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The trailer for Invincible Season 3 is jam-packed with superhero mayhem.

For starters, Mark Grayson (voiced by Steven Yeun) is on a major training kick. His speed has increased 65 percent, his endurance has increased 75 percent, and his strength is up a whopping 135 percent. Plus, he's got a new, more "serious" dark blue suit. With all these upgrades, he'll be ready to take down any Viltrumites — including his father Omni-Man (voiced by J.K. Simmons). Right?

SEE ALSO: 'Invincible' star Steven Yeun on the allegories within superhero stories

Well, looks like he'll have to deal with more problems on the home front first. His half-brother Oliver (voiced by Lincoln Bodin) has taken up the title of Kid Omni-Man, which comes with just the tiniest bit of baggage. Meanwhile, Mark keeps butting heads with Global Defense Agency Director Cecil Stedman (voiced by Fallout's Walton Goggins) over how Cecil plants to protect Earth.

"We can be the good guys, or we can be the guys that save the world," Cecil tells Mark. "We can't be both."

As if the morally dubious compromises weren't enough, Cecil then ambushes Mark in the White Room, a place specifically meant to protect Cecil from Mark. I don't know Stedman, that doesn't seem like the best way to keep Mark's trust! No wonder he goes rogue at the end of the trailer. But what in the world will he do next?

The first three episodes of Invincible Season 3 premiere Feb. 6 on Prime Video, with new episodes weekly.

The Wheel of Time's heroes may have won the Battle of Falme in Season 2, but their war against darkness is far from over.

SEE ALSO: How 'Wheel of Time' Season 1 is different from the books

That darkness is on full display in the Season 3 teaser, which offers glimpses of all the enemies Rand (Josha Stradowski), Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), and co. will face in the episodes to come. The evil faction of the Aes Sedai known as the Black Ajah has stepped out of the shadows while the Aes Sedai are still divided amongst themselves. Meanwhile, the Forsaken — including Lanfear (Natasha O'Keeffe) and Moghedien (Laia Costa) — are hunting Rand with a vengeance. (And impeccable villain fashion sense.)

But the most foreboding moments of the whole teaser are Moiraine's visions of "a thousand thousand futures," which hint at two very frightening character deaths.

"In every future where I lived, Rand dies," she says. "And the only way he lives, is if I don't."

So there we have it: an impossible choice between two of the show's most important characters. Will only one of them survive Season 3?

The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres March 13 on Prime Video.

Calling all Innies and Outies! We've finally got a full trailer for Severance Season 2 — and it gives us some much-needed answers about what happened following Season 1's cliffhanger ending.

SEE ALSO: 12 burning questions we have after the 'Severance' Season 2 trailer

To recap: Season 1 ended with severed Lumon employees Mark S. (Adam Scott), Helly R. (Britt Lower), Irving B. (John Turturro), and Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) staging a daring escape from Lumon. Lumon caught on and switched them back, but not before Mark revealed that his Outie's late wife Gemma is still alive as Lumon wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman). I'm screaming just thinking about it (and I've been thinking about it for the past two and a half years).

So what are the Innies' next steps, now that they've been found out? And how will Lumon retaliate?

According to the trailer, they won't. Instead, severed floor manager Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) claims the Innies have become famous in the outside world, sparking severance reforms across Lumon. Like with all things at Lumon, this sounds fishy as can be — but at least there's no major punishment for the Innies. (At least, not yet.)

SEE ALSO: 20 burning 'Severance' questions we have after that finale

With that direct threat out of the way, Mark's Innie turns to his new mission: Getting Ms. Casey out of Lumon. Oh, and if he and his fellow macrodata refiners can find out just what it is they're working on along the way, that would be great. According to a newly introduced Lumon higher-up (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), "their work will be remembered as one of the greatest moments of this planet." So that means it's either very good, or very sinister. Since it's Lumon, let's go with the latter.

On the outside, Mark and his sister Devon (Jen Tullock) try to unravel the Gemma mystery themselves, along with why Ms. Cobel/Mrs. Selvig (Patricia Arquette) is so obsessed with their family. Rooting for them! Not just because I like them, but because I, too, need to know.

But Mark isn't the only Outie getting the spotlight this season. We also see Irving's Outie making some mysterious calls from a phone booth — and maybe even meeting up with Burt's (Christopher Walken) Outie. Meanwhile, Helly's Outie, aka Helena Eagan, heir to Lumon, is in full damage control mode. There are no signs of Dylan's Outie yet, but I'm sure Severance won't leave him out.

All of this is already a lot to take in, and I haven't even touched on Lumon's new severed employees, played by Alia Shawkat, Bob Balaban, and Stefano Carannante; the revamped goat room; or Ms. Huang (Sarah Bock), the literal child serving as the severed floor's deputy manager.

The questions keep piling up, so praise Kier Severance Season 2 is almost here to (hopefully) answer them.

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on AppleTV+.

The Severance Season 2 trailer finally told us what happened after Season 1's gnarly cliffhanger — but it also left us with a ton more questions. To be fair, I wouldn't expect anything less. Would Severance really be Severance without several delicious mysteries to pick through?

From Lumon's dubious claims of "severance reform" to a surprise field trip, we've broken down the 12 biggest questions we have from the Severance Season 2 trailer. We hope you enjoy each of these questions equally.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2 trailer shows what happened after that gnarly Season 1 cliffhanger 1. So "severance reform" is a total lie, right? Consider me skeptical. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

At the end of Severance Season 1, Innies Mark S. (Adam Scott), Helly R. (Britt Lower), Irving B. (John Turturro), and Dylan G. (Zach Cherry) made their way into the outside world using Lumon's overtime contingency. Lumon switched them back, but not before the Innies could do some damage. Most came courtesy of Helly R., whose Outie is Helena Eagan, daughter of Lumon's current CEO. Helly R. took the stage at a Lumon gala and revealed how the company basically tortures the Innies. There's no way Lumon doesn't punish her and the rest of the Innies after that, right?

Yet the Season 2 trailer says otherwise. For starters, the whole team is back together, unharmed. And apparently, they've pushed Lumon to better its treatment of severed workers.

"What you all did was one of the most painful moments in the history of this company," manager Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) tells Mark. "But the four of you have become known as the face of severance reform."

SEE ALSO: 20 burning 'Severance' questions we have after that finale

He even hands Mark a copy of a newspaper — The Kier Chronicle — as proof. The front page shows an image of the MDR team riding in a parade in their honor. But let's be honest, that image has been doctored to hell and back. For starters, the actual photo of the ticker tape parade comes from President Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1960 visit to Rio de Janeiro. Just look:

Dwight D. Eisenhower was NOT a Lumon employee. Credit: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty images

Meanwhile, the photo of the severed employees comes from the image Milchick took of the MDR team on Helly's very first day. I'd recognize those poses anywhere!

Lumon employees who are NOT Dwight D. Eisenhower. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

So why is Milchick lying about severance reform in the outside world? Is he trying to assuage the MDR team and make them think they're being heard? That seems like a whole lot of effort for employees you can just fire. After all, Lumon's done worse for less — think of Burt's (Chrisopher Walken) forced retirement from Season 1. Why, then, are Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan so important they can't just be fired for their indiscretions?

2. I ask again: What does macrodata refinement (MDR) really do? The work that is so "mysterious and important." Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

The Season 2 trailer introduces several new cast members, including Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as a Lumon employee who delivers the ominous line, "Their work will be remembered as one of the greatest moments of this planet."

So what is that work? Why is it so momentous? And how does sorting numbers into boxes have such a great impact on this planet?

My best guess is that the work has something to do with resurrection. As we learned in Season 1, Mark's Outie's late wife Gemma was somehow brought back to life as Lumon wellness counselor Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman). Could the great work MDR is doing somehow involve cheating death?

3. How will Mark free Ms. Casey? I'm sure Mr. Milchick will love this. Credit: Credit: AppleTV+

Innie Mark reveals to his team that Gemma is Ms. Casey and that he wants to try to free her from Lumon. I'm all for this being the big mission of the season, but the logistics are already stressing me out. Even if they do find her, how will they get her out of this very secure building? And do they really think Mr. Milchick won't notice the missing posters they've made? If they get caught, I bet those so-called severance reforms will disappear, lickety-split.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' fans: Lumon Industries has a LinkedIn page. It's creepy.

Last we saw, Ms. Casey was sent to the mysterious testing floor — the elevator to which Irving's Outie has been painting obsessively for who knows how long. Now that his Innie knows about the paintings from his time outside Lumon, maybe he'll at least be able to help Mark find them. Then we could find out what goes on down there. (I'm guessing nothing good.)

4. Will we get more Outie action beyond Mark? Irving walking on the wild side. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Last season focused almost entirely on Mark's Outie's life, but based on the Season 2 trailer, it looks like we'll be getting more of Helly and Irving's Outies. How will Helena Eagan cope with being the face of a company disaster? By rewatching security footage of Helly and Mark's kiss, apparently. Seems healthy.

Meanwhile, Irving's Outie looks to be making some secretive phone calls — but who is he contacting? Could it be Burt, who pops up briefly in the trailer? Given that Irving's Innie showed up to Burt's place in the Season 1 finale, it seems like the pair's Outies could be connecting.

The trailer doesn't show us what Dylan G.'s Outie is up to, but here's hoping we see some of the family he learned he had in Season 1.

5. Is Irving retiring? A melon bar upgrade. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

One of the strangest shots from Severance's Season 2 trailer is this snapshot of a watermelon carved to look like Irving's face. Could this celebratory fruit concoction be part of a retirement party for Irving? It does have the same festive, yet foreboding vibes of Burt's retirement party from Season 1.

As someone who desperately doesn't want to see Irving retire, though, I'll offer up another option. Maybe this is an upgraded perk for MDR employees, like the melon bar or waffle party. (Hopefully one of the fake severance reforms is getting rid of the waffle parties because nothing says unsafe work environment like company-mandated, breakfast-themed orgies.)

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' food, ranked 6. Is reintegration on the table this season? Reghabi! Long time no see. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Blink and you'll miss a familiar face from Severance Season 1 in the trailer, that of ex-Lumon scientist Reghabi (Karen Aldridge). Reghabi pioneered the reintegration procedure, which merges Innies and Outies. However, as we saw with Petey (Yul Vazquez), reintegration can be fatal.

Reghabi's presence in the trailer means that we may see more reintegration this season — perhaps this time on one of the core MDR employees. The leading candidate is Mark, as he already knows about reintegration. Plus, there are some shots in the trailer of Mark walking around Lumon in his outside clothes, suggesting that he's recalling some of Innie Marks' memories.

I won't rule the other Outies out for reintegration just yet, though, especially Irving. Could his mysterious phone calls be to Reghabi?

8. What is this light box? We've got to be talking about Gemma. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

One of the most intriguing moments from the Severance Season 2 trailer is Outie Mark staring into a light with the words, "who is alive?" written on it. The phrase has to be tied to Innie Mark screaming "She's alive!" after he saw Mark and Gemma's wedding photo. Maybe he's looking for confirmation that he was actually talking about Gemma? But what does the light have to do with it? Is he trying to jog his memory? Communicate with his Innie?

9. Why are the Innies outside? If an Innie is outside, does that make them an Outie? Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Another intriguing trailer moment: The Innies are back outside, only this time they're trudging through a winter wonderland in matching black fur coats and hats. Vanity Fair described the moment as a "field trip" for MDR — but why take the Innies on a field trip in the first place? Is this another example of Lumon's attempted reforms? Couldn't they have taken them somewhere more relaxing, like a spa?

SEE ALSO: 4 fascinating things we learned from the 'Severance' companion book 10. Will we get closure on the goats this season? We're not kidding around anymore. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Good news: We're getting more goats in Severance Season 2. Even better news: The goats get a revamped goat room all to themselves, complete with sprawling grass hills, a bunch of herders, and even a man dressed as a black goat.

Also in the goat room? Gwendoline Christie (The Sandman, Game of Thrones), who is joining the cast as what looks like a key member of the goat department. Maybe she can tell Mark and Helly just what Lumon is doing with the goats. Probably something deeply sinister, but no biggie.

11. Who are the new severed employees? A new team means new team building sessions. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Other new cast members we meet in the Severance Season 2 trailer are Alia Shawkat, Bob Balaban, and Stefano Carannante, who are playing new arrivals to MDR. How will they fit in with Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan? What are their thoughts on MDR's excursion to the outside world? And most importantly of all, can they be trusted?

12. Who is Miss Huang and why is she a child? Someone take Miss Huang back to school. Credit: Screenshot: AppleTV+

Without a doubt, the strangest new character we meet in the Severance Season 2 trailer is Miss Huang (Sarah Bock), the severed floor's new deputy manager. She's also just a kid — the only kid at Lumon. (Well, besides the baby goats.)

So why is Miss Huang at Lumon in the first place? Is this part of some twisted new Lumon experience? A very ambitious school extracurricular? Whatever it is, I need someone to get Miss Huang out of there and give her a normal childhood!

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on AppleTV+.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 7: Best kitchen deal Nespresso Vertuo Next (navy) $104.99 (save $74.96) Get Deal Best gaming deal PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller in volcanic red $59.99 (save $20.99) Get Deal Best smart home deal Kasa Smart Plugs (HS103P2) $11.59 (save $8.40) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 (save $21.99) Get Deal

We’re a week post-Cyber Monday, and the deals keep on coming. Amazon isn't slowing down with the discounts — some prices are even lower than we saw during the big holiday sales. To help you find the best bargains, we've rounded up the top deals for you this Saturday, Dec. 7.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If nothing here catches your eye, check out our picks from Dec. 6 and Dec. 5. Most of those deals are still live, but some may have sold out or changed prices.

Our top pick: Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee and espresso maker by Breville (navy) Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Next (navy) $104.99 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $74.96 Get Deal

You can snag a Nespresso Vertuo Next (navy) for just $104.99 at Amazon. That’s a 42% discount and the lowest price we’ve seen this model go for. The last time it was at this price was during Amazon's Black Friday sales event.

The Nespresso Vertuo Next is slim, compact, and versatile. At only 5.5 inches wide, it won't take up too much counter space (ideal for small home offices or apartment kitchens). It’s built to brew a range of coffee styles and sizes, from a single espresso shot to an 18-ounce carafe. Plus, the capsules are 100% recyclable through Nespresso's pod recycling program.

PlayStation DualSense wireless controller (volcanic red) Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller in volcanic red $59.00 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.99 Get Deal

If you have any gamers on your shopping list (or you’re looking to treat yourself), Amazon’s selling the PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller in volcanic red for $59.99 — $20 off the regular price. (Note: The price fluctuates based on color, so double-check before you buy.)

This PS5 controller has a built-in mic, motion sensors, and haptic feedback to make your gameplay more immersive. It also has a feature that lets you record and broadcast your gameplay with the “Create” button. With multi-device connectivity, you can play using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth it to your PC or Mac.

Kasa Smart Plug (HS103P2) 2-pack Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Kasa Smart Plugs (HS103P2) $11.59 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $8.40 Get Deal

Smart plugs are super handy, especially during the holidays. You can schedule your lights or holiday decor to turn on and off automatically. (I use mine for the Christmas tree and my nightlight.)

Right now, you can get a two-pack of Kasa Smart Plugs (HS103P2) for just $11.59 at Amazon. That’s a 42% discount off the $19.99 sticker price, or a savings of $8.40. (This is also the lowest price we've seen for this bundle.)

With 15 amps of power and 120 volts of support, these smart plugs can handle heavy-duty appliances or Christmas light displays. The best part is that you don’t need a smart hub to use them: Open the Kasa app and follow the on-screen instructions to get started. But, if you want to, you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to control your devices hands-free.

Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38.00 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal

Sony’s WH-CH520 wireless headphones are only $38 at Amazon. That’s a whopping 37% discount and an all-time low price, according to our Amazon price history tool, CamelCamelCamel.

One of the best features of these on-ear headphones is their battery life. You'll get up to 50 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, and the fast-charge capability provides up to 90 minutes of playtime after just three minutes of charging. The built-in mic also makes it easy to take calls hands-free.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $300+: During Best Buy's 3-Day Sale, score $75 off a Samsung Galaxy Watch7, $300 off a 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro, and $19 off a four-pack of AirTags.

Bst Buy's 3-Day Sale highlights Best laptop deal 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 16GB, 1TB SSD) $1399 (save $300 ) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (40mm) $224.99 (save $75 ) Get Deal Best stocking stuffer deal Apple AirTags (4-Pack) $79.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over, but the deals aren't done yet! Right now, we’re in the midst of Best Buy’s 3-Day Sale, where you can save on top brands like Apple, Meta, Samsung, and more. This is your chance to grab those gifts you missed out on (or treat yourself to something nice!).

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals still live in 2024

There’s just one thing: The sale ends on Sunday, Dec. 8, so if you see something on your wishlist, you'll want to act fast.

We’ve rounded up some of the best deals to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.00 at Best Buy
$1,699.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) is on sale at Best Buy for $1,399, down from $1,699. That’s $300 off the list price and not a bad deal for a high-powered laptop. (Full disclosure: I just traded in my MacBook Air for the M4 version of this laptop, and I love it.)

The M3 chip is designed to help you get through your everyday tasks quickly and efficiently. Plus, you get a gorgeous Retina display, up to 22 hours of battery life, and fast charging capabilities.

Not sure whether you want a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Our MacBook Air vs. Pro guide can help you decide.

More laptop deals

• 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Book4 (Intel Core 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $529.99 $899.99 (save $370)

• 13.6-inch Apple MacBook (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $899 $1,099 (save $200)

• 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,499 $1,899 (save $400)

Best smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (40mm) $224.99 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $75.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Watch7 (40mm) is on sale at Best Buy for $224.99. That's $75 off the regular price, and you can save even more if you trade in an old device.

This smartwatch offers a little more than a basic fitness tracker. It gives you an Energy Score each morning so you know how rested you are. It also provides personalized tips based on your sleep, activity, and health data (like blood pressure, sleep apnea, and blood oxygen levels). You can also stay connected to friends and family by responding to messages, taking calls, and more from your wrist.

More smartwatch deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (40mm) — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Garmin Vivoactive 5 (42mm, GPS) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $379 $429 (save $50)

Best stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-Pack) $79.99 at Best Buy
$99.00 Save $19.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple AirTags are the perfect stocking stuffer for literally anyone. And right now, you can get a four-pack for just $79.99 (save $19.01). You’ll also get three months of Apple TV+, four months of Apple Arcade, and three months of Apple Music with your purchase. If you’re a Best Buy Plus member, you’ll save an additional $6.99, bringing the total to $73.

You can attach these little trackers to just about anything — your keys, wallet, pet’s collar, or even your luggage. Then you just use your phone to locate them if they ever go missing.

More stocking stuffer deals

• Roku Express — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• JLab Go Air Sport true wireless earbuds — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Astro Bot (PS5) — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, December 7, 2024:

AcrossGift box topper

• The answer is Bow.

Name that's an anagram of CABLE

• The answer is Caleb.

Prominent body part in a Rosie the Riveter poster

• The answer is Forearm.

Frequently, in poetry

• The answer is Oft.

Fish in a Japanese garden pond

• The answer is Koi.

Mysterious special "something"

• The answer is X Factor.

Receded like the tide

• The answer is Ebbed.

English class assignment

• The answer is Essay.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 6 DownBills for drinks

• The answer is Bar tabs.

World Cup cheer

• The answer is Ole.

Watered-down argument, in slang

• The answer is Weak tea.

___ badging (swiping in at the office before heading to work remotely)

• The answer is Coffee.

Unhappy and deep in thought

• The answer is Broody.

Cunning critter

• The answer is Fox.

Soviet-era space station

• The answer is Mir.

"Survivor" network

• The answer is CBS.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Bang!

Astronomers suspect that in the first second after the universe formed, the very first black holes also formed. These tiny though profoundly dense objects — think of an atom-sized particle wielding the mass of a mountain — are dubbed "primordial black holes." But there's a problem: There's still no evidence they've ever existed.

Now, scientists have proposed a novel idea: Perhaps the proof is in front of us, here on Earth.

In new research published in the journal Physics of the Dark Universe, researchers conclude the ancient objects could have left observable proof in the form of microscopic tunnels, or even in hollowed-out objects beyond our planet like asteroids. Though the chance of finding micro-tunnels on Earth is likely small, they may be present in places around us, like the rocks, glass, and metal of buildings — particularly old buildings.

"The most difficult thing to see is what stands right in front of your nose," Dejan Stojkovic, a professor of physics at the University at Buffalo who coauthored the research, told Mashable.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

Black holes are almost unimaginably dense. If Earth was (hypothetically) crushed into a black hole, it would be under an inch across. Today, many black holes form following the collapse of massive objects like stars, notably after violent supernova explosions. The objects themselves aren't rare: There are probably 100 million rogue black holes wandering our Milky Way Galaxy alone.

But looking for the first black holes in space has been fruitless. While astronomers can spot large black holes with telescopes — because these objects accrete large amounts of rapidly spinning matter around them that radiate bounties of energy — primordial black holes are too small to accrue such matter. What's more, black holes are believed to emit a type of energy called Hawking radiation, which should be especially intense in small black holes, but that hasn't been detected either. Yet physicists theorize they must be out there.

"Direct observational evidence for small black holes still does not exist, but according to our theories of the early universe, they should be produced generically without invoking any exotic physics," Stojkovic said.

"The most difficult thing to see is what stands right in front of your nose."

So Stojkovic proposed the unique idea of using microscopes to look for tiny tunnels on Earth, created by small, though forceful, primordial black holes. (They would leave holes like a speeding bullet traveling through a wall of glass.) Looking in older materials provides the best odds, simply because such things have been around for ages and have had more opportunity for a black hole impact. It's also much cheaper to look for tunnels than building a new, extremely sensitive detector, especially in a scientific field where funding is tight and deeply competitive — even for NASA.

Old stone homes in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Credit: Jason Wells / Loop Images / Universal Images Group via Getty Images An alleyway in Fitzrovia, London. Credit: Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

"Examining old materials for microscopic tunnels should be only a small fraction of the cost of building a dedicated astrophysical detector [which usually costs millions and even billions of dollars]," Stojkovic explained. "Any place on Earth is a priori equally likely to be hit by a small black hole."

The chances of finding a tunnel is "very small," he noted, but such is the reality of sleuthing for evidence left by these ancient, elusive, and minuscule particles. Stojkovic noted that physicists are also hunting for extremely rare "magnetic monopoles" — another hypothesized particle — with expensive detectors. Sure, it's proven hard to find a magnetic monopole, but the scientific payoff would be huge.

However thrilling it would be to discover a black hole micro-tunnel on our planet, the researchers also suggest looking elsewhere in our solar system. More specifically, at relatively small objects like a moon or asteroid with a liquid core (Jupiter's moon Ganymede, for example, has a liquid core). A primordial black hole speeding through space could impact such an object, use its strong gravitational power to soak up the core, and ultimately, after escaping, leave just a hollow crust.

The lifetimes of differently sized primordial black holes. A primordial black hole the size of Mt. Everest would live 1 billion times the present age of the universe, NASA said. (The universe is some 13.8 billion years old.) Credit: NASA

Such a hollowed-out object, the researchers calculated, couldn't be larger than about one-tenth of Earth's radius (meaning some 400 miles) or it would collapse. Crucially, telescopes can reveal an object's movement and mass. "If the object’s density is too low for its size, that’s a good indication it's hollow,” Stojkovic said separately, in a university statement.

These are indeed novel ideas. But the unsuccessful quest for primordial black holes might require offbeat thinking. I asked Stojkovic if anyone before had attempted to look for these micro-tunnels on Earth.

"Not that we are aware of," he said. "Perhaps nobody thought of it yet."

Stir of Echoes deserved better than it got. In 1999, the harrowing horror-thriller starring Kevin Bacon boasted a unique spin on the haunted house formula. Set in Chicago's South Side and centering on a blue-collared man with rock star ambitions who is plagued by ghostly visions, the film avoided well-worn tropes of fretful suburban housewives besieged by poltergeists. 

Its R-rating allowed writer/director David Koepp, best known for scripting the blockbuster Jurassic Park, to create a gritty film, fleshed out with jolting splashes of gore, a sweaty sex appeal, and a harrowing message about sexual politics at its core. But just five weeks before Stir of Echoes would hit theaters, The Sixth Sense debuted. 

SEE ALSO: What to Watch: Best Scary Movies

Koepp's terrific movie earned good reviews and a modest box office, but it was overshadowed by The Sixth Sense, in part because both involve a psychic boy who can see dead people. However, this superficial commonality ignores all the ways Stir of Echoes is extraordinary. Thankfully, over the years, fans have found the frightening film, relishing its textured tale of terror, which has led to a 4K release on Blu-ray and digital, complete with special features. 

To toast Stir of Echoes' glossy re-release, Mashable sat down with Koepp via Zoom to dig into his influences both personal and cinematic, the alarmingly timeless message at the film's core, and what he thinks of The Sixth Sense. 

Stir of Echoes brought ghost stories to the city.  Credit: Lionsgate

While Koepp counts horror classics like Steven Spielberg's rural Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Tobe Hooper's suburban-set Poltergeist as inspiration points, he yearned to tell a ghost story that spoke to a community he identified with. "It's the whole reason I wanted to do it," Koepp said of adapting Richard Matheson's 1958 novel, titled A Stir of Echoes. 

After making his directorial debut with The Trigger Effect — a thriller that Koepp describes as "straight out of my therapy sessions" — he hungered to "do a scary movie." But he didn't connect to the suburban Southern California setting of Matheson's novel. Plus, that scenario seemed played out by the 1990s. "In ghost stories, it's always some really good-looking people in a really beautiful house — because you want to shoot the beautiful house," Koepp said. "And I get it. But I wanted to see [a ghost story] in an environment I hadn't seen." 

Koepp cites Roman Polanski's devilish Rosemary's Baby, which he calls one of his "favorite movies," as an influence, as the setting — a "creepy old apartment in New York City" — gave the film's demonic twists a fresh appeal. Beyond that, he explained, "I wanted it to be something I knew, because I wanted authenticity." This led him to the South Side of Chicago, where his mother was raised. 

"Big Irish family, 10 kids, and very working class," he said of that environment, which he frequently visited in his own childhood. "And that neighborhood in the movie is very much like where she grew up, where I went a million times as a kid. And I was like, I know that area. I know how to make that feel real. And I like those people, and I don't see those people in this kind of movie." 

The effect in Stir of Echoes is an intense closeness. Whether Kevin Bacon's haunted Tom Witzky is walking to a ballgame alongside his gruff but affable neighbors, searching for clues during a block party, or barging in on the family next door with a troubling epiphany, the audience is aware of how close — geographically and emotionally — the Witzkys are to their neighbors. And that makes Tom's mounting suspicions of them all the more gut-churning. 

Stir of Echoes takes on toxic masculinity.  Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Often stories of haunted homes center on a mother, who is typically seen as inherently more receptive to the needs of others — including the dead. Stir of Echoes instead sets Tom up as a self-centered man who chafes against the obligations of being a father and husband. He complains to his wife Maggie (Kathryn Erbe) about how he expected to be something more than a line worker for the telephone company, clinging faintly to his dreams of being a rock star. And at the start, he seems at best vaguely aware of his five-year-old son Jake (Zachary David Cope), who begins the movie talking to an unseen specter. 

"I wanted him to feel thwarted," Koepp said of Tom, "and be at the stage in life where he starts to think, 'Uh oh. I think this is all there is. And I think this is as far as I'm going to go. And that's surprising to me, because I always thought I might be special.' I think we can all relate to that. And I think you can relate to that no matter your level of success, because you think, 'Well, didn't I deserve a little more?'" 

In a classic monkey-paw twist, Tom gets what he wants — to be special — but not in the way he wants it. After ignoring the concerns of his pregnant wife and the complaints of his outspoken sister-in-law, Tom's mind is opened by the latter through a bit of hypnotism as a party trick. Now, Tom is keenly aware of another female force in his house, the ghost of a murdered girl named Samantha Kozac (Jennifer Morrison), whose corpse lies in the walls. 

And as much as Tom is terrorized by the grisly visions that reflect Samantha's violent end, he's elated to chase down the mystery only he can solve. "I think if something like this did happen in our lives," Koepp said, "it would be pretty damn exciting and interesting, and you'd want to kind of hold on to it as long as you could." 

Stir of Echoes hits harder after the Weinstein scandal was made public.  Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Nearly 20 years after Stir of Echoes hit theaters, the New York Times published an investigative report that broke open decades of allegations against movie producer and sexual predator Harvey Weinstein. While rumors and whisper networks had floated for years around Hollywood, the revelation came as a shock to the nation at large. Watching Stir of Echoes now, in the MeToo era, you can see Tom having the soul-rattling realization that many men in America have had to face as rape culture has become a more publicly debated topic.  

The ghost girl in his home was not just killed; her corpse was hidden due to a "boys will be boys" attitude that claims to preserve the community, but only serves to poison it. However, Koepp rejects the idea that the movie was ahead of its time. 

He says of the men in his movie, several of whom are killers or accessories after the fact, "They accept the neighborhood structure because that's how it always has been. The protection of the male jocks, the football players, that was nothing new… I grew up in rural Wisconsin, and the guys on the football team got away with whatever they wanted to get away with." He continued, "The men in the neighborhood banding together to protect [the jocks], and the women pretend[ing] they didn't see that? It was pretty obvious that that's what was going on to anybody who wanted to talk about it." 

In Stir of Echoes, Tom's quest to find out what happened to Samantha nearly gets him killed to preserve the jocks' — and the block's — secret shame. But ultimately, Samantha has a happy ending; her killers and their accomplices are exposed, and her spirit is restored, able to walk home whole. 

To Koepp, ghost stories are timeless, because "their premise is fundamentally hopeful." He explained, "If you accept that there's a ghost in the house, you are saying, 'Hey, great news. There's something after we die.' And who doesn't want to think that? So the darkest ghost story you can possibly conceive is ultimately hopeful." 

Moving on from Stir of Echoes vs. The Sixth Sense  Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

In the special featurettes on Stir of Echoes' new Blu-ray and digital release, Koepp recounts how he warned Stir of Echoes' distributor, Artisan Entertainment, that The Sixth Sense was set to open weeks ahead of his movie. 

"It was fairly early on in post [production]," Koepp says in the Lionsgate-produced interview, "we heard about this other movie. Sixth Sense had been around town; people had read it. So we got a copy of the script and read it. And we told Artisan… 'There's this movie, it's got a psychic kid. It's got ghosts, set in urban Philadelphia, and it's got Bruce Willis in it. We should come out before that. They're coming out in August.'" 

In response, Artisan told Koepp, "We're not worried. It looks soft." He went on matter-of-factly, "That movie came out and was a phenomenon." 

In our interview, Koepp recalled his frustration over one critic — who should know better about how long it takes to put a movie together — who suggested that Stir of Echoes was copying The Sixth Sense, even though it opened just the month before. "Some review in some reputable publication started with the sentence, 'It's amazing how quickly Hollywood emulates success.'" Koepp shared. "I was like, yeah, but five weeks, really?" 

The experience still stings Koepp. "You don't wish to think of your movie in terms of any other movie. Your movie is your movie. I was frustrated by the experience of not being able to come out first."

So, what did Koepp think when he saw The Sixth Sense. "I just haven't seen it," he admitted. "I hear it's terrific. I should watch it sometime." 

Stir of Echoes will be released on 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital on Dec. 10.

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The No. 17 Clemson Tigers and the No. 8 SMU Mustangs will face off in the ACC Championship this week at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The winner will likely earn the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoffs, along with a first round bye. Clemson moved into the championship game after No. 12 Miami lost last week to Syracuse. This is Clemson's opportunity to make the 12-team CFP format, which could take SMU out of the running altogether.

The Tigers are coming off a loss to the University of South Carolina, while the Mustangs have won nine straight games. ESPN analytics are giving SMU a nearly 54 percent chance to win, and the betting odds are also favoring the Mustangs by two points.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Clemson vs. SMU football kickoff time and network

The Clemson vs. SMU football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Sean McDonough is expected to do the play-by-play, while Greg McElroy will join him in the booth as the analyst.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for Clemson vs. SMU football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Clemson vs. SMU football game on ABC. 

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Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

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FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

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Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions and the No. 1 Oregon Ducks will face off in the Big Ten Championship this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The match will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The winner will likely earn the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoffs, along with a first round bye. Oregon has not been dethroned atop the CFP rankings, and is the only FBS team still undefeated.

But, losing this game wouldn't necessarily eliminate either team from the CFP either. The loser will most likely take the No. 5 seed.

Oregon, being the only undefeated team left, hasn't lost. Penn State has won four of their last five. ESPN's analytics are giving the Nittany Lions a nearly 54 percent chance to win, but the betting odds currently favor the Ducks by 3.5 points.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Penn State vs. Oregon football kickoff time and network

The Penn State vs. Oregon football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on CBS on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Brad Nessler is expected to do the play-by-play, while Gary Danielson will join him in the booth as the analyst and Jenny Dell will do the sideline reporting.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for Penn State vs. Oregon football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Penn State vs. Oregon football game on CBS. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

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TL;DR: This can't-miss offer gets you a grade-A refurbished Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) for just $229.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping through December 8.

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Astronomers detected hundreds more new worlds beyond the solar system this year and worked to better understand what makes them tick. 

The number of confirmed exoplanets — planets that don't orbit the sun — is up to 5,788, according to NASA, with thousands of additional candidates under review. All these worlds exist in our galaxy, though scientists believe they detected one planet outside the Milky Way in 2021.

Keep in mind the growing tally is a tiny sampling of planets in space. With hundreds of billions of galaxies, the universe probably teems with many trillions of stars. And if most stars have at least one orbiting planet — well, don't let your heads explode with the math.

No two alien planets are alike, each harboring its own distinct chemistry and conditions. There are water worlds, planets with multiple sunsets, volcanic worlds, rogue worlds, and planets with clouds unlike anything found in Earth's skies.

SEE ALSO: Scientists haven't found a rocky exoplanet with air. But now they have a plan.

With the powerful James Webb Space Telescope, getting to know these worlds is getting easier. The leading infrared space observatory spends about a quarter of its time studying exoplanets. By analyzing another planet's atmosphere, scientists can tell a great deal about a world, including whether it could be hospitable to life.

Webb will soon begin a massive study of rocky worlds outside the solar system, specifically to discover if exoplanets orbiting near small cool stars could have air. The campaign, first reported by Mashable, will take a closer look at a dozen nearby-ish planets over the next two years. 

Here are some highlights from the exoplanets studied over the past year.

A toxic stink-bomb of an exoplanet  Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to peer into the atmosphere of an exoplanet 35 light-years away from Earth. Credit: NASA / Ames Research Center / Daniel Rutter illustration

Astronomers found a planet that probably reeks of burnt matches and rotten eggs, the odors associated with two gases identified in its atmosphere: sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. But no one's nose will likely ever get close to this world, 35 light-years away in the constellation Volans, to find out. The planet, L 98-59 d, likely has a molten or volcanic surface. 

Earth's atmosphere is filled with nitrogen, oxygen, and traces of water vapor. Venus has a thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide, and Mars has a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide. Based on the terrestrial worlds humans are familiar with, no one expected to find a similar type of planet with so much sulfur. 

An exoplanet with a mysterious sibling Tweet may have been deleted

A "super-Earth," a world somewhat larger than our own, orbits a star about 137 light-years away from the sun. What has intrigued astronomers about it is that it resides in the habitable zone around its small reddish star. The zone, sometimes referred to as the Goldilocks zone, is the region around a host star thought to provide the right surface temperature for liquid water to exist on a planet. 

But perhaps even more exciting than this world, dubbed TOI-715 b, is its potential sibling: a smaller, more Earth-size planet. Scientists plan to study it as well.

A confirmed exoplanet at Barnard's star A confirmed exoplanet orbits Barnard's star every three days. Credit: ESO / M. Kornmesser illustration

Barnard's star, one of the closest stars to the sun, has been a target of exoplanet searches for over a century, with a storied past of false positives. 

Scientists have finally found a world orbiting the star and confirmed it with multiple follow-up observations. They estimate this planet, Barnard b, to be about 20 times closer to its star than Mercury is to the sun, with a surface temperature of about 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A tamer Venus-like exoplanet Scientists estimate the average surface temperature on Gliese 12 b could be about 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC) illustration

Scientists say they've found the nearest temperate Earth-size world to date: Gliese 12 b, a so-called exo-Venus, meaning a rocky planet outside the solar system about the size of Venus. 

"Temperate" and "Venus" may seem contradictory to those who know about Earth's neighbor. It's a hot, toxic planet, with sulfuric acid rain and volcanoes. Unlike the real Venus, which is about 900 degrees Fahrenheit because of a runaway greenhouse effect, researchers think Gliese 12 b's surface could be an average of 107 degrees. 

A sauna-like exoplanet  Scientists say they've discovered and confirmed the first "steam world." Credit: NASA / ESA / Leah Hustak / Ralf Crawford illustration

A team of scientists are calling a new planet detection the first direct evidence of a "steam world" — that is, an exoplanet blanketed in wet heat. 

The planet, GJ 9827 d, is about 100 light-years away from the solar system in the constellation Pisces. It's about twice the size of Earth and has an atmosphere almost entirely composed of water vapor. Before now, such worlds were only theorized.

A roiling half-lava exoplanet Astronomers discovered a third exoplanet in a solar system 73 light-years away. Credit: NASA / JPL-CALTECH illustration

Scientists found an exoplanet just a little larger than Earth, around a star much like the sun. But that's pretty much where the similarities end. The planet, HD 63433 d, is one-tenth Earth's age, exponentially hotter, and likely burbling molten lava on one side. A year on this world would fly by in just four Earth days.

This is considered the smallest and closest "young" exoplanet so far, at only 73 light-years away. Astronomers estimate it's about 400 million years old, which is ancient on a human timescale, but a mere whippersnapper compared to our 4.5 billion-year-old home planet.

An exoplanet that resembles an eyeball?  The James Webb Space Telescope has observed exoplanet LHS 1140 b, which could be an icy world akin to Jupiter's moon Europa, left, or it may have a bulls-eye ocean facing its star. Credit: B. Gougeon / Université de Montréal illustration

A new study revealed a small exoplanet could be an icy orb like Jupiter's moon Europa or have a liquid ocean about half the size of the Atlantic Ocean facing its star. If the latter were true, the water might even be a crisp 68 degrees Fahrenheit at the center.

The exoplanet, LHS 1140 b, is about 48 light-years away from Earth, in the constellation Cetus. Scientists believe it is probably rocky and could have other similarities to our planet.

A glowing terrestrial exoplanet A rocky planet covered in molten lava orbits close to its star. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Dani Player (STScI) illustration

In a star system 66 light-years away, scientists spotted a world riddled with so many volcanoes, it would glow red-hot like campfire embers. A researcher even described the finding, HD 104067, as "Io on steroids," referring to the most volcanic world in our solar system, one of Jupiter's moons, Io. 

HD 104067's robust volcanic activity is caused by two other nearby exoplanets exerting strong gravitational forces and distorting its orbit into an egg shape. All that squeezing and tugging generates heat and inner geological activity. 

A very young exoplanet The young exoplanet IRAS 04125+2902 b passes in front of its star. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / R. Hurt / K. Miller (Caltech/IPAC) illustration

This next exoplanet is a newborn baby. The huge planet, roughly 430 light-years away, is just 3 million years old. 

Usually such nascent worlds are surrounded by debris, making them nearly impossible to observe. But astronomers got a window of opportunity with IRAS 04125+2902 b (yup, that's its name). Something — perhaps a companion star's gravity or a cosmic collision — has caused the disk to warp, revealing the planet in its infancy. 

Right now the planet appears as wide as Jupiter but much lighter. Scientists think that means its atmosphere is inflated and will shrink down to a super-Earth or mini-Neptune as it matures.

A rocky exoplanet with an atmosphere? Super-Earth 55 Cancri e might have an atmosphere. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech illustration

When astronomers say they are on a quest to find a rocky planet with an atmosphere, they're not talking about mood lighting and soft jazz. They're looking for a world that resembles our own in a crucial way, and scientists say super-Earth 55 Cancri e might be the best bet: Temperature readings have revealed it's not as scorching hot as expected, perhaps because energy is being redistributed by an atmosphere.

NASA has called Earth's own atmosphere its security blanket. Without it, the type of life flourishing here wouldn't exist. It holds oxygen in the air, filters out ultraviolet radiation, and allows liquid water to pool on the surface.

This finding wouldn't mean 55 Cancri e, about 41 light-years away, is an exit plan for humans  — far from it. Its orbit is so tight around its star, the world is probably covered in lava, with one side in constant darkness. Still, proof of an exoplanet with an atmosphere orbiting a red dwarf star would bode well for the idea that others are out there. 

Want more of the best of 2024? Join Mashable as we look back at all the viral TikTok songs, internet slang, movies, memes, hyped up hardware, dating trends, social media apps, and more that have delighted and amazed us so far this year.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 2 Texas Longhorns will face off in the SEC Championship this week at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The match will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Currently, Texas is poised to take the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoffs. But, most likely, both teams will be part of the 12-team playoff format.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Georgia vs. Texas football kickoff time and network

The Georgia vs. Texas football game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT start on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Chris Fowler is expected to do the play-by-play, while Kirk Herbstreit will join him in the booth as the analyst. Both Laura Rutledge and Holly Rowe will do the sideline reporting.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for Georgia vs. Texas football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Georgia vs. Texas football game on ABC. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones and the No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils will face off in the Big 12 Conference Championship this week at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The match will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

The two will battle it out despite a four-way tie atop the Big 12, leaving BYU and Colorado on the outside looking in.

The winner is pretty much guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoffs, but the seeding is yet to be determined, and it's out of the hands of any Big 12 team to determine it. If Boise State wins on Friday in the Mountain West championship over UNLV, the winner of the Big 12 likely becomes the No. 12 seed in the newly implemented 12-team playoff format. But, if Boise State loses, the winner of the Big 12 should move into the No. 4 seed.

Arizona State has won five straight games to earn its spot in the championship, while Iowa State has won three straight games. But, it can't be overlooked that the Sun Devils took a major loss off the field last week when star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson left the game in the third quarter with a collarbone injury. Tyson has been ruled out indefinitely.

ESPN's analytics have Iowa State leading with a 55 percent chance to win the game, but the betting odds currently favor Arizona State by 2.5 points.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Iowa State vs. Arizona State football kickoff time and network

The Iowa State vs. Arizona State football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT start on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Joe Tessitore is expected to do the play-by-play, while Jesse Palmer will join him in the booth as the analyst and Katie George will do the sideline reporting.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for Iowa State vs. Arizona State football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Iowa State vs. Arizona State football game on ABC. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Dating is a competitive game, and you should do everything you can to give yourself a chance of success. Looking your best and smelling fresh is a good place to start, but nothing shortens your odds of success like signing up to a dating site.

The problem with this tactic is that there are just so many dating sites out there to consider, each with a different set of features that will suit some people better than others. It's difficult to know which site is best for you, and you could easily spend hours researching all of the sites on offer without a definitive answer.

We know that you don't have time for all of that, so we've set out to make things a little easier for you.

What are the benefits of using dating apps?

By subscribing to a dating site, you're shortening your odds of finding a connection. It's as simple as that.

Dating sites and apps let you get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals, and provide the opportunity to test out a potential relationship on an app before actually meeting in real life.

SEE ALSO: Best hookup apps and dating sites to find casual sex with no strings attached

Subscribing to dating apps and sites is also a way less intimidating way of meeting someone compared to a face-to-face situation. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you face your fears from the comfort of your own home.

Is online dating worth the hassle?

Sentiments aside, we have some hard data to back our reasoning for Why Online Dating Is Worthwhile™: Statista predicted that the online dating audience will grow to 53.3 million by 2025, compared to 44.2 million users in 2020. A study from Stanford released in 2019 asserted that online dating is officially the most common way for couples to meet, rounding out at nearly 40 percent of couples having first met online.

This pre-pandemic prediction came before the COVID-era dating app sign-ups surge. Though people are eager to get back to doing as many things IRL as possible now, dating apps are still a great place to find someone, whether you want a relationship or are just looking to get nasty.

And yes, though there are algorithms that dictate what profiles pop up on your screen, we firmly believe that the stars aligning still comes into play. After all, the person who signs up on the app and is looking for love at exactly the same time you are is up to fate and the universe, proving that online dating romance is very much alive and well.

Because it's not 2007 anymore, the need for mobile-friendly online dating isn't just a millennial thing — people over 40 don't have time to sit around at their home desktops, either. Dating sites that are older than most members of Gen Z (like Match and eharmony) have been forced to give serious attention to their smartphone counterparts if they don't want to be outgrown.

However, that statistical promise still requires patience and a game plan, the game plan is choosing the dating app with features that best fit your lifestyle — and the lifestyle of the type of person you're looking for. Are you looking for an app strictly for sex or an app more serious than Tinder but less serious than eharmony? Or maybe, you'd just really love to find an app where queer women aren't relentlessly sexualized by creeps and pestered by unicorn hunters.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are good examples of free apps with massive networks of users.

The bad news is that a lot of free apps simply don't cut it. You get what you pay for with dating sites and apps, and for the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up the cash.

You can still find something worth your time with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading. Paid sites provide access to premium features that give you the best chance of finding something special.

What is the best dating site?

We're sorry to break it to you like this, but there isn't a single dating site that is better than the rest. Instead, there are a lot of sites and apps with similar features and packages, and the best option for you really comes down to your own set of preferences.

To make the decision process a whole lot easier for everyone, we have lined up a selection of the most popular sites in the dating game, including leading sites like Match, and Eharmony. All you need to do is pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best dating sites in 2024.