Mashable

Dwayne Johnson's appearance on "The Tonight Show" ended in a pillow fight with Jimmy Fallon.

Jon Stewart spoke about why the Democrats lost the 2024 election during his "Daily Show" monologue.

Baggage lost on your last flight? No worries: Soon you'll be able to share its exact location with the airline.

On Monday, Apple launched a new iOS feature called Share Item Location. It's a new way to share the real-time coordinates of lost or misplaced items with third parties, including airlines. This works on accessories that support Apple's Find My feature, as well as AirTags.

Users can do this by opening Find My and generating a Share Item Location link for a particular item. If you send it to someone, they'll receive a link that will bring up an interactive map showing the item in its current location, and the map will update when the item moves.

SEE ALSO: AirTag odyssey: One woman's lost luggage journey goes viral

"The Find My network and AirTags have proven to be a powerful combination for users while traveling, providing invaluable location information when bags have been misplaced or mishandled. "With Share Item Location, we’re excited to give users a new way to easily share this information directly with third parties like airlines, all while protecting their privacy," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services.

The feature is available in iOS 18.2 beta, though the update should become widely available "soon."

Once you get your item back, the shared location will be disabled. Credit: Apple

People (including the author of this text) have already started using Apple's AirTags to track misplaced luggage. It helped me locate and expedite its recovery more than once. But with this new feature, Apple is looking to make it a part of airlines' customer service.

According to the company, more than 15 airlines will start accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service. The list includes Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling. Apple says these airlines will be added to the program "in the coming months," with more airlines being added "in the coming months."

Apple says it has taken care to keep this data secure and private. The process of sharing the item's location is end-to-end encrypted and anonymous, the company said. And once the misplaced item is back in your hands, the shared location will automatically be disabled.

SAVE $75: As of Nov. 12, the Apple AirPods 3 are on sale for $94 at Walmart as part of its early Black Friday sale, down from $169.00.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) $94.00 at Walmart
$169.00 Save $75.00 Get Deal

Walmart's kicked off their first Black Friday sale event and it is full of exciting deals to check out. If you've been on the hunt for some new earbuds, you're in luck. Apple AirPods 3 have received a massive discount in their sale that's absolutely worth jumping on if you've been looking to hop on the AirPods bandwagon.

The AirPods 3 are available right now at Walmart for just $94, $75 off their list price of $169. That marks a new low price for the models — as price tracker camelcamelcamel has their lowest-ever price at Amazon listed at $139.99 — giving you an extra $45.99 off. That's a deal worth taking advantage of before it's gone, and the AirPods 3 are worth the investment, too.

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

In our review of the AirPods 3, writer Alex Perry said that they're "the best entry-level AirPods yet." And how do they fare against the latest AirPods release this year? In our comparison of Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3, Mashable's Chance Townsend and Kimberly Gedeon found that "the AirPods 3 — while lacking ANC — still delivers solid sound quality and reliable battery life. So, if you’re all about advanced features and noise cancellation AirPods 4 is the way to go. But if you prefer a simple, proven pair of earbuds, the AirPods 3 will still hold up."

As said before, these are a great investment if you're looking to dip your toes into the world of AirPods. So don't miss out on this early Black Friday deal on the Apple AirPods 3 at Walmart.

Walmart isn't the only retailer jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon right now. Best Buy and Target are also offering some excellent early discounts for shoppers to check out ahead of the big Black Friday shopping event. Have a look at our breakdowns of each to learn more about what they're offering this season.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 12 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, November 12, 2024:

AcrossBaseball accessory

• The answer is Cap.

Not affected by alcohol

• The answer is Sober.

Seat of power

• The answer is Throne.

In the vicinity

• The answer is Around.

Energizer mascout

• The answer is Bunny.

Severe ongoing anxiety

• The answer is Gad.

DownBeer brand

• The answer is Corona.

Be plentiful

• The answer is Abound.

Lincoln's coin

• The answer is Penny.

Raised shoulders

• The answer is Shrug.

Traffic stopper

• The answer is Red.

Bar bill

• The answer is Tab.

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.

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

Stirring.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 12 Hurdle Word 1 answer

SWIRL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Cooking in a pan.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 12 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SAUTE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Used to write on a board.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 12 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CHALK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Both a name and an acknowledgment.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 12 Hurdle Word 4 answer

ROGER

Final Hurdle hint

A type of jazz. Also the name of a TMNT villain.

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

BEBOP

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

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 ATP Finals for free on RaiPlay. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 ATP Finals have started with some really strong tennis from the best players in the world. Sinner and Fritz both won their opening games in straight sets, so we're expecting a real battle between these two tough players.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 ATP Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 ATP Finals for free

The 2024 ATP Finals are available to live stream for free on RaiPlay in Italy. RaiPlay is offering coverage of one match per day, including Sinner vs. Fritz.

If you're abroad during this tournament, you might need to use a VPN to unblock RaiPlay. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Italy, meaning you can unblock RaiPlay in a few simple steps.

Access free live streams of the 2024 ATP Finals by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Italy

4. Visit RaiPlay

5. Watch Sinner vs. Fritz for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of Sinner vs. Fritz without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch select ATP Finals matches before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RaiPlay?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the ATP Finals for free on RaiPlay, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Italy

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sinner vs. Fritz in the 2024 ATP Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling at the workout that is manually mopping their floors.

If you experience similar dread when faced with vacuuming, the best robot vacuum and mop combos will cross those two chores off of your list (three, if you count digging your old mop out of the closet as a chore in itself).

Are robot vacuums good at mopping?

I'm not saying you can expect a hybrid robot vacuum to scrub your kitchen grout with the same tenacity you would get with a toothbrush, but robot vacuums have gotten much better at mopping over the past few years.

Since 2020-ish, most robot vacuum companies have added at least one (several, in most cases) hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $200 to well over $1,000. You can generally expect the mopping technique to get a little more meticulous as price goes up, so the type of mess that your 2-in-1 model will need to conquer becomes a big deciding factor. Are you mostly concerned with wiping up spur-of-the-moment spills, or will you be a stickler about dried-on stains that call for more heavy-duty scrubbing?

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Fortunately, both ends of the pricing spectrum provide way more bang for their buck in 2024 than they did in the early 2020s. The mere presence of a cloth and a water tank is far from good enough at this point — now, the best robot vacuums and mops are armed with more mechanics attempting to mimic the elbow grease that a human with a mop or Swiffer would provide, like pressurized and/or spinning mopping pads (rather than lackadaisical, stationary ones). Water tank compatibility with cleaning solution and even automatic detergent

SEE ALSO: Dyson's cheapest laser vacuum made me feel bad about my dirty floors...in a good way

But arguably the most pivotal shift 2-in-1 robot vacuums saw in the past year isn't on the robot vacuums themselves, but in their docks. Past automatically emptying the dust bin, the best robot mop combos also cross post-mopping maintenance off of your list by automatically washing and drying their own mopping pads, then refilling themselves with clean water from the dock. With one of these self-cleaning stations, your robovac will be ready to mop again almost immediately — a clutch change from an older, more basic design that had us all choosing between manually washing a smelly mopping pad after each use, letting it mop with a dirty pad, or just avoiding the mopping feature altogether.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a robot vacuum?

Yep, robot vacuum deals are a huge deal on Black Friday. This is especially true for more premium robot vacuum hybrids (like the full self-cleaning ones I just mentioned above) — while most 2-in-1 models that wash their own mopping pads usually run you at least $700 (but probably more) any other time, Black Friday is prime time to shave a few hundred dollars off to make the investment a little more digestible.

Aside from one or two straggler models that might be super new or a brand's most premium option, almost every robot vacuum that's worth your time will probably be on sale by the time Black Friday officially starts — maybe even hit a new record low price compared to October Prime Day. Naturally, I'm tracking all of the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals for you in an expertly curated list, including a ton of early deals.

Not sure how fancy of a hybrid robot vacuum you even need at home, or where to start your Black Friday search? I've tested 15+ of the most popular robot vacuum and mop combos on my own floors at home, narrowing down your options to the top four robot vacuums that also wash your floors.

Viruses love to jump between animal species.

In 2023, a highly pathogenic bird flu leapt to seals in South America, killing some 17,000 elephant seal pups (about 97 percent of the vulnerable animals) and an unknown number of adults in a major breeding colony in Península Valdés, Argentina. A new genetic analysis, published in the science journal Nature Communications, determined that once the virus entered this population of marine mammals, it evolved and spread easily between seals, likely stoking a transnational outbreak.

The results underscore the risk of bird flu spread in animals, including us. After all, some 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans come from other animal species. These are known as zoonotic diseases.

"We reflect that H5N1 viruses becoming more evolutionary flexible and adapting to mammals in new ways could have global consequences for wildlife, humans, and/or livestock," the scientists wrote.

FYI: The images below show dead seals and birds.

SEE ALSO: These animals went extinct in 2023

The dramatic, recent consequences for the elephant seals of Península Valdés can be seen in the images below.

"We were totally appalled by the dramatic impact of the epidemic of avian influenza on this population," Valeria Falabella, a study coauthor and the director of coastal and marine conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society Argentina, said in a statement. "It is likely that more than half of the reproductive population died due to the virus. It will take decades before the numbers are back to the 2022 population size."

Before the seals died, researchers observed telltale signs of infection in the pups, including labored breathing, tremors, trouble moving, and nasal discharge.

The carcasses of elephant seal pups documented in Punta Delgada, Argentina, in October 2023. Credit: Marcela Uhart / UC Davis An August 2024 image of skeletal remains of elephant seal pups from the Península Valdés colony. The outbreak occurred in 2023. Credit: Marcela Uhart / UC Davis In foreground: the remains of a dead elephant seal pup in Península Valdés. In background: young elephant seals on the beach. Credit: Ralph Vanstreels / UC Davis Dead elephant seal pups seen on the beach in Punta Delgada, Argentina, in October 2023. Credit: Ralph Vanstreels / UC Davis

Swabbed samples taken from infected seals showed how the H5N1 virus has become increasingly adaptable to new hosts. The viruses found in seals and birds (such as terns) in Argentina formed a distinct clade or group that also spread to seals in Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay.

This virus isn't going away. While it hasn't been detected in the decimated elephant seal colonies in 2024, it has been "widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, with recent cases reported among dairy and poultry workers," UC Davis, whose researchers worked on the new study, explained. Fortunately, the virus isn't spreading from humans to other humans — though it is infecting some U.S. dairy and poultry workers (46 people have been reported infected in the U.S. as of Nov. 11, according to the CDC).

Tweet may have been deleted

The researchers will continue monitoring the spread of this virus in the wild and elsewhere, with the aim of understanding how it's evolving.

It's unknown, of course, when or where the next novel viral outbreak in humans will come from. It could be a long time. Or not. It could be another coronavirus. Or another influenza virus — which caused the devastating 1918 flu pandemic (and may have started as an avian flu). But what's certain, although sometimes easy to forget, is that our history is punctuated by pandemics.

TL;DR: Get Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition for $19.97 — a gift of endless creativity, adventure, and pixel-perfect fun.

If you’re looking for a holiday gift that’s as limitless as their imagination, this digital download of Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition is the ultimate choice for just $20 (reg. $29). From snowy village builds to pixelated cabins and forests, Minecraft lets players create their own winter escape — all without stepping into the cold.

Perfect for kids, teens, and any adults who still love a good adventure, this game is a cozy gift that lasts way beyond the holiday season.

With both Java and Bedrock Editions, players can switch between modes, experiment with new updates, and access thousands of mods, texture packs, and mini-games. Whether they’re logging on solo or joining friends, Minecraft’s world-building tools offer countless ways to explore, craft, and conquer. The game’s creative and survival modes let players choose their own journey, whether they’re setting up a bustling winter town or dodging digital characters in survival mode.

Minecraft is also cross-platform, so they can play on different devices without missing a beat. And with regular updates, it’s a gift that keeps on giving — new biomes, mobs, and challenges are always on the horizon.

Priced at $19.97 for a limited time, the Minecraft Java and Bedrock Edition digital download is the perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure, and the only thing they’ll need to bundle up for is a trip to their own pixelated wonderland.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition (Digital Download) $19.97
$29.99 Save $10.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: For $59.99, Kwit’s lifetime plan offers a supportive path to quit smoking with daily motivation and personalized tools.

If you’ve tried quitting smoking before and it didn’t stick, Kwit’s lifetime plan is here to help you make 2025 the year you finally kick the habit. With this lifetime subscription for $59.99, Kwit becomes your steady partner, offering tools, progress tracking, and motivational boosts whenever you need them — no pressure, no deadlines.

Quitting doesn’t happen overnight, but with Kwit’s constant support, you can approach it at your own pace.

Kwit’s app is designed around the science of habit-breaking, with daily challenges and personalized goals that keep you moving forward, one step at a time. The app tracks your progress, celebrates small wins, and even shows you the money you’re saving by staying smoke-free. Plus, for those tough moments, Kwit offers guided breathing exercises and reminders to help you manage cravings and stay on track.

Need extra encouragement? Kwit connects you with a community of people on the same journey, adding a layer of accountability and support. And with lifetime access, you’ll never have to worry about losing these resources.

Make a small investment in a huge lifestyle change, and the savings from going smoke-free.

Opens in a new window Credit: KWIT Kwit Stop-Smoking App: Premium Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$149.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal

For $59.99 (reg. $149), Kwit isn’t just another quit-smoking app — it’s the partner that helps keep you strong for the long haul.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

This woman is the most beloved human in your life, right? Whether it's the person who brought you into this world or the woman who raised you or simply someone who feels like a mother to you, finding your mom the perferct birthday gift comes with a lot of pressure. "This is how much I love you," the gift seems to say — even if she would never see it that way. So whether it's her 50th birthday, her 60th birthday, or some top-secret age she refuses to share, are some birthday gift ideas for your mom to help you select something special.

Ceramic dinnerware set Credit: GBHOME / Amazon

If she loves to entertain, here’s an easy way to shake things up the next time she gathers her tribe: A beautiful set of dishes in a bright color that will pair with her “good” white dishes perfectly. 

Opens in a new window Credit: GBHOME / Amazon Ceramic Dinnerware Sets at Amazon
Shop Now

Beats headphones  Credit: Beat / Amazon

Make her evening walk through the neighborhood a little more high fidelity with these good-looking cans from Beats. Comfortable, with crystal clear sound quality, she’ll love listening to her podcasts and playlists while enjoying the 40 hours of battery life. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats / Amazon Beats Studio Pro at Amazon
Shop Now

Window Bird Feeder Credit: Nature Anywhere / Amazon

Something happens between humans and birds as we age – all of a sudden we become obsessed. We don't have the science to explain this phenomenon, but your mom will love this acrylic feeder and spend hours watching its visitors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nature Anywhere / Amazon Transparent Acrylic Window Bird Feeder $33.90 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $12.09 Shop Now

Electronic hand warmers Credit: OCOOPA / Amazon

She can stash these magnetic warmers in her pockets to make any winter errand or sporting event infinitely more comfortable. They're rechargeable, which means she can plug them in once in a while when they need the juice and then keep them tucked in a coat where she’ll need them most.

Opens in a new window Credit: OCOOPA / Amazon Hand Warmers $27.98 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.01 Shop Now

Hitster Game Credit: Jumbo / Amazon

Finally: an offline game that's actually fun for grown-ups. This one tests her music knowledge through the decades, including QR codes that queue up the music as you’re playing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jumbo / Amazon Jumbo Hitster — The Music Party Card Game at Amazon
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Diffuser  Credit: VIVITEST / Amazon

This modern ceramic diffuser will make an understated, design-y impression on her shelf, while producing a subtly gorgeous fragrance for any room. With nine hours of run time, this will go a long way in her self-care efforts.

Opens in a new window Credit: VIVITEST / Amazon Stone Diffuser at Amazon
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Outdoor Gel Fuled Modern Fireplace Credit: Terra Flame / Amazon

This gorgeous fireplace with mid-century lines and a beautiful powder-coated finish is perfect inside or out. We love the idea of parking this on her patio so she can enjoy the shoulder season in smokeless style.

Opens in a new window Credit: Terra Flame / Amazon Outdoor Gel Fuled Modern Fireplace $699.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $100.00 Shop Now

Acrylic Shell Display Credit: XronSlute / Amazon

If she's the person head down on the beach searching for the perfect shell, then snag here one of these. This pretty acrylic display case also makes for a super special vacation souvenir.

Opens in a new window Credit: XronSlute / Amazon Acrylic Shell Display at Amazon
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Bissell Little Green Cleaner Credit: Bissell / Amazon

Gifting someone a cleaning tool can sometimes be tricky. But if your mom is addicted to CleanTok videos and fantasizes about taking a toothbrush to grout, then this portable steam cleaner is a solid option. She will love getting that forever stain off the dining room chair, all thanks to you.

Hydroponic Indoor Gardening Credit: CYBSDF / Amazon

Her favorite hobby – gardening – doesn't need to stop when the mercury dips. Help her move things inside with this starter hydroponic situation so she can pick fresh herbs all year long.

Opens in a new window Credit: CYBSDF / Amazon Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System at Amazon
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Breville Barista Pro Credit: Breville / Amazon

If she's an unabashed coffee snob (you have that in common), lean into it with an upgrade that will make all her barista dreams come true. This Breville machine makes coffee- and expresso-based drinks like her favorite coffee shop all from the comfort of the kitchen counter.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville / Amazon Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine $679.95 at Amazon
$849.95 Save $170.00 Shop Now

iRobot Roomba Credit: iRobot / Amazon

The first time she lets the Roomba loose, it will map her house. The second time, it will methodically do the vacuuming, expertly avoiding the stairs. Even better, she can tell Alexa to manage the cleaning while she’s scrolling through her social feeds and sending you an endless stream of reels from the couch.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot / Amazon iRobot Roomba $219.14 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $30.85 Shop Now

Vitamix Credit: Vitamix / Amazon

We are team perfect smoothies, and she will be too after you gift her the king of blenders. Perfect for drinks, but also for soups, and all manners of dips and pestos, this machine will last a lifetime.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix / Amazon Vitamix Explorian Blender $269.95 at Amazon
$382.99 Save $113.04 Shop Now

Electric Bike Credit: Viribus / Amazon

This electric bike has pedal-assist technology, which means help when she needs it, a regular bike when she doesn't. Perfect for commuting or errands or joy riding, when she locks up this bike, the battery detaches and goes with her, making it significantly less tempting for thieves.

Opens in a new window Credit: Viribus / Amazon Viribus Electric Bike at Amazon
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Weighted Vest Credit: Henkelion / Amazon

Women of a certain age need weight-resistant activities in order to keep their bones strong. Help mom get her reps in with a weighted vest, which allows her to weight lift while she’s walking the pooch, or gardening, or anything else for that matter.

Opens in a new window Credit: Henkelion / Amazon Henkelion Weighted Vest at Amazon
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Bath Bomb gift set Credit: Beauty by Earth / Amazon

Is mom a bath lover? These bath bombs come in a set of six and are made in the US from all-natural and organic ingredients. Next time she's feeling more relaxed than she has in weeks, she'll have you to thank.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beauty by Earth / Amazon Bath Bomb Gift Set at Amazon
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Gold metal bookmarks Credit: Fermus / Amazon

Delicate gold bookmarks for the voracious reader matriarch are always a great idea. These come in a four-pack with pretty leaves that peek out of the pages. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Fermus / Amazon 4 Pack Metal Bookmarks with Chain $8.99 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $1.00 Shop Now

Morse Code Bracelet Credit: Joycuff / Amazon

It's an ode to your love for her, without being completely obvious about it. This bracelet spells out your secret message in Morse code so she can wear something as simple as “I love you" or you can reference an inside joke that will make her giggle. The message is up to you.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joycuff / Amazon Morse Code Bracelet at Amazon
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Heated towel warmer Credit: SAMEAT / Amazon

Is there a more decadent gift or lovely sensation than stepping out of the shower on a cold morning and wrapping yourself in a warm towel? This bin will heat two large bath towels or one large bathrobe and you can even add aromatherapy if you choose. Your mom will be over the moon.

Opens in a new window Credit: SAMEAT / Amazon Heated Towel Warmer at Amazon
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Foot Massager  Credit: Nekteck / Amazon

Maybe it’s a slightly old-school gift – but there’s no getting around the fact that foot massagers are actually magical. This one uses heat, kneading action, and air compression to soothe sore soles. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Nekteck / Amazon Shiatsu Foot Massager $69.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $60.00 Shop Now

Essential Oil Set Credit: Cliganic / Amazon

She can pick her perfect scent out of the dozen included in this sampler pack. They're all organic and single ingredient with no synthetic additives. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Cliganic / Amazon Organic Aromatherapy Essential Oils Set $26.39 at Amazon
$37.99 Save $11.60 Shop Now

Grace & Stella under eye mask Credit: Grace & Stella / Amazon

Keep these individually packed eye masks in the fridge for extra soothing de-puffiness. Maybe she’ll let you borrow a set now and then and you can de-stress together.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grace & Stella / Amazon Grace & Stella Under Eye Masks $15.99 at Amazon
$35.00 Save $19.01 Shop Now

Personalized photo puzzle Credit: ArtDecor2021 / Amazon

Take the best pic from your last family vacation and turn it into a custom photo puzzle. Better yet, since you’re giving the gift you can make sure the picture is actually a flattering one, and not the photo she used in last year’s holiday card, where your eyes were half closed.

Opens in a new window Credit: ArtDecor2021 / Amazon Personalized Photo Puzzle at Amazon
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SAVE $300: As of Nov. 12, the Google Pixel 8 (128 GB) is on sale for $399 at Amazon, down from $699. Grab this early Black Friday deal and save 43% on a powerful Android smartphone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $399.00 at Amazon
$699.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

The holiday shopping chaos may still be a few weeks away, but Amazon's early Black Friday deals are already rolling out with a bang. Case in point: the Google Pixel 8 is now a jaw-dropping 43% off, bringing it down to $399 from its usual $699. That's a $300 discount on one of the most advanced Android phones out there, complete with AI-powered features, a stellar camera, and all the perks you'd expect from Google.

With the Pixel 8, Google has packed some serious hardware and software upgrades. This model runs on the Google Tensor G3 chip, custom-built to harness Google's latest AI capabilities, giving you next-level photo and video editing. Love close-up shots? The Pixel 8 now includes Macro Focus, so even tiny details look sharp and vibrant, whether snapping nature shots or capturing tiny information about everyday objects.

SEE ALSO: Pixel 9 Pro vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL

The 6.2-inch Actua display isn't just big — it's beautiful. With a 120Hz refresh rate, this display keeps scrolling, gaming, and app-switching super smooth. And it's bright enough to handle all lighting conditions, from outdoor adventures to cozy nights. Battery life is another Pixel 8 strength. The Adaptive Battery lasts over 24 hours, and if you turn on Extreme Battery Saver mode, you can stretch that to an impressive 72 hours. Faster charging means you're likely to be stuck hunting for an outlet.

This Pixel 8 model is unlocked, meaning you can use it on virtually any carrier. Plus, with 128GB of storage, there's plenty of room for your photos, apps, and all those travel videos you keep meaning to edit. So, if you're looking for a feature-packed Android with a price tag that won't make your wallet ache, this Pixel 8 deal is as good as it gets. Get ahead of the Black Friday rush and scoop up this powerful phone while it's still at an all-time low.

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.

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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.

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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 12 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: Going for 3.

• Green: Checking the score

• Blue: Tourney toppers

• Purple: FIFA legends

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 - Actions on a field goal attempt

• Green - MLB teams on scoreboards

• Blue - Schools with most Men's NCAA Tournament Titles

• Purple - Brazilian soccer legends

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 #50 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Actions on a field goal attempt: BLOCK, HOLD, KICK, SNAP

• MLB teams on scoreboards: LAD, MIN, PIT, SEA

• Schools with most Men's NCAA Tournament Titles: KENTUCKY, UCLA, UCONN, UNC

• Brazilian soccer legends: CAFU, KAKA, PELE, RONALDINHO

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.

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 Tuesday, November 12, 2024:

AcrossMake very thirsty

• The answer is Parch.

Greeting from someone wearing a lei and Hawaiian shirt

• The answer is Aloha.

Gives up, as a territory

• The answer is Cedes.

Standing up straight

• The answer is Erect.

Add firewood to

• The answer is Stroke.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 12 DownWalks nervously back and forth

• The answer is Paces.

Like a hungry dog waiting for leftover food scraps, say

• The answer is Alert.

Event in which cowboy boots are worn

• The answer is Rodeo.

"___, please" (post-dining request)

• The answer is Check.

Waste maker, in a proverb

• The answer is Haste.

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 $130: As of Nov. 12, the Dyson Airwrap is reduced to $219.99 at Walmart. That's a 37% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap $219.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Walmart's early Black Friday sale officially kicked off on Nov. 11, following retailers Target and BestBuy with the early deals. No longer are your discounts limited to one day of madness, you have the whole month to shop for incredible discounts. Deals spread far and wide across all products, but we love this latest deal on the refurbished Dyson Airwrap.

The Dyson Airwrap has remained at the top of the hair products game since its release years ago, famed for its incredible styling techniques using Dyson air-powered technology. Such incredible technology doesn't come without a high price tag, however, and this product has regularly been priced north of $300. But as of Nov. 12, you can find this refurbished model at Walmart reduced to just $219.99, saving you $130 on list price.

SEE ALSO: Save over $200 on a refurbished Dyson Corrale at Walmart

Don't let the "refurbished" stamp put you off; this product has gone through heavy testing to ensure it's fit for purpose. According to Walmart, it has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by a performance-managed seller or supplier. It also has a one-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind.

This iconic hair tool features a range of attachments to curl, wave, smooth, and add volume to your hair without extreme heat. It offers versatility for all types of hair style, from natural waves to polished looks, all while minimizing the risk of heat damage.

This deal is available in both colors, but currently, only the nickel/copper option is in stock at Walmart.

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 12, the Microsoft Xbox Series X is on sale for $448 at Walmart. That's a 10% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Microsoft Xbox Series X $448.00 at Walmart
$498.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Walmart's Black Friday sale has kicked off early and we're all in for a treat. You'll find everything from TVs, laptops, and gaming devices reduced, so there couldn't be a better time to get prepared for Christmas, or to treat yourself.

The plethora of Black Friday deals also includes this $50 discount on the Microsoft Xbox Series X. As of Nov. 12, it's reduced by 10%. This deal comes with the console, Xbox Wireless Controller, an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable, a power cable, and two AA batteries.

SEE ALSO: Find the best early Black Friday Apple AirTag deal at Walmart

This device is a powerhouse for gaming, built for speed, incredible visuals, and an overall smooth experience. Released in late 2020, it boasts a super-fast custom SSD and a powerful processor, allowing games to load quickly and run at up to 4K resolution with incredible detail.

It’s backward compatible too, so you can enjoy all your Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even some original Xbox games. Plus, with Xbox Game Pass, you get access to a huge library of games.

Head over to the Walmart website to snag this great early Black Friday deal.

NASA's Voyager mission beamed back unprecedented views. It also sent back some mysteries.

One of these came in 1986, when the Voyager 2 probe — one of a duo of Voyager craft sent into deep space — journeyed by the ice giant Uranus, a strange world rotating on its side. When the mission passed by, its instruments detected strong radiation around Uranus, yet, curiously, didn't find any source of energized particles to feed these zones of radiation.

For decades, the observation has been an enigma. But not anymore. Recent analysis of Voyager's old data found that extreme solar wind — a flow of particles shooting out from the sun — impacted the environs around Uranus and created the abnormal episode.

"The spacecraft saw Uranus in conditions that only occur about 4 percent of the time," Jamie Jasinski, a NASA physicist who led the new research published in Nature Astronomy, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA spacecraft keeps on going faster and faster and faster

The graphics below help demonstrate what happened. Like Earth, Uranus has a protective magnetosphere — the region or cavity around the planet home to its magnetic field (these magnetic fields are created by currents in the planets' metallic cores). Magnetospheres shield planets from solar storms and wind, but become compressed by this potent stream of solar particles.

When the solar wind hit Uranus' magnetosphere, it compressed the distant planet's magnetosphere, and squeezed out the plasma (hot gas composed of electrically charged particles) that naturally surrounds Uranus. Instead, the solar wind injected its own particles into radiation belts around Uranus. This explains why the Uranus environment was so irradiated — but didn't seem to have an obvious source of radiation.

On left: Typical conditions around Uranus, showing a rich area of plasma around the planet. On right: Particles from the solar wind compressing Uranus' magnetosphere and forcing out the system's plasma. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech Tweet may have been deleted

These results also suggest that some of Uranus' five moons aren't dead, after all. The lack of plasma around the planet hinted that the moons weren't geologically active, because unlike other active moons of our solar system (like Jupiter's ocean moon Europa), it appeared Uranus' satellites emitted no charged water molecules. But that might not be the case.

There are no missions back to Uranus any time soon, though the planet, at 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) away, is considered a priority target for a future NASA mission.

Meanwhile, the Voyager probes continue their respective journeys through interstellar space, where they'll journey through the galaxy for billions of years.

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 12 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 12 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Spell it out

These words take the long way to get there.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for letters.

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 NatoAlphabet.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 12

• Echo

• Tango

• Foxtrot

• Bravo

• Victor

• Golf

• Delta

• NatoAlphabet

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 $10: As of Nov. 12, the Apple AirTag is on sale at Walmart for $19, saving you 34% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $19.00 at Walmart
$29.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

There may be a few weeks left until the big event really kicks off, but Black Friday discounts have already started to appear at our favorite retailers, including Walmart.

Yep, eager sales-hunters can find a huge variety of deals already live and kicking at Walmart, with TVs, vacuums, headphone, and laptops on offer. But for something extra useful, why not check out this deal on the Apple AirTag, currently reduced to $19 (as of Nov. 12).

SEE ALSO: Save $200 on Apple’s 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip before Black Friday

The deal is for just one AirTag that you can attach to pretty much anything: your wallet, keys, even your pet's collar. The setup is super easy, attach it to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight, like under a cushion or in a bag.

But what about battery life, you ask? All AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery, with regular use. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it.

Ready to stop losing your items every other day? Head to Walmart now.