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SAVE $100: As of Feb. 28, Bose QuietComfort headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $249. That's 28% off their list price of $349.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones $249.00 at Best BuyHigh-quality headphones often come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, though, quite a few of these headphones receive some very nice discounts throughout the year so you can scoop them up while saving some cash. That's currently the case with the Bose QuietComfort headphones, which are down by $100 at Best Buy.
This has dropped their price from $349 to $249, which is a nice deal to take advantage of while it's still available. Not to mention, picking up these headphones also gets you YouTube Premium for free for three months if you're a new subscriber, so you can give them a test run on some exciting videos.
SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2025If you've been looking to upgrade your current headphones, the Bose QuietComfort are worth every cent. Living up to their name, they boast a comfortable fit so you can listen to your favorite tunes, audiobooks, podcasts, and more for longer. And with excellent sound quality paired with noise-canceling technology, you'll be fully immersed in what you're listening to. You can even adjust the sound you're listening to through Adjustable EQ in the Bose app, making for a more personalized experience.
This deal may not stick around for long, so don't miss out on $100 off the Bose QuietComfort headphones at Best Buy.
There are quite a few more headphone deals floating around right now that are worth checking out. If you're an Apple user, you can score $50 off the AirPods Max (USB-C) at Best Buy. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are also discounted there right now.
This modern-day space photo has it all.
There are currently three landers, on three different exploration missions, en route to the moon. One of them, Intuitive Machines' Athena, just looked back home, and captured more than just a glorious view of Earth. Also in the frame is the SpaceX rocket stage that helped propel the lander into space, along with three other payloads released by the rocket.
Another way of looking at this scene: It's a NASA-funded private moon lander released into orbit by a private company's workhorse rocket on a space rideshare with other companies. This is the modern space exploration paradigm.
"After liftoff on Feb. 26, Athena established a stable attitude, solar charging, and radio communications contact with our mission operations center in Houston," Intuitive Machines, which previously had a hard lunar touchdown in 2024, posted on X.
"The lander is in excellent health, sending selfies, and preparing for a series of planned main engine firings to refine her trajectory ahead of lunar orbit insertion, planned on March 3. Intuitive Machines is targeting a lunar landing opportunity on March 6," the company added.
SEE ALSO: Why landing a spaceship on the moon is still so challengingOn the right side of the image is the Athena lander and four of its landing legs. On the bottom is the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, surrounded by three other payloads (smaller white dots). And beyond that, of course, is our cloud-covered planet.
The legs of the Athena lander, a SpaceX rocket stage, and other payloads as viewed by the lander. Credit: Intuitive Machines Tweet may have been deletedIntuitive Machines plans to land Athena in Mons Mouton, a lunar mountain near the moon's south pole. This southern region is rich in water ice, and is relatively close to where NASA intends to bring astronauts in mid-2027. "Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission represents a significant leap forward in lunar exploration, ready to demonstrate water hunting infrastructure services on the Moon’s surface," the company explains on its website. The lander is equipped with a drill to investigate these south pole resources.
The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which is comprised of robotic technical and science endeavors that support the crewed missions that will soon return to the moon.
Also currently en route to the moon is Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, which the Texas-based company intends to land on March 2. The other craft is Japanese company ispace's Resilience lander, which will attempt landing in late spring.
There's certainly lots of enthusiasm about these moon endeavors. But landing on the moon remains daunting, largely because it's a world with virtually no atmosphere to slow spacecraft down. A craft must plummet to the surface almost perfectly, as thrusters fire to slow its descent onto a surface teeming with pits and craters.
At 15, I downloaded Grindr, uploaded a photo of my bare chest, and created a profile with a fake alias. Initially uncomfortable, my curiosity grew as I encountered usernames like '"looking for young" and "discreet hookups only." Seeing LGBTQ+ sexuality displayed so openly was a relief and made me realize, Oh, there are gay people everywhere.
Months of deleting and redownloading Grindr culminated one night after a long day of school, dance and homework. The Grindr notification sounded, and the guy I chatted with the night before was back online, suggesting we meet. Despite my hesitation, his "now or never" pleas led me to crawl out of my bedroom window.
My parents were supportive and open-minded when raising my younger sister and me. They did almost everything right, according to many trusted parenting experts, by granting me freedom and lessening restrictions as I grew into an older teenager. I also know that the reverse of this, commonly known as helicopter parenting, can drive a wedge between kids and their parents, leading to rebellion. Because of these widely accepted truths, I believe the urge to explore sexuality as a teen is natural.
So why do many LGBTQ+ kids seem to find that independent exploration online instead of offline?
Teenagers who identify as heterosexual are not only allowed to explore their sexuality openly and comfortably but are celebrated for doing so (e.g., nearly every adolescent film and television show of the last 75 years). But in 2023, one-fourth of high schoolers in the U.S. identified as LGBTQ+, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. Of that one-fourth, many are likely in school environments that make them feel unsafe when exploring as openly as their heterosexual counterparts. And they are outnumbered. I believe this to be a large reason why LGBTQ+ teens turn to the online world for exploration and connection — like I was clearly craving when I snuck out of my house — leading to queer teens being 3 times more likely to experience unwanted or unsafe interactions online.
That night ended when I saw the guy's truck turn down my street. I hid behind a bush, deleted the app after his messages and stayed off Grindr until college.
After hearing about experiences like this, most people feel lost and confused about who to blame. Was it Grindr’s fault for allowing a minor to weasel their way onto an adult hookup app? The parents that didn’t know the app was downloaded? What about Apple, which couldn’t prevent the adult-only app from being downloaded by a 15 year old? To answer this, I think about who I would blame if my puppy, Stormy, suddenly got sick from a chemical in her newest chew toy. I would first wonder why the toy didn’t go through thorough safety testing; then I would ask why a store allowed it on the shelves in the first place.
This logic is missing when tech executives continue to shift the blame back and forth between the app itself and the app marketplace. Both the Apple App Store and Grindr were responsible for my safety.
A lot has changed for better and worse about Grindr since my time on the app. Just this year, the company established new safety and privacy features. Grindr also has seen more users speaking openly about a diminished user experience.
Apple just released new child safety features for the Apple App Store. But it is not enough. While not showing and advertising apps rated as inappropriate to kids is an important step, it does not account for developers who mis-rate their apps. Apple claims their app store is a “safe place for kids,” but in a report I worked on with my colleagues at Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action, we found 200+ risky or inappropriate apps in the Apple App Store rated as appropriate for kids as young as 4. What is the fix for this?
SEE ALSO: Apple's child safety changes put more of the onus on app developersI still believe that Apple’s App Store will continue to be a risk for youth unless it implements third-party reviews of app ratings. Just like movies, television programs, and video games, these experts would assess the risk to children and give an age rating in the best interest of kids – not the best interest of Apple or the app developer.
Big Tech must be held accountable for building safe products and services. Clearly, app store marketplaces still have serious changes to make, but the tech companies developing these apps must design them with safety as the top priority. This includes thorough ways of verifying age, especially considering many of these apps are accessible without a mobile app. Lives depend on it.
As we continue navigating tech safety, we have to balance new measures with privacy concerns. Adding additional steps like ID verification is an uncertain act for many LGBTQ+ youth in the Trump era. Basically, we have to ensure our data is protected from entities who could hurt us.
So, whether it’s a mother, like Kristin Bride, who lost her son after he was cyberbullied on anonymous apps he got off of the App Store or the queer teens assaulted after sneaking out to meet someone they met on a hookup app, Big Tech’s negligence is contributing to harm, and it must stop.
Lennon Torres is an LGBTQ+ advocate who grew up in the public eye, gaining national recognition as a young dancer on television shows. With a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, Lennon now works to center the lived experience of herself and others as she crafts her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative, aiming to bridge the gap between online safety and LGBTQ+ representation through intentionally inclusive strategies. Lennon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4/
In deep space, far beyond our solar system, astronomers have spotted loads of super-Earths, mini-Neptunes, and hot Jupiters.
But only once have they found an "ultra-hot Neptune" — a Neptune-size world orbiting extremely close to its star. A year lasts under a day on this scorching planet, dubbed "LTT 9779 b." After discovering this curious world in 2020, scientists have now used the powerful James Webb Space Telescope to peer into the exoplanet's atmosphere and better grasp how such a world works.
"Finding a planet of this size so close to its host star is like finding a snowball that hasn't melted in a fire," Louis-Philippe Coulombe, a researcher at the Université de Montréal's Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets who led the study, said in a statement. "It's a testament to the diversity of planetary systems and offers a window into how planets evolve under extreme conditions."
SEE ALSO: A dramatic total lunar eclipse is coming. You don't want to miss it.LTT 9779 b, nearly 30 times Earth's mass, is certainly extreme. It's tidally locked to its star — like the moon is locked to Earth — meaning that one side of it incessantly seared by its star, while the other is dark and cooler. LTT 9779 b is nearly 3,630 degrees Fahrenheit (2,000 Celsius) on its dayside. That's hotter than lava.
The research team peered at LTT 9779 b for 22 hours, using an instrument on the Webb telescope called a spectrograph to reveal the composition of the planet's exotic atmosphere. (Similar to a prism, spectrographs spread an object's light into a spectrum of colors, revealing what's present or not in a far-off place.)
They found clouds very unlike ours (which are made of water vapor) composed of silicates, which are minerals that make up rocks on Earth. These clouds were on the planet's western dayside, as opposed to its hotter eastern hemisphere, suggesting that strong winds on LTT 9779 b transport atmospheric elements around the planet.
A conception of LTT 9779 b, located 262 light-years from Earth in the Milky Way galaxy, can be seen below. It depicts how highly reflective mineral clouds condense on the "slightly cooler" western dayside, but then evaporate when the planet's potent winds push these clouds to the hotter eastern dayside.
An artist's conception of the "ultra-hot Neptune" LTT 9779 b. Credit: Benoit Gougeon / Université de MontréalScientific attempts to understand this profoundly rare — as far as we know — world are just beginning.
"We haven’t finished piecing together the information about this planet yet," Jake Taylor, a scientist in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford who also worked on the study, explained. "We are currently using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope to study the dayside cloud structure in more detail to learn as much as possible."
To date, astronomers have confirmed 5,834 exoplanets, with thousands more awaiting confirmation.
The Webb telescope's powerful abilitiesThe Webb telescope — a scientific collaboration between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency — is designed to peer into the deepest cosmos and reveal new insights about the early universe. It's also examining intriguing planets in our galaxy, along with the planets and moons in our solar system.
Here's how Webb is achieving unparalleled feats, and likely will for decades to come:
- Giant mirror: Webb's mirror, which captures light, is over 21 feet across. That's over two-and-a-half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror, meaning Webb has six times the light-collecting area. Capturing more light allows Webb to see more distant, ancient objects. The telescope is peering at stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago, just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. "We're going to see the very first stars and galaxies that ever formed," Jean Creighton, an astronomer and the director of the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told Mashable in 2021.
- Infrared view: Unlike Hubble, which largely views light that's visible to us, Webb is primarily an infrared telescope, meaning it views light in the infrared spectrum. This allows us to see far more of the universe. Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, so the light waves more efficiently slip through cosmic clouds; the light doesn't as often collide with and get scattered by these densely packed particles. Ultimately, Webb's infrared eyesight can penetrate places Hubble can't.
"It lifts the veil," said Creighton.
- Peering into distant exoplanets: The Webb telescope carries specialized equipment called spectrographs that will revolutionize our understanding of these far-off worlds. The instruments can decipher what molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane) exist in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets — be they gas giants or smaller rocky worlds. Webb looks at exoplanets in the Milky Way galaxy. Who knows what we'll find?
"We might learn things we never thought about," Mercedes López-Morales, an exoplanet researcher and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, previously told Mashable.
TL;DR: This bundle of 14 online guitar lessons is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $39.99) — that’s just over $2 per course.
Picking up a guitar that makes you look like Jimi Hendrix is easy — the hard part is figuring out what to do next. Most people start with guitar books or YouTube tutorials but don’t stick with them because there’s no structure. If you want to become the next “Voodoo Child,” take real guitar classes.
Despite what most people think, you don’t have to trek to weekly classes or get lectured when you make a mistake — just sign up for online guitar lessons. The package we offer is completely asynchronous, meaning you can take it at your own pace. Lifetime access is currently on sale for $29.97 (reg. $39.99).
Make Jimi Hendrix proudWhat you found is the perfect balance between structure and flexibility. It’s a good idea to set a goal — maybe something like taking one lesson each day or practicing for two hours weekly — but you choose when you set aside the time for it.
The courses can be taken in any order, but you’ll notice there’s a logical progression if you look closely:
Guitar Technique
Beginner Guitar Lessons Crash Course
Fingerstyle for the Curious Guitarist
Songwriting for the Curious Guitarist
Feel free to skip around if you’re a fast learner and getting bored, or stray from our suggestion if there’s something you’d rather learn first. You build your learning plan and have lifetime access to all course materials for future reference.
Teach yourself guitar with a little help from this discounted course bundle, now $29.97 (reg. $39.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dan Dresnok The Complete Beginner to Expert Guitar Lessons Bundle $29.97TL;DR: Get half off a Sam’s Club membership for just $25 (reg. $50) before codes sell out.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership $25.00Prices for groceries are out of control. Eggs feel like a delicacy. When will things return to "normal?" Nobody can be sure, but we aren’t waiting around. Shoppers have been saving on groceries at Sam’s Club for decades, and now is an opportune time for you to see what the hype is about with 50% off an annual membership.
Until we sell out of discounted codes, you can join Sam’s Club for only $25 (reg. $50). This offer is only for new members or those with cards that have been expired for over six months. Bonus: You can share the membership with anyone in your household.
Getting through these uncertain times at Sam’s ClubYou may have shied away from Sam’s Club because you think they only have wholesale groceries and household items, but that’s not true. Sure, some items are sold in large quantities, but others are individually packed.
Plus, have you ever considered that purchasing in bulk may still be more cost-effective, even if you’re a single person or a small family? You could freeze items for later use or share items with friends, family, or neighbors and split the cost.
And that’s just the grocery list items. Sam’s Club members also save on gas, which adds up no matter how frequently you have to fill your tank. You’ll earn your membership fee back in no time.
Take advantage of this Sam’s Club membership deal before codes are sold out: $25 (reg. $50).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: You can get a Windows 11 Pro upgrade key on sale for an all-time low price of $17.97 (reg. $199) — each upgrades two compatible PCs.
Your computer might be due for an upgrade — and not just because it’s been feeling slow. Windows is undergoing big changes, and holding out with version 10 will leave you behind in more ways than one.
Here are just three reasons why you should upgrade to Windows 11 Pro (though we can think of so many that it’ll bore you):
1. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 this yearIf you’re stuck on Windows 10 like glue, does it change anything to know that Microsoft is ending free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes later this year? They say your computer will still work, but even they recommend upgrading to the latest software for security reasons.
2. You’ll get AI integrated into your PCAs long as your computer is eligible for the free Windows 11 Home upgrade, you can get this Pro version. You’ll love paid-only features like BitLocker hard drive encryption and remote desktop access. But perhaps most importantly, Windows Copilot (available to all).
This AI-powered PC assistant can help you with anything from changing system settings to summarizing web pages and generating images and code. It’s like ChatGPT, except it’s fully integrated into your computer.
3. Enjoy the brand-new user designLove it or hate it, Windows 11 Pro features a completely redesigned user interface. It’s reminiscent of Windows 10, except with fresh and useful tools like snap layouts and desktops, seamless redocking, and widgets to customize your work days.
Will you upgrade?Windows 11 Pro is at its lowest price ever for a limited time, making right now the best time to upgrade. Get your key for $17.97 and upgrade two compatible PCs (reg. $199).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $17.97Gracing the top three on our list of the best films of 2024, Nickel Boys is truly transformative. An adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, it relies heavily on first-person POV shots to tell the story of a violent reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida from the perspective of its protagonists. Mashable's reviewer called it "exquisite and powerful" and we're unsurprised that it nabbed nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars.
Already available to purchase on digital, Nickel Boys has now made its streaming debut on Feb. 28. Here's everything you need to know in order to tune in.
What is Nickel Boys about?Adapted from the 2019 novel by Colson Whitehead — which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction — Nickel Boys follows 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) and his friend Turner (Brandon Wilson). A promising advanced high schooler, Elwood finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to false charges and imprisonment at a juvenile reform home called the Nickel Academy.
"A young adherent of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood's idealism quickly clashes with Nickel's harsh reality of segregation and corporal punishment. However, he also finds guidance and companionship in Turner, a fellow student hailing from Houston whose more upbeat demeanor and slick survival tips exist in close proximity to his own fears of the school's ruthless staff," Mashable's reviewer summarizes.
Get a closer look at the much-lauded film in the official trailer:
Is Nickel Boys worth watching?"Stunning" doesn't even begin to cover it," writes Mashable reviewer Siddhant Adlakha, "but RaMell Ross' Nickel Boys is one of those rare Hollywood productions that feels aesthetically transformative." From the powerfully adapted story to the uniquely filmed first-person perspective shots, RaMell Ross' film is one of our favorite movies of 2024. And we're not alone in the sentiment — it's also nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars. It's garnered a 90 percent critic rating and 76 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes as well, making it certified fresh.
"Few narrative feature debuts have felt so poignant and so richly formed that they practically speak their own language, as Nickel Boys does, while also managing to articulate its drama clearly and instinctively. The result is a dynamic work of resilience and self-actualization," Adlkaha concludes.
Read our full review of Nickel Boys.
How to watch Nickel Boys at home Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosTwo months after its theatrical debut, Nickel Boys officially made its video-on-demand debut on sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can purchase it for your digital collection at any of the retailers below as of Feb. 11. You'll also be able to rent it from the same retailers at a later date.
If you prefer to stream the film instead, keep reading to learn more.
As of Feb. 11, you can buy Nickel Boys at the following retailers:
Prime Video — $19.99
Apple TV — $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99
YouTube — $19.99
Google Play — $19.99
Nickel Boys made its streaming debut on MGM+ on Feb. 28, 2025. MGM+ subscriptions start at $6.99 per month, but we've rounded up the best ways to save money on your subscription below.
If Nickel Boys follows a similar streaming schedule as fellow Amazon MGM Studios films Challengers and Blink Twice, it will likely expand its streaming release to Prime Video in a couple of months. We'll keep you updated if and when that happens.
Can I get MGM+ for free?New to MGM+? You can enjoy a week of streaming for free with a trial through MGM+ directly or as an add-on via Prime Video. The add-on option is great for Prime members looking to condense their streaming services (and payments) into one central location. If you'd rather keep things separate, you're better off signing up through MGM+ directly. Either way, if you align your seven-day trial to the release of Nickel Boys, you'll be able to stream it for free. Just remember to cancel before the week is up.
Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ Free 7-day trial, then $6.99 per month Watch Now Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ / Prime Video MGM+ add-on via Prime Video Free 7-day trial, then $6.99 per month Get Deal The best MGM+ streaming dealsSave 30%: MGM+ annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ annual subscription $58.99 per year (save $24.89) Get DealAs a smaller streamer compared to, say, Prime Video or Netflix, MGM+ isn't brimming with great deal options. But that doesn't mean all hope is lost. If you want to save some cash, your best option is to sign up for the annual subscription versus the monthly subscription. You'll save 30% by paying for a year upfront, which is a pretty big savings compared to annual subscriptions from other streamers. At $58.99 per year, you're paying less than $5 per month (reg. $6.99 per month).
Save $1.99/month: Sign up for MGM+ via Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling MGM+ via Sling TV $5 per month (save $1.99 per month) Get DealIf you'd rather just sign up for a single month and call it quits, subscribing to MGM+ through Sling TV can save you $1.99. No need to pay for the base plan of Sling. Just head over to the MGM landing page on Sling's website and you'll be able to sign up for only $5 per month. If you do want to sign up for a base package through Sling (Orange or Blue), you'll unlock a free month of MGM+.
SAVE OVER $400: As of Feb. 28, the Samsung 65-inch Q60CB QLED 4K Smart TV is available for $492.68 at Walmart — a $455.31 discount from its usual $947.99 price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Q60CB QLED 4K Smart TV $492.68 at WalmartI’m not saying you need to drop everything and buy this TV immediately, but I’m also not saying you shouldn’t. Walmart has slashed the price of the Samsung 65-inch Q60CB QLED 4K Smart TV down to $492.68, which is borderline absurd for a big-name QLED TV packed with modern features. If you’re tired of watching movies on something that barely qualifies as a “smart” TV or want an upgrade that won’t financially ruin you, this deal is about as good as it gets.
So what’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one. The Q60CB might not be Samsung’s absolute top-tier QLED, but it still brings 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot technology, so you’re getting billions of colors instead of the dull, washed-out hues that cheaper TVs struggle with. 4K upscaling means even non-4K content gets a noticeable boost in clarity, and Quantum HDR makes sure you’re not squinting at dark scenes trying to figure out what’s going on.
SEE ALSO: I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 offMotion Xcelerator keeps action-packed moments looking smooth for sports fans and gamers, which means no more blurry players or laggy gameplay. And if you’re really into gaming, Samsung Gaming Hub lets you stream games without needing a console, as long as you’ve got a fast internet connection and a compatible controller.
The audio is surprisingly decent, too, thanks to Object Tracking Sound Lite, which actually moves sound around based on what’s happening on screen. Plus, Q-Symphony 3.0 syncs up with Samsung soundbars if you want to take things to the next level. And for those who appreciate a minimalist setup, the AirSlim Design keeps things sleek without an obnoxiously thick frame.
The remote literally charges itself with sunlight. So if you’re the kind of person who can never find AA batteries when needed, Samsung just solved that problem for you. Snap this Walmart deal up before everybody else does.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, February 28, 2025:
AcrossItalian tourist city you might be "inclined" to visitThe answer is Pisa.
The answer is Coral.
The answer is Olive.
The answer is Rose.
The answer is Ash.
The answer is Polos.
The answer is Irish.
The answer is Save.
The answer is Ale.
The answer is Cora.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
SAVE $300: As of Feb. 28, the ASUS ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is down to $1,099.99 at Amazon. That’s $300 off its usual price, and you’re getting a 16-inch 165Hz display, an Intel Core i7-13650HX, and an RTX 4060 GPU.
Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 (RTX 4060) $1,099.99 at AmazonIf there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that gaming laptops are a dangerous game in themselves. Every year, new models drop, promising better specs, faster refresh rates, and GPUs that make last year’s machines look like they belong in a museum. So when a gaming laptop like the ASUS ROG Strix G16 drops to $1,099.99, my wallet starts sweating.
This 2024 Strix G16 model is stacked, featuring an Intel Core i7-13650HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU that can hit 140W max TGP. It’ll handle anything you throw at it, including AAA games, high-FPS shooters, video editing, or having 37 Chrome tabs open for no reason. Pair that with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and you’ve got a machine that won’t slow down when things get intense.
SEE ALSO: I have no excuse to skip workouts now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 offThe 165Hz Full HD display means buttery smooth gameplay, which is great if you care about winning (or don’t want to feel like you’re playing on a PowerPoint presentation). And because ASUS actually thought about thermals, the ROG Intelligent Cooling system uses Thermal Grizzly liquid metal and an extra intake fan to keep things from getting toasty (unlike my last laptop, which doubled as a space heater).
Here are the secifications that matter:
Price: $1,099.99 (Was $1,399.99)
Retailer: Amazon
Display: 16-inch FHD, 165Hz, 100% sRGB
Processor: Intel Core i7-13650HX
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (140W Max TGP)
RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
Cooling: ROG Intelligent Cooling, Liquid Metal, Extra Intake Fan
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio Jack
Weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
Special Features: Free 90-Day Xbox Game Pass, Pantone Validation, Adaptive Sync
If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you get 90 days free, meaning you can instantly dive into over 100 games without spending extra. It’s almost like ASUS is actively encouraging my bad habits.
At $1,099.99 on Amazon, this is one of the better gaming laptop deals I’ve seen in a while, especially since most models with similar specs hover around $1,300 or more. If you’ve been looking for a mid-range gaming laptop that won’t need replacing in a year, this one’s worth a serious look.
AVAILABLE TODAY: As of Feb. 28, the Pokémon TCG: 151 six-pack booster bundle is available for $26.94 on the Best Buy app via a limited release drop. It’s part of their Pokémon Day drops, which means you can grab it at retail price if you’re fast enough.
Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: 151 Six-Pack Booster Bundle Shop NowI never thought I'd see the day when Pokémon TCG 151 booster packs were actually in stock and not marked up to oblivion. But Best Buy has them for $26.94 as part of their Pokémon Day restocks, and you won't have to deal with sketchy resellers or overpriced listings. The catch? It's an app-exclusive drop, so you'll need to download the Best Buy app if you haven't already.
If you somehow missed the 151 hype, this set is pure nostalgia, bringing back all original 151 Pokémon with updated cards, new Illustration Rares, and some genuinely stunning full-art designs. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur all got Illustration Rare treatments, and they're some of the best-looking cards in the set. Charmander's card in particular tells a whole story, with the little guy staring up at the sky like it already knows it will soon turn into a full-blown fire-breathing monster. Meanwhile, Bulbasaur's artwork leans into the jungle vibes, with the art making it look like part of its natural environment.
SEE ALSO: Celebrate Pokémon Presents Day with savings on Pokémon Scarlet and VioletZapdos ex is another stunning Illustration Rare, featuring all three Legendary Birds soaring through the sky. It's one of those cards that even non-players want, just for the art alone. Alakazam ex is another one of my favorites. It's very playable thanks to its ability to attack from the bench instead of taking the active slot like an absolute gent.
With six packs in each bundle, you at least have a decent shot at pulling something rare. There's always that one friend who gets absolute fire while you somehow end up with six Caterpies and a Trainer card you'll never use. Still, for $26.94 at retail price via Best Buy Drops, this is the best chance you'll get to open 151 packs without overpaying.
Building a home entertainment system that checks all the boxes takes time. Likely, if you're reading this, you've found the right TV for you, set up smart lights for ambiance, and now, you're ready for the next step: investing in a soundbar.
A good soundbar can make watching a movie in your living room feel more, for lack of a better word, cinematic. When it comes to finding the soundbar that can do that for you, however, the path is a little less straightforward. While it's entirely possible for you to dive into figuring out what exactly Dolby Atmos is or understanding the pros and cons of a subwoofer, you can save yourself a lot of time by seeing what the experts have to say.
SEE ALSO: 10 Sundance movies you should know about nowTy Pendlebury tests and researches TVs and home entertainment tech for CNET, a sister site of Mashable also owned by Ziff Davis. He's been testing audio-visual equipment, including soundbars, for over 20 years.
"I reckon I’ve reviewed over 100 soundbars in my time," Pendlebury wrote to Mashable.
When creating CNET's guide for the best soundbars, he tested soundbars in the CNET AV Lab, using several different types of media including movies, music, and games, to determine which soundbars sound the best.
Below, we've combined Pendlebury's testing results and expertise alongside Mashable's most recent soundbar reviews to select three of our top picks for the best soundbars.
Is it worth getting a soundbar?Built-in TV speakers are typically located at the back of the TV, pointing down, which isn't the best position for optimal sound quality. At the most basic level, soundbars fix the issue by directing the sound outward toward the room.
So what does that fix cost? Soundbars can run anywhere from as low as $75 to easily over $1,500. Obviously, that's a wide range, but most of the selections in Pendlebury's guide, and the soundbars we've tested at Mashable in past years, fall in the the $200 to $700 range. To simplify your search, we'll be pulling picks that sit roughly in the low, middle, and high points of that range.
SEE ALSO: How to watch the Oscars this weekend: Which streaming service do you need?Ultimately, opting for a soundbar lets you improve the audio experience of your TV, while costing significantly less than investing in an entire speaker system.
How to choose a soundbarBeyond price, soundbars have a few more features worth considering, but that doesn't mean the buying process requires you to be versed in a ton of tech terminology. In fact, Pendlebury told Mashable, "Thankfully, buying a soundbar is a lot easier now than it used to be," due in large part to most having an HDMI connection, which allows for the easiest plug-and-play experience with your TV.
Along with connections, here are a few more features you'll see highlighted with soundbars on the market these days:
Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is essentially the name of a type of spatial audio designed to deliver a three-dimensional audio experience. To clear up a couple of misconceptions off the bat: In the same way not all headphones with active noise cancellation perform equally, not all soundbars with Dolby Atmos will give the same sound performance across the board.
Our upgrade pick, the Sonos Arc Ultra, comes with Dolby Atmos. Credit: SonosPerhaps even more important to note is that while Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive sound, it's not exactly the same experience as getting true surround sound. "The biggest misnomer about soundbars right now is that if it has a Dolby Atmos sticker, it can do surround sound, especially if the soundbar is only $200," Pendlebury explained. "It needs dedicated speakers if it’s going to do surround sound. While height is easy to replicate, sound is literally bounced off the ceiling. I’ve never heard sounds coming from behind me in a speaker that sits under the TV. Dedicated surrounds provide the best experience."
Subwoofers and surround soundAs Pendlebury explained, to achieve true surround sound or exemplary bass sound, you'll need dedicated equipment. Simply put, you'll need multiple speakers. If you want true surround sound, you'll want to take that into account when determining where your budget may sit for a soundbar. For instance, even though our upgrade pick, the Sonos Arc Ultra, provides excellent sound designed to be immersive, it can't achieve the same surround sound that it would without dedicated speakers to help it out.
SEE ALSO: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review: The best gaming headset I've ever usedThe same goes for subwoofers — a soundbar on its own can have great bass playback, but the best way to achieve the home theater experience is to get a subwoofer. While none of our picks below have one included, they all have compatible ones available for additional purchase. That said, our alternative budget pick, the Vizio 2.1 soundbar, does come with a six-inch subwoofer and two wired satellite speakers.
Connection typesAs mentioned above, most soundbars these days offer HDMI connections, making it incredibly easy to get your setup going. However, you might prefer to also have Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity. As with many other device types, Bluetooth offers a simple way for you to connect to a soundbar and stream audio from devices like your phone, but as Pendlebury explains, WiFi offers a distinct benefit "as it means you can stream Spotify, for example, without running your battery down -- like you would with Bluetooth."
Smart featuresSmart features, like voice assistance integration, are also relatively commonplace these days (see: our Bose pick literally having smart in the name). Still, the execution isn't all the same. While even the most budget-friendly picks can work with AirPlay, more mid-range options may give you flexibility on how your soundbar is integrated into your smart home, and even, as with the Sonos Arc Ultra, can be used independently as smart speakers, even when the TV isn't on.
SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift cardWe also want to note that soundbars exist for computer setups, but for the purposes of this guide, we chose our top picks based on TV selections. (If you're looking for some audio options for your computer, you can check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers).
Best soundbar for most people Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart Soundbar $499.00 at AmazonCheck out our full review of the Bose Smart Soundbar.
The Bose Smart Soundbar isn't the cheapest option out there, but for folks who want more than the bare minimum features, it's a great option with powerful sound that doesn't demand a ton of space on your media console. "For most users, I think this soundbar hits the sweet spot in terms of features, sound, and value for the dollar," wrote Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth in his review of the soundbar.
Beck Werth tested the soundbar with TV shows, music, and movies, and found that the Bose soundbar offered a far superior experience than the built-in speakers on his TV. The bass sounded pronounced without losing clarity, while everything from music to F1 races sounded balanced. Perhaps best of all, Beck Werth reported, "For TV shows, I was able to turn off closed captions for all but the most accent-heavy shows." Bose's AI Dialogue Assist feature also helped clarify vocals even more, offering hope to anyone who's become a little more reliant than they would like on closed captions.
SEE ALSO: The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are a decent budget option from the premium brandThis performance is thanks to the five different transducers (including two that point upwards to bounce sound off the ceiling) and central tweeter. Again, if you're looking for more than the bare minimum, you'll find that in the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which Beck Werth said made the sound quality "really [sing]," where it was available. While there's a lot to praise, it is worth noting this soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer, but you can connect your own or purchase one down the line, giving it some solid upgrade potential.
As for your connection options, this mid-range pick offers plenty, with connectivity available through HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect. And as it's a smart speaker, it also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The previous generation of this soundbar, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, is CNET's top pick for the best compact Dolby Atmos soundbar. As it was phased out last fall with the release of this soundbar, we recommend opting for the newer version, which is easier to find in stock.
Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar $129.99 at AmazonCheck out CNET's full review of the Roku Streambar.
The Roku Streambar is CNET's top pick overall for the best soundbar (and an Editors' Choice award recipient), but despite the accolades, it's available at an incredibly budget-friendly price. If you're shopping for your first soundbar or simply looking to upgrade your sound system while spending less than $150, the Roku Streambar is your best bet.
Alongside an upgraded sound system, opting for this soundbar will give you access to the 4K Roku streaming interface, giving you an easy way to watch all your favorite streaming services, from Netflix and YouTube to Disney+ and Hulu. The included remote makes navigating the Roku interface especially easy, and it can work to turn your TV on and off.
While combo products often mean that something is sacrificed in the process, Pendlebury called the Roku Streambar the answer "if you want to be able to hear your TV better, particularly vocals, and also enhance its streaming capabilities," especially if you don't already have a streaming device in your setup. (If you do already own a streaming device, the Vizio 2.1 soundbar is another great option that clocks in under $200 and comes with a subwoofer).
The four internal speakers may not offer absolute top-of-the-line sound (the bass could be better on this soundbar), but you'll find that it offers a noticeable boost to the quality and depth of the sound from your TV, especially with dialogue. The Streambar's compact size (it clocks in at 14-inches wide) means that while it can't compete with soundbars that simply have the space to create a fuller sound, it's not a bad trade off for folks who are short on real estate for speakers in their TV setup. Plus, if you decide you want to upgrade the sound profile, you can purchase a Roku subwoofer for $130 (and still be spending nearly $250 less than you would on the also subwoofer-less Bose Smart Soundbar).
Alongside the HDMI connection that works with your TV's HDMI ARC or Optical outputs, the Roku Streambar is also compatible with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Home, Alexa, and of course, Roku Smart Home.
Best upgrade pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc Ultra $999.00 at AmazonCheck out our full review of the Sonos Arc Ultra.
We know — this soundbar sits firmly on the high end of the price spectrum, but we wouldn't be including it if we didn't think it was worth the price. The Sonos Arc Ultra is a true upgrade pick, offering some of the highest-quality sound for under $1,000 you can get. As Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth put it in his review: "While a single soundbar can't compete with the booming speakers you'll hear in a movie theater, this speaker gave me the closest match to that experience I've ever had in my living room."
The Arc Ultra achieves that feat through its impressive hardware, which includes 14 drivers and 15 Class-D digital amplifiers. Of course, it also comes equipped with Dolby Atmos and the brand's Sound Motion technology. All of this comes packed in a package much bigger — and much more sleek looking — than something like the Roku soundbar, meaning that you'll want to make sure you have space cleared on your media console. The result is that even without a subwoofer or any peripheral speakers, Beck Werth said he could "feel the bass in my chest. It really felt like sandworms were exploding out of the desert all around me," as he watched Dune.
SEE ALSO: How to watch 'Dune: Part Two' at home: Where is it streaming?This is the level of sound quality you'd expect from a soundbar that's twice the price of our top pick for most people and nearly eight times the price of our budget pick. But naturally, that's not where our praise for it stops. Despite delivering top-of-the-line performance, it's incredibly easy to use, plugging and playing via HDMI just as well as our less expensive picks. With "a single tap on my phone screen," Beck Werth was able to sync the soundbar to his TV and remote, with the Sonos app helping him connect Spotify, Amazon Music, and Alexa with just a bit more effort.
Beyond the initial setup, the Sonos app can also be used to activate Trueplay, which helps you get the absolute most out of your speaker by adjusting the audio based on the layout and acoustics of the room the speaker is in, so you don't have to fiddle endlessly with audio settings. And when your TV is off, you can use the Arc Ultra as a smart speaker via voice control. But if you'd rather not have the mic on 24/7, Sonos also included an option to toggle that off.
So what's the catch? Obviously, you're paying for what you get, but beyond that, we really didn't have many issues with the Arc Ultra. The last thing we can stipulate is that even for as good as it sounds, it won't replace a setup with dedicated speakers and subwoofers to create true surround sound, but that's less a knock against Sonos and more a reality of any audio setup.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering dystopian fantasy books for free.
It's time for the final Stuff Your Kindle Day in February.
It been a really good month for book lovers. With several Stuff Your Kindle events, we've managed to fill our Kindles with all types of titles. Now it's all about fantasy, as Stuff With Fantasy hosts the next installment of free books.
If you've never come across Stuff Your Kindle Day before, it's essentially a day of free e-books. Stuff Your Kindle Days are popular events that give you the chance to download hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the book, it's yours forever.
The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy. You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, including dystopian fantasy.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, covering everything from monster romance to indie titles.
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day. Here's a pick of just some of the incredible dystopian fantasy e-books you can download for free.
Best dystopian fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayDestiny by Shannon Pemrick— $0 $5.99
The Darkness All Around Us by Megan Boley — $0 $0.99
A Call For Blood by Natalie Colburn — $0 $4.99
Afterglow Rising From The Ashes by Stacey LP — $0 $4.99
The Legacies Of Traitors by C.M Leyva — $0 $5.99
Seven Crowns by E.V. Everest — $0 $4.99
Escape by L.S. O' Dea — $0 $2.99
Veiled In The Dark by Kristy Perkins — $0 $3.99
The Edge Of Hope by Trena Cannon — $0 $4.99
These e-readers are perfect for taking hundreds of books on the go. It boasts weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering cozy fantasy books for free.
February has come through with another Stuff Your Kindle Day. It has been a busy month for book lovers, but we've got one more chance to snag free e-books. This time, the genre on offer is fantasy.
If you've never come across Stuff Your Kindle Day before, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Stuff Your Kindle Days are popular events that give you the chance to download hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the book, it's yours to keep forever.
The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy. You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, so if this is your go-to, you've got a lot of browsing to do. One of the many subgenres you can enjoy in this drop is cozy fantasy.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, covering everything from monster romance to indie titles.
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day. Here's a pick of just some of the incredible cozy fantasy e-books you can download for free.
Best cozy fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayFeathers of Dawn by Jess Galaxie — $0 $2.99
Snapdragon by Sofia Rose — $0 $4.99
Silver Spells by Kate Moseman — $0 $4.99
The Spirits Three by K.V Wilson — $0 $2.99
These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering coming-of-age fantasy books for free.
Stuff Your Kindle Day is back and we couldn't be happier about it. It's a book lovers dream, and this time it's fantasy books that are on offer, so get ready to browse a whole lot of subgenres.
What is Stuff Your Kindle Day, you ask? Stuff Your Kindle Days are popular events that give you the chance to purchase hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the books, they are yours forever. The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy. You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, including coming-of-age fantasy.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, covering everything from monster romance to indie titles.
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day. Here's a pick of just some of the incredible coming-of-age fantasy e-books you can download for free.
Best coming-of-age fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayArikala Academy: A Wave of Courage by Jacob Ryckman — $0 $3.99
Blade of the Phoenix by Kristy Dixon — $0 $3.99
The Bloodgrove Apprentice by Nathan C. Ashford — $0 $2.99
Remember Pompeii by Kika Emers — $0 $3.99
The Crow King by M.H Woodscourt — $0 $3.99
Princess of Dawn by Megan Gilbert — $0 $16.05
Treachery of Ravens by Morrigan Gaines — $0 $4.99
The Magic Council by Victoria Grefer — $0 $2.99
These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering contemporary fantasy books for free.
What better way to celebrate the end of February than another Stuff Your Kindle Day? The popular book event is back, this time offering up free fantasy books for you to enjoy.
Not heard of Stuff Your Kindle Day? Well, you're in for a treat. Stuff Your Kindle Days are events that give you the chance to download hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the book, it's yours forever. The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy, and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy.
SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, including contemporary fantasy.
When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, offering everything from monster romance to indie titles for free. And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day.
Here's a pick of just some of the incredible contemporary fantasy e-books you can download for free.
Best contemporary fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayLucas: A Queer Trans Vampire Fantasy by MJ James — $0 $11.99
Forgotten Memories by Cecilia Agetun — $0 $3.99
Darkhaven: Book 1 of The Lightless Prophecy by Kel E Fox — $0 $0.99
Rule of Claw by Valerie Evans — $0 $0.99
The Other Side of Daylight by Nikki Chartier — $0 $4.99
All Chaos For Thieves by Laura Greenwood — $0 $9.99
Wolf's Bane by Aimee Easterling — $0 $3.99
The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley — $0 $4.99
These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.
BLACKPINK's Lisa has become the latest celebrity to brave the Hot Ones hot wing gauntlet, joining host Sean Evans for a conversation over shared sauce and suffering.
Steeling herself for the challenge, the K-pop idol told Evans that she'd asked Rosé what to expect since her fellow BLACKPINK member appeared on the show last November. Yet despite apparently being advised to lean on ice cream, Lisa was determined to complete Hot Ones' hot sauce tasting menu without the aid of dairy.
"I'm Thai, and I want my people to be proud," said Lisa, though she noted that Thai food isn't "crazy spicy." "I'll show Rosé that I'm not gonna cry. I'll not cry! I'll prove her wrong!"
SEE ALSO: Blackpink's ROSÉ talks drinking games, squeezes a stress ball while crushing 'Hot Ones'Between bites of offensively hot chicken, Lisa managed to discuss the difference between rapping in Korean and English, list some of her favourite Thai street foods, and share a highlight of her acting debut in The White Lotus Season 3. However, it was the infamous Da Bomb Beyond Insanity which prompted her to reveal that her trick when she's eaten something too spicy is to spit out her saliva.
"I want to do it now but I know it's going to be so bad on the camera," said Lisa, sniffling as the physical impact of the hot sauce made itself known. "I should keep my image nice!"
Severance Season 2, episode 7 cracks the show wide open.
Titled "Chikhai Bardo," the episode finally reveals what's happening on Lumon's ominous testing floor. There, Mark's (Adam Scott) wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman) is the subject of strange, severance-related experiments. In true Lumon fashion, these experiments are a surreal hellscape, but they also give us a better idea of Lumon's end goal and answer some of our most pressing Severance questions.
From the meaning of MDR's file names to the return of the ideographic cards from Season 1, let's break down Gemma's journey in "Chikhai Bardo."
SEE ALSO: 'Severance' creator Dan Erickson breaks down Gemma's 'nightmarish' experience at Lumon What is happening to Gemma on Lumon's testing floor? Dichen Lachman in "Severance." Credit: Apple TV+First, some good news: Gemma may be severed into Ms. Casey, but she remains her Outie on the testing floor, meaning she has all her memories of her outside life. That includes her marriage with Mark. "Chikhai Bardo" treats us to flashbacks of their relationship, from their sweet meet-cute to their heartbreaking struggles with fertility. (Since none of these flashbacks show Gemma actually getting in a car crash and dying, it's safe to say that Lumon didn't resurrect her, and instead opted for good old-fashioned kidnapping and death-faking.)
Now for the bad news. Gemma is trapped on the testing floor, where she is monitored by the sinister pairing of Cecily (Sandra Bernhard) and Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson). They draw her blood, ask her strange questions — "If you were caught in a mudslide, would you be more afraid of suffocating or drowning?" — and guide her through a series of rooms, where a new Innie persona undergoes an uncomfortable experience, like a trip to the dentist or a rough flight. These rooms may just be the most revelatory part of "Chikhai Bardo," starting with their names.
SEE ALSO: Can consent exist in 'Severance'? Each door on the testing floor is named after an MDR file.The doors to each room on the testing floor bear the names of files MDR team members have been refining throughout the show. These include Allentown, which Mark worked on; Tumwater, which Dylan (Zach Cherry) worked on; and Siena, which Helly (Britt Lower) worked on. Mark's current file, Cold Harbor, is the only room that Gemma hasn't been in.
Apparently, Cold Harbor will mark the end of Gemma's torment at Lumon, since Dr. Mauer assures her that once she goes through that door, "You will see the world again, and the world will see you." But can you really trust anything Lumon tells you?
The fact that the MDR files correspond to different rooms on the testing floor answers one question but opens several more. First, how does the MDR team's refining contribute to the creation of these rooms? We know the numbers in their files correspond to Kier's Four Tempers: woe, dread, frolic, and malice. Could they be manipulating Gemma's Innies' emotional responses to the rooms? Are they building the rooms themselves and trying to craft scenarios that will elicit certain responses? Or are they balancing the Tempers in each of Gemma's new Innie personas?
Another question: With Cold Harbor being the only room Gemma has left to go through, what are the other MDR Innies currently refining while Mark works on Cold Harbor? Are there other people in Gemma's situation at Lumon? Or are they just working on fake files in order to ensure Mark has his team around him?
SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2: What is Cold Harbor? What is going on in the testing floor rooms? And why is it so awful?All the rooms on the testing floor put Gemma's Innies through universally unpleasant experiences: dental work, airplane turbulence, even having to write tons of Christmas thank-you notes. They're all fairly mundane, if aggravating, parts of life, but imagine having to go through them over and over again in rapid succession. That's the life of each of Gemma's many Innies, whose entire existence boils down to a never-ending loop of repetitive tasks or frightening experiences.
With all these rooms in mind, it seems like Lumon is trying to make it possible to sever yourself into multiple Innies: one for each inconvenience you don't want to experience or task you don't want to do. That way, you can eliminate not just work, but any part of your life you don't want to live.
SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2, episode 6: What's with those documents Mr. Drummond finds?As Dr. Mauer tells Gemma in one of their discussions, "Mark will benefit from the world you're siring. Kier will take away all his pain just as Kier has taken away yours." Is that Lumon's end goal, then? A world without any pain?
Of course, there's a big hole in Lumon's reasoning here. They're not ridding the world of pain. Instead, they're just passing the Outie's pain off onto a poor Innie, condemning them to an eternal living nightmare. Also, if you're sectioning off so many parts of your life, how much of a life are you truly living?
Lumon is testing the severance barrier.As Cecily and Dr. Mauer send Gemma through the rooms every day, they ask her whether she has any memory of what happened in the rooms, or whether she felt any residual emotion from her time there. Mentally, she does not recall. Physically, though, she's feeling the rooms' effects: Her teeth hurt following the dentist visit, and she's rubbing her hand in pain after the Christmas card room. So much for Kier taking away Gemma's pain, right?
Cecily and Dr. Mauer's persistent questioning about Gemma's experiences points to them trying to ensure the severance barrier holds fast, even when a subject, like Gemma, has been severed many, many times.
SEE ALSO: Every time 'Severance' hinted at that huge Helly twistSeverance has hinted that it's possible for things to bleed through the severance barrier. Innie Irving's (John Turturro) daydreams about his Outie's black paint, for example, or Outie Irving's recollection of the black hallway down to the testing floor. Mark's "freshman fluke" of completing the Allentown file could also be an example — did his Outie's connection to Gemma affect his speed at all? And could it influence the completion of Cold Harbor?
Maybe that's why Lumon was so adamant Mark be the one to finish that file. If neither Gemma nor Mark can recall their connection after the file is complete, maybe that will prove this multi-severed technology can withstand anything and is ready to be given to the masses.
Who is monitoring the MDR workers?At one point in "Chikhai Bardo," Severance shows us what looks like the testing floor's control room, where Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) and Dr. Mauer observe MDR's progress. But they aren't the only ones watching. Four people observe the MDR team through their screen, with each person looking quite a bit like their MDR counterpart. The effect is similar to the eerie "twins" Lumon gave the Innies in "Woe's Hollow."
There are key differences, though. While Mark's double in that "Woe's Hollow" (played by Adam Jepsen) is credited as "Shadow Mark," Mark's double in this "Chikhai Bardo" (played by Eric J. Carlson) is credited as "Mark Watcher." The different actors and role names confirm these characters are different and fulfill differing functions — but could there be similar Lumon technology at work in each case?
Lumon has been watching Gemma long before her accident.In the flashbacks to Mark and Gemma's relationship, Severance reveals that Lumon was part of Gemma's life before her time on the testing floor. When she first meets Mark at a blood drive, the Lumon logo is on the equipment. Later, when she and Mark go to the fertility clinic, Dr. Mauer pops up in the background.
These instances are proof of Lumon's insidious reach in the world, and also that they've been keeping tabs on Gemma for a while. Severance doesn't clue us into why Gemma was so important to Lumon just yet, though. Maybe there was something special about her blood or her intake form that piqued the company's interest. Speaking of...
What's the deal with Severance's ideographic cards?Another way Lumon sunk its claws into Gemma was with the ideographic cards Optics and Design manufactures. They sent her the cards through the clinic mailing list, and she had to write out how they made her feel.
One of the cards is labeled "Chikhai Bardo" — a Buddhist term for the transitional state in the first moments of death, and also a fitting description of Mark's post-seizure state throughout the episode. It's also the same card Dylan stole back in Season 1, depicting one man pointing his hand at another man's chest.
Gemma sees these two figures as being the same person, interpreting the card as a man overcoming his own psyche in a moment of ego death. (Someone at war with their own psyche is right up Severance's alley!) Meanwhile, Mark just thinks that the card shows two men fighting and finds it pointless to engage.
Perhaps Gemma and Mark's differing reactions to the ideographic cards point to why Lumon singled her out for capture. Maybe her inquisitiveness and unexpected understandings of the cards were just what they were looking for in a test subject. Could that mean the cards are a recruiting tactic and that more people are on Lumon's radar for similar experiments?
That's just one of many questions "Chikhai Bardo" leaves us with, even as it provides us with some more clarity on Severance's biggest puzzles. Now, the biggest question going forward is simply, "Why did Lumon choose Gemma?"
Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday.
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