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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, February 13, 2025:
Across"___ the gap!" (advice for solving this puzzle)The answer is Min.
The answer is Amour.
The answer is Rhino.
The answer is Cisco.
The answer is Ste.
The answer is Marcs.
The answer is Imhit.
The answer is Noise.
The answer is Droop.
The answer is UNC.
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.
HULU BUNDLES: Hulu is offering a range of bundle deals so you can stream from its library without breaking the bank.
The best Hulu deals and bundles in February 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Add-On Deal Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Best Student Deal Hulu Student Deal Hulu (with ads) for $1.99 per month Get DealThere's a wide range excellent shows and films to watch on Hulu. From Poor Things to the thrilling (and Golden Globe-winning) Shōgun, it's a library that's full of options to keep you entertained for hours.
In celebration of Valentine's Day, we've even gathered up the 24 best romantic comedies streaming on Hulu that are worth a watch this month. If any of these have caught your eye and have you itching to sign up for Hulu, we're here to help. Outside of the standard ad-supported and ad free plans, there are quite a few bundle deals available with Hulu that are worth exploring if you're looking to save some cash.
SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day streaming deals: Peacock, Starz, and moreWith streaming prices on the rise (Hulu even recently increased its prices just last year), there's no better time than now to find a way to save on streaming services like this one. Below you can find details on Hulu's best bundles at the moment — alongside information on both its ad-supported and ad free plan, if you just want the basics — offering you a way to save on the service without going overboard on spending.
You'll even get additional streaming services thrown in at a lower cost, and what's better than that?
Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like itReleased last July, this is one of the best Hulu bundles available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for the three of them separately. It's an incredible deal to take advantage of, especially if you've already got Disney+ and Max subscriptions. There are two plans to choose from with this bundle, and they are:
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)
Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)
If you don't want to splash out on the full Hulu, Disney+, and Max bundle, the next best thing is the Duo Basic bundle. This comes with just Disney+ alongside Hulu, giving you access to each of their ad-supported streaming platforms for as low as $10.99 per month. If you're already subscribed to Disney+ or have been hoping to jump into its library, this is well worth investing in.
Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $10.99 per month
This isn't the only Disney+ plan available with Hulu, though. For those looking to jump into an ad-free tier for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, there's the Duo Premium (no ads) plan that'll cost you $19.99 per month instead. And if you're a sports fan and want to throw in ESPN+, there are also Disney Bundle Trio Basic and Trio Premium plans, which run for $16.99 per month and $26.99 per month, respectively.
Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $19.99 per month
Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $16.99 per month
Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $26.99 per month
If you're a student enrolled at a university, you can score a Hulu (with ads) plan for even lower than the above bundles. Hulu's Student Deal gives eligible college students the ability to buy a Hulu (with ads) plan for just $1.99 per month. Hulu notes that the deal lasts "so long as student enrollment status remains verified," then it goes back up to the standard monthly price.
Hulu Student Deal — $1.99 per month
If you're just looking to jump straight into Hulu's library without any fancy bundles, there are a couple of subscription options to consider. The ad-supported tier comes in at $9.99 per month, but you'll get your first month free, which is a great way to test the waters and see if it's the right fit for you. If you want to go ad free, that'll cost you $18.99 per month. Unfortunately, this plan does not offer a free trial like its ad-supported sibling.
Hulu (with ads) — $9.99 per month (get first month free)
Hulu (no ads) — $18.99 per month
If you really want to go big on a streaming investment, there's the Hulu + Live TV plan. This costs a whopping $82.99 per month for its ad-supported plan, but comes with plenty to keep you busy. Hulu + Live TV (with ads) gets you access to 95+ channels, unlimited DVR, Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and Hulu (with ads). If you want to go even bigger with the ad-free plan — which offers Hulu (No Ads), Disney+ (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) alongside Live TV — it'll cost you $95.99 per month. The ad-supported plan also offers a free trial, but for just three days instead.
Hulu + Live TV (with ads) — $82.99 per month (three day free trial)
Hulu + Live TV (no ads) — $95.99 per month
Wondering what to watch once you get set up with a Hulu plan or bundle? We're here to help with that as well. Have a look at our roundups of the 30 best comedies on Hulu, the 25 best sci-fi movies on Hulu, and the 26 best horror movies on Hulu to start building your watchlist. And if you're in the mood to binge-watch a show, check out our breakdown of the 25 best shows on Hulu.
While Black Friday is undoubtedly the best time of the year to score epic streaming deals, it's not the only time. With Presidents' Day around the corner, we're keeping our eyes on our favorite streamers to round up any deals that pop up. Fortunately, a few have already surfaced.
Sure, these deals aren't technically labeled Presidents' Day streaming deals, but they're around for a limited time around the holiday, so why not call them what they are? The prices aren't quite as good as Black Friday season, but a deal is a deal. If you're looking to sign up for a new streamer this winter, snag these subscriptions before they disappear.
If any more streaming deals surface, we'll be sure to update this with the latest additions. For now, here are all the best Presidents' Day streaming deals live.
Best Presidents' Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premiuim $29.99 for one year with code WINTERSAVINGS (save 63%) Get DealThrough Feb. 18, new and returning subscribers can sign up for an entire year of Peacock Premium (the tier with ads) for only $29.99 instead of $79.99 with the code WINTERSAVINGS. That's 63% in savings and undeniably the best streaming deal we've seen since Black Friday. Peacock is, in my humble opinion, the most slept-on streaming service around. Not only is it home to modern classic TV shows like New Girl, The Office, and Parks and Recreation, but also Peacock Originals that are definitely worth watching — including Poker Face, Based on a True Story, Love Island USA, and We Are Lady Parts. And because it's owned by NBC Universal, it's also where you'll find theatrical releases like Conclave, The Wild Robot, and Twisters. At just $30 for the whole year — only about $2.50 per month — it's practically a no-brainer.
More Presidents' Day streaming dealsYouTube TV — free 10-day trial, then $69.99 per month for 6 months ($82.99 per month thereafter)
Starz — $5 per month month for 3 months ($10.99 per month thereafter)
Sling TV 10-year anniversary deal — $10 off first month, free AMC+ for 1 year, and free Max for 1 month
MGM+ — $58.99 per year $83.88 (save $24.89 per year)
Paramount+ Essential — $59.99 per year $95.88 (save $35.89 per year)
Paramount+ with Showtime — $119.99 per year $155.88 (save $35.89 per year)
Hulu (with ads) — $99.99 per year $119.88 (save $19.89 per year)
Disney+, Hulu, Max (with ads) — $16.99 per month $29.97 (save $12.98 per month)
Disney+, Hulu, Max (no ads) — $29.99 per month $51.97 (save $21.98 per month)
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ (with ads) — $16.99 per month $31.97 (save $14.98 per month)
Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ (no ads) — $26.99 per month $46.97 (save $19.98 per month)
SAVE $65: As of Feb. 13, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are on sale for $134.99 at Woot, down from $199.99. That is a 33% discount on a pair of AI-powered noise-canceling earbuds with real-time translation, 360 Audio, high-resolution sound, and IPX7 water resistance.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro $134.99 at WootThe Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer next-level sound quality, noise cancellation, and AI-powered features. At $134.99, they are an absolute steal. Suppose you are in the market for high-end wireless earbuds without spending over $200. In that case, this deal is worth grabbing before it disappears.
These earbuds are designed for serious audio lovers. SSC HiFi and UHQ audio codecs deliver 24-bit/96KHz high-resolution sound. Add 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel, and you get a fully immersive, spatial audio experience that works best with Samsung Galaxy devices.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AIActive Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also a major highlight. Samsung has improved its noise-blocking capabilities, meaning you can drown out distractions at work, on commutes, or during workouts. AI-powered sound optimization automatically adjusts to your surroundings for the best listening experience.
The AI features go beyond just audio. The real-time translation tool is perfect for frequent travelers, letting you hear translated conversations on the fly when connected to a Galaxy device. You also get AI-enhanced call clarity, with Super Wideband microphones and noise reduction tech that filters out background noise for crystal-clear communication.
Battery life is solid. With ANC on, you can playback for up to 8 hours, and with the charging case for up to 18 hours. Fast charging support means a quick top-up can keep the music going when you are low on battery.
Durability is also a win here. The IPX7 water resistance rating makes them perfect for intense workouts, outdoor adventures, or getting caught in the rain.
For $134.99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver premium ANC, AI-powered features, and high-resolution sound at a serious discount.
SAVE OVER $80: As of Feb. 13, Sennheiser CX True Wireless earbuds are on sale for $39.99 at Woot, down from $129.95. That is 69% off a pair of premium Bluetooth earbuds with passive noise cancellation, 27-hour battery life, touch controls, and deep bass tuning.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser CX True Wireless Earbuds $39.99 at WootAfter top-tier sound without blowing your budget? Sennheiser CX true wireless earbuds are an absolute steal at just $39.99. That is a massive 69% off their original $129.95 price, making this one of the best budget-friendly wireless earbuds deals we have seen in a while.
Sennheiser has been a household name in high-end audio for decades, and the CX True Wireless earbuds deliver signature German-engineered sound quality. With 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers, these earbuds provide clear, balanced audio with punchy bass, crisp highs, and a natural midrange. Whether you are listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos, they offer superior clarity and depth.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AIBattery life is another big win. You get up to nine hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with an extra 18 hours from the charging case, bringing the total to 27 hours of listening time. That means you can go for days without needing to recharge.
One of the standout features is the passive noise cancellation. While these do not have active noise cancellation (ANC), their secure in-ear fit blocks out a surprising amount of background noise, making them great for commuting, working out, or just tuning out distractions. The four sizes of ear adapters included ensure a snug and comfortable fit, no matter your ear shape.
For those who love to customize their sound, Sennheiser offers a dedicated Smart Control app that lets you adjust EQ settings and activate the Bass Boost mode for extra low-end punch. Touch controls on each earbud make it easy to play, pause, skip tracks, and take calls without reaching for your phone.
The IPX4 splash resistance rating means these earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and light splashes, making them a solid choice for workouts and outdoor use.
For $39.99, the Sennheiser CX true wireless earbuds deliver premium sound, solid battery life, and great features at an unbeatable price.
SAVE $209: As of Feb. 13, Beats Studio Buds+ wireless earbuds are on sale for $99.99 at Woot, down from $169.95. That is 41% off a pair of premium true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, and 36-hour battery life.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.99 at WootNeed a solid pair of high-quality wireless earbuds that don't vaporize your wallet? This deal on Beats Studio Buds+ is an easy win. Usually $169.95, Woot has them for just $99.99, which is a massive 41% discount. This is an absolute steal for a set of true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and long battery life.
Thanks to their custom acoustic platform, the Beats Studio Buds+ delivers powerful, balanced audio with deep bass and crisp highs. Whether you are listening to music, taking calls, or watching movies, they offer rich, immersive sound with the clarity you would expect from Beats.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AINoise cancellation is another standout feature. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks unwanted background noise, making them perfect for commuting, working out, or enjoying peace and quiet. If you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets in outside sound with a quick tap, so you can hear what is going on without taking out your earbuds.
Battery life is also top-tier. The Beats Studio Buds+ offers up to 36 hours of total playtime, with nine hours on a single charge and an additional 27 hours from the case. That means you can go all day without worrying about recharging. If you are in a rush, a quick five-minute charge gives you up to one hour of playback.
These earbuds are also great for calls, thanks to their larger voice-targeting microphones that filter out background noise for clear, high-quality audio on phone and video calls. The secure, comfortable fit is another plus, with four sizes of silicone tips included to ensure a snug, noise-isolating seal.
At $99.99, the Beats Studio Buds+ offers premium sound, elite noise cancellation, and great battery life for under $100. Woot deals sell out fast, so do not wait too long if you want a pair.
Choosing the best laptop is a largely subjective decision that comes down to your primary use cases, your preferred operating system, and your budget. In other words, there's no such thing as a universally best laptop.
This is an annoying fact of life for both laptop shoppers and those of us doling out "best laptop" recommendations, since we can't make custom judgment calls for everyone in need of a new machine. (I would love to, but I've got a thing after this.) However, I can confidently point you in the right direction of some standouts that I and other members of the Mashable team have vetted and approved.
Our top picksAs of February 2025, Mashable's top laptop overall is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated Copilot+ PC with incredible performance, an unrivaled battery life of nearly 23 hours, and some fun AI features, if you're into that sort of thing. Note that Microsoft recently announced an Intel version of it that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.
For card-carrying members of Team Apple, we think the best MacBook for most people is the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, a sleek, peppy notebook with a scrumptious keyboard and closed-lid support for two external displays. We also recommend the 16-inch, M4 Pro-powered MacBook Pro as the best laptop for photo and video editing — it's stupid fast, beautifully made, long-lasting, and configurable with a stunning nano-texture display.
The best laptops we've tried further include several hybrid devices. Our 2-in-1 frontrunner is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 (Gen 9), a solid performer with a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display, a rotating soundbar, and a superb webcam. Creative professionals may be better served by the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, a sturdy convertible with a unique pull-forward design that can turn it into an easel, while heavy multitaskers should look into the 2024 Asus Zenbook Duo. It features two OLED displays, performs well for its price point, and includes accessories like a stylus and a detachable keyboard.
For those on a budget, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 (Gen 9) is our newly crowned "best cheap laptop" under $1,000: It's a 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC with ample power for everyday tasks, a good amount of ports, and a starting price of $899.99. It replaces our previous pick, the $799.99 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which has a premium, ultra-portable design and an excellent keyboard but dated internals and a lousy 720p webcam. (It's still a passable option for brand loyalists with tight purse strings, but don't buy it unless it's on sale.)
SEE ALSO: The best cheap laptops for 2025: 6 models under $1,000 that we tested and approvedIf you're trying to spend less than $500, look into the HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch: With a large, colorful display, cool everyday performance, and some useful AI features, it's the best Chromebook we've tried.
Finally, we think the Alienware m16 R2 leads the pack among the best gaming laptops we've used. It's a super snappy mid-ranger that's capable of being toned down for everyday use when you're done playing Cyberpunk 2077.
After spending countless hours reviewing laptops across popular brands, we've decided to recommend these models because they're well-made, powerful enough for their respective use cases, and priced fairly. At the very least, we think they can be useful archetypes within different categories of computers. Don't start from square one if you don't have to, you know?
What's on deckWe're currently trying the Dell XPS 13, a Lunar Lake PC with a tandem OLED display. (It'll be the last of its kind: Dell is phasing out the XPS name.) We'll also soon review the latest Framework Laptop 13, a popular modular and repairable laptop with a Mashable Choice Award-winning predecessor. I'll update this story once our testing is complete.
Further down the pipeline is the Asus ZenBook A14, an all-new MacBook Air competitor with a durable "Ceraluminum" chassis and a ridiculous rated battery life of up to 32 hours per charge. I briefly checked it out at CES 2025, and it took home our Best of CES laptop category award. Suffice it to say, I can't wait to put it through the paces of our full testing process.
What we've tested lately (that didn't make the cut)I recently tried the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14, a 2-in-1 Lunar Lake laptop priced at $1,899.99 as tested (with an Intel Core Ultra 258V processor, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage). It's an absolutely stunning machine with a colorful 3K OLED touchscreen display, a satisfying keyboard, a velvety touchpad, and a dark aluminum chassis that gives it a moody and elegant look. It also lasted an impressive 15 hours in our battery life test. That said, it has some baffling port placements, mediocre bottom-firing speakers, an oversaturated webcam, and disappointing performance benchmark results.
In a Geekbench 6 multi-core test, my OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 scored slightly lower than the M2-powered MacBook Air from 2023, our current favorite budget MacBook, and significantly lower than its own predecessor. That would be last year's HP Spectre x360 14, which had a mid-range Core Ultra Series 1 processor as tested. I expected way more from a machine with Intel's freshest upper mid-range CPU.
Ultimately, I rated the OmniBook Flip 14 a 4.2/5 — respectable, but not quite a Mashable Choice Award winner. It's a flashy premium hybrid for splurgers who want a future-proofed laptop they won't work very hard, but the zippier Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 feels like a better value for most people at $1,449.99 as tested.
If you're choosing between the two HP models, I'm also inclined to recommend the Spectre x360 14 over the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14. It offers more power and better top-firing speakers for a comparable price.
Read on for Mashable's in-depth guide to the best laptops of 2025. FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.
SAVE $209: As of Feb. 13, Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones are on sale for $169.99 at Woot, down from $379.95. That is a 55% discount on high-fidelity Bluetooth headphones with adaptive noise cancellation, 60-hour battery life, and customizable sound.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum 4 $169.99 at WootIf you are in the market for premium wireless headphones, today’s deal on the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is one you should not ignore. These headphones typically go for $379.95, but Woot has them for just $169.99 (55% off). That is insane value for a pair of headphones that compete with the likes of Sony and Bose when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation.
The Momentum 4 delivers exceptional audio thanks to 42mm drivers and aptX Adaptive support. It gives you rich, detailed sound with deep bass and crisp highs. If you are picky about your audio, the Sennheiser Smart Control app lets you tweak the EQ, presets, and sound modes to get everything right.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AINoise cancellation is also a standout feature. Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your environment, blocking distractions so you can focus on your music, podcasts, or calls. But if you still want to hear what is going on around you, the Adjustable Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound without needing to take off your headphones.
Battery life is where these really flex. You get up to 60 hours of playback on a single charge, which absolutely smokes most competitors. Forgot to charge them? No worries — a 10-minute charge gives you six hours of listening time.
For calls, the four beamforming microphones ensure your voice comes through loud and clear. They also automatically suppress wind noise, so your calls sound great even in noisy environments.
Comfort is another win. The lightweight design, padded headband, and deeply cushioned ear cups make these headphones comfortable to wear all day. They also fold up for easy storage, making them great for travel.
At $169.99, the Momentum 4 offers premium audio, elite noise cancellation, and unmatched battery life for a fraction of the price of similar models. Woot deals tend to sell out fast, so if you want a pair, grab them before they are gone.
The U.S. government recently registered DEI.gov and Waste.gov as new federal websites, with Reuters reporting that neither page was responsive as of last Wednesday. Now Waste.gov has been hidden behind a password after apparently going live — with a default WordPress template.
404 Media reports that Waste.gov temporarily displayed an example web page provided by WordPress, using the design template Twenty Twenty-Four and featuring a fictional architectural firm called Études. While the page included the domain name and the tagline "tracking government waste," the rest of Waste.gov focused on Études' fake architectural services. DEI.gov redirected to Waste.gov.
SEE ALSO: Metadata on U.S. government memos reveals authors linked to Project 2025 The Waste.gov website on Feb. 11, 2025, as archived by The Wayback Machine. Credit: Screenshot: MashableThis is a pretty sloppy look for President Donald Trump's new administration, which has also been taking down public health websites hosting information used by doctors to treat patients. That isn't even to mention shutting down the U.S. humanitarian aid agency and its website, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention website, and numerous federal webpages on LGBTQ issues. Waste.gov was quickly locked away behind a password after 404 Media's report.
Judging from the domain names, it's reasonable to assume that Waste.gov and DEI.gov are intended to concern Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE") as well as Trump's ongoing efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI). Musk and Trump have continually alleged that the U.S. government is wasting funds, with DOGE aiming to drastically cut federal spending and employees.
Unfortunately, both Trump and Musk have poor histories when it comes to correctly assessing what constitutes waste. An analysis found that Trump's elimination of over 100 environmental protection regulations during his first term contributed to 22,000 American deaths in 2019 alone. Meanwhile, Musk infamously cut almost 90 percent of Twitter's staff after acquiring it 2022, with the company's value subsequently tanking while advertisers deserted the platform.
Despite this, Trump and Musk appear to believe that the U.S. government can be run to an acceptable standard with a fraction of its current employees, significant reliance on AI, and with $2 trillion subtracted from its budget (the federal budget prior to their cuts was $6.8 trillion). On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to execute "large-scale" job cuts and work with Musk's DOGE to limit hiring.
So far, the Trump administration's drastic cuts have primarily caused chaos and concern. DOGE swiftly gained access to the federal government's digital networks and databases ostensibly to search for "waste," locking U.S. government officials out of key systems and sparking numerous lawsuits. Waste.gov's hapless publication of a default WordPress demo website is just another indication that Trump and Musk's hasty gutting of the U.S. government is a messy process that will probably only get messier.
The official trailer for the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon has arrived, and it looks as though writer and director Dean DeBlois is bring back some very familiar elements in hopes of recreating what made the animated films so beloved.
How to Train Your Dragon follows Hiccup (Mason Thames), the awkward son of Viking chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising the role he voiced in the animated films). Already struggling to fit in with the dragon-fighting Vikings, Hiccup's life grows even more complicated when he unexpectedly befriends a dangerous Night Fury he names Toothless.
Judging from the trailer, several shots in the live-action film look practically identical to its animated predecessor, particularly Hiccup and Toothless' famous first meeting. We'll just have to wait and see what if any changes have been made to distinguish How to Train Your Dragon's live-action adaptation from the phenomenally popular animated film.
How to Train Your Dragon flies into theatres June 13.
I can count on one hand the number of times I've been in love. Those occasions have brought great joy, and even greater heartbreak. But the one form of love that's been a constant in my life is platonic love. This Valentine's Day I'll be celebrating the constancy of that particular love.
SEE ALSO: 10 free dating apps worth trying in 2025I won't be lamenting my lack of a boyfriend this Valentine's Day, I'll be celebrating the women in my life who've laughed with me (and at me); who've listened to my rants without judgement; and who've given me words of support and encouragement when things were really shit. Female friendship has been more meaningful than all of my toe-dips in romantic love.
One moment in particular stands out. Shortly before Valentine's Day three years ago, I found out that a man I'd recently been involved with — and for whom I still had feelings — not only had a new girlfriend; they were also expecting a child. I felt numb when I heard the news and immediately texted my friend Michelle to tell her what I'd heard. She told me to meet her at the gym first thing the following morning so we could talk.
Between sobs as I stomped on the treadmill, she listened to me and assured me that this was a perfectly acceptable response. Over the next week, she made sure I ate lunch, she smiled at me from across the desk as I blinked back tears while attempting to work and — when Valentine's Day rolled around — she quietly left a card and present on my desk. Without Michelle, I don't think I would have bounced back so quickly and thanks to her pep talks, I had the courage to meet up with that ex and get the rest of my belongings back. And, armed with my retrieved possessions, I marched the hell away from that guy who'd never really been that nice to me anyway.
Another friend who I owe a debt of gratitude this Valentine's Day is Elisha. Since becoming friends just over a year ago, she and I have laughed until our cheekbones hurt, but we've also been there for each other during the sadder times. Together we've shared in the loss of family members, friends, lovers. We have seasoned the streets of multiple cities with our tears.
It's not always easy to find someone who'll listen to you drone on for hours on end about something that's really bugging you. But, when something has deeply upset you, it's hard to change the record, even if you're acutely aware that you're stuck on repeat. I'll never forget the moment I apologised to Elisha for talking about the same issue again and again. Sitting across the table from me, Elisha started to cry and said: "Rachel, if you can't talk to me about this stuff, then who can you talk to? Please don't be sorry." For that, I'll always be hugely grateful.
SEE ALSO: How to move on after a situationship endsGirlfriends aren't just there for the challenging times though. They're there to empower us, to make us laugh, and to remind us of the good in the world. I'm grateful to my female friends overseas — Shannon, Vicky and Haley — who, despite the distance, are just as close to me as my UK-based friends. At the drop of a hat, they are there on FaceTime, Skype and iMessage to talk about the exciting things that we've seen and done. And, every once in a while, one of us crosses the Atlantic Ocean to embark on another adventure together. These are the moments that enrich my existence.
This Valentine's Day I'll be sharing a romantic dinner for two with someone very special indeed: Lizzie, my dear friend and housemate who I've known for 10 years. She and I spend night after night filling our home with laughter, even after the toughest of days and I'll be toasting to that decade of laughter on Feb. 14.
My female friends empower me through the support they give me and vice versa. They've not only made tough times more bearable, they've also taught me things about myself, about relationships and about life, in general. That's why I'm putting mates before dates this Valentine's Day.
This article was first published in 2017 and republished in 2025.
TL;DR: Mashable readers can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for only £14.44 (reg. £159.93) through 23 February — that’s a 90% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 11 Pro £14.44 at the Mashable ShopIf you thought AI would only be a fad, take a look at Microsoft. Thanks to Windows, countless computers are now equipped with Microsoft Copilot, their latest AI technology. But something even cooler? You don’t have to get a new device to get Copilot — just upgrade to Windows 11.
And, if you’re going for it, go all the way and get the Pro version with the most features, like remote desktop access and hard drive encryption. We have a deal on Windows 11 Pro keys for only £14.44 (reg. £159.93), and each one-time purchase upgrades two compatible PCs.
AI in Windows 11We realize you can use AI chatbots, so what makes Windows Copilot special? For one, Copilot is built using a custom version of GPT-4, so it’s like getting the premium version of ChatGPT for free.
There are also many perks of having Copilot built into your PC:
Ask it to change system settings instead of finding them yourself
Summarise web pages without having to ‘copy and paste’
Have it set reminders, schedule meetings, or draft emails
Already have Windows 11 Home, but curious about what Pro delivers? Remote desktop access becomes super handy in a pinch, as does BitLocker device encryption in case of device loss or theft. You’ll also get Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox for other professional testing and tasks.
Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for £14.44 (reg. £159.93) until 23 February at 11:59 p.m. PT at the Mashable Shop.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
ENTER TO WIN: From Feb. 10-17, you can enter the draw to win a bottle of the Domino's pepperoni-inspired perfume.
Opens in a new window Credit: Domino's Domino's: Win Free Pepperoni-Inspired Perfume Learn MoreValentine's Day just got a whole lot spicier thanks to Domino's.
The popular pizza chain has gone ahead and done what the world has been asking for by launching a pepperoni-inspired perfume. This meaty scent is designed to make you irresistible with notes of pepper and spice, with a warm, woody base. And the pyramid-shaped bottle decorated to look like pizza slices is a really classy touch.
SEE ALSO: How to survive Valentine's Day when you're heartbrokenYou can't actually purchase Eau de Passion right now, but all is not lost. Anyone who wants to try it can fill out a form from Feb. 10-17 for a chance to win a bottle. The catch is that it's only available in the UK and Ireland, but that situation could change once everyone sees the impact of this scent. Seriously, who wouldn't be all over someone who stinks of Domino’s Pepperoni Passion.
Make the most of this Valentine's Day and enter the draw to win a bottle of the Domino's pepperoni-inspired perfume.
TL;DR: Live stream 2025 LIV Golf for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
LIV Golf has caused a lot of controversy since its first event back in 2022, but things seem to have settled down now. And at the end of the day, don't we all just want to watch more high-quality competitions between the best players in the world?
We're not picking a side in this. We love the PGA Tour and LIV Golf equally. We're just pleased to see more golf on the calendar. And better yet, it's possible to watch these events without spending anything.
If you want to watch 2025 LIV Golf for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is LIV Golf?LIV Golf is a Saudi-backed professional men's golf tour. The tour features team and individual competitions, with 14 events per season (each consisting of three rounds and no cuts).
When is LIV Golf in 2025?2025 LIV Golf features 14 events held all over the world between February and August:
LIV Golf Riyadh — Feb. 8
LIV Golf Adelaide — Feb. 16
LIV Golf Hong Kong — March 9
LIV Golf Singapore — March 16
LIV Golf Miami — April 6
LIV Golf Mexico City — April 27
LIV Golf Korea — May 4
LIV Golf Washington, D.C. — June 8
LIV Golf Dallas — June 29
LIV Golf Andalucía — July 13
LIV Golf UK — July 27
LIV Golf Chicago — Aug. 10
LIV Golf Indianapolis — Aug. 17
LIV Team Championship Michigan — Aug. 24
The good news is that it's possible to live stream every event for free in the 2025 season.
How to watch 2025 LIV Golf for free2025 LIV Golf is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams of 2025 LIV Golf from anywhere in the world.
Unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world 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 UK
Visit ITVX
Live stream 2025 LIV Golf for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch 2025 LIV Golf without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select events before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream 2025 LIV Golf for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on Tubi. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup has produced a number of surprising results, including Cavalry's first-leg victory over Pumas UNAM. The Mexican side will be expected to overturn the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the first half of this matchup, but Cavalry will be confident of upsetting the odds.
If you want to watch Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry?Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 13. This fixture takes place at the Olympic Stadium.
How to watch Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry for freePumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on Tubi.
Tubi is the exclusive home of the Concacaf Champions Cup in Mexico, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry 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 Mexico
Visit Tubi
Live stream Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry for free
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Tubi?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Tubi, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Mexico
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Pumas UNAM vs. Cavalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Australia have enjoyed their tour of Sri Lanka, but there's still one match left to play. The 2nd ODI is the final opportunity for players on both sides to make a statement. We're expecting fireworks.
If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI)?The 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia takes place on Feb. 14. This ODI takes place at the Ranasinghe Premadasa Cricket Stadium.
The full schedule for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka is as follows:
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st Test) — Jan. 29 to Feb. 2
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd Test) — Feb. 6-10
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (1st ODI) — Feb. 12
Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) — Feb. 14
The good news for fans is that every ball of this tour is available to live stream for free.
How to watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia for freeSri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of Sri Lanka vs. Australia 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 Australia
Visit 7Plus
Stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream the ODI games before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 7Plus?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Sri Lanka vs. Australia (2nd ODI) for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We've made it through the group stage of the Europa League, and now it gets serious. The knockout rounds are where the big teams and star players stand up and be counted. But before the last 16, Fenerbahce face off against Anderlecht in a playoff matchup.
If you want to watch Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht?Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Feb. 13. This fixture takes place at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
How to watch Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht for freeFenerbahce vs. Anderlecht is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.
ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.
Unblock ServusTV 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 Austria
Visit ServusTV
Stream Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht in the Europa League for free
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ServusTV?ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Austria
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
There will be many locations around the world that will restrict your access to certain sites, including porn sites like xHamster. We understand why these restrictions are in place, but we also think it's important to know how online blocks can be bypassed. And we're not talking about complicated hacking at the dead of night. We're talking about a straightforward process that anyone can master.
If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock xHamster for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world. It sounds complicated, but it's really not.
Unblock xHamster by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to xHamster
Unblock xHamster
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.
What is the best VPN for porn?ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, 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
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.
The cast of Cobra Kai (Xolo Maridueña, Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan, Jacob Bertrand, and Gianni DeCenzo) were given the opportunity to build their own dojos made up of the best of the best of the Karate Kid / Cobra Kai fighters. Who did they pick?
Which dojo do you think would win in a karate tournament?
Part 3 premieres February 13, 2025. Parts 1 & 2 are currently streaming only on Netflix.
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.
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: Things you need for a weight-based workout
Green: Different things you can medal in for snow sports
Blue: Soccer mascots
Purple: Words that have a baseball team name in them
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Weightlifting needs
Green: Olympic snowboarding events
Blue: MLS teams
Purple: Ends with a MLB team
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 #143 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayWeightlifting needs - BAR, BENCH, DUMBBELL, SPOTTER
Olympic snowboarding events - BIG AIR, GIANT SLALOM, HALFPIPE, SLOPESTYLE
MLS teams - DYNAMO, EARTHQUAKES, RED BULLS, WHITECAPS
Ends with a MLB team - BETRAYS, HELMETS, HUNDREDS, STRANGERS
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.
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