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NYT Strands hints, answers for September 8

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 03:03

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 8 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 8 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A royal shade

These words are a little bit different from each other.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers all relate to types of color.

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 Purples.

NYT Strands word list for September 7
  • Plum

  • Purples

  • Lavender

  • Orchid

  • Magenta

  • Mauve

  • Lilac

  • Violet

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.

Master ChatGPT, Bard, Gemini, and DALL-E for less than the cost of takeaway

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Learn how to use ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL-E, and more AI tools with this £19.01 (reg. £601.58) online learning bundle on sale.

You deserve a personal assistant, but unless you’re Elon Musk, you probably can’t afford one. AI might just be the next best thing. It can help you write a good CV, brainstorm ideas for your blog, or generate logos for your business, all for next to nothing or free.

Not sure how to use AI or where to start? These online courses are an excellent place to begin, and they’re on sale for £19.01 (reg. £601.58) through Sept. 29. Once you sign up for The 2024 Complete ChatGPT & Gemini AI Advanced E-Degree courses, you'll have lifetime access.

Transform your workflow with new tips and tricks

You might start by learning ChatGPT, one of the most widely used AI chatbots on the web. GPT-3.5 is the free version you can access online through your web browser. You’ll interact with it just like you would Google. Try asking it for help with your CV (though it can’t get you a coffee). 

The course shows you techniques for using the chatbot and the latest prompt engineering techniques, teaching you how to phrase your prompt to get the best responses.

Generating logos with AI

Your instructor, Eduonix Learning Solutions, also covers generating images and logos with AI via DALL-E. Instead of hiring a designer or trying your hand at creating your own, you can use AI to generate unique images for your business. You might be surprised with how much you like the final product.

With tools for both writing and graphics, you can get assistance for creating whole articles, social media posts, or presentations. However, the key word here is assistance — everything AI-generated should go past a human editor.

Make your dream AI personal assistant come to life with this ChatGPT, Gemini, and DALL-E training bundle, on sale for a limited time for £19.01 (reg. £601.58). You can buy this bundle at this reduced price at the Mashable Shop until Sept. 29.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eduonix Learning Solutions The 2024 Complete ChatGPT & Gemini AI Advanced E-Degree £19.01 at the Mashable Shop
£601.58 Save £582.57 Get Deal

How to watch Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 US Open final online for free in the UK

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 US Open final for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from the UK with ExpressVPN.

It sucks that there isn't a free broadcast of the US Open final in the UK, but don't let that stop you from finding alternative options. And no, we're not talking about those dodgy streams that fill your screen with even dodgier ads. We're talking about live streaming the US Open final for free with a simple (and legit) hack.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 US Open final for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

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

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

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

Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open final 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 Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 US Open final for free in the UK

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 leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can access free live streams of Sinner vs. Fritz without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the US Open final before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

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 in the UK, 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 Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 US Open final for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky online

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky. As we approach the playoffs, there is just one position left and both teams will be looking to claim their postseason spot.

If you want to watch Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky?

Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ilinois.

How to watch Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky

Basketball lovers can tune into Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

It's worth noting, however, that the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But don't worry, you can get around this by using a VPN.

VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location). With this, you'll be able to connect to secure servers in other locations and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game just follow 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever online

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever. The Indiana Fever have already qualified for the post-season playoffs, but the Atlanta Dream are still fighting for that last available spot.

If you want to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever?

Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever

Basketball fans can watch Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

It's worth noting, however, that the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But don't worry, you can get around this by using a VPN.

VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location). With this, you'll be able to connect to secure servers in other locations and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics online

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

As we approach the WNBA playoffs later this month, there is just one position left to be filled. The Minnesota Lynx have secured their spot, but the Washington Mystics still have everything to play for. Their position is precarious, but there's still hope.

This isn't a game you'll want to miss. If you want to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics?

Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics

You can catch the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season with the WNBA League Pass.

However, it's worth noting that the WNBA League Pass might not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But all you need to get around this is a VPN. It works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

  4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

  5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Buccaneers vs. Commanders online for free in the UK

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

There are some really interesting matchups in the first round of NFL fixtures, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders.

This first-round fixture sees an intriguing battle between QBs Baker Mayfield and Jayden Daniels. We're not clear on which starting quarterback will come out on top, but we're keen to see how things unfold.

If you're interested in watching Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Buccaneers vs. Commanders?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders starts at 9:25 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at the Raymond James Stadium.

How to watch Buccaneers vs. Commanders for free

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone in the UK can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access 7plus from the UK.

Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders in the UK 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

  4. Visit 7plus

  5. Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK

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 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders (plus more NFL fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Giants vs. Vikings online for free in the UK

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free on RTL+. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

The New York Giants are taking on the Minnesota Vikings in round one of the NFL. There are a lot of interesting matchups in the opening round of the season, and this is no exception. There are plenty of intriguing storylines to keep tabs on, but at the end of the day, the result is what matters most.

If you're interested in watching New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Giants vs. Vikings?

New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings starts at 6 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at MetLife Stadium.

How to watch Giants vs. Vikings for free in the UK

New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream for free on RTL+.

RTL+ is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone in the UK 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 the UK.

Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free 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 New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK

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 leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to stream a number of NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport for free, 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. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Bears vs. Titans online for free in the UK

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from the UK with ExpressVPN.

It is possible to live stream the NFL without spending anything, including the upcoming fixture between the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans. There's a quick and easy hack that provides fans with free access to select NFL fixtures in the UK, and we're here to tell you all about it.

If you're interested in watching Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

When is Bears vs. Titans?

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans starts at 6 p.m. BST on Sep 8. This fixture takes place at Soldier Field.

How to watch Bears vs. Titans for free

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but fans in the UK can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access 7plus from the UK.

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 Australia

  4. Visit 7plus

  5. Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK

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 taking advantage of these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to watch top NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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. This deal includes an extra three months of coverage for free, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League has thrown together some really interesting matchups, including Portugal vs. Scotland. Portugal will be heavy favorites in this clash, but don't count out the Scots. They were disappointing at Euro 2024, but that's behind them now. They will be keen for a fresh start, and a win over Portugal would certainly lift spirits.

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

When is Portugal vs. Scotland?

Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Estádio da Luz.

How to watch Portugal vs. Scotland for free

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

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Portugal vs. Scotland 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. Live stream Portugal vs. Scotland 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Portugal vs. Scotland 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:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Portugal vs. Scotland in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After all the excitement of Euro 2024, the UEFA Nations League feels a little silly. But football fans should quickly get over this feeling when they see the interesting matchups in store, including Switzerland vs. Spain. Everyone will be looking to beat the European champions, but that might be a tough ask.

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

When is Switzerland vs. Spain?

Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 8. This fixture takes place at the Stade de Genève.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Spain for free

Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, 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 Spain, meaning you can access free live streams on RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Switzerland vs. Spain 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 Spain

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Live stream Switzerland vs. Spain 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Switzerland vs. Spain 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 RTVE?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Switzerland vs. Spain in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final online for free

Mashable - Sun, 09/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The big secret from the world of streaming is that you can access free services from around the world with a simple hack. That means you can watch the biggest sporting events the world has to offer without spending anything, including the NRL Grand Final.

If you want to watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL Grand Final?

The NRL Grand Final determines the champions of the National Rugby League. Since 1999, this fixture has been held at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) in Sydney.

When is the 2024 NRL Grand Final?

he NRL Grand Final 2024 will be held on Oct. 6.

How to watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free

The 2024 NRL Grand Final is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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

  4. Visit 9Now

  5. Watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final 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 they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to the 2024 NRL Grand Final without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can unblock 9Now and then recover your investment after the NRL Grand Final.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 NRL Grand Final for free with ExpressVPN.

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 8

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 8's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 7 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A creative act that's spoken in the past tense.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DRAWN.

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

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

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

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

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

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 8

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 8's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Making a cake

  • Green: Increasing blood pressure

  • Blue: Religious servants

  • Purple: Boy bands and duos

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Verbs in a Cake Recipe

  • Green: What A Heart Does When Excited

  • Blue: Ecclesiastical Titles

  • Purple: ___Boys

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #455 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Verbs in a Cake Recipe: BAKE, BEAT, FROST, PREHEAT

  • What A Heart Does When Excited: POUND, PUMP, RACE, THROB

  • Ecclesiastical Titles: BISHOP, PASTOR, POPE, PRIOR

  • ___Boys: BAD, BEACH, HARDY, PET SHOP

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

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

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

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

iPhone 16 rumored colors — every expected shade from 'Pink' to 'Desert Titanium'

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 19:53

The iPhone 16's colors reportedly span from pink to blue for the entry-level models and Desert Titanium to gray on the Pro variants.

Of course, it's too early to know for sure which shades the iPhone 16 models will come in. However, there are plenty of credible leaks and rumors we can chew on while we wait for the official announcement from Apple at the Sept. 9 Glowtime event.

SEE ALSO: New iPhone 16 Pro color will reportedly be Desert Titanium iPhone 16 colors

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple analyst and leaker, Apple is "shaking up the colors" this year.

Tweet may have been deleted

However, from our perspective, we feel that the phrase "shaking up the colors" is a bit of a stretch. The Cupertino-based tech giant is only swapping one color for another.

The entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are rumored to come in the following colors:

  • Green

  • Pink

  • White

  • Blue

For reference, the colorways for the current-gen, non-Pro models are Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Black. Gurman says that the new White colorway will replace the Yellow one. Interestingly, the Apple leaker didn't mention anything about a Black shade.

iPhone 16 Pro colors

According to Gurman, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models sport the following colorways:

  • Gold Titanium (also known as "Desert Titanium")

  • Black Titanium

  • White Titanium

  • Natural Titanium

The current-gen iPhone 15 Pro models come in Blue Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium. So the "Desert Titanium" colorway is replacing Blue Titanium.

Tweet may have been deleted

As we recently reported, leakers have described Desert Titanium as different shades (i.e., from "dark gold" to "bronze"), so it's difficult to nail down its exact hue. However, Gurman called the color "impressive."

Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog; we’ll be on the ground in Cupertino covering all things Apple before, after, and during the event.

Brazilian users flock to Bluesky after Elon Musk's X banned

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 17:38

Elon Musk's X is still banned in Brazil. 

In addition, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has said that any user who attempts to access the former Twitter via VPN faces thousands of dollars per day in fines.

So, Brazilian posters need a new place to, well, post. And it appears many Brazilian X users have found a new online social media platform in the form of X competitor Bluesky.

Last week, just 5 days after Brazil banned Musk's X in the country for failing to appoint a legal representative, Bluesky announced that it had 2.6 million new users join the platform over the previous few days alone.

Bluesky shared that 85 percent of those millions of new user signups were Brazilian.

What a week! In the last few days, Bluesky has grown by more than 2.6 million users, over 85% of which are Brazilian. Welcome, we are so excited to have you here! Here are answers to some common questions about Bluesky:

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) Sep 4, 2024 at 1:26 PM

On Friday, Bluesky announced they hit 3 million new users that morning.

That brings Bluesky's total user base to 9 million, with 50 percent of those users joining the platform just in the past week.

this morning we crossed THREE MILLION new users! that brings our total size to over 9 million people. welcome everyone! we're so glad you're here 🫶 (and yes, video is coming soon)

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) Sep 6, 2024 at 6:14 PM Bluesky's user base grows after Brazil's X ban

Bluesky is an X rival that received a $13 million investment from then-Twitter before Elon Musk acquired the company. However, Bluesky is much smaller than X and its main competitor, the Meta-owned Threads. 

But, even without massive backing from a company that owns both Facebook and Instagram, Bluesky has stayed competitive and is often viewed as the third most popular micro-blogging platform behind X and Threads. Bluesky has become the main platform for certain niches of users like artists and more progressive users who were turned off by Musk's right-wing politics.

Then an invite-only platform, Bluesky amassed 2 million users by November 2023 as some social media users fled X due to Musk's leadership. Bluesky opened to the public and dropped the invite requirement in February of this year.

In May, Bluesky shared that it was approaching 6 million users — having appeared to hit that number in July

It took roughly 8 months for Bluesky to gain 4 million new users, which took them from 2 million users to 6 million. Thanks to Elon Musk and the company's feud with Moraes, Bluesky was able to add 3 million new users in just one week.

So, what's next for Bluesky? In its post sharing its new 9 million user base numbers, Bluesky promised that a long-request feature – video uploads – would soon be coming to the platform.

Plus, it seems like there's no end in sight regarding Musk's feud with Brazil, so it's likely that Bluesky will continue to benefit from X's ban in the country.

New online scam claims to have proof your spouse is cheating on you

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 16:43

You've likely come across the online sextortion scam before.

An email pops up in your inbox with the sender claiming to have obtained your indiscreet photos or videos, such as nudes or sex tapes. For a price, they offer to keep the content private. But, if you don't give in to their blackmail, they threaten to release the photos publicly and send them to your friends and loved ones.

SEE ALSO: Scammers are using pictures of your home to amplify sextortion threats

Despite being well known, scammers continue to utilize this model across the web, which means they are still finding success. But perhaps the scheme's effectiveness is starting to wane as new updated sextortion scams are starting to roll out. 

The latest version of this sextortion scheme has a brand new hook: proof that your spouse is cheating on you. They even use their real name in the scam.

The cheating spouse sextortion scam

One of the earliest public mentions of this new sextortion scam occurred on Reddit just last month.

Reddit user Extension-Bunch9277 posted a screenshot of an email that they received in the r/Scams subreddit. In the email (addressed to Extension-Bunch9277's partner) the scammer uses the Reddit user's real name in the email introduction, and then proceeds to use their spouse's real name. The Reddit user explained that the scammer even included a second last name that they "barely used."

The email claims to have proof that the receiver's spouse is cheating on them and offers to give the user full access to this supposed proof at a linked website. The Reddit user did not click the link, though a replying user posted a couple days later they they had. The sender's email appears to be spoofing an email address attached to 3Bigs, a legitimate healthcare data company. 

Reddit

In the comments on the Reddit post, other Reddit users report recently receiving these emails too. Some share that they received them after only recently getting married. Users also shared that the scammer had access to not only the names they used publicly, but their maiden names too.

The Reddit post was first noticed by cybersecurity news outlet Bleeping Computer.

This is obviously a scam, an updated version of the aforementioned classic sextsextortion scheme. However, it's not clear exactly how this particular version of the scam plays out when a user falls for it. The Reddit user who said they clicked the link reported being taken to a website's login page. They did not continue from there. It's possible that the scam involves a request for payment in order to receive the supposed data. It's also possible that the links lead to a download for the target, which inevitably installs malware on their computer.

Multiple Reddit users on the thread shared that they had recently used the wedding planning platform The Knot. However, it's unclear if there's any connection between the service and the scam. It's also possible that the scammers are utilizing public background check websites for this information. Just last month, Mashable reported on a massive data breach at background check company National Public Data, which leaked sensitive data for 2.9 billion people.

Just earlier this week, Mashable reported on another new sextortion scam first reported by 404 Media. This version of the scam weaponizes images of the target's home address, likely taken off of services like Google Maps, to threaten people into paying a monetary ransom.

Mashable readers who receive these scam emails should not click on any links included in the message.

Disney data breach: Disneyland, Disney Cruise guests and employees personal info leaked

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 15:19

Over the summer, Disney's internal communications channels suffered a data breach. We now know that as a result of this breach, guests and employees were affected, with personal information being stolen by hackers.

Earlier this summer, a hacker group called "NullBulge" gained access to over 1TB of sensitive data from Disney after infiltrating the company's internal Slack channels. Now, a new report by the Wall Street Journal, which viewed the leaked files, has uncovered more about exactly what was in the stolen files.

SEE ALSO: [UPDATE: Disney responds] A death at Disney World leads to legal battle over Disney+ terms of service

The leak consists of more than 44 million messages found in Disney's Slack workplace channels. This also includes around 18,800 spreadsheet files and 13,000 PDFs. The data leaked by the hackers was limited to files Disney employees posted in a Disney Slack channel, with both private and public channels affected. Private direct messages between Disney employees in Slack are also not found in the leak.

While some of Disney's internal company information and financials were part of the trove of stolen data, the most concerning details involve the private data belonging to Disney's theme park and Disney Cruise Line customers and employees.

Disney crew and guests doxxed

The Disney data leaked by hackers includes private information for Disney Cruise Line staff and guests, as well as theme park attendees.

Physical addresses, birthdates, passport numbers, visa information, and even current assignments belonging to Disney Cruise Line crew members were found amongst the data stolen by hackers.

Another file contained names, addresses, and phone numbers tied to passengers on the Disney Cruise Line.

Information on guests at Disneyland was also discovered in the leaked data. It appears a "cluster" of Disneyland guests who had dining reservations at the park had their names and contact information revealed.

It's unclear exactly how many Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line guests and staff have been affected.

Internal Disney streaming, theme park financials

The leak includes new financial information for Disney's streaming service, Disney+.

According to internal spreadsheets found in the leaked data, Disney+ made more than $2.4 billion in revenue in the second quarter of 2024. 

While Disney does publicly report its streaming financial information to investors, as the Wall Street Journal points out, Disney does not disclose exactly how much each of its individual streaming services – Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ – contributes to that overall total. The leaked revenue data reveals that Disney+ contributes 43 percent of revenue for Disney's direct-to-consumer entertainment business, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The leak also includes some very interesting financial details for Disney theme parks. Between October 2021 and June 2024, Disney's add-on theme park service Genie+ brought in more than $724 million in revenue at Disney's Orlando, Florida resort complex, Disney World. Genie+ was a paid service that allowed Disney World guests to skip to the front of the line for the theme park's attractions. Disney replaced Genie+ in July with a similar paid add-on service called Lightning Lane.

Mashable has reached out to Disney for comment, and will update this post if we hear back.

YouTube to add tools to detect AI-generated faces and voices

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 13:10

YouTube is building tools to detect AI-generated likenesses of artists like actors and musicians, the company's vice president of creator products Amjad Hanif wrote in a blog post this week. Hanif also repeatedly expressed that YouTube is "committed" to the responsible development of AI tools.

The first of the new tools is "synthetic singing" identification within Content ID, a system of identifying copyrighted music that launched in 2007. Mashable reported back in 2016 that YouTube has paid billions of dollars to rights holders through Content ID, and Hanif reiterated that in this post.

The new technology will apparently be able to detect AI-generated voices of musicians' likenesses. A pilot program is set to start next year.

SEE ALSO: YouTube extends limits to body weight and fitness videos for teens in Europe and UK

YouTube is also developing technology to detect AI-generated content showing the faces of actors, creators, athletes, and the like.

In addition to this announcement, Hanif addressed YouTube and Google (which owns YouTube) using uploaded content to "improve the content experience" through machine learning and the development of AI tools. The company is "committed" to this being "done responsibly," though specifics aren't given. The post also states that the site has implemented safeguards for the use of YouTube's own generative AI tools like Dream Screen, such as preventing certain prompts that violate its policies (though it doesn't explicitly say which prompts).

YouTube is also (once again) committed to assuring that third-party apps respect YouTube's Terms of Service, which prevent certain uses of creator content like scraping.

"We're committed to working with our partners to ensure future advancements amplify their voices, and we'll continue to develop guardrails to address concerns and achieve our common goals," Hanif wrote.

'Anora' review: Sean Baker's 'Pretty Woman' is a triumph

Mashable - Sat, 09/07/2024 - 12:00

Celebrated indie writer/director Sean Baker isn't precious about sex. On social media, pearl-clutchers chatter about love scenes being unneeded in media. In politics, our bedroom activities and identities become fear-mongering talking points. Meanwhile, Baker shrugs off such puritanical shame, turning out one critically heralded movie after another that offers a defiantly casual yet humane portrait of sex work in the U.S.

Among his most notable: Tangerine, which won a slew of Gotham Awards, follows two enchanting trans sex workers around during a harried Christmas in Los Angeles. The Florida Project, which features Willem Dafoe in an Oscar–nominated supporting role, centers on the mischievous child of a sex worker, being raised in candy-colored squalor under the shadow of the Disney theme park. Palme d'Or nominee Red Rocket stars Simon Rex as a washed-up porn star looking for a new lease on life with a fresh-faced ingénue. Now, Baker's Palme d'Or winner Anora chases the Pretty Woman dream — a "hooker with a heart of gold" marries a wealthy white knight — to a far less Hollywood ending. 

SEE ALSO: Trailer for Palme d'Or winner 'Anora' teases an unexpected love story

Rejecting both the Holly Golightly/Vivian Ward version of sex for sale and the gritty thriller route of treating sex work as scandalous set dressing, Baker has made films about Americans living on the fringe of a society that wants yet rejects them. And Anora may be his best yet.  

Anora is outrageous, sexy, and hilarious.  Mikey Madison stars as Ani in "Anora." Credit: NEON

Written and directed by Baker, Anora stars Mikey Madison (Scream 5, Better Things) as its eponymous heroine (and she would really prefer it if you called her Ani). When she's not getting shit from her sister/roommate in their humble Brooklyn apartment, the twentysomething is shaking her G-string-clad bum at a strip club with a beguiling smile on her face. Like Baker's previous films, sex work is shown with a mix of frankness and humor. So amid a montage of lap dances, Ani is also shown eating dinner out of a Tupperware while arguing with her boss about her rights as a freelance contractor. This snatch at office comedy is a simple way to demystify a job that's such a point of fascination and condemnation for American audiences. 

However, Ani soon finds a way out of this grind when a sweet-faced and suspiciously wealthy Russian boy offers her a sugar daddy deal. What begins as a house call soon escalates into a trip to Vegas and a quickie wedding. But this isn't a flat-out love match for either. For Ani, it's a chance to be a trophy wife to a young, hot, rich husband with whom she actually enjoys hanging out. For Vanya (Mark Eidelshtein), Ani is a ticket to a green card that can keep him in the U.S. and away from the tedious demands of his oligarch parents back in Russia. As you might expect with such a setup, their honeymoon is short-lived. Before long, a couple of thick-necked goons come knocking at Vanya's New York City home, demanding an explanation about the rumor he's married beneath his station. 

Mafia movies train us to brace for violence in such a scenario. And Baker delivers, but not in the way you'd expect. Rather than showing men brutalizing a beautiful, scantily clad young woman (a real danger for women in sex work), Ani turns the tables — and shatters them — in a sequence that is wild and unnervingly funny.

Far from a frightened mouse, Ani rages at these intruders who aim to bully her out of her dream and into an annulment. What follows is a wonderfully bewildering road trip movie. With Vanya having fled in a juvenile panic, it's up to a reluctant Ani, a motley crew of brooding Armenian brothers (Karren Karagulian and Vache Tovmasyan), and a bit of extra muscle in the introverted but emotionally intelligent Igor (Yura Borisov) to find the thrill-seeking heir before his very pissed-off parents land in their private jet. 

Mikey Madison is a force of nature. 

Anora demands a lot of its leading lady.

Ani's work means Madison's body is on recurring display, performing steamy dances and acrobatic pole work in long shots that keep every extension in frame. The emotional arc of the story has dizzying highs and gut-churning lows, while the stunt work includes (but isn't limited to) the previously mentioned fight scene with shattered glass and a broken nose (not hers). On top of all of this, Madison must shoulder the story as every man in the vicinity of her heroine acts like a buffoon or a bully.

All this demands more than being Julia Roberts-level charming, which she is. It demands a smirking self-awareness, an edged brand of humor, and a vulnerability that can flash to defense in the blink of an eye. Madison isn't performing Ani; she's bringing to life a woman in full, from her carefully lacquered pedicure to her tinsel hair extensions. Ani might not be like someone you know, but by the end of the movie you will know her intimately. 

It's easy to fall in love with Ani. And we're not the only ones who do. 

Yura Borisov is superb in Anora. 

From Tangerine's Mya Taylor to The Florida Project's Brooklynn Prince to Red Rocket's Simon Rex, Baker has an eye for casting. In his homeland of Russia, Yura Borisov has a sizable filmography. And whether you're familiar with it or not, it's easy to see why from the moment he makes eye contact with Ani. Though Igor is brought along in case there's trouble, his face is not one of aggression or threat. He's not some Goon #2, as his eyes glisten with a sharp understanding of every situation he finds himself in.

While all around him there's hollering and proselytizing and drama, his words are few and his tone is soft. Steadily and subtly, he becomes a counterpoint to the other characters, quietly making space for Ani's feelings and thoughts where others reject them. It's character work that relies so heavily on physicality that every shift of his eyebrow, shrug of his shoulder, or flex of his finger carries weight. And as Ani begins to notice this, the film moves further and further from the conventions of a mafia drama or a Hollywood happy ending, into a path that is Baker's to chart. And where it ends up is at once funny, frustrating, and yet satisfyingly cathartic. 

Anora is hands down one of the year's best. 

Ushering audiences from the back rooms of a sweaty strip club to the silk sheets of a posh condo, to the dazzling, neon-lit promenade of Las Vegas and back to the pungent Russian restaurants of Coney Island, Anora is magnificently alive. Madison is its shining star, her charisma absolute as she wields a Brooklyn accent like a whip to dazzle with or wreak havoc as she sees fit. The supporting cast — including Lindsey Normington as a vicious rival — is terrifically grounded in Baker's Brooklyn of bumbling intimidation and reckless lust, nurturing sharp comments and sharper punchlines. But Borisov proves the perfect foil to Madison, allowing her to glow all the brighter under his gaze. He reflects our own growing awe of this badass broad who won't — to borrow from another 2024 cinematic sex worker — will not accept a life she does not deserve.

Underscoring this passionate tone, the cinematography of Drew Daniels draws us in closer, following over Ani's shoulder as she strides onto a stage or into a challenge. The resplendent colors — rich reds, cool teals — are set off against environments of posh beiges or urban grays, setting Ani apart as extraordinary in every moment. Altogether, Anora is a visceral experience, making its audience not voyeurs but one of the crew. Thus embedded, our pulses race, our eyes grow wide, our hearts dance as our heroes do. Anora offers a glorious thrill, as bold as it is brilliant.

Anora was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival, and will open in theaters on Oct. 18, 2024.

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