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The best Presidents Day streaming deals: Starz, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more

Mashable - 2 hours 56 min ago
The best Presidents' Day streaming deals at a glance: Starz $2.99 per month for 3 months (save $24) Get Deal YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months $82.99/month (save $46) Get Deal Disney+ and Hulu bundle $9.99 for 1 month (save $3) Get Deal Spotify Premium Spotify Premium free for 2 months (save $25.98) Get Deal

While we typically see the best streaming deals of the year around Black Friday, it's not the only time streaming services offer discounts. With Presidents' Day just days away, we've got our eyes locked on our favorite streaming platforms for any potential deals that pop up. Several have already landed.

These discounts aren't technically labeled as Presidents' Day streaming deals, but they're live for a limited time around the holiday, so that's what we're calling them. While the prices won't wow you quite like Black Friday, we could all use any savings we can get. If you're looking to sign up for a streaming service this season, you might as well save some money, right?

We'll be updating this list with any new streaming deals that may arise this week. For now, here are all the best Presidents' Day streaming deals live — as well as some evergreen deals we think are worth snagging. We've also included the best streaming device deals in case your TV isn't as smart as you'd like.

Best Presidents' Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz $2.99/month for 3 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Why we like it

One of the most slept on streaming services, this Starz Presidents' Day offer allows you to diversify your movie and TV lineup for only $2.99 per month for three months. It typically costs $10.99 per month, so you'll save about $24. Not only does Starz have its own original series like Sweetpea and Three Women, but it's also the first stop Lionsgate theatrical releases make in the streaming circuit. Recent additions include The Long Walk and The Strangers: Chapter 2, while upcoming films include The Housemaid and Greenland 2: Migration.

More Presidents' Day streaming deals

  • DirecTV MySports — $59.99/month for 2 months $69.99/month (save $10/month)

  • Disney+ and Hulu bundle — $9.99/month for 1 month $12.99/month (save $3/month)

  • NFL Sunday Ticket — $16/month for 12 months $31.50/month (save $186)

  • Spotify Premium — Free for 2 months $12.99/month (save $12.99/month)

  • Sundance Now — $3.99/month for 3 months $7.99/month (save $4/month with code SN50)

  • YouTube TV — free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months $82.99/month (save $23/month)

Evergreen streaming dealsStreaming device deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Presidents Day sale is live — score huge deals on Apple, Lego, Roborock, and more

Mashable - 3 hours 3 min ago
The best Presidents' Day deals at Amazon: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) $179.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) $179.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo $299.99 (save $250) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine $93.40 with on-page coupon (save $36.55) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $397 (save $602) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313) $47.98 (save $12.01) Get Deal

If you missed out on last year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Presidents’ Day is the next major sales event worth shopping — and the first big opportunity of 2026 to save. Historically, this holiday is known for its discounted prices on large appliances, mattresses, and furniture, but if you know where to look, you can find some pretty good deals on smaller home goods, tech, kitchen items, and outdoor gear for the upcoming camping season.

SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day streaming deals: Starz, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more

Here’s everything we know so far about Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale, including the deals you can shop right now.

When is Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale?

Presidents’ Day is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, but Amazon isn't making us wait. The sale is already live, and there are tons of deals available ahead of the long weekend. As we get closer to the weekend, we anticipate even more markdowns, particularly on Amazon devices (e.g., Echos, Kindles, Fire Sticks) and floor-care brands like Roborock and Dyson.

When does Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale end?

As with previous sales events, Amazon’s Presidents’ Day deals will run through the three-day weekend, likely capping off late Monday night. In true Amazon style, we expect some Lightning Deals to pop up in the days leading up to the holiday, but don't expect the best inventory to linger past Monday.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best Presidents’ Day deals we could find:

Best Presidents' Day Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Walmart
$399 Save $100   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $299 right now. That’s a $100 discount, which isn't too shabby for a deal this early in the year. It's the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model (according to CamelCamelCamel, it last hit this price on Dec. 30, 2025).

The Series 11 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that features advanced health tracking, up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (normal use), and a more durable exterior that’s 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous generation.

Best headphones and earbuds dealsBest iPad dealsBest MacBook dealsBest Presidents' Day Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) $179.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) was just announced this past October as part of Amazon’s big smart home refresh, and it’s already hitting its lowest price ever. Right now, you can grab it for $179.99, which is an 18% discount off the list price of $219.99.

It features a vibrant 11-inch Full-HD display (offering 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8) and room-filling spatial audio, making it a legitimate kitchen TV for streaming Netflix or Prime Video while you cook. It runs on the AZ3 Pro chip for faster responses and includes Alexa+ integration. Plus, the camera is upgraded with auto-framing and zoom for better video calls.

More Amazon device deals Best Presidents' Day TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) $179.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) is 49% off right now, bringing its price down to an impressive $179.99. That’s a solid deal for a 55-inch TV with smart capabilities (it’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.3-star rating from over 6K+ Amazon reviews).

The F50 Series includes an Alexa Voice Remote and features a 4K Ultra HD display with dynamic range, DTS Virtual:X sound, and Amazon’s Fire TV experience built in for seamless streaming. You’ll find your favorite streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, plus millions of free movies and TV episodes.

More TV deals Best Presidents' Day robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250   See It at Amazon Why we like it

Right now, you can get the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo for $299.99, down from $549.99. This is the lowest price we've ever tracked for this model, and it's our all-time favorite "quietest" robot vacuum.

Mashable's vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says this combo vac offers the best bang for your buck. With 10,000 Pa of suction and an auto-lift feature for the mop (so it doesn't wet your carpets), you honestly can't go wrong with the Q10 S5+.

More robot vacuum deals More cordless vacuum dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine $93.40 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $36.55   Get Deal Why we like it

It might still be cold in your area in mid February, but we promise spring is on its way and once the warmer weather hits, it's time for an ice cream celebration. Make your own sweet treats this year with the fan-favorite Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine. Thanks to Amazon's coupon, the ice cream maker is on sale for just $93.40, marked down from the normal price of $129.95.

The insulated freezer bowl means you'll be on your way to a frozen treat in under 30 minutes. Each batch can produce two quarts of your favorite ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or sherbet.

More kitchen dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $397 at Amazon
$999 Save $602   Get Deal Why we like it

Before we know it, we'll be back to spending weekends at the campground. But this year, upgrade your setup with a portable power station. This will allow you to keep phones charged up, recharge the drone batteries, and have a functional coffee maker. I've tested dozens of power stations and it's hard to go wrong with the Anker Solix C1000. It has plenty of ports for keeping gadgets charged up while camping, and there's even a lightbar for better illumination.

On Anker's website, the Solix C1000 has a list price of $999, but it's on sale at Amazon for only $397. Grab a solar panel to also pack along while camping, and you'll be in line for unlimited battery power.

More outdoor dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet $47.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Spring is on its way and with it will come stunning blooms. If you feel like bringing some of that inside without worrying about keeping it alive (or pollen), Amazon is full of Lego deals this Presidents' Day. The Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet is on sale for 20% off, bringing it down to $47.98 compared to the list price of $59.99.

The bouquet features eight species of wildflowers, all on adjustable stems. You'll be adding lavender, poppies, daisies, lupins, and larkspur to your home thanks to this cheery Lego set.

More Lego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the Camry—this used German luxury sedan costs less

How-To Geek - 3 hours 11 min ago

The Toyota Camry has long been one of the safest bets on the road. It’s a reliable, comfortable, and good-value sedan—exactly what most drivers in the U.S. are looking for, with fuel efficiency coming in close behind.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Buy Presidents Day sale is live — shop deals on AirPods, TVs, laptops, and more

Mashable - 3 hours 14 min ago
Best Buy Presidents' Day deals at a glance: Best TV deal 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $179.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best laptop deal Lenovo 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $649.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best headphones deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $209.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Best Buy isn't waiting for the long weekend — its Presidents' Day sale is already live. The official sale runs through Feb. 16, meaning you can grab discounts on Apple, Sony, and Samsung right now.

A quick heads-up: Amazon is matching most of these prices, so your decision really comes down to shipping speed and preference. I combed through the listings to find the best deals on TVs, laptops, and headphones you can shop now.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $179.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

Insignia is Best Buy’s house brand, and while people love to hate on generic labels, the 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series has a pretty good track record. It's known for being budget-friendly, but it doesn't lack in performance. I'm considering buying this for my living room because the price is right and it hits all the specs I want, like DTS Virtual-X audio and Fire TV integration. It currently holds a 4.7-star rating across thousands of reviews on Best Buy and Amazon, proving that you don't need a premium nameplate to get a reliable, wall-mountable smart TV.

More TV deals

Shop more Presidents' Day TV deals at Best Buy.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,049.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

The Yoga 7i gives you enough screen real estate for multitasking while also being portable enough to throw in your bag, and the 360-degree hinge lets you prop it up for movies without the keyboard getting in the way. At $400 off, the specs are hard to beat: you get the snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 and a 1TB SSD, which is double the storage you typically see in this price bracket. It's a little heavy to use as a handheld tablet for long, but as a flexible workstation, it’s solid.

More laptop and tablet deals

Shop more Presidents' Day laptop deals at Best Buy.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $209.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

There's a reason we named these the "Best AirPods" in our 2026 headphone roundup. Apple claims the noise cancellation is twice as powerful as the previous generation, and our testing backs that up — reviewer Adam Doud found they could silence a crowded room instantly. They also feature a new built-in heart rate monitor and live translation, making them a major functional upgrade over the Pro 2. At $40 off, they're an easy buy.

More headphone deals

Shop more Presidents' Day headphone deals at Best Buy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new Milwaukee products coming soon that aren’t power tools

How-To Geek - 3 hours 26 min ago

Milwaukee is one of the best tool brands around, offering an extensive selection of power tools and accessories, and part of that popularity stems from the constant arrival of exciting new products. With over 150 new items coming out in 2026, here are a few accessories that'll be worth the wait.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sysinternals are the best Windows programs you aren't using

How-To Geek - 3 hours 56 min ago

Windows isn't known for its stability. Even if you're just using it normally, sometimes things just break. Fortunately, Microsoft provides an incredible suite of tools that can help you diagnose and fix almost any problem a Windows PC may have.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Presidents Day mattress deals — score up to 60% off mattresses, beds, sheets, and pillows

Mashable - 4 hours 4 min ago
The best Presidents' Day mattress deals at a glance: Best overall deal DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress with free accessories (queen) $1,099 (save $1,397) Get Deal Best organic mattress deal Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,599.20 (save $399.80) Get Deal Best foam mattress deal Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 (save $349) Get Deal

As much as we try to ignore it, sleep is a major part of life. Ask any parent of a young child or someone who's dealing with jet lag and they'll confirm that sleep makes a big difference. It impacts our mood, cognitive ability, and even the immune system.

We have tons of great tech that helps us get restorative slumber like sleep earbuds that are comfortable enough for side sleepers, smart beds that adjust temperature automatically, sleep trackers, and air purifiers that help with breathing in healthy air. But those probably won't help all that much if your mattress is uncomfortable. A good bed is both supportive of your back, shoulders, and hips while also being comfortable enough to keep you sound asleep. If that's not happening, it might be time for a new bed.

Just like how there's a best time of the year to buy a new TV, mattresses have a few standout sale times. Presidents' Day happens to be one of the best times to score a major discount on a new mattress, bedding, and pillows. If you bedroom or your guest room has been asking for a refresh, check out these deals. These upgrades are a great way to kickoff spring cleaning season.

Best overall mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,099 at DreamCloud
$2,496.01 Save $1,397.01 mattress protector, sheet set, and two cooling pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

Last spring when I tested the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress, I was shocked by the quality to price ratio. It feels like a luxury mattress you'd encounter at a 5-star hotel, but its price falls into the affordable range. In fact, a single night's stay at some 5-star resorts would cost more than this mattress.

The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed that combines a plush pillow-top with ultra supportive memory foam and coil layers. The edge-support is also noteworthy. When testing, I felt like this was a great option for couples thanks to the motion isolation or anyone who's a combination sleeper and needs support in several positions.

The DreamCloud Presidents Day Sale tosses in a mattress protector, bamboo sheet set, and two cooling pillows. If you're shopping for a queen-size, you'll be able to get the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid with these accessories for $1,099.

Best organic mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Naturepedic Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,119.20 at Naturepedic
$1,999 Save $879.80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you shop for organic food and look for clothing made of natural materials, you might want to opt for an organic mattress. The Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is on sale during the brand's winter refresh sale. The eight-inch tall mattress uses certified organic latex, wool, and cotton, which eliminates the need to use chemical-derived foam or flame retardants.

Aside from the all-organic materials and glue-free design, one of the highlights of the Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is its customization options. You can get the mattress in plush, cushion-firm, or firm to best suit your sleeping style and needs. Plus, wool and cotton are naturally breathable materials, so this could be excellent if you tend to sleep hot.

Best foam mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 at Bear
$998 Save $349 mattress protector and two pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

An all-foam bed is a great option for tons of people, and Bear makes some of the best if you're looking for an excellent value. In a queen size, the Bear Original Mattress usually costs $998, but it's on sale for $649 during the Bear Presidents Day Sale. Plus, the brand is throwing in two free pillows and a free mattress protector.

Bear uses three layers of foam on the Bear Original that are designed to provide great support and comfort to pressure points. This could also be a great option for a kids' room thanks to its affordability. In a twin size, the Bear Original is on sale for $463.

More mattress and bedding deals

  • Amerisleep — save $1,000 on a mattress with code PD2026

  • Avocado — take up to 20% off organic mattresses and 10% off organic bedding and pillows

  • Awara — save 50% on select mattresses

  • Bear — save 35% off sitewide

  • Beautyrest — save up to $1,000 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

  • Big Fig — get $500 off any mattress + 25% off everything else with code PRES

  • Birch — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

  • Brooklinen — take 20% off sitewide

  • Brooklyn Bedding — save up to 35% on mattresses

  • Bryte — save up to $1,000 off sitewide

  • Casper — take up to 30% off on mattresses and 35% off bedding bundles and pillows

  • Coop Sleep Goods — save up to 40% sitewide

  • Helix — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

  • Eight Sleep — save up to $350

  • Essentia — take 21% off sitewide

  • Eli & Elm — buy one pillow, get a second for 50% off

  • FluffCo — take 20% off sitewide

  • Layla — take up to $200 off mattresses and get two free Layla Pillows and free bamboo sheet set

  • Leesa — take 30% off mattresses and 25% off bedding

  • Lull — save 60% on all mattresses and get free sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector

  • Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide

  • Nectar — save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

  • Nest — save up to 15% on mattresses and 20% on pillows

  • Nolah — take 35% off sitewide with free in-home set-up and removal on qualifying orders

  • Puffy — save up to $1,350

  • Purple — take up to $500 off a mattress and earn up to $300 in gift credit

  • Silk & Snow — get a free sleep bundle with mattress purchase

  • Sleep Number — 50% off Limited Edition mattress

  • Tempur-Pedic — save up to $500 and get $300 in free accessories; BOGO pillows and sheets bundles

  • Tuft & Needle — save 20% sitewide

  • WinkBeds — save 30%

  • Woolroom — save up to 40%

Categories: IT General, Technology

I havent had a boyfriend for a decade. Heres what Ive learned.

Mashable - 4 hours 7 min ago

I was at a funeral a few months ago when something was said to me that threw my status as my family's perennial singleton into sharp relief.

I was holding my cousin's new baby when a relative called out, "Get a good look at this. Because it'll be the last time you ever see Rachel holding a child."

My aunts, uncles, cousins, and even family friends turned their heads to do precisely as they'd been instructed: have a good gawp at me. Someone even took a photo to memorialise this moment.

SEE ALSO: The history of the single positivity movement goes back further than you think

It was the first good laugh I'd had during what had been an otherwise upsetting day.

That was the umpteenth time that day I'd had a comment about my absence of a partner. "Are you not married yet?" one relative asked me during the wake. "They haven't made the man for Rachel," someone else interjected. "Is that so?" I retorted.

This year, I'm celebrating 10 years of being single. A decade since I broke up with my last serious boyfriend and never looked back. This time has been an invaluable period of learning and personal growth.

That may well sound trite, but I've been reflecting on the knowledge this decade has brought me; the hard lessons reaped in moments of painful heartbreak, the experiences that brought with them unparalleled insights about myself. It's hard to distill 10 years of being boyfriend-free into one article, but I thought I'd share some of the most meaningful lessons I've learned during this time.

Some people are uncomfortable around single-by-choice women

The first lesson I learned is twofold.

The moment at the family funeral is one of innumerable interactions I've had the displeasure of enduring. In learning that my protracted singledom leaves some people scratching their heads, I also developed strategies for deflecting those comments and feeling decidedly unbothered by them. Need I remind these people that they were the ones instructing me to "D-U-M-P" the last time I had a boyfriend. Like seriously, what do you want from me?

SEE ALSO: It's time to reclaim singledom as a symbol of power

It's not just my extended family. I've noticed friends attempting to explain my status as an unattached human, inserting their own narrative each time. "I think I've figured it out," one friend informed me. "You just text guys without ever going on dates with them."

"You're so weird," another friend told me. "It's just not a priority for you right now, that's all," another concluded. The latter statement is closest to the truth. But, why is my lack of boyfriend something that requires an explanation or excuse? When was the last time you heard a couple explaining why they're not single?

When was the last time you heard a couple explaining why they're not single?

I've become very skilled at deflecting the inane questions about my singledom with vaguely witty quips. "I've actually opted for a life of feminist separatism!" is my current favourite. But mostly I just laugh loudly and drink my wine.

During a recent family gathering, a younger female relative brought up the comments I get about my lack of boyfriend. "Does it not make you really angry? Because it annoys the hell out of me." The truth is, it really doesn't. "Oh I honestly couldn't give a fuck," was my reply.

Perhaps the absence of a boyfriend makes my family and friends uneasy. Perhaps they ponder how this peculiar anomaly ended up in their family. But the only opinion I care about on this particular subject is my own. And frankly, I feel chill as fuck about being single.

There is no 'if' and 'when'

For much of my teens and twenties I told myself I’d go on a date once I’ve lost weight. I'd feel good about myself once I shed a few pounds. When I'm thin, I’ll be desirable and therefore "girlfriend material".

I, like many women and girls, ingested the patriarchal idea that to be desirable means to be thin. I have battled the perilously close relationship my weight and self-worth have had since girlhood. At school, I longed to switch places with someone else. I looked at other girls in my year who carried themselves with an air of confidence. I longed to be them. I yearned to know what it felt like to like the skin you're in. But the truth is, those girls may well have been fighting their own inner battles.

Those thoughts didn't go away. They got louder, more difficult to drown out. Sometimes they quietened down, but there was always a low hum thrumming in the background. I tried to address them in the worst way possible — by limiting my food intake. But the self-worth I had promised myself never arrived. I waited for it but it never came. I realised the change didn’t need to come from outside — it wasn’t the flesh on my body that needed to change, but the thoughts within it. My relationship with food is better now. But from time to time those thoughts rear their heads.

Loving yourself is hard. But it's the most important relationship any of us will ever have.

A few months ago, I uttered some of those thoughts aloud to two of my dearest friends. That since adolescence I'd been promising myself a life that could only be unlocked if I looked a certain way. Like a video game with a level I just couldn't get to. "Man, the patriarchy has really done a number on us," one friend replied.

"One day," my other friend cut in. "You will look back at photos of yourself and realise just how hot you once were." When she said this, I started to cry. I'd already experienced the beginnings of that during one meandering down memory lane. I'd looked through photos of myself from several years ago and felt unspeakably sad that I hadn't realised how lovely I had looked.

Like Lizzo said: "It's so hard trying to love yourself in a world that doesn't love you back."

Loving yourself is hard. But it's the most important relationship any of us will ever have.

Alone time is a precious commodity

An older man once told me to make the most of my writing career while I'm young and child-free. "Because once you have kids, you won't have time." I wondered if he'd ever say that to a male journalist.

Speaking of gender and writing, a recent Guardian piece — entitled "A woman's greatest enemy? A lack of time to herself" — really crystallised everything I've felt as a woman with a desire to write.

"A few months ago, as I struggled to carve out time in my crowded days for writing, a colleague suggested I read a book about the daily rituals of great artists," writes Brigid Schulte in the piece. "But instead of offering me the inspiration I’d hoped for, what struck me most about these creative geniuses – mostly men – was not their schedules and daily routines, but those of the women in their lives." Schulte concluded that in order to create, long stretches of alone time are vital, but "that’s something women have never had the luxury to expect."

SEE ALSO: How to move on after a situationship ends

Since I started writing creatively during my childhood and adolescence, I have struggled with a feeling of antsy nervousness that someone was going to come along and tell me to get up and make myself useful. Even when you have two feminist parents, it takes decades of work to unlearn the socially imposed idea that writing time is a guilty pleasure — time you've stolen from other more deserving tasks.

I am not very good at multitasking. I am prone to distractions. I am, in short, a writer. In order to get any writing done outside of my 9-5 workday, I basically need enormous swaths of uninterrupted creative alone time. My weekends and evenings are spent writing, punctuated with coffee or drinks with friends. As a writer, I find that aloneness is key. Both in terms of having space to think and plan, as well as unbroken periods of free time to just sit and write the damn thing.

NO. TIME. Credit: vicky leta / mashable

As my friend pointed out, I have prioritised writing above all else in my life — with the exception of my immediate family. But that often feels like it has come at a cost. Broken friendships. Cancelled dates. Endless guilt and feelings of complete selfishness.

Corollary statement: I know it's possible to do both. There are women writers in loving relationships. I just haven't yet figured out how to do both.

The reality for me, at least, is that I find dating one enormous distraction. One that I tend to dip my toe in and out of when I have the time and energy. Maybe I'm selfish. Or maybe I'm just doing what male writers have been doing for centuries — maybe even millennia.

But avoiding distraction is not always easy, and it teaches you some brutal lessons.

SEE ALSO: Access to this intuitive writing app is on sale for 50% off Some people mean more to you than you do to them

A man I used to love came to stay at my flat three months ago. What ensued was probably one of the worst things I've ever put myself through.

We'd had a fling three years ago. But that fling was re-flung one or two more times after the first fling ended. I fell in love. I usually preface that sentence with "stupidly," but I know it didn't feel stupid at the time. Those feelings, it would appear, were not returned. Against the advice of my friends and family, I said yes to seeing him during a visit to London. In hindsight, I should have heeded their warnings.

As we sat drinking wine in the wee small hours, he veered the conversation in the dangerous territory of his love life. "The thing is, I'm just really difficult to love," he told me. I — a person who had, unbeknown to him, loved him once upon a time — told him he wasn't. He snapped at me: "you don't know my experience." Perhaps not, but I do know my own.

Sometimes you feel things. Sometimes other people don’t. Don’t take it personally.

What happened next sparked an epiphany. He reeled off the important romances he'd had in recent years. My name was notably absent from the list. "Before my ex, there was no one for three years."

I nodded and made all the right noises, but my head was quietly totting up the maths. In this equation, the answer was clear: I was "no one". What had been a fallow period of unromance for him had been a phase of unparalleled heartbreak and self-torture for me.

Later, I cried down the phone to a friend as he slept peacefully on the sofa downstairs. It was a moment of realisation that I had lived an alternate reality in which I'd deluded myself that I'd mattered to someone. The truth of the matter was that I didn't make the cut of memorable romances.

Realising that he'd meant a lot more to me than I had to him was a necessary realisation, albeit a painful one.

Sometimes you feel things. Sometimes other people don’t. Don’t take it personally.

When to dump him

A few days ago I was rooting through my old things at my parents' house when I found my old diary from the year I turned 21 — which coincided with my last serious relationship.

Several pages into the diary, I came across an entry dating back to 2009, around the time I decided to end things with my last boyfriend. "Had, at this stage, decided that I needed to dump Nick," I wrote. "What a bore. Don't understand why I hadn't done it already??!"

If you'll excuse the unabashedly heartless tone of the writing (I was 21), I think I might have been onto something. Not that I took that lesson remotely to heart back then, of course. Nope, it's taken me 10 years of lingering too long in toxic situationships and turbulent casual flings to finally get the hint: you should have dumped him a long time ago.

There was the guy who was so emotionally abusive that I used to throw up after I spent time with him. That same guy who would shake his head at me when I asked a question and say my name in admonishment. That same guy who would shush me and roll his eyes at me. Needless to say, I never want to see or hear from him ever again.

There was the guy in another city who invited me to come stay with him for a few days who casually dropped in one evening that he had a girlfriend — only after we'd slept together, of course! There was even a guy this summer who didn't listen when I said I wasn't free for a date that very afternoon, who promptly showed up at my house declaring "I've come to collect you, let's go!" Sorry, what?

If there's one thing you learn from a decade of dating, it's boundaries. Boy, do I have some serious boundaries now.

Being single has taught me to be kinder to myself. Credit: vicky leta

These men all outstayed their welcomes in my love life. The one blessing is that I now know what I will and will not put up with. I know the red flags. I know the things to be wary of. And crucially, I know when to utter those delicious three words: "We are done."

Life, as we all know, is brimming with lessons. Some of those lessons are harder than others.

There have been the lightning-flash epiphanies that arrived at my lowest ebbs. Moments like the time I stood crying on a New York City sidewalk, I made a promise to myself about how I should be treated by future men in my life. There have also been more gradual educational opportunities — things that have taken years to figure out, and others I'm still working on.

Most important of all, this decade of being single has taught me to be kinder to myself.

Knowing when to silence the inner critic, how I deserve to be treated, that my value lies not in whether or not I have a partner, that alone time is precious. These are the pieces of wisdom I will carry with me for decades to come.

Featured Video For You 'I was cloaked.' What it's like to be blocked and stood up by your Hinge date.

This article was first published in 2019 and republished in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Behold, the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup in glorious leaked photos

Mashable - 4 hours 18 min ago

Well, that was fast. Just a day after Samsung finally decided to give us the date for its big Samsung Galaxy S26 series unveiling, the entire lineup leaked online.

Yes, the Galaxy Unpacked event is set for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. PT (9 a.m. ET). And thanks to leaker Evan Blass, we just got an early glimpse of what the phones will look like.

Well, it's more than a glimpse: Blass actually obtained official-looking photos of the entire lineup. Don't get too excited, though; the phones look very similar to how they did last year.

The specs for the lineup, which consists of the Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra, have leaked as well, so there's very little left to the imagination before the official unveiling.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will be available in four colors: White, Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, and black (pictured). Credit: Samsung/Evan Blass

Starting with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, it's still gonna be a camera powerhouse, with a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10-megapixel 3x optical zoom camera, coupled with a 12-megapixel selfie camera. It has a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, 12/16GB of RAM, 256/512/1024GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus share pretty much the same specs. The big differences are battery and display size. Credit: Samsung/Evan Blass

The Galaxy S26 Plus (above) will have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 2,600 chip, 12GB of RAM, 256/512GB of storage, and a 4,900mAh battery. It will have a triple rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel main camera, 10-megapixel 3x optical zoom telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel camera, with a 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front.

Samsung Galaxy S26 is the smallest of the three devices, with a 6.3-inch display. Credit: Samsung/Evan Blass

The Galaxy S26 will have nearly the same specs as the S26 Plus, the biggest differences being a smaller, 6.3-inch AMOLED display, and a 4,300mAh battery.

SEE ALSO: Samsung finally sets a date: Galaxy Unpacked is coming Feb. 25

Of course, none of this is official, but it looks as accurate as rumors get. Hopefully, Samsung still has a surprise or two up its sleeve for its Unpacked event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 basic Windows commands for beginners

How-To Geek - 4 hours 26 min ago

Do you ever feel like navigating your Windows system is like a never-ending scavenger hunt? You click through endless menus and folders, just trying to find that one file or setting. That's where these commands come in. It’s like having a secret shortcut to get things done faster. Master these 10 basic Windows commands, and you'll not only streamline your workflow but also channel your inner hacker.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why my WireGuard server is the most important thing in my homelab

How-To Geek - 4 hours 26 min ago

Once you've been self-hosting for a while, you quickly get used to having access to your services at your fingertips. When a service glitch beyond your control happens, however, you can lose access. This is how I ensure I have access as long as the internet itself is still working.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Australia vs. Zimbabwe online for free

Mashable - 4 hours 34 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup group stage is slowly getting settled. Australia won their opening game against Ireland, and now face off against Zimbabwe. In fact, both sides have a perfect record going into this clash after Zimbabwe overcame Oman in Colombo.

Australia will be expected to win this fixture and basically guarantee progression into the Super 8 stage. Zimbabwe will fancy their chances of squeezing into second spot, but they'll need to get a result here or against hosts Sri Lanka. That's a tough test for any side.

If you want to watch Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. Zimbabwe?

Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 13. This game takes place at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. Zimbabwe for free

Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Australia vs. Zimbabwe in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free 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 access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I wanted Windows Notepad on Linux—this app is the closest replacement I’ve found

How-To Geek - 4 hours 56 min ago

I didn’t set out to find a new note-taking app. I wasn’t comparing features or building a workflow. I just stumbled on Iotas, and it ended up filling a small but very real gap in my daily Linux setup for note-taking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Apple saved the Super Bowl Halftime Show

How-To Geek - 5 hours 11 min ago

One of the staples of the Super Bowl is the halftime show between the second and third quarters, often referred to as “music’s biggest stage” when promoting the headlining artist.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 "pro" tools that turn Windows from a toy into a powerhouse

How-To Geek - 5 hours 56 min ago

After so many years as the world's most popular operating system, Windows doesn't really need you to go very far beneath the surface to accomplish most things. If you can find your way around the Settings app, Task Manager and Windows Explorer, you're pretty much set.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is all you need to start a homelab, so what are you waiting for?

How-To Geek - 6 hours 25 min ago

You have put off your homelab journey for too long, and now it’s time to get your foot in the door. The good news is that it’s never been easier. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on racks and enterprise-grade equipment; you can start small for next to nothing and scale up from there.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 niche programming languages developers secretly love

How-To Geek - 6 hours 56 min ago

It's hard to miss the giants of coding because they show up everywhere in college courses, dominate job postings, and run huge, enterprise-level systems. However, there are more options than just the big names, and they deserve a lot of attention too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30 sexy Valentines Day gifts that will hit harder than a generic box of chocolates

Mashable - 7 hours 11 sec ago

The dinner reservation is just the preamble. Valentine’s Day is the one night of the year you have a calendar-official excuse to shut the door and focus entirely on each other. But true romance shouldn't mean buying cheap novelty gags or uncomfortable lingerie you only wear once. There are much more impactful spicy gift ideas out there, and we narrowed down a list of the best sexy Valentine's Day gifts for your boyfriend, girlfriend, someone more permanent, or someone more casual.

We're talking about lubes that won't ruin your sheets, toys that do the heavy lifting, and games that help you skip the small talk. If they get turned on by the real sentimental stuff, just know that these DIY photo gift ideas aren't as innocent as they appear. Whether you're looking to break out of a routine or just want to see what happens when you introduce a projector to the bedroom, these are the gifts that pay off long after February.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Daytona 500 live: streaming details

Mashable - 7 hours 7 min ago
Ways to watch Daytona 500 at a glance: Fox One free 7-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal Fox One (Prime Video add-on) free 7-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months Get Deal Best Buy Essentials Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna $24.99 Get Deal

The biggest annual event in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, Daytona 500, kick-starts the auto-racing calendar this weekend. This year marks the 68th year of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway. This year, 41 drivers will compete in the 200-lap (500-mile) race. So far, 37 are locked and loaded and eight drivers must compete for the final four spots.

Want to tune in live? Here's what you need to know about the 2026 race and how to watch it for free.

When is the Daytona 500?

The 68th Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET and will run through 6:30 p.m. ET.

The final four spots have yet to be decided. Two will lock in through single-car qualifying on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET and the final two will get in through the duels on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. ET.

What channel is the Daytona 500 on?

The kickoff of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, a.k.a The Great American Race, will be aired live on Fox for those with cable or an over-the-air antenna. To watch the qualifying and duels on Wednesday and Thursday, you'll need FS1.

How to watch the Daytona 500 without cable

Lucky for NASCAR fans (and other sports fans for that matter), Fox finally launched its own direct-to-consumer streaming service in 2025. Previously, cord-cutters would need a pay TV provider like YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling to watch live Fox channels, but the new streaming service Fox One offers a more affordable option. And if you only want to watch the Daytona 500, you can get it for free with a seven-day trial.

Fox One is essentially a one-stop shop for the entirety of the Fox TV portfolio, giving subscribers access to live local Fox stations, as well as Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, Fox News, Fox Business, Fox Weather, Fox Deportes, and Fox Network. It costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year and you can choose between subscribing directly through Fox or signing up as a Prime Video add-on. Plus, as mentioned above, you'll get your first week free if you're a new subscriber. That means you can watch Sunday's race for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One free 7-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (Prime Video add-on) free 7-day trial, then $19.99/month Get Deal

If you've already exhausted your free trial for Fox One and are looking for another way to watch Daytona 500 for free, you could sign up for a free trial of cable replacement services like YouTube TV (10-day trial), Fubo (3-day trial), or Hulu + Live TV (3-day trial). Just be sure to cancel before the trial is up or you'll be hit with a hefty monthly subscription cost.

Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months Get Deal

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention digital antennas as an alternative way to watch. Digital antennas give you access to your local Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC stations for free. As long as you live decently close to your local TV station broadcast towers, you'll be able to watch for free — just be sure to check the distance and range before making a purchase. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have a few recommendations, including this basic one from Best Buy that retails for just $24.99. It's reversible to match your decor, multidirectional, and has a range of 50 miles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Best Buy Essentials Ultra-Thin Indoor HDTV Antenna $24.99
  Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart has launched its Presidents Day sale — find live deals on TVs, Apple, laptops, and more

Mashable - 7 hours 14 min ago
The best Walmart Presidents' Day deals at a glance: Best tech deal Apple AirTag 1st gen (4-Pack) $64 (save $35) Get Deal Best headphones deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30.99) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 85-inch QM7K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,798 (save $701.99) Get Deal Best home deal Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum $299.99 (save $300) Get Deal

The first big shopping holiday of 2026 has nearly arrived and all the major retailers have deals popping up across all sorts of categories. While you may think of mattress deals when you think of Presidents' Day, there are plenty of other discounts on everything from TVs to headphones. If you prefer to shop at Walmart, we've rounded up all the best Presidents' Day deals you can shop now.

We expect more discounts to arise as the official holiday — falling on Feb. 16, 2026 — inches closer. We'll update this list with any new noteworthy deals. For now, here are the best Presidents' Day deals to shop at Walmart.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64 at Walmart
$99 Save $35   Get Deal Why we like it

The AirTag is the ring leader when it comes to Bluetooth trackers. As long as there's an Apple device nearby with Find My turned on, AirTags allow you to locate whatever you attach your AirTag to with ease. Now that a newer model has arrived, you can snag a four-pack of the still-great first-generation trackers for much less.

More tech dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $30.99   Get Deal Why we like it

It's not everyday you can score a pair of AirPods for under 100 bucks. While the basic AirPods 4 don't offer noise cancellation, they do offer personalized spatial audio, voice isolation, Siri interactions, improved sound quality, and a comfier and more snug design. Mashable's reviewer said the sound is "like honey."

More headphones and earbuds dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch QM7K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,798 at Walmart
$2,499.99 Save $701.99   Get Deal Why we like it

According to our pals at ZDNET (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis), "This QD Mini-LED display delivers stunning brightness and impressive contrast on par with OLED TVs at a far more accessible price." It combines QLED and OLED technologies to deliver a picture that's rich, deep, and bright in any circumstance. It also features a 144Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator 288, Dolby Atmos Audio elevated by Bang & Olufsen speakers, and AIPQ Processor PRO. All in all, the 85-inch model is an excellent value for under $1,800.

More TV dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum $299.99 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

Dyson isn't exactly known for its affordability, but this $300 discount on the V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum makes luxury more accessible. It features a trademark Motorbar head, which glides across all floor types, as well as a hair screw tool that can detangle pet hair as it sucks it up. And of course, in true Dyson form, it can convert to a handheld device instantly.

More home and kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
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