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Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko speaks with Ripley star Andrew Scott to discuss what it was like to play Tom Ripley and the challenges of bringing Patricia Highsmith's novels to the screen.

Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.

Zola's new AI wedding planner tool proves generative AI doesn't need to be ethically complicated to be good.

On Thursday, the wedding site released "Split the Decisions," a custom GPT to help couples divvy up wedding planning tasks. Both halves fill out a brief questionnaire about their excitement level, preferences, strengths and weaknesses, and so on.

First, Zola's bot asks the couple some questions to gauge their strengths and preferences. Credit: Zola

Then, Split the Decisions bot creates a personalized task list of responsibilities for each person.

Then it provides a detailed list of tasks for each person to take on based on their responses. Credit: Zola

Zola, which started as an online wedding registry and has grown to offer wedding planning, website building, advice, and more, created Split the Decisions to address two major findings from a recent survey. The first was that almost 70 percent of the 7,000 couples surveyed "didn’t feel prepared for the sheer number of decisions" in wedding planning. The second had to do with the lopsided division of labor. The survey found that the number one societal expectation those surveyed wanted to change was the antiquated assumption that one partner will take on the majority of wedding planning.

"So that really led us to, how can we as a brand and accompany support couples on this journey, and ensure that they are able to start the wedding planning process on equal footing versus with this pressure or expectation that one person is going to do all the work," said spokesperson Allison Cullman.

The tool's tone and voice was trained to have Zola's brand in mind, which is conversational and inclusive, but candid. For example, if one partner was giving apathetic responses to the questionnaire, the bot would almost "act as a mediator and say, 'You might not care about the details, but having the wedding be balanced is really important,'" said Cullman.

And while Split the Decisions is a wedding expert, its knowledge doesn't come from personal data scraped from Zola or elsewhere. (OpenAI's GPT is trained from mass corpora of internet data, but Zola hasn't trained the GPT with additional personal data). Instead, the bot is built from OpenAI's customizable GPTs and trained with planning duties, links, and assignment logic developed by the Zola team. Because it's a custom GPT, Split the Decisions requires a ChatGPT Plus subscription, which is $20 a month.

Plus, all of the articles and resources that Split the Decisions links in its responses are from Zola, so there's no potential for plagiarizing or copyright violations by appropriating or inaccurately attributing content from other sources. That's all to say, Zola seems to have launched a useful generative AI tool without any privacy trade-offs or controversial data practices. And that's an intriguing proposal.

Split the Decisions is available on OpenAI's GPT Store and in the expert advice section of Zola's website.

If you're one for rapid-paced, action-packed thrillers, Patricia Highsmith's classic 1955 novel The Talented Mr Ripley is already not for you. But if you're one for slow-burn, sinister, underhandedly amorous thrillers, pour yourself the driest of martinis and settle into the latest adaptation of it, Ripley.

A meticulously captured suspense tale with a cold, classy, and understated performance from Andrew Scott, Netflix's Ripley distills its long-revered source material into eight elegantly tailored acts. Brimming with afternoon aperitifs, foreboding and omniscient seascapes, and a series-long obsession with the artist Caravaggio, series creator Steven Zaillian lets his interpretation of Highsmith's novel drip slowly into those gloriously cobbled, 1960s Italian streets.

SEE ALSO: 'Ripley' vs. 'The Talented Mr. Ripley': The tiny change that makes a big impact

Highsmith's tale of obsession and manipulation, imitation and identity theft, class divide and repressed sexuality, in which a young man of little means from New York shrewdly and violently manoeuvres his way into the upper echelons of society, finds an opulent new rendering in Zaillian's Ripley. And for obvious reasons, you will probably think of Saltburn every few episodes, despite the downplays.

Ripley savours Highsmith's novel like an ice cold martini Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Based on the first of Highsmith's Ripley novels, the series sticks to its source material with sophisticated ferocity, entirely shot in black and white (but for one teeny, tiny moment). For those who haven't encountered definitive unreliable narrator Tom Ripley before, the story follows the eponymous con artist (Scott), who finds himself mistakenly recruited by a shipping magnate to convince his dilettante son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to come home to New York from the impeccable Amalfi Coast — good luck with that. More interested in gallivanting around Italy with his girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), Dickie's probability of coming home is about as high as his probability of becoming the artist he believes he is. But as Tom ingratiates himself into la dolce vita with Dickie and Marge, slowly but surely, his deceptive tendencies become dangerously obsessive.

The series isn't the first time the author's devious protagonist has manipulated his way on screen, from René Clément's 1960 film Purple Noon to Anthony Minghella's 1999 film The Talented Mr Ripley, and Liliana Cavani's John Malkovich-starring Ripley's Game, one of which accounts for a truly wondrous cameo in Ripley I won't entirely spoil here. But with an infatuation over the minutiae of the novel and by allowing his leading man the time to simmer, Zaillian crafts a superb adaptation of his own.

Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn, and Andrew Scott as Marge, Dickie, and Tom. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Like its source material and anti-hero, Zaillian's series fixates on the smaller details, attempting to replicate those of Highsmith's novel and claim them for its own: Tom's grimy New York apartment, Tom's suitcase packing technique, Tom's bathing suit and his wearing shoes on the beach, the descriptions of Dickie’s villa with its original Picassos (plural) and design elements that are a "pleasant mixture of Italian antique and American bohemian." Zaillian spends as much attention on the story's all-important refrigerator as Highsmith does, what it represents to the characters and how often they drop freshly cracked ice cubes into their many, many drinks.

As in Highsmith's novel, the great drama occurs early in the narrative, leaving the rest of the story to Ripley's quest to keep the ruse up, and Zaillian streamlines much of this, most notably eliminating most supporting characters and some European travel, bolstering its intimate theatre feeling. 

Like a multi-act play, Ripley takes its damn time. While the pace might not be everyone's glass of Amaro, it feels akin to Highsmith's own respect for relishing in detail. From Schindler’s List to The Irishman and The Night Of, Zaillian specialises in the long game. And for Ripley, he treats the major moments of Highsmith's novel like theatrical puzzles, fixating on every element and importantly exploring the practicality of each encounter and scheme, with Tom bringing that Catch Me If You Can energy to each forged signature.  

Andrew Scott exquisitely reinvents Tom Ripley amid an understated cast  Better check those headlines, Tom. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

If you're not here for the sweeping Italian vistas, and you're not here as a Highsmith fan, you're probably here because of All of Us Strangers star and Fleabag's "Hot Priest" Andrew Scott. Taking on one of fiction's most subtly calculating and chameleonic protagonists, Scott exquisitely reinvents Tom Ripley with his signature versatility, burying a tempest beneath Italian tailoring.

Highsmith's Ripley has sharper edges than Matt Damon's preppier, dare I say it more sympathetic rendition, in Minghella's film, whereas Scott brings those hard, sociopathic lines right back. Highsmith describes Tom as deeply “bored” with a penchant for being “maniacally polite”, two traits which Scott elevates into social weapons. Tom’s amused incredulity over the success of his actions is heavily detailed in the novels, constantly encapsulated in minute smirks from Scott. Time and time again, he can't believe he got away with it.

Featured Video For You Andrew Scott on crafting the iconic 'Ripley' in Netflix's new mystery series

Highsmith's Ripley is openly disdainful, often exclaiming in disgust amid his inner monologues. It's a tough job, conveying Ripley's dramatic, venomous thoughts with mere glares and considerations, something the author calls “a crazy emotion of hate, of affection, of impatience and frustration” within him. Scott is tasked with the tricky job of a character who regularly talks to himself, practicing or imagining lines for future encounters — his one-man run of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya in the West End couldn't have hurt for Ripley prep. Scott's pure skill is on full show, slowly revealing cracks in Tom’s crafted, regimented facade as the walls start closing in. His Ripley is a perfect storm of concealed derision and approval-seeking, his softly spoken tones shapeshifting from friendship to threat in a heartbeat. Tom slowly, gleefully tries on Dickie's life like a suit, actively mocking him as he does so, and tolerating his friends only so far.

Many viewers will no doubt have Minghella's film in the back of their minds when watching Ripley. The 1999 critical smash makes a glamorous, flirty "it" couple of Gwyneth Paltrow's affable, credulous Marge and Jude Law's feverish hedonist Dickie, whereas Zaillian's series finds a gentle companionship between Fanning and Flynn's renditions, two beautiful, bored creatives from privilege who've never been told their art sucks. 

The only similarity you'll see to Paltrow and Law's characters is this shot. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Flynn opts for an unruffled insouciance as Dickie, a glaring contrast to Law's boisterous magnetism. With a genuine Picasso in his house, Dickie crafts garbage paintings in his chandelier-topped studio, feigning modesty at Tom's forced compliments. However, Flynn's stealth-wealth nonchalance and frankness around sexuality truly works alongside Scott's fiercely repressed politeness, keeping Dickie constantly out of reach for Tom romantically and socially. The pair constantly try each other out, with the knife's edge friendship and the illusion of camaraderie ready to crumble in a pinch. A marked contrast to Paltrow's overwhelmingly amiable Marge, Fanning's interpretation appears always ill at ease with Tom, tolerating him instead of extending any enthusiasm. She aligns more neatly with Highsmith’s Marge, who feigns but a modicum of friendliness, with little time for this casual interloper. 

Eliot Sumner makes an aristocratic sleuth of Freddie Miles. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

If Philip Seymour Hoffman's impeccable performance as Dickie's obnoxiously wealthy and tactless pal Freddie Miles in Minghella's film feels untouchable, Ripley leaves it be. Instead, the series finds a fresh interpretation through musician Eliot Sumner, who imbues Freddie with a foreboding elegance, an unfortunately razor sharp memory, and an overestimation of their own power and influence — honestly, I could watch Sumner's Freddie swanning through Tom's things and lightly insulting him all day.

Joining halfway through the series, the impeccable Maurizio Lombardi dominates as Inspector Pietro Ravini, who becomes a meticulous and scrupulous thorn in Tom's side. A master of internalised scrutiny, Lombardi matches Scott in multiple rounds of viciously polite interrogations, both looking deeply amused in the other's attempts to manipulate.

Maurizio Lombardi. That's it. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Zaillian places absolute faith in this streamlined cast as the show becomes a series of interrogations over wine and cigarettes, between Tom and Marge, Tom and Freddie, Tom and Ravini, each trying to outplay the other. But often, their performances are upstaged by another character: Italy itself.

Ripley becomes a disquieting love letter to Italy I absolutely wrote my review from here. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

If you weren't thinking of travelling to Italy anytime soon, Ripley acts as one of the most effective and messed up marketing campaigns. As well as bringing the viewer step-by-step through Tom's plots, Ripley romanticizes long Italian afternoons sipping coffee in laneways, languishing in Venetian palazzos and sipping Champagne in train carriages, with Tom wandering about Dickie's Atrani villa with just the sound of an afternoon storm, running his diabolical schemes from various Roman piazzas beside outrageously beautiful church facades.

Instead of Highsmith's fictional town of Mongibello, rendered in Minghella's film as a bustling, glamorous Amalfi playground for the beautiful and tanned, Zaillian sends Tom Ripley into the beautiful but largely unpopulated (and real) town of Atrani. In Ripley, it feels constantly like the off-season. There's often not a soul around beyond Dickie's housekeeper Ermelinda (Francesca Romana Bergamo) and a few others, making Tom, Dickie, and Marge's world feel both intimate and deeply uncomfortable.

Same table, every time. Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Hollywood veteran and director of photography Robert Elswit deploys gorgeous wide shots with gargantuan depths of field, showing every last detail of David Gropman's production design in high contrast, among sumptuous mid-shots of Scott simply reading the paper with a martini overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. And there's a welcome array of close-ups of crisp white shirts, Dickie’s prized possessions, and countless glasses of booze, many of which are tantalising clues that either foreshadow someone's fate or point to something that would give Tom's whole game away: a passport, a photograph, a pair of shoes, a suitcase sitting just out of sight. Every scene is elegantly lit, making a meal of the patterned marble walls, stone facades, and parquet floors.

Amid Jeff Russo's haunting score, Ripley's sound design packs a sharp foley punch, a masterpiece of Florentine leather shoes tapping on Roman cobblestone streets, descending echoing marble staircases, and cautiously sauntering across timber boards. With the director’s black and white palette, it’s here the series finds a Hitchcockian association, one that the great suspense director himself brought to his own Highsmith adaption, 1951's Strangers on a Train.

The centred perspective! The clean lines! The Andrew Scott! Credit: Philippe Antonello / Netflix

Plus, Zaillian places great importance on the works of 16th century painter Caravaggio, not only using the artist's repertoire to expand upon his characters' tastes, but to draw comparisons with the inner workings of his protagonist. It's also no coincidence Caravaggio was a master of chiaroscuro, as Zaillian wields strong contrasts in light and dark throughout the series.

It's this meticulous detail that makes Ripley a deeply satisfying series, at once magnificent and subdued, with performances and production meant for slowly savouring. Like its namesake, Ripley absorbs the elements of Highsmith's lauded novel, streamlines them, and makes its own identity. And it'll have you booking a ticket to Rome immediately.

Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.

If there's anything that undoubtedly unites everyone, it's that we all had terrible sex education in school. Yet, some members of parliament in the United Kingdom are under the impression kids are learning too much. 

In March 2024, Conservative member of parliament Andrea Jenkyns said during a parliamentary discussion that she supported a complete ban on sex education in schools. "As a mother of a primary school age child myself, I do not want him or other children to learn about sex full stop, whether that's straight or gay," she said. "I also don't want to see children at primary school being taught about changing gender – we need to be protecting the innocence of children and their childhood, especially at primary school age." 

SEE ALSO: What teachers and parents wish they could tell kids about porn

On social media, Jenkyns' comments have resulted in a mixture of support, opposition, and general concern, with some agreeing with her that sex education is a danger to innocence, and others believing the opposite. Her comments have not occurred in a vacuum. Rather, it's a small part of a widespread moral panic towards sex education that's been brewing in the political arena for the last few years, and the ongoing "trans debate" in the British media is intrinsically linked, often used as the key reasoning to ban sex education in the first place. 

Many members of the government have shared worries for what's being taught in sex education, expressing that there's too much LGBTQ+ content and sexual content, though there's little evidence pointing to a real issue. 

As concern continues to grow for the sex education's future, Mashable analysed the key comments about sex education from the political arena over the last year and spoke to experts to understand the current state of sex education, which improvements really need to be made, and why a lot of the concern over these lessons is misplaced. 

What's inappropriate about sex education?

Concern over what is being taught in sex education has been expressed by politicians and parents alike. It's hard to pinpoint exactly when and why this all started, but it's important to consider the backdrop on which these conversations are happening. 

In 2018, the bill FOSTA-SESTA was passed in the United States, which was designed to help stop trafficking but regrettably doesn't distinguish consensual sex work from trafficking which causes problems for all sexual content on the internet.. And because the bill focuses on the internet, it has impacted users across the world. Though this bill is designed to stop trafficking on the internet, it affects those who are consenting to sex work too, and that loops in just about everyone who talks about sex on the internet. That includes, of course, online sex education.The result: sex information of all kinds is regularly flagged by social media algorithms as sexual solicitation, and sex education online is getting harder to find. 

What's more, "Don't Say Gay" bills have been passed in multiple states in America from Florida to Louisiana which mirror Section 28, prohibiting LGBTQ+ people from expressing themselves fully, and being able to access the education they need in schools. 

It's possible these moves are influencing conversations in the UK. Here, concerns about sex education are less focused on trafficking, though, and instead appear to boil down to a few sensationalised myths: 

• Children are encouraged to be transgender in their sex education classes.

• Children are being sexualised by sex education.

• Learning about sex causes children to lose their innocence.  

Most of these myths were reinforced in Jenkyn's speech, but she's not the only politician to take a stand against sex education in some way. One of the most prominent voices in this debate is member of parliament Miriam Cates. Back in March 2023, she claimed during a parliamentary debate that, during RSE classes, British schools were teaching "graphic lessons on oral sex", lessons in "how to choke your partner safely" and that there are "72 genders". 

Cates then claimed those classes were "age inappropriate, sexualising and undermining of parents" and called for a review of RSE materials in secondary schools, which prime minister Rishi Sunak committed to delivering by the end of 2023. 

The politician didn't provide any direct sources for these claims, and in response, James Bowen, director of policy for the NAHT, the organisation for school administrators, stated they "have found [no proof that] suggests students [are] being exposed to materials that are inappropriate for their age is a widespread issue – if it were, we would anticipate that it would have been addressed on a case-by-case basis." 

Notably, the report also doesn't detail any specific sources for the claim that "safe choking" is being taught in schools. Rather, it includes content from Cliterally the Best, a blog and popular sex positive Instagram account, which isn't currently being used as education content as part of the British RSE curriculum. 

Andrew Hampton, education expert and author of Working with Boys, Creating Cultures of Mutual Respect in Schools believes that, sadly, some of this moral panic could stem from typical classroom strategies for teaching sex education more openly and non-judgmentally, and that this well-meaning practice is being misinterpreted by some politicians. For instance, Cates alleges that children are being taught how to safely choke each other. But Hampton thinks it’s more likely that children are asking about choking unprompted, especially as the sex act becomes more popular in porn and in bedrooms, and that teachers are simply doing their jobs by explaining what it means.

He tells Mashable: "A common strategy in teaching sex education in schools is to have kids shout out words they've heard relating to sex or anything they want to know more about, and then the teacher will write those words on the board and offer further explanation." 

Hampton explains that because there's been a recent rise documented in choking in pornography, on TikTok, and in popular media, it's likely children are asking about it in their sex education classrooms. "So a teacher might explain it, and explain the risks too, if a child asks about it. But it won't be that choking is actually part of the lessons," he says.

SEE ALSO: KinkTok is rife with misinformation. Here's why that's dangerous.

But, doubling down on this supposed need to change up RSE, the Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said last October that she had written to schools in England ordering them to make the materials used in children's sex education available to be seen by parents. She warned headteachers there can be "no ifs, no buts, no more excuses" about it. 

The report Sunak organised is not yet complete (or, at least, not available to the public), so there is still no evidence available to suggest any of these accusations are true, while evidence of a moral panic piles up. So, where is this idea that kids are learning too much coming from? Are they learning too much?

Sex education is still falling short 

The short answer is no. It's an odd sentiment to suggest kids could be learning too much beyond their years as relationships and sex education (RSE) as a mandatory subject in schools has only been part of UK legislation as recently as September 2020. 

It's especially inaccurate to suggest children could be learning too much about queer topics, as Cates and Jenkyns seem to believe, since it only became legal for teachers to share advice and learnings for homosexual students in 2003, thanks to Section 28.

Sex education is really only just getting started The same year that sex education became mandatory in the United Kingdom, 58 percent of young people reported not learning enough about certain subjects they found to be important, such as information about pornography, and a survey from 2023 proved students want more their sex education at school to include more 'open discussions' and more information about 'real life sexual scenarios.' 

As for the allegations that sex ed leans too far towards LGBTQ+ topics, a  Terrence Higgins Trust survey of young people aged between 16 and 24 further found that one in seven had not received any sex and relationships education (SRE) during their time at secondary school, with almost two thirds given lessons a maximum of only once a year.

SEE ALSO: Top 5 NSFW sites to learn what porn didn't teach you

Data from Safe Lives also says LGBTQ+ students feel significantly less comfortable, less confident about where to go for support about relationship or sexual abuse; and a notably smaller proportion have a strong understanding of toxic and healthy relationships. The majority of LGBTQ+ students (61 percent) disagree that LGBT+ relationships are being threaded throughout RSE, even though it's legally required. 

Despite all the evidence that sex education is paramount and needs development, not reduction, Sunak announced Conservative Party's press conference in October that they would work to allow parents to oversee their children's sex education at school, and be able to pull them out of those lessons if they saw fit. While that might seem fair enough to some people, there are myriad reasons why giving parents this kind of control over their children's sexual knowledge is a very bad idea. 

Why parents shouldn't veto their children's sex ed 

Allowing parents to control their children's sex education comes up a lot in the sex education debate, but it comes with a lot of dangers. 

Research from Planned Parenthood found that over 20 percent of parents are not talking to their children about sex at home, and the ones that do speak about it are likely to skip important conversations like consent. So, if children are to be pulled out of school sex education, they're unlikely to get it anywhere else. 

Missing out on RSE has a significant effect on sexual development. Anabelle Knight, certified sex educator at sex toy company Lovehoney, tells Mashable that a lack of sex education in school has a direct consequence of poor sexual behaviour and understanding in adults, particularly in groups that are underrepresented in the teachings. 

She's right — Harvard Medical School found that comprehensive RSE helps to prevent sexual violence, for instance, while another study from the Council of Europe found it generally forms safer and more inclusive communities for children. If that wasn't enough, one study from The Journal of Adolescent Health examined sex education and its effects on children as they develop into adults for an entire three decades, and linked thorough sex education to a better understanding and appreciation of "sexual diversity, dating and intimate partner violence prevention, development of healthy relationships, prevention of child sex abuse and improved social/emotional learning". The study also notes that for the best chances of these social developments occurring, children need to start learning RSE in elementary school (primary school in the UK) and those lessons need to be LGBTQ+ inclusive. 

For example, she explains the LGBTQ+ community has to look elsewhere for the sex information they should have learned in school. "One of the most common – and easily accessible – places to learn about sex is in pornography, which portrays an unrealistic, often male-centric view of sex and intimacy." In short, not being offered sex education in school has drastic consequences on our relationships, including that with ourselves, in later life." 

Knight explains that consent is one of the most important things that people of any age can learn, and arguably the younger the better. "Not only is it important for children to learn that they have autonomy over their own bodies, but also that they must respect others' boundaries," she explains. 

SEE ALSO: Is Instagram shadowbanning LGBTQ and sex ed accounts?

"Teaching children about consent and sexual relationships before they experience them means that they are much better prepared for when they do. In order for anyone to make an informed decision they must first be… informed," she adds.   

Some parents also don't have their children's best interests in mind. Some parents will prioritise their political beliefs over the safety of their children. Some parents are homophobic, and wouldn't be okay with their children being queer of any kind, and may block their children from sex education to stop them from learning about it due to their own ulterior motives. 

It's a difficult reality to reckon with, but some parents also abuse their children. 37 percent of children who undergo child sex abuse experience this from a family member, or a family friend according to the Office of National Statistics.

With all this in mind, Knight says it's vital for children to learn about sex from a professional, regulated, and safe source. Parents are clearly not the right option for this. 

While panic over sex education contents increases, journalist Sophia Smith Galer found in a VICE report that the UK government has only spent half of the £6 million it promised in 2019 to spend on compulsory sex education in schools. This is demonstrative of a lacking sex education, not an overbearing one. Perhaps, instead of focusing on rumours without evidence, we should instead consider the glaring improvements left to be made, what the science says about supporting young people's safe sexual development, and the misplacement of funds in this space. 

A Shining-style mountain setting is the spooky backdrop for Cuckoo, Tilman Singer's horror about a family relocating to the remote German Alps.

The trailer follows despondent teenager Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), who takes a job working reception at a nearby lodge — only to one day be chased home on her bike by a very creepy figure with glowing eyes.

"Whatever the film's more overt horrors, whether its chilling atmosphere or its attempts at amusing moral and visceral obscenities, they're all bound by Schafer's increasing physical and emotional despondency," wrote Mashable's Siddhant Adlakha in his review. "She doesn't just save the movie. She is the movie, making it all the more remarkable to watch." Dan Stevens and Jessica Henwick and Gemma Chan also star.

How to watch: Cuckoo is in theatres from May 3.

Daily Show host Desi Lydic has form on calling out Fox News hypocrisy, and on Wednesday she turned her attention to channel's recent outrage over Easter happening to fall on Trans Visibility Day.

After rightly pointing out that Trans Visibility Day — which celebrates trans and non-binary people and raises awareness of the discrimination they face and the restriction of their human rights — occurs on March 31 every year whereas Easter weekend changes annually, Lydic made it clear that the main goal here was simply to stir up outrage.

"For what it's worth, there's a false premise at the heart of this entire controversy, which is that there's even a conflict between trans people and Christianity to begin with," says Lydic. "There isn't. In fact the bible doesn't say anything about trans people. It does, however, say to love thy neighbour, and to not judge other people."

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We are a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can quickly get to a point when it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

1. Sign up 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 the U.S.

4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2024.

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

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

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

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

What are the benefits of using dating apps?

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

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

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

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

Is online dating worth the hassle?

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

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

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

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

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

Should you use free dating apps?

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

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

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

What is the best dating site?

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

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

These are the best dating sites in 2024.

Gaming is all about small margins. Whether you are looking to invest in a new gaming mouse, keyboard, or monitor, the objective is the same: improve your overall experience and gain a competitive edge over your opponents. No matter how small the variables, your'e in it to win it.

The same goes for SSDs. They're little, but these devices can have a significant impact on your gaming system. It's almost certainly time for an upgrade.

But it you don't know your SSDs from your RPGs, it's not always easy to choose the right model for you. That's where we come in. We've picked a selection of the best SSDs and put together some helpful information.

What is an SSD?

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are all-electronic, non-volatile random access storage drives. SSDs are used as the internal storage in smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and are increasingly often found instead of hard drives in desktop computers. This is because they work faster, meaning a device's operating system will boot up faster, programs will load quicker, and files can be saved almost instantly.

Do you need an SSD for gaming?

The short answer is "no, not necessarily". If you are already equipped with decent CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage, you should have no issue with your gaming system. However, if you are really looking to squeeze everything you can out of your experience, you could benefit from investing in a gaming-friendly SSD.

Adding an SSD will result in faster game load times, improved game boot times, and smoother general gameplay. And who doesn't want that?

Do you need an SSD for a PS5?

In this case, we say "yes". Especially if you're serious about PS5 gaming. The PS5 comes equipped with just 667GB of usable internal storage. Not only will that fill up in no time, but we're just really just scratching the surface of PS5 gaming. That means a whole lot of games, campaigns, and data that you'll ultimately need extra storage to enjoy.

How does an SSD work?

Unlike a hard disc drive, an SSD is made up of two key components — a controller and flash memory chips. The SSD reads and writes data to these flash memory chips. If that all sounds confusing, here's a quick guide to some of the jargon you'll find when researching SSDs:

• Endurance — This refers to the maximum data that can be written onto an SSD, generally measured by DWPD (drive writes per day).

• Flash memory — A type of non-volatile data storage. It essentially means that it retains data even when the power source is switched off.

• Heatsink — A heatsink transfers heat from your SSD. A heatsink may be built into your SSD, or can be bought separately.

• IOPS — AKA input/output operations per second. Essentially the maximum number read/writes that an SSD can perform per second.

• Read/write speeds — This is how fast the SSD takes to open a file on your device (i.e. read) and how fast it saves data on the SSD (writes). This is measured in MB/s (megabits per second).

We know that's a lot to take in, but we promise it's not that complicated. Keep these points in mind when considering the options out there.

What is the best SSD for gaming?

You have plenty of options when it comes to SSDs. There are a lot of recognised brands that produce high-quality devices that can significantly improve your gaming experience. To help you find the best option for your system, we have lined up a selection of the best SSDs for gaming.

These are the best gaming SSDs in 2024.

Some users on X are finding themselves to be blue-checked once again. They never asked for it.

Elon Musk's app is handing out verified checkmarks to users who have more than 2,500 "verified subscriber followers", providing such users with free Premium memberships. Those with over 5,000 verified subscriber followers will receive Premium Plus. Musk announced the move on X last week.

Tweet may have been deleted

No one can forget that Musk's takeover of Twitter, now X, involved a heavy rebrand of the blue tick. Musk vowed to remove the app's legacy verification program – which he referred to as a "lords & peasants system" – and replaced this with a series of questionable moves, including the CEO personally paying for some celebrities to retain their legacy blue ticks. For others, acquiring the now meaningless blue tick meant paying at least $8 per month.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk confirms X accounts with certain subscriber levels will get Premium bonuses

But now, users are automatically verified once again and most of them aren't happy about it.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Users may have the option to hide their blue ticks, another facet of X's ill-advised verification program. Looks like most of the new subscribers would rather opt for that, than to have people think they paid to be blue-checked on Musk's app.

TL;DR: Through April 7, save an additional 20% on this WiFi and micro SD mini camera with code SECURE20 and get it for $48.79.

The TOKK™ CAM C2+ could be used as a home security cam, personal body camera, or even a way to keep an eye on your pets while you’re away, since it supports micro SD and WiFi recording. Normally $89.99, you can get it for $48.79 with code SECURE20 until April 7.

Enter: A new world of personal security and peace of mind

Think of the TOKK™ CAM C2+ as your second pair of eyes. With a clip that attaches to the camera’s magnetic back, you can easily install it anywhere you want to monitor — maybe your front porch, your parked vehicle, or your dog's crate. Connect it to your home’s 2.4GHz WiFi or insert a micro SD card and the camera will record in 1280x720p resolution with high-quality audio and night vision. 

If you choose WiFi connectivity, you can view recorded footage within the iCookyCam iOS or Android mobile app. This also allows you to set up push notifications if the camera detects motion, like if your package carrier arrives or if your pup wakes up from their nap.

Another key feature of the TOKK™ CAM C2+ is its pocket-sized design. Measuring 1.5 by 1.5 inches and weighing just 19 grams, it truly goes wherever you need it to and won’t weigh you down if you want to use it as a personal body cam. It’s also USB-rechargeable, requiring zero expensive batteries or annoying cords for operation.

Keep an eye out with this TOKK™ CAM C2+ day and night-vision camera for $48.79 (reg. $89.99) with code SECURE20 at checkout until April 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Browse other security-related deals as part of this limited-time coupon sale.

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TL;DR: Through April 7, save an extra 20% on this ethical hacking online boot camp bundle with code SECURE20, making it under $4 per course.

As you can probably imagine, online privacy goes far beyond dreaming up a creative password and declining cookies — as crazy as that last part sounds in the real world. There’s actually an entire field dedicated to cybersecurity, and it’s one that you could work in without a degree if you have the right experience and certification.

This ethical hacking online boot camp bundle can help you get those credentials from home, and it’s 20% off right now when you use code SECURE20 at checkout: $35.99 (reg. $143). Try out this coupon on other security-related deals on our site through April 7.

Crack the code to cybersecurity: Self-paced online learning

Though some job titles or companies might prefer or require a college degree, you could build a standout resume with coveted skills and certifications that help you land a position like penetration tester, ethical hacker, or vulnerability analyst with these courses. 

They start at the bare basics and work up to hands-on projects:

• Hacking with Python: Learn to write security programs that automate tasks or develop tools for penetration testing. These courses also help you code other non-security-related projects.

• Network analysis with Wireshark: Understand network traffic and detect malicious activities.

• Web application security: Think like a hacker and use that perspective to secure your programs against threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and session hijacking.

• Infrastructure penetration testing: Test and explore vulnerabilities in Windows and Linux systems, including finding open ports, exploiting systems, and using tools like Metasploit. 

And that’s just scratching the surface. After completing most or all of the lessons, you’ll find two specialized courses that help you prepare for the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam. This helps prove your newfound expertise to prospective employers so you can potentially land a role in this lucrative industry. 

Become an ethical hacker with this online boot camp bundle for $35.99 when you use code SECURE20 at checkout (reg. $143) until April 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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TL;DR: Through April 7, see the world and keep your memories with these HD Digital Camera Binoculars for just $121.99 (reg. $199).

Is there a more universal experience than rejoicing at the start of spring? Probably. However, it is such a delight to welcome the first buds on trees and the beginning of longer days and more sunlight. Many of us use that excitement to spend more time outside to soak up some vitamin D and fresh air.

If you enjoy walks, hikes, or bike rides in nature, these modern binoculars could have your name on them. Observe the birds and other wildlife on your springtime adventures with these binoculars, which offer 12X magnification in high resolution. You'll even be able to record what you see and snap photos to share with friends and family.

It also offers a range of over half a mile, which can be helpful if you're a hunter or bird watcher, as well as an anti-reflective coating, which is designed to prevent water damage and enhance light transmission, providing super clear images even in difficult lighting situations. It's also thoughtfully small and portable.

With precise focus adjustment, a waterproof design, and a two-inch LCD screen to watch it all on, these camera binoculars are a worthwhile investment if you are an outdoor or nature lover. They could also come in handy for sporting events or concerts, both big and small when you need a closer view.

Elevate your spring activities and beyond with HD Digital Camera Binoculars while it's on sale for just $121.99 (reg. $199) for a limited time — a 52% savings.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Through April 7, score the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10th-Gen for just $99.99 (open-box). (Reg. $249.)

While navigating an iPad on the touchscreen can be convenient, it can also be a challenge when it comes to typing lengthy documents, filling out forms, or sending emails. This open-box 2022 Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad offers a more comfortable typing experience so you can get more done in a fraction of the time.

The built-in, click-anywhere trackpad supports multi‑touch gestures and the cursor in iPadOS. Designed to manage ​​precise task handling, you’ll be able to complete any assignment as you would on any standard keyboard. The 14-key function row allows the user to access easy shortcuts, saving time in the long run.

The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio comes in a chic white color and has a two-piece design with front and back protection for extra durability. The adjustable stand has flexible viewing angles for customizing comfortability preferences and deflecting glares.

This detachable keyboard is designed to be great for anyone who’s on the go or needs a reliable setup when working remotely. Simply prop it up and start fleshing out a report or watching your favorite movie — just as you would on a laptop or PC.

Open-box items are often excess inventory from store shelves or items that have been returned from retail stores back to the warehouse. Products may have had customer contact or been repackaged, but rest assured they go through a verification process that verifies they’re still in new condition and put in fresh packaging.

Get this 2022 open-box 10th-generation Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad for only $99.99 (reg. $249).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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$249.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal

The fastest spacecraft in our solar system has captured wild footage inside the sun's atmosphere.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe — a craft flying much closer to the sun than any previous mission — witnessed massive "vortex-like structures" in our star's outer atmosphere, called the corona. You can see the unprecedented view below, taken by the probe's WISPR camera (short for Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe) and recently posted online.

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

Researchers suspect that the phenomena was caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) — when the sun ejects a mass of super hot gas (plasma) into space — interacting with the solar wind. The sun's solar wind is constant, as our medium-sized star emits a steady stream of charged particles.

The new research associated with the footage, published in The Astrophysical Journal, concluded that this find in uncharted realms of the sun has created new opportunities to better understand and predict CMEs, outbursts that can severely harm communications and electrical grids on Earth. Technically, these rare vortices are called "Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities," or KHI.

"The direct imaging of extraordinary ephemeral phenomena like KHI with WISPR/PSP is a discovery that opens a new window to better understand CME propagation and their interaction with the ambient solar wind," Evangelos Paouris, a space weather researcher and member of the WISPR team at George Mason University, said in a statement.

CMEs "can endanger satellites, disrupt communications and navigation technologies, and even knock out power grids on Earth," NASA explains. Infamously, a potent CME in 1989 knocked out power to millions in Québec, Canada. The CME hit Earth's magnetic field on March 12 of that year, and then, wrote NASA astronomer Sten Odenwald, "Just after 2:44 a.m. on March 13, the currents found a weakness in the electrical power grid of Québec. In less than two minutes, the entire Québec power grid lost power. During the 12-hour blackout that followed, millions of people suddenly found themselves in dark office buildings and underground pedestrian tunnels, and in stalled elevators."

An artist's conception of NASA's Parker Solar Probe passing through the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona. Credit: NASA

The space agency's Parker Solar Probe will continue its speeding dives into the sun's corona. To withstand the heat, it's fortified with a 4.5-inch-thick carbon heat shield that's pointed at the sun. The shield itself heats up to some 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, but just a couple of feet behind the shield, the environs are surprisingly mild.

Later this year, the spacecraft will reach a whopping 430,000 miles per hour.

Sexting (dirty talk, swapping nudes, sending explicit audio messages...the list goes on, depending on your personal preference and comfort level) is one way to take your dating life to new heights.

Whether you're single and ravenous for some sexy screen time with a stranger, in a long-distance relationship that's keeping the passion alive through digital intimacy, or interested in amping up your solo sex toy sessions with steamy instructions from an AI companion, mastering the act (art?) of sexting leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.

And, no, we're not talking about flirting with your crush on Facebook Messenger or sliding into someone's DMs on Instagram. We're talking about good old-fashioned dirty talk with a modern twist (think: video chat, sexy snaps, and erotic audio messages, with self-destructing features for added privacy). We made a lot of accounts to test the best sexting apps, and we've gathered our favorites below. You'll recognize some of them from our guide to the best dating apps, and for more adult fun, check out our review of the best hookup apps.

Once viewed as taboo, sexting is a mainstream way to communicate your desires

According to a 2023 survey of U.S. adults by the market research platform Statista, 77 percent of participants said they've sent at least one sext — that's up from 45 percent in 2019 and just 14 percent about 10 years ago.

SEE ALSO: The cherry emoji and 14 other emoji you can use to sext

And we're pretty sure those numbers will rise as tech advances and societal norms evolve to become more accepting and inclusive of sexual expression.

Sexting isn't just a saucy way to get off; it's a great tool for building trust and intimacy and sharing or exploring your wants and fantasies in a consensual and safe manner. It can also help you and your partner feel more connected and maintain a strong sexual bond (so the next time you get together, it may be even hotter). This is especially true in long-distance relationships or during periods of physical separation.

How to start sexting

For some, just the thought of sending an explicit message or racy photo can be intimidating. (And that's OK!) There are so many apps and resources out there to help even the most novice sexters feel empowered and confident.

Not sure where to start? Based on our research and hands-on testing, we've narrowed down the best sexting apps of 2024 to the following top contenders:

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 4 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 4

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, April 4, 2024:

AcrossTiny bit of kindling

• The answer is twig.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way" speaker

• The answer is Frodo.

Screenwriter Sorkin

• The answer is Aaron.

Suffix with Louis and Jackson, in city names

• The answer is ville.

Trimmed parts of green beans

• The answer is ends.

DownOne might be on track to arrive

The answer is train.

"What in the ___?!"

• The answer is world.

Venerated celebrities

• The answer is idols.

Missing

• The answer is gone.

#1 choice, informally

• The answer is fave.

Another day, another unpaid severance lawsuit against Twitter/X and Elon Musk. Former Twitter executive Nick Caldwell is suing the social media platform for approximately $19.3 million in withheld entitlements, joining a slew of similar claims which have arisen since Musk took over in 2022.

Filed in a California District Court on Wednesday, the lawsuit states that Caldwell resigned from his former role as Twitter's General Manager for Core Technologies on Oct. 22, 2022 — mere days before Musk officially took the reigns as its new owner. At the time, Twitter's termination policy stated that executives such as Caldwell were entitled to severance packages if they resigned for "Good Reason" or were fired without cause. 

SEE ALSO: Former Twitter/X executives sue Elon Musk for $128 million in unpaid severance

Caldwell contends that his resignation fulfilled this requirement because Twitter going private meant he would no longer directly report to the CEO of a publicly traded company. Such a circumstance was specifically listed as a "material adverse change" and "Good Reason" for resigning under the company's termination policy. Twitter was officially delisted from the New York Stock Exchange on Oct. 28.

In response to Caldwell's resignation, Twitter/X allegedly told him that he would serve out his notice period until Nov. 27, but did not provide its standard separation agreement despite repeated requests. Musk subsequently fired Caldwell on Nov. 27, terminating him for alleged "failure to comply with the Company’s written policies or rules, including its code of conduct," as well as "gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of [his] duties."

This meant that, in Musk's assessment, Caldwell had been fired with cause and was thus no longer entitled to his $19.3 million severance package. Caldwell disputes this, claiming that he resigned for "Good Reason" before he was ostensibly fired, and that Twitter/X failed to provide any facts or proof to substantiate its accusations against him.

"Tellingly, Musk’s termination letter, like those of the other executives, did not include any facts demonstrating any misconduct or grounds for termination for 'Cause,'" the lawsuit reads (emphasis original). "With no factual basis, Musk simply accused Mr. Caldwell of misconduct as a ploy to evade paying him millions of dollars in severance benefits that Musk/Twitter owed to Mr. Caldwell."

In addition to his $19.3 million severance entitlements, Caldwell is seeking interest, attorney's fees, and almost $490,000 for the value of the restricted stock units Twitter/X should have vested when his employment ended.

Twitter/X and Musk have been accused of withholding severance from over 2000 people

This is far from the only case of unpaid severance plaguing Twitter/X. The company has been inundated with a deluge of severance claims since Musk's acquisition in late 2022, with the billionaire having laid off approximately 80 percent of its staff. Last September the company agreed to settlement talks with approximately 2,000 former employees, all of whom have accused Twitter/X of withholding their entitlements.

Caldwell isn't even the only former Twitter/X executive chasing millions in severance. In a similar lawsuit filed last month, Twitter/X's former Chief Executive Officer Parag Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal, Chief Legal Officer Vijaya Gadde, and General Counsel Sean Edgett accused the company of withholding a combined total of over $128 million in unpaid severance. Like Caldwell, these former executives also accused Musk of fabricating reasons to fire them in order to avoid paying out their entitlements.

"Because Musk decided he didn’t want to pay Plaintiffs’ severance benefits, he simply fired them without reason, then made up fake cause and appointed employees of his various companies to uphold his decision," the plaintiff's complaint read. "He claimed in his termination letters that each Plaintiff committed 'gross negligence' and 'willful misconduct' without citing a single fact in support of this claim."

Basically, there seem to be two possibilities. Either Twitter/X's entire executive suite was engaging in gross negligence and willful misconduct, egregious behaviour which went completely undetected until Musk figured it out within mere hours of taking over the company. Or Musk was attempting a clumsy, ill-conceived scheme to stop haemorrhaging money into a $44 billion acquisition he did not want but was legally obligated to go through with.

Regardless of your job, rank, or industry, written communication is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. Here’s a three-step framework to help you level up as a writer—whether you’re writing an email, a formal document, a social post, or something else. First, determine the purpose of what you’re writing. What result […]

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TL;DR: The Complete 2024 CompTIA Course Bundle by IDUNOVA is on sale for £50.94 with the code SECURE20.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to change careers, you should consider joining the IT field. With a wealth of opportunities for computer nerds as technicians, ethical hackers as penetration testers, and bossy types as project managers, and more, there’s something for almost everyone — and many titles don’t require a degree.

Instead, you can earn CompTIA certifications to train for the job and prove your skills to employers. While you have to pass each exam, this training bundle could help you pass with flying colours for £50.94 with the code SECURE20.

With courses in 12 certifications, it may be difficult to know where to start. If you have little or no prior IT experience, you may want to begin with CompTIA Fundamentals+ and A+, industry standards that also build a foundation for more advanced training. 

From there, explore certifications that could help you land your dream job title:

• Network+: network administrator or IT support manager

• Server+: server administrator, data architect, or support technician

• Linux+: cybersecurity engineer or web administrator

• Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+: cloud specialist or business development manager

• Project+: IT project manager or coordinator

• PenTest+: penetration tester or web app penetration tester

• CySA+: vulnerability analyst, threat hunter, security architect

• CASP+: cybersecurity manager or information security analyst

As you can see, there are opportunities for many different areas of interest, and you get lifetime access to training courses in them all. You may need a degree for some, but you only need a certification for many of these IT jobs.

Start exploring a new career path today with this 15-course CompTIA training course bundle, on sale for £50.94 with the code SECURE20.

Opens in a new window Credit: CommerceNova Ltd The Complete 2024 CompTIA Certification Training Bundle by IDUNOVA £50.94 with the code SECURE20 Get Deal