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How to watch Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:02

TL;DR: Watch Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh 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.

It's almost over for another tournament, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are up next in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup and the last game of the Super Eights, it's not one you want to miss. In the last game before the semi-finals, how will the Group 1 teams fare?

If you want to tune into Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh 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 Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh?

Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 24 / 01:30 a.m. BST on June 25. This fixture takes place at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

How to watch Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh for free

Anyone in India with a smartphone can watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar, including this match between Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh.

This free content is geo-restricted to India, but don't fret, anyone from around the world can access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (in other words, your digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access live streams of the T20 World Cup on the Disney+ Hotstar app from anywhere in the world.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for 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 select T20 World Cup fixures for free.

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 Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Japan and South Korea Are Fighting Over an App at a Tense Time

NYT Technology - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:01
SoftBank and Naver helped bridge geopolitical relations with a joint venture to own the operator of the messaging app Line, but now the partnership is fraying.

How to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:01

TL;DR: Watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're just days into the 2024 Copa America action and things are already exciting as Colombia — one of the top South American teams — kicks off for the first time.

Colombia came third in the last Copa America tournament and are been contenders on the world stage. The Colombians actually won the Copa America back in 2001 and would love to scale those heights again.

Paraguay meanwhile are two-time Copa America champions but haven't seen quite as much success in recent years. The group stages are all about unexpected twists and turns — and at this early stage it's still all to play for.

If you want to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Paraguay?

Colombia vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on June 24. This fixture takes place at the NRG Stadium, Houston.

How to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay for free

Colombia vs. Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is geo-restricted to Italy, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy, meaning you can access Sportitalia from anywhere in the world. You just a sturdy internet connection.

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Sportitalia

  5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

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

While the best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, top VPN suppliers generally offer free trial periods or money-back guarantee deals. Take advantage of these and get access to free live streams without opening your wallet. That will give you enough time to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay, as well as every other game in the 2024 Copa America. With all the advantages of using a VPN, such as online security and anonymity, you may even decide to keep the VPN on a more permanent basis.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, a total saving of 49%, and includes an extra three months for free. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. The offer is available for a limited time only. Don't miss the dead — or the football.

Live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay for free with ExpressVPN.

How you can watch Australia vs. India online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Australia vs. India 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 almost through the second stage of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup , and it’s been a great tournament so far. This year saw the debut of the new Super 8s format where the eight qualifying teams divided into two groups of four play the others in their group once. Only the top two teams from each of these groups progresses to the semi-finals. With only two games to go, who will make it through?

Next up, it's Australia and India.

If you want to watch Australia vs. India 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 Australia vs. India?

Australia vs. India in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. BST on June 24. This fixture takes place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.

How to watch Australia vs. India for free

Cricket fans in India will be able to watch the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup for free on Disney+ Hotstar.

While this free content is technically geo-restricted to India, anyone from across the world can watch free live streams by using a VPN. VPNs 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.

Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Download the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app

  5. Watch Australia vs. India in the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for 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 select games 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 Australia vs. India in the 2024 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Albania vs. Spain online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Euro 2024 knockout rounds are almost here, which means it's make or break for some teams. On paper this Group B clash between Albania and Spain looks like a foregone conclusion. Spain are relatively recent World Cup winners, while Albania are entering the Euros for only the second time.

But is it really done and dusted? Group B is tricky all round, with tough competition from defending champions Italy and the always-solid Croatia. Albania could be in line to score a major upset here. The Albanians were tremendous in the qualifiers, so don't count them out.

If you want to watch Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Albania vs. Spain?

Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. BST on June 24. This fixture takes place at the Dusseldorf Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

How to watch Albania vs. Spain for free

Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 will be broadcast by the BBC. Free live streaming is available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming platform intended for UK viewers only, which means it has geo-blocking restrictions for anyone outside of the country. However, viewers overseas can access BBC iPlayer by using a VPN, which can hide your IP address and connect you with a server based in the UK. That allows you to sidestep geo-restrictions and watch all the games you want on UK-based streaming platforms.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream Euro 2024 by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free to use, but they usually offer incentive deals. You'll often find VPNs have free-trial periods and money-back guarantees. You can take advantage of these generous deals to access BBC iPlayer for the duration of Euro 2024, then cancel your deal before opening your wallet. OK, so it's not a long-term fix, but it will give you enough time to enjoy all the Euro 2024 action.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on offer, with an impressive 49% off the standard price. For a limited time only, an annual plan costs just $99.95. This plan also includes an extra three months at no additional cost, a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back promise.

Stream Albania vs. Spain in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Croatia vs. Italy online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Croatia vs. Italy in Euro 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's another big deciding fixture in Euro 2024 as European football heavyweights Croatia take on Italy. Playing as part of Group B — one of the toughest groups in the tournament — they face further competition from Albania and Spain, who are playing in the other Group B decider at the same time.

Italy are defending European Champions and have plenty of quality in their squad. And while Croatia failed to get past the round of 16 last time around, they were World Cup runners-up in 2018. They're certainly experienced on the international stage.

Ultimately, it's a must-watch fixture — two of the sharpest teams in Europe facing off at a crucial moment in the tournament. To help you watch Croatia vs. Italy from anywhere in the world, we've pulled together some useful information below.

When is Croatia vs. Italy?

Croatia vs. Italy in Euro 2024 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST on June 24. This fixture in hosted by the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig, Germany.

How to watch Croatia vs. Italy for free

Croatia vs. Italy in Euro 2024 is being broadcast by the BBC, with a free live stream of the game available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service that features BBC programming as well movies and live sports. It's technically geo-blocked outside of the UK, but overseas viewers can watch using a VPN. These tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you with a server in the UK. This will ensure that you circumnavigate the geo-restrictions and access all the Euro 2024 action for free.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Stream Croatia vs. Italy in Euro 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they often have free-trial period offers or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without spending anything. If you don't want to sign up for a VPN permanently, this will give you time to stream all the Euro 2024 fixtures without actually spending anything.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — an impressive saving of 49% — and includes an three extra months for free, unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Croatia vs. Italy in Euro 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica online for free

Mashable - Mon, 06/24/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the 2024 Copa America for free on Sportitalia. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are obviously a lot of big teams and players competing in the Copa America, but there is something special about Brazil. Sure, Argentina are the world champions, but Brazil has done it five times. And their team is littered with stars, ready to show that they are the best team in South America.

If you want to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Brazil vs. Costa Rica?

Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the 2024 Copa America kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on June 24. This fixture takes place at the SoFi Stadium.

How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica for free

Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the 2024 Copa America is available to live stream for free on Sportitalia.

Sportitalia is geo-restricted to Italy, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy, meaning you can access Sportitalia from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Copa America by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Sportitalia

  5. Watch the 2024 Copa America for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for 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 the 2024 Copa America before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Sportitalia?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking Sportitalia to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Italy

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the 2024 Copa America for free with ExpressVPN.

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 perfectly illustrates how men's egos start wars

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 22:10

House of the Dragon Season 2 has so far been a lesson in how wars start. Or should we say how men start wars.

Yes, OK, so it may have been Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) who misunderstood Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) on his deathbed in Season 1, and the ongoing rift between her and Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) certainly hasn't helped things. But come on. Season 2 has, so far, been a textbook case of male egos getting people killed.

Here's the deeply stupid step-by-step as it stands, beginning with Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) semi-accidentally killing Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) at the end of last season.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2's Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects Step 1: Aemond kills Lucerys

Unable to forget the teasing he endured as a boy, Aemond decided to wage a campaign of harassment against Rhaenyra's children that started with some "Strong" speech jokes and ended with Lucerys getting chomped to death mid-air.

Does he regret it? Maybe a little bit. But if he'd just scared the kid back at the Baratheon castle and called it quits then things probably wouldn't have escalated as quickly as they did.

Step 2: Daemon gets Aegon's son killed

We know what you're thinking: It's Rhaenyra that, on returning to Dragonstone, says she "want[s] Aemond Targaryen". But she doesn't say exactly what she means, and that's the apparent cue for an already-enraged Daemon (Matt Smith) to pay some very awful assassins to try and do the job for him. Inevitably the plan fails and the poor son of Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Heleana (Phia Saban), Jaehearys, is the one killed instead.

Credit: Theo Whitman/HBO Step 3: Ser Criston Cole sends a man to his death

Carrying an Iron Throne-sized chip on his shoulder, Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) decides the best course of action following Jaehaerys' death is to go rogue, blackmailing a member of the Kings' Guard (who happens to be a twin) to go to Dragonstone disguised as his identical brother, who has conveniently defected to work for Rhaenyra.

Unsurprisingly this works about as well as Daemon's off-the-cuff plan, and both twins – but not Rhaenyra – end up dead.

Featured Video For You House of the Dragon Season 1: Everything you need to remember about Season 1 in 60 seconds Step 4: Aegon fires his Hand and promotes Ser Criston

So: Aemond's been irrational, Daemon's been irrational, and then Ser Criston's been irrational. Thank goodness there's a solid, safe pair of hands on the Iron Throne itself though, right?

Oh no, wait: The realm's biggest man-baby Aegon II is in charge, and not only does he praise Ser Criston's actions, but he even decides to promote him to Hand after firing his grandad Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).

Aegon's petulant little attempt at a comeback while Otto is giving him a dressing down? "At least I did something." Yeah, good one Aegon. We're sure it'll definitely work out for you.

House of the Dragon Season 2 airs Sundays on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET.

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 24

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 24's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

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

Jolene's arch nemesis.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter L appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1101 is...

DOLLY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for June 24

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for June 24's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Aching

  • Green: Out to eat

  • Blue: Not animals

  • Purple: Red things

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

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

  • Yellow: Sore to the Touch

  • Green: Restaurant Courses

  • Blue: Animal Homophones

  • Purple: Red___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #379 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Sore to the Touch: DELICATE, RAW, SENSITIVE, TENDER

  • Restaurant Courses: DESSERT, MAIN, SIDE, STARTER

  • Animal Homophones: BARE, DEAR, MOUSSE, NEW

  • Red___: CARPET, DELICIOUS, MEAT, TAPE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

50 Cent got hacked by someone shilling memecoins

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 11:20

50 Cent was hacked by people shilling a memecoin, and the scheme apparently worked.

50 Cent said on Saturday that his X/Twitter account and website, ThisIs50, were hacked and that the hacker promoted a cryptocurrency called $GUNIT, you know, like G-Unit, the rapper's onetime group.

According to 50 Cent himself, the hack was quite successful.

He wrote on Instagram: "My Twitter & Thisis 50.com was hacked I have no association with this Crypto. Twitter worked quickly to lock my account back down. Who ever did this made $3,000,000 in 30 minutes."

View this post on Instagram

There's no way to verify the figures provided by 50 Cent. Cryptocurrencies do provide the opportunity for scammers to pump value and make a quick buck.

This is, after all, not an uncommon scam. Some hacker takes over a prominent account and pumps the value of some cryptocurrency via posts. It seemed to happen to Hulk Hogan this month. It's made all the more confusing because some celebs, like rapper Iggy Azalea or Caitlyn Jenner have actually launched volatile coins.

50 Cent has been active in the crypto space in the past, reportedly owning millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin, so it would add up that folks would fall for the memecoin.

Be careful out there on the internet and don't go around buying every random cryptocurrency.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for June 23

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 08:56

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 23 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for June 23

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, June 23, 2024:

Across"10 ___ or less" (supermarket line)
  • The answer is Items.

Gutsy boldness
  • The answer is Moxie.

June celebration
  • The answer is Pride.

One of 51 written by Alexander Hamilton for the Federalist Papers
  • The answer is Essay.

"___ luck!" ("Go get 'em!")
  • The answer is Lotsa.

DownUrge forcefully
  • The answer is Impel.

Upper body, to a sculptor
  • The answer is Torso.

Have life
  • The answer is Exist.

King with a golden touch
  • The answer is Midas.

"Later, alligator!"
  • The answer is See ya.

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

How to watch F1 live streams online for free

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:19

TL;DR: Watch 2024 F1 live streams for free on ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Do you love watching incredibly talented drivers in unbelievably fast cars? Of course you do.

F1 brings together the best of the best to battle it out on the track. Sure, Max Verstappen has dominated the field in recent years, and that doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon. But we remain hopeful. This could be the year when things become a lot more competitive. It doesn't look particularly likely at this early stage, but things could change.

If you are interested in watching F1 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

2024 F1 calendar

The 2024 F1 season features 24 races held all over the world between March and December:

  1. Bahrain GP (Sakhir) — March 2

  2. Saudi Arabian GP (Jeddah) — March 9

  3. Australian GP (Melbourne) — March 24

  4. Japan GP (Suzuka) — April 7

  5. China GP (Shanghai) — April 21

  6. Miami GP (Miami) — May 5

  7. Emilia Romagna GP (Imola) — May 19

  8. Monaco GP (Monaco) — May 26

  9. Canada GP (Montreal) — June 9

  10. Spain GP (Barcelona) — June 23

  11. Austria GP (Spielberg) — June 30

  12. United Kingdom GP (Silverstone) — July 7

  13. Hungary GP (Budapest) — July 21

  14. Belgium GP (Spa) — July 28

  15. Netherlands GP (Zandvoort) — Aug. 25

  16. Italy GP (Monza) — Sept. 1

  17. Azerbaijan GP (Baku) — Sept. 15

  18. Singapore GP (Singapore) — Sept. 22

  19. USA GP (Austin) — Oct. 20

  20. Mexico GP (Mexico City) — Oct. 27

  21. Brazil GP (Sao Paulo) — Nov. 3

  22. Las Vegas GP (Las Vegas) — Nov. 23

  23. Qatar GP (Lusail) — Dec. 1

  24. Abu Dhabi GP (Yas Marina) — Dec. 8

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. China, Miami, Austria, USA, Brazil, and Qatar will each host a sprint weekend this season.

How to watch F1 for free

The good news is that it is possible to stream F1 for free in 2024. The following platforms are offering free coverage of this season:

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, meaning you'll be blocked if you attempt to connect from outside the country of origin. Fortunately, you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access these streaming services to watch F1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock these free streaming services by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg

  4. Connect to ORF, ServusTV, RTBF, or RTL ZWEE

  5. Watch F1 races from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

There are a number of streaming-friendly VPNs out there, but ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming F1 for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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 30-day money-back guarantee. By using the guarantee, you can watch F1 races for free. This is sneaky, but it works because ExpressVPN returns your investment without hassle.

Watch the 2024 F1 season for free with ExpressVPN.

How Pet Care Became a Big Business

NYT Technology - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00
People have grown more attached to their pets — and more willing to spend money on them — turning animal medicine into a high-tech industry worth billions.

Learn the piano at home with this AI-powered platform for half off

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Pick up a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299.99) and learn to play piano at home.

What is Skoove? This AI app is an innovative online platform that offers interactive piano lessons for learners of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, Skoove can provide a comprehensive and flexible approach to learning the piano. Think of it as your new AI piano teacher.

How does it work?

Skoove tailors your learning to your needs and preferences. It is compatible with all pianos and keyboards (USB/MIDI and acoustic) and designed to adapt to your individual pace. In addition to lessons, Skoove also provides feedback tailored to you.

How does Skoove provide real-time feedback?

Skoove uses cutting-edge AI technology to listen to your playing through your device’s microphone. As you play along with the lessons, the platform analyzes your performance and provides instant feedback. This helps you to quickly identify and correct errors, making your practice sessions more effective.

What types of music can I learn on the piano?

Skoove offers music from a wide variety of genres, including chart-toppers like The Beatles and Adele, as well as classical favorites such as Beethoven and Bach.

Can I use it on different devices?

Yes, Skoove is accessible on multiple devices, including your computer, tablet, and smartphone. This allows you to practice wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you. Simply log into your account from any compatible device and continue your lessons seamlessly. You can access your Skoove account on an unlimited number of devices.

What do I get with a Premium Plan?

You'll get access to over 400 piano lessons and monthly song and lesson updates. You also get one-on-one support from the platform's music instructors, as well as special courses.

What does it cost?

For just $154.97, you get a lifetime subscription to Skoove and learn to play piano at home.

Regularly $299.99, you can take advantage of this limited-time offer that saves you 50% on Skoove's Premium Plan.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99 at The Mashable Shop
$299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Score $40 in savings and free shipping on the famed Kodak film scanner

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through June 26, enter the code KODAK at checkout to get free shipping on the already discounted Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, which helps you preserve your most cherished memories.

You may have seen the Kodak film scanner before. Instead of expensive trips to the film store or print shop, this tool lets you instantly digitize old photo negatives with the click of a button. It's so simple that this photography hack regularly goes viral online.

Even if you swore you'd never cave to any TikTok trend, let's be real, the Kodak Slide N Scan film scanner is making a pretty compelling case. Especially when those old film negatives are gathering dust in the dark corners of your parents' basement or garage. Sure, you can replicate nostalgic photos with those so-called vintage cameras the youth are flaunting these days, but nothing beats actual nostalgia from your photos of yesteryear.

For a limited time, you can score the ingenious Kodak film scanner for 20% off through June 26. Normally $224.99, this scanner is discounted to $174.99. And when you use the discount code KODAK, you can get free shipping, too. This easy-to-operate film scanner is basically a time machine, allowing you to instantly view, edit, and convert all your old color and black-and-white negatives in a jiffy — no need for those tedious trips to a specialty photo store.

Perfect for those old films you've likely forgotten about, this scanner features state-of-the-art image scanning technology, letting you digitally preserve and enhance your cherished memories, making it easy to reminisce for years down the line. As the name suggests, just slide your film into the device with the help of the quick-feeding tray technology, and it will scan and boost the image's resolution from 14 to 22 megapixels, resulting in more vivid pictures. It works with color and black and white negatives (135, 110, 126) and 50mm slides (135, 110, 126).

Check out how it works:

The scanner boasts a built-in LCD display, so you can instantly take a trip down memory lane on a large 5-inch screen. But if that’s not big enough, you can always connect the scanner to an external device like a TV, PC, or Mac for a larger display and a more immersive experience.

With this film scanner, now you can relive your memories in high definition.

The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner normally retails for $224.99, but you can grab it on sale for only $179.99 with free shipping by entering code KODAK until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $179.99 at Tha Mashable Shop
$224.99 Save $45.00 Use code 'KODAK' at checkout for free shipping Get Deal

Get a new Apple tablet for $150 with this iPad refurb

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Stay connected this summer and beyond with a grade-A refurbished 6th-generation iPad with accessories for just $154.99 (reg. $249.99) through June 26.

You don't find many opportunities to buy an iPad for under $250, let alone one priced closer to $150. If picking up an Apple tablet without dropping a few bills sounds appealing, then take this as your cue to start shopping for refurbished electronics. Refurbished gadgets are certified to work like new, and with an A rating, this tablet has only minimal wear.

Let us count the ways this tablet deserves a closer look:

  • This iPad comes with a screen protector, a case (color will vary), and a stylus.

  • Grade-A refurbished means it's in near-mint condition with very minimal to no cosmetic blemishes.

  • From the model year 2018, this tablet has 32GB of on-board storage and 2GB of RAM.

  • The 2.3GHz Apple A10 Fusion chipset provides fast, smooth performance whether you're checking emails on the go or looking up the best local restaurants on your vacation.

  • Features a 9.7-inch Retina display with multi-touch controls.

  • Offers WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple Pay capabilities, and its battery lasts up to 10 hours.

  • Runs on operating system iPadOS 16+.

Get a grade-A refurbished iPad 6th-Gen tablet to keep you connected for just $154.99 (reg. $249.99) through June 26.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 6th Gen 9.7” (2018, 32GB, Refurbished) + Accessories Bundle $154.97 at The Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $95.02 Get Deal

Turn your TV into a digital art gallery with this $32 hack

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Dreamscreens turns your TV into a digital art gallery — no frame required — and it's on sale for just $31.97 ($49.99) until June 26.

Televisions are often the focal point of our living rooms, but when they’re not in use, they become a large, black rectangle that does nothing to enhance your space. What if you could turn that blank canvas into something beautiful and engaging? With Dreamscreens, you can transform your TV into a stunning 4K digital art gallery. And for a limited time, you can get Dreamscreens for just $31.97 (regularly $49.99) through June 26.

Art TVs have become one of the biggest trends in the TV market over the past few years, and these premium gadgets typically cost $1,000 or more. Dreamscreens pulls off the same trick with a simple USB hack. Instead of buying an expensive new smart TV, Dreamscreens comes in the form of a USB drive that plugs directly into the USB port on your TV. Once plugged in, you can view and display more than 500 famous works of art while you sit around and read, clean your home, or host a get-together.

And you get to view them in ultra-high-def 4K quality (assuming you have a 4K TV to match) so you get to discover and enjoy the details on such works of art as "The Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh and "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. You can view them one at a time, as a slideshow, and even opt to have the slideshow play along with background music.

With Dreamscreens, you'll get one USB drive with the standard-screen version of the works of art and another with a wide-screen version. Before purchasing, it's a good idea to double-check that your TV supports NTFS-formatted USB drives. Fortunately, this is a common port on most modern TVs.

Don't let your TV sit unused when it can become a creative focal point for any of life's moments.

Turn your TV into a 4K digital art gallery with Dreamscreens while it's on sale for just $31.97 (reg. $49.99) until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscreens Dreamscreens: Turn Your TV into a 4K Digital Art Gallery $31.97 at The Mashable Shop
$49.99 Save $18.02 Get Deal

Watch documentaries for life with Curiosity Stream: Save 55% on a lifetime streaming pass

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Watch documentaries for life with a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream, now just $179.97 (reg. $399.99) until June 26. 

Netflix might get a few big-name documentaries a year, but a dedicated documentary watcher might not be satisfied with the selection. Whether true crime is a true comfort or education is your flavor of entertainment, a few documentaries isn't going to cut it. That's why you go for a documentary streaming service that specializes in quality docs. 

Curiosity Stream is the Netflix of educational content, minus the strict password sharing rules (seriously, you can use it on as many devices as you want). And you can also make sure your monthly fees never go up by simply never paying them. Instead, you can get a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream for a one-time purchase of $179.97 through June 26.

Docs on docs on docs

Curious about what you can watch with this documentary streaming app? Go ahead and take a look at the Curiosity Stream library — you don't need an account to do that. Curiosity Stream is just positively packed with docs, and it's always growing. 

Once you have an account, there are a few ways to browse. You can just look at the front page, same as most streaming services. Or you can look at the regularly updated curated documentary collections. Some current collections include Deep Space, Wild Weather, The World in 4K, and everything Curiosity Stream has by the legendary narrator Sir David Attenborough. 

Want to explore the content safari all on your own? You can also search for docs by topic or narrator.

Like falling asleep to a nice documentary? Make sure to download a few ahead of time if you're going to be away from the internet. Your account lets you do that, whether you want a few episodes of a series or full-length titles. 

Watch and learn

If you like documentaries, why not pay once to get lifetime access to a platform that knocks it out of the park in quality and quantity?

Get a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream for $179.97 until June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $179.97 at The Mashable Shop
$399.99 Save $220.02 Get Deal

Inside Andy Cohen's Clubhouse: A behind-the-scenes look at 'Watch What Happens Live'

Mashable - Sun, 06/23/2024 - 05:00

The first rule of the Clubhouse is: You're not invited to the Clubhouse. The second rule of the Clubhouse is: No, really, you're not invited.

If you're a Bravo fan, you know exactly what I mean. The Clubhouse is the intimate set where Andy Cohen hosts Bravo's stalwart late-night program Watch What Happens Live, and it's nearly impossible to get in as an audience member. You can't buy tickets, enter a lottery, or wait in line all day. You have to beg and hope or know someone. It might be New York City's most exclusive ticket and the hottest commodity in the Bravoverse, a place where beef among Bravolebrities is constantly born, creating real-time online gossip.

Despite the difficulty, I'm here to tell you what it's like to attend — twice.

The good folks at Bravo allowed me and my wife — a Bravo superfan who got me hooked on the network's offerings years ago — to attend two shows after I wrote about the network's boom in popularity in 2023.

SEE ALSO: In 2023, everyone tuned into Bravo's drama

The first thing you need to do to enter the Clubhouse, should you be so lucky, isn't very fun. You fill out some forms way ahead of time, agreeing to, I assume, some boilerplate rules that, frankly, I didn't bother to read. I was going, no matter the conditions. Then there are more emails about what to expect and wear: "Dress as if you're getting cocktails with Bravolebrities!" On the day of, you're in your best shirt, in line with roughly 19 other audience members outside a nondescript office building in Lower Manhattan.

The show is a well-oiled machine, even if it is known for creating messy online drama. WWHL is celebrating its 15th anniversary this summer, and you can tell they know exactly how to churn these episodes out. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, here are the basics of attending the show IRL:

  • You queue outside the office building precisely one hour before filming, where you're counted, checked in, and handed two drink tickets.

  • Alongside the rest of the guests, you're led up an elevator to the sixth floor, where you hear loud, fun music as you get close.

  • There's a small lobby with a bar (hence the drink tickets), backdrops for photos (with cutouts of Cohen and the WWHL desk), and a few places to sit and mingle.

  • Shortly before filming, the audience lines up in a specific order corresponding to where you'll sit in the Clubhouse.

  • Once seated, there’s a Q&A with Andy before the show’s guests arrive and filming begins.

  • You watch the show! It takes about as long as the actual airtime. You’re encouraged to whoop, yell, react, and participate when appropriate.

  • After the show, you’re back outside the office building, watching the stars get chauffeured out in black cars.

Now, the million-dollar question for Bravo fans everywhere: What's the experience like? TL;DR: It's as fun as you’d imagine and even more intimate than you’d think. The episodes we saw featured, respectively, Lindsay Hubbard and Gabby Prescod from Bravo’s Summer House, then actor Joel Kim Booster and Real Housewives of New Jersey legend Teresa Giudice. As an audience member, you’re legitimately part of the show. How could you not be? We sat close enough to smell Tre's perfume. (It smelled nice.)

Teresa Giudice and Joel Kim Booster, from our seats in the Clubhouse. Credit: Mashable / Tim Marcin

Let's get into the details.

The pre-show

Let me be clear: There is no having a bad time at a WWHL taping for a fan. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience since you can't purchase the ticket. But I've got to say, our taping with Giudice was far more fun because the fans were so excited. People began cheering as they stood in line outside the building. Folks danced in the elevator as the music waned from the sixth floor. A pregnant woman negotiated with her friends to dole out her drink tickets — everyone cackled. Even the bartender said, "Oh, it's a great crowd."

Through some unlucky break, the Summer House crowd was a bit more muted. It seemed a few men were dragged along who maybe didn't get how big a deal it was to attend.

That's the thing: Because you can't buy tickets, you can get an interesting mix of attendees. Sometimes tickets go up at charity auctions — I expect a few disinterested finance bros got their partner's tickets that way. Then there are friends of folks who work on the show, friends of guests, and superfans who pulled strings. And then, twice, there was me and my wife, Analise. It's hard to describe how excited we were.

The WWHL drink menu. Credit: Mashable / Tim Maricn Right before we entered the Clubhouse. Credit: Mashable / Tim Marcin

The first go-round, we were almost worried about it. We fretted over what to wear for about a week. We arrived so early. I threw back my free drinks before taping, afraid I'd spill live on air. It was nerve-wracking but in a night-before-Christmas kind of way. By the second taping (pictured above), we felt more comfortable. And the crowd was much more open and fun. Everyone danced, joked, and had a good time, easing anxious energy and raising excitement.

During the pre-show happy hour and photo-op, you might even run into the guests on the show. The room isn't huge, and the bathrooms are shared. One audience member from the Summer House-themed episode hustled out of the restroom and quickly told us she had an interaction with Hubbard in the women's room. I'm using kinder words than the fan's description of the event, but honestly, how freaking cool to have a famously (allegedly) rude Bravolebrity (allegedly) be rude to you! It's every Bravo superfan's dream! You're in this tiny space with the stars of your favorite shows, watching it all go down as it happens.

OK, wait, a little bit of housekeeping and a not-so-secret fact. Some Watch What Happens Live episodes are no longer aired live. The Summer House-themed episode, for instance, was taped two days ahead of time. It makes sense. Cohen is a media mogul with, I assume, a busy schedule. The show airs five days a week. There's no way he'd be free every night.

So, anyway, what happens after those welcome drinks? You're quickly shuttled into the Clubhouse, past hallways adorned with decorations like Jax Taylor's infamous chunky white fisherman's sweater. (You know the one.)

It's hard to overstate how tiny the Clubhouse is. I've been on other TV sets, and it still felt quite condensed. Analise, who has been watching the show forever, couldn't believe the on-set bar was barely a couple of feet from the guests. Camera angles can play tricks.

Everyone prepping for to film WWHL. Credit: Mashable / Tim Marcin

"The studio was so small, and the audience was so small, it was much more intimate than I expected," Analise told me after the tapings.

The Andy Cohen Q&A

So by the time you have your pre-drinks, you take your seats, and you talk with Andy, an audience member will spend far more time doing other things than actually seeing the show get filmed. But the Q&A is a highly anticipated moment for fans because Andy is the Alpha and Omega of Bravo. Most audience members used the time to make little jokes or ask gossipy questions about the Bravoverse. There were some cringey questions — "Are you jealous my last name is Gay?" — but mostly, Cohen did a deft job joking with the audience while avoiding revealing anything too newsy. He's there to warm you up, not give you Bravo tea for your TikTok account.

Still, as a journalist, I felt the need to ask him a question. I asked him which Bravolebrity made him the most nervous or required him to prep the hardest for an interview. He had to take a beat before sharing his answer: Erika Jayne during the 2021 RHOBH reunion. Honestly, I felt proud that I momentarily stumped one of the best interviewers out there — and that was a good thing because I was too nervous to follow up.

And Cohen is right there. He paces up and down in front of the audience; the front row sits in chairs, and the second row is raised on an extended bench. The guy has a presence. He controls the room like a celeb who's had fans bombard them for the past 15 years. He'll funnily answer audience questions and sternly warn them, "I'm filming a promo," if someone tries to ask something while the camera rolls. He'll ask, "Sir, are you here under duress?" to the uneasy finance bros. He'll talk to the audience and producers in his earpiece simultaneously. As I said, the show is a well-oiled machine, and the audience is an integral part of that apparatus — but an annoying fan isn't going to be the grain of sand that grinds the gears to a halt.

Cohen gets to his customary seat after the audience Q&A wraps up, and the show begins.

Cohen, Hubbard, and Prescod talking during a commercial. Credit: Mashable / Tim Marcin Taping the show

As an audience member, you are there to bring the vibes. You're encouraged to have a good, well-lubricated time with your fellow seatmates. It's hard to have a bad time, mainly because a producer named Rachael might be the best hype-woman I've ever seen. She's got the whole spiel down flat, like a camp counselor on her tenth summer. She's cheering. She's getting you going. She's letting you know when to scream and for how long. Now that I've gone behind the scenes, I cannot miss her yaaaaaaaaaaaaay in and out of every WWHL commercial break. (And now you can't either.)

Otherwise, it's sort of like watching the show at home. Even the taped broadcast followed a strict schedule. You can spot most of the graphics on screens overhead. Phones are allowed, but only during breaks. You're encouraged to ohh and ahh and haha, but there's absolutely no yelling out or answering the trivia questions. And if you absolutely must use the bathroom, there is no re-entry. You're in and out in just about the exact time it takes to watch the show on television.

It might not surprise you to know that so much actually happens during Watch What Happens Live. We got to watch Hubbard skirt accountability on her much-publicized break-up and spot Andy giving her serious side-eye from a spitting distance away.

We got to see Teresa Giudice — in a skin-tight lavender jumpsuit — forcefully (and kind of unconvincingly) deny ever leaking things to bloggers. We watched as her husband Louie, who's taller than you think, fed her a line about her enemies being "obsessed" from our little peanut gallery.

Tweet may have been deleted

We got to see Giudice's makeup people — seemingly glammed up for a night out at the club — rush out to touch her up during commercial breaks. We even saw Giudice take countless selfies, getting the angles just right, long after the cameras stopped rolling and as producers probably eagerly awaited the audience to exit.

Seeing these soon-to-be-viral moments up close was a unique experience.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

It was also neat to be there live as people watching from home lost their minds over Giudice — her jumpsuit, her putdowns of her sister-in-law whose name she refused to utter, and, well, just Teresa just being Teresa. I cracked up at Giudice's refusal to say her SIL's name, and folks noticed it online. I even predicted to Analise she'd wear a latex jumpsuit before she took the stage. (Maybe I watch too much Bravo.) But it was cool to be there in person for what I'd usually tweet about from my couch.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted So, how was it?

I hope by now it's clear: Going to Watch What Happens Live is a blast for a Bravo fan. It's like jumping into the TV screen momentarily and getting a bit part in the Bravoverse. If you listen closely, you can hear my laugh in the background and barely catch me in an audience shot. You get to see if the Bravolebrities live up to their reputation, which, in my experience, is a resounding yes.

Sure, you can buy a ticket to BravoCon, but thousands of people do that. WWHL is the golden ticket, the ever-so-exclusive treat. Our Bravo-watching friends were jealous, and for good reason. It's far more intimate than any other studio show I've been to. Any schmo can see Stephen Colbert. Not many get to throw back a Fresquila alongside Andy Cohen.

I can't tell you how to get in, but I can suggest you do it if you can. And if you do score an invite to Bravo's chocolate factory, just make sure you prepare a good question for Andy.

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