Blogroll

SAVE $55: As of Dec. 10, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is listed at its lowest price ever at multiple retailers — just $124, which is $55 off the original price. This is probably the best Xbox controller you can get on the market, so we recommend quickly picking one up at this price while you still can.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Elite Series 2 controller $124.00 at Walmart
$179.00 Save $55.00 Get Deal

If you're an avid gamer and haven't yet experienced playing with a "pro-style" controller, we think you need to change that. It's the best way to play, and a perfect way to treat yourself this holiday season, no matter what console you frequent the most.

Xbox's version of the pro-style controller — the Elite Series 2 — is best-in-class, and it just hit its lowest price ever at multiple retailers. Pick one up at Walmart, Amazon, or Target for just $124 and save $55 off the original price. That's even cheaper than the list price ($129.99) for the more budget-friendly Xbox pro controller, the Elite Series 2 Core (which you can also get on sale for just $98 right now).

SEE ALSO: The best gaming headsets for consoles and PC: SteelSeries, Razer, and more of our top picks

The Elite Series 2 comes with all the bells and whistles. In addition to the overall "premium" feel of the controller (which includes a rubberized grip), you'll also get a ton of customization options that'll let you mold the gamepad to your ideal configuration. Two sets of back paddles, swappable thumbsticks, and an additional D-pad all come neatly packed in a convenient self-charging carrying case. The controller allows for even more onboard tweaks you can toy around with like custom mapping profiles, adjustable tension on the thumbsticks, and shorter hair trigger locks.

All this to say, the Elite Series 2 will absolutely spoil you — and it's worth it (especially on sale).

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 10: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Video Doorbell $35.99 (save $24) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Bose TV Speaker and Soundbar $199 (save $80) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL Lyft e-gift card $85 (save $15 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEAL Sonos Roam 2 $139 (save $40) Get Deal

If you're looking for some deals to help you save money while checking off your shopping list, you came to the right place. It's crunch time, after all, and fortunately, Amazon is being pretty generous with its deals. To save you the hassle, we rounded up a few of the best deals we think are worth adding to your cart on Dec. 10.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, check out our picks from yesterday, Dec. 9 as well. Some of those are still live, including a 71% price drop on the Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation.

Our top pick: Kindle Paperwhite Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

Mashable's Sam Mangino reviewed the latest Kindle Paperwhite and called it "not just the best Kindle but the best e-reader overall." Released back in October, the long-awaited upgrade immediately jumped to the top of our list of the best Kindles. Not only is it compact and lightweight, but it also features a responsive interface with adjustable warmth that's good for your eyes and is the fastest Kindle yet. It's also waterproof, for those who like to read at the beach or in the bathtub. Usually $159.99, it's on sale for just $134.99 as of Dec. 10. That's not quite as good as its Black Friday discount (just a $5 difference), but definitely still worth a grab.

Check out our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite (2024).

Blink Video Doorbell Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Video Doorbell $35.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

The Blink Video Doorbell is on sale for just $35.99 instead of $59.99 as of Dec. 10. That's 40% in savings and just $6 shy of its record-low price from Black Friday. This smart doorbell gives you an extra set of eyes to see who's outside your door (even when you're not home) at any time of day with a 1080p HD live view, two-way audio, and infrared night vision. It can be installed in minutes and last up to two years on two AA batteries when paired with the Sync Module (sold separately).

Bose TV Speaker and Soundbar Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose TV speaker and soundbar $199.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Most built-in TV speakers aren't much to brag about, which is why we're fans of adding soundbars to your home entertainment setup. The Bose TV Speaker is a solid introductory option to add some serious sound without much bulk. Small yet mighty, it delivers a balanced and natural-sounding audio experience and enhances dialogue and bass for a more immersive viewing session. Plus, it helps that it's simple to set up and easy on the wallet. Usually $279, it's on sale for just $199 at Amazon as of Dec. 10. That's 29% in savings.

Lyft gift card Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft Lyft e-gift card $85.00 at Amazon
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal

A $100 Lyft gift card can go a long way. If you're looking for a last-minute gift for a city dweller in your life, snag this rideshare e-gift card deal at Amazon for a limited time. Just check the on-page coupon and save $15 at checkout, dropping the price to just $85.

Sonos Roam 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Roam 2 $139.00 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal

We haven't had the pleasure of testing out the Sonos Roam 2, but we did try out the first generation and loved the sleek and portable speaker. Mashable's Alex Perry called the first rendition "an endearing and great-sounding portable speaker that you can use in just about any way you want," and gave it the coveted Mashable Choice award. The second-generation speaker doesn't fix what isn't broken. It adds small updates like a dedicated Bluetooth button, a new charging cable, and some battery improvements. It's usually $179, but as of Dec. 10, it's back down to its all-time low of $139 at Amazon. That's 22% in savings.

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

A24 has released a new trailer for Brady Corbet's The Brutalist, which earned seven Golden Globe nominations and a spot on Mashable's list of the year's best films.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch them

The Brutalist stars Adrien Brody as brilliant Jewish Hungarian architect László Toth, who arrives in the United States following World War II. Separated from his wife Erzsébet (Felicity Jones, Rogue One) and niece Zsófia (Raffey Cassidy, White Noise), László must make a new life in Pennsylvania. There, he meets wealthy industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), who commissions him to build a community center. Yet László will soon find that he may have to compromise parts of his vision and identity to assimilate into a country that seems to want to reject him at ever turn.

In his review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha lauded The Brutalist as "both a densely-packed text, filled with rich thought on the world at large, as well as an excitingly rhythmic work of cinema that moves with a fearsome passion. It's hard not to think of it as a new American masterpiece."

The Brutalist hits select theaters Dec. 20.

SAVE $101.99: As of Dec. 10, get a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $298. That's 25% off their normal price and a return to their Black Friday pricing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have already come and gone, but we're still seeing some of the deals that popped up during that time alive and well. For instance, if you're still looking to buy a new pair of headphones, you can still get a pair of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones back at their Black Friday price right now at Amazon.

As of Dec. 10, you can get the Sony WH-1000MX5 headphones for just $298 at Amazon. That's $101.99 off their normal price of $399.99 and a discount of 25%. If you missed them during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, now's the time to scoop up a pair for less.

SEE ALSO: Save $80 on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at Best Buy

These headphones are one of our favorite noise-cancelling cans for a reason. Miller Kern, Mashable's Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews, called them an "excellent pair of headphones for first-time buyers and those upgrading from old models," while Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard praised them for "producing a balanced sound that lets your music shine, while giving you enough ANC to block ambient noise."

With a lightweight frame, 30 hours of playback time with 3 hours of juice from a 3-minute quick charge, plus on-board touch controls, these are luxurious headphones that should give you what you're looking for if you want something more premium to enjoy your favorite tunes with. And they'd make a great holiday gift, too.

Pornhub is back with its latest year in review. Considering the threats to the adult industry with Project 2025, these insights seem more pertinent than ever. Here are all the biggest trends — political and otherwise — that the tube site observed this year.

Pornhub and politics

This is the first of these reviews after the 2024 U.S. election, which divided the entire nation — including the porn industry. While some performers support Donald Trump, many fear the outcome of his presidency. This is due to Project 2025, a wishlist for Trump to implement in his second term — including a porn ban.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock porn for free

Whether such a ban will occur remains to be seen. Several U.S. states have already imposed age-verification laws, requiring ID for websites where over a third of the content hosted is explicit, thus making porn harder to access. Pornhub has responded by blocking itself from these states including Texas, Indiana, and Kentucky. Because of this, the map of the most popular searches in each state looks a bit different this year. The states where Pornhub is banned are grayed out:

U.S. top relative searches, without the states that Pornhub banned Credit: Pornhub

Despite the efforts to ban porn (or at least limit access), the U.S. dominated the list of top 20 countries by traffic. (USA, USA!) The nation does have a higher population than the others in the top spots — but the sheer amount of traffic it drives to Pornhub is notable:

U.S. brings in the most Pornhub traffic by far. Credit: Pornhub

These top 20 countries account for 79.2 percent of all daily traffic, according to Pornhub. By time spent on the site, Mexico and the Netherlands beat out the U.S. slightly:

U.S. ranks third among time spent per visit. Credit: Pornhub

Geopolitics aside, Pornhub notes that the average time spent overall has dropped 29 seconds this year. Young adults are driving this increase: 18-24-year-olds spent less than 76 seconds on the site compared to the average. Either they're getting their kicks too soon, or going elsewhere.

Do women watch Pornhub?

Not only are women watching porn, but they're spending 17 seconds longer on Pornhub compared to male visitors overall. Women account for 38 percent of Pornhub viewers worldwide, up slightly from last year (36 percent).

Proportion of female viewers on Pornhub, by country. Credit: Pornhub

As last year, more women in the Philippines viewed Pornhub than men. In the U.S., 29 percent of Pornhub viewers are women. This has remained consistent in recent Pornhub year in reviews. Women are much more likely to view videos featuring scissoring, cunnilingus, and solo men — also consistent with years past.

Generational divides on Pornhub

In 2023, Mashable pointed out that boomers are into trans porn. What about this year?

Top relative categories by generation on Pornhub. Credit: Pornhub

Boomers were 36 percent more likely than younger generations to view strap-on porn this year, and 32 percent more likely to view gangbangs. Trans porn didn't make the cut.

Gen Z, meanwhile, was much more likely (+392 percent) to view vertical videos than older folks.

Finally, here are the top trends Pornhub identified this year:

Top Pornhub trends in 2024

1. Being "demure" and "modest": Very mindful, very cutesy! Searches for "demure" increased 133 percent this year, and "mindful pleasure" rose 112 percent.

2. Tradwives: The reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and the increase of tradwife content on TikTok has ushered in an interest in wifey videos. The search term "traditional wife" increased by 34 percent, and "tradwife" was up 72 percent. Interest in Mormon content specifically had a big increase this year: "Mormon sex" searches grew 92 percent, "Mormon wife" 71 percent, and "Mormon threesome" 122 percent.

3. Coworker fantasies: The Cut declared 2024 the year of the office pervert, and if Pornhub searches are any indication, that's true. Searches for "coworker" increased 92 percent, and "workplace fantasy" 57 percent. Viewers were particularly interested in infidelity fantasies: "office affair" was up 25 percent and "cheating coworker" 71 percent.

4. Getting your head in the game: The 2024 Paris Olympics inspired searches like "sex olympics," "nude olympics," and simply "athlete." Plus, France had the #2 spot in Pornhub traffic this year — maybe from all the visitors?

5. Hentai and anime: The popularity of animated porn isn't new, but it did continue to grow this year. "Realistic animated" searches grew 78 percent.

6. Hawk tuah on that thing: The phrase "hawk tuah" resulted in 10 million searches on Pornhub, and searches for "spit on dick" increased 233 percent. Hailey Welch inspired a movement...until Hawk Tuah Coin, that is.

To view all the tube site's insights, check out Pornhub's 2024 Year in Review.

UPDATE: Dec. 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m. EST I recently updated my list of the top three best Shark robot vacuums with the newest, fanciest Shark model, the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro. This model is in the running to be added to this list as well, which will be updated accordingly in the coming weeks.

Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling at the workout that is manually mopping their floors.

If you experience similar dread when faced with vacuuming, the best robot vacuum and mop combos will cross those two chores off of your list (three, if you count digging your old mop out of the closet as a chore in itself).

Are robot vacuums good at mopping?

I'm not saying you can expect a hybrid robot vacuum to scrub your kitchen grout with the same tenacity you would get with a toothbrush, but robot vacuums have gotten much better at mopping over the past few years.

Since 2020-ish, most robot vacuum companies have added at least one (several, in most cases) hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $200 to well over $1,000. You can generally expect the mopping technique to get a little more meticulous as price goes up, so the type of mess that your 2-in-1 model will need to conquer becomes a big deciding factor. Are you mostly concerned with wiping up spur-of-the-moment spills, or will you be a stickler about dried-on stains that call for more heavy-duty scrubbing?

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Fortunately, both ends of the pricing spectrum provide way more bang for their buck in 2024 than they did in the early 2020s. The mere presence of a cloth and a water tank is far from good enough at this point — now, the best robot vacuums and mops are armed with more mechanics attempting to mimic the elbow grease that a human with a mop or Swiffer would provide, like pressurized and/or spinning mopping pads (rather than lackadaisical, stationary ones). Most modern 2-in-1 robot vacuums can also mop with real germ-fighting cleaning solution rather than just water — key in upping my own personal confidence in walking around barefoot.

SEE ALSO: Dyson's cheapest laser vacuum made me feel bad about my dirty floors...in a good way

But arguably the most pivotal shift 2-in-1 robot vacuums saw in the past year isn't on the robot vacuums themselves, but in their docks. Past automatically emptying the dust bin, the best robot mop combos also cross post-mopping maintenance off of your list by automatically washing and drying their own mopping pads, then refilling themselves with clean water from the dock. With one of these fancy self-cleaning stations, your robovac will be ready to mop again almost immediately — a clutch change from an older, more basic design that had us all choosing between manually washing a smelly mopping pad after each use, letting it mop with a dirty pad, or just avoiding the mopping feature altogether.

Not sure how fancy of a hybrid robot vacuum you even need at home? I've tested 15+ of the most popular robot vacuum and mop combos at a range of prices on my own floors at home, narrowing down your options to the top four robot vacuums that also wash your floors in 2024.

(Note that each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, but that I've also noted the most common sale price each vacuum frequently drops to in "The Good" section. And yes, robot vacuum deals are common all throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)

I have a confession to make: Despite being proud of my eclectic music taste, the thing I type the most into both Apple Music and Spotify is "chill". Yes, sometimes I need to get some work done, and I need music that will speak softly to me from the background without distracting me.

Enter Apple Music Chill, a new radio station on Apple Music that will feature a "continuous flow of chill highlights across genres, interspersed with mindful moments meant to remind listeners to make the time to find center and calm."

SEE ALSO: Apple Music Replay 2024: How to get it

Unlike so many "chill" music stations, this new station by Apple Music shouldn't be just a soulless blend of downtempo beats. Apple set out to prove that with the first song to air on the station, Beck's new recording of George Harrison's "Be Here Now." Listeners can also expect to hear music curated by the likes of Brian Eno, Stephan Moccio, and Zane Lowe.

"In a world of AI and algorithms, Apple Music Radio is live. It’s real people, it’s a shared event, and I’m so excited to be broadening that experience to listeners worldwide with three new stations," said Lowe in a statement.

Apple also launched two other radio stations today.

FKA Twigs will be providing mixes for Apple Music Club. Credit: Apple

Apple Música Uno focuses on Latin music, with daily programming by Evelyn Sicairos and Lechero, as well as music from popular playlist Puro Pop Radio.

Finally, Apple Music Club is a station devoted to dance and electronic music. Some of the highlights including mixes from Honey Dijon, Jamie xx, FKA twigs, and Nia Archives, and curation by Circoloco, Tomorrowland, The Warehouse Project, fabric, Hï Ibiza, Stone Island Sound, and more.

SEE ALSO: Tesla app for Apple Watch hands-on: Friggin' finally!

Apple Music Radio is available to Apple Music subscribers, but you can also listen to the stations without a subscription (you do need an Apple ID, however). The three new stations bring the total to six, together with Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country. The stations are available over at https://music.apple.com/us/radio.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 10, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are on sale for $349 at Best Buy. That's $80 off their list price of $429.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones $349.00 at Best Buy
$429.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

There are still some nice deals floating around before the holidays kick in. If you're on the lookout for new headphones — whether to give as a gift this year or to pick up for yourself — Best Buy is offering some nice discounts right now. This includes a great offer on our pick for the most comfortable headphones: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

At the moment, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are marked down to $349 at Best Buy, a whopping $80 off their list price of $429. All of the colors are on sale as well, so you can choose between black, lunar blue, diamond, and white smoke. On top of this great deal, you also get a sweet bonus offer with your purchase of three months of YouTube Premium for free.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

These headphones are worth every cent, too. As mentioned previously, they rank high on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones as the most comfortable pick, and our review had high praise for them as well. Mashable's Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, said "If you're wearing headphones from the beginning of your commute, all throughout the workday, and until the moment you get back home, these are a worthy investment for comfort, not to mention battery life."

A deal like this likely won't stick around for long, so scoop up the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones on sale for $349 while they're still discounted.

If you're hoping to find even more headphone deals, there are thankfully a couple still on sale after Cyber Monday. Right now you can also save on the Sony WH1000XM4 headphones and Beats Studio Pro headphones.

SAVE $50: As of Dec. 10, the Sonos Era 100 speaker is on sale for $199 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 100 $199.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

High-quality speakers are a game-changer when it comes to playing music or watching your favorite shows or movies. As someone who recently bought the Sonos Era 100 speaker, it's worth every cent for creating a fantastic surround sound experience in your home or just playing your favorite songs while hanging out. If you've had your eye on it, the great news is it's still on sale after Cyber Monday.

The Sonos Era 100 speaker is currently down to $199, 20% off its retail price of $249. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this $50 price drop marks its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

I think the Sonos Era 100 is worth picking up at any price. I've got two set up behind my couch for a nice surround sound setup, and they absolutely deliver. Certain shows and films feel elevated with these speakers, making for some of my most memorable movie nights and TV show marathons this year. Not to mention, their compact design means I can fit them right into places like a bookshelf or on the corner of a desk.

Amazon currently has the Sonos Era 100 speaker listed as a 'limited-time deal', so take advantage of this all-time low price while the deal is still live.

Amazon has a few more deals live after Cyber Monday. If you're curious what else is still available, have a look through our breakdown of Amazon's Cyber Monday sale to see if any deals that caught your eye are still around.

Marielle Heller's Nightbitch tackles the feral nature of motherhood, with her protagonist Mother (Amy Adams) physically transforming before our very eyes, taking on more than a few canine features. Adapted from Rachel Yoder's novel, Nightbitch encapsulates the animalistic rage felt by mothers living in a patriarchal society. 

The movie deftly navigates the ways in which women are subjected to misogyny in their early days of motherhood (and beyond). Adams depicts a woman in crisis as she parents a toddler, slowly admitting to the loneliness and shame she feels — something her mostly absent Husband (Scoot McNairy), who makes an artform of weaponised incompetence, fails to understand. 

Featured Video For You Amy Adams on how she transformed into a dog in 'Nightbitch'

But there are other hugely revolutionary things about Nightbitch. Notably, how it depicts and dismantles taboos and shame around women's body hair, as well as the reality of women's bodies when it comes to motherhood, menstruation, and everything else the female body miraculously creates and endures.

Nightbitch gets real about body hair

Early on in Nightbitch, we see Mother discover long hairs on her chin while looking in the mirror. She doesn’t recoil in repulsion at a very natural hormonal reaction — as society would have her do — she accepts it as part of her new reality. It's refreshing to watch. Representative of both a literal and figurative shift from woman to dog (Mother also grows a tail, gleefully pulling it from a boil), the scene also shows an acceptance of women growing body hair and rolling back the damaging societal assumption that most women don’t encounter it. Writer and director Heller told the Guardian she wanted to show a "euphoria" to the transformation, while Adams described the depiction as showing "this radical acceptance of change" — and that she grew her own "whiskers" for the role.

Amy Adams as Mother in "Nightbitch." Credit: Searchlight Pictures

This kind of healthy, empowering representation of facial hair on screen is crucial when it comes to normalising it for women, particularly younger generations and those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) where excess body hair growth is common – research says it affects 80 percent of women with PCOS.

The importance of showing body hair on screen

For Rachel Morman, a trustee of UK PCOS charity Verity, moments like these on screen could be a revelation for women, particularly for those with PCOS, and "encourages people to rethink their perceptions and prejudices."

“Portraying a natural and common experience like chin hair growth can be powerful and validating as it brings a typically hidden or shamed aspect of their lives into the light,” she tells Mashable. “Anything that can be done en masse helps to normalise the conversation and demonstrates that body hair is a normal part of the female experience."

I certainly wish I’d seen this kind of body hair representation on screen when I was first diagnosed with PCOS in my mid teens. I felt self conscious of body hair that I didn’t know was actually quite common. In my 20s I kept the laser hair removals I paid for a secret from friends because I thought I was the only person whose body was having that kind of reaction to my PCOS. Body hair is still taboo enough as it is, excessive amounts due to a hormonal condition like PCOS comes with all kinds of stigma and shame. Seeing Adams with hair on her chin, later discovering she grew it herself for a role, as well as the accepting reaction her character has to this “transformation” felt like an overdue liberation from what society says I should look like and an embrace of the reality of women’s body hair.

Seeing Adams with hair on her chin, later discovering she grew it herself for a role...felt like an overdue liberation...

Of course, PCOS advocates such as Harnaam Kaur have been speaking out for years about the importance of embracing facial hair. At the age of 16, Kaur stopped shaving her facial hair and chose to embrace it — and has been championing love and self-acceptance when it comes to body hair, and women’s bodies more widely, since. 

She tells Mashable that representation on screen is crucial for constructing a more authentic attitude towards women’s body hair, with the current narrative leaving many with PCOS feeling misunderstood and out of place.

“Representation of body hair on screen is about telling honest, human stories,” Kaur says. “For those with PCOS, it can shine a light on lived experiences that are often overlooked, fostering understanding and empathy. By breaking the silence around these realities, we empower people to feel seen and valued.” 

She adds that showing diversity of body hair on screen, like in Nightbitch, will help to break down damaging expectations around femininity. “The stigma around women and body hair, especially for those with PCOS, often comes from standards that tell us what’s ‘feminine’ or ‘acceptable’. This creates a lot of unnecessary shame, as if having body hair makes someone less worthy or less womanly.”

Above all, Kaur says, representation of body hair on screen “reminds us all that there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and that’s incredibly powerful”.

Hollywood’s history of hairless women 

Of course, when it comes to body hair on screen, we are fighting the most acute of Hollywood beauty standards, ones that remain despite decades of feminist resistance. There has always been stigma, outrage and sometimes “scandal” around showing women’s body hair on screen. Sophia Loren embraced armpit hair in the '50s, Grace Jones in the '70s. Julia Roberts appeared at Notting Hill’s 1999 movie premiere with armpit hair and it was deemed "scandalous". Many actors, musicians, and celebrities have resisted Hollywood body hair conventions. Within films themselves, we have seen some progress — like Adams, Salma Hayek grew out her own moustache when playing the role of Frida Kahlo, while Kate Winslet and Rooney Mara both wore merkins (a public wig), in The Reader and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo respectively, to better embody their character.

Discourse around body hair on screen is definitely more visible and spirited than it used to be, with many calling out representations that don’t feel true to them. For instance, Emma Stone’s Poor Things body characterisation was criticised due to her cleanly shaven legs and neatly trimmed pubic hair throughout, despite the fact that the film centres around her character’s sexual liberation and rejection of societal expectation around women’s bodies and behaviour.

But unlike Nightbitch, the majority of movies still subscribe to the Western ideal of what a woman should look like — which, currently, is largely hairless. And the shame around it, and pressure to remove it, runs deeply to all those who feel subscribed to white, cisgender beauty standards. What we see on screen directly impacts how we see ourselves, and what we expect of ourselves when it comes to beauty standards. So it’s never been more important to champion the movies, directors, and actors that step outside of that to show a more authentic portrayal of women’s bodies. 

Nightbitch's portrayal of menstrual blood also hits back at taboos

Alongside the film's inclusion of body hair, Heller also includes an authentic, refreshing depiction of menstrual blood in Nightbitch, during a scene where Mother is in the shower. She is taking some long overdue time to herself when her Husband interrupts to ask her why there’s no milk in the house — as if it’s her job alone to supply it. She quickly retorts that he should go to the shop, especially as she’s about to bleed and will need sanitary products, and the camera pans to menstrual blood running down her legs in the shower. This portrayal was a deliberate decision made by the director in order to “normalise” its representation on screen. In her directorial debut, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Heller also showed hymen blood on screen after her protagonist Minnie (Bel Powley) has sex for the first time. Heller spoke at the time about period or hymen blood not being met with “shock or shame or disgust”.

Amy Adams as Mother in "Nightbitch." Credit: Searchlight Pictures

In recent years, we’ve seen period blood on screen feature slightly more heavily. Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You sees her character Arabella’s sexual partner remove both a used tampon and a blood clot, reacting with curiosity instead of disgust. We also see Anya Taylor-Joy’s The Queen’s Gambit protagonist Beth flee to the bathroom from a chess match with menstrual blood running down her leg. Portrayals of period sex are also on the up, explored in 2024 movie Babes and the adaptation of Lisa Taddeo's Three Women. The fact that it’s been present in horror movies for a longer stretch, though — think Carrie and Ginger Snaps — may feed into the narrative that menstrual blood is something to be afraid of.

The complaints and controversy that have frequently followed period blood being shown on screen reflects the misogynistic attitudes that remain around women’s bodies. For example, an advert for Wuka period pants received hundreds of complaints after broadcasting a similar scene to Nightbitch that included blood clots and menstrual bleeding in the shower.

Just like with its choices around portraying body hair, normalising menstrual blood on screen works to “break down centuries of silence and shame surrounding menstruation” according to Morman. She adds that it means something even more to women with hormonal conditions such as PCOS.

“For women with PCOS, who may face irregular or heavy periods, this representation is particularly meaningful and validating,” she says. “Showing menstrual blood in a matter-of-fact way also helps educate audiences, challenging the idea that periods are something to hide. This openness can lead to greater empathy and understanding, encouraging conversations about conditions such as PCOS.” 

In a world where I’ve been made to feel anxious, ashamed and lesser because of body hair that is out of my control and due to a hormonal condition that affects one in every 10 women and deserves more awareness, having acceptance and representation for women like me through scenes in a Hollywood movie like Nightbitch means a lot. I hope it is only just the beginning when it comes to seeing better diversity of bodies on screen, as well as the reality of women’s bodily functions.

“Normalising body hair and the realities of women’s bodies on screen has the potential to empower all women by breaking down oppressive beauty standards,” Morman agrees. “Ultimately, this shift in representation can help create a culture where we feel free to embrace our natural bodies, leading to improved mental health, self-esteem and ultimately quality of life.”

Nightbitch is out now in cinemas.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2024-25 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Sure, winning your domestic league is great. But winning the Champions League is on another level.

If you want to watch the 2024-25 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Champions League?

The Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single leg final.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the 2024-25 Europa League online for free

The defending champions are Real Madrid.

When is the 2024-25 Champions League?

The 2024-25 Champions League is the 70th edition of the competition (and the 33rd since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament runs from July 9 to 31 May.

How to watch the 2024-25 Champions League for free

It is possible to live stream the 2024-25 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:

• Belgium — RTL play (select fixtures)

• Ireland — RTÉ Player (select fixtures including the final)

• Luxembourg — RTL ZWEE (select fixtures)

• Turkey — Tabii (select fixtures including the final)

• UK — Prime Video (select fixtures including semi finals with 30-day free trial)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024-25 Champions League by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the Champions League

4. Visit RTL play, RTÉ Player, RTL ZWEE, Tabii, or Prime Video (free trial)

5. Watch Champions League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 of the 2024-25 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for the Champions League?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Something to see

These words are what you might go watch.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are related to the film industry.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Cinematic.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 10

• Flick

• Picture

• Talkie

• Feature

• Short

• Movie

• Film

• Cinematic

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

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

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

The 11-inch form factor is a tricky one, landing somewhere between the ideal size for a tablet and a laptop. Like its predecessors, the Gen 9 Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11-inch addresses this problem by checking boxes, and it’s yet again proved a winning combo.

Will Tesla's new, affordable electric vehicle be called Tesla Model Q? Don't hold your breath for the name, but a cheaper Tesla is, apparently, coming.

A Deutsche Bank report mentions the new model and claims the car will launch in the first half of 2025, with a starting price under $30,000.

SEE ALSO: Tesla app for Apple Watch hands-on: Friggin' finally!

According to GlobalChinaEV, Travis Axelrod (Teslaa's Head of Investor Relations) talked about the vehicle with Deutsche Bank. The report claims that the car – codenamed "Redwood" – will be 15 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than Tesla's Model 3, and that it will cost Tesla about half as much to manufacture.

The report also mentions two battery configurations for the car (53kWh and 75kWh), as well as single- and dual-motor variants.

Take these details with a grain of salt. The Wall Street Journal's Becky Peterson claims she saw a copy of the Deutsche Bank report. She does confirm that Axelrod discussed the new Tesla with Deutsche Bank (Model Q seems to be Deutsche Bank's name for the car, not Tesla's). She also claims that the new car will be built on Tesla's existing production lines, and that it will cost less than $30,000 with subsidies (meaning that the actual starting price would be $37,499).

Tweet may have been deleted

But Peterson says that the report does not contain any details about the car's size, cost, or that it will built on Redwood, which is Tesla's internal code name for a mass market vehicle built on a new platform which was paused by Musk earlier in 2024.

When laid out like this, the report doesn't really bring much new to the table, given that Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said a cheaper Tesla is coming in the first half of 2025, without revealing any additional details. Musk also specifically said that a non-Robotaxi Tesla car that costs $25,000 will not happen.

Where does all this leave us? Well, mostly where we were before. Despite Musk's own AI Grok already claiming that Tesla has "announced the upcoming launch of the Model Q," nothing new has been officially announced. Yes, a more affordable Tesla seems to be coming next year, but it's unclear whether it'll be an entirely new model or just a cheaper Model 3.

SAVE OVER $170: As of Dec. 10, the 512GB Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet is on sale for $945 at Amazon. This is 16% off its list price of $1,119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus $945.00 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $174.99 Get Deal

Amazon has plenty of deals still available after the Cyber Monday shopping event, including on some newer pieces of tech from this year. For a limited time, you can still save on this year's Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet, if you're still looking to pick up some tech ahead of the holidays as a gift or for yourself.

The 512GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet is currently down to $945, 16% off its list price of $1,119.99. This is also its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, making it a great time to scoop it up if you've had your eye on it for some time. And if you've had it in mind as a gift for the holidays, Amazon also has a note above the 'Add to Cart' button saying it'll arrive 13 days before Christmas, so there's no need to worry about delays.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $130 on the 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

Boasting a large 12.4-inch screen and a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, this tablet is a powerful piece of tech. We've also ranked it as the best option for AI in our roundup of the best tablets in 2024, noting "It's not a cheap option but it has plenty of power, which comes courtesy of its MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ CPU. This will give you plenty of oomph for creative tasks and gaming, with superb graphics and incredibly quick performance overall."

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act fast to pick up the 512GB model of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ tablet for $945 at Amazon.

If you're curious to see more deals at Amazon leftover from Cyber Monday, it's worth having a look at our list of Amazon's Cyber Monday deals. A few deals are still live after the sale event, so you can see if any options you liked are still available at their discounted price.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 10 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 10 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A paved outdoor area.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PATIO.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Formally recognize someone

• Green: Airplane trip from start to finish

• Blue: Looking for something without seeing it

• Purple: Misspelled countries

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Give a Title To

• Green: Parts of a Flight

• Blue: Feel Around (For)

• Purple: Countries Minus First Letter

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #548 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Give a Title To: CALL, DUB, LABEL, NAME

• Parts of a Flight: CRUISE, TAKEOFF, TAXI, TOUCHDOWN

• Feel Around (For): FISH, FUMBLE, ROOT, RUMMAGE

• Countries Minus First Letter: INLAND, OLIVIA, RAN, WANDA

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 10

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

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

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

SAVE $130: As of Dec. 10, Best Buy's Deal of the Day is offering a 128GB 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M2) for $469, $130 off its original price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M2) $469.00 at Best Buy
$599.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

If you're in the shopping spirit ahead of the holidays, whether to get something for someone in your life or to pick up a little treat for yourself, there are still quite a few deals available after Cyber Monday. Best Buy's Deal of the Day currently has a great offer on an Apple iPad Air that you definitely don't want to miss.

On Dec. 10, you can score an 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for $469. This is $130 off its original price of $599, and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, even marks its lowest price yet in comparison to Amazon. Even lower than Cyber Monday, which is a steal.

SEE ALSO: I love finding gaming laptop deals, and $300 off the HP Omen is one of the best

We think very highly of this iPad as well, ranking it as the best option for most people in our roundup of the best iPads of 2024. Our review also said that the "M2 chip brings sweet energy efficiency and a performance uptick." It's a worthy investment for those looking for an iPad upgrade.

If you want to scoop it up at this price, you'll want to act fast to grab this 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for $469 before the deal disappears.

Hoping to find even more Apple deals right now? Thankfully, a few are still on sale after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Have a look through our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals to see if any that caught your eye during the sale events are still live at their discounted price.

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 Tuesday, December 10, 2024:

Across"The ___," "Seinfeld" episode in which Kramer gets everyone tickets for "Pagliacci"

• The answer is Opera.

The fourth of Santa's eight reindeer (plus Rudolph!)

• The answer is Vixen.

Live and breathe

• The answer is Exist.

Baptisms and the like

• The answer is Rites

Cantankerous

• The answer is Testy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 9 DownObvious for all to see

• The answer is Overt.

Impish creature of folklore

• The answer is Pixie.

Airplane rows with extra legroom

• The answer is Exits.

Press the power button on a Nintendo Switch for about 15 seconds to do this

• The answer is Reset.

Anxious about what's ahead

• The answer is Antsy.

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 today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $300: As of Dec. 10, HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop is on sale for $1,299.99 at Best Buy. That’s $300 off its regular $1,599.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Omen Transcend 14 $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Gamers and creators, this one’s for you. The HP Omen Transcend 14 gaming laptop is now available for $1,299.99 at Best Buy, a $300 discount from its usual $1,599.99 price. With cutting-edge hardware, a sleek design, and a vibrant OLED display, this laptop is built to handle everything from competitive gaming to content creation.

What sets this laptop apart is its stunning 14-inch OLED display. Featuring a 2.8K resolution (2880 x 1800) and a 120Hz refresh rate, it brings vivid colors, deep blacks, and buttery-smooth visuals to life. Certified by VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black, it ensures exceptional color accuracy and contrast, making it ideal for gamers and video editors alike. Its micro-edge design maximizes the screen-to-body ratio for an immersive viewing experience.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora first look: YouTuber Marques Brownlee breaks down the problems with the AI video model

At the heart of the Omen Transcend 14 is Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 processor, designed to deliver high performance in demanding scenarios. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, this laptop can easily handle the latest AAA games, 3D rendering, and video editing. The 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensure quick load times, efficient multitasking, and ample storage for your projects and games.

One of the highlights of this machine is its portability. Housed in a lightweight, all-metal chassis, it’s easy to take on the go without sacrificing power. The 71 Wh battery supports USB-C fast charging, giving you a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, perfect for those who need quick power-ups between classes or meetings.

Gamers will love the HP Omen Tempest Cooling Technology, which ensures stable performance during intense gaming sessions. The four-zone RGB keyboard lets you customize your setup, while WASD keys are highlighted for optimal gameplay control. Add to that the IMAX Enhanced certification and HyperX Audio, and you have a device that offers visual and auditory immersion.

Connectivity is top-notch with Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. The laptop also includes thoughtful extras like an HP True Vision FHD IR camera for secure logins and an Eyesafe Certified display to reduce eye strain during long hours of work or play.

This deal also includes three free months of PC Game Pass, which gives you access to hundreds of high-quality games. If you’ve been looking for a versatile gaming laptop that balances portability, power, and a stunning display, the HP Omen Transcend 14 is a fantastic pick. Grab it for $1,299.99 at Best Buy before the price goes back up.