IT General
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You have put off your homelab journey for too long, and now it’s time to get your foot in the door. The good news is that it’s never been easier. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on racks and enterprise-grade equipment; you can start small for next to nothing and scale up from there.
6 niche programming languages developers secretly love
It's hard to miss the giants of coding because they show up everywhere in college courses, dominate job postings, and run huge, enterprise-level systems. However, there are more options than just the big names, and they deserve a lot of attention too.
Updating SSD firmware is risky—but sometimes it's the only fix
I'm here to bring you news. You probably didn't know, but not only do SSDs have firmware, they actually get updated every so often.
The Beats Studio Buds+ are still on sale at Amazon — score these earbuds for $70 off
SAVE $70: As of Feb. 12, Beats Studio Buds+ are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 at Amazon$169.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal
If you've been hoping to snag a great deals on earbuds, head to Amazon because as of Feb. 12, there's a top discount on the Beats Studio Buds+.
Right now you can save $70 on Beats Studio Buds+, with the price down from $169.95 to $99.95. You can get them in three different colors, including black, transparent, and ivory.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!These Beats earbuds are an excellent choice for many reasons, including noise cancellation. In fact, they offer two listening modes: personalized Active Noise Cancelling to block out distractions and Transparency mode to let outside sound in when needed.
The battery life is impressive too, and provides up to 36 hours of listening time with the charging case. They also benefit from one-touch pairing with both Apple and Android devices. For comfort and correct sizing you'll get four silicone ear tips, so you'll be sure to have a secure and comfortable fit. And if you want to use these for workouts or rainy runs, they are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance.
This Beats deal is a limited-time discount at Amazon, so don't delay.
The Apple Watch Series 11 has hit a record-low price at Amazon — save $100 right now
SAVE $100: As of Feb. 12, the Apple Watch Series 11 is on sale for $329 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $299 at Amazon$399 Save $100 Get Deal
The Apple Watch Series 11 is back on sale at Amazon. As of Feb. 12, it's down to its lowest-ever price of $329 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount on its list price.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to track their health and wellbeing. It can detect signs of chronic high blood pressure and send hypertension notifications, helping you keep on top of your health. It's also great as a fitness tracker, with stats that include heart rate zones, training load, Pacer, and Workout Buddy, along with three months of Apple Fitness+ included.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!It has advanced sleep tracking, giving you a sleep score to help you better understand your rest, and includes features like on-demand ECG readings, high and low heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notifications, sleep apnea alerts, blood oxygen readings, and overnight health metrics in the Vitals app.
The battery life lasts up to 24 hours with normal use, and fast charging provides up to eight hours of use in around 15 minutes, so your set for all lengths of activities, even marathon training.
Get this Apple Watch deal from Amazon now.
The Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle is over $10 off at Amazon
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle is now down to $39.99 at Amazon, knocking $14 off its $53.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle $39.99 at Amazon$53.99 Save $14 Get Deal
Bundles have been a surprising category for Magic: The Gathering discounts, and the Aetherdraft Bundle is no exception. As of Feb. 12, the collection has dropped to $39.99 at Amazon — a solid discount that makes it easier to jump into one of the game’s more action-focused expansions without committing to a full booster box.
Unlike traditional fantasy-leaning sets, Aetherdrift leans into a multiversal ‘death race’ theme, built around speed, vehicles, and adrenaline-fueled gameplay. The set’s particular vibe makes it an interesting pick for players who want something a little different from classic Magic aesthetics, while still offering plenty of deck-building potential for casual sessions or returning players looking to refresh their collections.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Inside the bundle, you’ll get nine Play Boosters, a Bundle-exclusive alternate-art foil promo card, and 40 land cards split between foil and nonfoil versions. There’s also a spindown life counter, storage box, and reference cards — extras that help make this a beginner-friendly pickup or an easy gift for longtime fans. Each Play Booster contains 14 trading cards with at least one Traditional Foil and the chance at multiple rares, adding a bit of unpredictability to every pack.
For more MTG bargains, the Bloomburrow Play Box has hit its lowest price for 2026 on Amazon. Alternatively, you can still save $25 off the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box.
The Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest is down to market price on Amazon — save over $10
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest (Fall 2025) has dropped to $39.85 at Amazon — $18 off its $57.99 list price and edging closer to current market value.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Collector Chest Fall 2025 $39.85 at Amazon$57.99 Save $18.14 Get Deal
As has been the case for a while, Pokémon TCG products rarely stay affordable for long, especially when sealed collections offer a mix of packs and exclusive extras. As of Feb. 12, the Pokémon TCG’s Fall 2025 Collector Chest has dropped to $39.85 at Amazon, taking $18 off its standard retail price. That’s a notable dip for a bundle that’s typically hovered above market value during recent restocks.
Inside the metal case is a spread of Pokémon TCG must-haves aimed at both casual collectors and regular pack-pullers, including:
Six Pokémon TCG booster packs (three Mega Evolution, two of Journey Together, and one Destined Rivals)
Three foil promo cards featuring Ralts, Kirlia, and Riolu
A Mega Lucario Pokémon coin
Four colorful sticker sheets
A mini portfolio for storing cards
The sturdy lunchbox-style tin also doubles as storage, which adds some practical value beyond the packs themselves.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Considering that six-pack bundles alone can creep towards the $50-$60 range in today’s market (equal to around the price of $10 per pack), this drop puts the Collector Chest closer to what many collectors consider a fair buy. You’re still getting a mix of trading card expansions rather than a single set, but for anyone chasing promos or simply looking to open packs without paying inflated prices, it’s one of the more balanced Pokémon TCG deals available right now.
For saving more on Pokémon TCG packs, the Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes Tech Sticker Collections are on sale at Amazon. Meanwhile, you can also save $10 on the Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames 3-Pack Blisters.
How to watch Latvia vs. USA in mens ice hockey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Latvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Are we heading towards a showdown between USA and Canada in the international men's ice hockey? There's a lot of hockey to be played before medals come into the equation, and nothing is guaranteed at this level. Every side possesses a lot of talent, so USA will need to be at their best to overcome Latvia in their opening game.
If you want to watch Latvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Latvia vs. USA?Latvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey takes place at 3:10 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
How to watch Latvia vs. USA for freeLatvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Latvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Canada
Visit CBC Gem
Watch Latvia vs. USA for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the ice hockey before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for CBC Gem?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Canada
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 Latvia vs. USA in men's ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Czechia vs. Canada in mens ice hockey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There's a lot of top international ice hockey taking place right now, but Canada always get a lot of attention. The men's ice hockey schedule has officially started, and Canada face off against Czechia in their opening game. We're expecting an exciting battle between two talented sides.
If you want to watch Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Czechia vs. Canada?Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey takes place at 10:40 a.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
How to watch Czechia vs. Canada for freeCzechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Canada
Visit CBC Gem
Watch Czechia vs. Canada for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the ice hockey before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for CBC Gem?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Canada
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 Czechia vs. Canada in men's ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.
The internet mourns James Van Der Beeks death
The internet is mourning Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on Wednesday, Feb. 11. He was 48 years old.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," the actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote on Instagram. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Van Der Beek announced in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
View this post on InstagramVan Der Beek's Dawson's Creek co-star Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter alongside his Dawson Leery, posted a handwritten letter on Instagram.
"James, Thank you," she wrote. "To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others' hearts are safe in their expression...These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth…"
Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson in "Dawson's Creek." Credit: Warner Bros. / Getty ImagesMary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother Gail on the show, also posted a tribute on Instagram.
"Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping."
The internet has also reacted to the untimely passing of the beloved actor, who epitomized late '90s teen angst in his role on the WB drama. Van Der Beek also starred in the football film Varsity Blues, the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' The Rules of Attraction, and the cult sitcom favorite Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23.
both quarterbacks from the 1999 west canaan coyotes gone too soon. damn.
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In the last few years we lost Luke Perry, Shannen Doherty, Michelle Trachtenberg, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, now James Van Der Beek. I’m sure I forgot someone but it hurts seeing so many names I grew up with leave us at such a young age.
— Wikipedia Brown (@theycallhimbfg.bsky.social) February 11, 2026 at 2:51 PMYes, Dawson was iconic, but James Van Der Beek was so so so so funny on Don't Trust the B
— Esther Zuckerman (@ezwrites.bsky.social) February 11, 2026 at 2:50 PMThe first film James Van Der Beek ever appeared in was the criminally underrated ANGUS (1995). Time for a rewatch.
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RIP James Van Der Beek, whose greatest role was, of course, himself. Not for him the cheeky cameo: on Don't Trust The B---- In Apartment 23" the man turned self-ridicule into a full-time occupation, and did so magnificently.
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The fact that James Van Der Beek had to auction off memorabilia from his movies just broke me. It shouldn't be like this, not for beloved stars, not for anyone.
— gwen howerton (@kissphoria.bsky.social) February 11, 2026 at 4:06 PMJames Van Der Beek was one of the last young adult star actors whose prominence came about primarily because...he was a good actor. Being from Toledo-ish Dawson's Creek was a Very Big Deal & he carried what was a unique role for the time & probably still is today, flawlessly. A terrible loss.
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog.xyz) February 11, 2026 at 3:20 PMVan Der Beek is survived by his wife and six children.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 12, 2026
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 gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026:
AcrossTequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casuallyThe answer is Marg.
The answer is Cigar.
The answer is Amaze.
The answer is Levee.
The answer is Desk.
The answer is Mimed.
The answer is Agave.
The answer is Razes.
The answer is Greek.
The answer is Cal.
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.
How to watch the T20 World Cup 2026 online for free
TL;DR: Live stream the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The best international T20 teams are in India and Sri Lanks to compete for the T20 World Cup. This competition delivers incredible drama and huge performances from the best players in the world.
You can expect the likes of India, Australia, South Africa, and England to be fighting it out in the knockout rounds. Those teams are the pre-tournament favorites, but this electric form of the game is always unpredictable. Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan possess the talent to beat anyone on their best day. Fans are in for a real treat over the next few weeks.
If you want to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the T20 World Cup?The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a Twenty20 International cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council. The event is generally held every two years. India are the defending champions.
In 2026, 20 teams will compete in 55 matches across five venues. The 20 qualifying teams are divided into four groups of five. In the group stage, each team will play four matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Super 8 stage. At this point, teams will be placed into two groups of four, and will play three matches. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.
When is the 2026 T20 World Cup?The 2026 T20 World Cup is the 10th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Feb. 7 to March 8.
How to watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for freeThe 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Access free T20 Cricket World Cup live streams by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 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 the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Switzerland vs. France in mens ice hockey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Men's international ice hockey started with a couple of entertaining games from Group B. Slovakia vs. Finland and Sweden vs. Italy got things going, and now the remaining teams are prepared to take things up a notch. The next batch of games starts with Switzerland vs. France. It's not got the same level of interest as the games involving USA and Canada, but there are plenty of star players on show here.
If you want to watch Switzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Switzerland vs. France?Switzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey takes place at 6:10 a.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
How to watch Switzerland vs. France for freeSwitzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Switzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 Canada
Visit CBC Gem
Watch Switzerland vs. France for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the ice hockey before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for CBC Gem?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Canada
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 Switzerland vs. France in men's ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.
Astronomers discover the surprising reason for a stars disappearance
The steady beam of a star twice the size of the sun played a trick on astronomers about a year ago: It vanished.
Then some nine months later, it reappeared in the constellation Monoceros, about 3,200 light-years away in space.
Now researchers think they've solved the mystery of one of the longest star-dimming events ever recorded. The star, called ASASSN-24fw, may have disappeared behind a giant planet with an enormous system of rings, according to new research, blocking most of its light from reaching Earth for nine months.
The study, which appears in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, serves as a reminder that worlds around other stars can have ring systems far larger and more complex than anything in our own solar system.
"Long-lasting dimming events like this are exceptionally uncommon as they require very perfect line-ups," said Sarang Shah, lead author at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in India, in a statement. "The dimming began gradually because the outer parts of the rings are thin, and only became obvious when the denser regions passed in front of the star."
SEE ALSO: These 'avatars' will fly around the moon with NASA's Artemis 2 astronautsNear the end of 2024, astronomers noticed the star suddenly grew faint. Rather than brighten in days or weeks like most dimming events, ASASSN-24fw faded for nearly 200 days. The star's cheeky name comes from the All Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae, a robotic telescope based in Hawaii nicknamed "Assassin."
After trying various computer models to explain the event, the team concluded the culprit was either a brown dwarf or a super-Jupiter planet, both large objects that are smaller than stars but bigger than most worlds. Experts sometimes refer to brown dwarfs as failed stars because they're not quite massive enough to generate their own nuclear power.
Researchers believe a brown dwarf or super-Jupiter blocking ASASSN-24fw formed a nearly opaque saucer covering the star, through which only a tiny amount of its light could escape. Credit: S. Shah et al. / DOI: 10.1093/mnras/staf2251 illustrationThe team's top explanation involves a brown dwarf surrounded by humongous rings, similar in shape to Saturn's but vastly larger, eclipsing the star. In this case, the rings are estimated to stretch about 15.8 million miles from the brown dwarf, about half the distance between the sun and Mercury.
As the ring system moved in front of the star, it blocked about 97 percent of ASASSN-24fw's light. By studying changes in the star's brightness and light patterns — methods astronomers use to infer mass and motion — the team estimates the hidden object weighs more than three times as much as Jupiter.
The data also suggest the star itself has leftover material close by, possibly debris from past or ongoing planetary collisions. That is unusual for a star believed to be more than a billion years old.
Researchers think the brown dwarf or giant planet that eclipsed the star had a ring system similar to Saturn's, seen here, though vastly larger. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute"Large ring systems are expected around massive objects, but they are very difficult to observe directly to determine their characteristics," said Jonathan Marshall, a coauthor affiliated with Academia Sinica in Taiwan, in a statement.
The researchers now want to measure the star's temperature, makeup, age, and life stage. They plan to gather more data using powerful observatories, including the Very Large Telescope in Chile and the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA's leading infrared observatory.
They expect the star to dim again in roughly 42 years, when the ringed object returns, offering another chance to study this unusual system, said Marshall, whose expertise is in circumstellar material and debris disks.
"This rare event allows us to study such a complex system in remarkable detail," he said. "In fact, while studying this dimming, we also serendipitously discovered that ASASSN-24fw also has a red dwarf star in its vicinity."
Bart Layton on how Crime 101 compares to The Imposter and American Animals
For my money, Bart Layton is among the most exciting true crime documentarians out there. The English filmmaker first caught my attention in 2012 with The Imposter. This stranger-than-fiction documentary follows a Texas family who took in a French con artist who claimed to be their missing son. Interviews with both the family and the con artist mean the movie turns into a battle over their respective narratives, leaving the audience to answer for themselves what's true.
In 2018, Layton tackled another true crime case, but with elements of a narrative feature. To unfurl the bizarre and fascinating story of the Transylvania University book heist, he cast hot young actors like Evan Peters and Barry Keoghan to portray privileged college boys who fantasize about being Tarantino-style criminals. Rather than classic re-enactments, Layton folded in interviews with the real thieves, sometimes having them appear alongside the actors. Together, they'd regard the moment, recreated and so less real, interrogating as we watch where the truth lies and what lies exist to preserve their visions of themselves.
Now Layton takes his big Hollywood swing with Crime 101, an adaptation of the Don Winslow crime novel, starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan (again). Departing from true crime, Layton translates a novel into a cinematic tale of high stakes and heartaches.
Hemsworth stars as a mysterious jewel thief who targets Los Angeles's 101 freeway for his strikes. However, he's careful to steal from those who can afford it (or are insured), and though he carries a gun, never enacts violence against his victims. This intrigues the detective on his tail (Ruffalo), and tempts a frustrated insurance broker (Berry) to go in with him on one last job. However, a mercurial rival thief (Keoghan) might ruin all of the above's carefully laid plans.
So how does he feel his latest film compares to his previous stunners? In an interview for Crime 101, I sat down with Layton to ask exactly that.
What attracts Bart Layton to crime stories? Bart Layton, Halle Berry, and Chris Hemsworth at the "Crime 101" World Premiere in Los Angeles, California. Credit: Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty ImagesFor Layton, it's less about the crime and more about how it allows for a structure to enthrall an audience. "You're always looking for a way to smuggle in the layers," he explained. "Crime capers or especially the structure of a heist film is great because you're kind of positing a question at the beginning that an audience knows they're not getting the answer to until like the third act. So within that, you've got a framework that you can hopefully try to hang other ideas or more complicated things on."
He continued, "I'm looking for something that delivers the thing that we all want from a night out at the movies: the roller-coaster ride. I'm looking at how some of those stories will allow this opportunity for exploring. Like in this, there's a lot about the wealth divide and that chasm that is growing. There's also a lot about other things, the gray area of who's really the criminal? Is it the insurance industry? Is it the institutions? Is it the jewel thief? I suppose I'm more drawn to the idea of human beings who live outside the norms or cross a line that they probably shouldn't or never expected to cross than I am specifically in just crime or true crime. We get to vicariously look at what happens when we step outside of those conventions."
Bart Layton on the pressure of going mainstream. Corey Hawkins and Mark Ruffalo in "Crime 101." Credit: Merrick Morton / Amazon MGMTrue crime fans and critics cheered his previous films, but Crime 101 is undoubtedly his biggest movie yet, aiming to appeal to a broad audience. Layton spoke to the challenge of expectations there. "As you get into bigger Hollywood [movies]," he explained, "There's more pressure to deliver what a big, mainstream audience wants. That said, I do feel like maybe we've got a little less respectful of audiences in recent times. Because most audiences are really smart, and they do want a full meal, not like a bit of junk food or candy floss that's then disappeared."
For Crime 101, that meal involves the characters' motivations. Whether cop or criminal, each of them is striving for the same thing on some level. "It's not unique to L.A. but the pressure to have a certain image of success and status drives a lot of behavior," Layton said, "So a lot of what I was trying to think about was how these characters have got to a place where almost all of what they've done up until this point has been driven by that status anxiety. 'If I just get to here, if I have this, then maybe other people will see me as a success, and then I'll see myself that way.'" It's that desire that pushes Crime 101's curious cadre of characters to cross those lines of social propriety or legality. And the audience gets the vicarious thrill of watching those lines trampled.
"With American Animals," Layton said, "the motivation was, like, the promise of a special life." He notes one of the gang in that story did just want the money. But the others, who idolized movies like Reservoir Dogs and Fight Club, dreamed of being special in this hyper-masculine and antisocial way. "There was this other thing of, like, 'Oh, here I am. I'm a privileged, white, upper-middle-class kid. I got all of this opportunity, and yet, wasn't I supposed to be like a somebody?' And if you're not a somebody, you're a nobody."
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Layton tied this back to Crime 101, saying, "I think there is a connection to that, what's happening in some of these characters' lives. Which is the thing of, if you get to that number or that car or that apartment, you'll feel like you're a value in the world. And maybe you get there and you realize maybe it's not going to be that."
Asked if the English filmmaker felt that such status-chasing was distinctly American — as all of his movies have been largely set in the U.S. — he said it's not "limited to" this nation. But he admitted that in L.A., he feels the pressure to posture, specifically through car culture.
"I've never thought twice about [cars] — like if I'm hiring a car, I could not give a shit what car it is," he said. "But when I go to L.A., I'm like, 'Oh, maybe I need to think about [this]. Like I need to arrive in a car that makes me look, at least like I'm not a joker. So I definitely don't think it's limited, but it may be primarily an American experience, which is definitely spreading."
The rise of Anti-Valentines Day online
As any hardcore fan — stan — of a famous musician or actor knows, they also have haters. "Antis," if you will. As it turns out, Valentine's Day is no different.
Love Day is almost here, and your algorithm might be spitting up videos about the best restaurants to go to, recipes to try, or gifts to shower your loved one with. Or, it might be showing you the opposite: posts railing against Valentine's Day, and even events celebrating "anti Valentine's Day."
SEE ALSO: 15 romantic Valentine's Day gifts that go beyond tired clichés Why are some people anti-Valentine's Day?"For a lot of people, Valentine's Day represents old or stale values, like heteronormativity, the commercialization of love, this sort of monogonormativity of it all," sex therapist and founder of therapy practice The Expansive Group, Casey Tanner, told Mashable.
"It makes total sense to me that the sort of response to that is, 'Why not create some community around that experience, instead of only centering people who are on the relationship escalator?'" Tanner said.
According to recent YouGov data, only 37 percent of 1,114 U.S. adults surveyed plan to celebrate Valentine's Day, and only 52 percent in a romantic or sexual relationship do, too.
February 14 can be isolating if you're single, and it also props up romantic and sexual relationships as superior to platonic ones. (Maybe you celebrate Galentine's Day instead to buck this notion.)
Anti-Valentine's Day festivitiesAmanda Badeau, founder of bookstore, cafe, and wine bar The Archive in South Carolina, told Mashable she puts a lot of pressure on herself to be unique and perfect, especially around holidays. Valentine's Day carries a lot of pressure, and she also mentioned it can be isolating. Instead of forcing a more "traditional" event, The Archive is hosting a "Shred Your Ex" anti-Valentine's Day night instead.
View this post on InstagramBadeau wanted to take a lighthearted approach and create an event that felt inclusive, supportive, and relatable (and just a bit petty). "Shred Your Ex grew out of the idea of turning a moment that's often heavy or awkward into something communal, a little playful and empowering," she added.
In addition to having shredders at the ready, Badeau and the all-female staff team are also putting on "red flag bingo."
The reaction so far has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, Badeau said. "We've heard from customers who feel relieved to see an event that acknowledges heartbreak and singlehood with humor instead of pressure, and a lot of individuals are already planning to come with friends — which is exactly the kind of energy we hoped for."
Meanwhile, over in New York, the Bronx Zoo is holding its 15th annual Name a Roach initiative. For $15, you can symbolically name one of the zoo's thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
View this post on InstagramExecutive director of membership and digital at the Wildlife Conservation Society and the team lead for Name a Roach, Debbie Schneiderman, told Mashable that, given roaches' longevity, most people name one for someone they love, like their partner or child. "But we do get a fair number" that name a roach after their exes or people they like…less than their partner or child.
"The majority are sent with love," Schneiderman said.
But even naming a roach after your beloved isn't the same as buying flowers. In 2026, people might want to celebrate Valentine's Day differently. The day has historically been a test for relationships, Tanner said, like using the caliber of the gift to gauge how much value your partner gives you.
Anti-Valentine's Day is "also a rejection of using any one day to make a value judgment about somebody's life, somebody's relationship," she said.
"It's an anti-capitalist move," Tanner said of anti-Valentine's Day. "It's a rejection of the pressure to buy into a particular script, or to be sold on the marketing of it all."
"More people start to see behind the curtain of why days like this exist, and sort of understand the ways that we've been tricked into commercializing love," Tanner continued. She compared this to how people question days like New Year's, when we now know that many cultures celebrate the beginning of a new year at different times.
If you're into Valentine's Day, there are a lot of pink and red hearts out there for you. But if your style is more black this Saturday, there's room for that as well.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in Texas
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Texas with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
More than a third of U.S. states have introduced age verification laws for online adult content, including Texas. In response, Pornhub banned users in those locations. That means millions of users in Texas are now unable to access Pornhub.
There are complicated reasons for this restriction, but the workaround is simple. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Texas, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in TexasVPNs 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 by following these simple steps:
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 a location that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
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 actually 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.
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 Texas with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Copa del Rey final is calling for the four remaining teams in contention. Athletic Club and Real Sociedad have already met in the first leg of their semi-final matchup, and now it's the turn of Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. This fascinating game is the ultimate clash of cultures. Diego Simeone will relish the chance to stop the attacking talents of Barcelona.
The good news for fans of Spanish football is that it's possible to live stream this game without spending anything. If you want to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona?Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 12. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium.
How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona for freeAtlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Copa del Rey for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, 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 secure
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).
Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey for free with ExpressVPN.
Get access to hidden Mac features with this $30 tool
TL;DR: Take your Mac to the next level with this lifetime license to MacMagic, on sale now for $29.99 (reg. $99.99).
Opens in a new window Credit: Koingo MacMagic: Lifetime Upgrades License $29.99$99.99 Save $70 Get Deal
You’ve probably invested a lot in your Mac — but are you really getting everything out of it? If you have the right tools, you can unlock hidden Apple features and make the most out of your device. MacMagic makes that happen, and right now a lifetime license can be yours for only $29.99 (reg. $99.99).
Looking to tap into your Mac’s full potential? MacMagic can help, serving as an all-in-one utility app that unlocks hidden macOS features that allow your device to work even harder for you. You probably don’t even know your Mac can do most of these things, but this tool makes it possible.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Curious what MacMagic can do? It finds missing features, like an image converter that can batch scale, rotate, and convert your images to over 100 formats. It also makes it easy to find and delete large app caches and logs, and to erase recent application history. You’ll be able to show or hide your desktop icons, make certain files and folders visible or invisible, or easily see all your hidden files.
Aside from these hidden features, MacMagic also offers hacks that make your workflow easier, such as a force-delete button, a batch-rename tool, and the ability to lock files with a single click. You’ll be able to combine and compress PDFs in seconds, view file locations on a map using GPS metadata, and create custom QR codes.
Unlock new features in your Mac with this lifetime license to MacMagic, on sale now for just $29.99 (reg. $99.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to delete your AdultFriendFinder account
Maybe you’ve found your special someone and want to demonstrate your commitment by officially delisting yourself as a single person, or maybe you just need a break from online dating in general — whatever your motivation, AdultFriendFinder makes it easy to delete your account and scrub your profile data for good.
First, understand that deleting your account is a distinct action from cancelling your Gold membership. If you want to continue using AdultFriendFinder for free, or just want to stop your monthly payments, you can do so without deleting your entire account. The action of account deletion is considerably more permanent. You’ll lose all of your profile info, all of your chat history, and all of your settings.
SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet NSFW chatsIf you still want to proceed, you can choose whether to delete your account via a web browser or on your phone. The steps are different but the result is the same. But one big heads up for phone users: merely deleting your AFF app is not enough to delete your account.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn More How to cancel your AdultFriendFinder Gold subscriptionIf you have a Gold subscription, you’re going to want to cancel that membership before you undergo the steps necessary to delete your account:
Total Time- 2 minutes
- AdultFriendFinder account
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: If you are a Gold member, you will see a "Billing History & Credit Card" info section
Step 4: Turn the auto-renew switch to "Off"
Step 5: Verify that your subscription was cancelled by checking your email for confirmation
How to delete your AdultFriendFinder account on the webIf you primarily use AdultFriendFinder on a web browser, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Total Time- 2 minutes
- Web browser
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: Under the "Manage My Account" heading, select "Close Account"
Step 4: You’ll be prompted with a confirmation message offering alternatives to account deletion, including hiding your profile or turning off email notifications
Step 5: Select "Please Delete My Account"
Step 6: You’ll be prompted to enter your password one last time, to confirm your identity and intention
How to delete your AdultFriendFinder account on your phoneAFF doesn’t have an official app in either the Apple App or Google Play store, owing to their NSFW content, but lots of AFF users still use phone-based workarounds for AdultFriendFinder, often via a web-based shortcut on their home screens.
Simply deleting your AFF app icon will not delete your account and the data and history pertaining to it. To delete your account via your phone, follow these steps:
Total Time- 2 minutes
- Smartphone
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: Under the "Manage My Account" heading, select "Close Account"
Step 4: You’ll be prompted with a confirmation message offering alternatives to account deletion, including hiding your profile or turning off email notifications
Step 5: Select "Please Delete My Account"
Step 6: You’ll be prompted to enter your password one last time, to confirm your identity and intention
Account deletion is final and irrevocable, so be sure that you’re prepared to lose all of your contacts, chat history, and profile information permanently before you click that final confirmation. And if, for any reason, the above steps haven’t worked for you, you can always visit the AFF Help Center, where they have visual guides for common on-site activities, including account deletion.
