- Help
- Google+
Albania joins a growing list of countries banning or temporarily blocking TikTok, with the state declaring a one-year prohibition of the platform.
The decision comes after nationwide protest and government unrest following the November murder of a 14-year-old boy by one of his classmates, who subsequently shared images of the aftermath on Snapchat. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has claimed that social media, but most specifically TikTok, is fostering increasing violence among youth in the country. "TikTok will not exist in the Republic of Albania," said Rama. "TikTok is the thug of the neighborhood. We are going to chase this thug out of our neighborhood for one year."
SEE ALSO: Which countries have banned TikTok? Tweet may have been deletedIn addition to the ban, Rama said the government will introduce new programs to educate children and support parents — the country's leader had been meeting with teachers, students, parents, and psychologists over the last month to address growing fear about social media and children. No further details were provided at the time.
Other countries are exploring stricter laws intended to safeguard minors from social media platforms broadly, working these issues into larger claims for digital and national security. Countries across North America, Europe, and Asia have instituted varying restrictions on TikTok. The U.S. TikTok divestiture requirement, a de facto ban, is set to go into effect on Jan. 19, and is currently set to be appealed in the Supreme Court, with TikTok and others claiming its a violation of free speech. In May, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced a bill that would prohibit social media use for people 13 years and younger.
In November, Australia passed an outright ban on social media use for children under 16 years of age, placing the onus of keeping said users off platforms on social media companies themselves. The ban will apply to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube, among others. The U.K. is currently debating a similar social media ban.
Experts, however, are mixed on whether social media bans are the way forward. A major report out of the nonprofit National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine declined to recommend banning platforms, arguing current research into social media's connection to negative mental health outcomes isn't robust enough to suggest a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Instead, the committee argues, legislators should explore strong industry standards and transparency.
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Los Angeles Lakers are back at Golden 1 Center to face the Sacramento Kings for their second matchup in just three days. Both teams are hovering near the bottom of their conference. The Lakers are 15-12, which puts them in seventh place. The Kings are 13-15 and in 12th place.
The two teams just faced off on Thursday, where the Lakers came out on top, 113-100. With that win under their belt, the Lakers have won three of their last five games, including back-to-back wins. The Kings have also won three of their last five games, but they're coming off back-to-back losses.
When is Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings?Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA starts at 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento KingsYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Lakers vs. Kings basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Lakers vs. Kings from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Miami Heat are heading up north, just a bit, to face the Orlando Magic at Kia Center for an Eastern Conference matchup. The Heat are trying to work their way up the ladder, with a 13-12 record which puts them in sixth place. The Magic are faring slightly better with a 17-12 record that puts them in fourth place.
The Heat have won four of their last five games, and although they are coming off a loss, it was a nail-biting 125-124 loss in overtime to the Detroit Pistons. The Magic, on the other hand, are trying to come out of a slide. Orlando has lost four of their last five games, including three straight coming into this matchup.
When is Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic ?Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Kia Center in Orlando.
How to watch Miami Heat vs. Orlando MagicYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Heat vs. Magic basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Heat vs. Magic from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Golden State Warriors head to Target Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Western Conference showdown. The Warriors are 14-12, which lands them in tenth place in the west. The Timberwolves are also 14-12, at eighth place.
The Warriors are facing a bit of a slide, they've lost four of their last five games. The Timberwolves are the opposite, winning three of their last five. The bigger problem that Golden State is facing is that they've lost five straight road games, and Minnesota is 8-5 at home.
When is Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Target Center in Minnesota.
How to watch Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota TimberwolvesYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Warriors vs. Timberwolves basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Warriors vs. Timberwolves from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The New York Knicks head to Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in what might be considered an unfair matchup. The Knicks are one of the NBA's best, with a 17-10 record that puts them at third place in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, the Pelicans have one of the worst records in the NBA at 5-23, which puts them in last place in the Western Conference. The only team with a worst record is the Washington Wizards at 4-21 in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks have won three of their last five games and are looking for their fifth straight road win. The Pelicans have lost five straight games, their last win came against the Phoenix Suns on December 5.
When is New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans?New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
This game will air on NBA TV.
How to watch New York Knicks vs. New Orleans PelicansYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Knicks vs. Pelicans basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Knicks vs. Pelicans from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Los Angeles Clippers are back at American Airlines Center for a second matchup against the Dallas Mavericks this week. The Clippers and the Mavericks are back-to-back in the Western Conference standings. The Mavericks are in the lead with a 17-10 record in fourth place, while the Clippers are 16-12 in fifth place.
These two teams faced off earlier this week, where the Clippers beat the Mavericks, 118-95. That win gave the Clippers their second win in a row, after losing the three games before that. The Mavericks have won three of their last five games.
When is Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks?Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas MavericksYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Clippers vs. Pelicans basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Clippers vs. Mavericks from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Detroit Pistons head to Footprint Center to face the Phoenix Suns in non-conference action. Both teams are struggling to stay relevant in their respective conferences. The Pistons are 11-17, which puts them at 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The Suns are 14-12, which puts them in ninth place in the Western Conference.
The Pistons have been up and down, winning just two of their last five games. Detroit is coming off a 126-119 loss to the Utah Jazz. The Suns have also won just two of their last five games, and are coming off a 120-111 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
When is Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns?Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
How to watch Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix SunsYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Pistons vs. Suns basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Pistons vs. Suns from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
Tesla recalled nearly 700,000 vehicles this week due to an issue with the tire pressure warning light. The problem could cause users to unknowingly drive on low-pressure tires.
"The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure," wrote the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a statement.
The recall affects certain 2024 Cybertrucks, 2017-2025 Model 3s, and 2020-2025 Model Ys. In good news for Tesla owners, the company said it released a free over-the-air software update that would remedy the problem. Letters notifying affected owners are scheduled to be mailed on Feb. 15.
SEE ALSO: The story in which we highlight yet another Tesla Cybertruck recallA Reuters report, citing recall management firm BizzyCar, stated that Tesla accounted for 21 percent of all U.S. recalls in the first three quarters of 2024, though most issues were resolved with software updates.
The Cybertruck, especially, has been the subject of several high-profile recalls throughout the year.
TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Philadelphia 76ers are heading to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference showdown. The 76ers are having a rough season, with a 9-16 record that lands them in 12th place. Cleveland is one of the best teams in the NBA, let alone the Eastern Conference, with a 24-4 record for an NBA best right now.
The 76ers have fared well in their last few games, winning three of their last five. Philadelphia is also coming off a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Cleveland is doing just slightly better than that, winning four of their last five games. The Cavaliers have won back-to-back games over the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.
When is Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers?Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.
How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland CavaliersYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the 76ers vs. Cavaliers basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch 76ers vs. Cavaliers from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Boston Celtics are back at United Center to face the Chicago Bulls for the second time this week. The two faced off a couple days ago with the Bulls coming out on top, 117-108. Both teams have won three of their last five games, but the Celtics are coming off the recent loss to the Bulls, where the Bulls are riding a three-game win streak into this matchup.
The Celtics are higher ranked, for now, with a 21-6 record in second place. The Bulls are 13-15 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The good news for Boston is that the team closest to them, the third place New York Knicks, only has 17 wins, so another loss will not force them to slide in the rankings.
When is Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls?Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at United Center in Chicago.
How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Chicago BullsYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Celtics vs. Bulls basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV 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.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube 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 NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Celtics vs. Bulls from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
Zelle, the payments app you likely use primarily to send rent to your landlord, is at the center of a lawsuit announced Friday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The CFPB is suing the fintech firm Early Warning Services — the bank-owned company that runs Zelle — as well as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, claiming that customers of the banks lost more than $870 million over Zelle's seven-year existence.
A statement from the CFPB said Zelle and the banks failed "to protect consumers from widespread fraud on America’s most widely available peer-to-peer payment network," claiming Zelle was rushed to market "to compete against growing payment apps such as Venmo and CashApp, without implementing effective consumer safeguards."
Tweet may have been deleted"The nation’s largest banks felt threatened by competing payment apps, so they rushed to put out Zelle," said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in the statement. "By their failing to put in place proper safeguards, Zelle became a gold mine for fraudsters, while often leaving victims to fend for themselves."
A Senate report over the summer noted that the banks reimbursed just 38 percent of fraud claims on Zelle. Banks often don't pay for claims by noting that customers were scammed into making authorized payments, which the banks aren't required to reimburse, CNBC reported.
"The banks failed to fix glaring flaws in their systems even as hundreds of thousands of customers filed complaints about fraud," Chopra told reporters on Friday, via CNBC. "The banks knew their customers were having their money stolen, but since they weren't bearing the cost of these losses themselves, they dragged their feet on fixing the problems."
The banks and Zelle, meanwhile, have pushed back against the suit, with Early Warning Services calling it "meritless" and a JPMorgan Chase spokesperson telling The Hill it was "a last ditch effort in pursuit of [the CFPB's] political agenda"
TL;DR: Put all your AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini Pro, and Leonardo.AI in one place with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI, an all-in-one AI app, on sale for just £31.82 (reg. £186.21) for a limited time at the Mashable Shop.
Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription £31.82 at the Mashable ShopThe free version of AI models like ChatGPT can get the job done, but if you want the good stuff, you should consider opting for a paid subscription.
1minAI consolidates many of the most popular AI models — ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI — into one platform where you can use them all seamlessly, whether you need to generate text, images, or even full videos. A lifetime subscription to 1minAI usually costs £186.21, but you can get one on sale now for £31.82.
What can you do with 1minAI1minAI gives you one platform where you can access AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta AI, Mistral AI, and more. You don't just get the baseline version, either — 1minAI users can chat with GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Gemini Pro 1.5, and Llama 2 or Llama 3.
Like a ton of other AI platforms, 1minAI has a limit to how much you can generate every month. Unlike other platforms, the limit is incredibly high. Here's what your lifetime subscription gets you every month.
First, you get a baseline of 1,000,000 credits per month. Then, every day you log in, you get an additional 15,000 free credits. These will roll over if you don't use them all, too.
In practice, those huge numbers mean you could generate up to 362,500 words, research nearly 2,000 SEO keywords, generate 386 images, upscale 241 images, remove 24 backgrounds, convert text to speech for over 120,000 characters, and generate up to 12 videos.
Your AI Swiss Army KnifePut all your go-to AI tools in one place. Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for £31.82 (reg. £186.21). This deal ends on 22 December at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro on your PC for just £14.30 (reg. £158.36) through 22 December — or until codes sell out.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: Lifetime license £14.30 at the Mashable ShopDid you hear? Microsoft gave their latest and greatest operating system, Windows 11 Pro, an all-new 2024 feature update — enhancing Copilot, speeding up the platform code, and improving phone integrations. If you’ve been holding off on upgrading, now might be the time.
Through 22 December, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro: £14.30 (reg. £158.36). We only have 75 codes available at this price, so act fast if you’re interested. Each code can upgrade two PCs.
What’s inside Microsoft’s best OS to dateMany people upgrade simply to get the new user design. Windows 11 looks much more futuristic than other versions, with new app icons, rounded corners, and a centered bottom taskbar. It almost looks like macOS.
You also get Copilot, the AI-powered assistant, fully integrated. This AI uses a custom version of GPT-4, so it’s like getting the paid version of ChatGPT included on your PC for answering questions or getting help with basic tasks. It can even summarise web pages or change computer settings for you.
Unique features not found on the Home versionYou’re getting Windows 11 Pro, not Windows 11 Home, which is free for most users. This means you get extra features:
BitLocker device encryption: Keeps your data safe by encrypting your drive, so your files stay private if your device is lost or stolen.
Remote desktop access: Access your PC from anywhere, letting you work remotely on files and software.
Azure AD: Securely manage app and file access across devices.
Hyper-V: Run virtual machines to test software safely without affecting your main system.
Install Windows 11 Pro for £14.30 before this price drop ends on 22 December at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. £158.36).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get the Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle featuring Rosetta Stone for $189.97 — learn 25 languages and access 1,000+ StackSkills courses forever.
Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone The Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle ft. Rosetta Stone $189.99 at the Mashable ShopIf you’ve been searching for the perfect gift for someone who loves learning — or maybe you’re the one eager to grow — look no further. The Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle offers lifetime access to tools that can transform how you learn languages and master new skills.
For just $189.97 (regularly hundreds more), you can dive into a world of possibilities with no expiration dates, no recurring fees, and unlimited opportunities.
This bundle combines two powerhouse platforms: Rosetta Stone, the globally trusted name in language learning, and StackSkills Unlimited, a leading online course provider for the most in-demand skills. Together, they create this comprehensive resource for personal and professional development, whether you want to expand your horizons or give the gift of lifelong learning.
Rosetta Stone has helped millions achieve fluency in new languages for decades with its immersive language approach and advanced speech recognition technology. This bundle gives you lifetime access to lessons in 25 languages, from Spanish to Mandarin to Arabic.
The platform mimics how you learned your first language, starting with visual and auditory associations before progressing to reading, writing, and conversational fluency. Its TruAccent feature provides real-time feedback to perfect your pronunciation,
Complementing your language journey is StackSkills Unlimited, a platform offering access to over 1,000 online courses for life. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your coding skills, dive into digital marketing, or explore creative pursuits like graphic design, StackSkills has you covered.
Taught by over 350 industry-leading instructors, the courses span topics in IT, finance, business, and beyond. And with new courses added every month, you’ll always have something relevant and exciting to learn.
Don't miss this all-inclusive learning bundle while it's on sale for the holidays.
Get the Unlimited Lifetime Learning Subscription Bundle for just $189.97 through Dec. 22.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get a grade-A refurbished Apple MacBook Air with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD for only $249.97 (reg. $999) at the Mashable Shop.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD (Refurbished) $249.97 at the Mashable ShopThe start of a new year is the ideal time to upgrade your tools for work, study, or play, and this grade-A refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) is just the ticket. For only $249.97 (down from $999), you can enjoy the sleek design, reliable performance, and long battery life that MacBooks are known for — without the hefty price tag.
Featuring a 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD storage, it’s built to handle multitasking, presentations, spreadsheets, and more. Whether you’re organizing your calendar, editing photos, or streaming your favorite shows, the 13.3" widescreen display with 1440x900 resolution allows for crisp visuals and a smooth user experience.
This grade-A refurbished model offers near-mint condition and delivers the same high performance as a new MacBook Air—at a fraction of the cost. With minimal to zero scuffing, you’re getting a like-new laptop that’s been tested and verified for reliability.
With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can work or browse from anywhere. Use Bluetooth to transfer files seamlessly or pair accessories like headphones or a mouse. The 12-hour battery life keeps you powered through meetings, study sessions, or creative projects.
This MacBook Air delivers premium Apple quality at an incredible price. Compare this to the cost of a new model, and you’re saving big without compromising on performance.
Grab this grade-A refurbished MacBook Air for $249.97 (down from $999) with free shipping while stock is still available.
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $249.97 | Get It Here
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Through Dec. 22, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $17.97 instead of $199 — that’s a 90% discount.
Is your PC still running on Windows 10? You probably got that notification that Microsoft ended security support for that OS, meaning it might finally be time to get Windows 11. Why not get the most advanced version at an all-time low price?
This updated operating system can make an old computer feel like new. And now, Windows 11 Pro is only $17.97 — a massive $181 off the usual price — with no coupon required.
If you're ready to revive your older PC, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro can help. Enhanced security features are included, including Microsoft Information Protection, BitLocker hard drive encryption, advanced antivirus defenses, and support for biometrics login (depending on your computer).
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro also offers great features for work, like Windows Hello for Business, that includes management tools that can make working from home easier. Want to keep your work life and your personal life separate? Windows Information Protection can do that, only allowing authorized apps to access certain types of data.
Windows 11 Pro also has the latest AI features in Windows Copilot, which turns your laptop or desktop into your digital assistant. Ask it to do anything from summarize a web page to change system settings.
Enjoy a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, available for $17.97 (reg. $199) until Dec. 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon is needed for this all-time low price.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $17.97The 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 Saturday, December 21, 2024:
AcrossZap with a beam of lightThe answer is Lase.
The answer is Winter.
The answer is Century.
The answer is Age.
The answer is Die.
The answer is Rookies.
The answer is Longer.
The answer is Debs.
The answer is Line one.
The answer is Ant.
The answer is Studies.
The answer is Eerier.
The answer is We good.
The answer is Ryes.
The answer is Carl.
The answer is KGB.
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.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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 21 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Just keep winning
Green: Backwards and forwards
Blue: Mascots for women's hockey
Purple: Leading football team into the playoffs
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Sustained stretch of success
Green: Palindromes
Blue: PWHL teams
Purple: Coaches of College Football Playoff teams
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 Sports Edition #89 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todaySustained stretch of success - FLURRY, RALLY, RUN, SPURT
Palindromes - KAYAK, PEP, RACE CAR, RADAR
PWHL teams - FLEET, FROST, SCEPTRES, SIRENS
Coaches of College Football Playoff teams - DAY, FREEMAN, SMART, SWINNEY
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.
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.
No astronaut has ever stepped foot on Mars, but that doesn't mean humans haven't left their mark — literally.
Since 1971 when the Soviet Union's Mars 2 spacecraft crash-landed onto the Red Planet, people have littered the Martian surface with man-made junk, quite a feat from an average of 140 million-miles away. Broken spacecraft debris, parachutes, and rover tracks are just some of the ways our species has disrupted the foreign environment — not to mention the hardy Earthling bacteria it has inadvertently sent there.
Now a group of anthropologists, led by University of Kansas researcher Justin Holcomb, is calling for NASA and fellow space agencies to create a catalog of known objects on the neighboring planet, before its harsh environment batters and buries the artifacts. Existing databases, like the United Nation's Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space, could provide the framework for tracking materials, the team proposes.
"It's not trash; it's actually really important," said Holcomb in a statement. "The solution to trash is removal, but the solution to heritage is preservation. There's a big difference."
SEE ALSO: A rocket will crash into the moon. It'll leave way more than a scar. A map indicates the 14 mission locations on Mars, sites where a team of anthropologists says there are human-made artifacts that should be preserved. Credit: NASA / Justin Holcomb, et al.Usually when scientists talk about "space junk," they are referring to the immense amount of debris orbiting the planet that endangers satellites and threatens the safety of astronauts on the International Space Station. The Department of Defense tracks about 27,000 artificial objects near Earth that are four inches or larger, but many smaller pieces can't be detected.
NASA has estimated there are about 500,000 marble-size objects that aren't monitored. That's worrisome because a tiny fleck of garbage, like a screw zooming at 15,700 mph, could be problematic or disastrous for a spacecraft.
But the idea of space junk as an archaeological record of humanity is not an entirely new concept, either.
NASA published an inventory in 2012 of about 800 items discarded or installed on the moon. The catalog includes astronaut poop, scoops and tongs, moonquake experiments, a hammer, vomit bags, orbiters, cameras, mirrors, golf balls, cosmic ray detectors, shoes, dead rovers, and $2 bills.
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin stands beside a planted American flag on the moon. Credit: Bettmann / Getty ImagesThe purpose wasn't really to take accountability for the mess but to keep a log of the items sprawling the moon so they can be mapped and preserved. And, yes, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's poop are among those historical artifacts. Some even consider them science.
In the dozen years since the lunar catalog was released, much has changed. Now commercial companies are crashing — and sometimes landing — on the moon, too. Five years ago, for example, Israel's failed Beresheet landing spilled dehydrated tardigrades, aka microscopic "water bears," among its crashed cargo. And notoriously secretive nations who have become spacefarers have left behind their own share of trash.
Right now there are no plans to update the moon catalog, Brian Odom, NASA's chief historian, told Mashable.
"Certainly not a bad idea," he said, "but nothing is in the works at the moment."
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an aerial view of a 12-mile-high dust devil on Mars in 2012. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of ArizonaFor Mars, archaeologists are less concerned about competing nations and companies disrupting landing sites as they are about nature. Geoarchaeology is the study of how geology affects archaeological sites. But scientists know little about how cosmic radiation, ice action, and dust storms — the conditions of another world — will affect these objects over time.
Scientists are aware of the hazards of dust devils churning up Martian dirt. About 12 years ago, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter caught sight of an extraordinary one with a plume stretching 12 miles into the sky. Dust devils, typically smaller than tornadoes, are whirlwinds that make a funnel-like chimney, channeling warmer air up and around. Sometimes they can blow dust off surfaces, but they're not reliably helpful in that way.
The Red Planet has already caked soil on the solar panels of NASA's InSight lander, which stopped working in 2022. It's now heavily camouflaged in the desert. And a broken blade of the Ingenuity helicopter, which suffered a fatal mishap in January, is barely visible, due to its relatively small size in the vast environment.
NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, far right, sits on Mars after losing a rotor blade, laying about 50 feet to the left. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / LANL / CNES / CNRSHolcomb, whose team authored the paper proposing a Mars catalog in Nature Astronomy this week, is most worried about sand dunes.
"The Spirit Rover, for example, is right next to an encroaching dune field that will eventually bury it," he said. "Once it's buried, it becomes very difficult to relocate.”
NASA's Mars Exploration program has no plans to centralize an inventory of objects, but doing so may not be as difficult as one might assume. Each Mars mission team keeps track of its own hardware, Karen Fox, an agency spokeswoman, told Mashable; the lists just haven't been combined.
"These artifacts are very much like hand axes in East Africa or Clovis points in America," Holcomb said. "They represent the first presence, and from an archaeological perspective, they are key points in our historical timeline of migration."
TL;DR: Save 83% on a 1minAI lifetime subscription during our end-of-year sale.
Trying to learn AI can feel like walking into a buffet where you have no idea what’s good. Do you try a chatbot? An image generator? Something else you haven’t even heard of? 1minAI takes away the confusion and pressure by giving you access to tons of AI tools in one place.
There’s no need to pay multiple subscriptions at once, or any recurring fees with 1minAI’s lifetime subscription. Try out this all-in-one AI tool for $39.99 and keep it for life with a one-time payment (reg. $234) — you won’t find a better price anywhere else.
Finally test out how AI can save you time or moneyJust like at a buffet where the oysters might look scary, AI can seem intimidating at first. That’s why 1minAI has tons of premade workspaces, so you don’t have to spend hours arguing with ChatGPT’s bot just to generate an AI article or summarize one.
Explore the sidebar of AI tools and discover ones for writing, images, documents, audio, video, and even coding. 1minAI can do anything from writing a professional-sounding email to removing unwanted objects from photos and generating AI music.
The best part of 1minAI is that you have all these AI tools at your disposal without recurring fees. Play around with generating videos and voice-overs across your lifetime, only being limited by monthly credits. Other platforms charge you fees and still limit your usage.
Try this beginner-friendly AI tool while lifetime access is $39.99 (reg. $234) during our holiday sale.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.97
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...