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College footballs unhinged Pop-Tarts Bowl inspired memes, religious imagery, and so much more

Mashable - 2 hours 32 min ago

The 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl featured stunning football: No. 18 ranked Iowa St. knocked off No. 13 Miami in a high-scoring, 42-41 victory. However, when it came to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, hardly anyone was talking about the actual football.

That's because it is one of the most wonderfully unhinged events you'll ever see. Last year, the game generated headlines after it "sacrificed" its strawberry mascot as a toasted trophy for the winning team. In 2024, the Pop-Tarts Bowl ramped things up. They had a competition among Pop Tart mascots to be sacrificed, they resurrected last year's pastry, they ripped packaging off, and all-in-all just got super weird.

Only at this weird college football game could you see a humanoid Pop-Tart being lowered to its "death" with a sign reading "Follow Your Dreams." Naturally, the internet loved it all.

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This BlueSky post from Anne T. Donahue really summed the festivities — which all centered around a Pop Tart going to "mouth heaven" — by basically calling it a Mad Men fever dream.

don draper: the pop tart, he's selfless. the sacrificial lamb; a testament to his commitment to his truth -- a greater good. pop tarts rep: i ... i still don't get it. don draper: gentlemen (takes a long drag off his cigarette) he's jesus christ.

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— anne t. donahue (@annetdonahue.bsky.social) December 29, 2024 at 8:56 AM

The festivities truly were something else — I, for one, cannot wait for the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 29, 2024

Mashable - 3 hours 7 min ago

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable 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.

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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.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 29 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Variations of a warm color associated with passion or intensity

  • Green: Details you would confirm when setting a meeting or schedule

  • Blue: Varying quantities of hair

  • Purple: Sounds like a tree but isn't

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: Shades of Red

  • Green: Appointment Specifications

  • Blue: Different Amounts of Hair

  • Purple: Tree Homophones

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #569 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Shades of Red: BRICK, CHERRY, MAROON, RUBY

  • Appointment Specifications: DATE, DURATION, LOCATION, TIME

  • Different Amounts of Hair: HEAD, LOCK, STRAND, WISP

  • Tree Homophones: BEACH, FUR, PAIR, YOU

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 29

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 29, 2024

Mashable - 3 hours 45 min ago

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 Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, December 29, 2024:

AcrossGetting closer, so to speak
  • The answer is Warm.

First-string crew
  • The answer is A team.

___ journalism, style associated with Hunter S. Thompson
  • The answer is Gonzo.

Prized "activity" for new parents
  • The answer is Sleep.

Opposite of more
  • The answer is Less.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 29, 2024 DownMoves like an excited dog's tail
  • The answer is Wags.

Ring-shaped reef
  • The answer is Atoll.

Zellweger of "Bridget Jones's Diary"
  • The answer is Renee.

Puzzles in a children's coloring book
  • The answer is Mazes.

Cleans the floor
  • The answer is Mops.

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 Games

Are 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.

Get two Microsoft essentials for one low price

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Upgrade your workflow with a one-time purchase of Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for $54.97 (reg. $438).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $438.00 at Mashable Shop
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For professionals and entrepreneurs alike, the right software is key to streamlining your work and boosting productivity. This bundle combines Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro into one cost-effective package for just $54.97. Say goodbye to subscriptions and hello to lifetime access—this is the ultimate upgrade to your workflow and security.

This bundle is designed for seamless performance and peace of mind. With a one-time purchase, you’ll get lifetime licenses to two essential tools: Microsoft Office Pro 2021, the gold standard for productivity, and Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft’s latest operating system packed with advanced features for multitasking and security.

While it isn't the latest version, Office Pro 2021 includes almost everything you need to confidently tackle your tasks. From polished documents in Word to detailed spreadsheets in Excel, dynamic presentations in PowerPoint, and professional emails with Outlook, this suite offers a ton.

Whether you’re working from home, managing a team, or growing your side hustle, the tools in Office Pro 2021 are built to handle the demands of modern work.

Windows 11 Pro isn’t just about a sleek interface — it’s a complete rethinking of how you work. Features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops make multitasking effortless, while the Start Menu puts everything you need right at your fingertips. On the security front, BitLocker Encryption and Windows Hello biometric login keep your data safe, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or on the go.

You can also expect game-changing AI integration with 11 Pro's Copilot and other integrations. 

Skip the subscription fees and get yourself predictable, reliable software that works when you need it.

Get this Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle for $54.97 (reg. $438).

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Make every drive smarter with this tiny Apple CarPlay tech upgrade for $43

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Grab this open-box Ottocast U2-AIR wireless CarPlay adapter for $42.97 (reg. $89) and enjoy effortless wireless iPhone connectivity in your car.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ottocast OTTOCAST U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter 2022 Edition (Open Box) $42.97 at Mashable Shop
$89.99 Save $47.02 Get Deal

If the thought of plugging in your phone every time you start the car feels outdated, it’s time for a change.

The Ottocast U2-AIR wireless CarPlay adapter on sale for $42.97 modernizes your setup by cutting the cord for good. No more fumbling with cables — just seamless access to your favorite CarPlay features.

It's labeled "open-box" to indicate that it's a brand-new item, but it was either excess inventory or was returned and repackaged.

This small but powerful adapter plugs directly into your car’s USB port and pairs with your iPhone in seconds. Once connected, it gives you full wireless access to navigation, music, calls, and messages. The best part? It works with a broad range of car models and iPhones, making it incredibly versatile.

Thanks to its 2022 tech upgrade, the U2-AIR delivers a fast, stable connection, so you can enjoy lag-free performance no matter the drive. Its compact, discreet design means it blends seamlessly into your car setup without taking up space.

Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone who spends hours on the road, this adapter makes your driving experience smoother and less cluttered. It’s time to upgrade your ride with a smarter, simpler connection.

Normally $89, get the open-box Ottocast U2-AIR wireless CarPlay adapter for $42.97 and enjoy a more modern way to stay connected on the road.

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Work smarter with Office 2024 and save 20%

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC as a one-time purchase for $119.97 (reg. $149).

If you’ve been looking for a simple, reliable way to upgrade your productivity, you might want to jump on this Microsoft Office 2024 Home offer. And it now has AI integration to make your workflow faster and maybe even smarter.

Designed for individuals and families, this latest version combines the trusted tools of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote with an enhanced user experience and powerful new features. 

Office 2024 Home is all about working smarter and more efficiently. Its clean, user-friendly design enables you to spend less time searching for tools and more time getting things done. AI-power features like intelligent text suggestions, automatic translations, and data visualization in Excel give you a head start on your daily tasks.

Whether you’re creating a school presentation, budgeting for your household, or brainstorming the next great idea, Office 2024 has you covered.

The updated Ribbon navigation adapts to what you’re working on, reducing clutter and showing you the most relevant tools. Excel’s dynamic arrays make sorting and analyzing data a breeze, while real-time co-authoring lets you and your family work on projects together without endless email attachments. It’s modern productivity, simplified.

With one purchase, you’ll have lifetime access optimized for efficiency and collaboration. There are no ongoing monthly fees — just a one-and-done payment that unlocks your tools for good.

Plus, it works on both Mac and PC, so you can stay productive no matter what device you prefer. Whether you’re writing reports, designing presentations, or tracking finances, Office 2024 makes it easier to create, collaborate, and get results.

Pick up Microsoft Office 2024 for $119.97 (reg. $149) to optimize your productivity in 2025 and well beyond.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase - $119.97

Get It Here

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The search is over — a near-mint MacBook Air is just $229.97 for the new year

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Score this 2017 13.3-inch refurbished MacBook Air for $229.97 (reg. $999) — a lightweight, powerful laptop discounted for a limited time.

If you're looking for a powerful laptop that doesn’t come with the typical Apple price tag, this 13-3-inch refurbished MacBook Air from 2017 could be your new best friend. Get it for just $229.97 while stock lasts.

This refurbished beauty has a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, giving you the speed you need for multitasking, work, or entertainment. With an "A" refurbished grade, you can rest easy knowing it works almost like new and shows minimal to no signs of wear and tear.

With 128GB SSD storage, you'll enjoy quick load times and space for your documents, photos, and apps. And it all looks amazing on the 13.3-inch LED-backlit display, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors — perfect for watching movies, editing photos, or working on presentations.

Weighing just 2.96 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to take anywhere, whether you’re commuting to the office, heading to class, or working remotely at your favorite coffee shop.

Plus, with up to 12 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet in the middle of your day. It’s the ideal laptop for anyone who values portability, power, and, of course, a great deal.

For a limited time only, you can get this 2017 13.3-inch refurbished Apple MacBook Air on sale for $229.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $229.97

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The ultimate AI toolkit is yours for life for just $80

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Tackle creative and professional tasks faster with 1minAI’s lifetime Business Plan subscription for just $79.97 (reg. $540).

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $79.97 at the Mashable Shop
$540.00 Save $460.03 Get Deal

If your goal this year is to work smarter, not harder, you’re not alone. Between juggling creative tasks, content creation, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s where 1minAI steps can assist. Instead of piecing together tools from every corner of the internet, this all-in-one AI platform brings everything you need under one roof — from writing and editing to image creation and audio/video processing.

Whether you’re a small business owner, content creator, freelancer, or someone needing reliable help, 1minAI has everything in one place. You can chat with AI assistants powered by GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and other models for smart, interactive problem-solving.

For just $79.97 (down from $540), you get a lifetime subscription to an ever-improving suite of AI tools designed to supercharge productivity and spark creativity. No ongoing subscriptions. No juggling multiple apps. Just streamlined efficiency whenever you need it.

At its core, 1minAI uses cutting-edge AI models to assist you with time-consuming tasks. Imagine overcoming writer’s block with AI-powered blog post generators or whipping up polished visuals with advanced image editing.

Need to summarize a lengthy PDF? 1minAI’s tools can handle that, too. The platform even offers AI-driven audio and video processing tools, so you can easily edit, transcribe, or translate media.

The beauty of 1minAI is its all-in-one convenience. Instead of paying separate subscriptions for writing tools, image generators, and PDF editors, you get everything bundled into one user-friendly platform. Need a blog post? Done. Want to upscale an image or remove its background? Easy. Need to translate an audio file? No problem.

Though it doesn't replace human creativity or judgment, it can enhance your work, handle repetitive tasks, and help spark new ideas. You’re still the creative genius.

Take this opportunity to get a lifetime Business Plan 1minAI subscription for just $79.97 (down from $540).

1minAI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription - $79.97 | Get It Here

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The 40 most addictive reality TV shows streaming on Netflix

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

Do you want to watch people fall in love? Maybe you need to see folks fall off of stuff? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you're in the right place! Luckily, Netflix has a huge selection of reality programs ripe for the time-wasting.

From Physical: 100 to Too Hot to Handle, here are the 40 most binge-worthy reality shows now streaming on Netflix, in no particular order.

Note: We've limited our inclusion of cooking shows to The Great British Baking Show and Nailed It!, but there's a wealth of goodness in that arena, so check out more of our favorite Netflix cooking shows here. We're also not listing any docuseries, because that isn't "reality TV."

With those caveats out of the way, here are the 40 most addictive reality shows on Netflix.

40. Dubai Bling Credit: Hyku Desesto / Netflix

Like many of Netflix's other Bling series, Dubai Bling follows a group of millionaires residing in the biggest mansions, driving the sexiest sports cars, and taking Dubai by storm one $500,000 bill at a time. Sure, the drama is ridiculously out of touch — how dare anyone NOT show up to a Mother's Day brunch dressed to the nines?! — but nonetheless, the who-said-what and who-hates-who of Dubai Bling makes for some top-notch reality TV viewing. Enjoy the mess. Enjoy the money. Eat up the drama. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Dubai Bling is now streaming on Netflix.

39. Nailed It!

Is there any greater pleasure to be had in the entire history of reality television than when Nailed It! hosts Nicole Byer and iconic chocolatier Jacques Torres break down into uncontrollable giggle fits at the sight of one of the contestants' just revealed baking monstrosities? A cooking show for those of us who can't tell their tea from their tablespoons, Nailed It! copies the format of most competition shows — force the contestants to copy some outrageously complicated recipe in as short an amount of time as possible. But it lops off the "talent" aspect. These chefs are bad. Real bad. They're all blessedly in on the joke, and the show finds unfettered joy in their shortbread shortcomings. It's a feel-good bake-bad classic. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Nailed It! is now streaming on Netflix.

38. Zombieverse  Credit: Netflix

In this South Korean reality/variety show, a group of unwitting participants are tricked into believing that they're in a zombie apocalypse. Yes, every person you see on the show seemingly believes that they're being attacked by zombies and must save themselves. Now, is it likely that Zombieverse's contestants are aware of the ruse? Absolutely. But does that hinder any part of the show? Absolutely not. To truly enjoy Zombieverse, you have to suspend your disbelief and wholeheartedly let yourself join in on the low-stakes screaming, shrieking fun. Every participant is comedic gold. Their acceptance of imminent "death" in the face of the walking dead is top-notch entertainment. And you'll be begging to be on the show yourself — it looks that fun. — Y.H. 

How to watch: Zombieverse is now streaming on Netflix.

37. The Boyfriend

Set somewhere in the gap between The Real World and The Bachelor, the Japanese dating show The Boyfriend drops several gay / bisexual men into a house to live and work together and from there to maybe find romance. Or to maybe just be friends? What's refreshing about The Boyfriend is it doesn't put pressure on the men to be extra dramatic or force themselves into relationships — it allows them to be shy, sweet, and to bond over the struggles that they've gone through. And so the friendships they form (or don't) feel more realistic and profound than most of their flashier American counterparts. And don't forget, this show's mere existence is a big deal in Japan, where LGBTQ topics remain fraught.  But don't worry, it's not all emotional heart-to-hearts. The guys also happen to be ridiculously hot, and the show is ludicrously sexy (Usak the go-go-boy makes sure of that). — J.A. 

How to watch: The Boyfriend is now streaming on Netflix.

36. Snowflake Mountain Credit: Netflix

What happens when you plop a bunch of entitled young adults in the middle of the wilderness? You get Snowflake Mountain. As a fellow Gen Z'er, this show made me cringe at my generational comrades. But when you look past the whining, brattiness, and complete lack of even the most basic survival skills, you'll find a show that is as hilarious as it is heartfelt. Come to watch a bunch of rich kids figure out what a tree is, and stay for the surprising lessons on humanity along the way. — Y.H.  

How to watch: Snowflake Mountain is now streaming on Netflix.

35. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo  Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Marie Kondo says it best in a Season 1 episode of Tidying Up: "I love mess." More precisely, she loves creating order out of that mess. Watching Kondo arrive in the houses of some extremely disorganized people and generate harmony from their piles of junk is not only psychologically pleasing, it might even inspire viewers to make some changes in their own lives. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo is now streaming on Netflix.

34. Face Off

For any horror nerd who luxuriated in the pages of Fangoria as a kid (present company very much speaking) Face Off has been a godsend. Pitting the world's up-and-coming prosthetic make-up artists against one another in weekly challenges — such as "create the troll that lives under this bridge" — this series has proven a parade of delicious grotesquerie, showcasing fresh designs for monsters, aliens, and everything else you can possibly imagine. There's gore flooding right up to its popping-out eyeballs. The craft on display is astonishing, and seeing how these beasties go from nightmare to flesh will forever be fascinating. — J.A.

How to watch: Face Off is now streaming on Netflix.

33. The Ultimatum: Queer Love  Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The Ultimatum: Queer Love is a queer-centric spinoff of The Ultimatum that follows the same format as the original show: Young couples with conflicting opinions on marriage are forced to make a decision about whether or not they still want to be together after an eight-week trial tests their commitment. By the end of those eight weeks, the couples can either stay together, break up, or (gasp) couple up with someone else featured on the show. The Ultimatum: Queer Love is arguably a first for Netflix for featuring an all-queer cast made up of women and nonbinary people. And if you're in the mood for drama, trust me, this show delivers it splendidly. You will scream at your TV. — Y.H. 

SEE ALSO: 39 binge-worthy LGBTQ TV shows to watch this Pride

How to watch: The Ultimatum: Queer Love is now streaming on Netflix. 

32. The Big Flower Fight Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

You ever want to zone out and look at a bunch of nice flowers? The Big Flower Fight is the show for you. Ten florists/garden artists compete in a series of whimsical trials that test their ability to make something beautiful into something even more beautiful, which is just as calming and aesthetically satisfying as it sounds. (And it's cohosted by Natasia Demetriou, who is brilliant in What We Do in the Shadows and Stath Lets Flats.) — A.F.

How to watch: The Big Flower Fight is now streaming on Netflix.

31. Dirty Jobs

Baritone beefcake Mike Rowe has hosted 10 seasons of this show since 2003, with each episode seeing him become the assistant to a string of real-world professionals whose gigs would make any normie's knees shake. Guano gathering, worm farming, horse breeding — you name it, this show goes there hard. It's basically the documentary approach to Fear Factor, with Rowe usually ending up knee-deep in manure. Or worse. But like those segments on Mister Rogers Neighborhood where we would go to the Crayola Factory, there's a fascination in seeing how things are done. Dirty Jobs just shoves more fists up animal backsides than PBS ever dared. — J.A. 

How to watch: Dirty Jobs is now streaming on Netflix.

30. Too Hot to Handle Credit: Tom Dymond / Netflix

What happens when you put a bunch of hot, horny singles in a villa and enforce a sex ban? Absolute chaos. Too Hot to Handle aims to change its wild singles by showing them there's more to a relationship than physical intimacy. And just in case you thought the task was impossible, the show has a big punishment — any sexy misstep will result in a massive deduction from the cash prize. The stakes are high in this not-so-steamy show, as participants struggle to keep things rated PG in paradise. — Y.H.

How to watch: Too Hot to Handle is now streaming on Netflix.

29. Amazing Interiors 

Seemingly based on the old adage "don't judge a book by its cover," Netflix's Amazing Interiors visits unassuming buildings that hide spectacular secrets. From a house that doubles as an aquarium to a steampunk wonderland, the locations featured in this show are as breathtaking as they are memorable. Each episode runs a little under a half hour, making this the perfect background noise or pre-bed show to bring into your home. As a bonus, check out Interior Design Masters, a British competition series that tasks 10 artists with reimagining commercial spaces like restaurants, model homes, and storefronts. The winner walks away with a high-profile commercial contract to redesign a bar at a London hotel. — A.F.

How to watch: Amazing Interiors is now streaming on Netflix.

28. Say I Do Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

The term "surprise wedding" sounds like a complete nightmare, but Say I Do makes the idea of proposing, planning, and springing a wedding on one's significant other in less than a week seem like the peak of romance. Part of the show's charm comes from its uplifting message — that true love deserves to be celebrated in all forms — and the rest comes from its amazing three-man panel of experts who create marriage magic for the adorable couples. Grab a pack of tissues and watch the love unfold. — A.F.

How to watch: Say I Do is now streaming on Netflix.

27. Old Enough!

The perfect antidote for any of life's troubles is watching small toddlers run errands in Old Enough! This Japanese reality series sends young children, ages 2 to 5, out into the world to help their parents by performing simple tasks, like running to the store to buy groceries. It's a simple premise with high emotional stakes. Seriously, you'll get so invested in these youngsters' journeys that you'll cry whenever they return successfully. Reality TV has reached ultimate cuteness. Nothing else compares. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Old Enough! is now streaming on Netflix.

26. Perfect Match  Credit: Netflix

The reality version of an all-stars spinoff, Perfect Match brings in fan favorites from several Netflix reality shows — including Too Hot to Handle, Love Is Blind, and The Circle — and drops them all in a swanky villa to find love. Whoever finds their perfect match on the show is a winner, and whoever's still single by the end of the evening gets the boot. The drama is real in Perfect Match, where coupling means survival and no one is off limits so long as they're your type on paper. Steamy poolside conversations and relentless backstabbing? Sign me up. — Y.H. 

How to watch: Perfect Match is now streaming on Netflix.

25. Queer Eye

Hard to believe we're nine whole seasons into the rebooted series of generous queer philanthropy! This refreshed take returned in 2018 after an 11-year break with a brand new Fab Five all ready to primp and tweeze and turn over another round of men in need. But so we are and here they are, proudly showing menfolk how to get the whole "being a man" thing right, episode after tear-jerking episode. 

Consisting of experts on food (Antoni Porowski), fashion (Tan France), grooming (Jonathan van Ness), culture (Karamo Brown), and interior design (Bobby Berk up through last season, with Jeremiah Brent replacing him after that), our five-some shows up on a clueless mark's doorstep, hairbrushes in hand, proceeding to take a week to refashion them in the divine queer image. And it's not just buffing the outside and rearranging the furniture — it's the emotional work where the show really sneaks up on you. — J.A.

How to watch: Queer Eye is now streaming on Netflix.

24. Ultimate Beastmaster Credit: Robert Voets / Netflix

A zanier take on NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Beastmaster pits international athletes against one of the hardest obstacle courses ever constructed. Then, they face each other.

In every episode, the competitor with the highest score is named "The Beast." Then, at the season's end, nine Beasts compete on a new course to become [insert intense techno music] THE BEASTMASTER. With commentary featuring tons of spectacular hosts from across the globe, Ultimate Beastmaster is essentially the Olympics of reality TV — if the Olympics were pretty dumb. — A.F.

How to watch: Ultimate Beastmaster is now streaming on Netflix.

23. Last Chance U

For young, talented football players hoping to make it to Division I or the NFL but who found themselves in a bit of trouble, a handful of junior colleges in the United States offer them a last chance to turn their lives around and put them on a path to success. Last Chance U focuses on a few different junior college football programs, primarily East Mississippi Community College, and the players who have found themselves there.

Each season involves a year of a school's program and gives us an in-depth look at these kids who either couldn't get into DI schools or were kicked out for one reason or another. Sometimes it's because of their grades, other times it's issues with the law. It's an intimate look at some of the least-privileged youth in America getting an opportunity to make it to the top. — A.F.

How to watch: Last Chance U is now streaming on Netflix.

22. Next in Fashion Credit: Netflix

Next in Fashion takes the fashion-focused competition popularized by Project Runway and throws the curveballs out the window, allowing designers to focus on creating their best outfits possible without anything to hold them back. The designers themselves all have strong backgrounds, although they aren't quite household names. And they're competing to win $250,000 and a retail deal.

In the latest season, hosts Tan France and Gigi Hadid bring a fun dose of humor to this series, which highlights inclusive fashion. With two 10-episode seasons, Next in Fashion is an easy binge for a lazy weekend. — A.F.

How to watch: Next in Fashion is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Alone

Survival is the future, so get your journey started by studying this competition series. Alone isolates a bunch of individuals in harsh remote terrains, usually of the Arctic sort, with limited supplies, leaving them to the business of not dying. And whoever can not die the longest wins! It's really that simple, but watching these folks tough it out appeals to the doom-prepper in us all — who amongst us hasn't convinced themselves they could suss out the nonlethal berries or build a fire from a flint stone and their left elbow? Especially with half a million dollars waiting for us at the end of the long, hungry trail. Bring on the bear meat! — J.A.

How to watch: Alone is now streaming on Netflix.

20. The Circle Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

A social media competition that starts boring and ends batshit, The Circle is an acquired taste.

Split into 12 episodes, this blend of Fox Reality's Solitary and MTV's Catfish tasks contestants with winning over strangers through a platform called The Circle. They can play as themselves or play as someone else; all that matters is gaining influence and inching closer to that $100,000 prize. — A.F.

How to watch: The Circle is now streaming on Netflix.

19. Squid Game: The Challenge

I don't think many of us watched South Korea's dystopian smash hit drama Squid Game — which saw a few hundred desperate criminal types dumped into a life-or-death Battle Royale type competition from hell — and thought to ourselves, "Gee, they should make that real." But some clever British reality show producers looked at those international streaming figures and sure did. And so 2023 gave us just that. Bring on all of our favorite death traps — the big robot girl shooting people, et cetera — just minus the death part ... for now. Who knows what wonders the future holds? All in the name of rewarding one lucky "survivor" with the biggest winner jackpot in history, four and a half million dollars, on the other side. Make it dystopia but fun, they said! — J.A.

How to watch: Squid Game: The Challenge is now streaming on Netflix.

18. Dating Around Credit: Netflix

Netflix's first original dating show may be packaged in romantic cinematography, but make no mistake: Dating Around can get just as dramatic as ABC's The Bachelor.

Contestants — diverse in age, race, and sexuality, but universally unlucky in love — head out for a night in New York City. Each participant goes on an identical date (all eat at the same restaurant, go to the same bar, etc.), and focuses on sparking a connection with the episode's eligible bachelor or bachelorette. There are intimate conversations, surprising accusations, and lots of awkward pauses. You'll fall in love. — A.F.

How to watch: Dating Around is now streaming on Netflix.

17. Ghost Hunters

Who ya gonna call? If you answered TAPS and not Bill Murray then you're already a fan of Ghost Hunters, the two-decades-running series that began on SyFy back when it was still called Sci Fi. TAPS is an acronym for "The Atlantic Paranormal Society," a group that originally consisted of part-time-plumbers, part-time paranormal hunters Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson — this twosome would visit supposedly haunted locations armed with their night-vision cameras and record whatever spectral mayhem they could find. 

Needless to say our Hunters have not uncovered practical evidence of life after death — that probably would've grabbed some headlines. But, bumbling about in the dark listening for creaks and cackles of the unknown kind, they've scratched a spooky itch for horror lovers anyway. Everything from the Paranormal Activity to the Conjuring franchise have to pay homage to this series. — J.A.

How to watch: Ghost Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

16. Floor Is Lava Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Floor Is Lava is stupid fun — emphasis on stupid. Netflix puts a Legend of the Temple spin on Wipe Out in this show, which pits teams against themed obstacle courses. The twist? The obstacles are submerged in lava (well, orange water). Once you fall in, you're out. Is it high art? Absolutely not. Is it a fun watch if you need to kill some time? You bet your butt it is. — B.E.

How to watch: Floor Is Lava is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Love on the Spectrum

An American spin-off of an Australian series, the two seasons of Love on the Spectrum take a look into the specific delights and travails of dating while autistic. Doing its best to represent a wide range of experiences — prominently featuring a dating coach who is herself on the spectrum helps keep things from feeling exploitative — the show casts people with varying behaviors and lifestyles. And then goes about displaying their particular journeys, one little love story at a time. Giving sweet voice to rich and complicated lives that aren't often showcased in this way in popular media, I'll take a hundred shows like this over another batch of wine-slinging Housewives any day. — J.A. 

How to watch: Love on the Spectrum is now streaming on Netflix

14. The Mole Credit: James Gourley / Netflix

Netflix's reboot of the beloved original show is as exhilarating and suspenseful as you'd hope. In The Mole, a group of strangers work together to earn money that only one of them will get to take home. The catch? Someone in the game is "the mole," a double agent secretly working to sabotage the group. The tension is sky-high, both because of the challenges and because (quite understandably!) none of the participants trust each other. And, at the end of each day, the group is forced to answer questions about who they think the mole is, with whoever's furthest from the truth being sent home. It's brutal. It's callous. And it's such great TV. — Y.H. 

How to watch: The Mole is now streaming on Netflix.

13. The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Credit: Ilana Panich-Linsman / Netflix © 2022

The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is trashy reality TV of the highest order. Each of the show's six main couples is facing the same dilemma: One partner wants to get married, and the other has doubts. Now, with the help of Love Is Blind's Nick and Vanessa Lachey, these 12 people will test their commitments to each other... by breaking up and choosing new partners. Honestly, it's a train wreck disguised as an experiment to find your true love. But you know what they say about train wrecks: You can't look away. And you certainly can't look away from the mess that is The Ultimatum. — B.E.

How to watch: The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Married at First Sight

Everything old is new again! Taking us back to ye olde days of arranged marriages, this long-running series pairs up total strangers who agree to get married based on the decisions of relationship experts. And then the series follows them for eight weeks as they get to know each other, to see if the so-called experts know what's up or are, dare I say, up their own asses. And seeing as how the show has, after 17 seasons, a success rate of around 16% I'd say they're pretty firmly planted in the latter. 

But that doesn't rob us the viewers of entertainment value! After all, people who'd sign up for this show already seem like big bundles of red flags, so why not toss them at each other like the romantic version of gladiators in Ancient Rome? In like lions, out like delicious Christians. — J.A. 

How to watch: Married at First Sight is now streaming on Netflix

11. Blown Away Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

In the back-breaking world of glass arts, the stakes couldn't be higher. One wrong move and an award-winning masterpiece can become worthless shards. For the competitors in Blown Away, the pressure is on to nail weekly challenges and progress closer to the coveted title of "Best in Glass." There's screaming, there's crying, and there's a whole bunch of people casually saying "glory hole," all next to a 2,000-degree furnace. — A.F.

How to watch: Blown Away is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Fastest Car

Man, f*ck the rich. In this Netflix auto-racing series, owners of luxury supercars go up against "sleeper cars" (older models improved by skilled gearheads) in a quarter-mile race for a chance at the season championship.

It's high speed and high intrigue as viewers guess which racer will reign supreme. Trust me when I say, even if you're not "into" racing, nothing beats a 1992 Honda Civic stomping a Lamborghini. — A.F.

How to watch: Fastest Car is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Rhythm + Flow Credit: Eddy Chen / Netflix

Netflix's first original music competition show is basically American Idol, but waaay more badass.

Celebrity judges T.I., Chance the Rapper, and Cardi B (with help from guests including Snoop Dogg, DJ Khaled, and Ty Dolla $ign) scout the cities of Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago in hopes of discovering raw talent in the world of hip-hop. The criticism is excellent, albeit occasionally vicious, and the good performances are really, really good.

Buckle up, pick a favorite, and see who wins the $250,000 grand prize. — A.F.

How to watch: Rhythm + Flow is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Death by Magic

Magician Drummond Money-Coutts (aka "DMC") takes his job very seriously. An escape artist with decades of experience, DMC knows all too well how stunts and tricks can go wrong. In his Netflix series Death by Magic, the daredevil illusionist takes on feats with a proven track record of killing those who attempt them. The result is a fist-clenching, teeth-grinding fiasco as utterly nerve-racking as it is impressive.

Not interested in watching a dude almost die? You can also check out former Cupcake Wars host Justin Willman's show Magic for Humans, also on Netflix. — A.F.

How to watch: Death by Magic is now streaming on Netflix.

7. Love Is Blind Credit: Adrian S. Burrows Sr. / Netflix

Love Is Blind combines the best of Dating in the Dark, Bachelor in Paradise, and Married at First Sight with just a sprinkle of Trading Spaces and Say Yes to the Dress.

As hosts Nick and Vanessa Lachey explain, the matchmaking experiment begins with a pool of contestants getting to know each other via "pods," adjoining rooms where they can talk to their hearts' content but never see who they're dating. If they agree to get engaged, the participants are allowed to meet face-to-face — where both their personalities and appearances can shine. Then, mayhem ensues. Weddings are planned, hearts are broken, and dental hygiene is discussed. Swoon. A.F.

How to watch: Love Is Blind is now streaming on Netflix.

6. The Great British Baking Show

The feel-good jewel in the royal crown of cooking competition series, this long-running BBC staple gathers together a baker's dozen of amateur bakers give or take, proceeding to then whittle down week to week based on their biscuit (that's Brit for "cookie") and cake-slinging skills. Hosts and judges of the show have varied over the years (with celebrity chef Paul Hollywood, who's been a judge for the entire run, being the main exception) but one thing has stood the test of time — awash in figgy food porn and delectable accents, this is comfort viewing of the highest order. — J.A.

How to watch: The Great British Baking Show is now streaming on Netflix. 

5. Physical: 100  Credit: Netflix

What is the perfect physique? That's the question this survival-of-the-fittest show aims to answer. From bodybuilders to gymnasts and Olympic athletes, 100 participants are put to the test in grueling physical competitions that range from wrestling and racing to endurance challenges. Physical: 100 is made of pure adrenaline; it's like watching gladiators fight in a colosseum, with one lone victor claiming a cash prize and eternal bragging rights. — Y.H.

How to watch: Physical: 100 is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Bling Empire Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Billed as the reality-show version of Crazy Rich Asians, Bling Empire delivers on the glitz and glamour of its wealthy subjects by offering a peek into their opulent lives. Pool parties, trips to Europe, shopping sprees, and closets to die for are typical rich people reality-show standards. Yet Bling Empire's charming cast keeps this show a cut above the rest. — A.F.

How to watch: Bling Empire is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Awake: The Million Dollar Game

So, a whole bunch of people count quarters for 24 hours. Thousands and thousands of dollars worth of quarters. No paper, no pen, no breaks, no naps. Then, the competition begins.

In Awake: The Million Dollar Game, these sleep-deprived contestants must take part in Minute to Win It-style challenges designed to exploit their exhaustion. (As an example, in Episode 1, participants are tasked with chugging frozen drinks because sleep deprivation makes you more sensitive to temperature.) There are a dozen caveats round to round, made 10 times more spectacular by just how tired everyone is. Logic goes out the window. Coordination is a no-show, and emotional stability is mixed.

Just...watch this. Episodes are 40 minutes. It'll change your life. You're welcome. — A.F.

How to watch: Awake: The Million Dollar Game is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Hack My Home Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

If you're a fan of ingenious interior design, Hack My Home is right up your alley. Informed by the ways the pandemic has changed how we exist at home, Hack My Home sees a group of four brilliant designers teaming up to help reinvent someone's living space. The key here is that Hack My Home isn't just about making a participant's house prettier, it's about maximizing their space to its fullest potential — and trust me, you'll be in awe when you see how they can transform a single room. If you ever thought a living room was just a living room, think again, because Hack My Home's designers have at least 10 different ways to change it into the pantry/office space/playroom of your dreams. — Y.H. 

How to watch: Hack My Home is now streaming on Netflix.

1. The Real World 

For some reason Netflix has two seemingly random seasons of the granddaddy of all Reality Television streaming right now — the show's 9th season, which took place in the year 2000 and was set in New Orleans, and the show's 16th season, which came out in 2005 and took place in Austin, Texas. Why they chose these two out of the series' 33 total seasons I can't tell you, but since they're stand-out classics — the New Orleans season is my favorite of them all — I'm happy they did! 

The setup, in case you're unaware, is seven-ish strangers — always young, always hot — who've chosen to live in a house together while cameras film their every move. Hardly a novel conceit now — that's the plot of half the shows on this list — but it was when it began, and no series milked more from it than MTV's phenom did. New Orleans' stand-outs include boisterous Melissa, religious Julie, and the gay perfection that is Danny, while Austin centers on the budding romance between Melinda and another Danny. Cue lots of drinking, lots of fights, and lots of sex, not always in that order (or kept exclusive from one another, for that matter). — J.A.

How to watch: The Real World is now streaming on Netflix.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Get Deal

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 2024, 4:00 p.m. EST This article was originally published Jan. 13, 2020. It has been updated with the latest streaming options.

Enroll in this ethical hacking course bundle for only £28

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get over 130 hours of expert ethical hacking training across 18 online courses for just £27.84 (reg. £874.08) through 12 January.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle £27.84 at the Mashable Shop
£874.08 Save £846.24 Get Deal

Are you feeling stagnant at your current job? Here's a fact that might finally inspire you to switch to cybersecurity: there are about 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs out there, and some companies are willing to pay very well for experts who can protect their businesses from cyber threats.

You may think you need to return to university for a formal degree, but you can learn cybersecurity skills with this online learning package. Priced at £27.84 (reg. £874.08) and offering over 130 hours of hands-on courses covering foundational hacking practices to PenTesting, you could gain a whole new skill set for your CV.

With 18 courses, you may want to start with mastering Python programming. You'll begin with an overview of Python 3 ethical hacking before moving into coding your own penetration testing tools, creating projects within Python, and using PyCharm.

From there, you can dive into WiFi hacking, social engineering, BitNinja, Burp Suite, and advanced tools like Metasploit and NMAP, which might just make your applicant profile stand out to hiring managers. Your journey to joining the cybersecurity industry can start with this training bundle.

Mashable readers can get lifetime access to this ethical hacking training bundle, now available for £27.84 (reg. £874.08). You only have one more day to jump on this offer—it expires 12 January at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle | Only £27.84 at Mashable

StackSocial prices subject to change.

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 29

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 22:00

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

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 29 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Festival of Lights delights

These words are holiday foods.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are things you might eat during the Festival of Lights.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is HannukahFoods.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 29
  • Kugel

  • Applesauce

  • Latkes

  • Brisket

  • Challah

  • HannukahFoods

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 29

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 29 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 29 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Latin dance move.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

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 today's Wordle is...

MAMBO.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 29

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Trump Weighs In on Immigrant Visa Debate but Offers Little Clarity

NYT Technology - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 21:40
He said in an interview that he had used the visas for skilled workers “many times.” But he has mainly used visas for unskilled workers like housekeepers.

How Donald Trump Went From Calling for a TikTok Ban to Backing Off

NYT Technology - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 19:23
In 2020, he moved to ban the Chinese-owned app. Now, he is opposing the Biden administration’s effort to do just that.

Watch Bezos’ new super rocket blast its engines. Its about to launch.

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 16:30

In the continuing saga of billionaires and big rockets comes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with his latest space vehicle, New Glenn. 

The rocket, which stands taller than the Statue of Liberty, is named after NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first person to orbit Earth in 1962. Though much shorter than SpaceX's towering Starship, it is about the size of NASA's mega moon rocket, the Space Launch System.

Years in the making, the commercial rocket is on the verge of its maiden flight. 

On Friday, while strapped firmly to its launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, New Glenn nailed its final dress rehearsal, firing all seven of its engines for 24 seconds. It was the first time Bezos' company, Blue Origin, had operated the entire stacked rocket as an integrated system. Flashes from the engines pierced through billows of steam, like cracks of lightning amid storm clouds. 

"Next stop launch," said Bezos in a post on X, the social media platform owned by his space launch competitor, Elon Musk. Despite their rivalry, Musk replied with a wish for godspeed.

SEE ALSO: Bezos can finally make NASA a moon lander. It's called Blue Moon. Tweet may have been deleted

A video of the test, called a hot fire, can be watched in the above post. The demonstration involved a complete fueling and practice countdown. New Glenn's booster runs on methane and liquid oxygen, while the second stage of the rocket, which propels a spacecraft further into space, runs on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. 

When all seven booster engines are firing in concert, they produce enough horsepower for two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers at full tilt, said David Limp, Blue Origin's CEO. For 13 seconds of the hot fire test, New Glenn was operating at 100 percent of its thrust capacity. 

Bezos started Blue Origin in 2000, but its first small rocket, New Shepard, has primarily focused on space tourism, providing short flights for wealthy passengers to the cusp of space and back. 

Star Trek actor William Shatner, one of the most familiar space figures in pop culture, became a real space traveler in October 2021. Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP via Getty Images

But the company has aspirations to do much more. It's building a lunar lander for NASA, to be named Blue Moon, that will perform several uncrewed test flights with the New Glenn rocket, before ferrying Artemis V astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon. 

It's also building a commercial space station, dubbed Orbital Reef. NASA awarded Blue Origin a $130 million contract to build it as the U.S. space agency tries to transition to a new model of space research, wherein businesses own and operate space labs in low-Earth orbit and NASA becomes one of their many customers.

Just prior to Friday's test, the Federal Aviation Administration issued Blue Origin a launch license for New Glenn, its final administrative approval. Though the company hasn't yet announced when it will attempt a liftoff, an FAA operational advisory indicates a tentative plan of a launch window opening at 11:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 31, with a backup window at the same time on New Year's Day. 

"Well, all we have left to do is mate our encapsulated payload…and then LAUNCH!" Limp said on X. "Congrats to the many Blue folks on today's test."

Blue Origin will attempt to use a sea-based landing platform, named Jacklyn, to save New Glenn boosters. Credit: Blue Origin

The license allows Blue Origin to launch New Glenn from the Space Force station at Cape Canaveral, as well as land its reusable booster on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. That sea-based landing platform, named Jacklyn, is one of the largest remotely operated vessels in the world. The company hopes to be able to reuse a single booster at least 25 times. Reusability is an important facet of the burgeoning commercial space industry, significantly lowering the cost per launch. 

Blue Origin wanted to get to this point months ago. The inaugural flight was slated for October, which would have included two Mars orbiters built by Rocket Lab for NASA. Had New Glenn launched then, the twin spacecraft would have taken advantage of the planetary alignment that shortens the travel time to the Red Planet, an average of 140 million miles away from Earth. 

NASA and Blue Origin are now in talks for a potential launch for that mission, known as Escapade, no earlier than spring 2025.

How to watch Lions vs. 49ers online

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 13:27

TL;DR: Live stream Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers on Sling TV or FuboTV.

NFL Week 17 action continues with a Monday Night Football matchup between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions are 13-2 and seeking to clinch the top seed in the NFC. The 49ers are 6-9 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

The Lions have won four of their last five games, including coming off a 34-17 win over the Chicago Bears. The 49ers have lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back losses to the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams. This game is a rematch of the NFC title game last season.

When is Lions vs. 49ers?

Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 30. The two teams will face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

This game will air on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+. Joe Buck is expected to do the play-by-play. Troy Aikman will be in the booth with him.

Best streaming services for Lions vs. 49ers

Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers will be aired locally in the Bay Area. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Lions vs. 49ers on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Lions vs. 49ers is subject to local blackouts.

How to watch Lions vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Lions vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Lions vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

How to watch Falcons vs. Commanders online

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 13:27

TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.

NFL Week 17 continues with a Sunday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders. The Falcons are 8-7 and in the hunt for one of the three playoff spots still left in the NFC. The Commanders are 10-5 and also in the hunt for one of those spots.

The Falcons are coming off back-to-back wins over the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, but had lost three games prior to that. The Commanders are coming off three straight wins, including a 36-33 win over the NFC East division-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

When is Falcons vs. Commanders?

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders takes place at 8:20 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. The two teams will face off at the Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

The game will air on NBC and Peacock, where Mike Tirico is expected to do the play-by-play. Cris Collinsworth will join him in the booth.

How to stream Falcons vs. Commanders

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Falcons vs. Commanders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

No ads: Peacock TV Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock TV Get Deal

There are two tiers to NBC’s Peacock streaming service. The Premium plan is $7.99 per month, and the Premium Plus at $13.99 per month.

The advantage of the Premium Plus plan is no ads, but that doesn’t apply to live sporting events. Also, the Premium Plus plan provides 24/7 access to your local NBC channel. Peacock also offers a full year for the price of 10 months if the full year is paid upfront. Those rates are $79.99 for the Premium plan and $139.99 for the Premium Plus plan. 

College students can get Peacock’s premium plan for $1.99 per month. Students can get more information at PeacockTV.com/students.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Falcons vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Falcons vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Falcons vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

How to watch Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17 online

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 13:26

TL;DR: Live stream Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.

NFL Week 17 continues with a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers are 11-4 and have clinched a playoff berth, currently sitting at the No.6-seed in the NFC. The Vikings are 13-2, also having clinched a playoff berth, but currently sitting at the No.5-seed in the NFC, just ahead of the Packers.

The Packers have won four of their last five games, including back-to-back wins and most recently a 34-0 blowout over the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings have won eight games in a row, their last loss coming in the form of a 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in October.

When is Packers vs. Vikings?

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings takes place at 4:25 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. The two teams will face off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The game will air on FOX, where Kevin Burkhardt is expected to do the play-by-play. Tom Brady is expected to join him in the booth.

How to stream Packers vs. Vikings

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Packers vs. Vikings:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Packers vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Packers vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Packers vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

How to watch Dolphins vs. Browns in Week 17 online

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 13:26

TL;DR: Live stream Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.

NFL Week 17 continues with a matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns. The Dolphins are 7-8 and are on the bubble in the AFC playoff picture in the ninth seed. The Browns are 3-12 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

The Dolphins have won three of their last five games, including a 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers last week. The Browns have lost four games in a row, their last win came against the Pittsburgh Steelers before Thanksgiving.

When is Dolphins vs. Browns?

Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns takes place at 4:05 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. The two teams will face off at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

The game will air on CBS, where Andrew Catalon is expected to do the play-by-play. Tiki Barber is expected to join him in the booth and Jason McCourty will report from the sidelines.

How to stream Dolphins vs. Browns

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Dolphins vs. Browns:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Dolphins vs. Browns from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Dolphins vs. Browns from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Dolphins vs. Browns from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

How to watch Titans vs. Jaguars in Week 17 online

Mashable - Sat, 12/28/2024 - 13:25

TL;DR: Live stream Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.

NFL Week 17 continues with a matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans are 3-12 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Jaguars are also 3-12 and have also been eliminated.

The Titans have lost four of their last five games, all four losses coming in a row, including their most recent loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars have also lost four of their last five games, but two of them have been back-to-back losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets.

When is Titans vs. Jaguars?

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. The two teams will face off at EverBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

The game will air on CBS, where Spero Dedes is expected to do the play-by-play. Adam Archuleta is expected to join him in the booth.

How to stream Titans vs. Jaguars

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Titans vs. Jaguars:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Titans vs. Jaguars from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Titans vs. Jaguars from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Titans vs. Jaguars from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

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