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You mean to tell me PlayStation could’ve been making games like this the entire time instead of 9,000 photorealistic sad dad simulators?

Astro Bot, which is the third platformer starring Sony’s new unofficial robot mascot — but somehow the first one to be a regular full-priced non-VR game — is a breath of fresh air compared to most of the last decade of PlayStation. It’s not a competent prestige TV knock-off like God of War, or misanthropic edgelord misery like The Last of Us, or a bloated open-world mess like Horizon. 

Rather, this is a colorful, whimsical, mechanically tight, and overall delightful 3D platformer that’s also packed full of references to PlayStation history. While Astro Bot’s reverence for the PlayStation brand occasionally feels forced, and probably can’t sustain itself beyond this game, it’s such a goddamn thrill for the 10 or so hours it takes to finish that I think it’s a must-play for any PS5 owner.

Astro Bot premise What's up, Ratchet? You good? Credit: PlayStation

Astro Bot, from the developers at Team Asobi, isn’t really a game about plot. A PS5-shaped mothership full of little robots encounters some trouble in outer space — and it’s up to one heroic Astro Bot to rebuild the mothership and save all the bots.

While narrative isn’t really something that moves the needle in Astro Bot, it does feed into the game’s main aesthetic gimmick: constant references to PlayStation. Many of the hundreds of stranded bots you need to collect throughout the game’s levels to progress through the game are dressed like classic PlayStation characters, which is carried on from a similar idea in Astro’s Playroom.

When you collect a referential bot, they go back to your hub world and hang out doing little animations related to whatever game they’re from. It’s cute! I got a big kick out of seeing Kazuma Kiryu from Yakuza and Teddie from Persona 4 in there. 

However, turning references into necessary collectibles for progress does drive home the point that this is the point of Astro Bot. While it’s a great 3D platformer with beautiful visuals and catchy tunes (as we’ll get to in a bit), Astro Bot is a game about basking in all things PlayStation. And at times, it can feel like an incomplete or flawed history of the brand.

For instance, there are a few allusions to things that I either don’t associate with PlayStation at all or are maybe best left in the dustbin of history. There is also at least one major franchise that I extremely associate with PlayStation that isn't represented at all, for what have to be boring rights reasons.

It’s not the norm, thankfully, but a small handful of the references also feel like they were mandated by Sony corporate. I know Detroit: Become Human was a PlayStation exclusive, but we can pretend like it wasn’t. It’ll be fine. 

Astro Bot’s referential nature, despite its occasional missed swings and inconsistencies, is a positive overall. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of the launch of the PlayStation, and if Sony itself as a broader corporate entity isn’t going to do a very good job of celebrating such a historic legacy, I’m glad this game is doing it, at least.

Astro Bot mechanics The dog backpack rules. Credit: PlayStation

If you played Astro’s Playroom (and anyone who owns a PS5 should because it’s free), you know the deal here. Astro Bot is a mechanically simple and straightforward 3D platformer with remarkably tight movement and a generally punchy, chipper feel to its mechanics. You can run, jump, do a little hover move in mid-air, punch enemies, and that’s about it. What more do you need?

Well, there is a little more. Many levels revolve around a series of wearable gadgets that give Astro unique abilities. One of them causes him to absorb bodies of water and become huge, while another gives him a pair of springy, extending boxing gloves. These are a good deal more fun than the vehicles that sucked up so much of Astro’s Playroom runtime, and while a couple of them are motion-controlled, you can thankfully turn that stuff off.

The basic mechanics of Astro Bot are lifted so thoroughly from Playroom that the overall design structure stood out to me more than the moment-to-moment action. This is the most Super Mario Galaxy-ass game that isn’t actually Super Mario Galaxy. Aside from the fact that the levels are literally spread across little solar systems, it also permeates how the levels are designed.

More like God of Snore. Just kidding, those games are fine. Credit: PlayStation

Most of Astro Bot is spent moving linearly from one little floating platformer island to another. Each one will have some tiny challenge to complete — and then you’ll move onto the next, having fun along the way. All of it is paced so tightly, it's remarkable. Astro Bot leaves almost no room for boredom at any point in the process. Astro Bot is a constant firehose of pleasant brain chemicals.

Special mention needs to go to a handful of bigger levels that are themed to specific PlayStation games, giving Astro special costumes and unique abilities sourced from said games. There are distressingly few of these, and too many of them pull from the PS4 era, but one of them made me smile so much that I’m willing to forgive that transgression. 

It almost feels reductive to say “Well, they made a longer version of the great pack-in game, so it’s automatically great.” But that’s pretty much what happened! That said, I’m very glad Astro Bot is as brief as it is. Getting 100 percent completion can be achieved in a weekend, which is hugely refreshing compared to the endless array of live-service forever games and 100-hour RPGs that have flooded the market in 2024. 

Astro Bot graphics You gotta have a casino level in your platformer. Credit: PlayStation

Team Asobi’s penchant for colorful whimsy shines through in Astro Bot, which is one of the prettiest games on PS5. It’s got a relatively simple art style that pulls from a lot of inspirations; some levels straight up look like Mario, while the robotic animals that you fight harken back to classic Sonic. But, at least to me, it never feels like a rip-off. I think this game was just made by people with good taste.

Astro Bot is visually resplendent, but also fully readable, unlike so many modern games that sacrifice legibility for visual density. It’s exactly what a modern 3D platformer should look like.

Astro Bot music and audio

Astro Bot’s music was composed by Kenneth C.M. Young, who did the previous Astro games for Team Asobi, too. Put simply, each tune is eminently hummable and nearly perfect for whatever scenario it was written for. I especially appreciate the constant use of vocoders to produce robotic-sounding vocals. 

The aforementioned themed levels also have fun remixes of songs from the games the levels are based on. Sorry for spoiling one of them (skip to the next section if you really don’t wanna know), but it turns out I’m the exact kind of person who would mark out at a dance remix of the Uncharted 2 title screen music.

Astro Bot difficulty

This isn’t one of those overly masochistic platformers by any means, but Astro Bot’s level of challenge is fair. Astro dies in one hit (except for in the excellent boss fights, where you can take three hits), so careful play is not only rewarded, but necessary.

There are times when enemy numbers can be a little overwhelming and deaths can feel slightly unfair, but checkpoints are frequent and load times are instant, so who cares?

I will say Astro Bot becomes an appreciably and enjoyably more difficult game if you try to 100 percent it. I recommend doing so if you want the full experience.

Astro Bot performance

I did not think the technical performance of Astro Bot would be a source of disappointment, but here we are.

While the game looks amazing visually and runs at a solid 60 frames per second (as far as I can tell without an on-screen frame counter), it’s got this constant, every-few-seconds stutter that I noticed right away. It lasted throughout my entire time with the game, and I was playing on the latest patch. I was able to quickly get used to it and enjoy the game regardless, but it can be seriously distracting if you think about it too much.

I assume this is something that can and will be patched out of the game, but for now, Astro Bot’s gotta lose some points. 

Is Astro Bot worth getting? Sucks for that guy. Credit: PlayStation

Hell yeah, Astro Bot is worth getting! 

While I assume some folks will not feel great about spending $60 for a game you can wipe out in a few days, the experience itself is more than worth it. Team Asobi has made what might be the most purely fun PS5 exclusive yet — and it’s easily one of the best games on that saddeningly short list. 

Its referential nature works overall, even with some slight misgivings. I don’t think Asobi can keep that aspect of these games up if Sony commissions more Astro platformers, but for one game, it’s cool. Between that, its gorgeous visuals, catchy music, and excellent platforming mechanics, Astro Bot is one of the best games on the PS5.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation Astro Bot $59.99 at Amazon
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TL;DR: Live stream Scotland vs. Poland in the UEFA Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Things didn't really go to plan for Scotland at Euro 2024, but Poland weren't exactly great either. Both sides will be looking to improve in the UEFA Nations League, and a positive result in the first round of fixtures would help to create some positive momentum.

If you want to watch Scotland vs. Poland in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Scotland vs. Poland?

Scotland vs. Poland in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 5. This fixture takes place at Hampden Park.

How to watch Scotland vs. Poland for free

Scotland vs. Poland in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can stream for free 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 access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Scotland vs. Poland by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Stream Scotland vs. Poland for free from anywhere in the world

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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 Scotland vs. Poland in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

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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.

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In an effort to curb teens from watching potentially harmful videos on YouTube, the streaming platform announced Thursday it will expand its limitation of repeated recommendations of videos that idealise specific body weights, types, and fitness levels for teenagers in Europe and the UK.

It's an extension of the same move by YouTube in 2023 for U.S. teens, with the company's latest blog post using identical language as its first announcement, just extending the geographical reach.

As it has done for U.S. teens, YouTube said it will limit repeated recommendations of videos in particular categories including "content that compares physical features and idealizes some types over others, idealizes specific fitness levels or body weights, or displays social aggression in the form of non-contact fights and intimidation."

YouTube has identified these content categories as the type "that may be innocuous as a single video, but could be problematic for some teens if viewed repetitively."

SEE ALSO: Young people feel conflicted about the internet and their well-being

The post was written by Dr. Garth Graham, director and head of YouTube Health and James Beser, director of product management, YouTube Youth. The recommendations came from YouTube's youth and families advisory committee, a group formed in 2018, made up of independent experts in children's media, digital learning, and development. Their role is to advise on issues like online content and its impact on teens, who remain heavy social media users, especially on YouTube.

"One insight [of the advisory committee] is that teens are more likely than adults to form negative beliefs about themselves when seeing repeated messages about ideal standards in content they consume online," Graham and Beser wrote.

A 2019 survey by the UK's Mental Health Foundation found that 37 percent of teens felt "upset" and 31 percent felt "ashamed" about their body image. The report also said four in 10 teenagers said images on social media had caused them to worry about body image. A 2022 report by the UK Parliament's Health and Social Care Committee also unpacked the many avenues that contribute to body image issues, including online spaces. "The advent of social media and rise in online advertising have both increased exposure to certain idealised body types," the report found.

SEE ALSO: What parents of tweens and teens need to know about BookTok

YouTube will add these limitations for recommended videos on top of its existing means of restricting certain content from teen viewers per YouTube's Community Guidelines, including videos sharing personal testimonials about eating disorders. A study by UK eating disorder charity Beat found that 91 percent of people who had experienced eating disorders had encountered "content which was harmful in the context of their eating disorder," adding, "People with lived experience of eating disorders described being 'bombarded' with triggering content, imagery and advertisements which could 'fuel' eating disorder thoughts and behaviours."

"A higher frequency of content that idealizes unhealthy standards or behaviors can emphasize potentially problematic messages— and those messages can impact how some teens see themselves," Clinician, researcher, and YouTube advisory committee member Allison Briscoe-Smith said in a statement. "Guardrails can help teens maintain healthy patterns as they naturally compare themselves to others and size up how they want to show up in the world."

Though it's not specified by YouTube as being in compliance, the company's extended guardrails are being announced not long after the implementation of Europe's Digital Services Act and the UK's Online Safety Act that requires tech and social media companies protect users' safety on their platforms and prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content.

For more on teens' and children's safety online, Mashable has you covered.

If you feel like you’d like to talk to someone about your eating behavior, text "NEDA" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected with a trained volunteer or visit the National Eating Disorder Association website for more information.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) package might finally be making its way to Europe and China, but there's a big hurdle Tesla needs to overcome first.

On Thursday, Tesla's official AI account on X tweeted a roadmap for the company's AI team, mostly consisting on various autonomous driving features for Tesla cars.

One part of the roadmap stands out: Tesla plans to launch FSD in both Europe and China in the first quarter of 2025. FSD originally launched as limited beta in the U.S. in October 2020, and has been gradually expanded to more users in the country since (though some of its features are still labeled as beta software).

Tweet may have been deleted

There's a big caveat, though: For this to happen, regulators in the EU and China must approve FSD, which is a big if given that FSD has been under regulatory scrutiny due to a variety of safety issues. Right now, Tesla customers in Europe are free to purchase both the Enhanced Autopilot and FSD sets of semi-autonomous driving features, but they're severely limited compared to what's offered in the U.S.

As is customary, Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the post, adding that RHD (right-hand driving) markets should "hopefully" get FSD in late Q1 or early Q2, pending regulatory approval.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai's new Ioniq 5 has bigger battery, native Tesla Supercharging

The roadmap presented by Tesla's AI team has a few other interesting details about what's coming. The next version of Tesla FSD (v12.5.2), due in September will have "3x improved miles between necessary interventions," and will come with features such as Actual Smart Summon (a new version of Tesla's Summon feature which brings the car from its parking spot to you), automatic parking and FSD for Cybertruck, eye-tracking with sunglasses, and end-to-end network on highway.

In October 2024, FSD v13 should be out, with six times as many miles between necessary interventions, and unparking, parking, and driving in reverse in FSD.

TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Muchova in the 2024 US Open semi final for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The final of the US Open is so close, yet so far. The remaining players are only one game away from a chance at winning this famous tournament, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done to get to that point.

Pegula and Muchova will leave everything on the court in a bid to reach the final. If you want to watch Pegula vs. Muchova the 2024 US Open semi final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Pegula vs. Muchova in the 2024 US Open for free

Fans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:

• Australia — 9Now

• New Zealand — TVNZ+

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone from around the world can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia or New Zealand

4. Visit 9Now or TVNZ+

5. Watch Pegula vs. Muchova in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Pegula vs. Muchova without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every US Open match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the US Open for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand

• 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 Pegula vs. Muchova in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Adult industries are often the first to embrace new technology, from VR porn to cyber brothels. According to preliminary data from industry research firm SWR Data, nearly two-thirds — 62 percent — of adult content creators now use artificial intelligence tools to expand or run their business.

Most creators who use it, 80 percent, do so for content or shooting inspiration, in a survey of over 400 working adult content creators conducted in July and August. Twenty-eight percent have used AI to generate content, while 18 percent have used it to chat with their fans. Only eight percent, however, have used AI to create "digital twins" or other interactive AI versions of themselves.

SEE ALSO: Top 5 digital security tips from sex workers

Nearly the same amount of adult creators see AI as a positive or negative, 36 and 37 percent respectively. Those who use it unsurprisingly are more likely to feel positively about AI.

Co-founder of SWR Data, MelRose Michaels, said in a press release that the data counters a lot of the narrative around AI and adult creators.

"There's so much money being invested in adult AI right now, and platforms would do better to understand that creators are more interested in an extra set of hands than they are a sixth finger," Michaels continued, referring to the classic tell of when something is AI generated by checking for deformed hands. "We're seeing some really compelling data as to who is using AI and how they're using it."

This data is part of a larger "State of the Creator" study on adult content creators that will be released this fall.

Stephen Colbert has broken down Trump's recent appearance on Lex Fridman's podcast.

Stuff Your Kindle Day: On Sept. 5, readers can download thousands of romance titles as part of Stuff Your Kindle Day.

The best Kindle deals on Stuff Your Kindle Day Best Kindle Deal Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $99.99 at Amazon (Save $35.97) Get Deal Best Kindle Unlimited Deal 12 months of Kindle Unlimited $119.90 at Amazon ($23.98) Get Deal

Stuff Your Kindle Day is one of those events that has you reading the small print, because you've become ground down by life and believe that nothing in life truly comes free. Except it does, because this special day provides access to literally thousands of free books. We know you're waiting for the catch, but in this case, there really isn't one. It's as good as it sounds.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is a 24-hour author-organized event that drops the price of thousands of romance e-books to absolutely nothing. And better yet, the books that you choose to download are yours to keep.

SEE ALSO: The Kindle Paperwhite made me enjoy reading books again

Looking to make the most of Stuff Your Kindle Day? Fear not, bookworms. We have read ahead and lined up everything you need to know about this generous event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place four times a year. In 2023, Stuff Your Kindle Day took place on March 31, June 30, Sept. 20, and Dec. 27.

In 2024, the first Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Sept. 5. The best way to find out about dates ahead of time is to join the free reader alert email service.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Another great thing about Stuff Your Kindle Day is that anyone can take part. Yes, even you.

We know that "Kindle" is in the name, but you don't even need to own a Kindle to get involved in all the fun. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these free e-books. And you can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.

Which e-books are free?

Amazon has helpfully created a Stuff Your Kindle Day landing page so participants can find exactly what they're looking for without wasting important reading time. Here Amazon has listed some standout titles and organized everything by genre. We appreciate the effort Amazon, but since this is an author-led event, it's important to recognize that there are alternative ways to find something right for you.

We suggest checking out the official list of Stuff Your Kindle Day books on the Romance Bookworms blog. Titles are sorted by retailer and sub-genres of romance, so you can really pinpoint the perfect books to keep you entertained through the dark days ahead.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you pick up on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, with no limit on the number of books you can download. That's great news, but what does that mean if you already have an Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription?

Kindle Unlimited subscribers can still participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day as it isn't an official Amazon event. And crucially, Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads won't count towards the 20 books per month that subscribers can borrow.

The NFL kicks off its 2024 season on Thursday, and if there's one thing the league can count on, it's that millions of Americans will be tuning in.

The NFL is the single most popular TV product in America. And it's not even remotely close. To wit: Of the 100 most-watched TV broadcasts in 2023, 93 were NFL games. In fact, the entire Top 20 consisted of NFL broadcasts, with only the State of the Union address keeping the NFL from sweeping the Top 50. When the NFL is on, millions of Americans watch — it's as certain as death and taxes.

Both the NFL and its broadcast partners are well aware of this. And if you're a fan, you've likely felt it in your wallet. With the rise of streaming, the NFL has spread its broadcast rights across multiple platforms. Here's the list of channels, networks, and streaming services that have exclusive rights to NFL games in 2024:

• CBS

• FOX

• NBC

• ABC

• Peacock

• NFL Network

• Amazon Prime

• ESPN

• ESPN+

• Netflix

• YouTube TV

That's nearly an NFL property for every major broadcaster — Apple narrowly missed out, and while HBO has Hard Knocks, it doesn't air any games.

To be clear, most fans don’t watch every NFL game. They’ll tune in for their favorite team, the primetime matchups, and the occasional random games. But what if someone wanted to watch every single NFL game? Or, more realistically, what if most fans at least wanted the option to watch any game they choose? The cost is staggering.

By my calculations, it would run you at least $891.36. That's a hefty price to pay for watching football from your couch, but plenty of Americans will gladly pay it.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free What channels are different NFL games on?

Let’s take a step back and break down which games air on which broadcaster. The NFL has cleverly sliced and diced its broadcast rights to maximize profits. New players like Netflix or Prime are willing to shell out billions to get a piece of the NFL pie, while the league’s longstanding partners aren’t likely to complain — after all, the NFL holds all the leverage.

Here’s how the NFL’s broadcast rights are divided among various broadcasters for the 2024-25 season. And just to be clear, we’re not including preseason games here because, well, those don’t really count.

CBS

CBS and, in turn, Paramount+ is the home of the AFC. On any given NFL Sunday you'll get either a local team's game, a national game, or some combination of both in the 1 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. window. The AFC playoff and championship games will also be on CBS.

FOX

FOX is essentially CBS but for the NFC. This is common knowledge for NFL fans and has been engraved in their heads for years.

NBC

The marquee Sunday Night Football match-ups air on NBC, which has become a prime destination for the NFL's biggest games each week. NBC will also broadcast the season opener this Thursday and one of the Thanksgiving Day games — but it’s worth noting that these aren’t technically part of the Thursday Night Football package.

Peacock

NBC's streaming service, Peacock, will also feature an exclusive game this year: Friday's matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, which will be played in Brazil.

NFL Network

Four separate international games will air on NFL Network, as will a number of yet-to-be-decided Saturday games later in the season.

Amazon Prime

Prime will broadcast Thursday Night Football in Weeks 2-17 and exclusively stream a playoff game.

ABC/ESPN

ESPN holds the rights to Monday Night Football. Some games also air on ABC, and some weeks, there are double headers with one game airing on each channel.

ESPN+

This year, ESPN's premium streaming service will also have its own exclusive game. The Week 7 match-up between the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals will be available only on ESPN+.

Netflix

Netflix has NFL games this season, too. It'll exclusively air two games on Christmas.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV has the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, which is the primary way to get access to out-of-market, non-primetime games.

How much does all that cost?

Roughly speaking, the total comes to $891.36. To arrive at that figure, I had to make a few assumptions. I started from scratch, assuming our hypothetical NFL fan didn’t have a cable package, any existing streaming subscriptions, or shared accounts — no mooching off someone else's Netflix. I also only accounted for the cost from the NFL regular season kickoff in September through the Super Bowl in February.

Given those assumptions, the most cost-effective option to access most NFL games is YouTube TV. The key reason is that YouTube TV holds the exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, which gives you access to most non-primetime games that aren't broadcasted on your local FOX or CBS affiliate. So, it's a must-have for serious fans. YouTube TV offers a Sunday Ticket deal that costs four payments of $158.99 ($94.75 for the NFL Sunday Ticket and $64.24 for the YouTube TV base plan) for the first four months, then $72.99 per month for the YouTube TV subscription going forward.

Assuming you sign up at the optimal time in September, your total would add up to $781.94 to get you through the Super Bowl. The good news is that YouTube TV, along with having exclusive access to Sunday Ticket, includes most of the channels you'll need for NFL coverage — CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network are all part of the base package.

Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable

That leaves you needing Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and ESPN+. Estimating the exact cost for these services is tricky because a user could, in theory, take advantage of free trials. However, they might forget to cancel them. For simplicity's sake, I assumed our fan paid for a month’s subscription for each service during the months the platform had at least one NFL game. I also assumed they were canceled as soon as the games ended. Based on this, you’d need five months of Prime ($74.95), one month of Netflix ($15.49), one month of Peacock ($7.99), and one month of ESPN+ ($10.99).

Adding these to YouTube TV's Sunday Ticket costs brings the total to $891.36. Including playoffs, there is a combined total of 285 games in an NFL season. That means each game costs about $3.13, though, of course, you can't purchase the broadcast for single games.

The cost breakdown of being a diehard NFL fan. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google Sheets

Of course, your actual cost could be higher or lower. Few people lack any of these services entirely, and many might have access to a shared password or two. But if you're already a cable subscriber — perhaps because of a bundle that includes internet — you could pay even more since you'd still need Sunday Ticket via YouTube. But, to be clear, there are far more reasonable options than shelling out nearly a grand to watch the NFL on TV. A service like Sling Orange, for instance, could get you ESPN and your local CBS/FOX affiliate stations for $40 per month. You could also sign up for Sling Blue, which comes with NFL Network and then you can upgrade to pay $51 per month to also include RedZone.

But still, being an absolutely diehard NFL fan doesn't come cheap. $891.36 is a hefty chunk of change to watch every game, but when you consider that the average ticket to see a game live in 2023 was around $370, maybe watching from home isn't such a bad deal after all.

Did the cosmos just hand us a meme that encapsulates our feelings about the universe and our place within it? 

At times it seems as though astronomers will forever find enigmas about space without ever providing satisfying answers. But in this case, the James Webb Space Telescope has found a riddle in the sky, and scientists can actually give us an explanation for it. Webb, an infrared telescope built by NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts, captured this image of galaxy cluster MACS-J0417.5-1154. It looks like a literal question mark. 

That's because massive celestial objects are warping the fabric of spacetime and distorting galaxies in the background, playing tricks like a funhouse mirror. The effect is caused by a quirk of nature known as gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted in Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. 

"These galaxies, seen billions of years ago when star formation was at its peak, are similar to the mass that the Milky Way galaxy would have been at that time," said Marcin Sawicki, an astronomer at Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, in a statement. "Webb is allowing us to study what the teenage years of our own galaxy would have been like."

SEE ALSO: Scientists haven't found a rocky exoplanet with air. But now they have a plan. The question mark is actually five copies of the galaxy pair, four of which make the top of the question mark. The dot below them is an unrelated galaxy that just happens to be in the right place from Webb's perspective. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Vicente Estrada-Carpenter

The image shows two distant interacting galaxies: one a face-on spiral; the other dusty red in side view. They appear multiple times, with the dusty red galaxy forming the arc of the question-mark shape. 

To explain how gravitational lensing works, astronomers start with the analogy of a bowling ball placed on a foam mattress or trampoline. This depicts how the fabric of spacetime bends around massive celestial objects. Light that would otherwise travel straight gets distorted as it passes through the warped spacetime.

In this case, the galaxy cluster is acting like a colossal magnifying glass. The perk of that extra prescription strength is its ability to extend the view of Webb to see even earlier galaxies.

Astronomers are now familiar with spotting the telltale signs of gravitational lensing, but that wasn't always the case. In 1987, an enormous blue arc thought to be hundreds of trillions of miles long was at first considered one of the largest objects ever detected in space. The arc was found near the galaxy cluster Abell 370, with another similar object near galaxy cluster 2242-02. 

Later that year, scientists at Stanford University and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Arizona sorted out that these objects were, in fact, optical illusions, distorted by Abell 370. The New York Times published a story about the "bizarre" implication of Einstein's theory, titled "Vast Cosmic Object Downgraded to a Mirage."

"Webb is allowing us to study what the teenage years of our own galaxy would have been like."

The lensing in this new Webb image allows scientists to pinpoint star formation, using infrared data from the observatory, coupled with ultraviolet data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble has previously observed this region, but murky cosmic dust prevented it from detecting the dusty red galaxy. 

With Webb, the galaxy's longer wavelengths of light were picked up. The team's findings, a sort of case study for Webb's ability to detect star formation within a galaxy billions of light-years away, is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The Hubble Space Telescope viewed this region of space, left, but the dusty red galaxy forming the question mark is more prominent in the James Webb Space Telescope's view, right. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Vicente Estrada-Carpenter

The question mark is actually five copies of the galaxy pair, four of which make the top of the question mark. The dot below them is an unrelated galaxy that just happens to be in the right place from Webb's vantage point. 

Neither of the interacting galaxies' shapes appears too disrupted, an indicator that the duo is just beginning to interact. Studying such distant regions could yield fresh insights for scientists, astronomer Vicente Estrada-Carpenter said.

"Knowing when, where, and how star formation occurs within galaxies is crucial to understanding how galaxies have evolved over the history of the universe," he said in a statement.

There's no birthday quite like the big 3-0. You're entering a different phase of adulthood, you're solidifying your sense of self, you're developing new and exciting forms of back pain… it's a big deal. So when a loved one is celebrating this momentous occasion, getting them the right gift is essential. Make sure it's something that says, "You're both youthful and mature." 

This is an excellent birthday for "upgrade" gifts, or the fancy version of something they already love. If they've gotten really into wine, for example, luxurious new glassware may be in order. Or if they love to read on vacation but struggle to fit multiple books in their carry-on, consider gifting them a lightweight Kindle Paperwhite.

On the other hand, a 30th birthday can also be a good moment to gift something fun and novel. Turning 30 can feel like a lot of pressure, but it's not like people in their thirties are banned from enjoying themselves. (Just look at Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30!) If your soon-to-be 30-year-old is stressing too much about entering a new decade of their life, maybe just get them a Tamagotchi or something. They are, after all, still incredibly young.

Here are our picks for the best 30th birthday gifts.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For the Apple Stan: With active noise cancellation, great battery life, and a famously comfortable fit, the second edition of the AirPods Pro make an excellent gift for anyone who just can't play the wired earbuds game anymore — no matter how cool it looks.

Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Earbuds With AppleCare+ $216.99 at Amazon
$278.00 Save $61.01 Shop Now

Shark FlexStyle

Credit: Shark

For the Revlon One-Step Devotee: Is their Revlon One-Step basically attached to their arm at this point? Gift them an upgrade. If you're not prepared to splurge on a Dyson Airwrap, the Shark FlexStyle is just as magical. Reporter Bethany Allard named this high-tech hair tool the best Airwrap alternative because of its value, quality results, and the fact that it preserves hair health more effectively than traditional heat tools.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System $219.99 with code FLEX at Shark
Shop Now

Canopy Humidifier

Credit: Canopy

For the Design-Minded: We're not sure a humidifier can be elegant, per se, but Canopy's definitely comes the closest. (In our opinion, this pushes it into "giftable" territory.) It's also dishwasher-safe — and if you've ever cleaned a humidifier by hand before, you know how major that is.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canopy Canopy Humidifier $150 at Amazon Shop Now

Hallmark Refillable Address Book

Credit: Hallmark

For the busy bee: This classic, understated address book also includes sections for important dates, space for passwords (though we don't necessarily recommend keeping those here), and even extra pages if they run out of space. Plus, its pretty gold details will class up their utilitarian standing desk.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hallmark Hallmark Refillable Address Book $24.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Petitfee Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patches

Credit: Petitfee Gold & Snail

For the Skincare Expert: If you want to give skincare as a gift, opt for something a little novel. Why? 30-year-olds have probably got their core routine already locked in. These gold hydrogel patches fit the bill — they're fun, bright, and look cute in photos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Petitfee Gold & Snail Petitfee Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patches $9.85 at Amazon Shop Now

Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder

Credit: Le Creuset

For the Frugal Friend: If the 30-year-old in your life doesn't treat themselves often, consider gifting them something a little impractical. Is $25 for an object that only holds tea bags a little wild? Sure. But that's exactly what makes it a great gift. Plus, they could also use it as a little spoon rest.

• MSRP: $25

Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder $25 at Amazon Shop Now

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Suitcase

Credit: Delsey Paris

For the World Traveler: Mashable's pick for the best spinner, this suitcase is roomy, durable, and affordable. (It often dips below $100 on sale). It's also very pretty and shiny, which means you're essentially giving them the gift of globetrotting in style.

• MSRP: $159.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Delsey Paris Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Suitcase $159.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Kindle Paperwhite

Credit: Amazon

For the Reader: Bookworms with burgeoning back problems — especially those who like to carry multiple books at once — will appreciate a transition to the Kindle lifestyle. This beloved e-reader is ultra-lightweight and has an anti-glare, waterproof screen for reading in the sunshine or by the pool.

• MSRP: $149.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $149.99 at Amazon Shop Now

iRobot Roomba j7

Credit: Roomba

For the Overextended Friend: Sometimes the best gift you can give is checking something off their to-do list. If vacuuming their apartment doesn't exactly bring them joy, snag them a Roomba to make their life a little easier. This model is a solid pick for pretty much anyone — and it's been on sale for under $300 for quite some time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roomba iRobot Roomba j7 $599.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Set of 4 Martini Glasses

Credit: GLASSIQUE CADEAU

For the Martini Drinker: The mark of a true 30-year-old: owning separate glassware for different cocktails. Help them out in the martini department with this modern set of cocktail glasses. They'll also be able to use them for Manhattans, Cosmos, and more. Tip: Pair this set with a bottle of their favorite spirits for an extra-special moment.

Opens in a new window Credit: GLASSIQUE CADEAU Set of 4 Martini Glasses $32.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Ember Mug 2

Credit: Ember

For the Coffee Drinker: If they like having coffee around at all times (relatable), ensure it stays warm throughout the day with an Ember Mug. They can set their optimal temperature with the Ember app, but the mug functions independently from the app, too — it even "wakes up" when it detects your favorite hot beverage being poured.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $149.95 at Amazon Shop Now

Piecework Puzzle (500 Pieces)

Credit: Piecework

For the Professional Hobbyist: Piecework's lush, lively puzzles come in plenty of fun editions, but we particularly like the dewy, textured splendor of "Tickled Pink." If 500 pieces aren't enough for them (brag), Piecework offers plenty of 1000-piece options.

Opens in a new window Credit: Piecework Puzzles Piecework Puzzle $34 at Amazon Shop Now

TriggerPoint 13-inch Foam Roller

Credit: Trigger Point

For the Athlete: Help soothe their tired, aching, 30-year-old muscles with the gift of a foam roller. This one has a hollow core for increased firmness and density and a textured surface to help target specific places on the body.

Opens in a new window Credit: Trigger Point TriggerPoint 13-inch Foam Roller $36.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Original Tamagotchi

Credit: tamagotchi

For the Cozy Games Enthusiast: "Stardew Valley" is fun and all, but you'll deliver maximum vintage appeal with a classic Tamagotchi. This version (featuring second-gen programming from 1997) comes in a cloud-print "Sky" shell. Just be sure your recipient doesn't kill it too fast — you don't want them thinking too much about mortality.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tamagotchi Original Tamagotchi $19.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Wild One Treat Pouch

Credit: Wild One

For the Pet Parent: Help them — and their dog — look stylish out on the town with this treat pouch from Wild One. It has room for their wallet, treats, poop bags, and other odds and ends — plus, they can wear it as either a crossbody or a fanny pack. Their pup will be so proud of their aesthetic sensibilities!

Opens in a new window Credit: Wild One Wild One Treat Pouch $43.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother

Credit: Bodum

For the Latte Fan: This easy-to-use manual milk frother will take their latte game to the next level right at home. (This is another one of those "upgrade" gifts we were talking about.) It's also — wait for it — dishwasher-safe.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bodum Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother $36 at Amazon Shop Now

Cuisinart Champagne Stopper

Credit: Cuisinart

For the Party Host: If they love to have people over, they've probably run into an age-old dilemma at the night's end: Ditch the bottle of half-drunk sparkling wine or drink it in a significantly less bubbly state the next day? This stopper will make such champagne problems a thing of the past — it'll keep their wine bubbly for up to three days.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Champagne Stopper $7.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Bissell Little Green Cleaner

Credit: Bissell

For the CleanTok Fan: First, a word of warning. This is only a good gift for people who have called cleaning "relaxing" or "cathartic." If they fall into that camp, though, they'll love the TikTok-famous Little Green Cleaner, especially for removing tough stains from carpeting, upholstery, or rugs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Cleaner $123.59 at Amazon Shop Now

Vitamix 5200 Blender

Credit: Vitamix

For the Chef: A Vitamix is basically the Rolls-Royce of blenders. This one has a 64-ounce capacity and can blend hot soups, pulverize ice, and even clean itself in less than a minute. Please have them send us an invite to soup night.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix 5200 Blender $549.99 at Amazon Shop Now

LEGO Dried Flower Centerpiece

Credit: Lego

For the Wacky Decorator: A Trader Joe's bouquet won't cut it for their dinner table. They need something a little more… unorthodox. Consider gifting them this build-it-yourself LEGO centerpiece, which features an array of "flowers" and a pretty, autumnal color palette.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Dried Flower Centerpiece $49.99 at Amazon Shop Now

TL;DR: Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NFL is back, and it's back with an absolutely massive battle between Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. In a repeat of last year's AFC Championship game, we're expecting fireworks from the NFL season opener. And better yet, you don't need to spend anything to watch this fixture.

If you're interested in watching Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free, we have all the information you need.

When is Chiefs vs. Ravens?

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens starts at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sep 5. This fixture takes place at Arrowhead Stadium.

How to watch Chiefs vs. Ravens for free

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, 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 Germany, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access RTL+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit RTL+

5. Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is obviously a quick fix, but it gives you enough time to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

• 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, saving you 49% on list price. With this limited-time deal you'll also get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Lifetime access to LazyApply is on sale for $59.97 through September 29. Automate job applications on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.

Opens in a new window Credit: LazyApply LazyApply Job Application Basic: Lifetime License $59.97
$149.00 Save $89.03 Get Deal

We’ve all been there — endlessly scrolling through job listings, tweaking resumes, and writing cover letters that start to blur together. The traditional job hunt can feel like a never-ending chore, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’re looking for a smarter approach, LazyApply might just be the tool you need. Through September 29, you can get a lifetime plan on sale for $59.97 (reg. $149).

LazyApply is designed to streamline your job search by automating the application process across major platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. With just a few clicks, you can apply to hundreds of jobs without breaking a sweat. Here’s how it works: You set your job preferences, upload your resume, and LazyApply takes care of the rest. It automatically fills out applications, saving you from the tedious task of doing it manually.

What’s great about LazyApply is the customization it offers. You can tailor your job search to focus on specific roles, industries, or companies, ensuring that your applications are targeted and relevant. Whether you’re aiming for a particular field or casting a wide net, LazyApply adapts to your needs. Plus, it can handle multiple job platforms simultaneously, maximizing your reach and boosting your chances of landing interviews.

Free up your time for more important things — like prepping for interviews or expanding your skill set. And because it operates on autopilot, you can keep your job search running 24/7, even while you sleep.

Don’t waste another minute on manual applications — let LazyApply do the work for you.

Get a lifetime subscription to LazyApply Job Application Basic on sale for $59.97 through September 29.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The Kodak Slide N Scan helps you digitize old film and slides, making it simple to preserve and share your family’s memories — on sale for $171.99 with code KODAK through September 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $171.99 at Mashable Shop
$224.99 Save $53.00 with code KODAK Get Deal

Those old family photos tucked away in boxes are priceless, but time isn’t always kind to them. Bring them back to life with an easy-to-use Kodak scanner that's on sale today.

The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner is on sale for $171.99 (reg. $224.99) with promo code KODAK through September 8. Make an investment in preserving your family’s legacy.

This device is built for ease of use, making it accessible even if you’re not super tech-savvy. Just load your film negatives or slides, and with a few clicks, you can turn those forgotten images into digital files that are easy to store and share. The Kodak Slide N Scan comes with simple controls for adjusting colors, rotating images, and making basic edits, ensuring your photos look their best.

Preserving your family’s history is made easy with this scanner. Whether you’re saving your grandparents’ wedding pictures or the ones from that family beach trip when you were four, the Slide N Scan allows you to keep these moments safe for future generations. The ability to digitize your photos means they’re no longer at risk of being lost or damaged, and you can share them with family members and on social media.

Until September 8 at 11:59 pm. PT, invest in the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner for $171.99 with code KODAK and start turning your cherished memories into digital keepsakes today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: You can own a high-definition monocular telescope, great for outdoor adventures and wildlife-spotting, for just $29.97 (reg. $54.99) through September 29.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay High Definition Monocular Telescope $29.97
$54.99 Save $25.02 Get Deal

If you love the outdoors and enjoy getting up close to nature, a quality monocular telescope could be your new best friend.

This high-definition monocular telescope is available for just $39.97 through September 29. It's a powerful tool that brings distant landscapes, wildlife, and other details into sharp focus, making your wilderness adventures even more exciting.

This telescope is equipped with a 50mm objective lens and 12x magnification, allowing you to zoom in on your subject with crystal clarity. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or just exploring your surroundings, this telescope lets you see the world in a whole new way. The multi-coated optics provide excellent light transmission, giving you bright and detailed images even in low light conditions — which could also make it a great choice for a concert if your seats are far away!

It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go, and it even comes with a smartphone adapter, so you can capture and share your discoveries with friends and family.

Featuring a comfortable, ergonomic design with a non-slip grip, it helps ensure that you can hold it steady even during long viewing sessions. It’s also built to be water-resistant, so a little rain won’t spoil your fun.

Amp up your outdoor experiences and get closer to the action. Open up a world of detail with a high-definition monocular telescope on sale for $39.97 through September 29.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Fooducate Premium helps you track your food, exercise, and more for life for just $39.99 (reg. $149.97).

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media Fooducate Pro Meal-Tracking App: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$149.97 Save $99.98 Get Deal

Ever wonder what your food would say if it could talk? With Fooducate Premium, it’s like your groceries got a report card, and you’re the teacher.

For just $39.99, you can score a lifetime subscription to Fooducate, a useful and easy health app that makes tracking your food, exercise, sleep, and even your mood more fun.

Fooducate isn’t just another app that nags you about calories — it’s your health’s new BFF, helping you make sense of what you’re eating and how it affects your body. It grades your food, offers tips that are actually useful (not just the usual boring stuff), and even tracks how you feel, so you can see how your choices impact your day-to-day life. Whether you’re trying to snack smarter, drink more water, or just keep tabs on your sleep, Fooducate has got your back.

The best part? You’ll never have to pay another dime. With this lifetime subscription, you’ll have all the tools you need to keep your health in check, without the monthly fees.

Why not make your health journey a little more entertaining? Grab the Fooducate Premium Pro Meal-Tracking App for $39.99 and start having some fun with food tracking.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, September 5, 2024:

AcrossFile type for downloadable forms

• The answer is PDF.

Catherine of "Beetlejuice"

• The answer is Ohara.

Pastry with a 5-Down

• The answer is donut.

Nostalgic song

• The answer is oldie.

Left on ___ (still awaiting a text message response)

• The answer is read.

DownAnimal known as a "giant cat bear" in Chinese due to its pupil shapes (vertical slits!)

• The answer is panda.

Ancient Celtic priest

• The answer is druid.

It's written in the stars

• The answer is fate.

Funk from a dirty sock

• The answer is odor.

Feature in the middle of a 6-Across

• The answer is hole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 5 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 5 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Going underground

These words are delicious but require cleaning.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers all relate to certain types of veggies.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is RootVegetables.

NYT Strands word list for September 5

• Potato

• Jicama

• Rutabaga

• Beet

• Turnip

• RootVegetables

• Taro

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

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

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

TL;DR: Through Sept. 29, you can get a £45.60 lifetime subscription to Scribbyo and use AI to generate creative content. 

Content creation isn't just one skill. Whether you're in marketing or just accidentally ended up with a really popular Instagram account, a ton of different skills go into creating quality content. You might need to write one day, find a fun picture the next, and record a podcast the week after. It's a lot for one person (or maybe even a team of people) to handle. But it's not too much for AI. 

Scribbyo is a content creation platform that uses AI tools to help save you time. Whether you're crafting an essay, an ad, a social media post, a landing page, or content of almost any kind, Scribbyo may be able to help. This versatile AI tool lets you generate content in a variety of media, including text, voice-over, images, code, and more, and you can produce content in 37 different languages.

Plus, a lifetime subscription to Scribbyo is only £45.60 for a limited time. 

Use AI to create content

AI doesn't always have to do something you can't. You may be able to listen to a video and transcribe it, but you could save time using the Scribbyo transcribe tool. That means you can easily turn videos into scripts, lectures into lecture notes, and create subtitles on the fly, but this AI doesn't just listen. You can even use Scibbyo to generate voiceover. 

Scribbyo doesn't just use one voice to read your text. You get access to 100+ accents and languages and more than 900 types of voices. Whether you're making a podcast, narrating a presentation, or recording a voiceover for a video, you can take your time finding just the right voice.

This subscription lasts for life, but there are limits on how much you can generate every month. Per month, you can generate 100,000 words (both in content writing and chatbots), 60 AI images, and 60,000 characters of voiceover. 

Your own creative team — all in one AI tool

Use AI to help you get creative and save time.

Get a lifetime subscription to Scribbyo, on sale for £45.60 (reg. £520.07). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Scribbyo Scribbyo: Lifetime Subscription £45.60 at the Mashable Shop
£520.07 Save £474.47 Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from Harvard University are available to take on edX.

edX hosts a wide range of free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University. That means you can become a student of this famous school without spending anything. And you don't even need to pack up your things and leave home.

Harvard University is offering free online courses on everything from AI to cybersecurity with edX. These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:

• American Government: Constitutional Foundations

• Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

• Applications of TinyML

• Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

• CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

• CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

• CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

• CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

• CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

• CS50's Introduction to Game Development

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with R

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

• CS50's Understanding Technology

• CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

• Data Science: Capstone

• Data Science: Inference and Modelling

• Data Science: Machine Learning

• Data Science: Productivity Tools

• Data Science: R Basics

• Data Science: Visualization

• Deploying TinyML

• Electrochemistry

• Energy and Thermodynamics

• Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

• Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

• Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

• Fundamentals of TinyML

• High-Dimensional Data Analysis

• Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

• Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

• Introduction to Data Science with Python

• Introduction to Digital Humanities

• Introduction to Probability

• Islam Through Its Scriptures

• Justice

• Leadership: Creating Public Value

• Leaders of Learning

• Machine Learning and AI with Python

• Managing Happiness

• Masterpieces of World Literature

• MLOps for Scaling TinyML

• Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

• Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology

• Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

• Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

• Shakespeare's Life and Work

• Statistics and R

• Super-Earths and Life

• Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market

• The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life

• Using Python for Research

Free courses don't include a certificate of completion, but don't let that hold you back. Students can still enroll at any time and start learning at their own pace, so what's stopping you?

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harvard University Harvard University Courses Free at edX Get Deal