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Samsung OLED week: Get up to 33% off OLED TVs

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 10:50

GET UP TO 33% OFF: As of August 9, Samsung is offering up to 33% off OLED TVs as part of its Samsung OLED Week sale.

Our top picks: Best gaming TV deal Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) $1,149.99 at Samsung (save $250 ) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) $1,299.99 at Samsung (save $400) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) $1,599.99 at Samsung (save $1,000) Get Deal

There are some staple items in every home that cost a lot upfront but provide years of use — washer and dryer sets, refrigerators, and TVs, to name a few.

While many people wait until their old TVs finally give out before upgrading, the latest advancements in OLED tech (like AI upscaling, Dolby Atmos, and super-fast refresh rates) may make it worthwhile to upgrade sooner rather than later.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

Right now, Samsung is hosting its OLED TV Week with discounts of up to 33% off select OLED models, making now an opportune time to pull out your wallet and get yourself a new centerpiece for your living room.

Best gaming TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) is built for gamers. Its lightning-fast 144Hz refresh rate, combined with FreeSync Premium, guarantees tear-free, stutter-free, and low-latency gameplay for a true HDR experience. The AI Auto Game Mode is a game-changer (pun intended), automatically optimizing settings the moment you start playing. Plus, the Gaming Hub and Game Bar keep all your essential gaming tools at your fingertips so you can focus on the action and beat the competition.

Right now, you can get this TV at Samsung for $1,149.99 ($250 off the listing price). It’s the same price at Best Buy, but Amazon has it for $1,147.99, which is the lowest price you'll find it.

Best 55-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) $1,299.99 at Samsung
$1,699.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) isn’t a gaming TV but features Motion Xcelerator 120Hz for a smooth viewing experience. Its OLED HDR display delivers cinema-like visuals with perfect blacks, a wide spectrum of vibrant Pantone-validated colors, and exceptional contrast, making it ideal for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series. The 120Hz refresh rate also means the sports fans in your life will be able to enjoy the Big Game without motion blur.

This model is priced at $1,299.99 at Samsung (a whopping $400 off the listing price). You can also get it at Best Buy for the same price, while Amazon is yet again undercutting at $1,297.99.

Best 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) $1,599.99 at Samsung
$2,599.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) is a premium TV that delivers vibrant, Pantone-validated colors, Dolby Atmos sound with Object Tracking Sound Lite, and a super smooth Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro feature capable of a 144Hz refresh rate when in Game Motion Plus mode. It's also equipped with a Gaming Hub and comes with a convenient SolarCell Remote that you can control with your voice (if you want to).

This high-end model is going for $1,599.99 at Samsung, but you can get it for $1,499.99 at Best Buy and Amazon.

Get this Little Green Machine alternative from Dirt Devil at just $80

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 10:38

SAVE 27%: The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact is an affordable carpet cleaner, down to just $79.99 right now at Amazon. That's a $30 discount from its list price of $109.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dirt Devil Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner $79.99 at Amazon
$109.61 Save $29.62 Get Deal

Owning and maintaining carpets is hard work, which is why it's best to rely on carpet and upholstery cleaners to do the maintenance part. Although the Bissell Little Green Machine is our top recommendation, the Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner is a great alternative, and it's discounted right now.

As of August 9, you can get the Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner for just $79.99 at Amazon, down from the usual list price of $109.99. That's a $30 (or 27%) discount. It's not the best price we've seen on this vacuum cleaner, but it usually retails for quite a bit more, so this isn't a bad time to snag.

We recently covered the Bissell Little Green Machine deal at $85.75, but if you missed that deal and have a $80 budget, the Dirt Devil should fit your needs. It promises simplified spot and stain removal, and a powerful enough motor to scrub away stubborn stains and dirt. It's also compact, so you can keep it out of sight when you aren't cleaning.

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 10:00

As Love Is Blind makes its big return to screens, this time with UK-based contestants, the dating reality TV series has shone a light on an important health issue for many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) people.

One of the show’s contestants, Demi — who sat in the pods talking to an array of eligible men on her quest for love — was refreshingly candid about her experiences of endometriosis and how it's impacted her dating life in the past.

One particular conversation with her fellow contestant Ollie is an important story and example of representation of the disease, inside and outside of romantic storylines on the show.

What is endometriosis?

According to charity Endometriosis UK, endometriosis “is the name given to the disease where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body”. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms: pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, fatigue, an increased risk of having difficulty becoming pregnant, and more.

SEE ALSO: How to spice up your sex life when you have endometriosis

In the UK alone, around 1.5 million women and AFAB people are currently living with the condition. Demi, a contestant on Love is Blind UK, is one of them.

Love Is Blind UK makes space to talk about endometriosis

In episode 3, when Ollie asks Demi what’s stopping her from connecting with him emotionally, she explains how her endometriosis has been a barrier in past relationships.

"I’ve always wanted a family and to be a good mum," she tells him. "It’s hard for me to naturally conceive because I’ve got endometriosis."

"Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m enough which is really scary," Demi adds. "You really struggle each month – physically, mentally." She goes on to explain that fertility problems she has faced as a result of her endometriosis "really has ruined relationships".

Demi opened up about endometriosis on the third episode of "Love Is Blind UK." Credit: Netflix

These life-altering symptoms of endometriosis are so important to talk about with a partner, and receive support for. It’s a well-known fact that endometriosis is also under researched – making its representation in TV shows even more crucial for raising awareness and demanding change.

"Latest research shows that only 54 percent of people know what endometriosis is," Faye Farthing, head of communications at Endometriosis UK, tells Mashable. She adds that this directly impacts diagnosis times and awareness of symptoms — both crucial to improving treatment for and day-to-day experiences of the disease. 

Specifically, Love Is Blind UK’s spotlighting of endometriosis and how it can impact people's experiences of dating and relationships is a fantastic step forward for raising awareness. But it's also crucial for teaching people without it about the romantic and intimate difficulties that people with endometriosis may face.

Dating with endometriosis can mean challenging conversations

"Endometriosis can have a significant impact on people’s relationships," Farthing says. "It can be hard to start a conversation about your condition to a new partner, and it’s encouraging that this will be spotlighted on the new series of Love Is Blind, to show how open discussions can take place and the importance of highlighting your needs with a partner." 

"This can be a really difficult conversation, and can be challenging for both the person with endometriosis and their partner."

SEE ALSO: Orgasms trigger my endometriosis: The sex lives of people with endo

She adds that many with endometriosis report feeling isolated by their condition, feeling "frustrated at having to cancel social plans, and having an understanding partner is so incredibly important for those with the disease".

"Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves and shining a light on this not only helps remove the taboo associated with the disease and its symptoms, but also hopefully highlights how to have an open dialogue with a partner and the importance of being in a supportive relationship," Farthing says.

“Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves."

Another fantastic example of endometriosis representation in pop culture right now is author Coco Mellors’ latest novel Blue Sisters. Published in May 2024, it explores the lives of four sisters — one of whom sadly passes away (before the novel even starts, so don’t worry, no spoilers) after an accidental overdose from attempting to medicate the pain from her endometriosis. Mellors has spoken openly about her reasons for incorporating endometriosis so centrally into a storyline — and it has everything to do with representation and spotlighting the need for more time and money to be put into women and non-binary people's health issues.

"In my first book, I have a character that has epilepsy, and that was because my best friend has epilepsy and I have never seen in any work someone dealing with the realities of it in a way that wasn't defining their life, but it was in their life, and I felt endometriosis is quite a similar disease in some ways," Mellors told Cosmopolitan in an interview

"It's just such an example for me of how male-centred the medical industry still is today, and how much women are expected to endure physically. It's a kind of lonely disease to be living with and I thought it felt true to this world that one of the sisters would have [endometriosis]."

It’s never been more important that endometriosis is talked about and recognised as a serious legitimate health condition — and watching storylines on TV and reading books about people and characters dealing with it can only further emphasise this.

Don't call it "benign"

Endometriosis UK is campaigning for healthcare professionals to stop using the word "benign" when referring to the disease, as well as other gynaecological conditions. The term can mean very real, often debilitating symptoms are underestimated, deprioritised, and ignored. Calling endometriosis "benign" stinks of medical misogyny, and lessens the perceived impact of diseases that affect so many women and non-binary people. 

We see the impact of the lack of awareness around endometriosis in author Sally Rooney’s debut novel Conversations With Friends and its TV adaptation. Protagonist Frances (played onscreen by Alison Oliver) has endometriosis, and struggles to be diagnosed and treated appropriately throughout the series. Frances experiences debilitating pain and excessive bleeding that she dismisses as "just her period". Then, when she does consult a medical professional, she is accused of having unprotected sex and is dismissed with a prescription of the contraceptive pill — a common tale. Eventually, she is diagnosed with endometriosis, but not after some wrong turns lead to her suffering from her symptoms for longer. Conversations With Friends perfectly encapsulates the importance of representing the realities of misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis when it comes to conditions like endometriosis.

"Endometriosis care urgently needs to improve," Farthing says. "Not only does diagnosis in the UK take on average eight years and 10 months, but gynaecology waiting lists in England have grown faster each month than any other elective specialty in percentage terms and are now over double the size they were prior to the pandemic."

Campaigning for change, Endometriosis UK is calling for the UK government to commit to an average diagnosis time target for endometriosis, to recognise it as a common and chronic disease, and adjust menstrual wellbeing education to reflect this. More than that, more research and funding is needed "as part of an investment into women’s health" to discover better treatment, pain management, and a cure.

Representation of endometriosis on TV and in books...can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change. 

The sharing of endometriosis stories, on screen and otherwise, can help create real change, Farthing says. "We often hear from patients who have felt ignored and dismissed, and seeing other people’s experiences can be incredibly validating, and shows that you are not alone in what you are experiencing and that this is a disease that can have a huge impact on people’s lives."

So, representation of endometriosis on TV and in books — whether it’s on Love Is Blind UK, a bestselling novel or another form of pop culture — can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change. 

"Onscreen stories of endometriosis can go a long way in improving public awareness," Farthing says. "Driving public awareness is key to ensuring everyone recognises the symptoms of the disease and how to seek help."

How to watch: Love Is Blind UK is now streaming on Netflix.

Top 10 YouTube videos this week, including Quenlin Blackwell, Mr. Beast, and more

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:56

Are you concerned about how to keep up with what’s trending? Don’t worry we’ve got you.

This past week has been full of game releases, competitions, and challenges with cash prizes. The best part is we’ve listed 10 videos you should know about so you can keep up in the conversations about the latest trends.  

Mr. Beast - Survive 100 Days In Nuclear Bunker, Win $500,000 

Mr. Beast is back at it again with a viral video that explores two strangers working together to survive 100 days in a nuclear bunker underground to win $500,000. Teamwork is essential for these two because, if even one of them leaves, they both lose and walk away with nothing. Over 121 million people tuned in to this 32-minute video since it was posted on Aug. 3 to see if willpower is enough to conquer this task.

Forge Labs - I Spent 100 Days in a Fungal Outbreak in Hardcore Minecraft... Here's What Happened

Minecraft fanatics, this one’s for you. On Aug. 4, YouTube creator Forge Labs takes you through his journey of the subcategory of “survival mode” in Minecraft, “hardcore,” where he says he spent 100 days battling a deadly fungus outbreak to avoid the permanent death fate that won’t allow him to respawn and take a second chance. Over 1.8 million people tuned in to this three-hour long video, and if you’re thinking about exploring the fungal infection mode, you may want to watch as well.  

Markiplier - The Joy of Creation: Part 1

This one’s for the Friday Nights at Freddy’s lovers. As a part of a week-long celebration for the game's 10th anniversary, ScottGames released a demo for The Joy of Creation (remake). Markiplier is one of a handful of YouTubers to post his stream the day of the demo release, Aug. 4, and there are two parts.

Total running production - Men's 100 Meter Finals Were HISTORIC || Noah Lyles VS. Kishane Thompson - Paris Olympics 2024

The Olympics is almost over, so whether you’re looking to relive some moments, or catch up on competitions you missed, social media is the place to do that. Total Running Productions not only catches you up on the Men’s 100 meter finals in under 10 minutes, but also gives you a slice of history to help put things in perspective.  

WWE - Roman Reigns rocks the WWE Universe with SummerSlam return: SummerSlam 2024 highlights

This is your chance to catch up on the must-see moments from WWE’s 2024 SummerSlam. Roman Reigns made an unexpected appearance — and a confrontation with his cousin Solo Sikoa left the crowd shocked.

Crunchyroll - Garp's Galaxy Impact | One Piece

One Piece fans got a sneak peek of Episode 1114 of the popular anime from Crunchyroll. You need a subscription to watch the full video, but this almost two-minute teaser may be able to help you decide if it’s worth the money. 

Quenlin Blackwell - Feeding Starving Influencers ft. the Sturniolo triplets

If you love when YouTubers collaborate, you might want to tune in to this meet-up with Quenlin Blackwell and the Sturniolotriplets. Get to know these four YouTubers in their kitchen and see whether they mesh well together.

Ryan Trahan - I Stayed in MrBeast's Nuclear Bunker

If you watched the aforementioned Mr. Beast nuclear bunker challenge, you’ll like this one, too. Although Ryan Trahan did not directly participate in the challenge for the grand prize of $500,000, he did spend two days with the contestants starting on day 48 of the 100-day challenge. Trahan’s challenge was to help these two strangers, turned frenemies, put aside their differences in an effort to make it to the finish line and claim the grand prize.  

Danny Gonzalez - Tech Products That Should Not Exist

Some tech doesn’t always function the way companies claim it will. YouTuber Danny Gonzalez delves into some poorly operating tech that he feels should not exist. If you have an hour to spare, this video dives into some controversial tech.

Nintendo of America - The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Traversing Hyrule Trailer – Nintendo Switch

This five-minute preview of the Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom gives you a rare look into the new Nintendo game that is expected to be released Sept. 26. Here, you can learn the ins and outs of the game to help with your purchasing decisions.

Ace back-to-school shopping with Momfluencer Tiffany Davidson’s Walmart picks

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:47

Lifestyle influencer Tiffany Davidson is a mom of four energetic, on-the-go kids ranging from elementary to middle school age, so she knows firsthand how hectic back-to-school shopping can be. With different supply lists, trendy clothes, and the right tech to find, it can quickly become overwhelming.

To tackle this challenge, Tiffany shares her go-to solution: "I absolutely love shopping at Walmart to pick out the essentials I’ll need to make the transition smoother for me and my kiddos," she says. From must-have school supplies to convenient tech solutions, she's excited to share her top picks to help make this school year the best!

'Mr. Throwback's Adam Pally busts out his impressions while playing 'Say, Action!'

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 08:44
Adam Pally performed famous movie lines while we gave him direction. What happened next was pure hilarity.

Olympic breaker Sunny Choi on her signature move, Roblox, and breaking full-time

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 08:34

Less than two years ago, Sunny Choi was living a double life working in corporate America by day and breaking by night. Then breaking was announced as an official Olympic sport, and Choi knew it was now or never. As a child, she had dreamed of attending the Olympics as a gymnast. Now, at 35, she is attending the IRL Games as a member of Team USA's first ever breaking team — and wandering around the metaverse as a digital avatar in a new Olympics-themed Roblox game.

Mashable caught up with Sunny for a quick chat less than a week before she headed off to Paris.

SEE ALSO: How to make the most of the Olympics on Peacock Hi Sunny! You're part of a new Olympics-themed Roblox game. Have you played Roblox before?

I knew of Roblox because my nieces play, but I had never played. My sister-in-law, actually, was saying that my nieces will probably be more excited about me being in Roblox than my being in the Olympics.

You've just given your nieces priceless bragging rights at school.

That's basically what my sister-in-law said. "They're gonna be so excited when they find out!" To be honest, I haven't been able to play in the experience myself because I've been a little busy [laughs] but I would love to, because I did get to see the two emotes [a Roblox avatar animation] of my breaking moves and they're so cute. With one of them, especially, you can definitely tell it's me if you know what my movements are.

How would you describe the move depicted in that emote?

It's like a signature move, I don't know that anyone else does anything quite like it. Some of my signature moves have names — like I have one that I call "wizardry" — but this one doesn't. It's just a long string of movements [and actually] that's the name, just because it helps me to remember it. 

There's this segment where I do a kind of one-handed back walkover, like a gymnast, but it goes around in a circle. It reminds me of a gymnastics move called the Valdez, so I call it a "Valdez-step-on-hand," because I literally land stepping on my hand, and then I grab my foot and I throw my foot up in the air.

Isn't the gaming term "noob" also used in the breaking community?

Yes, and it means the same thing: to be a beginner. I started breaking with people who were in the engineering school at Penn, so it may be that they use that word more than the rest of the breaking community, because I don't hear it often.

You were director of global creative operations for skincare at Estée Lauder before quitting to pursue breaking full-time in January 2023. What was that time like for you?

That life was actually really, really challenging, and I was lucky to be able to make that decision to jump into my passion and quit the corporate job. Had I not, I either would have had to find a job where I was able to work less, or I would have needed to dial back on the breaking because it was getting to a point where it was unsustainable. I was getting up at six in the morning, going to the gym and then working a New York City corporate day — which is not just a nine-to-five, by the way — and then logging off, changing, going to practice, answering emails and Slack while I was at practice, coming home, finishing the job, going to bed, getting six hours of sleep if I was lucky, and then doing it all over again. So it was definitely really, really tough.

I don't recommend trying to work full-time and pursuing another passion to that level. It is possible, I think, to go ahead and work a full-time job, and then also be passionate about something. But I think pursuing it at an Olympic level is definitely going to be challenging. You don't have any sense of balance. You have no time for anything else, including yourself. You don't have any downtime. And any time I did have downtime, I was so exhausted that I didn't get to really enjoy it.

SEE ALSO: How to make the most of the Olympics on Peacock Will you attend other sporting events at the Olympics?

We can apply to get tickets to watch other events, but I probably won't know what my schedule looks like until I'm there. And I'm assuming I'm not going to be the only athlete that wants to watch other events [laughs]. I don't know how that process goes, but I do think that they encourage athletes to go watch other sports.

There's a few sports where I've actually met the athletes. I've never been into water polo, but just meeting [Team USA water polo player] Ashleigh Johnson, she's really cool, so I'd like to watch her. Rugby Sevens looks really cool, I'd love to watch the women's team. I'm all about women's sports, so we're just talking women here by the way. Gymnastics, of course, is on there. I've always loved diving, so maybe diving would make it on there. Those on the top of my list.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

'Daily Show' mocks X's advertiser lawsuit with brutal parody video

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 06:44
"The Daily Show"s Desi Lydic created a parody version of X CEO Linda Yaccarino's video explaining X's decision to sue advertisers.

Fast-track your cybersecurity career with lifetime access to an educational course bundle for just $70

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to the Ultimate Advanced CyberSecurity Professional Certification Bundle for $69.97 through September 3 to help you boost your career in the IT field.

Opens in a new window Credit: Iducate The Ultimate Advanced CyberSecurity Professional Certification Bundle $69.97 at The Mashable Shop
$535.00 Save $465.03 Get Deal

In the current market, cybersecurity skills are more essential than ever — and they're in high demand.

This Advanced Cybersecurity Certification bundle offers a comprehensive collection of courses designed to elevate your expertise in the field. Priced at $69.97, this bundle is ideal for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and advance their career in cybersecurity.

Whether you're an IT consultant, a digital nomad, or someone eager to break into the cybersecurity industry, this bundle covers everything from risk management to advanced security practices. You'll dive into the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, mastering the steps needed to manage security and privacy risks effectively. The CISSP course helps you get a solid grasp of information security, giving you the tools to pass the CISSP certification exam.

For those looking to manage enterprise security, the ISACA CISM course focuses on developing and managing information security programs. It’s designed for aspiring managers and professionals aiming to align cybersecurity strategies with business objectives. If you're a hands-on technical professional, the CompTIA CASP+ certification courses will help you architect and implement secure solutions across complex environments, making you a valuable asset to any organization.

The courses are available 24/7 (and forever), so you can learn at your own pace and fit your studies around your schedule. This bundle not only adds to your skill-set but also opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in various sectors, including finance, government, and cybersecurity solutions.

With real-world applications and a focus on the latest industry trends, this cybersecurity certification bundle could be a smart investment in your professional future — on sale for $69.97 through September 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get fast, wireless charging for your iPhone for just $35

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 06:00

TL;DR: Charge your iPhone 12 or newer instantly with the Speedy Mag wireless charger for $34.97 (reg. $119.95) through September 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Avenue Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone $34.97 at The Mashable Shop
$119.95 Save $84.98 Get Deal

Keeping your devices charged without the hassle of cords is a game-changer, especially if you're always on the go. The Speedy Mag wireless charger offers a simple solution for iPhone users tired of tangled cords and slow charging speeds.

Charge your iPhone 12 or newer instantly with the Speedy Mag wireless charger for $34.97 (reg. $119.95) through September 3, providing quick and reliable power whenever you need it.

This charger is specifically designed for iPhones 12 and up, making it a great fit for anyone looking to simplify their charging routine. Whether you're at your desk, in the car, or just relaxing at home, you can easily snap it on and watch your battery fill up fast. It's ideal for anyone who wants their phone ready to go without the usual charging headache.

With the Speedy Mag, you can charge your phone effortlessly while working, cooking, or chilling on the couch. Its magnetic attachment keeps it securely in place, so you can keep using your phone while it powers up, avoiding messy cables and the fear of your phone slipping off the charger.

If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to keep your iPhone charged, the Speedy Mag wireless charger is worth considering.

At $34.97, the Speedy Mag wireless charger is a handy accessory for anyone with an iPhone 12 or newer who wants to make charging as simple as possible.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Ariana Grande takes on 'Hot Ones', remains alarmingly chill

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:39
Singer Ariana Grande appeared on "Hot Ones" to take on the spicy wing challenge.

Google’s Monopoly Money + Is the A.I. Bubble Popping? + The Hot-Mess Express

NYT Technology - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:05
“Maybe this actually is a chance to press the reset button on the internet.”

'Good One' review: A tense-father daughter hike tests the bonds of trust

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:00

A backpacking trip becomes imbued with simmering tensions in Good One, India Donaldson's subtly gripping feature debut about a father and daughter at odds. Told through the eyes of a queer teenager on the verge of adulthood, the film centers the kind of gruff, occasionally uncomfortable heterosexual machismo around which camping can thrive, but it grounds its notions of clashing genders and generations in a precisely wound family story.

It is, in essence, an adventurous thriller in which the adventure is a breezy trek at a slight elevation, and the thrills comprise mere glances. But rarely has a film conferred such monumental weight and importance upon the perspective of a teenage girl. Whether  anything happens through most of Good One depends on the point of view, though by the end of the movie's brisk 90 minutes, Donaldson's arch direction places Murphy's Law in its crosshairs. Practically anything can happen, and beneath the surface, everything does.

What is Good One about? Credit: Metrograph Pictures

After opening with calming shots of a burbling stream in the woods — a promise of sorts, towards which the movie's city-dwelling characters are drawn — Good One introduces New York high schooler Sam (Lily Collias) and her uptight father Chris (James Le Gros). As they pack for their trip to the Catskill Mountains, Sam spends time with a female friend of hers on whom she clearly has a crush, while Chris meticulously fits rectangular snacks and supplies into a cylindrical jar until there's no more room left.

Chris, who's divorced from Sam's mother, is remarried and has a wailing newborn; he sees this trip as an escape from frustrating domestic mundanities, and tries to exert a sense of control over every aspect. Sam, meanwhile, goes with the flow. What she wants out of this hike isn't certain, but she isn't opposed to the idea of it in general — or, it would appear, to new opportunities. Both characters exist at vastly different stages of transformation in middle age and teenhood; for Sam, college applications loom.They're soon joined en route to the Catskills by Chris' old friend Matt (Danny McCarthy), a more frustrated and far less-prepared accomplice in a transition of his own. Divorced as well, Matt was meant to bring his teenage son along — a close friend of Sam's — but a fight between them makes Matt the awkward third wheel to Chris and Sam's father-daughter bonding, or so it would seem.

Before long, this dynamic shifts as well. Chris and Matt have a brotherly dynamic, and their similarities cause them to fall into a familiar rhythm, though one that's alienating to Sam. The two men's dynamic is endearing at times, if occasionally tinged with language that Sam's generation might've long soured on — like calling women "females." But they are, for the most part, harmless lunks at opposite ends of a comedic spectrum: a man who's meticulously over-prepared, and a man who wears jeans on a hike and forgets his sleeping bag.

However, what sets Good One apart from the usual crop of men-in-arrested-development American comedies is that Sam is caught in the middle of their straight-man/funny-man shtick, not just as a casual observer but an unwitting participant in their lives, their arguments, and their disagreements. She isn't just a casual mediator who has fun intervening, but someone whose life is (and has been, for as long as she's been alive) tied up in theirs. This places her in the awkward position of wanting to help and joke around, but without ruffling any feathers.

As jovial as this dynamic may be, it soon grows fragile. Cracks first begin to appear when a trio of young men set up their own camp nearby, and Sam's objection to her father in private goes unheard, or at best misunderstood. They grow more pronounced when Matt's drunken self-loathing veers into territory so discomforting that you might momentarily stop breathing. All the while, the story of Good One lives and breathes through its stellar lead performance.

Good One features some of the best acting this year. Credit: Metrograph Pictures

The complexities of Donaldson's screenplay are owed, in large part, to the fact that Matt and Chris are deeply sympathetic characters. Spending time with them is largely a joy, even if the occasional verbiage of theirs feels retrograde at times.

Chris, for instance, embodies an eager, clownish dad, a protector who builds emotional shields through low-hanging humor and fun factoids. He takes pride in the simplest of things, like the way Sam pours soup ("Isn't that a steady pour?" he repeats more than once), and while cooking rustic meals, talks about how you "need the bean to meet its potential." Le Gros leans fully into the goofy persona of a man desperately trying to be one with nature, forcing himself into the groove of camping to the point that anyone stepping a foot out of line or not following his rule book receives a scolding.

However, where Le Gros really taps into Chris is in his refusal to fully see his daughter, despite practically never taking his eye off her. This applies to both men, but where Matt can afford to be disengaged, Chris is never concerned (or even really aware) that Sam is changing her tampons in the open forest when strange men could be nearby. And where a more traditional drama might weave ongoing verbal conflicts into this father-daughter story, Good One paves the path for them through reaction shots from both Le Gros and Collias, building Chris and Sam's relationship not through communication but through a lack thereof.

Collias, meanwhile, puts on a clinic of concern and self-doubt, as Sam intuits ever-so-slightly weird vibes at several turns. Of course, to break such an intricate story down to a matter of gender binaries would do it a disservice, but it truly does embody the varying ways men and women learn to navigate the world, given their experiences and how they're socialized.

Right in the middle of this dynamic is the streetwise Matt, who McCarthy fills to the brim with emotions simply waiting to burst forth. The character (a former actor on a mid-2000s procedural, echoing McCarthy's recurring role on Prison Break) conceals the real ways his failures at fatherhood continue to bother him. Matt casually brushes off these paternal inadequacies, though he always seems to search for answers about what to do, even if those answers come from a high schooler. McCarthy is the movie's secret weapon, its beating heart and soul — which makes it all the more viscerally impactful when Matt's comments towards Sam begin skirting the line of appropriateness.

Good One is an unexpected gut punch. Credit: Metrograph Pictures

For Sam, who's nearing the end of high school, navigating the world in the long run means being exposed to it first, then living outside of the comforts and confines of home. This risky adventure is given literal form by Donaldson's setting: the great outdoors, where practically any scenario could arise when strangers are nearby.

Sam may exist in close proximity to Chris' protective shadow, but a tragic part of the story is her discovery that this, too, has its limits. No character in the film, not Matt nor any of the young men they come across, has any particularly sinister aura, but the film's sense of looming unease is born from brief moments and stray dialogue that makes Sam (and the audience) question the intent of other characters, without ever providing answers.

This functions as a kind of filmic plausible deniability, and allows any and every character to simply resume their regular, friendly status quo as though nothing out of the ordinary has happened. And to them, this is indeed the case, whereas to Sam, something definitely has happened. Meanwhile, the plot and dialogue constantly poke and prod at Sam's sense of equilibrium. That nothing happens in terms of overt genre or thriller flourishes is precisely the point, because the phantom possibilities are unnerving all on their own. From there on out, it becomes a question of who in the film, including Sam herself, will take those emergent possibilities into consideration, and how this will affect the rest of the trip — an unfortunate question she not only needs to ask, but has answered for her in the process.  

Good One is ultimately a dialogue-heavy film about a culture of silence. It's akin to Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding in that regard, though it lives at the far opposite end of the cinematic spectrum, unfolding quietly and unassumingly, and sans overt confrontation, until things finally boil over in ways that can't help but strain even the most pleasant relationships. Its intensity is born not from what happens but the possibility of what could, and the question of whether or not that possibility is enough to change one's perception of other people, and of the harshness of the world at large. 

Sam is essentially forced to come of age before our eyes when witnessing this harshness firsthand. She's not only exposed to the failures and insecurities of two father figures, but to their indifference to her lived experience in a way that pierces the veil of childhood safety and comfort. Few experiences are more jarring. Donaldson's deft direction ensures that by the end of the film, much like Sam, we also feel our sense of trust has been shaken as we emerge into the real world.

Good One opens in theaters Aug. 9.

Don’t miss it: Sam’s Club memberships now $25 (50% off)

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Save 50% on a Sam’s Club 1-year membership for a limited time, making it just $25 this month.

TikTok tried to convince us that Erewhon Market is the most luxurious place to get groceries, but we’d argue that Sam’s Club takes the cake. It might not have ridiculously expensive berries, but you can get multiple errands done under one roof and skip the checkout line if you download their app.

The only downside is that, like a real club, you have to be a member to get inside the door. If you want in, save 50% here with our Sam’s Club membership deal and get one year for $25 (reg. $50) this month only.

VIP savings and shopping perks inside

Sam’s Club members usually have a hard time leaving without the entire store in their carts since they can shop for everything from fresh and frozen groceries to electronics and furniture in one place. You won’t have to hop between multiple stores to get everything on your list anymore.

Plus, with bulk-sized goods, you probably won’t have to make as many trips to Sam’s Club as you would with your regular store—that is if you can handle staying away.

If your cart is full to the brim and the line looks long, there’s no need to stand and wait. With Scan and Go™ on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan your items, show your digital receipt on your way out (everyone has to do this), and be on your way.

Members of Sam’s Club also rave about savings on gas, so don’t forget to fill up your tank on the way home. The club also has a tire and battery center if your car needs more than fuel.

Speaking of members-only, you’ll get even more discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. We think you’ll earn back that $25 membership fee in no time with how much you’re saving on, well, everything.

Don’t miss out on this Sam’s Club membership offer—get one year for $25 (reg. $50) this month only.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! $25.00 at The Mashable Shop
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Find your next obsession among 3,000+ gripping documentaries on ad-free MagellanTV

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Pay only $35.99 for a whole year of documentary streaming from MagellanTV.

For those who love to dig into cool facts and stories, MagellanTV is your go-to for a whole year of streaming captivating documentaries. With over 3,000 series and titles, this service is perfect for anyone who can't get enough of history, science, and more.

Whether you want to explore ancient empires or get lost in the mysteries of space, MagellanTV has you covered with a fresh lineup that regular streaming platforms don't offer. A year-long subscription is on sale for $35.99 for a limited time.

What makes MagellanTV so awesome is its focus on telling stories that cater to unique interests. Whether you're into the wonders of nature or the twists and turns of human history, there's always something here that'll grab your attention. With such a diverse library, there's never a dull moment, making it the perfect pick if you're tired of the same old TV shows.

On top of that, MagellanTV gives you an ad-free experience, so you can dive into stories without any interruptions. Plus, it's accessible on a variety of devices (iOS devices, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, or smart TV), so you can catch a great documentary wherever you are.

Dive into a world of discovery and let these epic documentaries spark your imagination. Whether you're just curious or a full-on documentary addict, MagellanTV is your ticket to the best stories around.

Normally $59, you can get a one-year subscription to the MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service on sale for $35.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: MagellanTV MagellanTV Documentary Streaming Service: 1-Year Subscription $35.99 at The Mashable Shop
$59.88 Save $23.89 Get Deal

'Industry' Season 3 review: There's no better time to invest in HBO's finance drama

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:00

Industry's cocktail of business dealings, sex, and drugs has earned it comparisons to Succession, Billions, Euphoria, and Skins. But in its third season, it's never been clearer that Industry is doing its own thing.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV shows of 2024 (so far)

That's because Season 3 of Industry is the show in experimentation mode. Flashbacks are on the table now, supporting characters get more of a spotlight, and the scope has never been larger. Co-creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay pull references from everywhere from Uncut Gems and the films of Michael Mann to Barry Lyndon and A Room with a View, creating episodes that vary in tone but never lose the frenetic energy that makes Industry tick. The risks of constantly playing with a show's formula may not always pay off (looking at you, The Bear Season 3), but for Industry, whose characters live on risky choices and shifting alliances, this approach proves absolutely perfect.

What's Industry Season 3 about? Myha'la, Harry Lawtey, and Marisa Abela in "Industry." Credit: Nick Strasburg / HBO

Of course, the risks Industry characters take often end them up in hot water. Take Harper Stern (Myha'la, Leave the World Behind), whose forged college transcript in Season 1 led to her firing from fictional investment bank Pierpoint & Co. at the end of Season 2. Hungry to stay in the game by whatever means possible, Harper's now taken an assistant role at investment fund FutureDawn. And while she finds the job — and FutureDawn's focus on ethical investment — mind-numbing, she also discovers a potential new ally in cutthroat portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg, Barry).

Harper may roll her eyes at ethical investing, but over at Pierpoint, it's all the rage. Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela, Back to Black), taking over Harper's old role, is working alongside Eric Tao (Ken Leung, Lost) and Robert Spearing (Harry Lawtey, Joker: Folie À Deux) on the IPO of buzzy green energy company Lumi, headed by untested (yet very rich) Lumi CEO Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington, Game of Thrones). Whether anyone at Pierpoint actually believes in Lumi's mission or the "ethical" aspect of ethical investing is something Industry takes razor-sharp delight in skewering, just as the show tackled COVID-19 profiteers in Season 2.

SEE ALSO: 'The Umbrella Academy' Season 4 review: A bonkers victory lap

This being Industry, it's not long before the personal and professional clash in spectacular fashion. Lumi's IPO comes at a fraught time for almost every member of Pierpoint. Yasmin has become tabloid fodder following her father Charles' (Adam Levy, The Witcher) embezzlement scandal; Robert is reeling following an unexpected loss; and Eric's recent separation has led him down a road of sex, drugs, and poor managerial decisions. Honestly, Harper should be thanking her lucky stars she's not at Pierpoint anymore — although that certainly won't stop her from re-entering the fray in unexpected ways.

Industry embraces the chaos in Season 3, with thrilling results. Sagar Radia and Ken Leung in "Industry." Credit: Nick Strasburg / HBO

Industry's new focus on ethical investing and the addition of characters like Petra and Henry prove its commitment to expanding season by season. That commitment is evident on a formal level, too. Yes, you'll still get juicy personal drama and high-speed trading-floor chatter. But you'll often be served these Industry staples in new ways. Flashbacks to Yasmin's time on a boat with her father add an intriguing mystery element to the season, and an episode focused entirely on Rishi Ramdani (Sagar Radia) adds necessary depth to an oft-sidelined character, all while raising the bar on just how stressful Industry can be. (Seriously, you've seen nothing yet.)

As Industry kicks itself into higher gear, so too does its ensemble cast. Myha'la, Abela, and Lawtey remain three anchor-solid leads, playing the complicated feelings of friendship and competitiveness between this trio with as much pathos as cutthroat instinct. Goldberg and Harington are fun additions, too: Goldberg's sharpness as Petra perfectly complements Myha'la's as Harper, while Harington's Muck hides layers of sleaze and manipulation under the guise of "being vulnerable."

But it's Leung's Eric who feels the most like Industry's rotten core in Season 3. Separated from his wife but newly made partner, Eric's whole identity is Pierpoint, Pierpoint, Pierpoint — with a side of midlife crisis. As he gets back into drugs — "I haven't done blow since 9/11," he reveals in the premiere — and casual sex, it's almost as if we're watching him return to his early days at the bank. He would have fit right in with the hard-partying grads in Season 1, with the small caveat that he's still their boss. It's fascinating to watch Eric try to recapture that youth and the "relentlessness" he ties to his masculinity, with Leung often playing him like a just barely contained explosion.

Yet even as Eric and every other member of Industry's cast throw their entire beings into their work, there's always the chance that it could chew them up and spit them out at the slightest wrong move. Of course, there's also the chance that it could reward them and make them richer than rich. That atmosphere of high-risk, high-reward decision-making, complemented by high-risk, high-reward television-making, makes watching Industry a high of its own. It's brutal, it's intoxicating, and it's never been better.

Industry Season 3 premieres Aug. 11 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max, with new episodes weekly.

Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships.

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 05:00

In 2024, dating app fatigue is real, and frankly, who can blame folks? Popular apps are starting to look (and function) more and more like copies of each other, and people have even sued the apps for being more concerned with getting users addicted to swiping than helping them find love.

With the current state of things, it may feel like the "best dating apps for serious relationships" is an oxymoron, but hear us out — Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge aren't your only options (even though we think they still have their merits!). Even if you're dealing with serious dating app burnout, using the app that's the best fit for you might just help you along your journey to find your person.

So, are dating apps worth it?

Even using the right app for you still may bring moments of uncertainty and frustration — you're dating after all — but finding the app with the features that most align with your style of dating, and what type of partnership you're looking for can absolutely still make online dating worth it.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 44 percent of adults say they use dating apps to find a long-term partner rather than just casual dating or hookups. This survey also found that one in 10 partnered adults met their current partner through a dating app. So, even if you've yet to find that magical, swoon-worthy connection, the statistics show that it's definitely possible to find true love through online dating. Some of our own writers and editors have even found lasting love on these apps.

With that said, if you've been on the apps for a while and find yourself dealing with some serious burnout, it's always fair to take some time off, and come back to it when you feel ready — our guide will be here for you then. Even the best app can feel exceptionally tedious when you simply don't have the energy.

Which dating app is best for serious relationships?

There are so many dating apps, but not all of them are created equal when it comes to finding a serious, committed relationship.

SEE ALSO: How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder?

Some free dating apps are better suited for casual flings or hookups (e.g., Tinder, Grindr, etc.), while others have matching algorithms and profile features specifically designed to help users find meaningful connections (e.g., eharmony, OkCupid, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel).

The good news is that we've done the research (and hands-on testing) to figure out which apps work best for long-term relationships, and Match Group isn't the only player in the game. Plus, all of these platforms are available via Google Play and the App Store, so having an Android or iPhone won't limit your options. Some of the old-school dating sites still maintain a desktop version as well.

To find your match, here are the best dating apps for serious relationships in 2024:

Apple is about to smallify its Mac mini even more

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 04:57

Apple is working on a new version of Mac mini, and this one will truly live up to its name.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is planning a thoroughly redesigned Mac mini that would be far smaller than the current edition, "approaching the size of an Apple TV set-top box."

Here's what this means, exactly. The current version of Mac mini is 1.41 inches tall, 7.75 inches wide, and 7.75 inches deep. The version with the M2 chip weighs 2.6 pounds, while the version with the M2 Pro weighs 2.8 pounds.

Apple TV 4K is roughly half the size of that. It's 1.2 inches tall, 3.66 inches wide, and 3.66 inches deep. The Wi-Fi model weighs just 0.46 pounds.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence: We already told you it won’t be free. But here’s how much it may cost.

According to the report, however, the Mac mini will be more cube-like in appearance, as it might actually be taller than the current version. Its enclosure will once again be made of aluminum, just like on the previous version.

Gurman recently predicted that Apple would put its new M4 processor into all of its Macs, including the Mac mini. The current version of Mac mini is available with either an M2 or M2 Pro chip.

But what about the performance? According to Gurman's sources, the new Mac mini is "essentially an iPad Pro in a small box" (the iPad Pro was the first Apple device to get the new M4 chip). Two versions will be available, one sporting the M4 chip, and the other powered by the M4 Pro chip, which hasn't been announced yet.

The new Mac mini should become available for purchase later this year, likely in October or later.

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 9

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 02:43

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 9 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 9

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, August 9, 2024:

AcrossMove like a kangaroo
  • The answer is hop.

Purple soda flavor
  • The answer is grape.

Bird used for sending messages on "House of the Dragon"
  • The answer is raven.

Oak tree-to-be
  • The answer is acorn.

What half-life measures, in nuclear physics
  • The answer is decay.

DownPandemonium
  • The answer is havoc.

Performance for a prima donna
  • The answer is opera.

Take a ___, leave a ___
  • The answer is penny.

Mortarboard wearer
  • The answer is grad.

A dash is a short one
  • The answer is race.

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for August 9

Mashable - Fri, 08/09/2024 - 02:33

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 9 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 9

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: Back to nature

The hint for the theme is that scouts are great at each of these things.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are related to outdoor activities.

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 Outdoorsy.

NYT Strands word list for August 9
  • Fish

  • Swim

  • Camp

  • Outdoorsy

  • Birdwatch

  • Forage

  • Stargaze

  • Hike

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.

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