IT General

Another day, another press conference in which the U.S. president insults a female reporter.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel recaps a recent interaction in which Donald Trump told CNN news anchor and chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins "I don't think I've ever seen you smile" after she asked him a question about the latest batch of Epstein files.

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"We are now at the 'women should smile more' stage of his presidency," says Kimmel. "I'm trying to think of a worse time to tell a woman to smile more than when that person is a reporter asking about the Epstein victims — I can't."

Elsewhere, Kimmel also responds to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche telling Fox News' Laura Ingraham that "it is not a crime to party with Mr Epstein."

"That's right. It's also not a crime to borrow a bottle of baby oil from Diddy," says Kimmel. "They're not crimes. Stop being such a buzzkill, everybody."

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If you're a chronic allergy sufferer, an air purifier can make a noticeable difference around the home. It can help ease allergy symptoms, but also help cut down on pet hair and dust before they become an issue. It can also tackle cooking smells and generally improve how clean and fresh the air in your home feels.

The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is one of the best purifiers on the market, and it's on sale right now. As of Feb. 4, this unit is down to its lowest-ever price, now just $499.95. That's a saving of $160 on list price.

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This Dyson purifier works by using a fully sealed filter system that combines a HEPA filter with an activated carbon layer to trap tiny particles, allergens, and pollutants, while also removing gases and everyday odors. The entire unit is sealed to HEPA H13 standards, so anything it captures stays inside the machine; nothing sneaks back out into the air.

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LibreOffice is one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office and Google Docs, and now it's rolling out a major update. LibreOffice 26.2 has arrived with some new features, compatibility improvements with Microsoft Office, and faster performance.

I haven't charged the Logitech Signature Slim Solar+ K980 wireless keyboard once since set-up, and that's the point. While its solar charging is nearly its only special feature, it does what it does well, delivering an excellent typing experience, long-lasting battery life, portability, and multi-device support.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a sports fan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 4, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A dispute

• Green: Possibility

• Blue: Estimated

• Purple: Basketball clubs

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Contention

• Green: Games of chance

• Blue: More or less, colloquially

• Purple: Starting with NBA teams

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #969 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Contention: CONFLICT, DISCORD, FRICTION, RIVALRY

• Games of chance: BINGO, CRAPS, LOTTERY, WAR

• More or less, colloquially: APPROX, BOUT, LIKE, ROUND

• Starting with NBA teams: BULLSEYE, HEATED, MAGICAL, NETSCAPE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 4, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you have a side passion.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For the enthusiast

The words are related to pasttimes

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe leisure activities.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hobby Shop

NYT Strands word list for February 4

• Miniature

• Puzzle

• Model

• Hobby Shop

• Collectible

• Game

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're used to being chastised.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 4, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for February 4, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To scold.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CHIDE

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 4, 2026

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

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

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

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 Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026:

Across"The Rachel Maddow Show" channel, after a 2025 rebranding

• The answer is Ms Now.

Childhood

• The answer is Youth.

Greek letter after zeta and eta

• The answer is Theta.

What helicopter parents do

• The answer is Hover.

Sound at the dog park

• The answer is Arf.

Down"Cats always land on their feet," e.g.

• The answer is Myth.

Neighborhood in both London and Manhattan

• The answer is Soho.

___ York, Spanish name for New York

• The answer is Nueva.

Furry mammal that eats crustaceans

• The answer is Otter.

Docking area

• The answer is Wharf.

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 today's Mini Crossword.

Whether you just started dating or you’re practically engaged, shopping for a unique Valentine's Day gift for your boyfriend can be a surprisingly tricky task. How much should you spend? Is it lame to go for a big romantic gesture, or is it lame to not go all out? Of course, the whole "we're not doing gifts this year" thing is never helpful — you both know you're still getting gifts.

If you're stuck in a gift-giving rut, here's our best advice: Zero in on the items he uses daily (or wishes he had daily) and the topics he brings up whenever you're together. These are easy jumping-off points for thoughtful gift ideas that'll make him feel seen, whether they're on the romantic side or practical side. Need some inspiration? We've handpicked a list of more than 25 cute Valentine's Day gift ideas for boyfriends that aren't the obvious ones he may be expecting. For more gift ideas for guys, we have even more options in our list of the best Valentine's Day gifts for men and the (more general) best gifts for him.

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We're always searching for great deals on earbuds and headphones, and as of Feb. 4, we've found a top deal on the Beats Studio Buds+.

These are seriously impressive earbuds, with built-in noise cancelling and sweat resistance for workouts, and now you can get them for $70 less. Right now, you can buy them for just $99.95, down from the original list price of $169.95. You'll get the choice of three colors: black, ivory, or transparent.

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You can find Beats Studio Buds+ on sale at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

Super Bowl Sunday is nearly here. And even if you're not a sports fan, it remains the biggest unofficial American holiday. Or maybe you are a sports fan but don't understand why there's so much talk about Bad Bunny's halftime show.

No matter your interests, we here at Mashable have you covered. We've collected all the major storylines, important people, and info you need to know for Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Super Bowl LX: The facts

The New England Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks for Super Bowl LX (that's 60 in Roman numerals, by the way). Here are the quick, bullet-point facts you need to know about the game.

• The game kicks off roughly at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8. It's being played outside of San Francisco and will air on NBC. You can also stream it on Peacock.

• The Seahawks are considered slight favorites to win, having reached the big game largely on the strength of their dominant defense. The Patriots, meanwhile, skyrocketed to success (yet again) after a brief downturn following the end of the Tom Brady era.

• Both quarterbacks in the game have interesting backstories, which brings us to our next section...

The football stars you need to know

The Super Bowl can turn somewhat anonymous NFL players into household names. Here are the stars you should probably know before the game kicks off.

• Drake Maye: The career paths for the Super Bowl LX quarterbacks could not be more different. Maye, who quarterbacks the Patriots, has rocketed upward since being drafted two seasons ago. His first year was promising, but this season — under a new coaching staff — he played at a potentially MVP-winning level. He's one of the most promising young players in the NFL, performing at an elite level well ahead of schedule.

• Sam Darnold: It's been more of a roller coaster ride for Darnold. He was drafted third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets but struggled to find success with the franchise synonymous with failure. He flamed out in New York and with his second-chance franchise, the Carolina Panthers. He spent a year as a backup before joining the Minnesota Vikings, reviving his career with a 14-win season, only to be discarded again. Now here he is in Super Bowl LX with his new team, the Seattle Seahawks.

• Stefon Diggs: Diggs, a New England wide receiver, was once a superstar, even if he's a bit less explosive now at 32 years old. But you also might know him as Cardi B's boyfriend.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Smith-Njigba is Seattle's star receiver, who had a stunning breakout season. Expect to see him catching the ball. A lot.

• Mike Vrabel: The Patriots coach is sort of a magician. Last year, a version of this roster won a pathetic four games. This season, they won 14 games. You can give a lot of that credit to Vrabel, who took over in 2025.

• Mike MacDonald: The Seattle coach. He's a defensive guru who has totally transformed the franchise in just two years at the helm.

There are, obviously, lots of other stars in the big game, but those are the absolute top-line folks you need to know.

View this post on Instagram Other names you need to know

The Super Bowl is much more than just the game itself. Here are the other folks who'll almost certainly play a role in the broadcast.

• Bad Bunny: The wildly talented Puerto Rican megastar is playing the halftime show.

• Tom Brady: The legendary Patriots QB who led the team to six Super Bowl victories.

• Bill Belichick: The legendary coach of the New England dynasty teams. He's been in the news for less fun reasons lately, namely his thus-far disastrous stint coaching North Carolina, and for being snubbed out of the Hall of Fame.

• Cardi B: The rap superstar is dating Diggs and will almost certainly be at the game.

• Ann Michael Maye: Fans in the Boston area are obsessed with Drake Maye and, in turn, have grown obsessed with his wife, Ann. And, to be fair, their relationship seems quite wholesome. Folks, especially, loved watching Ann's baking exploits on social media, which she dubbed "Bakemas" in the lead-up to Christmas. It was so popular, it has even branched out into a local, baking-focused TV show.

• Malcolm Butler: The Patriots defeated the Seahawks in the 2015 Super Bowl. The game was largely decided by a last-minute, miracle interception by New England defender Malcolm Butler. Get ready to see that play and to hear his name.

A highly anticipated halftime show (and the Trump of it all)

People are super excited to see Bad Bunny perform during halftime, especially fresh off Bad Bunny's Grammy win for Album of the Year. The Puerto Rican star has, however, regularly voiced his opposition to President Donald Trump and directly criticized ICE at the Grammys.

"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens, we are humans, and we are Americans," he said onstage.

A certain section of America — roughly the same folks upset at a Spanish-language artist performing at the Super Bowl — don't appreciate that criticism. A major question for folks is whether Bad Bunny will make a political statement during the halftime show, as he performs for America's largest TV audience.

The narratives and drama

Some football fans might not admit it, but the sport is all about the drama. We love a good story. Here are the narratives to know.

• Patriots fatigue: Football fans hated the Patriots for years as they dominated the NFL for much of the past two decades. Finally, with Brady gone, they had fallen back to Earth. Or so we thought. The franchise suffered just five middling years before returning to the Super Bowl. For many NFL fans, that is simply unfair. The Detroit Lions, for instance, are one of the oldest franchises in the league — around since 1930 — and have never appeared in a Super Bowl.

• Who's for real? These two teams are both great. But NFL fans love to doubt. Folks have questioned the ease of New England's schedule — it was one of the easiest in NFL history — and openly wondered if the team is that good. Other NFL fans, meanwhile, question if Darnold might spontaneously play like the guy who flamed out at previous stops.

• A new champion: The last half-decade has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs, who've won three Super Bowls since 2020. They typically faced off against the San Francisco 49ers or the Philadelphia Eagles in the big game. But 2026's matchup is completely different and is perhaps a marker of a new era.

There are, of course, a million things that could happen in the Super Bowl. Heck, the last time these teams played in the championship, a miracle interception happened. But now, at the very least, you've got a grasp on all the basics before game day.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many fascinating events to follow from the Winter Olympics, so clear your schedule, shut the doors, and gather necessary refreshments. The Winter Olympics has everything you need over the next few weeks.

We know that's not realistic. We're aware that not everyone is going to be able to completely dedicate themselves to this spectable. Most fans will need to be selective. If you're picking and choosing from the busy schedule, we strongly suggest you make some time for alpine skiing.

Do you like seeing brave individuals throw themselves down a mountain at incredible speed, aiming to shave off fractions of seconds in a desperate attempt to secure a medal? Of course you do. This level of skiing is absolutely electric, and the best of the best are competing on this grand stage.

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

When is the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing?

The alpine skiing schedule from the 2026 Winter Olympics is absolutely stacked. The full schedule of events is as follows:

• Men's Downhill — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 7

• Women's Downhill — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 8

• Men's Team Combined Downhill — 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 9

• Men's Team Combined Slalom — 8 a.m. ET on Feb. 9

• Women's Team Combined Downhill — 4:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 10

• Women's Team Combined Slalom — 8 a.m. ET on Feb. 10

• Men's Super-G — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 11

• Women's Super-G — 5:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 12

• Men's Giant Slalom Run 1 — 4 a.m. ET on Feb. 14

• Men's Giant Slalom Run 2 — 7:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 14

The great news for fans is that it's possible to follow events live without spending anything.

How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing for free

The 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

• Australia — 9Now

• Austria — ORF

• Canada — CBC Gem

• France — France TV

• Germany — ARD

• Ireland — RTÉ Player

• Italy — RAI

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access

4. Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing for free from anywhere in the world

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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 alpine skiing plus the rest of the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Winter Olympics?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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).

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics alpine skiing for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The trAInedup.ai Basic Plan offers beginner-friendly, guided AI lessons focused on practical, everyday use. For a limited time, the lifetime subscription is $79.99, an 83% discount for new users.

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trAInedup.ai structures learning into manageable steps from the beginning. Each user starts with a Skills Assessment that identifies strengths and gaps, then generates a personalized learning path. Courses are broken into concise modules with clear instructions, hands-on exercises, cheat sheets, and quick knowledge checks. Progress is tracked through an intuitive dashboard, and completion certificates can be downloaded for use on your résumé or LinkedIn profile.

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The platform is designed for people who are short on time but still curious. Busy professionals can use it to streamline everyday tasks or experiment with AI-powered productivity tools. Students may find it useful for building baseline AI literacy that applies across classes and future roles. Community access adds a collaborative element, giving learners a space to ask questions and share progress.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.

Heated Rivalry has audiences hot and bothered and hungry for more. But it'll likely be two years before rival hockey pros Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) return with Season 2. So what are we to do until then?

Fans are split on this. Some will tell you to plunge into the source material, Rachel Reid's Game Changer book series, which offers several spicy, hockey-centered MLM novels. Others might suggest Ember & Ice, a Quinn audio erotica drop, which reunites Williams and Storrie as winged fairies yearning for each other. (It debuted so big, the app crashed.)

Still others will recommend the "gay fever dream" that is the Interview with the Vampire TV series, as it shares an enemies-to-lovers plotline and Ilya definitely has his Brat Prince moments. However, as a big fan of the Anne Rice-inspired series, I'll warn that Interview with the Vampire is much more about tragedy and trauma than it is queer joy. So, my top recommendation for those thirsting for more of a Heated Rivalry vibe would be the upcoming A24 offering Pillion.

SEE ALSO: Why is the sex in 'Heated Rivalry' so hot? How do Heated Rivalry and Pillion compare? Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams in the finale of "Heated Rivalry." Credit: Sabrina Lantos / HBO Max

An adorably eager Harry Melling stars as Colin, a timid virgin, who falls hard for a BDSM leather daddy named Ray — played by a strapping Alexander Skarsgård. This English romantic drama has earned buzz on the film festival circuit in 2025. In his review out of Cannes, Siddhant Adlakha called it "some of the most entertaining drama and comedy you're likely to see this year."

It's also hot, funny, and moving. But even at a glance, Pillion and Heated Rivalry have some striking similarities. Both Heated Rivalry and Pillion are based on novels; the former Rachel Reid's book of the same name, the latter Adam Mars-Jones's Box Hill. As Heated Rivalry was created by Jacob Tierney and Pillion written and directed by Harry Lighton, both adaptations are not only queer MLM romances with graphic sex scenes, but are also made by gay men.

Beyond that, their plotlines have a lot in common: A dark-haired young man who is very close to his parents falls for a swaggering, macho blonde who seems his polar opposite. To the surprise of others, they become lovers, thanks to the blonde initiating their first sexual encounter and being his new partner's first top. Though their relationship is initially about sex, they will grow to care for each other, leading to an awkward family meal where the blonde gets to know his lover's parents (for better or worse!).

However, from this meet-the-parents point Pillion speeds down a different path. While Colin and Ray won't ride off into the sunset like Shane and Ilya, Pillion is nonetheless a story of queer joy — but also kink.

Pillion offers BDSM kink, yearning, and heart. Harry Melling's "Pillion character poster." Credit: A24 Alexander Skarsgård's "Pillion" character poster. Credit: A24

Who says BDSM can't be sweet? Often, in the media, the kinks that involve bondage, dominance, discipline, submission, sadism, or masochism are painted with a scandalous brush that regards them as depraved and dangerous. The Fifty Shades trilogy was released with much hand-wringing over a woman surrendering herself to BDSM dominance by a man. House of Hammer, a documentary exposé about Armie Hammer, misrepresented the BDSM community by positing it as a space ripe for misogynistic abuse. And the Hellraiser franchise has been turning BDSM gear and the pleasure/pain dynamic into nightmare fuel since 1987. Occasionally, however, a movie comes along that showcases such kinks without condemnation, instead celebrating the pleasure found in the pain, the joy found in giving in, and the intimacy that can bloom between a dominant and a submissive. Following in the footsteps of such pro-BDSM film as Secretary and Babygirl comes Pillion. But unlike its sisters in kink, this offering has men in the dom and sub roles.

Like Heated Rivalry, Pillion is a tale of opposites attract that is hot, hilarious, and heartwarming. (But first and foremost: hot!) From the very start of Lighton's film, the stark contrast between his lovers is comically clear in how they present themselves to the world.

Their meet-cute is at an English pub, where Colin (Melling, who famously played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter movies) is crooning in a tweed hat and pastel-striped blazer, performing as part of a barbershop quartet alongside his dad (Douglas Hodge). It's a wholesome hobby that actually reflects the earnestness of Colin in all things, even his emerging interest in kink. Which is piqued by the tall, strapping blonde called Ray (Skarsgård) who's playing darts in the corner with a gang of rowdy bikers, all snug in leather, metal, and fetish gear.

When Ray makes a move on Colin, he's as shocked and titillated as a blushing Shane was when Ilya got randy in the showers. Unlike Shane Hollander, Colin is out to his family, so he is quick to tell his parents that he has a date with a biker. (They're so supportive that Colin's dad lends him a leather jacket to wear — ill-fitting though it may be!)

Where meeting the parents is the emotional climax of Heated Rivalry, it's the midway point of Ray and Colin's journey. With a firm hand, Ray leads Colin by the dog collar into a dom-sub relationship, demanding the young man be submissive, including cooking, cleaning, dressing to Ray's liking (in leather and metal), and surrendering his body for wrestling foreplay and anal sex.

New to this BDSM scene, Colin is often wide-eyed and awkward, but always consenting. Their first sexual encounter is subversive, sensual, and so fumbling that it's laugh-out-loud funny. Yet Pillion never urges the audience to laugh at Colin. Instead, the deep empathy of Lighton's approach and Melling's vulnerable performance urge us all to imagine ourselves in Colin's shoes. Who among us hasn't had a crush that made us willing to risk looking like a fool? Like Shane, Colin is earnest and vulnerable in his longing and eventually loving of his partner. But unlike Shane, Colin never experiences any shame for his queerness or desires.

Pillion and Heated Rivalry use sex as a tool of self-discovery. Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams share a shower in "Heated Rivalry." Credit: Sabrina Lantos / HBO Max

Both romances portray lovers who learn more about themselves through their sexual relationship with each other. Colin's journey, however, is not about coming to terms with being queer. It's about opening himself up to new experiences, and then setting boundaries as he understands what he wants.

For much of the film, he's happy to go along with whatever Ray wants. But as their relationship evolves, Colin doesn't just "yes and" all of Ray's commands, but pushes back, demanding more emotional intimacy. Now, their "cottage" moment is less private, more provocative — involving full frontal nudity and group sex — but still sweet. On a picnic table at a camping retreat, Ray gives in to Colin's need for more romance while meeting his need for BDSM kink. And watching them both thrill in this moment is as exciting as when Ilya says he's going to Shane's cottage.

Pillion won't probe Ray's psyche as deeply as Heated Rivalry does Ilya's. There will be no tragic backstory and little idea of what Ray does outside of Colin. Yet Ray doesn't feel unknowable because of Skarsgård's nuanced performance. While Melling offers a portrait that is so vulnerable you may well blush to see his exposed wanting, Skarsgård seems initially a snarling sex god. But as Ray lets Colin into his home, Skarsgård works a glint of softness and excitement into Ray's aloof demeanor. In these moments of flickering vulnerability, we get a sense of who Ray is outside of his persona as a dom. And surprisingly, it'll be Colin who pushes Ray out of his comfort zone.

Lighton's script bonds us to Colin, urging us to understand the thrill of discovery of kink, the swoon of being under the grip of an astoundingly hot lover, and the trembling fear of not being enough to keep them happy. But it's when Colin brings Ray into his world that a new side of this smoldering dom unlocks. It's a sequence that feels more rom-com than anything in Heated Rivalry, the kind of sequence you could imagine in a Richard Curtis movie, climaxing in a gleeful, affectionate tumble in a public park. And then comes a moment, small and unspoken but definitive. Their relationship will never, can never, be the same.

Alexander Skarsgård dominates in the kinkiest and sweetest movie of the year. Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård go on a first date in "Pillion." Credit: A24

But it's Melling who makes Pillion a marvel. Scenes of Ray's seduction will make the audience swoon, yet it's Melling's dedicated openness that makes Pillion feel authentic instead of like some splashy Hollywood fantasy. This isn't 50 Shades of Gray sleek and glamourous. This is wilder, richer, and infinitely more enthralling. Pillion is not only sexy and exciting, but also funny, poignant, and a shining beacon to all those trembling about letting their freak flag fly. 

Perhaps Ray is how we might wish to seem to a new partner, mysterious and breathtakingly cool. Colin is how we might fear being seen, so earnest that it’s “cringe.” Like Heated Rivalry, these two very different lovers represent mystique and openness. One will draw you in, but you need the other to keep a relationship growing. Whether it's Shane and Ilya or Colin and Ray, this is the lesson of both romances.

This tricky emotional growth is often glossed over in Hollywood sex scenes with a sweeping orchestral score and chaste coverage. Yet, these stories of gay men in love offer nudity, graphic sex, romantic fantasy, and in the end, an earnest, unapologetic reality. The English film and Canadian series are bolder and yet more delicate, and thereby electrifying and life-affirming.

Both these queer relationships begin with a risky hook-up, then grow through chemistry and an embrace of sex and exploration. Through these steamy and ardent romances, Pillion and Heated Rivalry challenge us: What more might we experience and enjoy if we — like the lovers themselves — dared to open ourselves up? 

Heated Rivalry is now on HBO Max. Pillion opens in theaters on Feb. 6.

YouTube is the go-to platform for vloggers, content creators, musicians, and anyone who loves to share their life through the art of video.

The most-followed channels on the platform have amassed huge subscriber counts, well into the millions, showing just how many of us enjoy sitting back and relaxing with a good YouTube video. From celebs to entertainment giants, influencers to creators, these channels dominate YouTube with viral videos, dedicated fan bases, and massive viewership.

SEE ALSO: YouTube channels to help keep your mind calm

But have you ever wondered who holds the acclaim of top spot for the most subscribed channel? Wonder no more, here are the 10 YouTube channels with the most subscribers, according to Social Blade.

1. Mr Beast - 451 million subscribers

MrBeast’s YouTube channel is known for its over-the-top challenges, massive cash giveaways, philanthropy, and jaw-dropping stunts, making it one of the platform’s biggest and most influential channels.

2. T-Series - 307 million subscribers

T-Series is India's largest Music Label & Movie Studio, and the YouTube channel features a vast collection of Bollywood music videos, movie trailers, and songs.

3. Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes - 199 million subscribers

Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes' YouTube channel is a favorite among parents, featuring colorful, educational animations and catchy songs for young children. Engaging colors and fun storytelling aim to help toddlers learn letters, numbers, and life lessons.

4. YouTube Movies - 195 million subscribers

The YouTube Movies channel is the go-to spot for renting and streaming new movie releases, shorts and trailers. You can choose between renting, buying, or watching select titles for free with ads.

5. SET India - 187 million subscribers

SET India’s YouTube channel offers full episodes, clips, and promos from Sony Entertainment Television’s popular Indian shows. Featuring drama series, reality shows, crime thrillers, and comedy programs.

6. Vlad and Niki - 147 million subscribers

Vlad and Niki’s YouTube channel is a popular kids’ channel full of imaginative playtime adventures, toy reviews, and family-friendly challenges. The channel tells the stories of two brothers through educational content and exciting adventures.

7. Kids Diana Show - 137 million subscribers

Kids Diana Show’s YouTube channel features fun, colorful videos of young Diana playing imaginative games, reviewing toys, and other family-friendly adventures. This channel focuses on storytelling, games, and learning.

8. Stokes Twins - 134 million subscribers

The Stokes Twins' YouTube channel features a mix of pranks, challenges, comedic skits, and vlogs. Run by Alex and Alan Stokes, the pair have become known for their stunts and antics.

9. Like Nastya - 131 million subscribers

Like Nastya's YouTube channel is another family-friendly account that follows the exciting adventures of a young girl named Nastya. Videos include fun toy reviews, imaginative games, and educational content.

10. Music - 125 million subscribers

The Music YouTube channel is fairly self-explanatory in its content, but has surprisingly shared only posts and no videos. Content is not frequent and often features recent releases and promos of Shorts.

The Moon is starting to get smaller, with the right side losing light each night (if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, it will be the left side that starts to darken). This is because we are in the Moon's waning phase, as we head towards the New Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Feb. 4, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 93% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Tonight, without any visual aids you should be able to see the Mare Imbrium, Kepler Crater, and the Oceanus Procellarum tonight. With binoculars, you'll also see the Alps Mountains , Mare Nectaris, and the Grimaldi Basin, too. Finally, with a telescope, you'll see all this plus the Apollo 16, 12, and 11 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the lunar cycle lasts around 29.5 days. This is how long the Moon takes to travel once around Earth. Over that period, it passes through eight recognised phases. The same side of the Moon always faces our planet, however the portion that appears lit changes as the Moon moves along its orbit. The amount of sunlight reaching the Moon is what makes it appear full, partially illuminated, or almost invisible at different points in the cycle. The eight lunar phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

SAVE $199.99: As of Feb. 4, the eero Max 7 mesh WiFi system is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon eero Max 7 mesh WiFi system $799.99 at Amazon
$999.98 Save $199.99   Get Deal

Looking for a reliable WiFi system? Check out this new Amazon deal on the eero Max 7 mesh WiFi system.

A mesh WiFi router is a booster system that comes with a main router and extra signal nodes that can be placed around your home. The router makes use of these to cancel out dead zones in your space, making sure that you get a strong and reliable connection all over your house or office.

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And as of Feb. 4, this impressive bundle is down to $799.99 from $999.98. This deal is for the four-pack, so it can cover up to 8,000 square feet and handle hundreds of devices at once. This bundle is ideal for smart homes, home offices, or even small workplaces.

It uses the latest WiFi 7 technology to give you strong speeds and it can support internet plans up to 5 Gbps with two 5 GbE ports and wireless speeds up to 3.9 Gbps. It’s also backward compatible with older eero models, so you can add it to an existing setup if you already use eero products.

Get this router deal from Amazon now. Don't miss out on this limited-time discount.

SAVE OVER $300: As of Feb. 4, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $429 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

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$799 Save $370   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C1000 is back on sale at Amazon. This power station is the perfect companion for your next camping trip. Alternatively, it offers reliable backup power at home. As of Feb. 4, it's down to $429 from $799, saving you $370 on list price.

This portable power station is designed to keep devices running at home or off-grid. It's nice and light too, so it's easy to carry with you when camping or road tripping. Power-wise, it has a 1,024Wh battery and can provide up to 2,000W of power across 10 different ports including AC ports, USB-C, USB-A, and a car port.

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It’s also ideal for last-minute use, as it can recharge from empty to full in about 49 minutes when using mains power. It's not a device you'll need to replace often, as the battery is designed to last thousands of cycles while still keeping 80% of its capacity.

It also includes a UPS mode with fast switchover, which can help keep essential equipment like WiFi routers or medical devices running during a power cut.

Get this Anker deal from Amazon now.

A24 has released the official trailer for romantic dramedy The Drama, giving us a closer look at Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple who may not match any of those descriptions for very long.

The Drama's trailer follows Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson) as they prepare for their upcoming wedding, which is now only days away. The stage seems set for a picturesque romance, with the pair apparently hopelessly in love. That is, until they play a game with friends (Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim) in which they each confess to the worst thing they've ever done.

The trailer doesn't reveal exactly what Emma says, but whatever it is, it looks as though it doesn't quite match the playful atmosphere. This unexpected revelation appears to severely shake Emma and Charlie's relationship, swiftly sending their wedding week spinning out of control. Be prepared for car crashes, questionable drinking habits, accusations and arguments, and, well, a ton of drama.

The Drama arrives in theatres on April 3.

Netflix has released a teaser trailer for Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2, offering a hint of what's in store for Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). They certainly have a long way to go after that dramatic mid-season finale.

When we last saw the star-crossed lovers, Benedict had presented Sophie with a proposal that he seemed to believe was romantic, but had viewers gasping in outrage. The rift torn between the pair will make it interesting to see how they reconcile over the season's final four episodes — though we at least know that a steaming hot bathtub will be involved.

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 premieres Feb. 26.