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However you use Linux, whatever your situation, there’s a simple way to create a new directory. The terminal mkdir command is probably the one you use the most, but there’s a lot to learn about it, and you may find a GUI app easier.

Sex sells, but you might not know just how much.

There are people who make their living having sex or looking sexy, but there are plenty of others who make money in their orbit. 

"I thought my only option was to teach sex ed at primary and secondary schools through charities," said Amari, a sex positive virtual assistant and social media manager. "And now all of a sudden I have these two businesses where I'm working in the sex space in a completely different capacity than what I thought."

SEE ALSO: How I make 6 figures on OnlyFans selling feet pics

Since 2023, Amari has run Admin by Amari, an agency offering services from administrative work to social media to copywriting and SEO, all for different workers in the sex space. She also runs Sex Coaching by Amari, but the former business is her bread and butter. 

"Sexual health nurses, gynecologists, obstetricians, all the way to sex workers," she described clients. That's not all: "OnlyFans models, sex toy companies, sex dungeons, play parties…reproductive justice charities, abortion charities. The list…it's crazy."

Mashable interviewed Amari about how she went from university student to right-hand person for the sex-positive among us.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned. "It just accidentally became my full-time job"

When studying sociology in university, "every topic that I was allowed to pick was about sex in some shape or form," Amari said. The topics included gender, sexuality, sex work, porn, feminism, and gendered violence. 

She volunteered for different charities, like a sex workers' rights charity and one about sexual domestic violence. She'd do various administrative tasks, social media work, and help with events. Eventually, she got a job at a nursery and thought that when she'd graduated, she'd go either down the charity or women's rights group route or the childcare route.

Then COVID hit. But she graduated with a full-time job, as nurseries stayed open in the UK. Amari loved working with kids, so she decided to enroll into teacher training. 

Unfortunately, though, it was a grueling experience. Between 80-hour work weeks and not getting paid due to the nature of the program, "I got incredibly stressed out, mentally, physically," she told Mashable. "It attacked my joints. I was on crutches at the age of, like, 23."

"I was actually physically unable to work with children," she said. "My body just completely shut down."

She also didn't have a good experience with her mentor. All of this prompted her to ask herself what she's going to do with her life.

Given her charity volunteering while at university, she sent her CV to charities and secured an administrative and social media role at a forest school nursery. While the pay was low, the job was remote, and Amari decided, "This is the life I want to live." 

It was around this time that she also received her sex education qualification, but realized she wasn't able to be in a school environment due to her physical condition. 

SEE ALSO: OnlyFans 'baits and switches' customers with false promises, lawsuit claims

Months later, a reproductive justice organization reached out to her, offering admin work for 10 hours per month. Amari figured she could do admin and use the bit of extra pocket money, so she registered as self-employed.

"That's how I set up the agency," she said.

She reached out to other charities to offer freelancer work, and it slowly became her full-time gig.

"It just accidentally became my full-time job," she said. "And all of a sudden I was like, 'Oh my gosh'...I had a sex educator reach out to me, a sex worker reach out to me. I had a sex work company reach out to me," she said, after they found her through Instagram.

"I didn't even know all of these people needed this sort of support," she said. But now, she works with six clients and has a team of over a dozen people handling administrative and social media work. 

The day-to-day of a sex work admin assistant

Amari's day-to-day is "chill" these days, she said. Sometimes she'll have discovery calls with potential clients, negotiate brand deals, do interviews or podcasts, or write articles, but she said that's more of a "side thing."

"I wake up whenever I want," she said. "I get to go to the gym whenever I like. I get to do Pilates whenever I want to…It's mainly me in bed tapping away at my computer to be honest."

That doesn't mean she always puts her feet up. As someone who posts about sex on social media, she knows all about platforms' draconian rules. On her website, Amari has a guide on censorship and shadowbanning, which is when someone's account is deprioritized by a social media app. Sex workers, erotic artists, and LGBTQ content creators have told Mashable that they've seen their Instagram accounts shadowbanned or simply banned.

"The first time I got shadowbanned, I was like, 'Oh my god, I'm gonna lose my job. My whole business is gonna go to shit. I need to get a new job.' I was so stressed out and so overwhelmed," Amari said. But she did a lot of research and spoke with clients who've experienced shadowbanning, so she's gathered that knowledge over the years. 

"We understand shadow banning, we understand censorship," she said. "But I cannot make you a promise that something won't happen to your account." She does have best practices, though: diversify your platforms (have two to three social media accounts), and go outside of social media too with an email marketing list and website.

Depending on the client, she also censors specific words as well (a content moderation phenomenon we've seen on social media the last few years — "seggs," anyone?), but some clients specifically don't want her to. 

But it's just one thing she's learned being in the sex space, which she said is "such a fun industry."

"I learned so much in that first six months," she said. "Proper whirlwind." 

Now that she's cemented in it, it feels like she has a proper community despite being remote — not that she doesn't love working from home.

"If there's one thing I want people to take away from this, it's get a remote job," she joked.

Donald Trump bringing Jake Paul onstage at a rally and endorsing him for political office may sound like something out of a parallel timeline, but it's exactly what happened on Wednesday.

"Trump got a visit from a celebrity who could be our next president of the United States," says Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above, before playing footage of the YouTuber-turned-pro boxer speaking at Trump's Wednesday rally in Kentucky, saying: "What Mr Trump has taught me is courage. We never back down from a fight."

"I wonder if Jake knows Trump got a note from his podiatrist to dodge the draft?" Kimmel asks. "Do you think maybe he kept that a 'wonderful secret' from Jake?"

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

While Android phone makers are tooting their horns about seven years of software support, one Android device has been receiving regular updates for more than a decade. The first NVIDIA Shield TV launched in 2015, yet it still outclasses every other Android device in terms of software support.

With the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran , the global oil market is chaos right now.

U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright hit X on Tuesday to seemingly assuage concerns, writing, "The U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets."

The tweet was then deleted, because that hasn't actually happened, but it was enough, as the Wall Street Journal reports, "to wipe out million-dollar trades" and send the stock market into pandemonium.

On The Late Show Wednesday night, Stephen Colbert walked through the whole debacle in the clip above.

"There's already too much drama in the life of an investor," joked Colbert. "Just look at Wall Street, Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, Wall Street 3: This Cocaine's Just Not Hitting Like It Used To, and Wall Street 4: Rush Hour 2."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 could be special. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, but Ferrari and Red Bull have shown pace at points.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

4. Bahrain Grand Prix — April 12

5. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — April 19

6. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

7. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

8. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

9. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

10. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

11. British Grand Prix — July 5

12. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

13. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

14. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

15. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

16. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

17. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

18. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

19. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

20. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

21. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

22. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

23. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

24. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races live. Watch the Chinese GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Australian GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

The new F1 season started in the way most fans expected. There was a lot of good, but plenty of bad.

I still don't really know where we stand this season after the introduction of regulation changes, but that uncertainty mostly feels like a good thing. Sure, the cars sound funny and there definitely seems like a lot of unnecessary complication, but there was also some genuinely thrilling racing from the first race weekend. And you can't always say that with F1.

And now the attention turns to China, and the first Sprint of the season. Can anyone stop Mercedes from flying to the front? I honestly have no idea at this stage, but I can't wait to see how Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren respond to Russell's dominant performance at Albert Park.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Chinese GP?

The Chinese GP is the second race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Shanghai International Circuit:

• Practice 1 — 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET on March 12

• Sprint Qualifying — 3:30-4:14 a.m. ET on March 13

• Sprint — 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET on March 13

• Qualifying — 3-4 a.m. ET on March 14

• Race — 3 a.m. ET on March 15

It's possible for fans to follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Chinese GP for free

I'm a paid-up member of Amazon Prime. You probably know by now that Amazon Prime comes with fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. That Prime Video access is crucial for this season of F1.

It's now possible to sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by gaining access to this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch the Chinese GP for free this weekend and then back out before needing to pay anything. It's a sneaky trick, but it works.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so is this really a free hack? That's up for debate, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can watch select races without spending anything.

If you've already used this method for the Australian GP, I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

Although the term "open source" didn’t arrive until the late 1990s, the principle has been around since programming really took off in the 50s and 60s. Early developers shared their code and protocol designs, a process that ballooned with the advent of the internet in 1969.

Whenever Conan O'Brien appears on a late night show you know there's a decent chance of some chaos, and his interview with Jimmy Kimmel doesn't disappoint.

As well as telling an amusing story about his struggle to come up with an Oscars joke about the movie Train Dreams, O'Brien (who is hosting the awards again this year) also takes a moment to rage about the actors who were nominated in the Best Supporting category while he received nothing for his role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.

"I'M BETTER THAN ALL OF THEM COMBINED, AND YET I WAS DENIED!" screams O'Brien. "DENIED!"

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TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 AFL for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Aussie Rules is a uniquely fast-paced and physical game that provides entertainment to millions of fans every week, but for whatever reason, this entertaining sport hasn't really traveled outside of Australia. We think that should change, because we firmly believe that the rest of the world would absolutely love footy.

What's not to love. Outrageous displays of skill? Check. Huge tackles and the occasional physical altercation? Check. Some of the best haircuts and facial hair you've ever seen? A big check.

If you want to watch the 2026 AFL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the AFL?

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the leading professional competition of Aussie Rules Football.

The AFL currently consists of 18 teams spread over Australia's five mainland states. The league features 23 rounds in the regular season, with the team with the best record awarded the minor premiership. The top 10 teams from the regular season standings compete in a five-round finals series, culminating in the AFL Grand Final.

SEE ALSO: How to watch NRL live streams online for free

The defending champions are the Brisbane Lions.

When is the 2026 AFL?

The 2026 AFL season is the 130th edition of the Australian Football League. This season runs from March 5 to Sept. 26.

How to watch the 2026 AFL for free

Every round of the 2026 AFL season is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

This free coverage includes matches on Thursday nights, Friday nights, State Footy Saturdays, Sunday afternoons, and Sunday night games. 7plus will also show marquee games and every match in the AFL Finals Series including the Brownlow Medal and the 2026 AFL Grand Final.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the AFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2026 AFL from anywhere in the world 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 Australia

4. Visit 7plus

5. Live stream 2026 AFL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal 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 watch the 2026 AFL without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select AFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 10 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 AFL for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites from Australia is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn continues to be impacted by age-verification laws. Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws for online adult content. Pornhub responded by blocking users from those locations. A similar situation hit France and the UK, and now Australians are facing the same set of challenges.

The porn blocks arrived just days before new online safety codes came into effect, requiring organisations to verify the ages of users. It's the same story, with the same straightforward workaround.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Australia, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Australia

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub from Australia by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment. There's a chance that the situation may have changed before the free trial comes to an end.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Australia with ExpressVPN.

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 Thursday, March 12, 2026:

AcrossLike jerk chicken and chicken vindaloo

• The answer is Spicy.

Capital of Vietnam

• The answer is Hanoi.

"Well, would ya look at that!"

• The answer is I'll be.

Gem in an oyster

• The answer is Pearl.

Thick roll of cash

• The answer is Wad.

DownPart of a naval fleet

• The answer is Ship.

The "P" in I.P.A.

• The answer is Pale.

Relative by marriage

• The answer is Inlaw.

King ___ (venomous snake)

• The answer is Cobra.

Sign obeyed by merging traffic

• The answer is Yield.

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

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

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

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 NRL for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are few other sports that can compete with rugby league when it comes to physicality and skill. It's clever handling and outrageous trickery combined with absolute brutality, and that's why we all love it.

And if you're looking for all of that and more on a weekly basis, you should check out the NRL. It's an electric competition featuring some of the best players and teams in the world. We're definitely not knocking what you get in the Northern Hemisphere, but there's something special about the National Rugby League. It feels like something wild happens every week.

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If you want to watch the 2026 NRL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL?

The National Rugby League (NRL) is a professional rugby league competition in Australasia, including clubs from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.

Each team plays 24 matches in the regular season, with the first-placed team at the end awarded the minor premiership. This is followed by a finals series contested between the eight highest-placed teams from the regular season, culminating in the NRL Grand Final.

The defending champions are the Brisbane Broncos.

When is the 2026 NRL?

The 2026 NRL season is the 119th edition of professional rugby league in Australia and the 29th season run by the National Rugby League. This season runs from Feb. 28 to Sept. 5.

How to watch the 2026 NRL for free

Select fixtures from the 2026 NRL season are available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, 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 Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NRL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 NRL from anywhere in the world 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Live stream the 2026 NRL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 watch the 2026 NRL without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select NRL fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 NRL for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free streaming sites is ExpressVPN.

BBC iPlayer is a massively popular free streaming platform that hosts hit shows, live sports, anime, documentaries, and so much more. BBC iPlayer deserves its popularity, but it's not perfect.

Have you ever tried to connect to BBC iPlayer from outside the UK? You won't get very far, because BBC iPlayer recognises your location and blocks you from accesssing its award-winning news coverage, children’s programs, British dramas, and all the other good stuff. It doesn't matter if you've only left the country for a couple of days. You'll be blocked. No excuses.

Fortunately, there is a workaround. If you want to unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock BBC iPlayer for free

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this popular site from abroad with a VPN. These are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in the UK. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock free sites like BBC iPlayer without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to BBC iPlayer before recovering your investment. This works great if you're on vacation.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Upgrade an old PC with a sparkling new operating system, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, on sale now for just $9.97 through April 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Ever wonder what the computer equivalent of a new haircut might be? We’d imagine a new operating system would be pretty close, and one like Microsoft Windows 11 Pro would provide a serious upgrade. Right now, you can snag this license for only $9.97 until April 12.

A new operating system can give an old computer a whole new lease on life, so you can save yourself the cost of a new device with a simple OS upgrade. If you act fast, you can refresh your PC for less than the cost of lunch with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license.

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Get a productivity boost with Windows 11 Pro. It was made with the modern professional in mind, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll experience an easier workflow. There’s a seamless, easy-to-use interface with tons of new tools like a powerful search experience, easy redocking, snap layouts, and more.

Windows 11 Pro comes with Microsoft Teams, a handy app that makes it easy to stay connected with family, friends, and coworkers. Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, is also included and can be found right on your desktop to answer questions, help with tasks, and even change settings, summarize web pages, or open apps.

This operating system takes cybersecurity more seriously with biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection, all to help keep your data safe.

Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 through April 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a laptop you won’t outgrow quickly with this 1TB Apple MacBook Pro, now only $409.97 (reg. $1,580) through March 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (2020) 13" i5 2GHz Touchbar 16GB RAM 512GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $409.97
$1,580 Save $1,170.03   Get Deal

Running out of storage on your laptop is one of the quickest ways to slow down your workflow. If you’re looking for a laptop that doesn’t require you to offload apps or delete files to get through the work day, it’s time to consider this Apple MacBook Pro. It comes packed with an impressive 1TB of storage, and has an even more impressive $409.97 price tag now through March 22 while supplies last.

If you’re looking for a laptop that can grow with you over time, you need one with plenty of storage. This MacBook Pro has a 1TB SSD, so you have plenty of space to store files and download apps, without filling up and slowing you down.

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A 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor runs at 2GHz and has turbo boost up to 3.8GHz, so you can multitask and handle heavier loads without issues. The 13.3-inch screen has a native resolution of 2560×1600, so you can tackle work and take a break to play all in vibrant colors. You’ll have 10 hours of battery life to do it all on a single charge.

This model includes Apple’s True Tone Technology, which reduces eye strain by adjusting to your lighting conditions. It also has unique Apple features, like the Touch Bar, which puts shortcuts right at the top of your keyboard, and an Apple Magic Keyboard that lets you type comfortably. The Touch ID also helps keep your device safe.

This model typically costs $1,580, but you’re saving over $1,100 thanks to its grade A refurbished status. That means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition while you secure this massive discount.

Get this 1TB Apple MacBook Pro for just $409.97 (reg. $1,580) now through March 22, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Watch One Piece for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Anime fans are often forced into one of two camps: Those who pay a lot of cash to subscribe to a number of streaming platforms and those who rely on dodgy streams from dark corners of the online world. It doesn't need to be this way. There are legitimate streaming platforms out there with enormous banks of anime content, just waiting for you to binge.

BBC iPlayer might not be the first name you think of when it comes to anime, but this popular service hosts literally thousands of episodes from the One Piece anime series. It's also a great place to access free Pokémon content. Who knew?

If you're interested in watching One Piece for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch One Piece for free

Over 1,000 episodes from the One Piece anime series are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free service from abroad with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer to watch One Piece from anywhere in the world.

Stream One Piece for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream One Piece 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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch One Piece without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to binge everything on offer before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free streams on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch One Piece for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you’ve even so much as dipped your toes in the online dating world, you’ll be aware of AdultFriendFinder. After all, it was founded all the way back in 1996 and managed to become one of the 100 most popular sites in the U.S. by the late 2000s. But despite its obvious popularity, it’s never managed to break into mainstream consciousness like Tinder or Hinge.

There’s a very good reason for that.

AFF, as it’s known among members, is explicitly an “adult” dating site — a badge it wears proudly, but one that also has hindered its mainstream reach.

But what if you’re curious about how it works, whether it works, or who it works for? What if you’ve always wondered whether you’re missing out on the best-kept online dating secret and want to join the party? Or maybe you’re worried it’s more hype and chatbots than organic, spicy fun. We did the work for you, breaking down the AdultFriendFinder experience and what you can realistically expect if you decide to dip your toes into these naughty waters.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating site

If you sign up for AdultFriendFinder expecting a traditional online dating experience, you’ll need to adjust your expectations — fast. It’s not that AFF members aren’t interested in serious dating; it’s that sex and sexuality are placed front and center, with everything else emerging from there.

That much is obvious almost from the moment you log in. Unlike mainstream dating sites, which ban nudity from profile photos, AFF allows it — meaning conventional dating-app selfies sit side by side with full-frontal nudity and live webcam feeds. There is a content filter, accessible in your profile settings, but it defaults to "off," so if you would rather not see any nudity, or only see it when you deliberately choose to click on a NSFW picture, you should navigate to this setting ASAP.

For some people who aren't looking for a bare-all experience, this might be off-putting, but to those who are looking for exactly that, it’s refreshing. Unlike traditional dating apps, where early conversations often revolve around figuring out what the other person actually wants, AFF members tend to be refreshingly upfront and transparent (wink wink) about their intentions.

How to meet people on AdultFriendFinder

Every online dating site lives or dies by its algorithm, with new platforms constantly rolling out novel ways to connect singles. AdultFriendFinder, however, takes a maximalist approach to interacting with strangers.

You can search for members the conventional way, using specific criteria like gender, sexual orientation, age, location, and more, but you can also jump into themed chat rooms or follow members’ live streams. Through the “Who’s Hot” tab, which highlights popular members as well as trending photo and video uploads, you can easily discover someone you might otherwise never have come across.

One thing you’ll notice quickly, however, is the presence of obviously fake profiles. When I searched for singles near me, I encountered a surprising number of stunningly beautiful women in a small rural town near my city — all with airbrushed photos and vague, AI-sounding profile descriptions.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Tinder subscription

AFF makes it extremely easy to sign up and create a profile, requiring little more than a username, password, and basic personal information. The upside is that it lowers the barrier to entry; the downside is that scammers can exploit that same simplicity.

To counter this (aside from relying on common sense), AdultFriendFinder offers a blue checkmark verification system and even incentivizes users to complete it by boosting their visibility. Verification requires a government-issued ID, which AFF uses to confirm your age, photo authenticity, location, and gender. It's an optional step, but one worth completing since it helps you signal to others that you are who you say you are.

If avoiding scammers and catfishers is a priority, looking for that blue checkmark before engaging is a smart move.

What kind of success rate can you expect from AdultFriendFinder?

So far, so good, but there is a catch. While you can browse and explore AFF for free, meaningful one-on-one interaction requires a paid Gold membership, available in one-month ($39.95/month), three-month ($26.95/month), or one-year ($19.95/month) packages, all of which renew automatically.

Understandably, most people hesitate to pay for a dating site without a clear proof of concept. And because AFF places many of its best features behind a paywall, there’s undeniably a leap-of-faith element here. That said, the premium membership largely justifies its price.

With an AFF Gold membership, you unlock unrestricted messaging, high-resolution member videos and webcam streams, expanded profile galleries, and advanced filters that make narrowing down potential matches far easier.

Does paying guarantee attention from everyone you message? Of course not. The usual dating-app dynamics still apply — heterosexual men, for instance, should expect to work harder for responses than heterosexual women. Being attractive, fit, or witty helps, and being all three helps even more.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

What works in your favor is the sheer breadth of the AFF community. Members span a wide range of ages, body types, orientations, and interests, making it easier to find someone — particularly if you’re looking for something casual and fun rather than long-term commitment.

Based on my personal experience, as well as the limited statistics AFF has released, the platform skews male (roughly 60:40 in my area) and slightly older. That male/female ratio mirrors most dating sites. The older skew can actually be an advantage if, like me, you prefer connecting with people closer to your own age.

One final piece of advice: don’t ignore AFF’s broader community features. If you rely solely on search results and direct messages, you’ll face roughly the same odds as any other dating app. But if you explore the themed chat rooms — covering everything from erotic fiction to body modification — you’re far more likely to stumble into the kind of connection you’re actually looking for.

SAVE $20: As of March 12, the 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 13% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 40-inch Smart TV $129.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20   Get Deal

If you need a new TV but don't fancy forking out tons of cash, we've found the Amazon deal for you. As of March 12, the impressive 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for just $129.99, its lowest-ever price. You'll get all the smart TV features you know and love, as well as access to Roku's user-friendly interface, and all for less than $130.

You'll also get a 1080p Full HD display that delivers a bright, clear picture. Picture is also improved by the Roku Smart Picture feature, which automatically adjusts incoming signals to optimise image quality and select the best viewing mode.

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Roku's OS is already easy to use, and makes accessing streaming or gaming apps nice and easy, but you can also customize the home screen by arranging apps however you like. Voice control is another bonus, and is supported through Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay. It also includes a voice remote that makes searching for shows much easier.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't hesitate to score this great TV deal.

SAVE $180: As of March 12, the Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's a 51% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04   Get Deal

The Beats Studio Pro are back on sale at Amazon, and if you've been looking for a great deal on quality sound, this discount is something to carefully consider. As of March 12, these headphones are down to just $169.95 at Amazon. That's a saving of 51% on list price. There are several colors to consider, all at the same low price. These include black, white, sandstone, and more.

These are great headphones for all kinds of listening, from music to voice notes (thanks to the voice-targeting microphones that help filter out background noise). They support lossless audio via USB-C and offer three built-in sound profiles to personalize your listening experience, alongside fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes so you can control how much of the outside world you hear, and how much you want to block out.

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They also benefit from Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking that creates a 360-degree listening effect, placing you at the center of the sound. You'll get an impressive battery life, with Beats saying these will last up to 40 hours. If you're heading out in a hurry, a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge will give you up to four hours of playback.

Get this Beats deal online at Amazon now.