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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, December 23, 2024:
AcrossCharacter who's blue in the face?The answer is Smurf.
The answer is Qatar.
The answer is Untie.
The answer is Agent.
The answer is Tory.
The answer is Squat.
The answer is Mango.
The answer is Utter.
The answer is Rainy.
The answer is Fret.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintA surprise.
SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for December 23 Hurdle Word 1 answerSHOCK
Hurdle Word 2 hintTo aggerate an emotion.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerEMOTE
Hurdle Word 3 hintSomeone trained in medicine.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2024 Hurdle Word 3 answerMEDIC
Hurdle Word 4 hintSomeone who makes bread and pastries.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 23 Hurdle Word 4 answerBAKER
Final Hurdle hintLiquified fruit or vegetables.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerPUREE
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
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 23 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: Oops!
Green: Where a pitcher stands
Blue: Parts of shooting at a target
Purple: Two of them
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Mistake
Green: Pitching mound
Blue: Archery terms
Purple: Double ____
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 #91 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayMistake - BLUNDER, ERROR, FLUB, HOWLER
Pitching mound - BUMP, HILL, MOUND, RUBBER
Archery terms - ARROW, BULLSEYE, NOCK, QUIVER
Double ______ - DRIBBLE, DUTCH, HEADER, PLAY
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.
In late 2023, Apple finally added RCS support for the iPhone. RCS – or Rich Communication Services – is a communications standard for messaging, supported by most Android phones, offering features like group chat, high-res image and video sharing, and typing indicators.
Apple's own Message has similar features, but they previously worked only when you texted another iPhone user; if you happened to be texting with someone using Android, a lot of the advanced features were missing.
SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly cancels plans for iPhone subscription serviceAt launch, however, the list of carriers that supported RCS on the iPhone was very short, and included just the largest carriers. Now, as noticed by 9to5Mac, Apple has updated the list of carriers that support RCS on the iPhone, and it's far more complete.
The full list is as follows:
AT&T
C Spire
Consumer Cellular
Cricket
FirstNet
H20 Wireless
Metro by T-Mobile
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Spectrum Mobile
T-Mobile
TracFone / Straight Talk
US Cellular
Verizon
Visible
Xfinity Mobile
The list is rounded out by Boost Mobile, which isn't listed for RCS support but it does support the standard, as long as you have an iPhone XS/XR or later with iOS 18.2 installed.
As you can see, there are still many carriers that don't have RCS messaging support for the iPhone. For example, Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are notable omissions because they were acquired by T-Mobile in 2024 but do not yet have RCS support.
In Europe, the list is still pretty short, and support is completely absent in many countries. Here's the full list:
Belgium - Base, Proximus, Telenet
Finland - SFR, O2, Telekom, Vodafone
Spain - Masmovil, Movistar, O2, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone, Yoigo
Ukraine - BT, EE
Canoo is having a very unmerry Christmas. Remaining employees of the beleaguered U.S. electric vehicle startup have been placed on a "mandatory unpaid break" according to TechCrunch, with no view to return for a few weeks at minimum.
While it isn't uncommon for businesses to close around the end of the year, Canoo's decision to put staff on break from Monday is unlikely to be driven by holiday cheer. The company has been plagued by financial problems and furloughs, resorting to borrowing millions from CEO Tony Aquila's private equity firm AFV Management Advisors in order to stay afloat.
SEE ALSO: Canoo unveils electric pickup truck that's way smaller than the Tesla CybertruckAccording to EV, staff were notified of the mandatory break via email last Friday, and told they would receive further updates to their personal email addresses in the first week of January. Employees' access to Canoo's system was apparently suspended by close of business the same day.
"We apologize for the timing of this message," Canoo's email read, as sighted by EV. "Please take this time to have a restful and enjoyable holiday season with your family."
Mashable has reached out to Canoo for comment, though we aren't expecting a reply considering that they're all reportedly on leave.
Last Wednesday Canoo announced it had furloughed 82 employees and was idling its Oklahoma factories, suspending work while attempting to secure the funding needed to continue operating. This followed a 12-week furlough of 30 Oklahoma factory workers which was previously announced in November.
"We regret having to furlough our employees, especially during the holidays, but we have no choice at this point," said Canoo in a brief statement last week. "We are hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to work soon."
This news is likely unsurprising to anyone following the startup's struggles. Several executives have left Canoo in the past few months, including its last remaining co-founder. The company is also facing multiple lawsuits, some of which concern allegations of unpaid bills.
Last month Canoo reported having only $700,000 in cash reserves, its stock sitting at just $0.086 as of writing. The company lost over $300 million in 2023 alone, bringing in a mere $886,000 in revenue — and spending twice as much on Aquila's private jet travel.
Last year, Oklahoma approved up to $100 million in performance-based state incentives for Canoo over the next 10 years. Speaking to News 4 last week, the Oklahoma State Department of Commerce noted that it had only paid Canoo $1 million to date, and that "if necessary, [it] will explore avenues to claw back public dollars."
Canoo isn't the only electric vehicle manufacturer who seems to be ramping down this month. Tesla also temporarily suspended Cybertruck production in early December, telling workers at its factory in Austin not to report for their shifts for three days.
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Throughout its first season, Dune: Prophecy has hit us with a potent combination of space politicking and sci-fi strangeness, with everything from prophetic visions to magnificent sandworms on the table. In its Season 1 finale, Dune: Prophecy brings all this together for a revelatory conclusion, answering some of our biggest questions from the season, while raising others that will be explored in Season 2.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopperFrom revelations about the Omnius Plague to game-changing flashbacks, let's break down Dune: Prophecy's Season 1 finale, "The High-Handed Enemy."
Flashbacks reveal that Tula is Demond Hart's mother — and why she gave him away. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBOEpisode 5 of Dune: Prophecy revealed the true reason behind Desmond Hart's (Travis Fimmel) hatred of the Sisterhood. His mother was a Sister, yet she gave him away. Turns out, his mother was none other than Tula Harkonenn (played by Olivia Williams in the present and Emma Canning in the past). That means his father is the late Orry Atreides (Milo Callaghan), killed by Tula's own hand.
In a flashback, Tula discloses her pregnancy to her sister Valya (played Emily Watson in the present and Jessica Barden in the past), who is supportive of her decision to keep the baby. She becomes even more supportive after a trip to Mother Superior Raquella's (Cathy Tyson) breeding index, which shows that a cross between the Atreides and Harkonnen lines would result in a child with extraordinary potential. (Paul Atreides says hi from 10,000 years in the future.)
However, Tula has some misgivings about Valya's desire to mold and shape her son into a powerful figure from birth. Without Valya's knowledge, she swaps her newborn baby with the stillborn child of a laborer on Wallach IX. She hopes that in getting her son away from the Sisterhood, he can make his own path. But how could she have predicted that path would have led him right back to the Sisterhood with vengeance in his heart?
Featured Video For You The 'Dune' imagery that inspired 'Dune: Prophecy' More flashbacks show Valya's bloody rise to power, leading to chaos on present-day Wallach IX. Jessica Barden in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO"The High-Handed Enemy" remains in the past for more major reveals. In the aftermath of Valya's murder of Sister Dorotea (Camilla Beeput), she, Tula, Kasha (Yerin Ha), and Francesca (Charithra Chandran) confront Dorotea's disciples in order to assume total control of the Sisterhood. They offer them a choice: Follow Dorotea's path into death, or follow Valya into the future of the order. When the Sisters don't choose right away, Valya, Kasha, Francesca, and a hesitant Tula use the Voice to compel them. Most slit their own throats. Only Sister Avila (Barbara Marten) sides with Valya.
The incident would have been lost to history, if it wasn't for Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) in the present. After undergoing the Agony in episode 2, Lila has become unstable, with her ancestors possessing her body for hours at a time. In episode 5, that ancestor was Raquella. Thanks to her, Tula was able to understand that the cause for present-day Kasha's (Jihae) death was something similar Omnius Plague, a bioweapon used by thinking machines in the Butlerian Jihad that was long thought to be gone.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' fixes one of my biggest beefs with 'Dune: Part Two'But in episode 6, a new ancestor grabs hold of Lila. Sister Dorotea takes control and uncovers the mass grave of her old followers, proving to the current acolytes that the entire Sisterhood was built on blood. Dorotea-as-Lila then leads the acolytes to Raquella's thinking machine Anirul. She destroys it, possibly taking the breeding index with it.
That's where Dune: Prophecy leaves things on Wallach IX, with the acolytes disillusioned and ready to destroy everything Valya and Tula have built. But since those two are off-planet, they'll just have wait until Season 2 to learn about the consequences of their actions.
Salusa Secundus falls into disarray. Jodhi May in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Courtesy of HBOWallach IX isn't the only planet in the Imperium where all hell is breaking loose. On Salusa Secundus, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) arrests her own daughter Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) for trying to break Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason) out of his suspensor cell. Since Ynez is Valya's strongest prospect for having a Sister on the throne, she decides to intervene, getting herself arrested on purpose in order to free Ynez. With the help of the Voice and Sister Theodosia's (Jade Anouka) shapeshifting abilities — which she received as a result of genetic experimentation by the Tleilaxu — Valya, Ynez, and Kieran escape. Theodosia stays behind and disguises herself as a wounded soldier. She almost kills Desmond with the element of surprise, but he wounds her and plans to have her imprisoned. Next season, expect to learn more about her role as a Face Dancer, and the mysterious Tleilaxu who made her this way.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy': Why isn't the Sisterhood called the Bene Gesserit?Things continue to fall apart for Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong). He learns that the Sisterhood has been steering his life from the very beginning, sending Sister Francesca (played in the present by Tabu) to imprint on him in his youth and setting up his match with Natalya. Now that he is no longer useful to the Sisterhood, Valya sends Francesca to kill him with the poisoned gom jabbar needle. But Javicco chooses to grab hold of what little agency remains to him and dies by suicide instead. As Francesca grieves, Natalya uses the gom jabbar to kill her.
With Javicco gone and any trace of the Sisterhood's council removed from the palace, the Imperium presumably falls to Natalya's control. But remember, Javicco made his and Francesca's son Constantine (Josh Heuston) the commander of his fleet in episode 5, meaning that Season 2 could see him fighting Natalya for control.
The cure for the Omnius Plague is basically the Litany Against Fear. Olivia Williams in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBOAt the very start of the "The Heavy-Handed Enemy," Tula and Sister Nazir (Karima McAdams) research the mysterious bioweapon that killed Kasha, Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior), and members of the Landsraad. How could Kasha have withstood this virus for so long, while Pruwet and those in the Landsraad died after very little exposure to Desmond?
Turns out, Kasha had a "unique ability to live in the face of fear," and that kept the virus at bay for a time. Nazir and Tula realize that the virus feeds on fear, explaining the nightmares of the sandworm and those glowing blue eyes that the Sisters have been having. Nazir attempts to create an antiviral by transmuting the virus within herself — similarly to how Sisters alter poison when they undergo the Agony — but fails.
However, when Valya is exposed to the virus in her confrontation with Desmond at the end of the episode, she's able to make it through thanks to help from Tula. "You have to let go of your fears," Tula tells her as Valya fights through a vision of the death of their brother Griffin.
She continues: "All the fear. All the pain. You can't run from it. You can't fight it. You have to let it pass through you."
SEE ALSO: Space babies and time jumps: How 'Dune: Part Two' handles the challenge of Alia AtreidesSound familiar? The emphasis on withstanding fear here calls to mind the Litany Against Fear in Frank Herbert's original Dune novels, which Lady Jessica and Paul both call upon to center themselves in dire times.
"I must not fear," the Litany goes. "Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Tula's words to Valya sound like a precursor to the Litany, something we'll no doubt see take form in Season 2 of Dune: Prophecy. But in Season 1, they work just as well. In her vision, Valya stands and allows the fear to pass through her. She witnesses the sandworm nightmare that has horrified so many of her fellow Sisters, but she also sees beyond it, learning what those monstrous blue eyes have been all this time.
What were the blue eyes in Dune: Prophecy? Travis Fimmel in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBOAs Valya sees, the nightmare that's plagued her Sisters isn't just a nightmare: It's what Desmond Hart experienced after the sandworm attack on Arrakis. When he awoke, he came face to face with a large machine, the blue lights of which are the eyes from the nightmare.
In a gnarly sequence shot from Desmond's point of view, we watch as the machine pulls one of Desmond's eyes from its socket and implants his optic nerve with what must be the nanobots that transmitted the virus. A mysterious figure watches the procedure from a nearby window flooded with golden light, suggesting whoever carried out this operation was stationed on Arrakis.
With that knowledge in mind, it's off to Arrakis for Valya, Ynez, and Kieran, who hope to find the truth behind their hidden enemy. Meanwhile, Tula stays behind in the hopes of saving Desmond from the pain the machines have caused him. But after a silent reunion, Desmond calls for Tula's arrest. At least she'll have Theodosia to keep her company.
So after that jam-packed finale, the biggest question remains: Who is the hidden enemy who mobilized Desmond against the Imperium and the Sisterhood?
Whoever it is would have to have access to thinking machines, and no qualms about using them. There are a few possibilities from the Dune novels we could look at. First up is the Richese family, who played a prominent part in Dune: Prophecy's first episodes. As longtime makers of thinking machines, they're clearly more lax about possessing and using them, even though they're outlawed. However, why would the Richeses use Desmond to kill and maim members of their own family? Could we be looking at a splinter faction within the family?
Another more likely possibility is the Ixians, inhabitants of the planet Ix who continued to manufacture thinking machines. Dune's "Terminology of the Imperium" section describes Ix as having "escaped the more severe effects of the Butlerian Jihad" alongside House Richese. Now, it's "supreme in machine culture." With that in mind, it's very likely that Dune: Prophecy could be setting up Ix as the next big enemy the Sisterhood and Imperium will face. After all, it's another important faction from Herbert's universe, so why not get it on the board for Season 2?
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 23 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: Words that sound the same
Green: Neck openings in clothing
Blue: Represents #1000
Purple: Super things
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Homophones
Green: Necklines
Blue: Ways to Express 1,000
Purple: Super___
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 #561 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayHomophones: EWE, U, YEW, YOU
Necklines: BOAT, CREW, SCOOP, V
Ways to Express 1,000: GRAND, K, M, THOU
Super___: 8, BOWL, GLUE, TUESDAY
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 23Are 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 23 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 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A place to sweat.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one reoccurring letter.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
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...
SAUNA.
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 23Reporting 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.
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 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Pass the eggnogThese words are things you might taste during the holiday season.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are commonly consumed, like eggnog, during the holidays.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is HolidayFlavor.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 23Cranberry
Gingerbread
Cocoa
Peppermint
HolidayFlavor
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.
In today’s digital landscape, anyone can be targeted by cybercriminals . With so much of our lives now happening online, from social connections to schoolwork, having a robust cybersecurity plan is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your family’s online safety or looking for a refresher on best practices, cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. We’ve put together this detailed guide to creating the best cybersecurity plan tailored to your family’s needs.
Why cybersecurity matters for familiesCybersecurity breaches can result in devastating consequences for families. A cyber attack could cost your family not only money but also an immense amount of time, feelings of insecurity and emotional stress. Protecting your family is about ensuring their safety and resilience in the digital age, and it’s something that is difficult to do on your own without the right tools. Here are the sorts of threats you need to keep in mind:
Common cyber threatsPhishing Attacks: Fraudulent emails or messages designed to steal sensitive information.
Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files until a ransom is paid.
Data Breaches: Unauthorised access to personal data like names, addresses, and payment information.
Online Scams: Fake websites and offers targeting unsuspecting users.
Identity Theft: Misuse of your personal information for financial gain.
Understanding these threats is the first step in building an effective cybersecurity strategy for your family.
Key security practices to keep in mindThe Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has developed core mitigation strategies to help protect against cyberattacks. These include:
1. Patch Applications and Operating Systems: Regular updates help keep your devices secure.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
3. Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit who can make major changes to devices.
4. Back Up Data: Ensure important family documents and memories are safe.
If this list feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Even simple steps, like using strong passwords and being cautious online, make a big difference.
Building a robust cybersecurity plan for your family1. Assess Your Risk
Start by identifying what needs protection. For families, this might include:
Personal Data: Names, addresses, and financial information.
Digital Memories: Photos, videos, and important documents.
Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home gadgets.
2. Implement Strong Access Controls
Restrict access to sensitive data based on roles and responsibilities within your family. Consider:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require additional verification steps beyond a password.
Role-Based Access Control: Teach kids appropriate internet use based on their age.
Regular Password Updates: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
3. Secure Your Home Network
Your home network is the backbone of your family’s cybersecurity. Protect it by:
Using Strong Wi-Fi Passwords: Ensure your router uses WPA3 encryption.
Setting Up Firewalls: Add an extra layer of protection.
Using a VPN: Help encrypt your internet connections, especially for remote work and school activities.
4. Stay Up to Date
Outdated software and systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. Regularly update:
Operating Systems: Apply security patches as they become available.
Applications: Keep all software on your family’s devices current.
Antivirus Programs: Help combat new threats with the latest antivirus software.
5. Educate Your Family
Human error is a leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. Conduct regular discussions to educate your family about:
Recognising phishing attempts.
Practising secure browsing habits.
Handling personal data responsibly.
A culture of awareness reduces the likelihood of accidental breaches. PCMag is a good place to start here, as we report on top level changes around security systems, trends, and high profile data breaches. For a curated collection of short articles focused on personal security, a great resource is the Norton 360 Blog.
6. Back Up Your Data
Frequent backups will help protect against data loss during ransomware attacks or hardware failures. For a simple memory device, follow the 3-2-1 Rule:
Keep 3 copies of your data.
Store it on 2 different mediums (e.g., cloud and external drives).
Maintain 1 offsite backup.
To be extra safe, ensure backups are encrypted and tested for recovery.
Investing in the best toolsHelping safeguard your family requires a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and the right tools. A robust security suite, like Norton 360, helps provide real-time threat protection, a VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and more. Such tools make managing your family’s cybersecurity much easier.
For 2025, PCMag Australia recommends Norton 360 Premium. As a simple solution for 5 devices, Norton 360 Premium helps provide Real-Time Threat Protection, a Secure VPN, a Password Manager, Dark Web Monitoring, Cloud Backup for Windows PC, and more. Norton 360 Premium regularly performs well in our in-house lab testing, and comes from Norton - a 56 time winner of PCMag’s Editors’ Choice.
By assessing risks, using the best tools, educating your family, and staying informed, you can help protect your loved ones from evolving threats. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to digital safety. Information is king, and having the right software makes things much more manageable. For more information on Norton 360, check out their website, or our complete PCMag review of Editors Choice Winner Norton 360 Deluxe here.
"Seven hours of RedZone football starts here."
That’s how Scott Hanson opened Sunday’s broadcast, with his usual upbeat energy — but this time, with a twinge of irony. Why? Because last week (and again this week), the NFL’s RedZone channel — long celebrated for its uninterrupted, ad-free blitz of touchdowns and drama — broke its sacred covenant: it ran commercials.
Naturally, fans are losing it.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedWhen the Dec. 15 broadcast featured ads, an NFL spokesperson told Awful Announcing it was just a “test.” Hanson even threw out an apology for claiming the broadcast would remain commercial-free, which, spoiler, it wasn’t. Fans hoped it was a one-off. A hiccup. A blip.
But then came Sunday. And yeah, those ads were back.
For those unfamiliar, NFL RedZone offers a fast-paced, all-access look at every touchdown and pivotal moment across the league, stripping away the downtime and fluff typical of most game broadcasts. It has earned a devoted fanbase precisely because it prioritizes constant action.
That’s what makes the sudden presence of commercials feel like such a betrayal to its audience. The shift, subtle as it may seem, represents a breach of what made RedZone unique. X (formerly known as Twitter) has been flooded with backlash, with fans accusing the NFL of putting profits over the integrity of the service.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedWhile the NFL has yet to confirm whether this is a permanent change, fans shouldn't hold their breath for a return to commercial-free football.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedMartin Short celebrated his fifth time hosting Saturday Night Live with a monologue brimming with musical holiday cheer.
The Only Murders in the Building star kicked things off with a conventional monologue, roasting everything from Cybertrucks to his co-star Steve Martin.
SEE ALSO: Colin Jost and Michael Che's 2024 'SNL' Christmas joke swap is their most brutal yet"He would have been here tonight, but he had a conflict with me not wanting him to be here," Short said. "And besides, it's rehearsal week for The Masked Singer."
But when SNL's cast members beg Short to cure their holiday anxieties, the host is all too happy to oblige — in song, of course. He bursts into a parody of "We Need a Little Christmas," telling the audience they "need a new prescription" to get through the holiday season.
Come for Short's boundless energy and singing, stay for him throwing a child off of Santa's lap and roasting Lorne Michaels. ("You smell wonderful, I didn't know Jack Daniels made cologne.") Plus, after a week of fighting with Jimmy Fallon, the pair reconcile with a passionate makeout session. It's a Christmas miracle!
Ever since Dec. 2018, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che have celebrated Christmas with a new tradition. The two swap jokes live on-air, reading jokes their co-anchor has written that they've never seen until now.
SEE ALSO: Martin Short roasts Jimmy Fallon, John Mulaney, and more in 'SNL' Five-Timers Club cold openBasically, it's an excuse for Jost and Che to make the other say some wildly offensive things, and to end the year, the pair reach new heights. Nothing is off the table, from slavery reparations to allegations against rappers Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z. But Che takes things to a nuclear level by making Jost joke about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon) while she's in the studio.
That's right: Johansson, who made a cameo in the episode's Five-Timers Club cold open, was watching live. And SNL made sure to catch all her reactions to Jost's jokes from Che. You just have to see it to believe it.
Martin Short, welcome to the Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club!
The Only Murders in the Building star and former SNL cast member celebrated his fifth time hosting in style, with Tom Hanks himself welcoming him into the lauded Five-Timers Club. Also present were Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin (who's hosted a whopping 17 times), Kristen Wiig, Emma Stone, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Scarlett Johansson, who shut her husband (Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost) out of the club.
SEE ALSO: Martin Short storms off set in 'SNL' promoJimmy Fallon was also on hand to give Short his Five-Timers Club jacket, and if you thought Short was done roasting him after his guest spot on his show this past week, then you'd be mistaken.
"I can only stay for a little bit, and then I have to go and host another game show and laugh at my own jokes," Fallon said upon entering.
"Well, at least someone's laughing," Short replied.
SEE ALSO: 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 finale: Wait, what about those loose ends from Season 1?Fallon wasn't the only victim of Short's jabs, though. He also roasted Mulaney after he made mention of their short-lived 2014 sitcom Mulaney.
"But you came back strong!" Short said. "Then you crashed and burned. And then you came back strong, and we're all so curious what will happen next."
Not even Short's absent partner-in-crime Steve Martin was spared. As Hanks gives Short the night's signature cocktail, a "MartyTini", he remarks it's often paired with a "Steve MarTini."
"I bet it's even better on its own," Short says while taking a sip.
Don't worry, though: Members of the Five-Timers Club dish Short's roasts back to him. To see more playful insults and learn about some intriguing romantic relationships within the Club, check out the full clip above.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, December 22, 2024:
AcrossLongtime first name in the House of RepresentativesThe answer is Nancy.
The answer is Opera.
The answer is Creek.
The answer is Aide.
The answer is Ply.
The answer is No cap.
The answer is April.
The answer is Needy.
The answer is Cree.
The answer is Yak.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
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 22 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: Lengths a horse would run
Green: Teams in the cheese state
Blue: Basketball announcers
Purple: Teams located in a capital
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Distances in horse racing
Green: Wisconsin teams
Blue: NBA broadcasters
Purple: Teams that play in world capitals
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 #90 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayDistances in horse racing - FURLONG, LENGTH, MILE, NOSE
Wisconsin teams - BADGERS, BUCKS, BREWERS, PACKERS
NBA broadcasters - BREEN, BURKE, EAGLE, HARLAN
Teams that play in world capitals - NATIONALS, REAL MADRID, SENATORS, TOTTENHAM
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.
TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders on YouTube TV or Sling TV.
Get ready for a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders during NFL Week 16. The Eagles are winning big in the NFC East, with a 12-2 record that puts them way ahead in their division. The Commanders sit right below them with a 9-5 record, keeping them in the run in a competitive NFC East.
The Eagles have only lost two games this season. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 15 with a final score of 14-27. That same day, the Commanders beat the New Orleans Saints by just one point, leaving a final score of 20-19. Although the Eagles are ahead, the Commanders still have a good chance of taking the win this Sunday.
When is Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders?The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. The two teams will face off at Northwest Stadium in Washington, DC.
The game will air on FOX, where Joe Davis is expected to do the play-by-play. Greg Olsen will join him in the booth and Pam Oliver will report from the sidelines.
How to stream Eagles vs. Commanders?We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Eagles vs. Commanders:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealThe Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).
YouTube 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 the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get DealSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
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.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world 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 the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Eagles vs. Commanders from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Looking for a useful last-minute gift? Whether it’s for a colleague, a loved one, or even yourself, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is a thoughtful, practical choice that can jumpstart productivity in the new year.
Available for just $32.97 (reg. $229), this one-time purchase offers lifetime access to Microsoft’s suite of tools, making it a budget-friendly alternative to costly subscriptions like Office 365.
While it’s not the newest version on the market, Office 2019 is a powerhouse of professional tools. It is ideal for those using Windows 10 or Windows Server 2019. For cost-conscious users who don’t need cloud-based features, it delivers all the essentials without recurring fees.
It’s an especially valuable option for freelancers, small business owners, and IT professionals who prioritize simplicity and offline functionality. You’ll get a lifetime license for one Windows PC, giving you full access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.
Whether you’re managing a budget, creating stunning presentations, writing that novel, or keeping your email organized, this suite is designed to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Subscriptions can add up fast. With Office 2019, you pay once and own it forever. If you just want the basics, this version is a cost-effective option. Plus, it’s ideal for those who work in areas with unreliable internet or frequently travel, thanks to its full offline functionality.
Empower your favorite professional — or yourself — with the tools to make 2025 the most productive year yet.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $32.97
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