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Polish composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek, who won a 2005 Oscar for the musical score of Finding Neverland, died on Tuesday (May 21). He was 71. Kaczmarek’s death was announced by Poland’s Music Foundation, which had been informed of his passing by the composer’s wife. Kaczmarek had suffered from MSA, a rare degenerative neurological disorder. He […]
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Thanks to VPNs, it’s getting easier than ever to safely stream your favorite TV series, movies and other programs from anywhere around the world.
What is a VPN? Think of it as a digital cloak that allows you to stream everything from must-watch TV shows to movies and sporting events, whenever and wherever you want.
Traveling abroad? VPNs will keep you connected while you’re away. But they’re not just for streaming your favorite programs internationally and accessing websites that may be inaccessible from outside of the U.S. You can use a VPNs at home, or at work, to keep your personal information secure as most VPNs offer private streaming and malware protection to keep your devices safe from viruses, hackers, phishing and other digital scams.
To get technical, a VPN, or “virtual private network,” encrypts your connection to hide your IP address, which allows you to stream from just about anywhere around the world. Although some platforms restrict VPN use, you can access VPNs on certain streaming platforms such as DirecTV, Peacock, Philo and Max.
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Most VPN services have monthly and annual plans, but if you’re not so familiar with the process, you might not want to lock yourself into an extended plan just yet. It’s better to start with a monthly package, or free trial where available (some VPNs offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee.)
To help you get started, we’ve collected a list of the five best VPNs for streaming, web surfing, gaming and more that are compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, FireTV, Chrome, Firefox and other platforms.
See below for a short rundown of plans, pricing and other details you need to know.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a favorite of ours, due to its convenience, ease of use and speed. It works on multiple streaming platforms, allowing you to stay connected to your favorite programs, no matter how far you travel. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with easy access on up to 10 devices.
$3.69/month $8.29/month 55% off nordvpn
NordVPN has a strong connection to multiple servers in 111 countries around the world, but you’ll receive a notification to choose a new server if the current one is going offline or unavailable. Other features include malware protection, Data Breach Scanners, along with ad-blocking and tracking, which stops sites from tracking your online activity.
And right now, you can join for up to 71% off, plus three months free.
ExpressVPN
With servers in more than 150 countries, the ability to connect on up to eight devices simultaneously and a 30-day, money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is one of the Web’s most popular VPN services (just Google “VPNs” and see what pops up first).
ExpressVPN offers one of the best options for international streaming at rapid speed (there’s a reason why it’s called “express” VPN) along with encrypted files, safe browsing and added protection to keep your personal information secure. You can join ExpressVPN for $6.67/month (49% off) for the first three months.
Surfshark
For a budget option, consider Surfshark. It’s a decent, budget VPN, according to TikTok reviews.
$2.19/month with 2-year plan $15.45/month 86% off surfshark
The VPN protects your personal info: search history, passwords and IP address. And you won’t have to worry about pop-ups, cookies and ads. There’s also antivirus protection that blocks access to your device’s camera.
Private Internet Access
Billed as the most “transparent” VPN option among its competitors, Private Internet Access offers fast streaming, advanced split tunneling that lets you customize settings for different apps and websites, and a “Kill Switch” to keep your data safe from leaks if the connection drops.
$2.19/month with 2-year plan $11.99/month 82% off pia vpn
Like many of the other choices on the list, PIA has ad-blocking, 24/7 customer assistance and monthly, annual and three-year plans, the latter being the cheapest at $2.19 for three years and three months. Monthly plans cost $11.99 and the year plan is $3.33/month (billed annually).
More Budget VPNs
Other budget VPN options include CyberGhost ($2.19 per month) and PureVPN for $3.46/month (regularly $19.95). There’s also Pure VPN, which features a comprehensive, user-friendly dashboard, “cutting-edge encryption” for secure and private browsing, and a social media checker that scans your privacy settings.
Reviews are mixed on PureVPN, as multiple Reddit users noted slower speeds and lagging. Keeping that in mind, PureVPN offers monthly plans for $19.95, or $4.96 for the annual plan. The Max plan is $3.46/month (reg. $19.95) for a two-year subscription, plus 83% off for four months.
For more streaming recommendations, see our roundups of the best digital antennas for access to local channels and best internet for rural areas.
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Father’s Day is quickly approaching, but Happy Socks is ready to solve your gifting needs by restocking their official Rolling Stones collection. Now, you can treat the music lover in your life with special edition socks inspired by the rock band.
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Within the exclusive collection are six different boxed sets including six packs or three packs of socks that reimagine the group’s “lip and tongue” logo in bold, pop art-inspired colorways. Everything is packaged inside a vinyl-sized box that’s great for gifting or display. If only certain patterns caught your eye, you can also stock up on individual styles, but act quick, as individual pairs are already selling out.
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Prices range from $10 to $108, with sizes ranging from kids to adults; these are considered officially licensed merchandise, so they’ll add a cozy twist to any fan’s merch collection.
Keep reading to shop the Rolling Stones x Happy Socks collaboration below.
Rolling Stones Collector Box Set
Like the name hints, collectors won’t want to miss out on this box set as it comes with six pairs of socks decorated with the iconic Rolling Stones lip and tongue logo in unique colorways. The box is just as bold as the socks featuring a display-worthy pattern and special message from the band and sock brand on the inside to learn more about the collection.
3-Pack Rolling Stones Gift Set
This three-pack of socks each feature a retro-themed pattern using a cotton material and reinforced toe and heel for longevity. If you’re feeling bold you can add some spice to your outfits with the cobalt blue and orange pair or for a more subtle look, the black socks with light outlines of the band’s logo is perfect for wearing to the office.
6-Pack Rolling Stones Socks Gift Set
If you can’t decide on the perfect pair of socks to gift your dad, then pick up this variety pack. It comes with six different pairs of socks featuring the iconic logo in different variations of sizes and colorways. As an added bonus, it comes packaged in a vinyl-shaped box that is worthy of putting on the front of their mantle.
Rolling Stones Paint It Bright Sock
For under $20, you can surprise the father in your life with a colorful pair of Rolling Stones socks that’ll swaddle his feet in comfort while showing off their favorite rock band. Each sock is made from a mix of cotton, elastane and nylon that’ll cushion feet in coziness.
In addition to its collaboration with The Rolling Stones, Happy Socks also restocked its limited-edition The Beatles collection — and it’s still in stock, for now.
A fan favorite when it was originally released a few years ago, the Happy Socks x The Beatles collection pays homage to the band’s iconic logo, album art and iconography (think fun takes on the guys crossing Abbey Road, and a retro-inspired take on Andy Warhol’s popular Beatles print).
To help you stock up on some of the best prints available, we’ve put together a few picks to buy online below.
The Beatles 4-Pack Gift Set
He can carry The Beatles on his travels with a four pack of socks packaged in a limited-edition gift box. While the exterior shows off each member of the band, within the box he’ll be able to choose from four different patterns from simple to statement-making styles.
The Beatles Collector’s 24-Pack Gift Set
Don’t miss out on surprising him an exclusive collector’s set that comes with 24 Beatles socks including styles inspired by “Yellow Submarine” and the group’s Abbey Road crossing. He’ll also receive five never-before-seen embroidered styles, eight new limited edition socks, and 11 remastered versions of previous designs.
Beatles Crosswalk Sock
Whether you prefer to gift one style (or just want a pair for yourself) consider this bestselling pair featuring the band’s crosswalk. Embroidered on the ankle of the sock are each Beatle member, recreating their historic crossing of Abbey Road while the heel and toe feature a bright red.
Happy Socks has been growing their collection of musician-inspired collections with an official Elton John sock line being one of the most recent to be added. Along with artists, the apparel brand has delved into entertainment-inspired lines with a Disney collection as well as Star Wars collaboration that pop culture-lovers can stock up on.
For more product recommendations, check out our gift guides for musicians, singers and the best subscription gifts.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Brandon Maxwell has been a longtime collaborator with Lady Gaga and can be attributed to some of her most memorable red […]
Much has changed in the 55 years since the The Stonewall Uprising — and Cynthia Erivo is ready to celebrate the progress we’ve made. In an announcement on Tuesday (May 21), LGBTQ+ advocacy group Pride Live announced Erivo as the official headliner for the Stonewall Day 2024 benefit concert, taking place Friday, June 28. The […]
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Lululemon has gathered a cult following of loyal shoppers who consider it one of the best athleisure brands out there. But besides offering the coveted Everywhere Belt Bag and “buttery soft” Align Pants, the lifestyle apparel brand is now going viral for its Mini Shoulder Bag, which has reviewers obsessed with its designer-like look and “unmatched material.”
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More than 4 million videos have already been created on TikTok raving about the shoulder bag — including one standout post by TikToker @stephanie.lauer, who has garnered more than 145,000 views for her review of the purse.
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“Wow, this inside is actually really, really nice,” the TikToker says in the video. “You can actually fit so much inside.”
Keep reading to buy the viral Lululemon purse now.
Mini Shoulder Bag 4L
The Mini Shoulder Bag comes with a crescent moon-shaped body and adjustable strap that you can lengthen or shorten to your liking. Inside, find various mesh pockets and slots to store your phone, wallet, keys and other travel necessities with ease. While the Mini Shoulder Bag shows off a trendy moon-inspired shape, its most notable feature is its water-repellent material that’ll rest comfortably on your shoulder or elbow while keeping your travel essentials safe and dry. The body, lining and mesh fabrics are all designed from 100% recycled materials making it both vegan and sustainable.
Lululemon reviewers can’t get over how “stylish” and “chic” the bag looks. One shopper even said it was better than a luxury designer bag, opting for the Lululemon as their everyday pick.
“Best bag ever!” they wrote. “I was carrying the Marc Jacobs tote bag, but it faded and got dirty. I decided to get this one and I love it more! Fits everything you need, looks sleek, clean and sits perfectly on your shoulder.”
While the purse comes in three colors: white, black and green, the white shade is already sold out and the other colors aren’t too far behind. It even comes with a price tag of only $68, making it more affordable than the Taylor Swift-worn Aupen bag. Pick up the Lululemon purse here.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best tote bags, unique-shaped bags and gym bags.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The all-new original animated series The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish arrives Monday (May 20) on Nickelodeon.
The 20-episode series is about a 10-year-old girl, Hazel Wells, who attempts to leave her house but ends up finding out her unusual neighbors, Cosmo and Wanda, are actually Fairy Godparents in disguise.
Ashleigh Crystal Hairston, known for her roles in Tiny Toons Looniversity and Craig of the Creek, voices Hazel Wells. Joining her are Daran Norris, reprising his role as Cosmo from The Fairly OddParents, and Susanne Blakeslee (The Loud House, Amphibia) as the voice of Wanda.
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Nickelodeon’s cherished animated series The Fairly OddParents aired from 2001 to 2017, spanning 172 episodes.
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Keep reading for details on how to stream the new animated series for free.
The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish: How to Stream Free
The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish consists of 20 episodes. The series debuts Monday, May 20, at 4:30 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon in the United States and will “become accessible on Netflix internationally later in the year.”
In celebration of National Streaming Day, you might want to add DirecTV as one of your streaming options. DirecTV currently offers a deal at $49.99/month for the first three months. Take advantage of this limited offer and save big.
You can also catch the premiere of The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish for free by taking advantage of streaming platforms like: Philo, Fubo, and Paramount+, which all provide free trials lasting for up to 7 days.
Philo offers shows, movies, and 70+ channels including Nickelodeon, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, MTV, and more for only $25/month. Start your 7-day free trial today.
Paramount+ is also offering a 7-day free trial when you sign up for either of its plans: Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime, which means you can watch The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish for free.
You can also stream it on SlingTV. With Sling Orange, you can stream Nick Jr. and other channels for $15 for your first month (regularly $40/month). It includes 32 channels with seven exclusive sports and family channels. Sling Blue is $20 for your first month (regularly $45/month), and it includes a total of 42 channels.
All you need to do is sign up for one of these trials, and you’ll be able to enjoy the new animated series.
Current Nickelodeon shows:
Alvinnn!!! And the Chipmunks
Danger Force
The Fairly OddParents
Henry Danger
ICarly
Kamp Koral: Spongebob’s Under Years
The Loud House
Monster High
Monster High 2 The Movie
NFL Slimetime
Nick News
The Patrick Star Show
The Really Loud House
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Rock Paper Scissors
The Smurfs
Spongebob Squarpants
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Thundermans
Transformers: Earthspark
Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan
Victorious
Zoey 101
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Willie Nelson has teamed up with his wife Annie to bring some favorite recipes to your kitchen that are sure to […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
It’s almost time for the NBA Finals! The Boston Celtics will host the Indiana Pacers for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals airing live Tuesday (May 21) on ESPN.
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Read on for ways to livestream the Pacers vs. Celtics games and the Western Conference finals NBA Playoffs games for free.
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Where to Stream the Pacers vs. Celtics Game Online
The Celtics vs. Pacers game will take place on Tuesday, May 21, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The game is scheduled to be simulcast on ESPN and ESPN2.
Can you livestream the Celtics vs. Pacers game for free? Yes! Subscribe to DirecTV Stream and enjoy a free trial for five days, plus save $30 per month over three months.
DirecTV is currently offering a major price cut on streaming plans starting at $49.99/month (reg. $79.99/month). The package lets you stream 90+ live channels including ESPN, ESPN 2, TNT, TBS, ABC, FS1, Bally Sports, NBC, CBS, Fox, FX, Bravo, Lifetime, BET, AMC, VH1 and MTV.
New subscribers can save up to $30 off for three months. But you don’t have much time to score a discount, DirecTV the limited offer ends on tomorrow.
Fubo also offers a free trial for a week and streaming plans under $80/month for more than 100 channels including ESPN, TNT and TBS and local channels.
Sling TV doesn’t offer a free trial, but NBA fans will find streaming plans for as low as $20/month (re. $40/month). Sling TV gives you access to channels such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, TBS, FS1, NFL Network, NFL Redzone and more. Click below to join Sling for $20.
For NBA fans outside of the U.S., VPNs such as ExpressVPN offer international access to multiple platforms to watch live TV and more.
Game 1 coverage starts with NBA Countdown airing at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN on Tuesday. NBA Unplugged with Kevin Hart will air at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Which team is predicated to win the Eastern Conference finals? The conference finals could go either way, but the Celtics are predicted to win over the Pacers and advance to the NBA Finals.
The Pacers shook up the NBA Playoffs beating the New York Knicks in Game 7 on Sunday. The victory landed them in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2014. The Celtics return to the finals for a sixth time in the last eight years.
Meanwhile, Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves will air live on TNT on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
See the NBA Conference finals schedule below.
Eastern Conference Finals Schedule
Game 1: Pacers vs. Celtics, Tuesday, May 21 on ESPN
Game 2: Pacers vs. Celtics, Thursday, May 23 on ESPN
Game 3: Celtics vs. Pacers, Saturday, May 25 on ABC
Game 4: Celtics vs. Pacer, Monday, May 27 on ESPN
(Possible) Game 5: Pacers vs. Celtics, Wednesday, May 29 on ESPN
(Possible) Game 6: Celtics vs. Pacers, Friday, May 31 on ESPN
(Possible) Game 7: Pacers vs. Celtics, Sunday, June 2 on ESPN
Western Conference Finals Schedule
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, Wednesday, May 22 on TNT
Game 2: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, Friday, May 24 on TNT
Game 3: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks, Sunday, May 26 on TNT
Game 4: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks, Tuesday, May 28 on TNT
(Possible) Game 5: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, Thursday, May 30 on TNT
(Possible) Game 6: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks, Saturday, June 1 on TNT
(Possible) Game 7: Mavericks vs. Timberwolves, Monday, June 3 on TNT.
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One of our greatest pioneers is making a return. MC Lyte has announced her first album in over 10 years.
As reported by WBLS the Brooklyn, New York native is preparing a comeback. On a recent episode of That’s That Joint on Rock The Bells Radio she revealed that she has a project in the works. I got a new record. I’m working on it right now” she said. The new single is out, it’s [called] “Woman”. The new record is coming.” When asked by Grandmaster Caz for more details she confirmed the album’s timing. “The album comes out August 9 and the next single comes out June 9.”
The “Paper Thin” MC went on to explain that she was hesitant to start rapping again but was encouraged by some of peers to pick up the pen and pad. She recalled a conversation she had with LL Cool J saying “but what about you? Stop being scared, put out some music.” MC Lyte also revealed that Nas’s record “Where Are They Now” also inspired her to come back. “And then of course, Nas, he gives a call out to all people of the late ’80s, early ’90s. I slipped in at the end of the ’80s, but a lot of my success came from the ’90s. So he’s just like, ‘Where y’all at? Drop some music.’”
MC Lyte is the first female MC to release a solo album with Lyte As A Rock in 1988. Her last album Legend was released in 2015. You can listen to her newest single “Woman”, which features Salt, Big Daddy Kane and Raheem DeVaughn, below.
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