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TL;DR: Get equipped for the school year with a refurbished 9th-Gen iPad and Beats Flex headphones for 39% off at $299.99 (reg. $499).

As the school year approaches, it’s time to gear up with the tech that will make all the difference, for you or your kid. Whether you’re handling your own coursework or ensuring your child is set up for success, this iPad and Beats Flex bundle could be a great option. Discounted to $299.99, you’ll get two must-have devices that help you stay productive in class and relax after a long day of studying.

The 9th-generation iPad is a versatile tool for students of all ages. With 64GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for textbooks, assignments, and essential apps. The 10.2-inch Retina display ensures that everything from study materials to creative projects looks sharp and vibrant, keeping you or your child engaged during those study sessions. And with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can seamlessly stay connected with online classes, research, and family.

Complementing the iPad, the Beats Flex headphones are ideal for both learning and leisure. Whether you’re listening to a lecture, attending a virtual class, or just enjoying music between study breaks, these wireless headphones deliver quality sound in a comfortable, portable package. Their flexible design means they easily fit into just about any backpack or school bag.

The refurbished status of this bundle is "A"-rated, meaning it is in near-mint condition, and that you may see minimal to no signs of exterior damage.

Make this school year a success with the right tools in your hands — and ears.

For a limited time, get this Apple iPad 9th-Gen and Beats Flex Wireless Headphones refurbished bundle on sale for $299.99 (reg. $499).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 9th Gen (2021, 64GB) + Beats Flex Wireless Headphones — Refurbished Bundle $299.99 at the Mashable Shop
$499.00 Save $199.01 Get Deal

If you've ever quoted comedian Brian Jordan Alvarez's web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo or sung along to his viral hit "Sitting," rejoice! Alvarez has brought his comedic sensibilities to FX, where he created and stars in the new show English Teacher.

Alvarez (who also wrote and directed several episodes) plays Evan Marquez, an English teacher at Austin's Morrison-Hensley high school. He's prone to taking stands for what he believes in, and even more prone to screwing up his moral crusades. These gaffes, combined with A-plus casting and a richly developed high school setting, make English Teacher the freshest, funniest sitcom of the year so far.

SEE ALSO: 40 shows we can't wait to see this fall What's English Teacher about? Sean Patton, Stephanie Koenig, and Brian Jordan Alvarez in "English Teacher." Credit: Steve Swisher/FX

English Teacher gets off to a foreboding start: Evan is under investigation after a homophobic parent complained about him kissing his boyfriend Malcolm (Jordan Firstman) — now ex — in front of students. That an external force is trying to govern Evan's teaching becomes a common thread throughout English Teacher, as the show addresses several serious real-world issues over the course of its season, including gun safety in schools and LGBTQ rights.

Don't let the heaviness of these topics fool you, though. English Teacher is no after-school special. Instead, the series highlights not only the ridiculousness of the problems Evan faces, but also the ridiculousness of Evan's own reactions, each of which lead to some comedically misguided escalations. An attempt to cancel a performance where football players dress up as cheerleaders leads Evan to hold a drag seminar taught by local drag queen Shazam (played by drag superstar Trixie Mattel). The rise of a school gun safety club prompts Evan to assign the world's most misguided essay on Crime and Punishment.

SEE ALSO: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 review: Darkness looks good on Middle-earth

Nothing here goes according to plan, nor does English Teacher ever take the predictable route. Look no further than a possible romance with substitute teacher Harry (Langston Kerman), which does not play out the way audiences (or Evan himself) might think. While that storyline fades away rather abruptly in the latter half of the six English Teacher episodes sent to critics for screening, it's just one example of how the series prefers to chart its own path.

English Teacher has a perfect cast. Stephanie Koenig and Sean Patton in "English Teacher." Credit: Steve Swisher/FX

English Teacher, like The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo, sets a particular tone and pace right off the bat. There's a shorthand intimacy between these characters who have known each other for years. They talk super quickly, even over each other, enveloping us in their world with just a few lines. Quick asides, such as an "Oh, I love this song!" delivered mid-principled tirade, often tell us all we need to know about someone.

As the show's creator, Alvarez naturally excels at mastering this tone, delivering an assured lead performance that makes Evan's frustrations with and passion for teaching both believable and hilarious. His fellow castmates match him every step of the way. Stephanie Koenig shines as Evan's best friend and fellow teacher Gwen; you can tell she and Alvarez are longtime collaborators from the sheer ease and specificity of their comedic chemistry. Other standouts include Sean Patton as often inappropriate (yet surprisingly insightful) gym teacher Markie, and Enrico Colantoni as frazzled Principal Grant, who all but runs the other way when he sees Evan coming.

The charm of English Teacher's cast and characters extend to Morrison-Hensley's students, played by a large ensemble of young actors including Aliyah Bah (aka Aliyah's Interlude), Romy Mars, Ben Bondurant, and Ivy Wolk. While Morrison-Hensley's faculty may not always understand their students — "They're not into being woke anymore," Evan laments — English Teacher takes great pains to do so, building out the students beyond simple high school archetypes. Their screen time may be limited, but these students still feel like they have rich inner lives. In some cases, they could even be smarter and more well-adjusted than the adults they're meant to be learning from.

Having such a detailed ensemble grounds English Teacher in the reality of high school, even if its plotlines are mostly heightened for comedy's sake. And just like its school-set compatriot Abbott Elementary, English Teacher still has quite a bit to say about the good public school teachers do, in spite several encroaching problems that may hinder them. That messaging, and the show's breakneck pacing and killer dialogue, send English Teacher and Alvarez rocketing to the top of the sitcom class.

English Teacher premieres Sept. 2 at 10 p.m. ET on FX, with new episodes every Monday. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.

Film Festival Season is upon us! From Venice to Toronto to New York City to Fantastic Fest, Mashable will be hitting each one to bring you the best and brightest highlights from slates that include hundreds of contenders.

Whether you're wondering what powerful film might hook Oscar gold this winter, looking for a totally bonkers movie to thrill over with friends, or seeking a hidden gem of cinema splendor, we're here on the ground at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to help. Last year, we reviewed such awe-inspiring offerings as Hayao Miyazaki's poetic opus The Boy and the Heron, the gonzo comedy Dicks: The Musical, and Alexander Payne's winsome holiday dramedy The Holdovers, which featured our favorite one-line wonder of the year.

This year, TIFF has us looking forward to new films from Pedro Almodóvar, Will Ferrell, Mike Flanagan, Luca Guadagnino, Marielle Heller, and Pharrell Williams. And there's even more in store we can't wait to discover.

Here are the 15 films you should know about from TIFF 2024.

Will & Harper Will Ferrell and Harper Steel go on a road trip. Credit: TIFF

The titular duo of this road trip documentary is responsible for such big-swing comedies as Casa de mi Padre, A Deadly Adoption, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. But long before all of those, they were friends building a bond, working at Saturday Night Live.

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have known each other for decades. But when, at 61, Harper came out as trans and transitioned into living openly as a woman, the time came for the two to reconnect. A 16-day road trip across America was not only a way for Will to better understand Harper, but also a chance for Harper to revisit dive bars, sports arenas, and other once-treasured spaces that might not be as welcoming now. Together, they explore friendship, privilege, and what it means to be trans in the U.S. And while the content can be heavy, under the director of Josh Greenbaum, who helmed the supremely hilarious Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, the tone is light, accessible, and ultimately resoundingly heartwarming.

Starring: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele

How to watch: Will & Harper debuts on Netflix Oct. 4.

The Substance

Out of its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, The Substance scored rave reviews and much buzz about its revolting spectacle. But we'd expect nothing less from Coralie Fargeat, the viciously brilliant writer/director behind the stylish and shattering Revenge.

Tackling Hollywood's dangerous obsession with looks, The Substance stars Demi Moore as a star forced out of the industry due to her age. When a shady scientific breakthrough promises a younger, "better" version of herself, she's quick to push the plunger. But these two halves must take turns, living one week at a time. And the beguiling go-getter Sue (Margaret Qualley) isn't much for waiting her turn.

Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, Hugo Diego Garcia, Joseph Balderrama, Oscar Lesage

How to watch: The Substance hits theaters Sept. 20.

Piece by Piece

American music mogul Pharrell Williams has given audiences a barrage of hit songs, collaborated with some of the biggest artists in rap, and won 13 Grammys (so far). It's about time someone told his story. But a bog-standard bio-doc of talking heads and concert footage was never going to fully grasp the creativity of this icon. So, Academy Award–winning documentarian Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom) brings a bold new angle by re-enacting this story with Lego-inspired animation.

Williams not only lends his voice, but also produces, welcoming a flood of famous friends and collaborators all re-imagined as mini-figs. It looks bonkers, and we're absolutely stoked to see it.* 

Starring: Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, N.O.R.E., Pusha T., Daft Punk, and Kendrick Lamar

How to watch: Piece by Piece opens in theaters Oct. 11. 

The Mountain

If you loved Hunt for the Wilderpeople, you won't want to overlook The Mountain. Rachel House, who played the Terminator-like social worker in Wilderpeople, makes her directorial debut with a charming coming-of-age adventure that also features misfit teens trekking into the New Zealand wild.

When 11-year-old Māori girl Sam (Elizabeth Atkinson) learns her cancer has returned, she escapes the children's hospital to climb Taranaki Maunga, hoping that proving herself to the mountain will cure her. Along the way, she befriends the fearful but caring new kid in town Mallory (Reuben Francis) and the passionate environmentalist Bronco (Terrence Daniel), both of whom reluctantly agree to be her sherpas. Together, they set forth on a quest that is at times silly, at times suspenseful, but always heartfelt.

Starring: Elizabeth Atkinson, Terence Daniel, and Reuben Francis

Daniella Forever Henry Golding and Beatrice Grannò play lovers in "Daniella Forever." Credit: TIFF

Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo has a unique skill for blending genre with mind-bending storytelling. He broke through stateside in 2007 with the deeply gnarly horror-thriller Timecrimes. And though he's contributed to scary anthologies like The ABCs of Death and V/H/S Viral, you might know him best as the writer/helmer of Colossal, the superbly surreal comedy that starred Anne Hathaway as a woman who's accidentally manifesting a rampaging kaiju over Seoul.

Now, Vigalondo has teamed up with Henry Golding for a tale about grief and lucid dreaming. To move on after the death of his girlfriend, Nicolas (Golding) joins a sleep trial that reunites him with some version of his beloved Daniela (Beatrice Grannò). We have no idea where this could go, and that's part the appeal of Vigalondo's work. The other part is humor that is dark, blistering, and unapologetic. 

Starring: Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, Aura Garrido, and Nathalie Poza

The Life of Chuck Tom Hiddleston stars in "The Life of Chuck." Credit: TIFF

Horror auteur Mike Flanagan has made his name with harrowing movies like Doctor Sleep, Hush, and Gerald's Game, along with absolutely haunting miniseries for Netflix, including The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.

For his latest, he's adapting a Stephen King novella that's not a horror story. Tom Hiddleston stars as Chuck Krantz, a seemingly ordinary accountant who has an unusual impact on those who see his smiling face. One of the more curious world premieres at TIFF, The Life of Chuck has us very intrigued. 

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Jacob Tremblay

Queer A man snaps a photo in "Queer." Credit: TIFF

Director Luca Guadagnino has awed critics and audiences with his distinctive romances, from the gay drama Call Me By Your Name to the coming-of-age cannibal tale Bones and All and the love-triangle thriller Challengers. Now, he re-teams with Challengers scribe Justin Kuritzkes to adapt American author William S. Burroughs' 1985 novel.

Queer stars Daniel Craig as an American expat who wanders around the gay bars of postwar Mexico City seeking thrills and maybe himself. Guadagnino's past work alone is reason to line up for Queer, but the collaboration with Kuritzkes and Craig has us absolutely giddy. 

Starring: Daniel Craig, Lesley Manville, and Jason Schwartzman

Heretic

A24 teams with A Quiet Place scribes Scott Beck and Bryan Woods for a new horror movie that's already got tongues wagging thanks to a tantalizing teaser.

When two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) go door-to-door to preach the values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they seek to save souls. But can they save themselves when a welcoming home proves to be a deadly snare? If Paddington 2 taught us anything, it's not to trust a smiling Hugh Grant! 

Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East

How to watch: Heretic opens in theaters Nov. 15.

The Room Next Door

Boundary-pushing Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has bestowed upon us such wonder as All About My Mother, The Skin I Live in, Talk to Her, and — most recently, the queer Western short Strange Way of Life. Now, he's tackling his first English-language feature with a cast that has us absolutely screaming in excitement.

Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore co-star as two writers who were close friends in their youth. As the decades have led them down different paths, Ingrid (Julianne Moore) drew from her life to write novels, while Martha (Tilda Swinton) became a journalist who focused on war. But when a strange situation leads them to reconnect, how will their relationship bloom or wither? We can't wait to find out. You had our attention at Pedro. At Tilda + Julianne, you have us seated.

Starring: Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, and Alessandro Nivola

Mistress Dispeller Wang Zhenxi shows the insides of her work in "Mistress Dispeller." Credit: TIFF

Documentarian Elizabeth Lo (Stray) takes a thorough and judgment-free look at a curious vocation in China. As the title suggests, Mistress Dispeller focuses on Wang Zhenxi, a woman whose job is to break up affairs between married men and their mistresses. What that looks like might well spark fascination. But in practice, this titular negotiator's job is far more complex than we might imagine. A mix of therapy, manipulation, and third-wheeling makes for a journey that is joltingly intimate yet humane.

You might never look a love triangle the same way again.

Starring: Wang Zhenxi

Conclave

The crackling cast alone is reason to look forward to this Edward Berger-directed psychological thriller, set amid one of the Catholic church's most sacred and secretive traditions.

When the pope dies, the college of cardinals convenes in private to elect who among them will ascend to lead the church and be God's voice on Earth. Ralph Fiennes stars as the dean, responsible for overseeing the process. But as whispers mount and politicking ignites, the secrets of these men of the cloth come to light in shocking ways. Based on Robert Harris's 2016 novel of the same name, Conclave brings tension along with nuanced performances that are as electrifying as they are divine. 

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

How to watch: Conclave opens in theaters Nov. 1. 

Space Cowboy People skydive in a car in "Space Cowboy." Credit: TIFF

Have you ever watched a skydiving sequence in a movie, TV show, or commercial and wondered, how did they do that?

Space Cowboy, directed by Marah Strauch and Bryce Leavitt, explores exactly that through the incredible life story of skydiving cinematographer Joe Jennings. From Jennings' humble origins as an oddball kid who relished running around outside to his rise to become the most sought-after specialty cinematographer for sky-high stunts, this documentary tenderly charts a course of risk and reward. It's not just about the specifics and safety protocols that led to the creation of award-winning ads and blockbuster spectacle. Space Cowboy also delves into the mental health struggles that even professional thrill-seeking can't ignore. 

Starring: Joe Jennings

The Order Jude Law plays an agent on the trail in "The Order." Credit: TIFF

From director Justin Kurzel (The Snowtown Murders) comes a crime thriller unearthed from a dark corner of the United States' not-so-distant history.

Based on Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt's nonfiction book The Silent Brotherhood, The Order takes audiences into the 1983 FBI investigation of a band of white supremacists in the Pacific Northwest. Jude Law stars as a hardened agent who suspects that a spate of bank robberies and bombings are tied to a sinister conspiracy, dreamed up by a dangerously charismatic domestic terrorist named Robert Jay Mathews (Nicholas Hoult). Between the disturbing true story and sharp turns from Law and Hoult, this showdown is sure to leave audiences rattled.*

Starring: Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett, and Marc Maron

How to watch: The Order opens in theaters Dec. 6. 

Nightbitch Amy Adams headlines "Nightbitch." Credit: TIFF

Director Marielle Heller has earned her critically heralded career by masterfully helming a string of poignant adaptations, including the coming-of-age dramedy The Diary of a Teenage Girl, the Mr. Rogers biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and the Academy Award-nominated biographical comedy Can You Ever Forgive Me? Next, she teams with six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams for Nightbitch, the movie adaptation of Rachel Yoder's 2021 novel about a stay-at-home mom who occasionally transforms into a dog. With that premise and this pairing of talent in front of and behind the screen, Nightbitch is one of our most anticipated of the fest. 

Starring: Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Arleigh Patrick Snowdon, Emmett James Snowdon, Zoë Chao, Mary Holland, Archana Rajan, and Jessica Harper

How to watch: Nightbitch opens in theaters Dec. 6. 

Shell Kate Hudson and Elisabeth Moss co-star in "Shell." Credit: TIFF

Following his moving 2018 coming-of-age drama Teen Spirit, actor-turned-director Max Minghella returns with a twisted dark comedy about Hollywood's obsession with looking young and fit. Elisabeth Moss stars as an actress whose age (middle though it might be) is proving an obstacle to booking jobs. So, she turns to Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson), a beauty and wellness CEO whose Shell brand promises renewed youth. But at what cost?

A midnight movie with a big star cast and a totally bonkers climax, Shell is sure to thrill a crowd who appreciates a bit of camp with their social commentary. 

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Kate Hudson, Kaia Gerber, and Lionel Boyce

Apple's got a busy couple of months ahead.

The company is launching new iPhones, along with some other gadgets, on September 9. But a new report from MacRumors claims Apple will follow that up with another event in November, which will focus on the Mac.

We've already heard that Apple is planning to upgrade all of its Mac models to M4, with some of them coming later this year. Now we have a slightly more precise timeline, although MacRumors, which cites a reliable source familiar with the matter, says it's still possible for Apple to actually host the event in October, with Macs becoming available in November. That's what happened last year, with new Macs being announced on October 30, and becoming available on November 7.

At this year's event, we'll probably see a new, entry-level, 14-inch MacBook Pro sporting an M4 chip, as well as 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Mac chips. Apple is also reportedly planning to launch an iMac with the M4 chip, as well as a smaller, redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips. All of the devices should now come with 16GB of RAM as standard.

SEE ALSO: M4 MacBook Pro: All the rumors and leaks about the next-gen Apple laptop

Most of these devices will be similar to previous models in other aspects, but Mac mini will reportedly be far smaller, and possibly more cube-like in appearance, than the current iteration.

The M4 chip made its debut on the iPad Pro, which launched in May. It's a decent though not a massive upgrade compared to the M3 chip, but we've yet to see what the more advanced M4 Pro and M4 Max chips can do.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, September 2, 2024:

AcrossProfessional in a toque

• The answer is chef.

"I'm not a ___" (online affirmation next to a checkbox)

• The answer is robot.

Love, in Italian

• The answer is amore.

Wards (off)

• The answer is fends.

Secret rendezvous

• The answer is tryst.

DownWoodcarving or metalsmithing, e.g.

• The answer is craft.

It's going ... going ... gone!

• The answer is homer.

Dark wood once used for drinking cups, as it was thought to neutralize poison

• The answer is ebony.

Focuses on the road?

• The answer is fords.

One might be multiple-choice

• The answer is test.

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Get a Google Drive alternative with 1TB of cloud storage space when you get a lifetime subscription to FolderFort for just £53.17 (reg. £191.16). 

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 1TB Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription £53.17 at The Mashable Shop
£191.16 Save £137.99 Get Deal

In the early days of your Google Drive, it might have felt like the free cloud storage was limitless, but inevitably it runs out. Suddenly, you have to pay a fair bit to backup your photos and save all your other files online. Plus, you have to keep paying every year to hold onto those files. Skip all that and get 1TB of storage for life while it's on sale this September.

FolderFort is a Google Drive alternative that gives you a full 1TB that you can access through any modern browser or mobile device, and you aren't paying for it every month. Get 1TB of cloud storage with a lifetime subscription to FolderFort for just £53.17 (reg. £191.16).

Reliable cloud storage for life

What makes FolderFort a solid alternative to Google Drive? How seamlessly you can upload and access your files on all of your devices. Transferring files between devices? Open FolderFort in both your browsers, then all you have to do is upload from one and download from the other. Plus, FolderFort guarantees a 99.9% uptime. 

For most people, 1TB is a lot of space, and you might end up paying for storage you'll never use if this were another cloud service. With FolderFort, you can upgrade or downgrade whenever you want. Don't pay for what you're not going to use. While we've highlighted the 1TB plan, the 250GB, 500GB, and 2TB plans are also discounted up to 72%

You can even add other people to your workspace, and each person gets their own 1GB slice of the 1TB pie.

Share across all your devices

Google Drive isn't the only place to keep all your files safe. Regularly £191.16, get a lifetime subscription to FolderFort 1TB Storage plans for £53.17 for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Unblock xHamster from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

In a lot of locations around the world, your access to porn sites like xHamster will be restricted. That's probably a good thing, but there is also something to be said for online freedom. When the time is right, you'll want to be able to access all your favorite sites. And that's when you should turn to VPNs.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock xHamster for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world. This might sound complicated, but you can unblock your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to xHamster

4. Visit xHamster

5. Watch xHamster content 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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming 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. You can use the money-back guarantee to unblock xHamster for free from anywhere in the world.

Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the NFL for free on 7plus, 6play, RTL, TVNZ, My5. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The popularity of the NFL has been steadily growing in the UK, and now that select games actually take place in London every season, this interest will surely continue to climb.

The problem with this situation is that a lot of new followers will be disappointed with the streaming options on offer, especially if you're aiming to save some cash this season. It's not easy to follow the NFL for free, but there is always a way.

If you want to watch the NFL for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.

What is the NFL?

The NFL is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).

Each side plays 17 games in the regular season, with seven teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs. Everything culminates with the Super Bowl, a final game played between the winners of the AFC and NFC championship games.

When is the NFL?

The NFL regular season runs from September to January. The Super Bowl takes place in February.

How to watch the NFL for free in the UK

It is possible to live stream the NFL for free on these platforms:

• Australia — 7plus (select regular season games and every NFL playoff game)

• France — 6play (one game per week)

• Germany — RTL (select regular season and postseason games)

• New Zealand — TVNZ (up to three games per week)

• UK — My5 (Monday Night Football games)

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but fans in the UK can access everything with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free streaming services from around the world to watch the NFL without spending anything. The process is actually really straightforward.

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

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the NFL

4. Visit 7plus, 6play, RTL, TVNZ, or My5

5. Watch the NFL for free in the UK

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £76.70 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these deals, you can gain access to free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £76.70 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 the NFL for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 30's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 2 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Odd

• Green: Task

• Blue: "Action figure" is one

• Purple: Word for a linking system, followed by a blank

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

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

• Yellow: PECULIAR

• Green: ASSIGNMENT

• Blue: CLASSIC COLLECTION ITEMS - COIN, COMIC, RECORD, STAMP

• Purple: CHAIN ___

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #449 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• PECULIAR - CURIOUS, FUNNY, OFF, WEIRD

• ASSIGNMENT - JOB, POSITION, POST, STATION

• CLASSIC COLLECTION ITEMS - COIN, COMIC, RECORD, STAMP

• CHAIN ___ - LETTER, MAIL, REACTION, STORE

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

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

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 30's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 2 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Spitter.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CAMEL.

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

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

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

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

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

When Industry actor Sagar Radia first heard that Season 3 would devote an entire episode to his character, Rishi Ramdani, he didn't quite believe it.

"I remember [Industry co-creator] Mickey [Down] mentioning it to me about a year prior, and I kind of threw it away and took it with a pinch of salt, thinking, 'That's a great idea, but I'm sure once you take it up the ladder, there'll be some ideas and changes, and it won't quite happen,'" Radia told Mashable in a video interview.

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

But happen it did, resulting in Industry Season 3, episode 4, "White Mischief," the show's most harrowing installment to date.

Up until now, Pierpoint & Co. trader Rishi has mostly been a side character, albeit one you can always count on to deliver some of Industry's best one-liners. But "White Mischief" turns the spotlight squarely on Rishi's personal and professional life — and it's not pretty.

Ken Leung and Sagar Radia in "Industry." Credit: Simon Ridgway / HBO

Whether he's experiencing racism in his new English country home, facing accusations of inappropriate workplace conduct, or getting threatened over his substantial gambling debt, Rishi is on a downward spiral. How does he try to course correct? More gambling, riskier trades at work, and a coke-fueled trip to a nightclub that leaves him bloodied. The episode, which plays like Industry meets Uncut Gems, is a nonstop stress ride.

For Industry co-creators Down and Konrad Kay, the stress was the whole point of "White Mischief." This marks Industry's 20th episode, so the pair knew they had to go big.

"We wrote this note at the top of the script, which we read out at the table read, which was like, 'You haven't seen anything yet. Basically, this has to be the most intense, fast-paced, most quintessential episode of Industry ever,'" Down said in a video interview with Mashable.

SEE ALSO: 'Industry' Season 3: Ken Leung talks Eric's 'obsession' with Yasmin

When initially creating the world of Industry, Down and Kay, both of whom have formerly worked in finance, knew they needed a character like Rishi. Not only was he a much-needed bit of comic relief, he also added authenticity to Pierpoint. "We know people like him," Down said. "So he felt like the perfect person to have on the floor, but not to really drive the story."

This has to be the most intense, fast-paced, most quintessential episode of Industry ever. - Mickey Down

However, over the course of Season 2, Down and Kay gave Rishi a larger role in Industry. He tried to jump ship from Pierpoint alongside Harper Stern (Myha'la) and Eric Tao (Ken Leung), and he got married (but not before having sex with Harper in a bathroom stall at the pre-wedding party).

Seeing Radia embrace Rishi's increased importance made Down and Kay realize they needed a Rishi-centric episode. As they developed Season 3, that idea remained a constant in the writers' room. "We didn't know what it was going to be," Down said, "but we thought, 'Some dark shit is going to happen.'"

Sagar Radia in "Industry." Credit: Liam Daniel/HBO

And boy, does "dark shit" ever happen. From a gambling spree gone wrong to a frighteningly specific image involving a veal calf, "White Mischief" is a monster of an episode — and a tall order for any actor. Down recalled telling Radia about the episode, saying, "You're going to be in every single scene, and you're going to have to basically go from the depths of hell to heaven and back again constantly. You're gonna have to cry. You're gonna have to explore your own masculinity. You're gonna have to explore your own attitudes towards race in the UK, and your own identity as a British Asian man."

SEE ALSO: You're watching 'Industry' wrong

For his part, Radia was more than up to the challenge. "I was genuinely really keen on finding out more about Rishi off the trading floor. ​​I think for two seasons, we've very much seen him in that environment, and how much he dominates and executes in that environment," Radia said. "But I think to really tell that three-dimensional story of a person, I think we need to see them away from work and see how those people code-switch in different environments."

Funnily enough, prior to reading the episode, Radia had never actually discussed his own ideas about Rishi's internal life with Down and Kay. However, there proved to be a remarkable amount of overlap.

To really tell that three dimensional story of a person, I think we need to see them away from work. - Sagar Radia

"I discussed it with some friends in Season 1. They'd joke about, 'Where would you love to see Rishi go? Like if you could pick,'" Radia said, "And I was like, 'I think there's scope for addiction there. I feel like he's got an addictive personality, whether it's gambling or alcohol or whatever it may be.' Cut to two years later, and it's on the page, and I never once had that conversation with Mickey and Konrad. So actually, it's quite reassuring that your thoughts are aligned in that sense, as to who this person is and the type of character he is."

That Rishi gets his well-deserved moment now is proof of Industry's confidence in its third season, and its willingness to play with form. Already, we've seen Industry Season 3 employ flashbacks — a series first. That we get an entire episode showcasing a new character only adds to that sense of experimentation and growth from season to season.

"That's the beauty of having a third season," Down said. "We wouldn't be able to get away with [this episode] in Season 1 or 2."

Industry Season 3 is now streaming on Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

'Industry' creator Mickey Down is joined by Sagar Radia to break down the latest episode, one that Mickey calls "the most intense, fast paced, most quintessential episode of 'Industry' ever."