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If you own an LG TV, hit up the settings menu ASAP.
That's because full-screen screensaver advertisements have infected LG televisions, FlatPanelsHD reported. These ads appear before the normal screensaver kicks in, and can be for either LG-centric promotions or third-party partners like car companies. According to FlatPanelsHD's testing, the ads are muted...for now.
SEE ALSO: Get a smart TV for less than $150 ahead of October Prime Day How to turn off screensaver ads on LG TVsThe obvious first response to this, if you own an LG TV, is "can I turn these ads off?" The good news is that, at least at the moment, you can. Here's how:
Open the TV's settings menu
Navigate to "Additional Settings"
Navigate to the "Screen Saver Promotion" toggle and turn it off
LG seemingly turned this on without announcing it ahead of time, and it has infected even the company's newest, most high-end sets, according to the FlatPanelsHD report. That may not sit well with people who paid more than $1,000 for a TV, especially if the ads ever, at any point, start making noise. Ditto if LG ever disables the ability to turn them off.
Shopping for early savings at Amazon's Prime Day Big Deal event? While the event doesn't kick off until the second week of October, we're already seeing some purchase-worthy sales. If you have a budget of under $50, here are some great sales to shop ahead of next month's Prime Day event.
Best October Prime Day deals under $50 Best entertainment deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon with code FTVMAXUP24 (save $25) Get Deal Best headphones deal Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon (save $20.09) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get DealThe temperature and leaves are beginning to fall, which means it's almost time for Amazon's third major sale of the season. Starting on Oct. 8, Amazon will treat us to the Prime Big Deal Days event, and we expect to see solid discounts on Amazon devices, small kitchen appliances, headphones, robot vacuums, and plenty more. But before you add it all to your cart, check out the Mashable guide to items you don't want to buy during Prime Day.
Like most Amazon sales, the deals have already started trickling in ahead of the official start date. If you're looking for some upgraded tech items or you're already getting some holiday shopping taken care of, here are some great deals that'll cost you under $50 during Amazon's October Prime Day sale.
Best entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at AmazonIf your streaming stick doesn't support 4K, it's time for an upgrade. Thanks to an early Prime Big Deal Days sale, you can grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for just $34.99, down from the normal price of $59.99. With the streaming stick, you'll be in for smooth 4K streaming with quick loading and navigation. The stick even supports the blazing fast WiFi 6E.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with an Alexa voice-controlled remote, so you can tell Alexa to start playing the latest episode of your favorite show. The remote also has four pre-programmed buttons so you'll have easy access to your favorite streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video.
Gamers can also benefit from the streaming stick since you can play Xbox games with no console required, so long as you have the stick and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Our pick: Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at AmazonNoise-cancelling headphones tend to cost several hundred dollars, putting them out of range for many folks. But that's not the case today — you can grab the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones in black for just $39.90 at Amazon.
Are these top-of-the-line Bose headphones? Nope. But they do an excellent job with sound quality and noise cancellation, especially considering the affordable sale price. The ear cups are made with a soft memory foam so you'll be comfortable for all-day wear, and they get about 60 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge. You'll also get a convenient travel pouch with the headphones for easy storage.
Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at AmazonHome security cameras can be a great addition to your tech collection. The wireless Blink Outdoor 4 is on sale at Amazon for just $39.99, down from the list price of $99.99 which means you'll be getting a massive 60% discount. The security camera has a battery that'll keep it powered for up to two years while also offering crisp and clear 1080p HD resolution. Come night time, the camera will switch to an infrared night live view.
Mashable sister publication PCMag (both owned by Ziff Davis) gave the Blink Outdoor 4 an "excellent" review, noting its wider field of view and optional people alerts as pros.
Plus, since the camera is wireless, you won't have to worry about a complicated set-up process.
More deals under $50 at Amazon's Big Deal Days eventSoundcore P30i earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)
Blink Video Doorbell — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)
Sony SRSXB1 Portable Speaker — $38 $59.99 (save $20)
Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe — $46.99 $59 (save $12.01)
Each day is another closer to Prime Big Deal Days. While we wait for October 8 and 9 to finally arrive, we're tracking all the early deals, which are not quite rolling in. Maybe trickling is a better word to describe it? All this to say, there aren't an abundance of early Prime Day deals at the moment.
I've been on the headphone and speaker beat this week, watching for the latest drops on our favorite brands. Unfortunately, there haven't been a ton yet, but that's not to say the deals aren't coming. Historically, we've seen big price drops on speakers from Sony, Ultimate Ears, JBL, Bose, Sonos, and more during major Amazon shopping events.
If you're in a hurry to score a deal on a Bluetooth speaker, you do have options. Some of our favorite new speakers are on sale, including the bass-heavy Sony ULT Field 1 speaker and the new Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. So, while we patiently wait for more savings, here are the early Bluetooth speaker deals to shop now.
Best Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series Bluetooth Speaker $68.00 at AmazonDid your Bluetooth speaker kick the dust this summer after one too many pool parties? Then October Prime Day is an especially great time to hit "Add To Cart."
The Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series Bluetooth speaker is 48% off ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. It comes with a corded strap, making it easy to tote around on your adventures. With a IP67 rating, it's water- and dust-proof, giving it a rugged build. Not to mention the 16 hours of battery life that keep the party going all day.
More Bluetooth speaker dealsOontz Angle 3 Speaker — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)
Anker Soundcore 2 Speaker — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10 with on-page coupon)
Sony SRSXB13/B Extra Bass Speaker — $38 $59.99 (save $21.99)
JBL Clip 5 Speaker — $69.95 $79.95 (save $10)
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)
JBL Flip 5 Speaker — $89.95 $99.95 (save $10)
Sony ULT Field 1 Speaker — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)
Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Speaker — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)
Can we let you in on a little secret? You don't have to wait until Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event on Oct. 8 and 9 to score epic deals. In fact, there are plenty of pretty awesome deals already live at Amazon as of Sept. 26. We did the honor of rounding up a few that we think are worthy of adding to your cart ahead of the big day.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these do it for you, be sure to take a look back at our picks from Sept. 24 and Sept. 25. Many of those are still live, including a Blink Video Doorbell already sitting at its Prime Day price and a record-low price on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker. Happy shopping, folks.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 3-camera system $99.99 at AmazonWhen it comes to budget-friendly security cameras, the Blink Outdoor 4 is hard to beat — especially when a three-pack is down to its lowest price on record. Great for pet owners, frequent travelers, or any homeowner hoping to keep an eye on things that go bump in the night, the Blink Outdoor 4 works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, comes with customizable motion zones, offers infrared night vision and two-way audio, and has a battery life that'll last two years. That's why it's one of our top overall picks for security cameras. As of Sept. 26, you can grab a three-pack of these cameras and cover your home's perimeter for just $99.99. That's 62% in savings and a new record-low. You basically get two cameras for free.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee and espresso maker $99.00 at AmazonMay the summer of "Espresso" never die. Get in on the espresso craze with your very own Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ machine while it's on sale for 34% off. It allows you to make a piping hot shot of espresso any time you desire at the press of a button. It's not a one-trick pony, though. It can brew coffee in five different ways: five-, eight-, and 12-ounce cups, or single or double espresso shots. Just pop in a Nespresso pod, fill up the 37-ounce water tank, give it about 30 seconds to heat up, and boom — you're ready to brew. Usually $149, you can pick up the sleek and slim Vertuo Pop+ machine for only $99. That matches its lowest price on record.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars 2024 Advent calendar $35.99 at AmazonLego makes a bunch of great Advent calendars for kids and Lego-loving adults. The Lego Star Wars one is one of the most popular, and the 2024 edition is on sale ahead of the holiday season. It contains 368 pieces that eventually assemble into 18 collectible mini toys and six Star Wars figures, including holiday Princess Leia, holiday Luke Skywalker, Millennium Falcon, TIE Fighter, Yoda's Jedi Starfighter, and so much more. The packaging also serves as a festive backdrop for all the builds. Slash 20% off and pick up the Lego Star Wars Advent calendar for just $35.99 as of Sept. 26.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
The PlayStation 5 Pro is now up for grabs. Hope you started saving for it yesterday.
Priced at $699.99, preorders for Sony's upcoming mid-gen console began at around 7 am PT/10 am ET on Thursday, Sept. 26 — and for the time being, U.S. shoppers can only purchase it through the PlayStation Direct storefront. Preorders will open at other participating retailers starting Thursday, Oct. 10, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. The PS5 Pro will start shipping four weeks later on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 at PlayStation DirectMashable reached out to Sony to find out whether the company expects the PS5 Pro to sell out quickly at launch since initial availability is limited to one retailer, and if it had any plans to avoid inventory shortages. At the time of writing, we hadn't heard back.
A 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle featuring a special variant of the PS5 Pro will also be available for preorder today, according to a PlayStation blog post. It includes a PS5 Pro decked out in the '90s gray aesthetic of the very first PlayStation, plus matching DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, a DualSense charging station, a disc drive cover, a vertical stand, and a handful of collectibles.
The bundle is limited to 12,300 units, with each PS5 Pro individually numbered, and it will presumably be very expensive; Sony hasn't confirmed how much it will cost yet. A PS5 Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle that omits the DualSense Edge controller and charging station will also be for sale.
So beautiful... so much money... Credit: SonyThe PS5 Pro was formally unveiled earlier this month during a nine-minute "Technical Presentation" led by Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of the PS5, on the PlayStation YouTube channel. The announcement followed months of speculation and leaks, including one that seemed to come from inside the house.
With a larger GPU than the original PS5, ray tracing upgrades, and new custom hardware for AI-powered upscaling, Cerny said the PS5 Pro is the "most powerful console we've ever built." It also brings support for WiFi 7, 8K gaming, and a new "Pro" version of the PS5's Game Boost feature that can upgrade the performance of over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 titles. It includes 2TB of storage, which is double the capacity of the original PS5 (which is now nearly four years old).
Notably, the PS5 Pro does not come with a disc drive: You have to purchase it separately for $79.99. (Our sister site IGN reports that it's been selling out consistently across major retailers ever since the PS5 Pro was announced.) A vertical stand that's compatible with the console is also available for $29.99.
Next-gen upgraders who balk at the price of the PS5 Pro and its add-ons might consider purchasing a used system at a discounted price. Certified refurbished PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles are "Coming Soon" at PS Direct, as the X account Wario64 pointed out. They'll cost $399.99 and $349.99, respectively, or $100 less than their new counterparts.
The PS5 Pro marks the fifth iteration of Sony's current flagship console (not counting any bundles), which had a much sloppier launch and faced years of pandemic-related supply issues after the fact. Along with the standard PS5, it joins the PS5 Digital Edition, the PS5 Slim, and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition.
Spotify is expanding its Open Access API, allowing you to see your favorite creators' subscriber-only podcast episodes in the same feed as free content.
Called Synched Feeds, the update gives users a more streamlined experience on the app. Because through Synched Feeds, creators can now display their free and subscriber-only content in one feed.
SEE ALSO: Spotify wants to make you an AI Playlist for every occasionPreviously, a creator might have posted a teaser of a premium episode with a link to their content elsewhere or had two separate podcast feeds one for free and the other for subscriber-only content. Now, a subscriber-only episode will appear within the creator's feed on Spotify with the option to subscribe to listen to it.
To participate, creators enable Synced Feeds through their Spotify for Podcasters account. Creators must use Spotify's Open Access API to enable distribution on Spotify from another platform. Then, listeners link their premium account from the other platform to their Spotify account, unlocking the subscriber-only content. Spotify does not take a cut of creator revenue from subscribers.
Spotify launched Open Access in 2021 as its work around for manually uploading RSS content to the platform. According to TechCrunch, it's the only major podcasting platform that doesn't allow manual uploads, which is how users listen to subscriber-only episodes on other platforms. Last year, Open Access integrated with Patreon, Memberful, Supercast, and Supporting Cast. And beginning next month, The New York Times will make its audio subscription available for purchase through Spotify.
According to a press release, since launching Open Access with Patreon last year, nearly half of podcasters earning money on Patreon take advantage of it. Those same creators saw 15 percent of their Spotify listeners who visited their Patreon sign up for a paid membership.
There is a lot of money in YouTube if you can build a big enough audience.
It's been some time since folks had to be stars in traditional media — like TV, film, and music — to rake in the big bucks. Influencers and YouTubers, especially, can make millions upon millions of dollars creating content. That's because YouTube has a direct correlation between views earned and dollars made and provides a platform to build a loyal fanbase.
Here are 10 of the highest-earners in the YouTube space, in no defined order, and how they're making their money.
MrBeastThere can hardly be a list of rich YouTubers without mentioning MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. His main schtick is giving away tons of money while also, you know, making tons of money. Forbes estimated he made $82 million in 2023.
SEE ALSO: MrBeast breaks the ultimate YouTube recordTo be clear, the MrBeast brand is hardly limited to YouTube. He's launched snack foods and burger restaurants and inked a deal with Amazon Prime Video. But still, his bread and butter is his YouTube channel, which has a record 317 million subscribers.
Jake PaulThe Paul brothers have long been stalwarts of the internet, having first garnered an audience on Vine and then on YouTube. Jake Paul certainly hasn't slowed down in popularity. Forbes estimated he made $34 million last year. Paul has reinvented himself more than a few times, though recently, he's focused on a career in the ring. As a professional boxer, he's scheduled to fight Mike Tyson—yes, the Mike Tyson—live on Netflix in November.
Tweet may have been deleted Rhett and LinkWhile YouTube — and being online, in general — often thrives on controversy, lifelong friends Rhett and Link have thrived on a more wholesome image. Rhett James McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln "Link" Neal III are comedians who've basically created a mini-empire. Their company, Mythical, puts out their shows Good Mythical Morning and Mythical Kitchen and a number of podcasts. Forbes estimated they made $35 million last year.
Tweet may have been deleted Ms. RachelIf you have young children — or even if you have friends with toddlers — then Ms. Rachel is a household name. The former teacher makes educational videos for young kids that captivate their attention. Ask any parent, and they'll espouse their love for Ms. Rachel's work. Her videos rack up hundreds of millions of views since toddlers often watch the same thing over and over. Social Blade estimated she could make up to $16.5 million yearly on her videos.
Ryan KajiAs we said for Ms. Rachel, there is money to be made in making content geared toward kids. Kaji is a child creator who gained popularity testing out toys. His channel, Ryan's World, has nearly 38 million subscribers. His videos rack-up millions of views, but he also makes money via endorsements, brand deals, and his own game/toy company. Forbes estimated the 12-year-old made $35 million last year.
Vlad & NikiAgain: Kids' content makes bank on YouTube. Vladislav "Vlad" Vashketov and Nikita "Niki" Vashketov have a channel with 125 million subscribers. Their videos, obviously, focus on kids activities, typically playing games or trying out toys. They even have a toy line at Walmart. Parents noted they make $54 million per year, though even for YouTubers, that seems like it could be on the high end of what's possible.
Logan PaulJust like his younger brother, Logan Paul remains a stalwart online. His YouTube channel has nearly 24 million followers, but he also got into fighting in the ring and beverages with the uber-popular PRIME — a line of sports and energy drinks. Forbes estimated he made $21 million last year.
MarkiplierMarkiplier, real name Mark Edward Fischbach, has a super-popular YouTube channel with 37 million subscribers that focuses mainly on gaming and tech. But, as Forbes noted, he also makes a lot of money running his Cloak clothing brand and via his podcast deal with Spotify. The outlet estimated he made $30 million last year.
Dude PerfectWhat started as a bunch of bros doing trick-shots has turned into a major business. The college roommates began posting videos in 2009 and, more than a decade later, have more than 60 million subscribers. Axios reported they'd bring in around $50 million in revenue in 2024, while also receiving a $100 million investment from the firm Highmount Capital.
Marques BrownleeBrownlee is perhaps the leading tech reviewer online. His videos are widely respected and his views can help shape public opinion on products — if you like tech, you've probably seen him at every major event. Decades of doing it has paid off, with his channel garnering nearly 20 million subscribers. Forbes estimated he made $8.5 million last year.
When astronomers pointed the James Webb Space Telescope at the early universe, they found an ancient galaxy with an unusual light signature.
After a thorough study of the data, scientists determined stars within that galaxy aren't the direct culprit of its extraordinary brightness. It's space gas.
This finding, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, could provide a missing link in cosmic history, revealing a previously unknown phase of galaxy evolution — one in which superheated gas clouds can actually outshine their stars.
"It looks like these stars must be much hotter and more massive than what we see in the local universe," Harley Katz, an astrophysicist at the universities of Oxford in the United Kingdom and Chicago in the United States, said in a statement, "which makes sense because the early universe was a very different environment."
SEE ALSO: Webb telescope is about to home in on these 2 exoplanets. Here's why. The James Webb Space Telescope found a galaxy in the early universe with brighter gas than stars. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Alex CameronIn astronomy, looking farther translates into observing the past because light and other forms of radiation take longer to reach us. Webb, a collaboration of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts, was built to study an extremely early period of the cosmos, detecting invisible light at infrared wavelengths. In short, a lot of dust and gas in space obscures the view to extremely distant and inherently dim light sources, but infrared waves can penetrate through the clouds.
Webb has been able to observe some of the oldest, faintest light in existence, including this strange galaxy, GS-NDG-9422, as it existed 1 billion years after the Big Bang. For perspective, the universe’s age is estimated to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 13.8 billion years.
Scientists think the galaxy is undergoing intense star formation within a cocoon of dense gas that is churning out massive, hot stars. A barrage of light particles from the starlight could be bombarding the gas, causing it to shine extremely bright.
Tweet may have been deletedAstronomers used computer models of hot, massive stars heating up clouds of gas. Not only did they demonstrate that the gas could be more luminous, but that the results closely replicated the recent telescope observations of galaxy GS-NDG-9422.
In the Milky Way’s neck of the universe, hot, massive stars generally have temperatures between 70,000 to 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit. But this galaxy has stars upward of 144,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the researchers said.
Cosmologists have predicted that gas could outshine stars in the environments of the universe’s first generation of stars, known as so-called Population III stars. Finding these pristine, pure-bred stars is one of the top priorities of modern astrophysics.
Given that most of the chemicals in the universe are thought to have come from exploded stars, scientists have rationalized that the firstborn must have been composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, the primitive material that emerged from the Big Bang. Over time, as stars died and enriched the universe with heavier chemical elements, subsequent generations of stars formed with more diverse ingredients.
Though the studied galaxy does not appear to have those highly-sought-after Population III stars — their light is too chemically complex — they seem to be something in between the universe’s first primitive stars and the kind that would likely inhabit more-established galaxies. Now the team wonders whether this is a common phenomenon among galaxies of this period.
"My first thought in looking at the galaxy’s [light] spectrum was, 'that’s weird,' which is exactly what the Webb telescope was designed to reveal," said lead author Alex Cameron of Oxford in a statement. It’s discovering "totally new phenomena in the early universe that will help us understand how the cosmic story began."
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintMoving low across the ground.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 25 Hurdle Word 1 answerCRAWL
Hurdle Word 2 hintIt can be hard to develop a sense of this.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 25 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerSTYLE
Hurdle Word 3 hintA drug from the poppy plant.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 25 Hurdle Word 3 answerOPIUM
Hurdle Word 4 hintSomething you can both feel and physically be.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 25 Hurdle Word 4 answerSTUCK
Final Hurdle hintQuite thick. Also, not a way you'd want a cake to be described.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerDENSE
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
America is at a crossroads and that means you are, too.
Come Nov. 5, the nation will cast ballots for an election that presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are billing as one of the most consequential of your lifetime.
Between now and then, every time you go online, you stand a decent chance of encountering a political ad, new polling data, clapbacks and takedowns, viral misinformation, and the digital equivalent of strangers screaming at each other in public.
You may be just as tempted to doomscroll your way through the politics as you are to sign off completely until Nov. 6. Realistically, you'll probably do a little of both.
Either way, managing election-related stress well requires a little advanced planning, says Dr. Laura Vogel, director of mental health services at the Momentous Institute, a non-profit organization focused on the mental health of children, families, and communities.
SEE ALSO: Could an AI chatbot talk you out of believing a conspiracy theory?"It's that intentional mindset prior to engaging that can really make a big difference," Vogel says.
The Momentous Institute has published a comprehensive guide to dealing with election stress, but here are Vogel's top intention-setting tips for using the internet and digital technology thoughtfully.
1. Beware of election content that makes you feel fearfulVogel says that a lot of online political content, like ads and sensationalized posts, is designed to make people feel scared about the future. Candidate ads, for example, are now on X, since the social media platform decided to start running such content after years of banning it because of concerns about disinformation and election tampering.
Opinion coverage, whether it's coming from your favorite podcaster or the New York Times, may also trigger more fearful feelings than traditional news reporting, Vogel says.
Regardless of the platform, Vogel says to be particularly mindful of content that makes you feel afraid. While the topic might be legitimately disturbing, Vogel says that the human brain is already primed to pay greater attention to content we find threatening as a survival mechanism.
Unfortunately, the brain doesn't understand that your fear response isn't because you just spotted a deadly snake in the brush, but rather because you just watched an ad that threatened your values.
So before you even start scrolling, Vogel recommends reminding yourself to stay alert for increased negative feelings and heightened fear. Before you experience those things, make a plan for what you'll do if that happens.
Vogel says it can be as simple as putting your phone down and choosing to do something different.
2. Set your boundariesSimilarly, boundary setting couldn't be more important during election season. If that family member who you've disagreed with over politics keeps texting you about the election, Vogel says to respectfully let them know you don't want to receive those messages anymore. Of course, if someone asks the same of you, respect their wishes.
You can also cut out news sources, influencers, and online personalities whose content stresses you out more often than not. Don't be afraid to snooze, mute, or unfollow accounts, and to skip the constant poll-checking.
Vogel says that being selective about what you consume doesn't mean becoming uninformed. Instead, the point of setting boundaries is to ensure you're getting information in a way that feels productive and empowering, instead of drowning in a firehose of digital content.
3. Know your sourcesEven if you've carefully curated your social media and news feed, misinformation can still find its way into your digital ecosystem. Look no further than Janet Jackson, who recently repeated the disinformation that Harris is not Black, and you'll see that public figures who have access to the truth can still be duped by lies.
Vogel says that misinformation itself can be stressful because it often plays on people's fears while also calling into question what's true.
To combat this dynamic, she recommends vetting your information sources, including those you might reflexively trust. Vogel suggests putting greater stock in sources that fact-check their content.
Also, she says to expect to see misinformation repeatedly online as people share and respond to it. In those instances, don't be surprised if the speed at which it travels makes you feel uneasy.
4. Don't get into fruitless argumentsElection season can lead to intense arguments online or via text and direct message, both with complete strangers and people you know.
Vogel advises people to steer clear of exchanges that seem bound to end in conflict. If you feel that you can productively discuss a certain candidate or issue with a loved one or stranger, then proceed with the conversation.
But if you've had similar discussions before and they ended terribly, spare yourself the grief and skip engaging further. Vogel says you can gauge this partly by asking yourself if you're genuinely interested in the other person's perspective, and if you think it's possible to achieve a certain goal, like changing their mind.
If neither feels possible to you, do something else with your time that's more rewarding.
Also, beware of becoming a cheering bystander in the public shaming or calling out of someone whose views you don't share. While it may feel gratifying, Vogel says the dynamic can turn toxic if you spend too much time or energy on the incident. What seems amusing in the moment can actually generate feelings of frustration and anger, Vogel adds.
5. Take breaksTaking breaks seems obvious until you realize you've been scrolling for an hour—and now you're feeling intense anxiety about how the election will go. That's why Vogel recommends remembering to take time-outs from election content.
This might look like turning off notifications for news alerts, or only checking for political news at specific times of the day and avoiding doing so while at work or with your family. Vogel says that mindlessly picking up a phone is when many people get into trouble, because they unexpectedly encounter something stressful.
She also emphasizes the importance of breaks for people who feel anxious about the election because of how it will affect them personally. They might be worried about policies that a certain candidate has championed or referendums on the ballot in their state or city.
Regardless of why you feel taxed, Vogel urges people to step away from their screens and do something that feels rewarding.
If your response to election stress becomes overwhelming or affects your ability to function, you might consider contacting the Crisis Text Line. The nonprofit launched a dedicated keyword for this election. People who text "ELECTION” or “ELECCIONES” to 741741 can be connected to a live volunteer who can offer them mental health support.
TL;DR: Get the 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle on sale for $29.97 (reg. $399) through September 29.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shutterstock The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle $29.97Whether you're new to Excel or just want to sharpen your skills, the 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle is a terrific way to take your expertise to the next level. And you get to go it all from the comfort of home and on your own timeline.
This comprehensive bundle includes 16 courses with over 98 hours of content, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques — and it's on sale for just $29.97 (reg. $399) through September 29.
For beginners, courses like Microsoft Excel 2021/365 will get you up to speed with over 11 hours of lessons that walk you through the essentials. It includes 100 video lessons and exercises, along with downloadable files to practice what you've learned. This course, along with Excel 2019 for Beginners, is the first stop a beginner should make.
In the advanced courses, you’ll dive into financial forecasting, advanced formulas, and even automation with Excel’s Macros and VBA capabilities. It’s all about becoming more efficient, more organized, and more skilled with Excel, whether you're managing personal projects or tackling complex business tasks.
At this deeply discounted price, this bundle offers incredible value for anyone looking to upgrade their Excel abilities. Whether for work, school, or personal development, Excel proficiency is an essential skill that can enhance your productivity and career prospects. And with this deal, you can access all 16 courses at a fraction of the cost — without ever leaving your home.
Don't miss the 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle while it's on sale for $29.97 (reg. $399) through September 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the Beelinguapp Language Learning App is just $34.99 (reg. $100) when you use code TAKE5 through September 29.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beelinguapp Beelinguapp Language Learning App: Lifetime Subscription $34.99Most language-learning apps stick to traditional methods like flashcards, grammar drills, and isolated exercises. Beelinguapp takes a different approach, combining reading and listening to immerse you in a new language from day one.
Through September 29, you can get a lifetime subscription to this innovative app for just $34.99 with code TAKE5. Listen to stories and make language learning a more engaging and natural experience.
What makes Beelinguapp unique is its side-by-side text display: you see the same text in two languages, with the ability to follow along with a native speaker narrating the content. This method teaches you the vocabulary and structure of a new language and improves your listening skills — an essential part of communication that many other apps overlook.
Instead of limiting you to repetitive lessons, Beelinguapp offers a wide variety of content, from fairy tales to news articles, science papers, and even novels, in 14 different languages like Spanish, German, Korean, and more. New texts are added every week, so you’ll never run out of interesting things to read and listen to.
The app’s karaoke-style reading feature, where the words are highlighted as the audio plays, makes it easier than ever to follow along, helping you learn pronunciation and reading comprehension at the same time. It’s a fresh and fun way to absorb a new language, unlike other apps that rely heavily on static text and repetitive exercises.
If you’re tired of the same old language-learning tools and want an approach that feels more natural and engaging, this might be the app for you.
Grab this lifetime subscription to the Beelinguapp Language Learning App while it's just $34.99 (reg. $100) when you use code TAKE5 through September 29.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
By rights, a prequel to Rosemary's Baby should be an unholy abomination, offensive to the lovers of horror. Not only is Roman Polanski's seminal 1968 film iconic and beloved by critics, audiences, and the Academy Awards (which honored Ruth Gordon with a very rare Best Supporting win in a horror movie), but also, a prequel to a a 56-year-old horror classic seems destined to be a grubby cash grab. And yet, Natalie Erika James has done the impossible with Apartment 7A, delivering a horror gem that shines without detracting from its inspiration point.
Beginning months before Rosemary Woodhouse moves into Manhattan's infamous Bramford apartments, Apartment 7A follows Terry Gionoffrio (Julia Garner), who was only a minor figure in Rosemary's Baby. Some might scoff that this story echoes Rosemary's in some ways, including the suffocating attention and manipulation from the nosy Castevets next door (played here by Dianne Wiest and Kevin McNally). But the screenplay by Natalie Erika James, Skylar James, and Christian White manages to weave similar beats and familiar figures together with distinctive demonic dazzle and a sharp difference in their heroine's wants.
A fantastic follow-up to James' scary-as-hell feature directorial debut, Relic, Apartment 7A is an exhilaratingly frightening tale of ambition, betrayal, and bodily autonomy that fits slyly with its source material, yet makes a timely statement all its own.
How does Apartment 7A fit into Rosemary's Baby? Credit: Gareth Gatrell / Paramount+In the original film, Terry Gionoffrio has a single scene with Rosemary, in which the two bond while doing laundry in the creepy basement of the Bramford. Friendly Terry tells her new neighbor that she lives with Roman and Minnie Castevet, who took her in off the street. "I was starving and on dope," Terry confesses, adding, "I'd be dead now if it wasn't for them…dead or in jail." She also shares a look at her strange-smelling necklace, a good luck gift from Minnie.
Apartment 7A fleshes Terry's story, detailing who she was before tumbling onto the Bramford's sidewalk and what became of her between her intro in Rosemary's Baby and her dramatic exit. Terry was a dancer on the brink of breaking out when she suffered an ankle injury that pushed her to drugs to deal with the pain and made her infamous among New York City's theater community. Desperate for her luck to change, Terry is easily wooed by the kindness of the Castevets, who offer her a free room and a private meeting with their theater producer neighbor Alan Marchand (Jim Sturgess). They even get her homemade medical polstices from their next-door neighbor Mrs. Gardenia (Tina Gray).
Yes, Rosemary's Baby fans, the Mrs. Gardenia whose apartment Rosemary and Guy move into at the start of their movie.
Apartment 7A connects to but is not confined by Rosemary's Baby. Credit: Gareth Gatrell / Paramount+While James stays true to some plot points to keep the classic canon intact, she makes some standout changes. For instance, while Rosemary comes into the laundry room in this prequel, the scene from the original is not recreated. It's not even similar; in Apartment 7A, the costumes and Terry's hair don't match that 1968-shot scene. This suggests James is embracing how Terry's perspective might shift the appearance of things, including fashion and which moments matter to her. While their meeting might have been a pivotal moment for Rosemary, for Terry, it just wasn't — she had bigger things on her mind by then.
More fascinating is how James depicts Terry's dark night with the devil. As Terry's brain is rich with imagery from musicals, her drug-induced vision of those violating events runs like a stage production. The Bramford is transformed into a 2-dimensional stage set, a dashing Marchand leads her in a waltz, and finally a demon — bedecked in sparkling sequins — crawls upon her supine body.
I've been saying horror movies need more song-and-dance numbers, and Apartment 7A has arrived to prove my point! This is scary and spectacular, glittery and gruesome. Sincerely, James has taken the somberly horrifying story of manipulation, bodily violation, and betrayal from the source material, but made it her own with a passion for musical theater.
Apartment 7A not only infuses Terry's love of theatrical spectacle into her nightmares, but also into her motivation. So when she discovers she's pregnant, a baby is not a gift much coveted — like it was for Rosemary — it's an obstacle to carving out her career. Set in a time where abortion was not a legalized form of healthcare, this pushes Terry — with the support of her dear friend Annie (Marli Siu) — to a back-alley abortionist, resulting in a scene that is horrifying on many levels.
Julia Garner is extraordinary in Apartment 7A. Credit: Gareth Gatrell / Paramount+It must be incredibly intimidating to walk in the shoes of Mia Farrow, specifically one her most iconic roles. But Garner seems unshaken. Perhaps because her Terry is brasher and more openly defiant to Minnie's intrusions. Perhaps because being batted around by snaking chorus girls and cruel casting directors — as one truly painful scene makes clear — has hardened her.
Watching Garner grit her teeth, then throw on a smile to perform for the cold hearts of New York City, is not only bracingly entrancing, it also makes me wish those reports of her playing Madonna in a could-be biopic will pan out. Garner has got it, meaning a combination of screen presence and grit that makes her instantly recognizable as a force to be reckoned with. And that's exhilarating to see in this scenario, where we know damn well what she's up against. Rosemary couldn't beat them, but could Terry possibly find a way out of the wicked labyrinth that is the Bramford?
With Relic, Natalie Erika James spun an intimate tale of mother-daughter relationships and family curses into a rivetingly scary thriller. Here, she uses that gift of emotional intelligence and skill for crafting unsettling scenes to tell a story that's familiar yet all the more frightening for it. We know where Terry's story will end because of Rosemary's Baby. Yet James keeps us at the edge of our seats as she expertly spins a web of rich drama and sly horror, working in heartfelt conversations, shattering jump scares, and defiant dazzle. From Polanski's foundation, she builds a glittering tale of girlhood stolen that is sick, stunning, and horrifyingly relevant.
Apartment 7A comes to on-demand and Paramount+ on Sept. 27.
TL;DR: Get five years of fast, secure online privacy with AdGuard VPN for just $34.97 (reg. $359).
Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN: 5-Year Subscription $34.97We live in a world where online activity is routinely tracked. So, it makes sense that ensuring your privacy and security should be a top priority.
Get a 5-year subscription to AdGuard VPN for just $34.97 (reg. $359.40) and get peace of mind by securing your internet connection with advanced encryption and a no-logs policy, so your data remains private and protected. Order by 11:59 p.m. PT on September 29 to get this killer price.
No matter what you're doing, AdGuard VPN has you covered with 60+ server locations worldwide. AdGuard VPN gives you fast, reliable connections — no matter where you are.
When it comes to VPNs, speed is essential. AdGuard VPN offers optimized protocols that help give you a fast and seamless internet experience. It's designed so you don't have to experience frustrating buffering or lag. And with the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, you can protect every device in your home with just one account, whether it's your laptop, phone, or tablet.
AdGuard’s Threat Protection goes beyond privacy features. It also helps block malicious ads, trackers, and potential online threats before they even have a chance to reach you.
Don't miss this opportunity to get five years of protection and privacy at a price that's right.
A five-year subscription to AdGuard VPN is just $34.97 (reg. $359) through September 29.
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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for September 26Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, September 26, 2024:
AcrossLights on nightstandsThe answer is Lamps.
The answer is Opera.
The answer is Train.
The answer is Toned.
The answer is Antsy.
The answer is Lotta
The answer is Apron.
The answer is Meant.
The answer is Pries.
The answer is Sandy.
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.
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 MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Special deliveryThese words are great for nesting.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers are all related to items needed for babies.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is BabyGear.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 26Crib
Stroller
Highchair
BabyGear
Blanket
Swing
Playpen
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.
Hurricane Helene is growing into a vast, powerful storm.
The National Hurricane Center's computer modeling, which ensures such storms don't sneak up on anyone, predicts Helene will make landfall as a potent cyclone in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday. But the impacts of such a sprawling storm will be widespread, including in areas like Tampa, which will see strong winds and some five to eight feet of storm surge.
"Helene is expected to rapidly intensify and grow in size over the eastern Gulf of Mexico," the center wrote on Sept. 25. "There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Panhandle."
Watch for guidance from local National Weather Service offices and other relevant agencies for updates and evacuation information.
SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the futureFor those in the Tampa region or interested in the storm's impacts there, you can watch on the webcams below.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedThough a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (a lack of opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify.
Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.
Tampa Bay Riverfront webcam Siesta Key Beach Clearwater Beach Hilton Clearwater Beach CamAnd remember, as you're watching the slightly shifting track updates of Hurricane Helene, the track forecast cone is not an impacts cone. For example, regions far north of landfall — like in parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas — will see extreme deluges of rain and flooding.
"Make sure to stay up to date with the latest forecast as we move throughout the event at http://hurricanes.gov," the hurricane center emphasizes.
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