than continuing to assume the 24-7 responsibility of running a space station with its international partners, NASA plans to use commercially owned and operated Earth-orbiting modules for ongoing research endeavors.

The space station orbiting around 250 miles above Earth. Credit: NASA How to bring the space station back to Earth

The major goal is to use a spacecraft, capable of producing potent thrust, to push the space station down through Earth's atmosphere and result in a controlled splashdown. This means keeping the falling pieces from landing over a wide or unexpected swath of Earth.

"You minimize how far the parts can be distributed," Dana Weigel, the manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program, said at the conference. "A tight and small footprint, that's the goal."

"The station wasn't designed to be taken apart."

To achieve this, Elon Musk–founded SpaceX will build a modified version of its Dragon cargo spacecraft, shown in the first graphic below. (The Dragon craft currently supply both crew and cargo to the space station.) The new, elongated vehicle will need to carry bounties of propellant to move the giant space station — some 16,000 kilograms, or 35,000 pounds, of propellant.

A graphic showing the SpaceX U.S. Deorbit Vehicle firing thrusters to move the International Space Station. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX's Crew Dragon craft approaching the space station. Credit: NASA

Here's what will generally happen:

- Launch of SpaceX deorbit vehicle: A rocket capable of lifting a heavy payload will be required to ferry the heavy, propellant-packed U.S. Deorbit Vehicle to the space station. It will weigh in the range of some 30,000 kilograms, or 66,000 pounds.

- Space Station drift down: Between 1 to 1.5 years before the end of 2030, NASA will allow the station to naturally lose altitude. (The structure maintains an altitude of some 400 kilometers, or 250 miles, above Earth, but this requires regularly reboosting the station.) Once the station descends to 220 kilometers (137 miles), the SpaceX craft will start thrusting.

- SpaceX deorbit vehicle brings space station down: The SpaceX vehicle will first fire its thrusters to push the space station into the desired orbit around Earth. Then comes the big push. Over the final week, before reentering, the craft will fire multiple burns. Ultimately, the final thrust must be powerful enough to fly the entire station and ensure it terminates in the desired remote location, NASA's Weigel said.

- Splashdown: The remnants of the space station may plummet into the ocean around January 2031.

With an object the size of the space station breaking apart while traveling at blistering speeds, the actual footprint of falling objects — ranging in size from a microwave to a sedan — can't exactly be tiny. But it can be relatively narrow and controlled. If all goes as planned, the debris will fall into a slim band some 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) over the ocean. That's why choosing a remote ocean region is essential. Fortunately, oceans dominate Earth's surface.

Enjoy the space station while you still can. The orbiting laboratory makes 16 orbits around Earth every day, and at night you can glimpse the station moving rapidly across the dark sky.

"I'm glad it's going to be flying for a while longer," Bowersox, also a former NASA astronaut, said.

'Oddity's Damian McCarthy reveals the origins of his Wooden Man

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:00

There is something special sitting at the heart of Oddity. In a swirl of horror subgenres, this Irish gem offers murder, vengeance, folklore, and more. But at its core is a creepy collectible known as the Wooden Man. 

"It starts with the object," writer/director Damian McCarthy told Mashable in a Zoom interview, when asked about his inspiration point for Oddity. "I remember reading about Guillermo del Toro years ago, talking about his writing process. He said he really always started with a really strong image, and then almost builds out the story around that." This device has served the Irish filmmaker well; his previous feature, the supremely spooky Caveat, involved a toy bunny with human eyes. For his follow-up, McCarthy focused on a "mishmash of stuff" including a haunted desk bell, an abandoned glass eye, and the Wooden Man. 

SEE ALSO: 'Oddity' review: Your new horror obsession has arrived

In a unique opportunity, this reporter sat in Mashable's New York studio with the Wooden Man at my side during our interview.

The Wooden Man and Kristy Puchko at the Mashable studio. Credit: Mashable

Look for our video to get a sense of this experience — and read on for more about Oddity's sure-to-be iconic creature. 

The Wooden Man was born from legend.  Yana (Caroline Menton) and Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) sit with the Wooden Man. Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / Shudder

In Oddity, the Wooden Man is presented as a peculiar present from a blind medium named Darcy (Carolyn Bracken) to her widowed brother-in-law Ted (Gwilym Lee) on the one-year anniversary of her beloved sister's murder. A full-sized carving in the shape of a screaming naked man, the Wooden Man is an instantly arresting figure, creeping out Ted's new girlfriend Yana (Caroline Menton) — though that doesn't stop Yana from probing his open maw with her fingers and exploring the holes drilled in the back of his skull. 

Oddity as a whole was made up of elements McCarthy "cherry-picked from horror tropes." The Wooden Man was inspired by Jewish folklore of the golem, a large clay figure who can be brought to life through rituals to do the bidding of its creator. McCarthy was also drawn to horror media where dolls come to life, citing The Twilight Zone, Child's Play, and Annabelle. But the most influential movie may have been The Wicker Man. 

"The Wicker Man is a good one," McCarthy said of the 1973 folk horror classic, "Because it's like, what would be your tool of revenge — or your weapon — be if you were a witch? What folklore are you using?" He was also drawn to how the film refuses to spell out its logic to the audience, a move he employs in Oddity. "There's stuff in there that's never really explained. Like, what are these rituals? Or how does this work? It's a little bit like with the holes in the back of [The Wooden Man's] head." While items will be plucked out from the wooden golem, their meaning remains mysterious. "It's just, it hints at something else that's going on. You know, there's some ritual or something has been performed off camera in the last week… It's folklore. And it's witches. None of it needs to be explained [as long as you] create the sense that somebody knows how this stuff works." 

The Wooden Man was sculpted over Zoom.  Ivan (Steve Wall) shines a light on the Wooden Man. Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / Shudder

Referencing the video conferencing we were doing for the interview, McCarthy noted his collaboration with art director Paul McDonnell — credited as Oddity's Wooden Man designer — happened "just like this."


McCarthy explained, "We didn't have much time." So he sent some drawings to McDonnell for reference. From there, McDonnell sculpted the dream of the Wooden Man into clay, with McCarthy giving notes over a live feed. 

"He was sculpting on camera, and it was me going, 'Okay, cut off his nose. Okay, put his nose back on.'" McCarthy said of the process, noting that because of the time crunch, "it was really done in a one-take kind of design, which is crazy when I think about it for how well it turned out. But that's really down to Paul's talent." 

Key to this creature's fearful effect is his countenance, frozen in a silent scream. "Having him screaming was always going to be a big [priority]," McCarthy said, noting the pose tied to the film's eerie sound design and the possibilities this sculpt would offer. "We did spend the most time on, that day, how to get that frozen scream right. Because the way he looks, it just meant when we sat down to sound-design it, we were just wide open for possibilities in terms of how he can sound and what's coming out of him. It was a little bit rushed. But it all worked out great."

Also crucial to the Wooden Man's look was a sense of texture. "We never wanted to make him smooth, or look like [he had] been sanded in any way," McCarthy said, "When I was just first trying to get my head around what he looked like, it was going to be more like something like the Green Knight or, you know, the Ents in The Lord of the Rings, covered in ivy and bark." 

While the final look offered more simplicity and less greenery, McCarthy found this reflected the creature's connection to Darcy, whose supernatural sensitivity is tied to touching cursed objects. "It was all about the texture of him," he said, later noting of the figure sitting next to this reporter, "Look at that on his chest; he's all knots and things, like this is timber." 

In fact, his nipples are made of knots in the fake wood grain. 

The Wooden Man demands respect.  Yana (Caroline Menton) reaches into the Wooden Man's mouth in "Oddity." Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / Shudder

When the big day came to bring the Wooden Man on set, McCarthy knew he had no reason to worry. Rushed or not, his creature was here, whole, and horrific. Recalling that moment the Wooden Man arrived, he said, "This is going to work because he does look like a definite presence in the room. Wherever I shot from, he was great." 

Cast and crew shared McCarthy's awe, drawn to touch the Wooden Man — though never roughly. "He's quite cool to the touch," the writer/director noted. 

Under our studio lights, I touched the skin of the creature as McCarthy looked on from the Zoom call, and I can confirm. His skin is cool to the touch, even in a hot room. 

As the film toured festivals, fans also had the chance to get up close and personal with the Wooden Man, as this perturbing prop would be set up for photo ops. "People were very respectful of it and taking pictures with it, but never, you know, wrapping it in a headlock or anything," McCarthy shared. 

Could the Wooden Man return?  See that bunny? It's from "Caveat." Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / Shudder

Fans of Caveat thrilled to see its creepy rabbit featured on the shelves in Darcy's oddity shop. So, does that mean the Wooden Man might pop up in another McCarthy movie? "I don't have any plans for it at the moment," McCarthy confessed. But he went on to note another Oddity character who might reappear down the road.

Darcy and her oddity shop could inspire other tales of terror, full as it is of intriguing tchotchkes. "She's quite an interesting character. Could she have popped up for a scene if you were making another horror film where a guy needed something — a haunted object in his house that needed appraising? That, for me, [would] be kind of fun."

Don't expect a formal McCarthy Cinematic Universe.  Credit: Colm Hogan / IFC Films / Shudder

As noted in my review of Oddity, McCarthy uses recurring imagery, cast members, or character names cross over from one film to another. For example, Oddity includes a character named Olin (Tadhg Murphy) who has a glass eye, while a past short film of McCarthy's is called "How Olin Lost His Eye." This could-be origin doesn't match the story in the feature film — but don't call it a retcon. 

"It's all stuff that interests me," McCarthy explained. 

He went on to express a frustration with Hollywood's dedication to churning out elaborate cinematic universes. "I'm a bit tired of the whole universes and everything connecting," he said, adding, "I think it's just been overdone." He models his self-references to those in Quentin Tarantino's movies.

"Some of his films had these very loose connections with a surname, like the Vega brothers from Pulp Fiction to Reservoir Dogs. But it's never made a big deal of it. I like that kind of thing. Are they connected in some way? Are they the same? Could they possibly be in the same world? I think that [ambiguity] is more fun than going, 'This is definitely a callback to [something else]' or 'This is setting up the next thing.' I find it more interesting. It's like, yeah, they're connected because they're written by the same person."

I suggested these commonalities are less shared canon and more fingerprints of the same imagination. "That's a really good way putting it," McCarthy said, concluding later, "I'd probably be slow to make direct sequels or prequels or anything like that. But the little connections, the fingerprints of imagination seems a nice idea."

Oddity opens in theaters July 19.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 18

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 04:41

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 July 18 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 18

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 18, 2024:

Across"Well, that's odd ..."

  • The answer is huh.

What a D.J. is in charge of

  • The answer is music.

___ acid (protein building block)

  • The answer is amino.

Total stranger, in slang

  • The answer is rando.

Beef variety for a hamburger

  • The answer is angus.

DownWord with nature or pretzel

  • The answer is human.

Taking advantage of

  • The answer is using.

Like the deities Shiva and Ganesha

  • The answer is Hindu.

Rooney of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

  • The answer is Mara.

Sounds from a dovecote

  • The answer is coos.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Xiaomi Mix Flip is a flip phone that stretches the outer display to its limits

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 04:37

Xiaomi's got a new flip phone coming, and it's a slap in the face of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6.

The Xiaomi Mix Flip, as it's called, hasn't been officially unveiled yet (that should happen on July 19), but CEO Lei Jun shared a couple of teasers on social media.

Tweet may have been deleted

The first thing that catches the eye are the two massive camera eyes on the outside. The second thing that catches the eye is the large, 4.01-inch, edge-to-edge outer display, with just a thin, black strip of bezel around it. The third thing that catches the eye is the fact that the phrase "catches the eye" becomes weirder each time you repeat it, but I digress.

It's hard not to draw comparisons with Samsung's recently launched Galaxy Z Flip 6, whose outer display has far larger, fatter bezels. It's worth noting that bezels sometimes protect you from accidental touches, so we'll have to wait and see whether Xiaomi's approach works well in practice.

Xiaomi Mix Flip Credit: Lei Jun/Weibo

From what we see in Jun's pictures, the Mix Flip's outer display looks to be highly customizable, with an always-ready software camera button and a full-sized (though still pretty tiny), 26-letter keyboard, meaning you can do all sorts of stuff on this phone without even flipping it open. According to Jun, it also has a dedicated mic and speaker on the outside, so you can make and receive calls without opening the phone.

Other specs of the Mix Flip include a 3rd gen Snapdragon 8 chip, Leica optics, and a 4,780mAh battery.

Besides the Mix Flip, Xiaomi is also launching a foldable phone on July 19, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. It will undoubtedly be a powerful device, but the real question is whether Xiaomi will launch it globally, as its predecessors have only been available in China.

We love to see it: Amazon packed Prime Day with some great deals under $25

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00

We're well into Amazon Prime Day, and we've spotted 250+ deals that are worth shopping. From robot vacuums to Apple products, the summer sale is loaded with epic price drops.

But if your summer goal is to stick to a strict(er) budget, you might be feeling some FOMO. Chin up — plenty of great Prime Day deals are under $25 and some are even free if you're already a Prime member.

Best deals under $25 during Amazon's Prime Day sale Best tech deal under $25 Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker $19.99 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Best kitchen deal under $25 Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher (6-cup) $15.99 at Amazon (save $9.80) Get Deal Best smart home deal under $25 Amazon Echo Dot $24.99 at Amazon (Prime members save $25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal under $25 Coleman Classic 1-Burner Backpacking Stove $19.46 at Amazon (save $10.53) Get Deal

No one's arguing that simply being alive costs more than it used to just a few years ago. If you're cutting back on spending, there are still some great deals during Amazon's biggest sale of the year that don't cost a fortune. You can fill your cart with these great deals that cost under $25 and are bound to make the rest of 2024 better and more enjoyable.

Below are some of the best budget-friendly Prime Day deals to shop today.

All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best tech deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Traveling sometime before we ring in 2025? You'll want to keep tabs on any checked luggage with a Bluetooth tracking device, and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 tracker is on sale for just $19.99 as part of Amazon's Prime Day savings. While you can stash any-sized Bluetooth tracker in a suitcase, the Samsung also comes with a convenient ring design, so you can attach it to your keys, the strap of your backpack, or your bicycle. Expect to get about 500 days of battery life with the Samsung GalaxySmart2 tracker.

More tech deals under $25:Best kitchen deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Brita Our pick: Brita Metro Water Filter $15.99 at Amazon
$25.79 Save $9.80 Get Deal Why we like it

Now that summer's unrelenting heat is here, you might be focusing on hydration, and, thanks to Prime Day, drinking chilled and filtered water costs under $25. The Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher is on sale for just $15.99 with a six cup-capacity and a standard filter. You can choose a white colorway or add some color to your kitchen with the turquoise or red options. Replacing the need to buy bottled water, the Brita pitcher reduces the taste and odor of chlorine while reducing copper, mercury, and cadmium. With the standard filter, you'll get about 40 gallons of use, so you'll only need to replace the filter about once every two months.

More kitchen deals under $25:Best smart home deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Prime member exclusive sale Get Deal Why we like it

If you're working on updating your collection of smart home tech, the Amazon Echo Dot will fit in perfectly. The smart speaker is on sale for just $24.99 for Prime members, and it's packed with useful features. Use the Echo Dot as your alarm clock, your weather tracker, podcast player, or your kitchen accompaniment while washing dishes thanks to its connection to music apps like Spotify or Amazon Music.

More smart home deals under $25:Best outdoor deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Our pick: Coleman Classic 1-Burner Backpacking Stove $19.46 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.53 Get Deal Why we like it

Heading into the great outdoors is the best way to celebrate summer for some people. Unfortunately, the gear necessary to survive outside can get spendy. Thanks to Prime Day, you can snag the Coleman Classic 1-Burner Backpacking Stove for just $19.46. Dishing out a maximum of 10,000 watts of power, your camp-side dinner will be ready in no time, boiling a liter of water in just 3.25 minutes. Weighing just 6.7 ounces, it won't add much heft to your hiking backpack or your camping set-up.

More outdoor deals under $25:

Prime Day may be over, but you can still snag some great deals under $50

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00

Want to shop Prime Day deals, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg? Check out some of our favorite Prime Day deals under $50 you can shop right now.

Best Amazon Prime Day Deals Under $50 Best Prime Day Tech Deal Under $50 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Earbuds Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case $44.99 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal Best Prime Day Video Game Deal Under $50 'Super Mario RPG' $39.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Prime Day 2024 is in full force, and that means round-the-clock deals are flying by across just about every category of item. While that includes TVs and smartphones and other big-ticket items, it also counts when it comes to smaller, more affordable goodies, too. You don't have to be rolling in the dough to snag some great Prime Day deals.

Right now, you can score some excellent deals under $50 that you'll be glad you pounced on. From great earbuds to reliable streaming sticks and much more, you can add these deals to your cart and check out now to scoop up the savings. Below, find some of our favorite discounts.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Prime Day tech deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the latest and greatest addition to Amazon's roster of streaming options. It's quicker than the previous model and supports Wi-Fi 6E. Plus, with double the storage, it's capable of additional feats, like displaying artwork that can essentially turn your TV into a Samsung Frame display and provide you with plenty of apps to use, since streaming content is spread all over the place these days. Saving 42% off this streaming stick is a great deal, especially if you enjoy a lot of shows and movies online.

More Prime Day tech deals under $50:Best Prime Day earbuds deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You'll rarely find a better deal on noise-cancelling earbuds outside of the realm of Apple AirPods than the Amazon Echo Buds with Wireless Charging Case for less than $50. They deliver crisp, dynamic audio, and audio personalization so you can better adjust your music (and podcasts if you choose) to fit your listening profile. They're IPX4 sweat-resistant, can switch between multiple devices at the same time, and last up to 15 hours per charge with the charging case. Getting them for this price is an absolute steal.

More Prime Day earbud deals under $50:Best Prime Day video game deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Super Mario RPG' $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nintendo Switch exclusive "Super Mario RPG" is a whimsical remake of the classic SNES title. It follows Mario and the gang while they track down the Smithy Gang, who's wreaking havoc on the Mushroom Kingdom. Form a party, fight in turn-based isometric battles, and save Princess Peach (and Star Road) with modernized graphics and mechanics to bring this '90s classic back to the forefront of gamers' minds – and to new players who had no idea Mario was more than a platforming darling.

More Prime Day gaming deals under $50:Even more Prime Day deals under $50:

Prime Day drone deals: Shop all-time lows on DJI and Holy Stone copters

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a drone you got on sale at a deep discount. We're keeping track of the best Amazon Prime Day drone deals right here.

The best Prime Day drone deals at a glance: Best overall deal DJI Mini 4K $239 at Amazon (save $60 with Prime) Get Deal Best budget pick Holy Stone HS440 $69.98 at Amazon (save $60.01 with on-page coupon and Prime) Get Deal

After Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day is one of the best times of year to buy a drone. We spend hundreds of collective hours poring through the massive sitewide sale every time it rolls around, and we always stumble upon a handful of worthwhile discounts on copters at a range of price points. (The event's timing smack-dab in the middle of summer is also pretty convenient — get out there and take full advantage of the nice weather once your new copter arrives.)

SEE ALSO: 250+ Prime Day deals our shopping experts have deemed worth it: Save on Apple, Echo devices, TVs, headphones, and more

With Prime Day 2024 now live through the end of Wednesday, July 17, we're keeping a running list of the best Prime Day drone deals below. Note that we've included models from the popular brand DJI, which is no longer on the U.S. government's chopping block, per a PetaPixel report.

FYI: Deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. If you notice a discrepancy between any Amazon MSRP and a price we've listed, it's because we found a different MSRP on the manufacturer's website and corrected the deal accordingly.

Best Prime Day drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K 🔥 $239.00 at Amazon with Prime
$299.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Mini 4K is a pint-sized 4K foldable camera drone that has a 31-minimum maximum flight time and an HD video transmission of just over six miles. It also comes with its own remote controller. It's a good option for a beginner, and Prime Day has ushered in a new record-low price for it. Amazon is also selling a DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo bundle that includes two spare batteries, a shoulder bag, and a two-way charging hub; it's also marked down to a record-low price right now.

If you're not a Prime member (and you've already used Amazon's free trial), head to Best Buy: The electronics store is selling the DJI Mini 4K and its Fly More Combo bundle for just 99 cents more than Amazon during its concurrent Black Friday in July sale.

More Prime Day drone deals

It's your last chance to grab these Prime Day mesh router deals

Mashable - Thu, 07/18/2024 - 03:00
Our top picks for the best Prime Day mesh router deals: Best deal overall Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router 199.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best bundle deal Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh WiFi router + Amazon Echo Dot $159.99 at Amazon (save $139.99) Get Deal

It's Prime Day 2, and the deals are still going strong. We've seen discounts on everything from TVs and laptops to mesh router systems. Speaking of mesh routers, today’s your last chance to snag these Prime Day deals before prices jump back up.

SEE ALSO: 250+ Prime Day deals our shopping experts have deemed worth it: Save on Apple, Echo devices, TVs, headphones, and more

We’re seeing discounts of $100+ off some of our top picks, including the eero Pro 6 and TP-Link Deco AXE5400. With deals like these, there’s no better time to upgrade your WiFi setup. Here’s an overview of the best Prime Day mesh router deals that are still available.

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: eero Our pick: Amazon eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi router $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon eero 6+ mesh WiFi router system covers 4,500 square feet with fast WiFi speeds up to a gigabit. It’s one of the most affordable systems on the market, and at $100 off, it's an absolute steal. With three units included, you can get whole-home coverage and connect to more than 75 devices.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: eero Our pick: Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi router $139.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon eero Pro 6E mesh WiFi router and Amazon Echo Dot bundle is ideal for students or anyone who wants to expand their smart home. With this deal, you’ll get an eero Pro 6E mesh WiFi router and one Echo Dot. Separately, these products would cost every bit of $300. But with this bundle, you can grab both for just $159.99, a $139.99 savings.

More Prime Day deals on mesh routers and WiFi network systems

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