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I had always gone out of my way to recycle and conserve electricity. But I didn't understand the true gravity of environmental decline until I watched A Plastic Ocean on Netflix six years ago. That documentary changed my brain — and the way I go about nearly everything on a daily basis. A big part of that has been a new approach to not only shopping for myself, but for other people.
Guilt about over-indulgent holiday shopping was a budding sentiment back in the late 2010s, with the conscionable desire to waste less and buy less exploding into a whole-ass internet trend in 2024. With underconsumption core, fast fashion is out, hauls are out, and going hard on Black Friday just because stuff is cheap is out, while simply using the items you already have, damn it — then buying higher-quality, less-expendable stuff when you do need something new — is in.
Consumerism really puts a damper on holiday cheer particularly as it applies to waste and ethics. Consider how much non-recyclable packaging will be used, how many old tech devices will be trashed to make room for new ones, or how many underpaid workers put in extra hours to get those Shein prices so sketchily low. Of course, there's always the question of whether your giftee will even use that gift you bought in a hasty scramble, or if they'll gift it to the trash can to keep the peace in their junk drawer.
SEE ALSO: The Mill food recycling bin keeps your kitchen scraps from going to a landfill by feeding them to chickens insteadAs extreme weather makes the climate crisis harder to ignore, many of us wonder what we can do to help. Outside of voting for candidates who take climate change and pollution seriously, using your dollar to shop and gift sustainably is a tangible way to get involved at the individual level.
This isn't to dismiss the fact that big corporations and their disastrous polluting habits are the root of the problem. We can't talk about trying to limit our own personal carbon footprint via sustainable gifts without acknowledging that the concept of carbon footprints was created and fed to us by BP, one of the world's biggest corporate carbon contributors, to shift the blame to people throwing straws away. But making a point to be more eco-friendly on an individual level is still important. The single-use plastic that we toss after 12 minutes will either sit in a landfill and release methane for hundreds of years or join the 8 million metric tons of plastic dumped in the ocean every year that end up in our drinking water, mess with the ocean's ability to sequester carbon, and have deadly effects on marine life.
If nothing else, an environmentally-friendly gift could spark your giftee's interest in the bigger sustainability movement, and that's not nothing. I've gathered a solid list of the best sustainable gift ideas below, including several items that I personally use and tell loved ones about. There are affordable add-ons like dishwasher-safe sandwich bags that simply act as a less-wasteful version of something people already use regularly, or more creative, premium eco-friendly gifts like a matching workout set or the comfiest comforter ever — both of which happen to be made from recycled plastic bottles. There's a gift for every point (and budget) on the journey to go green.
The No. 9 Tennessee Vols and the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes will face off in the first round of the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The match will take place at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Tennessee is 10-2 overall and 6-2 in conference. Ohio State was also 10-2 overall, but was 7-2 in conference.
The CFP has moved to a 12-team playoff format that allows the highest ranked winners of the top four conferences to take the top four seeds. The highest ranked winner of a fifth conference will take the 12th seed, if the team is not ranked higher than 12. The rest of the playoff field is filled out by ranking in a bracket released by the CFP committee. The top four seeds earn a first-round bye.
The winner of Tennessee vs. Ohio State will go on to face the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Tennessee vs. Ohio State football kickoff time and networkThe Tennessee vs. Ohio State football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on ABC/ESPN on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit are expected to be in the booth. Holly Rowe is expected to be reporting from the sidelines.
Best streaming services for Tennessee vs. Ohio State football gameYou 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 Tennessee vs. Ohio State football game on ABC/ESPN.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling 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 DealFuboTV 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.
Nearly 10,000 Amazon workers across the U.S. have gone on strike mere days before Christmas. Organised by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union is accusing Amazon of failing to negotiate a fair contract with them. In response, Amazon claims that the workers striking aren't actually its employees.
The Amazon strike began on Thursday at 6 a.m EST, with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announcing picket lines in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Illinois. This action follows Teamsters issuing a deadline to Amazon earlier this month, demanding it come to the negotiating table by Dec. 15.
SEE ALSO: Amazon workers plan global protests and strikes on Black FridayWorkers across several Amazon facilities voted to authorise strikes over the past week, with Amazon ultimately failing to recognise their union and meet Teamsters' deadline for negotiations. The union's concerns include "low wages, disrespect, and illegal union busting," as well as workplace safety issues.
"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it."
Unsurprisingly, Amazon has refuted Teamster's characterisation of the situation, calling it a "PR play" and accusing them of acting illegally. Specifically, Amazon alledges that Teamsters has "actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce" employees and contractors to join them.
"There are a lot of nuances here but I want to be clear, the Teamsters don’t represent any Amazon employees despite their claims to the contrary," said Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel.
At least some of the striking workers are reportedly employees of a third-party contractor rather than direct hires of Amazon itself. Even so, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) previously determined that Amazon is a joint employer with its subcontractors, and has enough control over workers' conditions to be responsible for them under law.
Of course, Amazon disagrees. Yet rather than argue these facts, Amazon has challenged this decision by attacking the NLRB itself, claiming that the 90-year-old government agency is unconstitutional. The company previously presented the same argument in February, joining SpaceX and Trader Joe's in attempting to undermine the NLRB's legitimacy.
Amazon also attempted to overturn the first ever union of Amazon warehouse workers last year, though was ultimately unsuccessful.
Pay and working conditions at Amazon have been constant concerns for many years. Last month, employees across the globe went on strike during Black Friday for the fifth annual Make Amazon Pay campaign. Protestors have consistently demanded the e-commerce giant improve its treatment of workers, respect their right to organise, operate sustainably, and give back to society. The Make Amazon Pay campaign is not organised by Teamsters, and involved workers in over 20 countries this year.
The net worth of Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos currently sits at $237 billion, putting him second only to Elon Musk on Forbes' Real-Time Billionaires list. This is a $68 billion increase since Bezo's net worth during last year's Make Amazon Pay protests — a bump larger than Myanmar's GDP, and the approximate size of Alaska's.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 United Cup for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Tennis fans really don't have to wait long between top tournaments. There is generally always something to watch, but the last month or so will still have been painful for dedicated followers of the sport.
The 2024 ATP Finals and WTA Finals took place in November, so what have fans been doing all this time? They've been patiently waiting for the 2025 United Cup, that's what.
If you want to watch the 2025 United Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
What is the United Cup?The United Cup serves as the opener for the 2025 ATP Tour and the 2025 WTA Tour.
This international hard court tennis competition features mixed-gender teams from 18 countries, with three groups of three countries competing in a round robin format followed by knockout rounds.
When is the 2025 United Cup?The 2025 United Cup is the third edition of the competition. This year's event will be held from Dec. 27 to Jan. 5 at two venues in Perth and Sydney.
How to watch the 2025 United Cup for freeThe 2025 United Cup is available to live stream for free on 9Now.
9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025 United Cup by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Watch the 2025 United Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the United Cup before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. This might be a good time to invest, because 9Now is offering free coverage of the Brisbane International, Adelaide International, and Australian Open.
What is the best VPN for 9Now?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the 2025 United Cup for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Is getting in shape long overdue? Or are you looking to upgrade your workout routine? If that sounds right, it might be time for a fitness tracker. And when you're talking fitness trackers, one name stands above all others: Fitbit.
There's a reason that "Fitbit" has become common parlance for any kind of tracker. Fitbits come in a lot of shapes and sizes (and prices, of course) and have multiple functions. There's a Fitbit out there for you, whether you’re looking for something that truly just measures your steps or something more advanced with a heart monitor, GPS, and other built-in features. There are even Fitbits for kids.
If you need help choosing the best Fitbit to suit your health and lifestyle needs, we've pulled together some helpful information and a list of the top-rated Fitbit models.
What do Fitbits do?At their most basic level, Fitbits were invented as a sort of wearable pedometer, originally existing just to track your steps. Of course they’ve become more tech-savvy (and more complicated) since then. These days, they come in a range of models, each of which offers its own unique combination of Fitbit’s technology and sensors. They can stand in as phones, push app notifications to you, and even pay for your Starbucks latte — plus they'll keep an eye on things such as heart health and sleep tracking.
What features do Fitbits have?The most expensive Fitbit models offer a slew of features, mostly available through sensors. These involve keeping an eye on your heart beat variability, measuring your temperature around the clock, and even monitoring your stress levels as the company begins what will surely be a longer foray into the mindfulness aspect of health. A lot of the running and swimming Fitbits — yes, you can wear some of them in the pool and shower — also advise you when to take a recovery day.
How many exercise modes do Fitbits have?You won't be starved of variety, let's put it that way. Fitbits have stacks of exercise modes, usually starting at 20. So whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, yogi, weight lifter, boxer, or whatever else, the Fitbit will likely have you covered. They can automatically detect when you start working out, too.
What do Fitbits look like?Fitbits have sleek, minimalist aesthetics, with bands that you can swap in and out and clock faces that you can customise for a display that suits your mood. Some are slimmer while others have a more Apple Watch-like, square display. Ultimately, they're designed to blend in with everyday life. There are no hefty runner-style watches or wrist-based eyesores.
How long does the battery last on a Fitbit?It's a key point — especially if you need the convenience of something that will just run and run and doesn't require the hassle of daily charging. Fitbits tend to run for about a week — between six and eight days is fairly standard. Bear in mind that some features, like GPS, can run it down sooner.
How much do Fitbits cost?There are a wide range of Fitbits out there that begin at under £100 and go up to a significant chunk of change. How much you want to spend might depend on why you’re using it (as a workout buddy versus an all-day companion) and what kind of features you want to be sure are included.
What is the best Fitbit?There is a Fitbit out there that's perfect for you and your lifestyle. To help you find it, we have lined up a selection of the best models for every type of task.
These are the best Fitbit fitness trackers in 2024.
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Are you looking for a full body workout at home? Or an exercise machine that just doesn’t take up too much space? Take it from us: A rowing machine is a solid choice.
There are plenty of rowing machines out there — plus, a variety of price points, sizes, and spec. Indeed, when it comes to purchasing a rowing machine, there are a lot of factors to consider. Air or magnetic resistance? Hi-tech features or just the basics? Built-in workouts or rowing solo?
Fear not, we're here to answer all of your questions and steer (or row) you in the right direction. Yes, we’ve done most of the work for you, so we can get you off the computer and onto your rower in no time. Thank us later when those muscles are bulging.
Why do you need a rowing machine?Rowing machines give you a full body workout. It’s cardio-heavy but low-impact. That means less stress on your joints or over-worked muscles, and less chance of sustaining an injury. This makes rowing a safe and effective workout for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities.
There’s more — rowing is good as both a warm-up and warm-down, if you’re having an intense or lengthy workout. It also adds variety to the run-of-the-mill weights and jogging routine.
What are the types of rowing machine resistance?Here’s a bit of jargon you need to know about when buying a rowing machine. Resistance is the thing that makes it hard to pull back those handlebars, and thereby works the muscles. But there are multiple types of resistance, which each have their own plus points and negatives:
Air Resistance — As you pull, the flywheel spins and creates its own air resistance. The harder you row, the tougher the resistance. This simulates the experience of rowing on water — but these machines can be noisier than the magnetic resistance options.
Hydraulic Resistance — This is a standard mechanism on low-cost, stripped-down rowing machines. They use pistons, which push against liquid or air to create resistance. It’s not as smooth or robust of a workout as you get with other rowers, but it does the trick if all you want is the basics. These machines are usually smaller and easy to store.
Magnetic Resistance — This is the most common type that you'll find on home gym rowers. It works by placing a strong magnet at a varying distance from the flywheel, which can increase and decrease the resistance. These machines are quieter but don’t necessarily simulate an authentic rowing experience.
Water Resistance — These use a small tank of water. As you row, the flywheel paddles through the water. Unsurprisingly, this is the closest you get to the real rowing-on-water experience. Once again, the harder you row, the harder the resistance. They make a “swoosh” sound as you go. These tend to be high-quality, high-cost, and generally bigger. They won’t fold away quite so easily — if at all.
Keep these categories in mind when shopping around.
What features do rowing machines offer?Once you’ve got a type of resistance in mind, the next thing is to look at other spec — specifically the display screen and how tech-savvy it is.
Some will offer basic information, such as distance, calories burned, strokes per minute, and time — while other hi-tech models will offer pre-programmed workouts and Bluetooth connectivity that can hook you up to fitness apps. Ultimately, it’s about how serious you are about rowing, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Other features include the number of resistance levels – around 10 is standard — and whether or not the rower folds up for easy storage.
How much does a rowing machine cost?That’s the big question, of course. We’ve included models across a range of price points. It’s possible to pick up a rowing machine for under £100. It’s also possible to spend well over £1,000.
For anything above a very basic model, prepare to spend at least a few hundred pounds. But it’s worth the cash if you want a durable, full-body workout machine — and in the comfort of your own home.
What is the best rowing machine?We have lined up impressive models from top brands like NordicTrack, WaterRower, and XS Sports. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your workouts up a notch, we’ve compiled a list of the top rowing machines for everyone.
These are the best rowing machines in 2024.
There’s never a bad time to start a new fitness routine or improve on an existing one. And while we can’t all afford a personal trainer to get us through the reps and work towards those goals, remember this is the 21st Century — there are other options. Most notably, enlisting the help of a fitness tracker.
It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a tracker for the first time or upgrading your current model, the benefits of these little training buddies are wide-ranging. You might be looking to shift a couple of kilos or work towards a marathon. Either way, a fitness tracker can help. In fact, you don’t need to be training at all to see the benefits. They’re great for providing rolling data on all kinds of wellness and health metrics, such as sleep and body composition.
The tricky business is picking one that suits you. We all have different lives and schedules, and each fitness tracker is made for different lifestyle requirements. And with so many brands and models, you want to find one that suits you — not to mention your budget. Fortunately, we’ve done some research and put together this roundup of fitness tracker options, along with some helpful pointers.
Do you need a fitness tracker?Actively monitoring your fitness progression isn't just for athletes or people training for their local parkrun. It's a factor of wellness that people are building into their daily groove. The best fitness trackers are the ones that will keep you in check throughout your workout as well as the rest of your day. The positive impact that these high-tech bracelets and other wearable fitness gadgetry can have on your lifestyle as a whole is pretty incredible.
What can fitness trackers do?Fitness trackers have gone way beyond just step counting and heart rate monitoring. Depending on the spec, fitness trackers can monitor and feedback on your sleep, blood oxygen, energy levels, stress, body temperature, menstrual cycles, BMI, and more. In terms of actual fitness, they can give your workout plans, track calories burned and fitness progress and coach you towards smashing your personal best. Fitness trackers with GPS can also track runs and set routes for you. Oh, and you'll also get smartphone compatibility, including text and call notifications.
What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?A fitness tracker is essentially a bracelet with sensors that send data to your phone to provide an expanded picture of the data it collects, and usually requires a phone for GPS and music, too. A smartwatch is essentially your phone, but on your wrist. It has GPS built-in and can download apps, from the likes of Spotify to Tinder. With something like an Apple Watch, you can send voice messages or take calls, or have a full conversation via iMessage.
But for people strictly focused on black and white fitness metrics or people who want a hands-off tracker that doesn't require a super-involved setup process or daily charging, we'd make the case that a fitness tracker without high-end connectivity is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
We've included a selection of both fitness trackers and smartwatches on this list.
Are fitness trackers waterproof?Any respectable tracker should be able to accompany you on a run in the rain without breaking down. At this point, almost every tracker goes past splash and sweat resistance to hit a 5 ATM rating, meaning the device can withstand pressure equivalent up to 50 metres (164 feet). These should be fine to wear in the shower, in the ocean, or in a hot tub.
Swimmers have a bit more to consider than the waterproof rating. Look for a tracker with built-in GPS that can not only follow you underwater, but accurately track your laps and pace. Dedicated modes for pool swims and open water swims are ideal. Even the most rugged, most swim-friendly watches and trackers probably aren't suitable for extreme water sports or activities that involve high-velocity, deep submersion.
What is the best fitness tracker?There are a whole lot of models out there for you to consider, with something for everyone and every budget. We have taken stock of everything on the market to bring you a selection of the very best devices, including fitness trackers from top brands like Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.
These are the best fitness trackers in 2024.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Morning morselThese words are something you might eat for breakfast.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are singular versions of common types of breakfast foods.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Cereal.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 20Loop
Cheerio
Crunch
Puff
Pebble
Charm
Flake
Smack
Cereal
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Types of hits on the green
Green: Athletes known by one name
Blue: Exchanging the ball on the pitch
Purple: Spokespersons for college sports
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Golf shots
Green: Mononymic athletes
Blue: Passes in soccer
Purple: College mascots
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #88 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayGolf shots - CHIP, DRIVE, FLOP, PUTT
Mononymic athletes - ICHIRO, LEBRON, SERENA, TIGER
Passes in soccer - BACKHEEL, CROSS, ONE-TWO, THROUGH
College mascots - BRUTUS, BUCKY, OTTO, SEBASTIAN
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Mix or blend of ingredients
Green: Defines sentence purposes
Blue: Esoteric groups of dudes
Purple: Words that sound like complaints
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Concoction
Green: Types of Sentences
Blue: Kinds of Bros
Purple: Complaint Homophones
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #556 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayConcoction: COCKTAIL, COMPOUND, MIXTURE, SOLUTION
Types of Sentences: COMMAND, EXCLAMATION, QUESTION, STATEMENT
Kinds of Bros: CRYPTO, FINANCE, PHARMA, TECH
Complaint Homophones: GROWN, MOWN, WHALE, WINE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 20Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 20 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Quick, bright, and gone in an instant.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
FLASH.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 20Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
The next big iOS update probably isn't too far off, but don't expect a ton from it.
Apple's next software update will be iOS 18.3, or at least, that's what everyone expects right now. Since iOS 18.2 just came out, that would make sense. It should be noted that we don't know specifically when iOS 18.3 will launch or entirely what it will entail when it does come out. However, per 9to5Mac, the x.3 update for each of the last three versions of iOS came out in late January, so expect iOS 18.3 to launch in late January, unless something weird happens.
SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited aboutAs for big new features coming to iOS 18.3, we really only know about one right now, and "big" might be a generous word to use for it: robot vacuum control. Specifically, you'll be able to use the Home app to control robot vacuums, in the same way you can currently use the app to control smart home lights and other devices. The weird part is that Apple doesn't currently produce a robot vacuum of its own, but that could happen in the future.
Everything else that's currently in the developer beta for iOS 18.3 fits under the umbrella of "bug fixes and minor improvements," unfortunately. That doesn't mean there won't be bigger features eventually to be unveiled, but things like Apple Intelligence will probably need to wait until iOS 18.4, at the earliest.
SAVE UP TO 80%: Hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks are on sale at Amazon for up to 80% off.
Best holiday-themed audiobooks at Amazon Best overall holiday audiobook deal 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at Amazon (save $19.30) Get Deal Best audiobook title for dog-lovers 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal Best murder-mystery audiobook title 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at Amazon (save $22.66) Get DealWelcome to the season of needing to take a bit of extra time for ourselves. The holidays can be a chaotic time and one when it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to take a small bit of time out is to turn on an enjoyable audiobook. Tuning in can be a great way to decompress and regain some stamina to tackle the next to-do list. Audiobooks can also be perfect to put on a smart speaker while you're baking dozens of sugar cookies or tidying the living room.
As an extra treat, Amazon has discounted hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks by up to 80%, with most coming in at just $7.99 per title. Here are some of our top picks if you plan on tuning into some holiday audiobooks this season.
Best overall holiday-audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at AmazonSometimes a small lie we think will be harmless blows up into a huge deal that we never intended. That's exactly what happened to this novel's main character. Unfortunately, it's landed her taking her nemesis from work to her family's Christmas gathering in snowy Vermont.
Landing just a bit under 10 hours in length, Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel is a perfect escape from your own holiday woes. Thanks to today's sale price, you can purchase, download, and tune in for just $7.99.
Best holiday audiobook deal for dog-lovers Opens in a new window Credit: Harper Audio 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at AmazonFor anyone who loves Christmas and heartwarming stories of rescuing dogs, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs is a perfect match. Brenda had a rough time last Christmas when her dog ended up in the emergency vet. While the dog is perfectly fine now, the ordeal led to a breakup that she's spent the last year recovering from. This Christmas, Brenda has opted to do something for herself — rescue 12 dogs by driving them across the country. Of course, driving in December weather poses some issues, as does the energy of 12 puppies.
With narration from Sophie Amoss, get lost in the Christmassy tale of The Twelve Dogs of Christmas for just $7.99.
Best murder-mystery holiday audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at AmazonThe musically included O'Sullivan family has gone off to West Cork to spend an idyllic Christmas together. It seems their biggest concern is picking presents for each other when a local music conductor ends up dead in the local concern hall, suffering from the impact of a 90-pound harp. Follow along with Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O-Connor as the family untangles this holiday mystery.
More holiday audiobook deals at AmazonSingle and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne — $4.99 $15.59 (save $10.60)
Humbugged by Pippa Grant and Lily Valente — $5.99 $19.95 (save $13.96)
Christmas at Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)
The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)
One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)
Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)
A Kilt for Christmas by Tricia O'Malley — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)
Like any genAI model, Google Gemini responses can sometimes be inaccurate, but in this case it might be because testers don't have the expertise to fact-check them.
According to TechCrunch, the firm hired to improve accuracy for Gemini is now making its testers evaluate responses even if they don't have the "domain knowledge."
SEE ALSO: Google adds Deep Research to Gemini for browsing the web on your behalfThe report raises questions about the rigor and standards Google says it applies to testing Gemini for accuracy. In the "Building responsibly" section of the Gemini 2.0 announcement, Google said it is "working with trusted testers and external experts and performing extensive risk assessments and safety and assurance evaluations." There's a reasonable focus on evaluating responses for sensitive and harmful content, but less attention is paid to responses that aren't necessarily dangerous but just inaccurate.
Google seems to disregard the hallucination and error problem by simply adding a disclaimer that "Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it," which effectively absolves it from any responsibility. But that doesn't account for the humans doing the work behind the scenes.
Previously GlobalLogic, a subsidiary of Hitachi, instructed its prompt engineers and analysts to skip a Gemini response they didn't fully understand. "If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task," said the guidelines viewed by the outlet.
But last week, GlobalLogic changed its instructions, saying, "You should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge," and to instead "rate the parts of the prompt you understand," and note that they don't have the required expertise in their analysis. Expertise, in other words, is not being treated as a prerequisite for this work.
Contractors can now only skip prompts that are "completely missing information," according to TechCrunch, or those that contain sensitive content that requires a consent form.
SAVE $25: As of Dec. 19, get the Xbox Wireless Controller at Best Buy for $39.99, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Xbox Wireless Controller $39.99 at Best BuyThe end of the year is fast approaching. What better time to kick back and enjoy some video games? It's also the best time to do a quick upgrade on all your gaming equipment. For instance, you can still snatch a discounted console or two here and there ahead of the holidays. And if you've been in dire need of a new controller for a while, it's a good time to get one of those, too, thanks to a sale going on at Best Buy right now.
As of Dec. 19, you can get an Xbox Wireless Controller for just $39.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%. This price applies to the Shock Blue colorway, and the deal is available for the next 13 hours at the time of writing.
The base Xbox Wireless Controller is the same one you get when you purchase an Xbox console. It's compatible with all Xbox platforms as well as Windows, so you can use it to game on PC as well, even if you're not playing an Xbox game – it works beautifully with mot Steam games.
It fits great in the hand, and offers a hybrid D-pad, textured grip on each trigger, bumper, and back casing, and it also allows for customizable button mapping with the Xbox Accessories App. If you have a headset that uses a 3.5mm jack, it supports that, too. It's super simple to connect and go via Bluetooth, which means it's a worthy upgrade to third-party wired offerings or the old Player 2 controller with analog sticks that just don't work anymore. Grab yours quick before the sale is over so you can get your game on comfortably.
SAVE UP TO 39%: Get Sonos speakers on sale ahead of the holidays. Get the Sonos Ray soundbar for just $169, saving you 39%.
Best Sonos deals Best Sonos deal Sonos Ray Soundbar $169 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Sonos Roam 2 $139 at Amazon (Save $40) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sonos Ace headphones $349 at Amazon (Save $100) Get DealAs you prepare for the holidays, a good speaker is part of any host's toolkit. You can deck the halls and turn on the holiday lights, but you need a speaker to complete the ambiance.
Sonos makes speakers, soundbars, and headphones for true audiophiles. Their speakers deliver multi-dimensional sound all throughout your home. While we love Sonos devices, we've never been thrilled by their expensive prices. Luckily, ahead of the holidays, you can find Sonos speakers up to 39% off at Amazon. Plus, they arrive in time for the holidays.
Here are the best deals to shop now.
Best Sonos deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray soundbar $169.00 at AmazonThe Ray soundbar delivers Sonos's signature audio in an affordable package. It connects simply to the TV with one cord and an easy-to-use app, keeps things straightforward. The biggest disappointment is the lack of Bluetooth connection here, but that's easily overcome through the included app.
At its list price of $279, it's one of Sonos's more affordable soundbars. However, you can find it for just $169 ahead of the holidays. That knocks off $110 for 39% off.
More Sonos dealsSonos Roam 2 — $139 $179 (save $40)
Sonos Ace headphones — $349 $449 (save $100)
Sonos Era 300 — $359 $449 (save $90)
Sonos Move 2 — $359 $449 (save $90)
Sonos Beam 2 soundbar — $369 $499 (save $130)
Sonos Five — $439 $549 (save $110)
The deals aren't done yet, folks. If you still have some gifts to check off your list, big brands like Apple, Sonos, and Sony are still dropping prices ahead of the holidays. It can be pretty tedious to sort through the chaos of Amazon's daily deals, so we've rounded up a few of the best ones to help you complete your shopping (or just treat yourself) on Dec. 19.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to take a peek at our selections from Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 as well. Most of those deals are still live, including a $40 price drop on the Fitbit Charge 6 and a Prime-exclusive 38% savings on the 55-inch Omni Fire TV.
Our top pick: Apple iPad, 10th generation Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $249.99 at AmazonWhile the 10th generation iPad may not turn heads as the fanciest Apple tablet, we still highly recommend it — especially if you're on a budget. As the entry-level iPad, it packs the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a new landscape camera layout that makes video calls look better, and upgraded stereo speakers for better sound quality. In our best iPad roundup, Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money." It's $349 at full price and has been chilling on sale for $279 for a couple weeks now. As of Dec. 19, however, an on-page coupon popped up that drops the price to a record-low $249.99.
Blink Mini 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Mini 2 $23.99 at AmazonThe second-generation Blink Mini dropped earlier this year and offers better performance in low light, a wider field of view, a built-in LED spotlight for in-color night vision, and an overall enhanced image quality. Plus, you can pair it with the Blink weather resistant power adapter (sold separately) and use it both indoors and outdoors. As of Dec. 19, it's down to just $23.99 at Amazon. That's 40% in savings and just $4 shy of its best price ever.
Sony ULT Field 1 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88.00 at AmazonMashable's shopping and reviews editor Miller Kern tested the Sony ULT Field 1 and had largely positive things to say. She found its sound quality, customizable EQs, and ULT setting that pumps up the bass to be particularly impressive selling points. It's battery life could certainly be better, but with the affordable price tag, we're willing to look past it. As of Dec. 19, you can snag it in any color at Amazon for just $88. That's 32% in savings and its best price ever.
Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Field 1.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil 2 $79.99 at AmazonWhether you already own an iPad, you're expecting one under the tree, or you're gifting one to someone else, an Apple Pencil is a game-changing accessory. And as of Dec. 19, the second-generation stylus is on sale for just $79.99. That's 38% off and just 99 cents shy of its all-time low. The magnetic stylus charges while attached to your tablet and offers pressure sensitivity that makes note-taking or drawing fine details feel like using an actual pen or pencil. Double-tap gestures also let you switch tools effortlessly, which can really benefit artists and designers.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369.00 at AmazonThe Sonos Beam Gen 2 is our favorite soundbar to pair with your TV. And as of Dec. 19, it's still on sale for its record-low Black Friday price of $369. That's 26% off its usual cost. The second-generation soundbar enhances what we already loved about the first generation Beam, which Mashable tech reporter Raymond Wong said "hits the sweet spot on price, design, sound quality, and features." It adds a new grill, a better processor, and Dolby Atmos compatibility to its already immersive sound, impressive clarity, and convenient voice assistant support.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Hailey Welch has gone MIA.
The "Hawk Tuah" girl has not released a new episode of her popular weekly podcast, Talk Tuah, in two weeks. There was no previously announced hiatus of the show. Welch also has not posted on her social media channels in weeks either.
Welch became a viral sensation over the summer after dropping what would go on to become her catchphrase "Hawk Tuah" in a video clip that spread across the internet like wildfire. Welch capitalized on her internet fame by selling merchandise like t-shirts and then eventually launching a weekly podcast called Talk Tuah, which rocketed to the top of the Spotify podcast charts.
Everything appeared to be coming up roses for Welch. And then she launched her own cryptocurrency. She hasn't been heard from by the public since.
'Anywho, I'm gonna go to bed'On Dec. 4, Welch announced that her Hawk Tuah memecoin, $HAWK, had gone live. The memecoin exploded in value, with a market cap in the hundreds of millions of dollars – before quickly collapsing. Many who bought $HAWK had lost a significant sum of money in a matter of minutes.
Welch's fans who had invested started to blame those directly involved in the project. Investigations into the memecoin found that the vast majority of the tokens were held by just a few wallets, with those that had invested claiming that insiders received pre-launch access to the cryptocurrency before it went on sale to the public. After it launched, some said, those insiders dumped $HAWK for a profit, leaving Welch's fans holding the bag.
Welch and OverHere, the crypto team she partnered with, held a public Spaces stream on X, formerly known as Twitter. During the live audio chat, Welch and her partners were heavily criticized by listeners, including the popular YouTube crypto scam investigator Coffeezilla.
Before $HAWK holders could get any real answers about why $HAWK had crashed, Welch interrupted the stream.
Tweet may have been deleted"Hey guys!" Welch said on the late night Dec. 5 stream. "I hate to interrupt you, Nick, but hello there. Anywho, I'm gonna go to bed and I'll see you guys tomorrow."
And that was the last the public has heard from Welch since.
Not the end for the Hawk Tuah coin sagaWhile Welch has yet to make a statement, her partners at OverHere have recently attempted to address the situation. The group placed the blame on Alex Larson Schultz, also known as Doc Hollywood, who OverHere claims "'controlled all token decisions, fees, treasury." Schultz is a music producer, DJ, and crypto promoter who is best known to the public as comedian Howie Mandel's son-in-law.
Schultz has yet to comment on OverHere's statement. Mashable attempted to reach out to Welch but has yet to hear back.
The Talk Tuah podcast was launched on Sept. 3 and has released a new episode every week since. The last episode of Talk Tuah was released on Dec. 3, one day before the launch of $HAWK.
Welch also has not posted on social media since the failed cryptocurrency launch on Dec. 4.
However, we may hear from Welch or at least other members of her $HAWK team soon. Hawk Tuah memecoin investors filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the creators of $HAWK, alleging that they had unlawfully sold unregistered securities.
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