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There are a million ways for a sport to make its debut at the Olympics, but breaking probably had the most interesting one. Breaking or breakdancing made its official Paris Olympics debut on Friday with Japan's Ami Yusa taking the Gold over 16 other B-girls.

However, the B-girl that stole the show wasn't Nicka, the small Lithuanian woman wearing a durag, but 36-year-old Australian university lecturer Rachael Gunn, better known by her stage name Raygun. As an academic, he research focuses on, yep, breakdancing.

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Despite going 0-3 against her opponents and failing to score a single point during the day's event, Raygun has become a viral hit and much-needed source of memes in the backdrop of ridiculous culture war shenanigans on Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter).

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For her part though, Gunn has committed to being herself despite the virality. In an interview with the Guardian, the breaker told the outlet "I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get that in a lifetime to do that on an international stage."

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 10 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 10

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, August 10, 2024:

AcrossBerkeley school, for short

• The answer is Cal.

Erin Brockovich has one in the movie "Erin Brockovich"

• The answer is Cameo.

"Whoops, I forgot about that"

• The answer is Oh right.

Longtime comic strip with anthropomorphic animals, with "The"

• The answer is Farside.

Disc for disc golf

• The answer is Frisbee.

Narcissist's problem

• The answer is Ego.

On the ___ (running away from capture)

• The answer is Lam.

Stimpy's cartoon pal

• The answer is Ren.

Stammering syllables

• The answer is ERs.

DownFare eaten by scavengers

• The answer is Carrion.

Not quite right

• The answer is Amiss.

Clear to read, as handwriting

• The answer is Legible.

Listing on a credit card statement

• The answer is Charge.

"My goodness!"

• The answer is Oh dear.

Hoped-for outcome of a job interview

• The answer is Offer.

Abounds (with)

• The answer is Teems.

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

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

Black holes are misunderstood.

They're almost inconceivably dense objects, which grants them immense gravitational power. (If Earth was hypothetically crushed into a black hole, it would be under an inch across.) Not even light can escape, if it falls in. But black holes aren't incessantly sucking up everything in space like a vacuum cleaner (if so, we'd likely be in one). Things have to pass nearby to be affected. The black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, for example, isn't eating much.

Yet 23 million light-years from us, the colossal black hole at the center of the spiral galaxy NGC 4258 is ravenously eating. The powerful James Webb Space Telescope snapped an image of this galactic event, which you see below.

"At its heart, as in most spiral galaxies, is a supermassive black hole, but this one is particularly active," the European Space Agency, which built the telescope with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

Although black holes themselves don't emit light, the blazing hot material around them does. Most stuff in a black hole's orbit gets shredded apart and spins rapidly around the black hole, forming a super-hot, donut-like "accretion disk." As this cosmic dust and gas relentlessly spins around, it shoots light and energy into space. Importantly, some of this cosmic material can also rapidly plummet down into the black hole, where it travels at extreme speeds, heating up and producing glowing light.

That's the vivid glow you see at the center of the spiral galaxy below. And amid the light, you can see innumerable little pinpoints of light, each a distant star.

Clearly, this supermassive black hole is ingesting lots of cosmic cuisine. But once this glowing material passes the final boundary between space and the black hole, called the "event horizon," no more light is emitted. It's passed the point of no return.

The core of galaxy NGC 4258 is generating bright vivid light as material falls into the central supermassive black hole. Credit: ESA Webb / NASA / CSA / J. Glenn Tweet may have been deleted

Also clearly visible in the galaxy, an object also known as "Messier 106," are two sprawling green outflows, which are made of hot gas. "They are likely caused by outflowing material produced by the violent churning of gas around the black hole, creating a phenomenon analogous to a wave crashing up out of the ocean when it hits a rock near the shore," the space agency explained.

The spiraling reddish-orange regions are similar to the dust and star-filled spirals of our own Milky Way galaxy. Out here, our sun and solar system lie far from the galactic center on one of the Milky Way arms. "We live in the suburbs of our galaxy," explains NASA.

The Webb telescope's powerful abilities

The Webb telescope is designed to peer into the deepest cosmos and reveal new insights about the early universe. But it's also peering at intriguing planets in our galaxy, along with the planets and moons in our solar system.

Here's how Webb is achieving unparalleled feats, and likely will for decades to come:

- Giant mirror: Webb's mirror, which captures light, is over 21 feet across. That's over two-and-a-half times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope's mirror. Capturing more light allows Webb to see more distant, ancient objects. As described above, the telescope is peering at stars and galaxies that formed over 13 billion years ago, just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. "We're going to see the very first stars and galaxies that ever formed," Jean Creighton, an astronomer and the director of the Manfred Olson Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told Mashable in 2021.

- Infrared view: Unlike Hubble, which largely views light that's visible to us, Webb is primarily an infrared telescope, meaning it views light in the infrared spectrum. This allows us to see far more of the universe. Infrared has longer wavelengths than visible light, so the light waves more efficiently slip through cosmic clouds; the light doesn't as often collide with and get scattered by these densely packed particles. Ultimately, Webb's infrared eyesight can penetrate places Hubble can't.

"It lifts the veil," said Creighton.

- Peering into distant exoplanets: The Webb telescope carries specialized equipment called spectrographs that will revolutionize our understanding of these far-off worlds. The instruments can decipher what molecules (such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane) exist in the atmospheres of distant exoplanets — be they gas giants or smaller rocky worlds. Webb looks at exoplanets in the Milky Way galaxy. Who knows what we'll find?

"We might learn things we never thought about," Mercedes López-Morales, an exoplanet researcher and astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics-Harvard & Smithsonian, told Mashable in 2021.

Already, astronomers have successfully found intriguing chemical reactions on a planet 700 light-years away, and have started looking at one of the most anticipated places in the cosmos: the rocky, Earth-sized planets of the TRAPPIST solar system.

Perhaps surprisingly, the majority of stars in the galaxy are not sun clones but smaller orbs of gas and plasma known as red dwarfs, about half the size of Earth's star. 

Astronomers have had their sights set on these stars as tantalizing places to look for habitable worlds for a while now. Not only are they the most populous stars, but their planets are easier to study from a practical standpoint. Current atmosphere-detecting methods work best when planets orbit fairly close to their stars in space. Red dwarf stars' relatively cooler temperatures present an opportunity for worlds to be closer without getting fried. 

Despite red dwarfs' potential, no one knows for sure whether their worlds can have atmospheres, or what chemicals could be within their air. 

Scientists will soon begin to answer those questions with the James Webb Space Telescope, a partnership of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts. A new large-scale program will budget about 500 hours for observing rocky exoplanets orbiting small red stars, specifically to search for atmospheres. 

Though the survey is designated for Webb's fourth research cycle, which starts next July, observations may begin sooner, said Néstor Espinoza, an astronomer heading the program's implementation team. 

"This is one of those high-risk, high-reward programs," he told Mashable. "Imagine that for all of the targets, we detect atmospheres. Then you answer the question, 'Yes, atmospheres are very common around these stars. That means maybe life can emerge.' On the other hand, if you found out that none of them have atmospheres, that would be pretty sad, but also pretty interesting. It would mean that our planetary system is actually really, really special."

SEE ALSO: The strange new worlds scientists have discovered this year Many exoplanet scientists believe if life exists on other worlds, humanity will likely find it first on a rocky world orbiting a red dwarf star. Credit: NASA / JPL / Ames Research Center / Daniel Rutter illustration

Most astronomers agree that detecting atmospheres is crucial in the quest for habitable worlds. NASA has playfully called Earth's own atmosphere its "security blanket": Without it, the type of life flourishing here wouldn't exist. This cocoon holds oxygen in the air and filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, all while keeping our world warm. Furthermore, it creates pressure that allows liquid water to pool on the surface.

Scientists have found signs of atmospheres surrounding many of the 5,700 exoplanets discovered so far, but all of them have been around gas giant planets, like Jupiter, with air mostly made of hydrogen. The hunt for a more terrestrial world swaddled in a protective atmosphere has so far eluded astronomers, though Webb has recently helped scientists find some reasonable bets, such as 55 Cancri e, GJ 486 b, and LHS 1140 b.

Jennifer Lotz, who directs Webb and Hubble's operations at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, recently decided to initiate the rocky exoplanet survey using the director's discretionary time, in the same way revolutionary science campaigns like the Hubble deep field images came to fruition. In addition to Webb's work, the new survey will include about 250 orbits of ultraviolet observations by the Hubble telescope to help characterize the red dwarf stars' activity. 

In addition to Webb, the new survey will include about 250 orbits of ultraviolet observations by the Hubble telescope. Credit: Adrian Mann / Stocktrek Images / Getty Images illustration

Hubble will play a pivotal role in revealing whether one of these terrestrial worlds could even hold onto an atmosphere so close to a star that's constantly bombarding it with radiation.

"It's a beautiful message to put out there," Espinoza said. "People think Webb is the successor to Hubble, but that's not really true. They complement each other. It's kind of the perfect dream team to do this job." 

"It's kind of the perfect dream team to do this job." Secondary eclipse technique

Since Webb opened for business, researchers have frequently used a technique called transmission spectroscopy to study exoplanets. When these worlds cross in front of their host star, starlight gets filtered through their atmospheres. Molecules within the atmosphere absorb certain light wavelengths, or colors, so by splitting the light into its basic parts — like a rainbow — astronomers can detect what light segments are missing to discern the molecular makeup of an atmosphere.

But that method has had its drawbacks. If the starlight were completely uniform, that would be one thing, but red dwarf stars, also known as M dwarfs, can get stellar spots just like the sun, causing variability in the signals. This problem, called stellar contamination, has recently led Webb scientists to embrace another technique, known as secondary eclipse observations. 

Secondary eclipse spectroscopy, shown in the diagram above, eliminates the so-called 'stellar contamination' problem. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Dani Player / Andi James / Greg Bacon diagram

With secondary eclipses, it's a game of hide-and-seek. Scientists measure the signals of the red dwarf and planet when the planet is at the star's side. Then, when the planet's orbit takes the world behind the star, scientists collect the star's light signal alone. By subtracting the star from the total, the researchers can then isolate the light coming from just the planet. Teams will use a particular wavelength filter that can detect carbon dioxide, thought to be a likely atmospheric ingredient.

Scientists will also take thermal measurements to get an early sense of whether an atmosphere could be present. If the temperature is lower than expected, it's a strong indication that a thick atmosphere is distributing energy from the planet's dayside — the hemisphere facing the star — to the nightside. 

Webb's Survey of Rocky Worlds

The new campaign will allow scientists to survey 10 to 20 rocky worlds, with an emphasis on planets between 200 and 450 Kelvin. For comparison, Earth is 288 Kelvin, or an average 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the targets will be less than twice the size of Earth. The Space Telescope Science Institute will put out a call for advisers to help determine the target list.

Astronomers discovered the TRAPPIST-1 system, a family of tightly packed planets swarming a red dwarf star, about seven years ago. Credit: Mark Garlick / Science Photo Library / Getty Images illustration

For Kevin Stevenson, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, the wishlist would include GJ 486 b, a world he has previously studied, and LTT 1445 A b, one of the nearest strong cases for having air. He believes the Webb campaign will advance humans' understanding of rocky worlds by a decade. 

"This survey program will be the next major step towards answering the question, 'Are we alone?'" Stevenson said in an email. "Without an atmosphere, it’s hard to see how life, at least as we know it, can survive on a planet." 

"This survey program will be the next major step towards answering the question, 'Are we alone?'"

If most M-dwarf-orbiting planets turn out not to have an atmosphere, then a future instrument, the Habitable Worlds Observatory, becomes all the more important in the search for life beyond this solar system, he said. The Hubble-esque telescope is expected to focus on terrestrial worlds orbiting sun-like stars. 

But a breakthrough could have a huge impact on how Webb and other flagship observatories are used going forward, said Sarah Moran, an exoplanet scientist at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

"If the program is able to conclusively determine that one of these rocky worlds around an M dwarf star has an atmosphere, it could really set the stage not only for the rest of JWST's science operating lifetime," she said in an email, "but also maybe that of the next great observatory."

Somewhere in the galaxy, an advanced alien civilization might harness energy from its star.

And NASA wants to know if it could detect this activity.

The space agency has some powerful telescopes — and it's building more. As scientists increasingly peer at other rocky, Earth-like worlds, they evaluated whether it's possible to pick up signs of widespread solar farms on such distant planets. After all, an extraterrestrial society will need power, and a sun-like star provides nearly inexhaustible energy for billions of years. Human civilization, for example, has advanced from largely burning wood to using coal, and now increasingly uses modernized energy sources like solar power.

"We propose it's a natural technological evolution that an advanced civilization could make," Ravi Kopparapu, a NASA planetary scientist who led the research published in the Astrophysical Journal, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

Solar panels — made from silicon, which is abundant in the universe — are highly reflective. This makes vast solar arrays a potentially attractive target for NASA, which seeks to identify if life, whether microbial or complex, might exist on planets beyond our solar system (called exoplanets).

The researchers asked whether a large space telescope, like the developing Habitable Worlds Observatory, would be able to detect such solar farms on a world as far as some 30 light-years away (which is many trillions of miles but still relatively close-by — the Milky Way is around 100,000 light-years across). Dubbed the "super-Hubble," the Habitable Worlds Observatory would pack a mirror some six meters (nearly 20 feet) across; the legendary Hubble telescope has a mirror 2.4 meters (7.8 feet) across.

On Earth, the researchers estimate humanity could meet all its energy needs (with energy storage, of course) by covering around two and a half percent of the surface with solar panels. And if the population hypothetically ballooned to 30 billion, this would mean nine percent of land cover. But how much of the surface of a distant exoplanet might need to be blanketed in these reflective arrays to be detectable? The team ran simulations of how a "super-Hubble" could view these far-off solar panel technosignatures, and found a whopping 23 percent of an Earth-like world's surface would need coverage.

"That's huge," Kopparapu said.

And it's perhaps an unlikely scenario from our species' point of view — though as noted below, perhaps not so for another species. What's more, another civilization simply might not need to generate copious amounts of energy, making sprawling energy-creating solar farms or structures unnecessary. Another civilization could have highly efficient technologies, or a low population. This would make widespread solar panel coverage unlikely.

"A civilization may not need as much energy as we think," Kopparapu said.

A conceptual graphic of what the Habitable Worlds Observatory may look like as it peers into the cosmos. Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio An artist's conception of an exoplanet harboring a technologically advanced civilization. Credit: NASA / Jay Freidlander

Yet it's conceivable that an intelligent species on a rocky desert world like Mars may choose to cover a significant swath of its landmass with solar panels. It could view that as the best renewable energy option, especially on a world that might lack much hydroelectric generation. Or it could have reasons we can't imagine.

"We can't judge what a civilization's motives are," Kopparapu noted.

"We can't judge what a civilization's motives are."

Beyond solar panels, some scientists have for decades mused about the possibility of megastructures that surround a star, harnessing immense amounts of stellar energy. Of course, these behemoth energy harvesters, called Dyson Spheres, might not be the most pragmatic approach for the technologically advanced.

"Surely a society that can place enormous structures in space would be able to access nuclear fusion or other space-efficient methods of generating power," Vincent Kofman, a NASA research scientist who also worked on this technosignature study, noted in an agency statement. (Humanity is on the hunt to make nuclear fusion energy — though realizing this technology is a long, long way off.)

A conception of the TRAPPIST-1 solar system, which contains seven rocky worlds, located some 40 light-years from Earth. Some could be habitable. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

Future telescopes, like the Habitable Worlds Observatory, will sleuth for a number of possible signs of life — and research like this informs scientists of what they might look for. They'll look for signs of pollution, atmospheric ingredients produced by life, and perhaps other forms of technology. Though it currently appears that detecting solar panels is implausible, it can't be ruled out. In the search for potential civilizations — which may be quite rare in any galaxy or maybe not exist — almost anything is possible.

Who knows what the large, powerful instruments will detect, many light-years away.

"They might even find city lights," Kopparapu said.

Over the last few years, I’ve tried a lot of skincare products. While I loved the viral Solawave red light therapy wand, I pride myself in having a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to skincare products and devices, but the NuFACE Trinity+ had me excited (and nervous) to put this celeb-favorite to the test. I’ve dabbled in microcurrent devices in the past, but trying something is a lot different than sticking with something over the long term. 

And when the thing you’re trying is almost $400? I was obviously skeptical. 

How does the NuFACE work? 

The NuFACE Trinity+ is an FDA-cleared facial toning device that uses microcurrent technology to help “lift, contour, and tighten” the face, giving a more toned and contoured look — at least according to NuFace’s website. The device works by emitting a low-level electrical wave that’s supposed to mimic the body’s bio-electrical field to help smooth and strengthen facial muscles, stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even promote lymphatic drainage. 

And according to research, it actually works pretty well. Not only do fans of the NuFACE show jaw-dropping before and after results on TikTok, but one study found that microcurrent technology used for 20 minutes for 30 consecutive sessions was actually effective at reducing wrinkles around the forehead area.

With three different levels of intensity, the Trinity+ also features a “boost” button that increases the intensity of the microcurrent whenever you want to give an area some extra love. The device also adds Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect to the NuFACE app and unlock exclusive tutorials, custom reminders, and a “selfie tracker” to monitor results. The sturdy plastic device is also customizable, allowing users to pop off the metal top and replace it with additional attachments like NuFace’s red light therapy attachment or the lip and eye area attachment. 

The NuFACE Trinity+ comes with the microcurrent attachment, but others are available as a separate purchase. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable Using the NuFACE for the first time 

Not gonna lie, waiting for the NuFACE Trinity+ to charge felt like torture. I’d been eager to try the device after first seeing it on Instagram back in 2019, and I wanted it to be worth the hype. Once it was ready, I watched a few tutorials on the NuFace website and jumped right in.

NuFACE recommends cleaning your face first with an oil-free cleanser, drying your skin thoroughly, then applying either their Aqua Gel or Silk Crème Activator in a thick, “mask-like” layer to the area you’re going to treat. After that, it’s time to turn on the device, set it to your desired intensity, and place it against your skin before gliding it upward with light to medium pressure.

I started with NuFACE’s five-minute facial tutorial, which recommended starting with your neck and gradually moving the device upward in separate strokes before repeating the process over the desired area three times. All in all, it took me a little longer than five minutes to complete, and — aside from a slight tingling sensation in certain areas — it was pretty much painless.

I kinda hated the NuFACE at first

While I noticed a slight improvement in the tightness of my skin, especially below my cheeks, I didn’t notice a massive difference after my first NuFACE treatment. My face did feel a little sore afterward, especially around my cheeks and jawline, and everything just felt a little off for the next hour or so. I kept using the device daily — NuFACE recommends using it five days a week for the first two months, then switching to two to three days for maintenance — but the odd sensations convinced me to stop using the device after a few days.

A couple of weeks later, I decided to give the NuFACE one more try. I’d read some reviews from users who didn’t use the NuFACE on their necks (something the company recommends if you have any thyroid issues), and — while I haven’t had any thyroid problems in the past — I wanted to see if it made a difference, and it absolutely did. 

SEE ALSO: TheraFace PRO is the ultimate 'it girl' skincare tool

I cautiously restarted my routine, ready to toss the NuFACE if it caused any more issues, and started noticing slight improvements to my skin’s elasticity the longer I used it. Everything felt a little more taut, my face looked more defined, and — while my cheekbones still felt a bit sore after using the device — a quick trip to Google gave me a surprising answer. As it turns out, research shows that microcurrent technology can be used to help reduce sinus pain, and the FDA had even approved the use of another microcurrent device for the treatment of sinus congestion — something I’d struggled with for years. Obviously, I’m not a doctor, nor can I conclusively say that the NuFACE produced the same results as an FDA-approved device. However, my lack of sinus headaches was definitely a nice perk, regardless of whether they were eliminated by the NuFACE or placebo effect.

The NuFACE won me over

Here’s the thing, I actually like the NuFACE. I’ve had the device for a few months now, and I have definitely noticed an improvement in my face when I’m using it. I’m a little less puffy, my cheeks are more defined, and I like the idea of giving my facial muscles a mini workout a few times a week. 

That being said, I’m on the fence about whether or not it’s worth the $395 price tag. On the upside, it worked. A single charge lasted for a surprisingly long time, it was easy to use, and I felt like it did more to lift and tighten my face compared to other microcurrent devices I’d tried in the past. 

On the other hand, I had some issues. I didn’t love using either of the activator products, and I quickly found out that aloe vera was a much more affordable alternative. Plus, the NuFACE companion app didn’t feel super useful, and I struggled with the Bluetooth connectivity feature on the NuFACE Trinity+ so much that I stopped using the app entirely. And while I eventually sorted out my initial problems with the device, I haven’t really kept up with using the device long-term. I’ll break it out for a few days when I’m feeling puffy or insecure, and it does make a difference, but — like going to the gym — your results fade without consistency. 

Is the NuFACE worth it?

For some people, the NuFACE might be worth the investment, especially if you’re a diehard skincare aficionado who has mastered the art of sticking to a routine or you’re tired of splurging on microcurrent facials. However, if you’re more into casual skincare, it might not be the right device for you. Based on my experience, I’d also recommend talking to your doctor or dermatologist before trying the NuFace if you have any sinus or thyroid issues because, unlike the phrase goes, beauty should not be pain.

And if you’re on the fence like I was, you can always opt for the NuFACE Mini instead. It’s smaller, cheaper, and lacks the option to swap out different attachments. And, considering the additional attachments are $160 each, that’s not the worst idea for beauty fans on a budget. 

All in all, I like the NuFACE Trinity+, and I’ll probably keep using it occasionally. I can definitely see why it’s a holy grail product for some people, and — while I don’t think it’s one of mine — it might be one of yours.

NuFACE Trinity+ $395.00 at Dermstore
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TL;DR: Learn how to use ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL-E, and more AI tools with this $24.97 (reg. $790) 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 resume, 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 $24.97 (reg. $790) for a limited time.

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, like through your web browser. You’ll interact with it just like you would Google. Try asking it for help with your resume (though it can’t get you a coffee). 

The course shows you techniques for using the chatbot, like how to phrase your prompt to get the best responses. You’ll quickly learn that AI tools have limitations; for example, no matter how often you ask Gemini (Google’s AI) not to do something, it may do it anyway (we’re speaking from experience here). 

Generating logos with AI

Your instructor, Eduonix Learning Solutions, also covers generating AI images and logos with DALL-E. Instead of having to hire a designer or try your hand at creating your own, you could see what AI comes up with for your business. You might be surprised with how much you like its creation.

With tools for both writing and graphics, you could 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, only on sale for $24.97 (reg. $790) for a little while longer.

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TL;DR: If you need high-quality scans anywhere, anytime, get SwiftScan VIP. A lifetime subscription to this iOS and Android compatible OCR scanner is only $59.99. 

The back-to-school season is coming up fast, but there's still plenty of time to prepare. If you're still cleaning the papers out of your desk, help this year go differently by getting a scanner that makes short work of digitizing your notes, documents, and even pages from books. 

SwiftScan is a simple scanner for iOS or Android devices that produces high-quality scans in seconds. Normally, a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP would be $199, but you can get one on sale for $59.99. 

How is SwiftScan different from other scanners?

In the grand colosseum of scanners and scanner apps, SwiftScan may come out on top for a few reasons. First, if you're comparing SwiftScan to a desktop scanner, the app is a great find on price alone. Sure, it can't print your scans like a physical scanner could, but it also doesn't take any desk space and doesn't require expensive ink to access half its functions. 

When it comes to scanning capabilities, the app captures premium quality scans starting at 200 dpi, and it even automatically enhances scan quality with color filters and auto-optimization. Trembly hands? There's blur reduction. Once you've scanned your documents, you can save them as a PDF or JPEG. The app also lets you do multi-page scans. Combine that with the OCR capabilities, and you can turn a few pages of your textbook into a scan you can search. You can even annotate your documents, add signatures, redact text, or reorder pages. 

Don't worry. All those documents don't need to take up your phone's limited memory. SwiftScan integrates with cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox, so you can save or scare your scans seamlessly. Kicking it old school? This scanner can even send a fax. 

Save 70 percent

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Get a Lifetime Subscription to SwiftScan VIP for $59.99. 

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Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $59.99 at The Mashable Shop
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TL;DR: Get the KeySmart® AirFlex 5-key organizer with an AirTag slot for $14.99 to keep your keys tidy and trackable.

Misplaced keys are a sometimes daily hassle, but this product offers a simple solution. With room for five keys and a dedicated slot for your Apple AirTag, this sleek organizer keeps everything neat and easily accessible. Whether you're heading to the gym or exploring the city, your keys stay secure and trackable. For a limited time, you can get the KeySmart® Air 5-Key and Apple AirTag Organizer on sale for $14.99 (reg. $19).

The KeySmart AirFlex has a minimalistic design that's crafted from durable materials and won't weigh you down. It's made of soft-touch silicone and is water-resistant (so you don't have to worry about your AirTag getting wet in the rain). You can also use it with MultiTool or SafeBlade.

Ideal for the on-the-go urbanite, this organizer brings order to your chaotic key collection. When you're running around from place to place, the KeySmart AirFlex is the perfect companion to keep you on track.

This clever organizer combines function and style to make your daily routine smoother! 

Score the KeySmart® AirFlex 5-key organizer with an AirTag slot on sale for 25% off at $14.99 for a limited time.

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TL;DR: Get 1TB of lifetime cloud storage with FolderFort for $69.99 and secure your family's digital memories.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Beginners can fly comfortably with the 4K Dual-Camera Drone with built-in obstacle avoidance and adaptive LEDs to help you fly at night, on sale now for $64.97 (reg. $119.99). 

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Whether you're getting into nature photography or just want to explore the trails from above, your first impulse when drone shopping may be to go for the biggest, fanciest model with all the bells and whistles. While that might get you an awesome machine, you might end up sharing it with a tree. 

When you're just learning how to fly quadcopters, it's a good idea to go for a simple, reliable drone that can help you learn while also giving you the opportunity for some seriously cool pictures and videos. The 4K Dual-Camera Drone is a beginner-friendly quadcopter with intelligent obstacle avoidance, and it's also on sale for $64.97 — a 45% discount. 

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This drone goes easy on beginners while still offering a lot to experienced flyers. Look ahead to the horizon or stare straight down from 200m in the air. This 4K Dual-Camera Drone is equipped with an HD 4K front camera that supports a 90-degree remote control angle and a 120-degree wide-angle bottom camera, so you have quite a few viewing options from above. Both cameras stream directly to your phone while it's connected to the drone controller. You can even fly at night and spot your drone in the dark with the built-in LED lights that adjust according to their environment. 

Take advantage of Intelligent functions like 360-degree flip, fixed-point flight, and gravity control to take your flight beyond simple maneuvers. Inexperienced pilots, take some comfort that the three-way obstacle avoidance system helps keep you from an untimely landing. Speaking of landings, there's even a one-key start and stop feature that makes the most stressful parts of the flight a breeze. 

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The Dan Stevens–fronted new horror-thriller, Cuckoo, has a big reveal that's proven to be quite divisive among critics. On the surface, the movie appears to be the story of a young woman being chased by a monster. But by the final act, Cuckoo has morphed into something far stranger and more complicated. 

Written and directed by Tilman Singer, the film follows 17-year-old American Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), who’s just moved to a resort in Bavaria with her father, Luis (Márton Csókás), stepmother, Beth (Jessica Henwick), and 8-year-old stepsister, Alma (Mila Lieu). While her parents are employed in helping the owner, Herr König (Stevens), expand his development, Gretchen is chased by a hooded woman who repeatedly attacks her. But no one believes her, so she's forced to investigate the mystery of the hooded woman largely on her own. What she uncovers may leave some viewers scratching their heads.  

Let’s dive into the secrets and spoilers of Cuckoo.

Cuckoo's confusing opening scene is a clue.  Dan Stevens plays Herr König in "Cuckoo." Credit: Neon

Before the film introduces Gretchen and her family, it begins in an unrelated unhappy household. A man and woman argue in German, while in a nearby bedroom, a teen girl — presumably their daughter — twitches violently on her bed. There are no subtitles, so English-speakers are left wondering what they’re arguing about. But the loud noise that follows needs no translation. A thick thud, the sound of a blunt object, implies one parent killed the other — followed by the sounds of the man crying. In a panic, the girl runs into the night. As we learn later, this is not an average girl, but an entirely different species that König is dedicated to preserving.

This frightening opening only fits into place when the man reappears as one of the cops who works with König to help preserve the mysterious species. When König says on the phone, "You lost your adolescent already? This will complicate matters. A young one is on the way, but the mother will be harder to control without a nestling around,” he is presumably talking to this man from the intro, the teen's father.

After Gretchen is attacked by the hooded woman, we see the same cop visit her in the hospital to question her. Then, later, he appears in König’s villa, confirming a conspiracy between the resort owner and the local police. This could mean that the argument at the beginning involved the cop's wife discovering the truth about her daughter's origins, and suggests the officer killed his wife to keep König’s secret. That’s the length this creepy crew will go to to maintain this species: They’re willing to kill for it.

Why is the hooded woman chasing Gretchen? Hunter Schafer stars as Gretchen in "Cuckoo." Credit: Neon

The hooded woman is the "mother" König refers to on the phone. She and the "adolescent" are part of a cuckoo-like humanoid species, which implants its "eggs" in the "nest" of a human host. And, like the birth mom was perceived as a threat by König's crony, Gretchen is perceived as a threat by the hooded woman to her offspring, the stepsister Alma. Or, as König puts it later, Gretchen is “competing for resources with her offspring.” 

Gretchen’s family has been summoned to Bavaria to ensure Alma’s growth and development. But Gretchen wasn't supposed to be here in Bavaria. The untimely death of her mother left her with her father and his new family. While she grapples with grief, her parents barely notice her, as they’re increasingly worried about her younger sister Alma’s health. Since they've gotten to Bavaria, Alma has suffered inexplicable seizures. 

During the family's arrival at the resort, Singer drops a hint about Alma's origins. Greeting the family, König says to her father and stepmother: “You two lovebirds stumbled into my nest almost eight years ago to the day, and I believe there were more than just architectural plans conceived.” This line explains their affection for König’s resort — it's where they honeymooned! And it's the clue that Alma is tied to this place.

This also explains why König and his conspirators at the hospital and in the police force are so dismissive of Gretchen's talk of the hooded woman. They know she's telling the truth, but they see Gretchen as a barrier to Alma’s development. As Dr. Bonomo (Proschat Madani) explains, contact between Alma and her biological mother is essential to accelerating Alma’s abilities and physical development. Gretchen stands in the way of the two uniting, as she is the only one calling out the bizarre behavior of König and his crew.

What is the creature at the center of Cuckoo? Jessica Henwick plays Gretchen's stepmother in "Cuckoo." Credit: Neon

As the title suggests, the species has a lot in common with the "common cuckoo." König is a passionate ornithologist and a big fan of this particular bird. As he drives Gretchen to his villa, she notices a picture of a cuckoo bird taped on his dashboard, as well as a cuckoo key ring. “Magnificent creature,” König says of the bird. “Common, but its behavior is not. Its nature is quite remarkable. A nature modern man destroys by disregard. Some species need our help to reproduce. I’m a preservationist, you know.” 

Turns out, König isn’t really talking about cuckoo birds. His love nest resort has been created as a breeding ground for this humanoid cuckoo creature, which has a strange ability to assault humans through sound. “These creatures can’t speak like you or I,"  König explains, "When trained, their song can be dizzyingly persuasive." That “song” is the scream that effectively paralyzes those who can hear it — and can cause manipulations of time, creating a short time-loop repeating a few seconds over, allowing the creature to get closer. König helps as well, providing wigs and clothes to the creatures that hide their more eye-catching features. They largely look human, and all present as female. However, their large eyes, pinched faces, and balding scalps might catch the attention of the visiting tourists/victims. So a wig, rain jacket, and goggles can help in hiding them in plain sight. 

What is the laying ceremony? Greta Fernández plays Trixie in "Cuckoo." Credit: Neon

When couples come to König's resort, the hooded woman comes in ahead of presumed fornication to lay her egg. The cuckoo woman sneaks into the cabin, using her hypnotizing scream to knock the human woman unconscious, and the male is paralyzed and ultimately unable to remember what’s happened. This is why Alma's parents have only fond memories of their visit to the Lover's Nest cabin. After the hooded woman left, they had sex and got pregnant with no idea they were carrying another's child. 

The ceremony itself is disgusting to watch. In a squat, the hooded woman pulls from her crotch a clump of slimy vaginal discharge. Having used her scream to paralyze the human female, she presumably inserts this cuckoo goo into the woman's uterus. When the male human’s sperm fertilizes the cuckoo woman’s egg, all inside the human woman, this turns the human mother into a surrogate, which is similar to how cuckoo birds operate. They place their eggs in the nests of other birds, allowing those birds to foster and raise their chicks. 

There were hints to Alma's big reveal. 

Alma cannot speak like her human family does, and so relies on a type-to-talk device to help her communicate. We later learn her inability to vocalize is something she shares with her biological mother and the unnamed adolescent from the first scene. 

The seizures are another clue, as the call of the hooded woman has a dramatic effect on Alma's body that's different from her victims. Are the violent seizures proof that proximity to her biological mother is causing Alma to transform? It's unclear, but these fits could explain why Alma has evolved to emit her own song by film's end. Then there's the special attention König pays to Alma, overseeing her upbringing closely, giving her gifts, and advising on her medical care. 

Why did Gretchen save Alma? Gretchen and Trixie work reception. Credit: Neon

At the beginning of the film, you’d imagine Gretchen wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice Alma for her own survival; she’s regularly frustrated with Alma demanding everyone’s attention and is quick to point out that she’s not her real sister. But after hearing a voice message Alma left on Gretchen's mother's voicemail, she discovers that Alma cares for her older sister deeply, and it changes her entire outlook. Gretchen’s going to get Alma the hell out of Bavaria, whether she’s the same species or not (and she isn’t). By the final showdown against König, Gretchen has finally accepted Alma as family, a big shift from her vehemently denying any ties to Alma when speaking to resort coworker Trixie earlier in the film. 

The film's climax brings Gretchen to the hospital where Alma is being guarded by König's conspirators. However, Gretchen manages to outwit both König, who'd keep Alma to make her a monster, and Henry (Jan Bluthardt), a past victim of the hooded woman, who wants her offspring dead. Their only path out is in the line of fire of both König and Henry, who stand on either side of them. As the men prepare to shoot, Alma takes things into her own hands, covering her sister's ears before letting out her species' paralyzing scream, leaving both men unable to act as they escape. 

As Gretchen and Alma make it out of the room, Henry and König shoot each other. The sisters leave the hospital and find Ed (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), who'd hooked up with Gretchen earlier in the movie, by her car, and she drives them to safety. Alma’s ear continues to twitch in the car – a reminder that she’s not human. But since her cuckoo development requires her to be in close proximity to her biological mother/the hooded woman — who by this point has been killed by Gretchen — maybe, just maybe, Alma will have a chance to be more human.

Cuckoo opens in theaters Aug. 9.

The best deals for watching 'A Quiet Place: Day One' online: Best Paramount+ deal Paramount+ Essential annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $59.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal Best third-party streaming deal Free Paramount+ with Walmart+ membership free 30-day trial, then $98/year Get Deal Best ad-free Paramount+ deal Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal Best streaming deal for students Paramount+ for students $4.50/month (save 25%) Get Deal Best way to watch ASAP Rent or buy 'A Quiet Place: Day One' on Prime Video $18.49 or $23.49 with Prime (save $1.50) Get Deal

Curious how the apocalyptic world in A Quiet Place came to be? Following the success of the first two films, the hit horror franchise has expanded with a prequel dubbed A Quiet Place: Day One. John Kransinski, who directed and starred in the first two films, is no longer involved in the latest, sans a "story by" writing credit. Day One instead is written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, who brought us the unique Nic Cage culinary thriller Pig in 2021. The cast is led by Lupita Nyong'o (Us), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Djimon Hounsou, reprising his role from A Quiet Place Part II, and a very cute cat.

A Quiet Place: Day One debuted in theaters in late June and has already made its way to digital on demand services just over a month later. We're still waiting on an official streaming date, but here's how you can watch it at home in the mean time — as well as everything else you need to know.

What is A Quiet Place: Day One about?

Day One takes place in one of the loudest places on Earth: New York City. So, what happens when noise-sensitive aliens crash land in the city that never sleeps? Chaos. That's the main premise of the apocalyptic alien prequel.

The story follows Sam (Nyong'o), a terminally ill hospice patient who reluctantly agrees to take a trip into Manhattan only to find herself stuck in the city when the horrifying extraterrestrials take over. As she navigates the alien apocalypse, Sam and her service cat Frodo attract the attention of a young law student named Eric (Quinn). The odd couple (and the cat) embark on a journey through the city swarming with aliens and their only hope for survival is to remain absolutely silent.

Check out the official trailer for a better idea of what Day One is all about:

Is A Quiet Place: Day One worth watching?

Listen, prequels are hard to get right — and they're bound to ruffle some feathers. With an 86 percent critic rating and a 73 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, A Quiet Place: Day One mostly got it right.

Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko thought parts of the film were enchanting. She appreciated the "captivating screen presence" of Nyong'o and Quinn, but felt that "the love story at its core can't shine amid the required carnage and urban devastation demanded by the prequel's promise." Thus, the film as a whole didn't quite equal the sum of its parts.

However, with the largely positive critic ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, many others felt that the prequel did hold up. That's the best thing about movies — everyone can form their own opinion. For what it's worth, horror master Stephen King gave it his stamp of approval.

Read our full review of A Quiet Place: Day One.

How to watch A Quiet Place: Day One at home

Just a little over a month after A Quiet Place: Day One made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video and Apple TV+. You can now purchase the film for your own digital library or rent it for 30 days. Something to keep in mind: once you start watching a rental, you'll have just 48 hours to finish it before you lose access. If you'd rather wait and stream Day One, keep reading to learn more.

As of Aug. 2, you can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — $18.49 to rent with Prime, $23.49 to buy with Prime

• Apple TV — $19.99 to rent, $24.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99 to rent, $24.99 to buy

• Google Play — $19.99 to rent, $24.99 to buy

Is A Quiet Place: Day One streaming?

While there has been no official announcement regarding the streaming date of A Quiet Place: Day One, we know it will eventually make its debut on Paramount+. Paramount theatrical releases typically head straight to the streaming counterpart after they run in cinemas. Conveniently, A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II are both streaming on Paramount+ as well, so you can watch the entire franchise with a single subscription.

Stay tuned for the official announcement in the coming months. If you want to prepare, you can sign up for a Paramount+ subscription ahead of time. Monthly subscriptions start at just $5.99, but there are also some ways you can save money on your plan. Check out the best Paramount+ streaming deals below.

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Want to spend the least amount of money possible to watch A Quiet Place: Day One and its predecessors? Your best bet is to wait until the official streaming date drops and sign up for a month of Paramount+ Essential for just $5.99. If you're new to the streamer, you'll also get a seven-day free trial. After you watch, just be sure to cancel your subscription if you want to avoid charges. You'll have to endure some ads while you watch the movie, but just think of them as built-in snack and bathroom breaks.

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If you opt for the annual plan instead of the monthly plan, you can save 17% on your subscription. You'll have to pay more upfront, but it pays off in the grand scheme of your streaming lineup. An annual Paramount+ Essential plan will run you $59.99 per year, which breaks down to only $5 per month as opposed to $5.99 per month. If you want to watch more than just Day One and you don't mind ads, this is your best bet.

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If ads are a deal breaker for you, you'll have to sign up for Paramount+ with Showtime. This ad-free tier will run you either $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (which breaks down to just $10 per month). The good news is that beyond just giving you access to ad-free Paramount+ content, the extra cost unlocks access to Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football. Although you'll have to pay more, it's definitely a whole lot of bang for your buck.

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College students can score a Paramount+ Essential monthly subscription for just $4.50 per month, so long as they can verify their student status using SheerID. Once verified, student discounts are valid for four years, even if you graduate prior to the four-year period. After four years, you'll be charged the standard rate for an Essential monthly subscription.

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It may not be the simplest way to watch A Quiet Place: Day One, but a Walmart+ membership gives you free access to Paramount+ and plenty of other sweet benefits. Better yet, you can kick things off with a free 30-day trial, so you can enjoy an entire month of streaming without paying a cent. Just sign up once the official streaming date is announced and be sure to cancel before your trial ends if you want to avoid charges. If you want to keep your Walmart+ membership going, it'll cost you either $12.95 per month or $98 per year ($8.17/month).

Mercury is a little-known, still mysterious world.

But one thing is certain. Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, can't actually travel backward in retrograde, and doesn't impact us on Earth. The notion of Mercury retrograde, a common reference in astrology wherein communication and travel are temporarily impaired, can, of course, be a fun musing. The event occurs when Mercury appears to start traveling the opposite direction in the sky.

But this is perceptive trickery. Mercury retrograde is apparent motion, such as when you pass a speeding car on the highway and it appears that car is moving backward. It's not an exceptional, or momentous, event.

"There's nothing unusual about it," Tansu Daylan, a physicist at Washington University in St. Louis who leads NASA telescope observations, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

It happens so regularly — three or four times a year — that some people easily associate events (misunderstandings or travel woes) with the event. "People are actively searching for connections," Daylan said.

What causes Mercury retrograde

From our perspective, the planets, including Mercury, move west to east across the night sky, relative to the stars. Greek and Roman astronomers, in fact, referred to planets as "wandering stars."

If you, hypothetically, could look down on the sun from above, you would see the planets orbiting counterclockwise. This creates the easterly movement, from our perch on Earth. But this changes when two planets become aligned as they orbit the sun, Daylan emphasized. Then, an inner planet (Mercury) moves faster than an outer planet (like Earth), resulting in "apparent retrograde motion" — apparent because Mercury, speeding around our star at over 100,000 mph, does not suddenly start traveling backwards.

The NASA graphic below illustrates apparent retrograde motion, using Mars and Earth. A planet's appearance in the sky can change when planets align or one "overtakes" another, but the actual orbits don't change.

A depiction of apparent retrograde motion. Credit: NASA Mercury's southern hemisphere, as captured by NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft. Credit: NASA / Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory / Carnegie Institution of Washington

Mercury retrograde lasts for a few weeks at a time, so don't be surprised to hear how it's connected to a multitude of events. Tellingly, it most recently started again on Aug. 5, 2024 — after the global Crowdstrike disruption.

Though we know Mercury's orbit isn't doing anything strange in our solar system throughout the year, it will remain a world of mysteries. It's a planet that's difficult to observe from Earth, because of its proximity to the sun. "That means it can be spotted only briefly shortly before sunrise and just after sunset, and always appears close to the horizon," the European Space Agency explains. What's more, it's extremely challenging to reach — any spacecraft endeavoring there must contend with the sun's overpowering gravity. That's why Mercury is the least visited of the other inner planets. And, it's precarious to get too close to Mercury because the searing planet's surface, hot enough to melt lead, radiates heat into space. The ongoing BepiColombo mission is designed to resist these extremes as it makes unprecedented observations.

Planetary scientists hope to soon answer many questions about Mercury: Is there water? Is it geologically active? How did it get so close to the sun?

But, at least, its strange apparent motion is well understood.

"There's nothing fancy about it," Daylan said.

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub is the seventh most-visited website in the world?

That's according to SEMRush, a popular web analytics company. In total, Pornhub saw more than 5.2 billion visits in May 2024, including over 1 billion visits from U.S. viewers. Pornhub is also a really sticky website, with 80 percent of visitors staying on the site to view multiple pages.

People in the United States aren't the only ones watching a lot of porn, either. Users in Indonesia, Brazil, and France (of course) also love visiting the hub.

So, if you like porn, you’re definitely not alone. But if you’re interested in going beyond the world of pornography and trying out some of your fantasies IRL, then Pornhub alternatives like NSFW dating sites can help you find a like-minded playmate.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock and watch Pornhub for free

Whether you’re looking to explore your kinky fantasies, make a lasting romantic connection, or just want to hook up, there's a little something for everyone on this list. These sites aren't perfect, and some of them get pretty raunchy. But if you're tired of getting off all by your lonesome (goon caves can get pretty lonely), then you try some of our favorite X-rated dating sites as an alternative to Pornhub. Here's the scoop on what you're getting yourself into.

The lowdown on NSFW dating sites

Keep in mind that “dating” on NSFW sites like Grindr, Sniffies, and AdultFriendFinder is about as subtle as the platforms’ names: The vast majority of users are there to find a one-night stand, a threesome, or an ongoing sex buddy situation — not a long-term partner. Of course, if you're searching for X-rated and NSFW dating sites, we're guessing that's not a problem.

Take note: NSFW dating sites don't operate without mutual consent, boundary-setting, and respect. When building out your profile, be specific and honest about your intentions and what you’re looking for so you can find people who genuinely match up with you and your interests or fetishes.

SEE ALSO: The top 10 porn sites to visit when you want to get off

And if you like the instant gratification and virtual aspect of internet porn, you can also try cam sites and sexting apps that let you meet and chat with adult performers right away.

What else is important to know when using an NSFW dating site?

Besides not giving away any personal information, especially for things like anonymous encounters on cam or sexting sites, know the risks when it comes to sending nude or partially nude photos containing identifying details like your face or tattoos. While it’s against the law in many places to circulate private sexual images, that doesn’t stop people from doing it.

SEE ALSO: Best sex toys for couples looking to switch things up between the sheets

Like Pornhub, most of these sites are free to access, with some offering various levels of paid membership fees to unlock bonus features. Others, like Tinder and Grindr, are largely free to use. So, if you're tired of seeing the same content over and over again at the hub, check out these Pornhub alternatives for NSFW encounters.

Before clicking through, consider yourself warned: NSFW content awaits.

Dating can be a challenge no matter your age, but the truth is that the older we get, the more in tune we become with our wants and needs.

While the over-50 dating pool might seem smaller, it's actually getting bigger all the time. Thanks to online dating, you now have new opportunities to connect with people who share your interests and values. If you’re still hesitant, consider this: A 2023 survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 26 percent of singles ages 50 and up now use dating sites and apps to find love, casual fun, and friendship.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What is the most successful dating site for seniors?

While niche sites like SeniorMatch, Singles50, and Just Senior Singles might come to mind, we've found that these platforms can be expensive and sometimes even predatory, offering a poor user experience and limited matches. They've also been known to attract scammers.

Instead, we recommend looking to larger, more established platforms like eharmony, SilverSingles, and Match. These popular apps aren't just for the younger crowd — they're filled with singles of all ages, including a significant number of mature users. In fact, that Pew Research Center survey found that adults ages 30 to 49 and 50 to 64 are twice as likely to use Match compared to other age groups.

Whether you're looking for something casual or a committed relationship, we've got you covered. We've tested the best dating sites for seniors, considering both age-specific options and mainstream apps with a large pool of singles over 50 and 60.

SEE ALSO: What are romance scams and how can you avoid them?

Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best dating sites and apps for seniors based on our own experiences, hands-on reviews, and comparative research on the experiences of other online daters. We’ve also answered some FAQs to help you get the most out of your online dating experience, from setting up your profile to avoiding romance scams.

Note that prices for dating apps and sites are constantly changing. We update this guide regularly, but there might be minor price differences.

Deciding to get back into the dating game can be nerve-wracking at any age. But the stakes may feel a little higher if you're in your 40s.

You may assume that people in your demographic either aren't interested in dating or are already settled into long-term relationships. However, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, as of 2021, nearly 25 percent of 40-somethings in the U.S. have never been married. Additionally, only 22 percent of unmarried adults ages 40 to 44 were cohabiting couples.

SEE ALSO: Dating predictions for the rest of 2024

So, have people in their 40s given up on finding love? Not at all. In fact, according to the Pew Research analysis, approximately one in four 40-year-olds who weren't married in 2001 tied the knot by age 60. But unlike people in their 20s and 30s, single people over 40 know what they want and aren't afraid to wait a little longer to find the right person.

How to start dating again at 40

Now, after that speech and spew of statistics, you're probably wondering what our grand plan is to get you out on the dance floor. The answer? Online dating. Before you scoff, hear us out.

Online dating is a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. The best dating sites for people over 40 make it so easy to connect with potential partners. You can filter through profiles and find matches who share your interests and values. Imagine if you could do that when scanning the room at a party — it would save a lot of time and effort.

But before you download a bunch of apps, Kiana Reeves, Somatic Sex Educator, Intimacy Coach, and Chief Education Officer at Foria, recommends taking a moment for self-reflection: "We join dating sites because we’re looking for connection, whether in the form of a serious relationship, a casual fling, or something in between. With that in mind, it’s important to identify the kind of connection you’re looking for before you join any dating sites, apps, etc."

SEE ALSO: Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships

Next, consider your approach to online dating, Reeves says. "Are you looking for a casual swipe-through site to meet people in a new city? Are you someone who likes to make the first move? Are you looking for someone who is only interested in a serious relationship? Are you looking for someone who shares your same faith? How much time are you planning to devote to making a connection?"

Once you've clarified your dating goals, Reeves recommends "joining a couple [apps] to start out with, so you can feel out what kind of user experience makes the most sense for you." She adds, "Of course, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s totally fine to just join one to start."

Ready to find love after 40? Or maybe you're looking for a no-pressure friend with benefits? We've got you. As data nerds, we've done the research, sourced expert advice, and did a lot of hands-on testing to find the best options for forty-something singles. Our comprehensive guide to the best dating apps for over-40 singles is here to help.

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

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 10 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 10

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Not just for poking

The hint for the theme is the relative shape of the objects are relevant.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are related to different kinds of sticks.

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 Sticks.

NYT Strands word list for August 10

• Control

• Hockey

• Licorice

• Sticks

• Swizzle

• Cinnamon

• Memory

Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After two thrilling semi-finals, it's France and the USA who will be going head-to-head for a gold medal at Paris 2024.

The semi-finals were incredibly close, with both teams winning by just four points. However, strong performances from both France and the USA meant Germany and Serbia will compete in the bronze medal match.

The final is set to be a great game, with the French team including names like Andrew Albicy and Frank Ntilikina, and on the US side LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

To watch France vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is France vs. USA at Paris 2024?

France vs. USA at Paris 2024 takes place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 10.

How to watch France vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free

You can live stream France vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer.

Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but basketball fans from across the world can still access this by using a VPN. VPNs are helpful tools that hide your real IP address (i.e., your digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK. With this, you can unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, and watch the basketball final at Paris 2024.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this easy process:

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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream France vs. USA 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 usually not free, but most do tend to offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. If you take advantage of these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without having to spend any cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the basketball final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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.

Live stream France vs. USA at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Through Sept. 3, if you want to prep a computer for work or school, you can get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for only £43.10. Once they're set up on your device, your license will never expire.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.10 at the Mashable Shop
£343.39 Save £300.29 Get Deal

If you're shopping for a computer or upgrading an old one, you might also want to update it with a new operating system and the apps you're going to use every day. 

Whether you're getting a computer for school, work, or just to use at home, Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office could be welcome additions to any machine, and you only have to pay for them once with this lifetime deal. With this bundle, you can get a shiny new OS, the latest Windows 11 security features, and a full suite of productivity apps — all for the mad price of £43.10 (reg. £343.39) until Sept. 3. 

Update your computer for less

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 is different from Microsoft 365. Though, this version comes with many of the same apps, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. However, these are slightly older versions and can only be installed on one device. The tradeoff is that you aren't paying for them every month, and you can use them as long as you have the computer they're installed on. 

Windows 11 Pro isn't compatible with every computer, so double-check your device's specs before purchasing. Once it's installed, you might notice some exciting changes that are immediately apparent. Changes like rounded window edges and snap layouts, and that's not even touching on all the security upgrades. 

If you're installing on a school or work computer, tools like bitlocker encryption, wake and lock, and support for biometrics login could be welcome upgrades, too. If this is a home computer, then check out what the DirectX 12 Ultimate does for gaming compatibility. 

Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office for life

Don't miss your chance to give your computer a serious productivity overhaul. 

Until Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, take advantage of this sale on a Microsoft Office 2021 lifetime license and Windows 11 Pro for £43.10. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.