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Eight years ago, workers loudly protested White House policies. This time around, the companies are trying to keep a lid on activism.

There is nothing suspicious about the shift in Democratic fortunes. But partisans from across the spectrum are questioning the results, for different reasons.

Since the election, Mr. Musk has used his social media company to talk up how bright the future will be under the president-elect.

If you've seen Heretic, chances are high you'll never see Hugh Grant the same way again. 

This ominous, brazenly academic, and complex A24 horror film from co-writers/co-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place) quite literally traps you in a maze of unspoken threat, religious debate, and blueberry pie, with Grant's horribly hospitable Mr. Reed proving one of the more surprising villains in modern horror.

SEE ALSO: What to watch: Best scary movies

But how about that ending? What actually happened with the big reveal, and what was with that final moment? We're going to dig into the unsettling details of the ending of Heretic, so consider this your massive spoiler warning.

What's Heretic about? Credit: A24

On a dark and stormy afternoon, Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) are assigned to visit addresses who've previously signed up for further information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Next on their list is Mr. Reed (Grant), who invites them in on the socially appropriate premise that his wife's baking in the next room.

Mr. Reed seems quite charming at first, engaging the pair in a deep conversation about faith and how "religion isn't at the centre of culture anymore." But it soon becomes apparent that there's something off; for example, this self-described scholar of religion may brandish a "hubby" mug, but his wife is nowhere to be seen. It's not until Mr. Reed reveals his more sinister methods of testing one's faith and enlightenment that the two women realise they're in real danger. In order to leave the house, Mr. Reed insists they choose one of two doors, one labeled "belief" and one labeled "disbelief." But where do they lead?

What happens at the end of Heretic? Credit: A24

The end of Heretic is a whirl of tense debate over belief and reality, gut-churning reveals, and violent ends. But it's also simply a man craving ultimate control over women, and masking his homicidal desires with long-winded lectures on the pitfalls and catches of modern religion.

After a terrifying ordeal and a vicious attack on Barnes, Paxton adopts her friend's strategy to "challenge" Mr. Reed, changing her tact from survival-based politeness to one of a more aggressive exchange. She debates the concept of belief with him, before accusing him of being a charlatan — the "miracle" they were forced to watch in Mr. Reed's basement was a ruse. Paxton figures out there has to be another entrance into the basement to test her theory, and finds a trapdoor. She's encouraged yet again by Mr. Reed to test her faith and decides to climb down into it, though she really has no choice at this point.

There, she finds the nucleus of Mr. Reed's sinister operation: a tunnel emblazoned with sinister occult symbols that leads to a freezing cold room. Here, she discovers multiple women imprisoned in cages, in extremely poor health and starving. Paxton was right. Every time Mr. Reed traps a woman in his maze-house, he poisons another via pie to "demonstrate" the miracle to the newly trapped, replacing them with one of the women in the cages. The macabre switcheroo lets him seemingly play God over and over again — while taking notes. Mr. Reed probably signs up for "more information" to lure religious representatives to his home, and the whole thing works like clockwork; the lights are timed, the locks are automatic, and the script is set.

Paxton is "allowed" to find these women by Mr. Reed so he can gleefully declare the true religion: control. He follows her through another door into the caged area for his "a-ha!" moment. But she stabs him with her concealed letter opener and uses his exit to escape. However, she gets lost in the maze-like house, retreating to the basement. There, Paxton is stabbed by a suddenly reappearing Mr. Reed, who took the tunnel. Bleeding, she does one thing he did not expect: She prays. As she does, Barnes suddenly stabs Mr. Reed with the nail board in her final act. Paxton musters the strength to return to the study where she uses Mr. Reed's wooden house map to find a small vent to crawl out through, and she stumbles through the woods to freedom. Finally, a butterfly lands on her finger, then disappears.

What's Mr. Reed's actual motivation here? Credit: A24

Earlier in the film, when they're first invited in, Mr. Reed asks the missionaries their thoughts on one big question: "What is the one true religion?" It keeps coming up over the course of the film, with Mr. Reed confessing he's tried "every sect, cult, and doctrine" out there looking for the answer, trawling ancient history and modern religions, and eventually coming to one conclusion: Control is the one true religion. Essentially, Mr. Reed is practicing contrived experiments in his macabre basement theatre to "prove" this, after lengthy mansplaining monologues about Monopoly, Jar Jar Binks, and Radiohead to bolster his arguments.

Mr. Reed has built a maze-like trap for faith-driven women, one that manipulates them into doubting their beliefs as a distraction from the fact that they're being held captive by a homicidal man. "It's easy to control someone who's lost everything," he says. The number of women under Mr. Reed's control also nods to the very first question he asked of Barnes and Paxton in the living room: "How do you feel about polygamy?" It's a foreshadowing you may have glossed over, but an uncomfortable opener nonetheless.

At the end of the day, this is a man who wants to exercise power over women. Ultimately, it's not about religion, and it's not about faith; it's about violent, male control. From the moment Barnes and Paxton entered Mr. Reed's metal-lined, deadlocked house, he knew he had a literally captive audience for his findings.

However, they outwitted him, with Barnes making a final sacrifice to save her friend.

What's the deal with the butterfly? Credit: A24

At the very end of the film, we see Paxton stumbling through the woods in her final escape from Mr. Reed's house. In the final frames, a butterfly lands on her finger, then disappears.

It's likely the butterfly is a representation of her fallen friend, Barnes, who was present in an earlier scene when the three discussed what happens when we die. Paxton had said she would like to be reincarnated as a butterfly, and that she'd land on the tips of the fingers of her loved ones to make sure they knew it was her. Barnes may have been trying to let Paxton know she was with her. 

Alternatively, Paxton just had a near-death experience, so perhaps the butterfly is a representation of herself, on another plane of existence, checking in. 

As the butterfly disappears almost immediately, we're left in an ambiguous state of whether Paxton saw what she wanted to see (affirming that believing is seeing) or not. Was her hallucination proof of belief or a fabricated vision?

Heretic is now in cinemas.

Powerful electromagnetic radiation from an enormous radio telescope in Puerto Rico may have fast-tracked structural damage that led to the instrument's collapse in 2020, a new report says. 

For over a half-century, the Arecibo Observatory's 1,000-foot-wide telescope, a giant bowl nestled in a lush valley, was the leading radio transmitter on Earth. The facility advanced astronomy through the study of stars, exoplanets, and asteroids, as well as searched for signals from potential alien civilizations in space. The telescope even had its proverbial 15 minutes of fame with cameos in the sci-fi film Contact, starring Jodie Foster, and the James Bond blockbuster, GoldenEye. 

On Dec. 1, 2020, a 900-ton platform and four-story dome of secondary reflectors hanging over the receiver fell more than 400 feet and crashed into the main dish. No people were hurt in the incident, but the U.S. National Science Foundation, which owned the telescope, decided not to rebuild the observatory, dashing the hopes of astronomers around the globe who relied on it for their research. 

Previous investigations into the disaster attributed the structural failure to slow "zinc creep," the tendency for zinc to deform over time under tension. Sockets filled with zinc anchored a set of cables holding the main platform over the reflector dish. Gradually, the zinc lost its grip and allowed several of the supporting wires to slip out. 

But the Arecibo Observatory collapse was unlike anything that had ever happened before. It is believed to be the first documented case of a long-term zinc failure, and the zinc deformed at a load less than half the sockets' normal strength. 

"The baffling question was, 'Why was there excessive zinc creep at such loading?' Such a failure had never been reported previously in over a century of widespread zinc spelter socket successful use," Roger L. McCarthy, chair of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee assigned to study the causes of the telescope's collapse, said in the incident report.

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope finds hot young star Vega is actually quite lonely An aerial view shows the damage to the Arecibo telescope after a cataclysmic collapse on Dec. 1, 2020. Credit: Ricardo Arduengo / AFP / Getty Images

The National Academies' recently released 98-page report largely agrees with previous forensic analyses on the sequence of events that led to the collapse, including a study performed by NASA in 2021. 

But the new report criticizes other investigations for not including several previously observed failure patterns at the site leading up to the event and for not providing explanations for them. The committee asserts there were warning signs that structural engineers didn't heed. 

McCarthy, founder and owner of McCarthy Engineering, labeled the accident "one of the most publicized and baffling failures of the modern era."

The damage, according to the committee, began with Hurricane Maria, more than three years before the collapse. Following the 2017 storm, inspectors saw "large and progressive" cable pull-outs. Those discoveries should have prompted immediate repairs, the committee said, but the inspectors hadn't accounted for how fast that damage would progress. 

" ... One of the most publicized and baffling failures of the modern era."

In August 2020, about four months before the collapse, an auxiliary cable snapped, causing a 100-foot gash on the dish and damaging the suspended platform. The problems only snowballed, with a main cable breaking that November. Just 12 days before the whole telescope fell apart, the National Science Foundation announced it would be closing the facility, due to its dangerous state of disrepair. 

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Originally, the telescope was built in the 1960s through the Defense Department to help develop anti-ballistic missile defenses. Later, a pair of scientists won a Nobel Prize in physics in 1993 for using the telescope to observe a new type of pulsar, a fast-spinning dead star core left over after a supernova. The discovery has provided a new "space laboratory" for studying gravitation. 

Despite its perilous location in the Caribbean, the telescope had survived many hurricanes without issue over its 57 years of operation.

The committee thinks electromagnetic waves from the Arecibo telescope itself could have sped up the zinc deformity. Electroplasticity is a phenomenon that can occur when an electric current passes through a material, causing it to become more flexible and lose its original shape. 

In a 1989 archival photo, a technician checks cables suspending a platform over the Arecibo telescope about 450 feet in the air. Credit: Roger Ressmeyer / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images

The group of subject-matter experts has recommended that the foundation give the remaining sockets and cables from the site to the research community for studies into this hypothesis to capture hard evidence. 

"Unfortunately, there was not enough data available to prove our explanation," McCarthy said in a statement. "It is simply the most plausible hypothesis based on the data we do have."

It's too late to help Arecibo. Instead of rebuilding the observatory, the foundation is funding a new science, technology, engineering, and math education center at the site. But understanding what happened could prevent similar damage to other facilities in the future.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows or Mac for a one-time payment of $27.97 or $24.97, respectively — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more included.

If you’ve ever lost a Google Doc mid-edit because your internet blacked out, you know that online tools have their limits. With Microsoft Office Professional 2019, you’re getting a dependable set of programs for all your projects, whether that means crunching numbers in Excel or making presentations that don’t glitch. And the best part? This is a lifetime license for your Windows device for just $27.97, so you’re free from subscriptions and recurring payments. And the version for Mac devices is even more affordable.

Office 2019 brings you the core tools: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with Access and Publisher for tackling data or design projects. Word is perfect for creating polished documents without the internet lag, while Excel makes it easy to handle data and organize your budget. And PowerPoint? It’s ready to go for any presentation, complete with templates that let you avoid blank-slide panic.

The suite includes a digital OneNote notebook, ideal for keeping all your notes and ideas in one organized spot. With Outlook, managing emails, scheduling meetings, and keeping up with clients becomes straightforward and fast. Access offers robust database management, and Publisher brings layout options that online programs just can’t match.

No more sharing permissions, laggy connections, or missing files — just a reliable, fully loaded suite that’s yours for the rest of your device's life.

With a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2019 for Windows for $27.97 (or MS Office Professional for Mac for $24.97), you’re getting tools that work as hard as you do, all with a one-time purchase that won’t break the bank.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $27.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $201.03 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Mac $24.97 at the Mashable Shop
$229.00 Save $204.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: A thoughtful gift for the outside adventurer, the CARSULE pop-up car cabin is now just $319.99 (reg. $379) at the Mashable Shop through Nov. 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mogics CARSULE — A Pop-Up Cabin for Your Car $319.99 at the Mashable Shop
$379.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, camper, or frequent tailgater, the CARSULE Pop-Up Cabin is the unique piece of camping gear that turns your vehicle into a cozy cabin. For $319.99 (reg. $379) through Nov. 21, this innovative add-on transforms your car into a spacious, comfortable living space that’s perfect for any adventure.

What makes the CARSULE stand out from other glamping gear? For starters, it’s designed for ease and convenience. Set it up in minutes and enjoy 6.5 feet of standing height and a cubic structure that provides plenty of room to relax, sleep, or hang out. It works with any vehicle with an upward-swinging tailgate.

The waterproof and UV-resistant materials ensure you stay dry and comfortable no matter the weather. And the integrated mosquito netting keeps bugs out so you can enjoy the great outdoors in peace. 

The CARSULE’s adaptable car seal and magnetic cord make it compatible with a wide range of vehicles, and its expandable space means you can customize it to fit your needs, whether you’re camping or hosting a pre-game party at a football game. Diagonal ceiling tension lines prevent deformation and provide a nice spot to hang lights or accessories, creating a functional space that’s cozy and practical.

Lightweight and portable, the CARSULE pop-up cabin is easy to transport and set up anywhere your travels take you. Plus, it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty so that you can go glamping with peace of mind.

Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip or simply need more room on your next camping outing, the CARSULE offers an innovative way to elevate your outdoor experience.

The CARSULE pop-up cabin is just $319.99 (reg. $379) until Nov 21.

CARSULE - A Pop-Up Cabin for Your Car - $319.99 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For $149.97 until Nov. 10, Babbel’s lifetime subscription covers 14 languages, so you can grow your skills and explore new cultures on your terms.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $149.97 at the Mashable Shop
$599.00 Save $449.03 Get Deal

Imagine a lifetime travel companion that goes wherever you do — without ever needing a passport renewal. That’s Babbel’s lifetime subscription, which gives you access to 14 languages for a one-time fee of $149.97 (reg. $599) — but hurry, this price increases again after Nov. 10. Think of it as your linguistic passport, opening doors across borders and cultures for life.

With Babbel, you’re not just memorizing phrases; you’re gaining the confidence to explore, communicate, and truly connect in any corner of the world.

Babbel makes learning easy with short, practical lessons that fit into any schedule. Each session targets skills you’ll actually use while traveling, from chatting with locals to navigating cities. Need a refresher on something? Your lifetime subscription lets you return to lessons anytime, ensuring your skills stay fresh whether you're preparing for a trip or just want to keep up your language game.

With 14 languages, you can start with Spanish, dive into French, or get adventurous with Dutch or Turkish — all at your own pace. Babbel also offers speech-recognition technology to help you perfect pronunciation, so you sound natural, not robotic. And if you're a fan of multitasking, you can practice on the go with Babbel’s mobile app, turning commutes or downtime into learning opportunities.

Pack your virtual passport and get ready to communicate with confidence, wherever life takes you.

For $149.97 until Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT, this lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning is an investment in global connections, endless learning, and all the practical benefits that come with being able to say, “I speak the language." This deal is only available to new Babbel customers.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For $18.97 through Nov. 17, AdGuard’s Family Plan lifetime subscription keeps ads and trackers out of your family’s online experience on up to nine devices.

Imagine an internet without constant pop-ups, sneaky trackers, and distracting ads. With AdGuard’s Family Plan, you can make that a reality — and give the whole family a safer, more peaceful online space. This lifetime subscription covers up to nine devices for $18.97 (reg. $79.99), so no one has to deal with disruptive ads again. Finally, browsing without the noise, for everyone.

With its advanced ad-blocking module, AdGuard eliminates the constant barrage of annoying banners, intrusive pop-ups, and disruptive video ads that clutter your browsing experience. But AdGuard goes beyond just blocking ads; it also shields your family from harmful malware and phishing websites, acting as a fortress for your digital life.

For parents, AdGuard’s parental control feature is a game-changer. It allows you to restrict access to inappropriate and adult content, so your children can explore the internet in a safe and secure environment. Whether they are doing schoolwork or watching videos, you can rest easier knowing that they're protected.

It's designed to work across all your devices, from smartphones to tablets, covering both Android and iOS operating systems. And this lifetime subscription includes continuous updates and new features.

Hurry and take advantage of this $18.97 price on a lifetime subscription to an AdGuard Family Plan discounted until Nov. 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $18.97 at the Mashable Shop
$79.99 Save $61.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1minAI for $39.99 and alleviate creative stalls with AI-powered solutions that give you ideas fast — no subscriptions required.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a creative rut, staring at a blank screen and wishing inspiration would just happen, then 1minAI might be your new go-to. With this AI-powered tool, there’s no more waiting for ideas to strike — 1minAI gets to work in under a minute, helping you break through creative blocks and jumpstart any project, fast.

For a limited time, you can score lifetime access for only $39.99 (reg. $234), giving you an always-ready idea generator without the usual monthly fees.

Think of 1minAI as the friend who always knows what to say (or write, or design). From crafting copy to creating images and even helping with video edits, 1minAI handles it all. With the Pro plan, you get monthly credits that let you explore different content types and formats. Whether you need quick marketing copy, visual content, or just a fresh idea to start with, 1minAI helps you save time and keep the ideas flowing.

This lifetime plan is ideal for freelancers balancing tight deadlines, entrepreneurs who wear a dozen hats, or just about anyone who’d rather skip the hours-long brainstorming sessions. 1minAI handles the essentials, so you can fine-tune and personalize from a strong foundation. It’s AI designed to work with your creativity, not replace it, making this tool a valuable wingman in your creative hustle.

Tackle any creative task in 60 seconds or less with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI on sale for $39.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$234.00 Save $194.01 Get Deal

Take it from us: 50 is the new 40. For your special person rounding a half-century on this planet, not just any pretty wrapped parcel will do. Instead, we’ve found 25 of the perfect presents, from things they need but would never think to buy themselves, to gifts that will remind them how much they mean to you. 

Oura sleep ring Credit: Oura / Amazon

Give the gift of sleep data with the Oura ring. They wear it during the day and night and then when they check the app in the am they can see how restful their sleep actually was. Its addictive and educuational!

Opens in a new window Credit: Oura / Amazon Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage at Amazon
Shop Now

 

Heated bleacher seat Credit: HOPERAN / Amazon

A heated bleacher seat feels decadent until they’re on the sidelines and it's one of those 42-degree game days at the soccer field. This will be one of the most practical and oft-used gifts they’ve ever received.

Opens in a new window Credit: HOPERAN / Amazon Heated Stadium Seats $59.49 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $6.50 Shop Now

Ninja Air Fryer Pro Credit: Ninja / Amazon

If they haven't jumped into the air fryer game yet, then ignore everything else we’re suggesting and get them this. It's the gift of crispy veggies with minimal added fat and the perfect way to heat up last night’s pizza slices. You will change their life in one fell swoop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja / Amazon Ninja Air Fryer Pro $149.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now

Shaved Ice Machine Credit: shoxil / Amazon

This is way more grown-up than the Snoopy Snow Cone they had as a kid. Flavored, shaved ice is especially tasty when you add a little rum to the concoction.

Opens in a new window Credit: shoxil / Amazon Shaved Ice Machine at Amazon
Shop Now

Hiboy S2 Electric Scooter Credit: Hiboy / Amazon

Definitely not just for the kiddos! All the coolest Gen Xers are taking to scooters, commuting home from work, hitting the grocery store, you name it. This one has a 17-mile range and can carry up to 220 lbs. Just don't forget the helmet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hiboy / Amazon Hiboy S2/S2R Plus Electric Scooter $299.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $200.00 Shop Now

Portable Neck fan Credit: Gaiatop / Amazon

Such a practical and thoughtful gift at a time in life where their temperature regulation seems perpetually out of whack. They will appreciate the ability to bring cool relief wherever they roam – the garden, on a walk through the neighborhood, amusement parks, anywhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: Gaiatop / Amazon Portable neck fan $22.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $7.00 Shop Now

If I Live to Be 100 Credit: Welcome Books / Amazon

This milestone celebration is a great time to reflect on the next 50 birthdays to come. This tome includes portraits and interviews from centenarians across the country sharing the wisdom that only 100 birthdays can bring. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Welcome Books / Amazon If I Live to Be 100: The Wisdom of Centenarians $45.10 at Amazon
$55.00 Save $9.90 Shop Now

Pendelton Glacier National Park Blanket Credit: Pendleton

A gorgeous (and warm!) addition to their perfectly decorated home, this classic, incredibly well-made blanket with its iconic stripes, sits beautifully on any sofa back or end of bed. Made in the U.S. from 100% pure wool.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pendleton / Amazon Pendelton Glacier National Park Blanket at Amazon
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Embr Wave Cooling Bracelet Credit: Embr / Amazon

Hot flashes be gone! This bracelet-like device sends waves of cool just when they need it most. Suggest they wear it to bed in case a sleep-disrupting flash hits – alternatively switch on the heat waves for the ultimately cozy sleep send-off. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Embr / Amazon Embr Wave Cooling Bracelet at Amazon
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Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 Credit: Solo Stove / Amazon

These days the best nights revolve around a few close friends, free-flowing beverages, and a gorgeous fire. Solo stove makes the last part easy with this 27-inch fire pit, while minimizing smoke.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove / Amazon Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 at Amazon
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L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream Credit: L'Occitane / Amazon

Luxe and incredibly hydrating, this thick cream will instantly find a home in their purse or backpack, wherever they turn most. Apply it to face, hands, and feet. Everything is softer and smoother after an encounter with this cream.

Opens in a new window Credit: L'Occitane / Amazon L’Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream at Amazon
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Our Place Dream Cooker  Credit: Our Place / Amazon

The internet darling culinary brand Our Place has a new digital cooker line – perfect for the busy 50-year-old who has (almost) everything. This one slow cooks, sautes, and pressure cooks, plus it will look amazing on their counter.

Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place / Amazon Our Place Dream Cooker at Amazon
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Keurig K Mini-Plus Credit: Keurig / Amazon

These single-serve Keurigs come in amazing colors now (we love the green) and that means gifting a second machine for easy caffeine access in their office or bedroom (assuming they already have one in the kitchen) is just what your coffee-obsessed friend ordered.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig / Amazon Keurig K-Mini Plus 12 oz Coffee Maker $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Shop Now

Pants Stretcher Credit: CANWUPON / Amazon

Is this a gag gift or for real? The answer is, kind of both. I mean, who among us would not appreciate the ability to stretch their too-tight jeans now and then? It's also a practical fix for anyone who hates the constricting feel of brand-new jeans and wants to skip to the broken-in part.

Opens in a new window Credit: CANWUPON / Amazon Pants Stretchers for Jeans at Amazon
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Art Deco Coupe Glasses Credit: LUXULISH / Amazon

Up their martini game with these gorgeous goblets in sherbet colors. Handmade with delicate detailing, package these with your favorite Gimlet recipe and then invite yourself over to sample.

Opens in a new window Credit: LUXULISH / Amazon Art Deco Coupe Glasses at Amazon
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Digital Slide Scanner Credit: Kodak / Amazon

Whether they have old 35mm negatives or even older vintage slides gathering dust in plastic sleeves, this slide scanner will create digital versions of all those old images so they can more easily sharing and preserve memories. It’s got a great big preview screen so they can see what they’re scanning and it USBs back to their computer for safekeeping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak / Amazon KODAK 7" Digital Film Scanner at Amazon
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Meater Plus: Bluetooth Meat Thermometer Credit: MEATER / Amazon

What’s the doneness temp for a medium rare filet again? What about dark meat chicken? No guesswork or Google searches required when a big green circle pops up on the Meater app with a “Ready!” notification. Got an easily distracted griller on your list? This is for them.

Opens in a new window Credit: MEATER / Amazon Meater Plus: Bluetooth Meat Thermometer at Amazon
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MAONO XLR Condenser Microphone Credit: Maono / Amazon

Haven't they always talked about starting a podcast? Give them a gentle nudge in the right direction with the gift of a professional-quality microphone. The mic comes with a pop filter and a desktop stand, but they’ll need to write the first episode themselves.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maono / Amazon MAONO XLR Condenser Microphone $129.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now

Movie Night Popcorn Set Credit: Pop n'Dulge / Amazon

With 16 packs of popcorn and five different seasoning packets, this sampler pack will add some fun and variety to their next Netflix night. Choose from flavors like white cheddar, garlic parmesan, and hot pepper, or make ‘em all and do a popcorn taste test.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pop n'Dulge / Amazon Pop n' Dulge Movie Night Popcorn Set at Amazon
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LED Flashlight Gloves Credit: MOIPEJO / Amazon

File these under things that no one would buy for themselves, but anyone would be pumped to get as a gift. These gloves have embedded super bright LED lights, making them ideal for night running, camping, working on the car, or just about anything else in low light.

Opens in a new window Credit: MOIPEJO / Amazon LED Flashlight Gloves $9.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $10.00 Shop Now

Laguiole Steak Knives Credit: Laguiole Style de Vie / Amazon

A set of six gorgeous steak knives for the red meat lover on your list, each with a beautiful olive wood handle. Hopefully you get an invite when the steaks come off the grill.

Opens in a new window Credit: Laguiole Style de Vie / Amazon Laguiole Style de Vie Steak Knives at Amazon
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3-in1 Charging Station Credit: EZVALO / Amazon

All the things they need on their bedside table in one calming and pretty package: A glowy nightlight, a Bluetooth speaker, and place to wirelessly charge their phone. 

Opens in a new window Credit: EZVALO / Amazon 3-in1 Charging Station $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now

Typewriter Style Wireless Keyboard Credit: YUNZII / Amazon

They’ll love this retro wireless keyboard that looks like a pretty pink typewriter. Make them feel like a kid again while typing out their next business plan on this thing. (It makes working from home way more fun, too.)

Opens in a new window Credit: YUNZII / Amazon Typewriter Style Wireless Keyoboard at Amazon
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Jade Roller and Gua Sha Set Credit: PLANTIFIQUE / Amazon

Relaxing, cooling, and helpful in decreasing inflammation, this beautiful jade set that includes both the roller and the Gua Sha tool is great for the skincare-obsessed birthday boy or girl.

The "best birthday gifts for women" is an almost laughably broad category. After all, the "best" gift depends on what the lady you're shopping for is into. Gifts for your mom tend to focus on a problem she needs fixed, while gifts for your wife lean into self care. There is also the tricky task of shopping for a teen girl, but really all that takes is a keen eye for trends.

If you're looking for a more general guide to gifts for women, there are a few stalwart picks you can turn to — and that's what we're here to reveal.

The key is to embrace two gift classifications: practical gifts and gifts she wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. Fancy candles, pretty totes, and elegant journals all fit the bill here, but so do cute Bluetooth keyboards, versatile mini speakers, and even reusable grocery bags. Just make sure they have a certain je ne sais quoi.

In fact, here's a shortcut. If you want to keep the gift for yourself instead of actually giving it to her on her special day, it's a good choice. Carry that powerful and jealous energy with you as you make your purchase.

Here are our picks for the best birthday gifts for women.

Otherland Matchpoint Candle Credit: Otherland / Amazon

For the Tennis Fan: Consider this quirky Otherland candle, which is formulated to smell like a tennis ball. Well, it's also formulated to smell like "cut grass and cucumber," but we're focusing on the tennis ball thing. Bonus: The candle jar is attractive enough that she'll want to clean it out and reuse it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Otherland / Amazon Otherland Matchpoint Candle at Amazon
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Voluspa Moso Bamboo Reed Diffuser Credit: Voluspa / Amazon

For the Diffuser User: Or, if she's more of a reed diffuser fan when it comes to home scents, go for this Voluspa option, which features notes of moso bamboo, black musk, and Japanese cypress. It'll look pretty on a shelf, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Voluspa / Amazon Voluspa Moso Bamboo Reed Diffuser at Amazon
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Casio Vintage-Style Watch Credit: Casio / Amazon

For the Fashion Girlie: A cute gold watch goes with pretty much everything. This timeless yet retro pick is perfect for daily wear — and not so expensive that she'll be freaked out to wear it everywhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: Casio / Amazon Casio Vintage-Style Watch $29.95 at Amazon
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LEUCHTTURM 1917 Notebook Credit: LEUCHTTURM / Amazon

For the Writer: Journaling just feels more fun in a handsome notebook. This one from the German brand Leuchtturm 1917 is particularly aesthetically pleasing, with its faux leather cover and crisp dotted pages.

Opens in a new window Credit: LEUCHTTURM / Amazon LEUCHTTURM 1917 Notebook at Amazon
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Logitech POP Mechanical Wireless Keyboard Credit: Logitech / Amazon

For the WFH-er: If she's a work-from-home warrior who wants to mix things up a little, this cute mechanical keyboard (yes, a cute keyboard) makes a great gift. Its keys imitate the sound of a classic typewriter.

Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech / Amazon Logitech POP Mechanical Wireless Keyboard $93.46 at Amazon
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Baggu Standard, Set of 3 Credit: Baggu / Amazon

For the Impromptu Grocery Shopper: If she's always running to the store to "just grab a few things," a packable set of Baggu bags will be a godsend. They pack down small enough to be stowed in her purse all the time, so she'll never be stranded without her reusable bags at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Baggu / Amazon Baggu Standard, Set of 3 at Amazon
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Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler, 40 oz Credit: Stanley / Amazon

For the Hydration Queen: Help her reach those lofty hydration goals with the extremely popular Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler. It'll keep her beverage of choice cold for a truly shocking amount of time — and it fits nicely into most car cup holders.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley / Amazon Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler, 40 oz at Amazon
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Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, 40 oz  Credit: Owala / Amazon

For the Hydration Queen Who Doesn't Want a Stanley: If she's not a Stanley gal, no problem. An Owala FreeSip is another excellent option. We particularly like its cheery color options, including this one called "Summer Sweetness."

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala / Amazon Owala FreeSip Water Bottle, 40 oz  at Amazon
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Apple AirTag, Pack of 4 Credit: Apple / Amazon

For the Forgetful Friend: Is she constantly misplacing her things right before she needs to be somewhere? Time for some AirTags. This pack of four will give her enough gadgets to keep track of her wallet, keys, luggage, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirTag, Pack of 4 $79.00 at Amazon
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) Credit: Apple / Amazon

For the Public Transit Commuter: A pair of AirPods is a must if she rides the train or bus to work every day. They're lightweight, easy to stow, and have noise-canceling and "transparency" modes for a safe, pleasant commute.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $189.99 at Amazon
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Libbey Signature Coupe Glasses, Set of 4 Credit: Libbey / Amazon

For the Cocktail Drinker: A new set of coupe glasses will elevate her cocktail (and champagne, and champagne cocktail) game. These from Libbey are classic, elegant, and dishwasher-safe — and the price for four isn't too shabby, either.

Opens in a new window Credit: Libbey / Amazon Libbey Signature Coupe Glasses, Set of 4 at Amazon
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Soucolor 9x12 Sketchbook Credit: Soucolor / Amazon

For the Amateur Artist: If she wants to get into drawing but hasn't yet taken the plunge, help her get started with a sturdy, well-priced sketchbook. It comes in a bunch of cute colors, too – we particularly like the light purple.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soucolor / Amazon Soucolor 9x12 Sketchbook $8.99 at Amazon
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Woolrich Burlington Berber Blanket Credit: Woolrich / Amazon

For the Cozy Girl: Help her enter hibernation mode this winter with a very, very soft blanket from Woolrich, which can also serve as extra bedding on a full or queen bed. We like the light blue option, but there are several pleasant, neutral hues available.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woolrich / Amazon Woolrich Burlington Berber Blanket $35.99 at Amazon
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Yeti Rambler Wine Chiller Credit: Yeti / Amazon

For the Host: She can keep that champagne chilled to the bone with this Yeti wine chiller. It's great for outdoor gatherings, but if she wants to use it indoors, rest assured there will be no condensation leaving a ring on her table.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti / Amazon Yeti Rambler Wine Chiller at Amazon
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Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass Portable Waterproof Speaker Credit: Sony / Amazon

For the Playlist Maker: A high-quality (and waterproof) portable speaker makes a good gift for pretty much anyone. This one is an "extra bass" version, so gift it to the gal who likes to crank up the tunes at pool parties.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / Amazon Sony SRS-XB13 Extra Bass Portable Waterproof Speaker $38.00 at Amazon
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ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase Credit: ZIMASILK / Amazon

For the Hair Care Expert: A silk pillowcase means she's less likely to wake up with a severe case of bedhead. More importantly, it feels sumptuous and amazing to sleep on. Grab her a set of two and wait for her to tell you how well-rested she feels.

Opens in a new window Credit: ZIMASILK / Amazon ZIMASILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase $18.95 at Amazon
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CULTivate: The Board Game Credit: Pops & Bejou Games / Amazon

For the Competitor: In this board game, players assume the role of cult leaders trying to recruit followers to their compounds. Don't worry; there's plenty of room to sabotage your fellow messiahs so you come out on top.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pops & Bejou Games / Amazon Cultivate Board Game at Amazon
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The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Vinyl Credit: Chappell Roan / Amazon

For the Record Collector: Chappell Roan is everywhere. Make your giftee's record player yet another one of those places with a double vinyl of her glittery, fun pop album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chappell Roan / Amazon The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Vinyl at Amazon
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Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder Credit: Le Creuset / Amazon

For the Tea Fiend: Make her nightly peppermint tea a more luxurious occasion with a Le Creuset tea bag holder, which could also be a spoon rest. It's a great way to gift something from a pricier brand without breaking the bank.

Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset / Amazon Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder at Amazon
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Kindle Paperwhite Credit: Kindle / Amazon

For the Reader on the Go: Readers know the struggle: You're halfway through about three books at once (fiction, nonfiction, and a wild card pick, of course), but you can't fit them all in your backpack to take with you on the train. Well, with a Kindle Paperwhite, she can. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle / Amazon Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon
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Oh Arcane, how I've missed you.

Netflix's League of Legends-based series rocked my world when it first came out in 2021 — and I didn't even know the first thing about League! But despite my lack of knowledge of the source material, I found that Arcane had everything I wanted in a fantasy series: a richly developed world, distinct factions full of nuanced relationships, and breathtaking magical powers and action sequences. Plus, there's no beating that animation.

SEE ALSO: You don't have to play 'League of Legends' to enjoy the masterful animation of Netflix's 'Arcane'

With Arcane Season 1 setting the bar so high, I was worried there was no way its second (and tragically final) season would live up to that standard. Thankfully, Season 2 measures up in every conceivable way and then some, with the first six episodes made available for review raising the stakes to stunning, often unexpected new heights. Brutal, gorgeous, and absolutely devastating, Arcane Season 2 demands to be seen right when each new batch of episodes drops.

What's Arcane Season 2 about? Jinx causes mischief in "Arcane." Credit: Courtesy of "Arcane."

Let's start with the primary reason for wanting to watch Arcane Season 2 as soon as possible: to find out who lived after the explosion at the end of Season 1.

For three years, we've wondered whether Hextech creator Jayce (voiced by Kevin Alejandro), Piltover Councilor Mel (voiced by Toks Olagundoye), and inventor Viktor (voiced by Harry Lloyd) survived Jinx's (voiced by Fallout's Ella Purnell) shark rocket attack on the Council of Piltover. Arcane wastes no time informing us that there were, in fact, survivors (I'll give you time to learn their exact identities for yourself). However, there were also several catastrophic casualties, and these losses drive Piltover's reaction to the blast.

SEE ALSO: 'Flow' review: An animated animal adventure unlike anything you've seen before

While the Council voted to give the undercity of Zaun sovereignty mere seconds before Jinx's rocket hit, that chance at peace is now officially off the table. Now, the twin cities threaten to spill into all-out war. Mel's mother and Noxian warlord Ambessa (voiced by Ellen Thomas) is ready to crack down with martial law. But Enforcer Caitlyn (voiced by Katie Leung), herself recovering from deep loss, has other plans. She assembles a strike force that includes herself and Jinx's sister Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) to take Jinx down for good, especially since she's become a symbol of resistance for the Zaunites. Now, the stage is set for a knockdown, drag-out fight between sisters.

Arcane Season 2 offers a painful look at war, and so much more. Ambessa rallies her troops to war in "Arcane." Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

That Vi-Jinx showdown, when it comes, is a perfect encapsulation of what makes Arcane's approach to conflict so brilliant. Yes, there's an undeniable cool factor here: We're watching two great fighters pummel each other with supercharged gauntlets and guns, complete with prolonged slow-mo shots to emphasize the badassery on display. Yet all the character work that has led us here is on display too, with Jinx and Vi's every move informed by the love they once shared and the horror at what the other has become. It's the tragedy that wins out over the coolness, and that's the same with Arcane's larger portrayal of war in the League world.

That's because war pushes every Arcane character to an extreme, sometimes taking them in the total opposite direction from Season 1. Vi joins up with the Enforcers, even though they killed her parents, because she thinks it's an unavoidable necessity. A grief-stricken Caitlyn becomes a destructive monster in her pursuit of Jinx, unleashing hell upon the Zaunites. The latter is particularly painful to watch, as chemical warfare and police brutality become the norm in Zaun, and as characters we've grown to love grow corrupted by power and the need for vengeance.

Jinx and Vi battle it out in "Arcane" Season 2. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

But as much as Arcane's marketing pushes that this season is all about war and how it links to the rift between Vi and Jinx, Season 2 actually makes some strides into more cosmically weird territory. Innovations in the Hextech space push the boundaries of what is possible in Piltover, igniting discussions about transhumanism in ways that are both disquieting and utopic. That these conversations are happening alongside the Piltover-Zaun war is a reminder that the world of Arcane is so much bigger than these two cities — and so much stranger.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best fantasy shows to watch if you liked 'House of the Dragon' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'

That strangeness also manifests in the arrival of new forms of magic and new factions for Arcane's players to contend with. And as exciting as that expansion is, it also threatens to cause issues for the series in terms of sticking the landing. Can the three episodes of the season that I still haven't seen wrap up these many loose ends, especially given with Arcane's breakneck pacing? (Sometimes, I do wish these episodes were an hour long instead of 40 minutes, and I don't say that often.) Arcane has yet to steer me truly wrong, but the jury's still out on whether it can fully stick the landing while juggling so many complex ideas and storylines.

Arcane continues to push the boundaries of animated TV. Hextech gets weird in "Arcane" Season 2. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

Even if Arcane doesn't fully nail its ending, there's no doubt about how incredible it looks. Fortiche's animation was always masterful, but Arcane Season 2 somehow levels up.

Once again, we're treated to the show's combination of hand-painted and computer-animated visuals, which bring Piltover's soaring towers and Zaun's grimy underground to life. Now, though, Arcane plays further with animation styles that speak to specific characters' points of view. We saw a bit of this in Season 1, with scribbled line drawings and text overlaid on certain scenes bringing Jinx's perspective to life. In Season 2, it's a whole new ballgame.

Once again, we get Jinx's frenzied drawings. But we also get entire sequences made up of black-and-white charcoal drawings, neon panels straight out of a comic book, and watercolor flashbacks. Strange glitches in Hextech allow animators to go buck-wild with flesh-and-metal fusions, trippy space scapes, and bizarro architecture that calls to mind the warped biology of Annihilation. In one of Season 2's biggest swings, the series places us within the perspective of the beastly wolf-creature Warwick, to the point where all we see is a nightmarish frenzy of red blood trails and the clawed hands carrying us forward.

The versatility of Arcane's art style is just one of many reasons why it's going to hurt so much to say goodbye to this series, even if it's getting a conclusive ending. However, according to a Nov. 6 report by Variety, the series was originally budgeted for a five-season arc. Variety also reported that Arcane cost roughly $250 million to produce, making it the most expensive animated show of all time. Due to its hefty price tag, it's unlikely we'll see anything quite like it again — at least, not for a few more years. Until then, we can continue to appreciate Arcane for the marvel that it is: a true Hextech gem in the rough.

The first three episodes of Arcane Season 2 are now streaming on Netflix, with three more episodes dropping on Nov. 16 and Nov. 23, respectively.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free on Sport1. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Clear your schedule, because the Grand Slam of Darts has got you covered for the foreseeable future. Close the door, roll down the blinds, gather together enough snacks to last you all week, and settle in for a marathon of live darts action. It couldn't get any better.

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

What is the Grand Slam of Darts?

The Grand Slam of Darts is one of the last major tournaments of the year before the World Darts Championship. 32 players compete for £650,000 in prize money.

The tournament is held at the WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton.

When is the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts?

The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts is the 18th edition of the tournament. This year's tournament takes place from Nov. 9 to Nov. 17.

How to watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free

The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts is available to live stream for free on Sport1 in Germany.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock Sport1. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Grand Slam of Darts from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts on Sport1 by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany

4. Connect to Sport1

5. Watch the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the tournament before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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 2024 Grand Slam of Darts for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free on TV5Monde. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are many interesting games in this weekend's batch of Ligue 1 fixtures, but PSG's game is always top billing. PSG visit Angers in the next round of games, and will be expected to secure three points against a team struggling near the bottom of the table.

If you want to watch Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Angers vs. PSG?

Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 9. This fixture takes place at the Stade Raymond Kopa.

How to watch Angers vs. PSG for free

Angers vs. PSG is available to live stream for free on TV5Monde.

TV5Monde is geo-restricted to Europe, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can unblock TV5Monde to stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Angers vs. PSG for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in France

4. Sign in to TV5Monde

5. Watch Angers vs. PSG for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Ligue 1 action without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Angers vs. PSG (plus more Ligue 1 fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TV5Monde?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TV5Monde, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including France

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Angers vs. PSG in Ligue 1 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The final of the 2024 WTA Finals is here, with Gauff taking on Zheng for the chance to win millions in prize money. Both players have looked really impressive in this end-of-season showdown, but it all comes down to this electric finale. It's going to be a battle.

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free

The 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, including the final between Gauff and Zheng.

If you're abroad for this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Watch Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of Gauff vs. Zheng without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every WTA Finals match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Gauff vs. Zheng in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series for free on TF1+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Rugby World Cup is obviously the biggest event on the rugby calendar, but the Autumn Internationals deserve their moment in the spotlight. This series of fixtures brings together the best international sides from both sides of the equator.

The next match from the Autumn Nations Series sees France welcome Japan to the Stade de France. France will be favorites to win this one, but don't count out Japan. They've surprised a lot of teams in recent years, and will be coming into this game with no fear.

If you want to watch France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Japan?

France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series kicks off at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 9. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.

How to watch France vs. Japan for free

France vs. Japan is available to live stream for free on TF1+ in France.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TF1+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can unblock TF1+ to stream the Autumn Nations Series for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream France vs. Japan for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in France

4. Visit TF1+

5. Watch France vs. Japan for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Autumn Nations Series without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream France vs. Japan (plus more Autumn Nations Series fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TF1+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TF1+, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including France

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream France vs. Japan in the Autumn Nations Series for free with ExpressVPN.

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 November 9'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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 9 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 was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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 November 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Excellent; very good.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SWELL.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 8

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.

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 November 9's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 9 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: Out of shape

• Green: Just a little bit

• Blue: Math

• Purple: Places to use the toilet

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: Contorted

• Green: Smallest Amount

• Blue: Algebra Terms

• Purple: Words Before "Room" To Mean Lavatory

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The solution to today's Connections #516 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Contorted: ANTIC, CAPER, EXPLOIT, STUNT

• Smallest Amount: DILL, KOSHER, SOUR, SWEET

• Algebra Terms: ADULT, BLUE, SPICY, SUGGESTIVE

• Words Before "Room" To Mean Lavatory: CHEESE, CORD, DECK, MUSTARD

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.

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

While the presidential election was the big national news story this week, a major natural disaster has gone under the radar: southern California's Mountain Fire.

The enormous blaze has burned at least 19,643 acres, destroyed homes, forced the evacuation of residents, and blanketed cities like Santa Barbara in shrouds of smoke, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom recently proclaimed Ventura County — north of Los Angeles — in a state of emergency.

SEE ALSO: Crisis hotlines see huge increase before and after Trump win

"This is a dangerous fire that's spreading quickly and is threatening lives," Newsom said in a statement. "California has mobilized state resources, including personnel, engines and aircraft from CAL FIRE and Cal OES, to protect communities as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat this fire. Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue." 

State officials advise those looking for the latest information to visit the CAL FIRE website (fire.ca.gov), which includes the latest details on warnings and evacuation warnings. CAL FIRE includes updates on all California wildfires, of which there are 10 listed as of Friday, though many of them are nearly fully contained. The website includes detailed maps of the fires' paths, the number of acres they're burning, the causes when known, which fire departments are battling them, and the most recent updates, which include road closures and summaries of the fires' situations.

Of the Mountain Fire, the website notes, "The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, with dry and receptive fuels, which have challenged containment efforts. Fire activity moderated due to the decrease in winds over the fire. The fire continued to back in areas where it had not been tied into control lines."

As of Friday afternoon, "The fire remains a threat to critical infrastructure. Islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn within the fire footprint."