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Traceroute is a command-line tool included with Windows and other operating systems. Along with the ping command, it’s an important tool for understanding Internet connection problems, including packet loss and high latency.

One of the most useful features of ChatGPT is that it can store information in its long-term memory. You can use this feature to store lists of your favorite books, movies, TV shows, and music, and leverage this information to get personalized recommendations.

If you don’t want AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Meta, Grok, and Copilot to train their models from your data, you can opt out. I’ll show you how to do that on these platforms from your desktop or mobile phone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on AppleTV+.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Severance Season 2 premieres Jan. 17 on AppleTV+.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More laptop deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

More smartwatch deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

More stocking stuffer deals

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

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

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

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

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

AcrossGift box topper

• The answer is Bow.

Name that's an anagram of CABLE

• The answer is Caleb.

Prominent body part in a Rosie the Riveter poster

• The answer is Forearm.

Frequently, in poetry

• The answer is Oft.

Fish in a Japanese garden pond

• The answer is Koi.

Mysterious special "something"

• The answer is X Factor.

Receded like the tide

• The answer is Ebbed.

English class assignment

• The answer is Essay.

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

• The answer is Bar tabs.

World Cup cheer

• The answer is Ole.

Watered-down argument, in slang

• The answer is Weak tea.

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

• The answer is Coffee.

Unhappy and deep in thought

• The answer is Broody.

Cunning critter

• The answer is Fox.

Soviet-era space station

• The answer is Mir.

"Survivor" network

• The answer is CBS.

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

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

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

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

Apple Pages is a powerful word processor that Mac, iPhone, and iPad owners can use for free. On top of being easy to use, the app has powerful collaboration features built right in.

If you were around in the late 90s and early 2000s, you remember how technology seemed to be getting smaller and smaller. Eventually, we expected cassette and CD players to be as small as the media themselves–but that didn't happen.

Govee’s Christmas String Lights 2 benefit from the company’s typical focus on vibrant, dynamic, smart lighting. However, even when fine-tuned in the Govee app, I didn’t feel the LEDs lived up to the traditional bulbs of yesteryear.

Bang!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: What to Watch: Best Scary Movies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best streaming services for Clemson vs. SMU football game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best streaming services for Penn State vs. Oregon football game

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Don't miss Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $32.97 (reg. $229) during this Cyber Week sale.

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to supercharge your productivity, you can get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $32.97 (reg. $229). While it may not be the latest version, it offers exceptional value for professionals, small businesses, and freelancers who prefer a one-time purchase over ongoing subscriptions.

This offer is an ideal fit for users who want reliable, feature-rich software without committing to recurring fees.

Microsoft Office 2019 includes the powerful tools you know and trust—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and OneNote—making it a versatile solution for both personal and professional use. It’s compatible with Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, offering a stable solution for users who haven’t upgraded to Windows 11.

Unlike Office 365, Office 2019 is a one-time purchase, meaning no monthly fees, no renewals, and no surprise price hikes. It’s an affordable, long-term solution for anyone who doesn’t need the latest cloud-based features but still values advanced functionality like Excel’s data analysis tools, PowerPoint’s customizable templates, and Word’s mail merge capabilities.

With documents created in Office 2019 fully compatible with Office 365 and Office 2021, you won’t miss a beat when collaborating or sharing files. Whether you’re drafting documents in Word, analyzing data in Excel, or creating stunning presentations in PowerPoint, this version is more than capable of meeting your needs.

This Cyber Week deal is only available for a short time. With Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, you’re investing in a trusted, feature-rich suite that ensures long-term productivity without ongoing costs.

Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $32.97 (reg. $229) for a limited time.

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows - $32.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $32.97
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TL;DR: Get lifetime access to the 2024 edition of Microsoft Office for only $119.97 (reg. $149.99) during Cyber Week.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97
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Are you still using Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021? Either license has probably served you well, but you may be missing out since the latest version of Microsoft Office is now on the shelves. It took three years for this license to arrive, but your favorite Microsoft apps get a fresh 2024 makeover, new productivity features, and even AI integration that could streamline your daily work.

There's no need to pay full price for Microsoft Office 2024, especially since Cyber Week is here. Save an additional $30 on your Mac or PC download and grab lifelong access for only $119.97 (reg. $149) while supplies last.

Your favorite Microsoft apps with a refresh

With this lifetime license, you could ditch the subscription you would usually pay for Microsoft 365, which is about $70 a year. Once you complete the one-time payment, you'll have these productivity apps on your Windows or Mac device forever.

The 2024 edition of this beloved suite receives plenty of upgrades and additions, like a sleek, ribbon-based interface on each app for seamless navigation and easy pinning of your most-used commands for easier access, so check out what's new:

The standout feature of the newest version of this suite is its comprehensive AI integration. Enjoy assistance from Microsoft's intelligent AI tools for text, formatting, and design suggestions across all apps. Have Excel's AI cut the time you'd usually spend analyzing data. Or, have PowerPoint's AI suggest improvements to your presentations' formatting and design. You could even have this feature complete your sentences.

Another feature that could boost your workflow is how easy collaboration is with Microsoft Office 2024. The built-in chat, commenting features, and version history could help you and your colleagues work more efficiently — and reach your goals or deadlines more quickly.

Take advantage of this Cyber Week deal on this Microsoft Office 2024 lifetime license for PC or Mac, now available for $119.97. Don't wait too long, as this offer expires December 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT and codes are limited.

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

Like almost everyone, I’ve always wanted a Mac. Maybe it was watching Carrie Bradshaw write with one or seeing them around my college campus, but the price tag always kept me a (regretfully) loyal PC user. Then I heard about refurbished MacBook deals. I nabbed a MacBook Air for only $229.97 ( regularly $999) — can you believe it?

How is it so cheap?

Refurbished laptops are pre-owned computers that are given a second chance at life. As someone who buys dented cans of soup in the grocery store because I feel bad for them, I love this idea — and it’s better for the environment. The laptop arrived with normal amounts of wear on the outside, which I covered up with a cute pink case.

My MacBook Air was originally from 2017, so it’s a classic model. I know some Mac users want the fanciest features (honestly, if I had the cash, I would too), but I really only needed a laptop for home use — aka online shopping, streaming movies in bed, and the occasional Microsoft Office session. 

• Check out the laptop’s specs: 13.3-inch screen

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This MacBook works just fine for my needs. I notice lagging when I have around 30+ Chrome tabs open, but my PC was the same way, so that’s what I expected.

I can still hardly believe I saved 76% on this refurbished MacBook Air. They’re selling out fast, though, so if you want one, get yours for $229.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping before they’re gone.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $229.97

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Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $229.97
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TL;DR: Enjoy wireless CarPlay and Android Auto with this adapter with built-in streaming apps for just $84.97 (reg. $149) during Cyber Week.

Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMArt Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless Adapter with Streaming Service Support (2024 Edition) $84.97
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This Cyber Week, ditch the cables and transform your driving experience with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter with streaming service support.

For just $84.97 (reg. $149) through December 8, this cutting-edge adapter brings seamless wireless connectivity, built-in streaming apps, and expanded storage to your car, making every drive more convenient and entertaining. No coupon is needed — just plug, play, and upgrade.

Gone are the days of fumbling with cords or struggling with outdated infotainment systems. This wireless adapter connects your car to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without cables, giving you instant access to your favorite navigation, music, and messaging apps.

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Compatible with over 800 car models from 2016 onward, it’s an inexpensive solution for modernizing your car without breaking the bank.

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An ideal holiday gift, pick up this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Adapter for just $84.97 (reg. $149) through Dec. 8.

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TL;DR: Lock in lifetime access to 1minAI’s creative tools for just $29.97 during Cyber Week — no subscriptions, just AI-powered productivity with monthly credits included.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription $29.97
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With the 1minAI Pro Plan Lifetime Subscription for just $29.97, you get access to a wide range of AI-powered tools, all in one place, without ever needing to pay another monthly fee. From writing assistance to image editing and even audio/video manipulation, 1minAI makes creativity and productivity a breeze.

AI models work behind the scenes to help you streamline creative projects — whether you’re drafting articles, fine-tuning visuals, or handling complex document editing. And while AI can speed up these tasks, human oversight is still key, especially for final tweaks and accuracy. You stay in control, with AI making your workload lighter.

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This lifetime deal is a steal compared to the ongoing costs of other AI services. Plus, the Pro plan comes with free monthly credits, so you can maximize your usage without paying more. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or freelancer, this all-in-one AI assistant saves you time and hassle.

Why keep paying for separate services when this lifetime subscription to 1minAI offers everything you need in one bundle? Get it on sale during Cyber Week for just $29.97 for one more day. This offer ends Dec. 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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