In Ronny Chieng's Daily Show monologue from Thursday night, the host valiantly breaks down the meme war running on both sides of U.S. government during the ongoing shutdown. "For the Republicans and Democrats, the most important part of the shutdown is coming together and blaming the other side for it," says Chieng in the video above. "President Trump has been posting AI videos of Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero, and now, unfortunately, Democrats are hitting back with their own videos."Cue a montage of social posts by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Steven Horsford, and Rep. Sarah McBride, the latter "searching" for Republicans in the empty Capitol. "No Republicans here, because they all died from secondhand embarrassment," says Chieng. SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert reacts to Trump's AI-generated sombrero video, counters with JD Vance and a couch The Daily Show host then examines the "Kitty Explains" meme posted by Democrats in which kittens, superimposed in front of the Capitol and the White House, blame the GOP for the shutdown. "Wow, that was also not good," says Chieng.Ultimately, this meme war is a distraction from the government's very real continuing shutdown and the roll-on effects beyond the Capitol, which Chieng also gets into with a cameo from The Daily Show's Michael Kosta — you should watch the whole segment, not just the memes.

Jon Stewart may host The Daily Show on Monday, but on every other day of the week he apparently works part-time to make ends meet.Thursdays he's a delivery driver, which just so happens to result in him being onstage to deliver a sandwich and some margaritas to Jimmy Kimmel Live! 2IC Guillermo partway through Jimmy Kimmel's monologue. SEE ALSO: Seth Meyers crashes Jimmy Kimmel's monologue for a glorious cameo The end result is an amusing exchange which features two cheek slaps for Kimmel, some unexpected improv from Guillermo, and Stewart deciding to sit on a random audience member so he can stay to watch the rest of the show.

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Oct. 3, 2025:AcrossThe fitting missing letters in _OOGLE MA __The answer is GPS.Amtrak express trainThe answer is Acela.With 2- and 5-Down, distinction for kids who finish their whole dinnerThe answer is Clean.Desires, with "after"The answer is Lusts. Honey Nut Cheerios mascotThe answer is Bee.Down"Silly" birdsThe answer is Geese.See 6-AcrossThe answer is Plate.WithoutThe answer is Sans.Knee tissue that's prone to tearing, for shortThe answer is ACL.See 6-AcrossThe answer is Club.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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will challenge your knowledge of a popular winter sport.As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: Now streamingGreen: #goalsBlue: Fancy footworkPurple: I pledge allegiance... Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: Sports TV showsGreen: Pro soccer leaguesBlue: Football trick playsPurple: Contains surname of a U.S. presidentLooking 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: Sports Edition #375 is...What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Sports TV shows - EASTBOUND AND DOWN, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, RUNNING POINT, TED LASSOPro soccer leagues - BUNDESLIGA, MLS, PREMIER LEAGUE, SERIE AFootball trick plays - FLEA FLICKER, HOOK AND LATERAL, PHILLY SPECIAL, STATUE OF LIBERTYContains surname of a U.S. president - A'JA WILSON, CLEVELAND BROWNS, JUSTIN JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON WIZARDSDon't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for $134.99 (MSRP $299) with code LEARN through Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT, exclusively via StackSocial.Learning a new language doesn’t have to be overwhelming — or rushed. With Babbel, you can take your time and learn at your own pace across 14 languages, all with one lifetime subscription. No pressure. No juggling multiple apps. Just clear, well-structured lessons created by professional linguists.Through Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m. PT, StackSocial is offering lifetime access to Babbel’s full language platform for $134.99 (MSRP $299) when you use coupon code LEARN at checkout. This deal is valid for new Babbel users in the U.S. only.Babbel isn’t just another gamified app that leaves you guessing. You can use it on desktop or mobile, and your progress stays synced across devices.Learn for real — not just for streaks• All 14 languages included — Learn one, or tackle them all over time.• Bite-sized lessons — 10–15 minute sessions fit into your day.• Real-life topics — From travel essentials to business conversations.• AI conversation partner + speech recognition — Practice pronunciation and dialogue naturally.• Multi-device + offline access — Learn anywhere, with or without Wi-Fi.With more than 10,000 hours of language education and 14 languages to choose from (including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, and more), Babbel lets you dip in and out as life allows. Lessons are just 10–15 minutes long, so you can squeeze them in between meetings, on your commute, or over coffee.Developed by a team of over 100 linguists, Babbel’s curriculum focuses on practical, real-life conversation skills, not endless drills. The platform uses speech recognition technology to help you fine-tune pronunciation and avoid awkward tourist faux pas when you’re out in the world.Stop messing around with those free platforms and enjoy learning cultivated with experts.Get a lifetime of Babbel for just $134.99, thanks to StackSocial, with code LEARN when you order through Oct. 6.StackSocial prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $134.99 $299 Save $164.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: There are no artistic skills required to make incredible designs with this lifetime subscription to Imagiyo AI Image Generator, on sale now for $39.97 (reg. $495) through October 19.Ready to create some art? Imagiyo AI Image Generator lets you whip up anything your imagination can come up with — and all you have to do is input a prompt. And right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to this art generator’s standard plan for only $39.97 (reg. $495) until October 19.Turn your imagination into art with this AI image generatorThere’s no need to take a graphic design or drawing class to make your artistic dreams come true. Imagiyo AI Image Generator lets you create all the AI-generated art you can think of, turning words into stunning images in your exact preferred pixel size.You don’t need to have any prior AI knowledge to make magic with Imagiyo. Just give it a prompt and see your idea brought to life. It will be high-quality and print-ready, making it a great option for designing home decor or a gift for a loved one.Need art for marketing purposes? That’s no problem too — you have complete ownership over your creations and you can do whatever you’d like with them. There are never any watermarks or ads, either.Unlike other image generators, Imagiyo AI Image Generator can generate NSFW images for you, too. Just make sure your privacy settings are set to private for that kind of content.This lifetime subscription to the Imagiyo AI Image Generator Standard Plan lets you create 500 images a month, and two images per request.Keep making art forever with this lifetime subscription to Imagiyo AI Image Generator, on sale now for $39.97 (reg. $495) through October 19.StackSocial prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) $39.97 $495 Save $455.03 Get Deal

Devante is not one to mince words. The 32-year-old Las Vegas-based TikTok creator, known online as @devanteyaps, has built an unlikely career out of narrating the porn industry like it's the NBA. (Devante asked us not to use his actual first and last name for privacy reasons.)His clips — fast-talking, stat-laden, equal parts barbershop banter and SportsCenter highlight reel — have drawn millions of views across Instagram and TikTok (with over 97,000 and 100,000 followers respectively), a rabid comment section, and even the ears of the performers themselves. And it all started with a list of which performers are the cream of the crop. SEE ALSO: Pornhub copies TikTok with a feature fit for goonscrolling "Someone [on TikTok] said [adult actor] Pinky wasn't even top 20," Devante recalls in an interview with Mashable. "I was like, what?!" So, in April, he made a video correcting the record. Over a 100 videos later, he has stumbled into a niche that is equal parts absurd and undeniable. The 'GSPN' of TikTokOnce an intern at a recording studio, Devante has amassed a fanbase that "lovingly" calls him Gooner A. Smith (nameplay of the sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and "gooning," which means watching porn for hours while edging). His TikTok bio declares him a "GSPN" (gooning ESPN) analyst.What makes Devante stand out isn't just the gimmick, but the authority he's managed to command. Performers DM him, companies offer him free subscriptions, and fans flood his rankings with debates about who really belongs in the porn hall of fame. "I try to stay grounded," he says. "At the end of the day, I'm just opinions. But I know my words have weight now."In an era when many still whisper about adult content in hushed tones, Devante has unexpectedly become one of its first unabashed public analysts — a sort of pioneer in bringing porn commentary into mainstream digital culture. His SportsCenter-meets-porn breakdowns are somewhat the end result of TikTok's obsession with sex work as both spectacle and subject (judging from the debate that preceded his account), but he now occupies a rarified space that a few others are also approaching. That boldness is especially striking against a political backdrop where porn is under fresh attack: Project 2025, the conservative blueprint for Donald Trump's second presidential term, explicitly calls for criminalizing pornography and prosecuting those who produce and distribute it. This year, lawmakers introduced several bills to ban porn. In that sense, Devante's work isn't just about grabbing attention — it's about reframing porn as an industry worth analyzing rather than a guilty pleasure to be hidden away. However, at the end of the day, he's still an entertainer. Even the label of "entertainer" brings pressure, though. Early on, he roasted a performer's plastic surgery and found himself on the receiving end of weeks of clapback. "It doesn't matter if I was right," he opines now. "I shouldn't have said it like that." These days, he toes the line between critique and cruelty, aware that performers — real people with real feelings — are listening. "I want to be factual, fair. I don't want to hurt feelings, even when I'm being honest."The irony is that, while Devante's whole brand is porn talk, his videos are often less salacious than they are sociological. He thinks about eras, evolutions, the racial "two leagues" divide in porn's history, and the economics of OnlyFans. He rails against poor camerawork — "Tripod, ten feet away, and you're still charging $40?"— with the same exasperation as a coach watching sloppy defense. And he worries about the darker undercurrents of the industry: potential exploitation, unsafe meetups with anonymous male creators, and the mental health of women who are highly visible online."People have told me the most vile things online," he says. "But I know the girls are getting worse than me. The mental health side of this needs to be talked about way more."The stigma of talking about adult content onlineFor someone whose persona is built on shamelessness, stigma is never far away. Devante's been called "the goonfather" at work and brushed off concerns from friends about hanging out with porn stars. But he shrugs. "If you're gonna judge me for what I do, I don't care," he says. "I'm doing things people would love to do. Why have shame about it?" If anything, he sees his platform as a way to push back against stigma — both for himself and for the performers. Long-term, he wants to launch a podcast that humanizes porn performers rather than baiting them into viral clips. "Other shows, they'll ask them wild questions just for clicks. I want to ask, 'How'd you start? What are your goals after this? How does your family accept it?'"Devante's videos now take three to four hours a day to create: researching scenes across subscription sites, double- and triple-checking facts, then recording into TikTok's 10-minute time cap. Consistency beats perfection, he insists. "Some days I'm locked in, some days I'm not. But showing up every day matters more than being perfect."His "greatest hits" remain the rankings — Top 10 lists that reliably ignite the comments section, with fans arguing stats like sports fans screaming about Jordan vs. LeBron. (For him, it's Gianna Michaels as Jordan and Angela White as LeBron, in case you're wondering.)Whether you find his shtick brilliant or ridiculous, Devante is well on his way to reshaping the way people talk about porn online. He's not naïve about it. He knows the ridicule, the contradictions, and the fact that some will always see him as unserious. But he also believes he's building something bigger from his "15 minutes of fame.""I want to give performers a platform where they're seen as humans," he says. "That's the goal. That's where all this is heading."

The best streaming deals to watch 'Bring Her Back' at home: Best non-streaming option Rent or buy 'Bring Her Back' on Prime Video $14.99 or $19.99 Get Deal Best streaming deal HBO Max Basic (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal Best deal with no ads HBO Max Standard annual subscription $169.99/year (save $33.89) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads for Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal Best for students HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Best bundle deal Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 38%) Get Deal Kick off spooky season with Bring Her Back — one of Mashable's favorite movies of 2025. The "gnarly psycho-biddy horror offering" is finally coming to streaming after a five-month wait, so you can tune into the deeply deranged tale from the comfort of your couch. As the sophomore follow-up to box-office hit Talk To Me, directors Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou had a lot to live up to. And they certainly succeeded. Bring Her Back stars two-time Academy Award–nominee Sally Hawkins alongside Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally-Anne Upton. If you missed the A24 horror flick in theaters, there are now a few different ways to tune in from your couch. Here's everything you need to know to watch Bring Her Back at home.What is Bring Her Back about?In Bring Her Back, Hawkins stars as former social worker and now foster mom Laura, who takes in siblings Andy (Barratt) and Piper (Wong). Despite her chipper demeanor, there's something off about Laura. While the siblings are looking for stability and a happy home, they find something much more sinister.Check out the trailer for a sneak peek: Is Bring Her Back worth watching?In Mashable's review, Film Editor Kristy Puchko writes, "Bring Her Back is extraordinary. For those who found Talk to Me sensationally scary, this follow-up will thrill with its deeply deranged tale of heartache and body horror. But the Philippous went deeper, presenting a character-driven drama with flares of psycho-biddy and religious horror. That heady combination not only makes for a satisfyingly scary as hell movie, but also a profound one."Other critics and audiences agree — the film currently holds an 89 percent critics rating and 79 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As one of Mashable's favorite films of 2025 (so far), we wholeheartedly think it's worth watching, especially to kick off spooky season.Read our full review of Bring Her Back.How to watch Bring Her Back at home Credit: A24 Bring Her Back hit theaters way back on May 30, 2025. If you missed out on the full theater experience or if you can't wait to watch it again, there are now a few different ways to watch it at home: purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand or, of course, streaming. See all the details below.Buy or rent Bring Her Back on digitalAs of July 1, the A24 horror thriller is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for a limited time. If you choose to rent, you'll have 30 days to watch, but only 48 hours to finish once you begin. While it's the most limited option, renting is the cheapest way to watch Bring Her Back unless you qualify for a free or discounted HBO Max subscription (more on that below).You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:Prime Video — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99Apple TV — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99Fandango at Home — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99Google Play — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99YouTube — buy for $12.99, rent for $5.99 Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Bring Her Back' at Prime Video $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Stream Bring Her Back on HBO MaxThanks to A24's multi-year output deal, new theatrical releases exclusively head to HBO Max before anywhere else. After a long wait, Bring Her Back is officially streaming on HBO Max as of Oct. 3, 2025 — just in time for spooky season.HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to shave a few bucks off your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal A yearly HBO Max plan can save you about 16% compared to a monthly plan. While the Basic plan with ads typically costs $9.99 per month, that cost drops to about $8.33 per month for the annual plan — a yearly total of just $99.99. We think this is the best HBO Max streaming deal for most people.Best HBO Max deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on a Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get Deal If you prefer to watch movies and shows without ads interrupting your experience, you'll have to upgrade to a Standard or Premium plan. Fortunately, you can save about 16% on these annual plans as well. The Standard tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). Both tiers offer ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier goes a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max Basic (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal There are a couple of ways to get HBO Max for free in 2025. First, you can switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan and get HBO Max Basic (with ads) included for no extra cost. Just open up the HBO Max app or website and select Cricket as your provider to log in with your credentials.Get HBO Max for free: Sign up for DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / Max HBO Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal Another way you can get HBO Max for free in 2025 is by signing up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan for $96 per year ($8 per month). Besides $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, an annual DashPass also gets you free streaming (with ads) through HBO Max. You'll just have to activate your HBO Max Basic subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can upgrade for a discounted rate.Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal College students can get an entire year of HBO Max Basic (with ads) for just $4.99 per month. That's half the price of a typical subscription. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS and use the discount code you receive to slice the price in half per month. After the year is through, your subscription will go back up to full price unless you cancel.Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal The Disney+ bundle deal remains the best bang for your buck in the streaming world. It includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for only $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $25.97 per month, so you'll keep an extra $9 in your pocket monthly by bundling them together.If you'd rather go ad-free, it will run you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries — arguably the best ongoing streaming deal around.

You ever get the feeling that your pet can sense something you don't? Maybe it's the way they hard stare at an empty corner. Maybe it's that abrupt bark in the middle of the night, or the skittering paws propelling them out of a room at a moment's notice. Whatever the quirk, it leaves you feeling shaken and wishing they could just talk and spill the spooky tea. Good Boy drops audiences into this scary terrain, centering its haunted house story on a dedicated dog who is desperately trying to warn his human bestie about the supernatural threats closing in. Focusing on a dog in danger is a bold move. There's a general unspoken rule in Hollywood that though you can kill scads of humans in movies, you'll outrage your audience if you kill the dog. Our empathy might not extend to every slasher victim or a nameless gang of gun-toting minions, but our hearts immediately go out to a dog in danger. There's a whole website dedicated to warning tenderhearted dog lovers if a canine will die in a movie. Hell, the wildly popular action series John Wick is predicated on this very idea, knowing we will watch a man kill hordes to avenge his beloved puppy. Good Boy's independent director/co-writer/cinematographer/producer Ben Leonberg realizes this, and puts his viewers through the wringer by casting his sweet family pet, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Indy, to be tormented by ghosts and vicious visions of doom and death. The resulting horror movie had me yelping like I was a kid seeing her first scary movie. Props to you, Ben and Indy. With one clever gimmick, Good Boy brings fresh life to horror cliches.  Indy, the dog star, behind the scenes of "Good Boy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC Penned by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, the scares of Good Boy do start standard: flickering lights, a creepy sound coming from an unlit basement, a dark figure lurking in the shadows, and glowing eyes in a black night. Yet by putting a dog in these scenarios, the filmmakers play on a delicious knowledge imbalance that fuels suspense. We, as humans who've watched (arguably too many) horror movies, can clock these conventions from their first appearance. We immediately understand there's a malevolent supernatural force toying with Indy and his human, Todd (Shane Jensen). But Indy, much like the little girl in Poltergeist, he has no context for what's happening around him, so we fear for him even before he fears for himself.The plot of Good Boy is simple. Feeling ill, Todd decides to escape his cramped city apartment for an cabin upstate, where his late grandfather (Larry Fessenden) lived. But long abandoned, the vibe is far from cozy. Indy, which is both the character's name and his dog actor's name, doesn't like it from first sniff. While Todd gets to the arduous task of starting up the electric generator and ducking calls from his concerned sister, Vera (Arielle Friedman), Indy is immediately alert to strange energies. While we might realize the threat before Indy — or at least more keenly — there's a mystery in what these spirits want and a mounting stress in how oblivious Todd is to all of it. While Todd has the ability to take them away from this creepy space, Indy is trapped because he's not being heard! Good Boy's dog star Indy gives an impeccable performance.  Indy and his plush stunt double, "Findy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC Beyond being a scary-as-hell watch for dog lovers, Good Boy has a built-in allure as Indy is just a star from his first frame. His dark eyes, floppy ears, and sweet expression make him instantly lovable. But more than that, he is so game for whatever Leonberg directs him to do. Staying and staring into an eerie abyss? Jumping into action? Reacting to a burst of blood? Racing to Todd to protect him? Indy is a good boy, through and through. Leonberg's personal connection with his star/pet surely plays a crucial role here, as Indy's comfort with him allows for an ambitious array of sequences with specific asks. To be clear, it never appears the dog was put in any real danger, and the end credits promise, "No animals were harmed in the making of this film." Shot over three years, it seems Leonberg had the time, patience, and appreciation for his animal companion/collaborator to nurture a truly moving performance. On top of Indy's screen presence, Leonberg balances the film with smart cinematography that plays on horror lovers' expectations. The out-of-focus background, flanked by shadows, draws our eye behind the lovable dog, because slashers and haunted house movies have taught us to look where our heroes are not. Moreover, a wealth of close-ups of Indy draw us again and again into his softness and his trusting gaze, pinning us to the ground in fear for him. Good Boy is basically about how we don't deserve dogs.  Director Ben Leonberg and Indy, behind the scenes of "Good Boy." Credit: What's Wrong with Your Dog? LLC More than an internet meme, that sentiment feels like the thesis of Good Boy. Todd is far from a bad pet caregiver, but he is so caught up in his own problems that he's blind to everything Indy is experiencing. From a long-distance phone call, sister Vera introduces the very real way dogs can smell things we can't, not just bombs or drugs but incoming death. Indy is an oracle ignored by the one he wants to protect most. Forget complex heroes. Good Boy offers the goodest of boys, putting its viewers in a vice grip of suspense. When clamoring gray hands reach out for him in a jump scare, I screamed so loud I shocked myself. And I did it again and again as this haunted house story ramped up. Leonberg's pacing is fitful, pitching Indy into new scenes of tension in basements, bedrooms, dog houses, and the wider woods. And then after a spiking scare, the narrative jumps to some time later. How long is unclear, giving the film that surreal passing of time that happens when your schedule is out of your control. We, like Indy, are a prisoner to the whims of Todd. Within this whirl, it's impossible to get your footing. Clues drop about what this supernatural force is and what it wants, but the mystery is secondary to the suffocating fear that Indy might not survive. I won't answer that for you. But I will say that Leonberg understands the power of his leading dog and what his audience wants. That understanding allows him to tighten the chokehold he has on us through a climax both chilling and satisfying. In the end, Good Boy is a deceptively simple horror movie that hits hard. You'll gasp. You'll scream. You'll pull your hands over your eyes and hope desperately for the best. It's a ruthless blast.Good Boy is now in theaters.  UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2025, 3:23 p.m. Good Boy was reviewed out of its World Premiere at 2025 SXSW film festival in the Midnighter section. This article was published on March 8, 2025. It has been updated to include the movie's theatrical release.

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into a tiny frame. And having tested a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you the Amazon Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill up your summer reading list. You can even buy Kindle accessories like remote page-turners and gooseneck stands so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading. Amazon has revamped its entire line-up over the past year, and as of Sept 30. 2025, the company introduced a new batch of Kindle Scribes, less than a year after the previous generation launched. The updated line-up includes an upgraded front light as well as the addition of the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.Plus, another big Amazon sales event is about to start. The retailer's Prime Big Deal Days, otherwise known as October Prime Day is coming Oct. 7 and 8, which typically brings some decent savings on the Amazon Kindle. But temper your expectations. Kindles are wildly popular devices, meaning they don't get the biggest discounts during these sales. Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers. A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and as of July 2025, the Colorsoft lineup includes three models. The Colorsoft is the second most expensive option among Kindles, and after finally getting our hands on a model, we've added it to this guide. As of Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon also announced a revamped Kindle Scribe. The new model is exceptionally thin and has a front light for a brighter display. Plus, the new Colorsoft edition of the Scribe lets you annotate, journal, or sketch in color. Neither the Kindle Scribe nor Kindle Scribe Colorsoft are available for preorder yet, but we'll update this guide once we've fully tested the devices.No matter which model you choose, all of the latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it's hard to make a bad decision in this product category. So, what's the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.Which Kindle is right for you?If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you need is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the "read with Kindle" option, which allows you to send these e-books to your Kindle library.Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books, often making them heavily discounted or totally free.How to make the most of your KindleThrough our testing and daily use, we've spent a lot of time with Kindles, learning how to make the most of them. We've written extensively on all the ways to maximize your Kindle, so be sure to browse through our guides and explainers:The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxuryWhat is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free booksI've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle storeWhat is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a monthWhere to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dimePrime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First ReadsHow to download EPUB files on your Kindle8 Kindle features you should be usingHow to delete books from Kindle

Whether you're looking for a new subscription service, or just trying to remember how much you're paying for HBO Max — and what you're getting for that price — you've come to the right place.Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how much HBO Max costs per month, including what each plan gives you, and how these price points compare to those of other streaming services. SEE ALSO: How much does Netflix cost per month? How much does the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan cost?HBO Max offers three subscription plans. First up is the Basic with Ads plan, which gives you access to the HBO Max catalog, with ads. It costs $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year. If you choose to pay the annual price, that would save you almost $20 per year.The Basic plan also gives you the ability to stream on two devices at once, with a video quality of full HD 1080p resolution.How much does the HBO Max Standard plan cost?HBO Max's Standard plan costs $16.99 per month, or $169.99 per year. The annual price saves you almost $34 per year.With the Standard plan, you get access to HBO Max's catalog without ads, as well as select live sports like certain MLB and NHL games. Like with the Basic plan, you can also stream on two devices at once, with video quality of full HD 1080p resolution. You also get 30 downloads. SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Hulu? Our film critics weigh in. How much does the HBO Max Premium plan cost?HBO Max Premium costs $20.99 per month, or $209.99 per year. The annual price saves you just under $42 per year.With the Premium plan, you get access to HBO Max's catalog without ads, along with select live sports. Premium also upgrades the number of devices you can use and the video quality you get. You can stream on four devices at once, although only two can be used for sports at a time. You also get 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, as available. Finally, you get 100 downloads.How do HBO Max's prices compare to other streaming services?When it comes to streaming services prices, HBO Max is on the more expensive side, cost-wise. However, it is not the most expensive. Here's how things shake out.At $9.99 per month, HBO Max's Basic with ads tier is more expensive than the ad-supported tiers of Netflix ($7.99), Paramount+ ($7.99), Peacock ($7.99), and a Prime Video subscription by itself, without an Amazon Prime subscription ($8.99). However, once Disney+ and Hulu increase their prices come Oct. 21, 2025, HBO Max's Basic tier will be cheaper than both of their ad-supported tiers, which will cost $11.99 per month.At $16.99 per month, HBO Max's Standard tier costs more than Peacock ($10.99), Prime Video ($11.98), and Paramount+'s ($12.99) ad-free tiers. However, it costs less than Netflix's ($17.99) and Hulu's ($18.99). After its Oct. 21 price increase, Disney+'s ad-free tier will also be more expensive, at $18.99.Not every streaming service has a third, Premium tier like HBO Max. Several streaming services call their equivalent of HBO Max's Standard plan "Premium." However, of those that do, HBO Max is once again in the middle of the pack. At $20.99 per month, it is more expensive than Peacock's Premium Plus tier ($16.99), but cheaper than Netflix's Premium tier ($24.99).

Vice President JD Vance has defended a racist AI-generated video that President Donald Trump posted to social media, stating that he considers the mocking depiction of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing a sombrero to be a funny joke. Now Stephen Colbert has countered with an offer of his own, accompanied with his own "joking" video.When asked about the video on Wednesday, Vance said, "I'll tell Hakeem Jeffries right now: I make this solemn promise to you that if you help us reopen the government, the sombrero memes will stop.""If that's how we're doing it, JD, then we here at the Late Show also enjoy humor," said Colbert. "We've created our own funny good time animation based on something that isn't real to help end the shutdown. Enjoy!"The Late Show host then proceeded to show an animation of Vance having sex with a couch while wearing a sombrero on his butt. A viral rumour claimed that Vance admitted to masturbating between two couch cushions in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, however the book does not contain any such admission. Even so, Vance's supposed sexual inclination toward furniture has become a pervasive joke online."We're joking!" said Colbert. "I'll tell you what, here's the deal. If you resign as VP, I won't keep showing that every chance I get. And I definitely won't put it on all of our socials so people can share it and maybe roll it on a loop during their holiday parties this year."

We're slowly making our way through the lunar cycle, and we're just a few days away from the full moon.The lunar cycle is a 29.5-day cycle of eight distinct phases of the moon. According to NASA, these phases happen as the Sun lights up different portions of the moon while it orbits Earth. Keep reading to find out what you can spot in the night sky tonight, October 3.What is today’s moon phase?As of Friday, Oct. 3, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 83% of its surface is illuminated tonight.You won't need any visual aids to spot features on the moon's surface tonight; with your naked eye alone, you can see the Kepler Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Tycho Crater. With binoculars, you can also see the Archimedes Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. If you have a telescope, you can also spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Rima Hyginus. When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Oct. 7. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.What are moon phases?NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.We're slowly crawling to the end of the 2025 MotoGP season, so fans need to stop and really appreciate every remaining race weekend. So we're suggesting you cancel all your plans, block out the world, and follow all the action from the Grand Prix of Indonesia. And better yet, do it for free.If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia?The MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia takes place at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia race starts at 3 a.m. ET on Oct. 5.How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for freeThe MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)Open up the app and connect to a server in AustriaConnect to ServusTVWatch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia before recovering your investment.If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.What is the best VPN for MotoGP?ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:Servers in 105 countries including AustriaEasy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and moreStrict no-logging policy so your data is protectedFast streaming speeds free from throttlingUp to eight simultaneous connections30-day money-back guaranteeA two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Indonesia for free with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.We all want our homes to be safe and secure. That's part of what makes it a home, after all. In the 21st Century, being safe and secure home means upgrading your home the latest and best smart tech around. In other words, a smart security camera.Security cameras work as an effective deterrent against break-ins and unwanted visitors, but they're also great for monitoring your home at all times. It's little wonder that smart security cameras are very popular, as evidenced by the always advancing smart tech and range of available models.But how do you know which home security camera is the best for you and your family? Selecting any technology for your home is hard. It's easy to get blindsided by specifications, complicated by the fact that everyone's home and daily routine is different. But don't fret: We're here to help secure your home. Here's some helpful information and a roundup of the best security cameras currently available.What is a smart security camera?A smart security camera connects to an app or to your WiFi. They tend to stream live video directly to your smart device (such as a phone or tablet) and will generally have features that can be controlled remotely or via a voice assistant, They may even be powered by AI technology, with features such as automatic motion detection. You don't have to choose a smart security camera, of course, though all of the cameras on this roundup have smart tech capabilities. It's pretty much the standard now.What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor security cameras?Outdoor cameras must be robust enough to withstand changes in temperature and a variety of weather conditions. And when it comes to indoor cameras, most people prefer devices that easily blend into their home/decor. You don’t want anyone to be aware that they’re being recorded. After all, intruders are notoriously camera shy!Are wireless security cameras reliable?It’s important to consider what kind of “juice” a camera needs to operate. Does it rely on batteries or does it require a power source? You might face constraints as to where you can place a camera that needs a power source. Conversely, batteries obviously have a limited life. We can say with some degree of confidence that a dead camera isn’t incredibly useful. It’s not a case of which is best, but which type better suits you.Do security cameras have audio?Some cameras do indeed offer audio surveillance as well as imagery. Some options will simply have a microphone that allows them to capture sound. Others can both capture and emit sound, turning them into a sort-of intercom with two-way audio.Do security cameras require WiFi?Like the vast majority of technology today, many security cameras available have WiFi capability. This is great for a handful of reasons including the fact that it's harder to disable them. Moreover, most cameras with WiFi allow you to turn your house into a smart home. They can integrate with Amazon and Google and allow you to remotely lock your door and control your lights, as well as sending you texts/alerts.How do you access your video footage?Though some cameras come with microSD cards, most models rely on cloud services for storage and offer you remote access. Keep in mind that not all storage is alike. Some might save footage for a month, others only a week. Additionally, you may have to pay a subscription fee for the cloud service.What is the best security camera?It’s all about which security camera suits you and your home. Your lifestyle or comings and goings may require a particular set of features. What you need are options. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and pulled together some of the top picks.These are the best security cameras in 2025.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.If you're reading this, you almost certainly own a laptop. And if you do own a laptop, you need a practical bag for carrying it around. After all, the point of a laptop is portability — to take your work, games, and pretty much your whole life on-the-go.But it's so much trickier than just grabbing the first backpack off the peg. Backpacks are like life partners. We all need one to get through the day, but it's about finding one that perfectly suits you. There are loads of different factors to consider: your daily routine, functionality vs. comfort, and how much stuff you have to cram inside.Indeed, there's plenty to think about. Choosing a backpack depends entirely on your lifestyle and day-to-day activities. Almost as much as when choosing the laptop itself. Here are some helpful pointers and a round-up of the best backpacks for laptops.How big is a laptop backpack?If only it was as easy as simply picking a backpack that fits your laptop. As for overall size, think about how you most commonly use your backpack. If you use it while commuting, you might want a slimmer size for saving space on busy trains or buses — or maybe you need it to store away easily in the office or at home, or under the desk.Conversely, maybe you double-up and take your everyday laptop backpack on hiking or weekend excursions, in which case you may want a bigger bag for packing in extra belongings and accessories. A smaller bag is around 15 litres and larger capacities are somewhere around the 30-litre mark.What size laptop can a backpack carry?Different laptop bags are built to fit different laptop sizes, from 13 to 17-inches. But the size of the backpack's laptop sleeve will vary from brand to brand. To make sure your laptop fits, look at the manufacturer’s specific measurements. The size of other compartments will also be a factor.What other features do laptop backpacks have?A laptop sleeve is your base requirement, of course. As opposed to a general bag compartment that will hold your laptop but won’t keep it secure, which means your laptop will be banging about. Commuters or frequent fliers can look for backpacks that have a USB port, which eliminates the issue of needing to find a seat next to a powerpoint. They should also seek out secure locking functions. Hikers may want features such as handy water bottle pockets, extra padding on the straps, or an attachment for a torch. Easy-to-reach front pockets for holding your phone or other necessary items are useful too. If you’re dedicated to fitness, look for a compartment that's similarly dedicated to holding your gym gear or trainers. What types of laptop backpack can you buy?The backpack is not the only option, of course. There are also tote, messenger, duffel, and briefcase-style bags available. But if it’s a backpack that you’re after — and the backpack is the best all-rounder — there are still style variations to consider:Business — These bags will include a high-end style, such as laptop bags made by Samsonite, or a business casual style that will look good with a suit but shrug off the formality. Look out for brands such as Bellroy or Lily & Drew.Classic — These bags will look like an upgrade on your school bag and will accompany timeless, no-frills fashion. See brands such as Herschel, Jansport, or Fjallraven.Sports — These bags will likely come from well-known sports brands like Nike or outdoors brands like Osprey and North Face, and will accommodate gym gear, or offer features suitable for active and outdoors lifestyles.Technology — These are well suited to anyone whose job or day-to-day activities includes carrying lots of gadgets, devices, leads, and accessories. They typically feature lots of compartments for good organisation.How much does a laptop backpack cost?It’s one of the big questions. As ever, you get what you pay for. Most people aren't willing to drop more than £100 on a backpack — but if you want one that’s robust and big on features, you might need to invest a little extra.What is the best backpack for your laptop?Whether you're looking for a basic option for the commute or a heavy-duty backpack with all the bells and whistles, we've got the best bags to fit your needs. We have lined up a selection of the very best laptop backpacks from all the biggest brands. There is something for everyone in this list. These are the best laptop backpacks for 2025.

Happy Friday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.Today's games make heavy use of "less than" and "greater than" areas, but we have all the tips you need to navigate them. Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 3, 2025 The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces. SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 3, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 PipsNumber (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontallyEqual (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 PipsEqual (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally.Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically.Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically.Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically.Number (15): Everything in this space must add to 15. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed horizontally.Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 3 PipsGreater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.Greater Than (11): Everything in this space must be greater than 11. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally.Number (7): Everything in this space must add to 7. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed horizontally.Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally.Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontallyNumber (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally.If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The NYT Connections puzzle today shouldn't be hard to solve if you're a theater kid.Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today'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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 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 Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:Yellow: A partitionGreen: They spinBlue: They can be found on BroadwayPurple: A popular nickname Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categoriesNeed a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:Yellow: BoundaryGreen: They move in a spiralBlue: Songs from musicalsPurple: What "Ed" might indicateLooking 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 #846 is...What is the answer to Connections todayBoundary: BORDER, EDGE, EXTREMITY, LIMITThey move in a spiral: EDDY, FOOTBALL, TASMANIAN DEVIL, TORNADOSongs from musicals: CABARET, EDELWEISS, MAMMA MIA, MEMORYWhat "Ed" might indicate: EDITOR, EDUCATION, EDWARD, PAST TENSEDon'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. SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 29, 2025 Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.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.

Today's NYT Strands hints will help you understand the flavor of today's puzzle.Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically. SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve, provided that you're in charge. SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Who's in charge?The words are related to guidance. Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe authority figures.NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Leadership. Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 3ManagerHeadDirectorLeadershipBossChiefSupervisorLooking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.