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SAVE OVER $50: As of Nov. 13, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and Milk Frother is on sale for $125.97 at Amazon. That's a 30% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ $125.97 at Amazon
$175.95 Save $49.98 Get Deal

Black Friday sales have already started to descend upon us, and while Amazon hasn't officially kicked things off yet (bookmark Nov. 21 in your diary), there is still a mass of discounts to be had. If you're looking for a TV, phone, tablet, or new gaming headset, Amazon's daily deals has you sorted. And coffee lovers don't need to feel excluded, not with this incredible deal on the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and milk frother combo.

From Nov. 13, this stacked coffee-making machine is reduced by 30% to just $125.97. It comes in three colors — coconut white, mint, and red — all at the same discounted price. Sold separately, the milk frother alone is $70, so this is a great bargain.

SEE ALSO: Save $250 on the De’Longhi Magnifica Evo coffee machine with Best Buy's Black Friday deals

This impressive machine can make your coffee and espresso in five sizes, from 5 oz to 12 oz coffees and single or double espressos, brewed hot or over ice (real ones know iced-lattes don't stop with summer). It has a nifty design that fits in small spaces, with a removable 25 oz water tank on the side — so even if your space is on the small side, you can squeeze in quality coffee.

There's no fuss involved either, the one-touch system heats up in just 30 seconds and includes a descaling alert when it's time for a clean. Choose from a wide selection of Nespresso pods that are fully recyclable after use.

The milk frother is an added bonus, allowing you to make velvety smooth lattes, and cappuccinos with options for hot milk foam, hot milk, or cold froth. It's easy to clean but don't put it in the dishwasher. To wash out the jug, place it under running water and use a non-abrasive cloth or scourer.

This deal is available for a limited-time only, so act quick so you don't miss out.

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 hint

In need of fixing – or money.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 1 answer

BROKE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Data structure consisting of multiple parts.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 13 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TUPLE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A tool or instrument for measuring.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GAUGE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To allow or approve.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 13 Hurdle Word 4 answer

GRANT

Final Hurdle hint

Part of the leg where the quad can be found.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

THIGH

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

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 13, the roborock Qrevo S Robot is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Qrevo S Robot $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Robot vacuums are having their moment, and we can see why. Who doesn't want to cut down their chore list?

Unfortunately, anything that makes life this much easier doesn't come cheap. But at Mashable we like to keep an eye out for the best deals and bargains on robot vacuums, so everyone can enjoy ticking vacuuming off their chores list. And with Black Friday approaching, there are deals to be found across many brands, including roborock.

SEE ALSO: 4 best robot vacuums and mops to buy on Black Friday, tested

As of Nov. 13, you can save $300 on the roborock Qrevo S Robot, now down to $499.99. But that's not all, for a limited time you can get an additional $40 off with an Amazon coupon. Simply tick the coupon box on the listing and see the discount applied at the checkout.

With both vacuuming and mopping functions, this robot vacuum really is an amazing addition to your home. A large 5 litre water tank supports up to 4,305 square feet of mopping, while the self-emptying bin allows for hands-free cleaning for up to seven weeks. It boasts a 7,000Pa suction power and multi-directional floating brush to make sure carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors are deep cleaned. Dual spinning mops rotate at 200 RPM, so sticky spills and dried dirt are no problem.

And no need to guide the vacuum around your house, this model is equipped with PreciSense LiDAR Navigation and 3D Mapping to detect and avoid obstacles.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal at Amazon.

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 Nov. 11'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 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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 November 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: You always remember how to ride one of these.

• Green: Order on the court

• Blue: Tourney toppers

• Purple: A shared name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow - Parts of a bicycle

• Green - Basketball positions, abbreviated

• Blue - NFL teams with big cat nicknames

• Purple - ___ flyers

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 #51 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Parts of a bicycle: HUB, PEDAL, SADDLE, SPOKE

• MLB teams on scoreboards: C, PG, SF, SG

• NFL teams with big cat nicknames: CAROLINA, CINCINNATTI, DETROIT, JACKSONVILLE

• ____ flyers: DAYTON, HIGH, PF, PHILADELPHIA

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.

SAVE $8: As of Nov. 13, the viral sunset lamp is on sale at Amazon for $16.99. That's a 32% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: XEBKOR Sunset Lamp Projector $16.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $8.00 Get Deal

If your TikTok feed is anything like ours, you haven't been able to scroll more than five videos without stumbling across the viral sunset lamp. We're deep into cozy season now, so creating a warm and relaxing vibe in your space is top priority, and this lamp promises to do just that.

As of Nov. 13, you can get the TikTok viral sunset lamp for less at Amazon, currently reduced from $24.99 to $16.99. But the deal doesn't end there; for a limited time you can also get an additional 50% off coupon. Just tick the orange box on the listing and see the discount applied at the checkout.

SEE ALSO: Android users spot a TikTok-style swipe on YouTube’s horizontal videos

This sunset lamp gives you a selection of 21 colors and lighting modes, so you can set the mood with your favorite colors. Controlled from an app on your phone, you can alter the lights from the comfort of your couch or bed. You can even add dynamic effects such as music synchronization, microphone interaction, and a timer mode.

But how does it create a "sunset"? The lamp projects a wide, circle of light onto any surface, mimicking the glow and hues of a real sunset. By adjusting the lamp’s distance from the wall, you can control the size of the projected “sunset” — closer creates a smaller, more intense circle, while moving it farther away creates a larger, softer glow that fills more of the wall.

It also features an adjustable tripod, a 360-degree rotating head, and a size-adjustable projection, making it easy to move about.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so be quick to avoid missing out.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, November 13, 2024:

AcrossFolded layer of a McGriddle

• The answer is Egg.

Host of the 2024 Summer Olympics

• The answer is Paris.

Plant that's a source for tequila or mescal

• The answer is Agave.

This clue number

• The answer is Past.

Romantic getaway?

• The answer is Tryst.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 13 DownRarin' to go

• The answer is Eager.

Turkey Day topping

• The answer is Gravy.

"What ___?" ("Can you explain this mess?")

• The answer is Gives.

Destination for a time machine

• The answer is Past.

"The document should be in your inbox now"

• The answer is Sent.

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

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

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

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

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 13, the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $349 at Amazon. That's 13% off its usual $399 price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 GPS (42mm) $349.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

Looking for a Black Friday deal to finally join the Apple Watch crowd? Right now, Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Series 10 for just $349 — a solid $50 off its usual $399 price. Suppose you’ve been eyeing an upgrade or you're new to smartwatches. In that case, this discount makes diving into Apple’s latest wearable tech easier.

So, what’s new with the Apple Watch Series 10? For starters, the Series 10 is Apple’s most advanced watch yet, featuring a larger 42mm display that boasts 30% more screen area than previous models. That extra space means better visibility for apps, notifications, and those oh-so-satisfying Activity Rings.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2: We'll make this simple

Health and safety features are at the heart of the Series 10, making it a powerful companion for anyone looking to stay on top of wellness. The built-in ECG app can take heart readings anytime, while high and low heart rate alerts can keep you informed of any unusual rhythms. It’s also equipped with menstrual cycle tracking, sleep monitoring, and even estimates ovulation, offering insight into your health from all angles. With advanced safety features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection, you’ll be connected to emergency services if you ever need help.

Fitness-wise, the Series 10 is ready for action. It can track steps, workouts, and heart rate and even monitor water depth and temperature for aquatic adventures. Plus, Apple Watch offers free three months of Apple Fitness+, so you can jumpstart your fitness goals without extra cost. The Series 10 GPS model keeps you connected to your iPhone and Wi-Fi, letting you send texts, make calls, stream music, and access Siri without having to reach for your phone. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and boasts impressive durability, crack resistance, and dust protection.

This Black Friday discount makes the Series 10 more accessible than ever, especially in classic jet black with a black sport band (or the other color options, if that’s more your style). If you’re ready to bring some smart tech to your wrist, this $50 saving on Apple’s latest is a tempting way to jump in.

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 Mashable

By 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 November 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: We're walking

These words are upright.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for animals that can walk on two legs.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Bipedal.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 13

• Human

• Kangaroo

• Pangolin

• Gibbon

• Bipdeal

• Ostrich

• Meerkat

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.

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 13, grab the Beats Solo4 wireless headphones for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount off their usual price of $199.95 for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo4 Wireless Headphones $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you’re waiting for Black Friday to snag a deal that sounds as good as it looks, these Beats Solo4 headphones are exactly what you’re looking for. Normally priced at $199.95, the Solo4 headphones are down to just $129.99 at Amazon, saving you 35% and bringing a premium listening experience to your ears without the premium price tag.

The Beats Solo4 aren’t your average headphones; they’re designed with Beats’ signature audio quality, custom acoustic architecture, and updated drivers for that deep bass and crystal-clear sound that makes everything from bass-heavy playlists to true-crime podcasts sound better. Plus, with up to 50 hours of battery life, they’ll go strong long after the Black Friday sales are over.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% on Audible audiobooks and dive into new stories this winter

And if you’re in a rush, don’t worry — Beats has you covered with its Fast Fuel feature, which gives you five hours of playback after a quick 10-minute charge. Perfect for those “I’m-almost-out-the-door” moments. Built with an ultralight, ergonomic design and ultra-plush ear cushions, the Solo4 headphones are made for all-day comfort. Thanks to their flexible headband and angled ear cups, these headphones stay snug without feeling tight — ideal for everything from your morning commute to your late-night binge-watch.

Since they’re compatible with Apple and Android devices, the Solo4 headphones offer one-touch pairing, so you can get connected and start listening without any hassle. Equipped with Class 1 Bluetooth, these headphones keep a strong connection even at longer ranges and effortlessly handle calls and voice commands via their built-in microphone.

This Black Friday discount is a rare chance to get Beats’ quality and style at a seriously wallet-friendly price. So, if you’re ready to treat yourself (or someone else) to a major audio upgrade, grab a pair in matte black, slate blue, or cloud pink before this deal disappears.

SAVE $1,401: As of Nov. 13, TCL’s 98-inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV is on sale for $1,598 at Amazon. That’s 47% off its regular $2,999.99 price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 98-inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV $1,598.00 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,401.99 Get Deal

With this deal on TCL's enormous 98-inch QLED 4K TV, Black Friday has officially entered go-big-or-go-home mode. Typically priced at $2,999.99, this 2024 model is now a whopping 47% off at Amazon, bringing it down to $1,598 — a $1,401 saving that's perfect for anyone looking to create a cinema experience at home.

Let's talk about the show's real star here: that screen. At 98 inches, it's big enough to make any movie night feel like a theater experience — minus the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn. The TCL Q65 QLED packs 4K UltraHD resolution, delivering four times the clarity of 1080p HDTVs. Thanks to its QLED Pro-tech, which uses Quantum Dot to cover almost the full DCI-P3 color spectrum, you get eye-popping colors and true-to-life detail. Even in daylight, this display remains vivid and transparent, making it ideal for both daytime binge-watching and late-night marathons.

SEE ALSO: TCL Flip 3 review: I used this retro-style flip phone for a week like it's 1999

This model's 120Hz refresh rate (up to 144Hz with variable refresh rate) and Game Accelerator 240 make it an absolute beast for fast-paced sports and gaming. Say goodbye to motion blur and lag as TCL's Motion Rate 480 and Auto Game Mode adjust for ultra-responsive visuals. Whether catching the big game or aiming for high scores, the Q65 delivers serious performance without any stutter.

The audio experience isn't left out, either. With Dolby Atmos and a built-in subwoofer, you can expect a deeper, more immersive sound than what you'll find on most standard TVs. And with Alexa compatibility, voice controls let you adjust the volume, change inputs, or search for shows without lifting a finger —tell Alexa to turn up the action.

What's in the box? Alongside this giant screen, TCL includes:

• Voice remote

• Power cable

• Two TV stands

• Quick-start guides (plus batteries for the remote)

And suppose the sheer size of this TV has you nervous about setup. In that case, Amazon's deluxe delivery and unpacking options will have it out of the box and ready for action without any heavy lifting.

For anyone dreaming of a proper home theater upgrade, this Black Friday deal is a rare chance to get a high-end, cinema-sized TV at an affordable price. Grab it before the deal's gone, and prepare to be the new favorite host for every watch party.

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 13, save $200 on the iPhone 13 (128GB) when you activate a line with a Silver Unlimited plan or higher, dropping the price from $599 to $399.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 13 (128GB) $399.00 at Straight Talk
$599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If your current phone is starting to feel more “vintage” than “modern tech,” this Black Friday deal on the iPhone 13 might be just the reason you need to finally upgrade. Apple’s 128GB iPhone 13, normally priced at $599, is now down to $399 when you activate it on a new line with a Silver Unlimited plan or higher. That’s $200 in savings to spend on something else.

The iPhone 13 still shines as a powerful, reliable device, and its specs hold up even among Apple’s newer releases. Featuring the A15 Bionic chip (the same one used in the iPhone 14), this device brings serious speed and efficiency to whatever you throw at it. Whether gaming, streaming, or multitasking across apps, the iPhone 13 delivers a smooth and responsive experience without a hitch. iPhone 13 features up to 19 hours of video playback on a single charge, meaning you can binge, stream, or scroll the day away without hitting zero.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 13 and 13 mini review: It's all about the battery life

Apple is known for its camera quality, and the iPhone 13 doesn’t disappoint. With a 12MP dual-camera system featuring wide and ultra-wide lenses, you can capture stunning photos, even in low light, thanks to Night mode. The ultra-wide lens offers a 120-degree field of view, making it ideal for landscapes and group shots. At the same time, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording lets you capture video with exceptional detail.

Another great thing about the iPhone 13 is its durability. Apple’s Ceramic Shield offers protection against drops and scratches, so you can rest a little easier about life’s inevitable oops moments. Plus, with 5G compatibility, you’re set for superfast downloads and high-quality streaming, even on the go.

You’ll get the iPhone 13 with iOS 15 installed, along with a USB-C to Lightning Cable and documentation, so you’re all set to start using it right out of the box. In short, this is a solid Black Friday deal on a great phone. Suppose you can boost your mobile experience without maxing out your budget. In that case, this iPhone 13 offer is worth a serious look. And let’s be honest: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better excuse to upgrade.

Disney has just released a new four-minute holiday short, with "The Boy & The Octopus" by Taika Waititi available on YouTube.

Where do you go with a TV show that’s already solved its main mystery?

This was the biggest question I had going into Bad Sisters Season 2, the follow-up to Sharon Horgan's excellent 2022 how-dunnit about a family banding together to kill their sister's abusive husband.

Season 2 quickly untangles the neat bow that tied up the show's first season, and initially it seems like its new direction will be just as tense and intriguing. Unfortunately, the momentum doesn't quite last. What starts as a strong story becomes patchy in the middle, before somewhat rescuing itself in the closing episodes.

SEE ALSO: 25 best crime shows on Netflix What's Bad Sisters Season 2 about?

We pick up with the Garvey sisters – Eva (Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie-Duff), Bibi (Sarah Greene), Becka (Eve Hewson), and Ursula (Eva Birthistle) – in a seemingly happier time. Grace is getting married to new man Ian (Owen McDonnell), and John Paul (Claes Bang) is just a horrible memory. Season 1 tied up the mystery of his death in a seemingly neat bow, and the family seems to be thriving now he's gone. But of course, none of that lasts.

Nervous neighbour Roger (Michael Smiley) is the first thread to unravel, reappearing on the scene with his pious and meddling sister Angelica (Fiona Shaw) and threatening to reveal what he knows about John Paul's death to the police. Angelica's own suspicions quickly become aroused, as do those of new detective Una Houlihan (Thaddea Graham), who's keen to reopen the case alongside Season 1 detective Fergal Loftus (Barry Ward). All of these events conspire to destabilise Grace's newfound happiness and send the sisters spiralling back into crisis mode.

Roger and Angelica cause all sorts of problems in Season 2. Credit: Apple TV+

Without entering spoiler territory, Bad Sisters needed something in Season 2 that would shake up its formula — and this something does indeed come along, quickly and brutally.

It feels like a bit of a risk to take in the script, but it's one that works. At least, until it doesn't.

Bad Sisters Season 2 lacks what made Season 1 so great

There are many good things about Bad Sisters that are still there in Season 2. The characters are just as much fun, the blend of drama and black humour is effective, and the writing is as sharp as ever. The new characters, too, bring a fresh tension to the mix, and there are still plenty of twists that are hard to see coming. If this was a new show, I'd have been pleasantly surprised.

The problem is, it's not. It's a sequel. Season 1 of Bad Sisters was brilliant for all of the above reasons, but also because of the plot and central mystery. How exactly did John Paul die? Who killed him? The writing and the characters complemented these driving question, but the questions themselves still provided the main hook. Season 2, despite a valiant effort to try new things, doesn't have this crucial hook. There are still unanswered questions, but we don't care about the answers as much.

Bad Sisters Season 2 is by no means bad, and after a sluggish middle things do pick up again towards the end. But when compared to its first season — and that comparison is inevitable, despite how different the story is — it can't quite measure up.

Bad Sisters Season 2 is streaming on Apple TV+ from Nov. 13.

President-elect Donald Trump has officially announced that fellow billionaire Elon Musk will head a new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE") under his administration. Musk may not be eligible to run for president, but it seems he'll still get to make decisions as part of the incoming U.S. government.

In a statement posted to Trump's social media network Truth Social on Tuesday, the president-elect revealed that "the Great Elon Musk" would work with pharmaceutical and financial millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new department. DOGE will partner with and advise the White House's preexisting Office of Management and Budget to "drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government."

SEE ALSO: Why Elon Musk is the real winner of the 2024 US Presidential election

According to Trump, DOGE's purpose is to "pave the way for [his] Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies — Essential to the 'Save America' Movement.'" DOGE will aim to complete its work by July 4, 2026, resulting in "A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy."

"DOGE will soon begin crowdsourcing examples of government waste, fraud, & and abuse," Ramaswamy posted to X, also announcing his withdrawal from contention for vice president-elect J.D. Vance's imminently vacant Ohio Senate seat. "Americans voted for drastic government reform & they deserve to be part of fixing it."

"This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!" Musk claimed in Trump's statement, which he also shared via his X account.

As such, the U.S. may soon see sweeping mass layoffs impacting thousands of government workers. Ramaswamy previously promised "large scale mass layoffs" during his own presidential campaign in 2023, stating that he would cut 75 percent of civilian federal workers — 50 percent within the first year.

His proposed plan would begin by eliminating the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; the Department of Education; and the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.

"I will fire 1 million federal employees in 2025," Ramaswamy posted on X in December last year. "SHUT IT DOWN."

There are approximately 2.25 million civilian federal employees in the U.S. If Ramaswamy, Musk, and Trump execute their vision, around 1.7 million Americans could be out of a job.

Trump and Musk's previous 'efficiency' cuts have not gone well

Theoretically, streamlining bureaucracy sounds like it should be a good thing. Unfortunately, Musk has previously demonstrated an exceedingly poor understanding of what constitutes waste. The billionaire infamously cut almost 90 percent of Twitter's staff after acquiring the social media platform in 2022, with many employees let go within mere days of him taking over. 

Renamed X, the company's value has since tanked by nearly 80 percent, while Musk's mass layoffs quickly spawned multiple lawsuits concerning thousands of unpaid severance cases. One report further found that almost a quarter of users have abandoned the platform since Musk took charge, while advertisers have fled.

Now Musk apparently wants to take a similar hatchet to the U.S. government — a plan the president-elect will likely execute with gusto. Trump previously rolled back numerous regulations during his first term as president, cutting worker safety protections, scrapping rail safety requirements, and loosening rules for banks.

The president-elect further eliminated over 100 environmental regulations, with researchers determining that Trump's deregulation would result in the U.S. emitting an additional 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases over 15 years. Another analysis concluded that 22,000 American deaths in 2019 were the result of Trump's removal of environmental protections.

The Department of Government Efficiency's name raises some eyebrows as well, as it was seemingly deliberately constructed so it could be abbreviated to DOGE. "DOGE" is the name of a dog meme that inspired Dogecoin, which Musk has previously said is his favourite cryptocurrency. Musk even briefly changed Twitter's logo to Doge in 2023, a switch which caused Dogecoin's value to soar by 30 percent and sparked a class action lawsuit accusing the billionaire of insider trading and manipulating the cryptocurrency's price.

Considering the importance of governmental operations, the decision to put Musk in charge of a new department apparently named after a meme is less than reassuring for the country's future. Musk appeared to confirm the connection, sharing a cartoon image of a Department of Government Efficiency logo featuring an orange dog.

Musk spent over $130 million campaigning for Trump during the recent presidential election, including running a $1 million voter "lottery" whose carefully chosen list of winners seem to only consist of Republicans. (He is currently facing his second lawsuit regarding said lottery.) The billionaire's net worth shot up by $15 billion the day after the election, with his companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink set to benefit from relaxed regulations as well as government contracts with Trump's administration. It doesn't hurt that Musk seems to have the president-elect's ear either.

Of course, the richest man in the world already appears to be planning ways to monetise his new governmental role.

"Department of Government Efficiency," Musk posted to X. "The merch will be 🔥🔥🔥"

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Truth Social

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StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription £69.82 at the Mashable Shop
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SAVE 70%: A two-year subscription to Proton VPN is on sale for $76.18. This Black Friday deal saves you 70% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN (2-Year Subscription) $76.18 at Proton VPN (with 30-day money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Black Friday is the best time of the year to secure savings on just about everything on your shopping list. And that very much includes VPNs.

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SEE ALSO: Get Surfshark VPN for 3 years for just $68 and take your digital privacy global

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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 November 13'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 deleted

Each 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 deleted

Players 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 November 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Colors associated with sunshine and summer fruits

• Green: Structures that could be added to a house

• Blue: Oral hygiene concerns

• Purple: Pronunciation that doesn't match the length

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Things That Are Yellow

• Green: Building Add-Ons

• Blue: Concerns for a Dentist

• Purple: Words That Seem Longer Written Than Spoken

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 #521 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Things That Are Yellow: CANARY, LEMON, MINION, MUSTARD

• Building Add-Ons: ADDITION, ANNEX, EXTENSION, WING

• Concerns for a Dentist: CALCULUS, CAVITY, PLAQUE, TARTAR

• Words That Seem Longer Written Than Spoken: COLONEL, PHARAOH, WEDNESDAY, WORCESTERSHIRE

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 November 13

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.

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 November 13'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 November 13 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 November 13 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Making minor adjustments to clothes.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

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...

PRIMP.

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 November 13

Reporting 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.

Christmas movies can be a balm to the soul during dark, dark times. At their best, they remind us of the kindness that lies in the hearts of humankind. And at their worst, they're still pretty unflappably joyous. Now, I won't promise you Hot Frosty — a new Netflix release about a snowman who becomes a real, human man — is on par with holiday classics like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually, or even Gremlins. However, I will assure you it's a delightful treat that's sure to enchant for 90 minutes of seasonal bliss. 

Yes, yes, there are hordes of Hallmark movies to choose from, and Netflix has their own panoply of Yuletide viewing — including footage of a cozy fireplace. But trust me, Hot Frosty should be your go-to when you need a break from the worry, stress, and general panic of being alive in this very intense moment in time. Just let this be the mental massage of silliness and sweetness to work out those knots in your muscles and wrinkles in your brain. 

SEE ALSO: Everything Christmas-y coming to Netflix in 2024

So, if you could use a break from your brain or the world, give yourself over to Hot Frosty.

Yes, Hot Frosty is about a hunky snowman come to life.  Meet Jack the snowman. And his nipples. Credit: Screenshot / YouTube

Written by Russell Hainline, Hot Frosty plays to the holiday rom-com cliches that fans have come to hold dear. Having scripted a slew of festive films (In Merry Measure andThe Santa Summit, plus the upcoming movies Three Wiser Men and a Baby, The Santa Class, and Christmas Under The Lights), Hainline is no stranger to these traditions, and he honors them with both a keen awareness and a sense of playfulness. As such, Hot Frosty is set in a picturesque small town called Hope Springs, the kind of place where everyone knows the kind-hearted widow, Kathy (Mean Girls' Lacey Chabert), a diner owner who does her best to feed and care for her neighbors — and bare-chested snowmen. 

Amid a festive holiday fair festooned with red-and-green decorations and alive with holiday R&B, an unconventional snowman is carved with long locks of hair, a bare chest, pert nipples, and chiseled abs. Of course, caring Kathy bestows on him a long red scarf, to buffer him from the cold and give him some sense of dignity from the waist down. Well, there must have been some magic in that long red scarf she found, for when she placed it on his neck, he began to turn... into a flesh-and-blood man named Jack (Schitt's Creek's beloved vet Dustin Milligan). 

Naturally, after some comic misunderstandings, he finds his way to Kathy and, soon enough, into her heart, mending her mourning through plenty of Golden Retriever energy. He is hunky, handy, and hot: masculine in a strictly non-toxic sense. For Jack, being a real man means helping others, like the gaggle of older ladies who could use a handyman (and a cheap thrill) courtesy of a handsome, giving stranger. Jack's caring nature, along with his willingness to share his loving feelings — not to mention those ripped arms — make him a great pick for cuffing season. Also, he revels in making Christmas cookies, understands the joys of cold pizza, gives her a place to express her grief, and is often shirtless! What's not to love?

Terminator is the source of Hot Frosty's central conflict.  Credit: Netflix

Props to Hainline and director Jerry Ciccoritti for making the most of Jack's transformation scene. It's not that the visual effects are awe-inspiring so much as the kookiness that follows, which is a mix of Austin Powers humor and Terminator plot points. When Jack comes to life, he's wearing only that long red scarf, making for a scene that's a bit spicy as that generous knitwear conveniently covers his crotch no matter how he moves. Much like the newly arrived Terminator in James Cameron's 1984 sci-fi classic (which has influenced untold holiday tales), Jack arrives naked in this world, and in urgent need of clothes. So he turns to crime!

After accidentally streaking in front of a surprised elderly couple, he doesn't beat up a biker for attire. Instead, Jack breaks into the local thrift shop, Reclaimed Rags, to snatch some duds. Specifically, he takes some boots and a denim jumpsuit missing its sleeves, a perfect showcase for Jack's buff biceps. So, public indecency, breaking and entering, and theft — this is the closest thing this charming town has ever had to a crime spree. The Office's Craig Robinson brings an amusing intensity as the sheriff on the case, while Joe Lo Truglio hearkens back to his Brooklyn Nine-Nine days as the bumbling partner/sidekick, who, of course, gives Jack love advice. But whether it's getting close to Kathy or getting locked up in the local jail, Jack is at risk, as he melts when things get hot. 

Yes! The only downside of this guileless guy is he's cold to the touch and melts in warm weather. (Look, the song warned us.) This means Jack must frequently frolic in snow to maintain his physique, and that sex with this snowman would be at best chilly for Kathy and at worst deadly for Jack. But don't dwell on that. For one thing, these Yuletide lovers aren't moving fast enough for that to matter just yet, and for another, this is a Netflix movie. Such questions are better suited to our own horny musings than to Hainline's cheerful holiday script. 

Hot Frosty is a himbo story that's good for you.  Credit: Netflix

This Netflix Christmas movie presents the pillars audiences expect: festive setting, charming could-be lovers, seasonal music, holiday hijinks, and a happy ending. But Hainline puts a bow on his gift of goofy joy by peopling Hope Springs with lovable weirdos who are all too willing to believe the inexplicably hot snowman from the town square Christmas display is a real live man, now offering to help them fix their homes, put up glass paneling, or save the lovely young widow from her grief. 

For instance, there's sassy doctor Dottie, who after taking his temperature (30 degrees!), is quick to say, "Look, everything about Christmas: Santa, elves, flying reindeer — the scientist in me knows they shouldn't exist. But wouldn't the world be a little bit better if they did?" She then argues that Jack being a snowman come to life is the "simplest explanation" to why he is a hot guy whose skin is ice cold. It's just science, the film suggests; just go with it. And yes, do that. There's a sincere pleasure in slipping down the ludicrous slide that is Hot Frosty's premise, in which a hot, naive, but very sweet man is the perfect Christmas wish — for Kathy and for any of us who may need a bit of comfort from a cold, cold world. 

How to watch: Hot Frosty is now streaming on Netflix.

The Social Security Administration announced last month that it’s implementing Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) for the agency’s 72.5 million beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients. With the 2.5% bump expected in January and informational letters going out next month, scammers are already trying to take advantage of the change, according to SSA officials.

"Be wary of any communication that asks you to take extra steps or provide personal details for this increase, as it’s likely a scammer attempting to steal your identity or financial assets," said Acting Inspector General for the Social Security Administration Hannibal "Mike" Ware, in a statement. "Our office is dedicated to protecting the public and deterring these criminals from exploiting honest, hardworking people."

SEE ALSO: Guarding against fraud: Practical tips for recognising and avoiding scams

The COLA will automatically hit bank accounts, and be reflected in mailed checks, with no action needed by recipients. 

However, Ware had warned that you should not hand over personal information to anyone claiming they’re a representative of the SSA who needs your social security number or bank account to move forward with the COLA. Report any suspected fraud to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General via their website (https://oig.ssa.gov/report/).

SSA officials warn all recipients to be on the lookout for "fake calls, texts, emails, websites, messages on social media, or letters in the mail."

While the agency typically contacts people via mail regarding updates and questions, they will call people on occasion, according to the SSA anti-scam site, especially if they "recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or have requested a phone call from the agency."

The agency produced a video about SSA agency imposters who will call recipients and tell them of armed marshals or sheriffs’ deputies on their way to arrest them for some supposed malfeasance. One SSA recipient described being told by scammers to purchase Google Play cards to avoid arrest. When receiving a call purportedly from the SSA where threats or demands of money are made — or prizes offered — get off the phone, talk to someone you trust, and do a search on the internet.

“SSA will not threaten you, demand your personal information or instant payment, email or text you pictures or documents, or use a real government official’s name to gain your trust,” according to another anti-scam video from the agency. “Social Security does not accept payments by gift card, pre-paid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash.”

See more information on SSA-related scams here and check out other online resources here.