Feed aggregator

Stock up on free cozy fantasy books this Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - 2 hours 22 sec ago

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering cozy fantasy books for free.

February has come through with another Stuff Your Kindle Day. It has been a busy month for book lovers, but we've got one more chance to snag free e-books. This time, the genre on offer is fantasy.

If you've never come across Stuff Your Kindle Day before, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Stuff Your Kindle Days are popular events that give you the chance to download hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the book, it's yours to keep forever.

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy. You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, so if this is your go-to, you've got a lot of browsing to do. One of the many subgenres you can enjoy in this drop is cozy fantasy.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, covering everything from monster romance to indie titles.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day. Here's a pick of just some of the incredible cozy fantasy e-books you can download for free.

Best cozy fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayShop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

You can get hundreds of free coming-of-age fantasy books this Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - 2 hours 4 min ago

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering coming-of-age fantasy books for free.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back and we couldn't be happier about it. It's a book lovers dream, and this time it's fantasy books that are on offer, so get ready to browse a whole lot of subgenres.

What is Stuff Your Kindle Day, you ask? Stuff Your Kindle Days are popular events that give you the chance to purchase hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the books, they are yours forever. The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy. You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, including coming-of-age fantasy.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, covering everything from monster romance to indie titles.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day. Here's a pick of just some of the incredible coming-of-age fantasy e-books you can download for free.

Best coming-of-age fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayShop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

Load up on free contemporary fantasy books this Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - 2 hours 10 min ago

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering contemporary fantasy books for free.

What better way to celebrate the end of February than another Stuff Your Kindle Day? The popular book event is back, this time offering up free fantasy books for you to enjoy.

Not heard of Stuff Your Kindle Day? Well, you're in for a treat. Stuff Your Kindle Days are events that give you the chance to download hundreds of books for free. And better yet, once you download the book, it's yours forever. The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy, and is hosted by Stuff With Fantasy.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

You can find all kinds of fantasy subgenres on offer, including contemporary fantasy.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Days have already taken place this month on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, offering everything from monster romance to indie titles for free. And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day.

Here's a pick of just some of the incredible contemporary fantasy e-books you can download for free.

Best contemporary fantasy to shop on Stuff Your Kindle DayShop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers allow you to take hundreds of books on the go. It has weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, so you can read anywhere and in all brightness with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited completely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

BLACKPINKs Lisa braves Hot Ones to make Thailand proud

Mashable - 3 hours 27 min ago

BLACKPINK's Lisa has become the latest celebrity to brave the Hot Ones hot wing gauntlet, joining host Sean Evans for a conversation over shared sauce and suffering.

Steeling herself for the challenge, the K-pop idol told Evans that she'd asked Rosé what to expect since her fellow BLACKPINK member appeared on the show last November. Yet despite apparently being advised to lean on ice cream, Lisa was determined to complete Hot Ones' hot sauce tasting menu without the aid of dairy. 

"I'm Thai, and I want my people to be proud," said Lisa, though she noted that Thai food isn't "crazy spicy." "I'll show Rosé that I'm not gonna cry. I'll not cry! I'll prove her wrong!"

SEE ALSO: Blackpink's ROSÉ talks drinking games, squeezes a stress ball while crushing 'Hot Ones'

Between bites of offensively hot chicken, Lisa managed to discuss the difference between rapping in Korean and English, list some of her favourite Thai street foods, and share a highlight of her acting debut in The White Lotus Season 3. However, it was the infamous Da Bomb Beyond Insanity which prompted her to reveal that her trick when she's eaten something too spicy is to spit out her saliva.

"I want to do it now but I know it's going to be so bad on the camera," said Lisa, sniffling as the physical impact of the hot sauce made itself known. "I should keep my image nice!"

Severance finally reveals what Lumon is doing to Gemma. Its terrifying.

Mashable - 3 hours 34 min ago

Severance Season 2, episode 7 cracks the show wide open.

Titled "Chikhai Bardo," the episode finally reveals what's happening on Lumon's ominous testing floor. There, Mark's (Adam Scott) wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman) is the subject of strange, severance-related experiments. In true Lumon fashion, these experiments are a surreal hellscape, but they also give us a better idea of Lumon's end goal and answer some of our most pressing Severance questions.

From the meaning of MDR's file names to the return of the ideographic cards from Season 1, let's break down Gemma's journey in "Chikhai Bardo."

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' creator Dan Erickson breaks down Gemma's 'nightmarish' experience at Lumon What is happening to Gemma on Lumon's testing floor? Dichen Lachman in "Severance." Credit: Apple TV+

First, some good news: Gemma may be severed into Ms. Casey, but she remains her Outie on the testing floor, meaning she has all her memories of her outside life. That includes her marriage with Mark. "Chikhai Bardo" treats us to flashbacks of their relationship, from their sweet meet-cute to their heartbreaking struggles with fertility. (Since none of these flashbacks show Gemma actually getting in a car crash and dying, it's safe to say that Lumon didn't resurrect her, and instead opted for good old-fashioned kidnapping and death-faking.)

Now for the bad news. Gemma is trapped on the testing floor, where she is monitored by the sinister pairing of Cecily (Sandra Bernhard) and Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson). They draw her blood, ask her strange questions — "If you were caught in a mudslide, would you be more afraid of suffocating or drowning?" — and guide her through a series of rooms, where a new Innie persona undergoes an uncomfortable experience, like a trip to the dentist or a rough flight. These rooms may just be the most revelatory part of "Chikhai Bardo," starting with their names.

SEE ALSO: Can consent exist in 'Severance'? Each door on the testing floor is named after an MDR file.

The doors to each room on the testing floor bear the names of files MDR team members have been refining throughout the show. These include Allentown, which Mark worked on; Tumwater, which Dylan (Zach Cherry) worked on; and Siena, which Helly (Britt Lower) worked on. Mark's current file, Cold Harbor, is the only room that Gemma hasn't been in.

Apparently, Cold Harbor will mark the end of Gemma's torment at Lumon, since Dr. Mauer assures her that once she goes through that door, "You will see the world again, and the world will see you." But can you really trust anything Lumon tells you?

The fact that the MDR files correspond to different rooms on the testing floor answers one question but opens several more. First, how does the MDR team's refining contribute to the creation of these rooms? We know the numbers in their files correspond to Kier's Four Tempers: woe, dread, frolic, and malice. Could they be manipulating Gemma's Innies' emotional responses to the rooms? Are they building the rooms themselves and trying to craft scenarios that will elicit certain responses? Or are they balancing the Tempers in each of Gemma's new Innie personas?

Another question: With Cold Harbor being the only room Gemma has left to go through, what are the other MDR Innies currently refining while Mark works on Cold Harbor? Are there other people in Gemma's situation at Lumon? Or are they just working on fake files in order to ensure Mark has his team around him?

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2: What is Cold Harbor? What is going on in the testing floor rooms? And why is it so awful?

All the rooms on the testing floor put Gemma's Innies through universally unpleasant experiences: dental work, airplane turbulence, even having to write tons of Christmas thank-you notes. They're all fairly mundane, if aggravating, parts of life, but imagine having to go through them over and over again in rapid succession. That's the life of each of Gemma's many Innies, whose entire existence boils down to a never-ending loop of repetitive tasks or frightening experiences.

With all these rooms in mind, it seems like Lumon is trying to make it possible to sever yourself into multiple Innies: one for each inconvenience you don't want to experience or task you don't want to do. That way, you can eliminate not just work, but any part of your life you don't want to live.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2, episode 6: What's with those documents Mr. Drummond finds?

As Dr. Mauer tells Gemma in one of their discussions, "Mark will benefit from the world you're siring. Kier will take away all his pain just as Kier has taken away yours." Is that Lumon's end goal, then? A world without any pain?

Of course, there's a big hole in Lumon's reasoning here. They're not ridding the world of pain. Instead, they're just passing the Outie's pain off onto a poor Innie, condemning them to an eternal living nightmare. Also, if you're sectioning off so many parts of your life, how much of a life are you truly living?

Lumon is testing the severance barrier.

As Cecily and Dr. Mauer send Gemma through the rooms every day, they ask her whether she has any memory of what happened in the rooms, or whether she felt any residual emotion from her time there. Mentally, she does not recall. Physically, though, she's feeling the rooms' effects: Her teeth hurt following the dentist visit, and she's rubbing her hand in pain after the Christmas card room. So much for Kier taking away Gemma's pain, right?

Cecily and Dr. Mauer's persistent questioning about Gemma's experiences points to them trying to ensure the severance barrier holds fast, even when a subject, like Gemma, has been severed many, many times.

SEE ALSO: Every time 'Severance' hinted at that huge Helly twist

Severance has hinted that it's possible for things to bleed through the severance barrier. Innie Irving's (John Turturro) daydreams about his Outie's black paint, for example, or Outie Irving's recollection of the black hallway down to the testing floor. Mark's "freshman fluke" of completing the Allentown file could also be an example — did his Outie's connection to Gemma affect his speed at all? And could it influence the completion of Cold Harbor?

Maybe that's why Lumon was so adamant Mark be the one to finish that file. If neither Gemma nor Mark can recall their connection after the file is complete, maybe that will prove this multi-severed technology can withstand anything and is ready to be given to the masses.

Who is monitoring the MDR workers?

At one point in "Chikhai Bardo," Severance shows us what looks like the testing floor's control room, where Mr. Drummond (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) and Dr. Mauer observe MDR's progress. But they aren't the only ones watching. Four people observe the MDR team through their screen, with each person looking quite a bit like their MDR counterpart. The effect is similar to the eerie "twins" Lumon gave the Innies in "Woe's Hollow."

There are key differences, though. While Mark's double in that "Woe's Hollow" (played by Adam Jepsen) is credited as "Shadow Mark," Mark's double in this "Chikhai Bardo" (played by Eric J. Carlson) is credited as "Mark Watcher." The different actors and role names confirm these characters are different and fulfill differing functions — but could there be similar Lumon technology at work in each case?

Lumon has been watching Gemma long before her accident.

In the flashbacks to Mark and Gemma's relationship, Severance reveals that Lumon was part of Gemma's life before her time on the testing floor. When she first meets Mark at a blood drive, the Lumon logo is on the equipment. Later, when she and Mark go to the fertility clinic, Dr. Mauer pops up in the background.

These instances are proof of Lumon's insidious reach in the world, and also that they've been keeping tabs on Gemma for a while. Severance doesn't clue us into why Gemma was so important to Lumon just yet, though. Maybe there was something special about her blood or her intake form that piqued the company's interest. Speaking of...

What's the deal with Severance's ideographic cards?

Another way Lumon sunk its claws into Gemma was with the ideographic cards Optics and Design manufactures. They sent her the cards through the clinic mailing list, and she had to write out how they made her feel.

One of the cards is labeled "Chikhai Bardo" — a Buddhist term for the transitional state in the first moments of death, and also a fitting description of Mark's post-seizure state throughout the episode. It's also the same card Dylan stole back in Season 1, depicting one man pointing his hand at another man's chest.

Gemma sees these two figures as being the same person, interpreting the card as a man overcoming his own psyche in a moment of ego death. (Someone at war with their own psyche is right up Severance's alley!) Meanwhile, Mark just thinks that the card shows two men fighting and finds it pointless to engage.

Perhaps Gemma and Mark's differing reactions to the ideographic cards point to why Lumon singled her out for capture. Maybe her inquisitiveness and unexpected understandings of the cards were just what they were looking for in a test subject. Could that mean the cards are a recruiting tactic and that more people are on Lumon's radar for similar experiments?

That's just one of many questions "Chikhai Bardo" leaves us with, even as it provides us with some more clarity on Severance's biggest puzzles. Now, the biggest question going forward is simply, "Why did Lumon choose Gemma?"

Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday.

Severance creator Dan Erickson breaks down Gemmas nightmarish experience at Lumon

Mashable - 3 hours 34 min ago

"Chikhai Bardo," episode 7 of Severance Season 2, is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2, episode 7, explained: What is happening to Gemma at Lumon?

The episode intertwines Mark's (Adam Scott) memories of his and Gemma's (Dichen Lachman) relationship with our first-ever look at Gemma's experience on Lumon's testing floor. The former gives us a deeper understanding of their marriage, in all its highs and lows, while the latter offers terrifying insight into Lumon's greater project.

Gemma's storyline in particular offers up bombshell after bombshell. But perhaps most intriguing is the reveal that the files that the MDR team has been refining, like Allentown and Cold Harbor, correspond to various rooms Gemma is forced to enter every day. There, a new Severed identity undergoes an unpleasant experience, including a trip to the dentist, a turbulent flight, or a long afternoon writing mundane thank-you notes for Christmas presents.

In classic Severance fashion, each answer "Chikhai Bardo" provides prompts even more questions. Mashable spoke to Severance creator and showrunner Dan Erickson to learn more about this game-changing episode, from Gemma's first real introduction to the testing floor to room ideas that didn't make it into the show.

Mashable: This episode is our first time really meeting Gemma and getting to know her beyond Mark's memories of her. What part of her introduction was most crucial to get right?

Dan Erickson, Severance creator and showrunner: We've seen her in such a diminished capacity at Lumon, where we've gotten to know her as Ms. Casey. And I've always thought of Ms. Casey as a corporate automaton with a human being somewhere deep down inside her that is trying to get out, and that's why she asked questions. She's curious, she's compassionate, she worries about the people around her — like in Season 1, when Mark and Helly go off to see the goats, she says, "I was scared." All of these traits are in there, they're just very muted.

With all the characters, when you see their Outie, the question is always, to what degree are their Innies different? But also, to what degree are they essentially the same? So Ms. Casey's traits of being intellectually curious and kind and compassionate and worrying about others were a basis to start on for finding out who Gemma is.

SEE ALSO: Can consent exist in 'Severance'?

We also wanted to see on Mark's side that this is the version of him that he was before his loss. That involves joy, and that involves humor, and that involves warmth. We wanted those to be traits that they shared with each other. We wanted to be sure that they as a couple felt lived-in. They had jokes that were theirs and they could mess with each other, but at the end of the day, they were a very loving couple.

I'd love to hear more about the memories, because here we get the interplay of Mark's memories of his and Gemma's marriage alongside Gemma's time at Lumon. Tell me about the decision to put these elements in parallel. How do they speak to one another?

I really liked this as an idea, conceptually, that in this episode, both Mark and Gemma are trying to get to each other. We see Gemma is literally trying to get to him, to break out of the testing floor, only to make it up to the Severed Floor where she turns back into Ms. Casey and turns around of her own accord. I found that one moment really heartbreaking.

Both Mark and Gemma are trying to get to each other. - Dan Erickson

Then Mark is unconscious, but in his mind, he's trying to find his wife and sifting through these different memories and trying to figure out what's real. The memory that Mark has of their marriage, which he had sort of presented as this perfect thing, shows that it might not have been. He may be remembering it the way that he needs to, as opposed to the way it actually happened. Memory can be imperfect, but at the same time, the story that gets patch-worked together through your memories ends up creating your identity, or at least the way that you think about yourself.

In this episode, we finally get down to the testing floor, and we get some big answers. We now know the files Mark was working on correspond to the different rooms that Gemma goes through, where she encounters different scenarios, like a trip to the dentist or a bumpy plane ride. How did you choose which scenarios she encountered in each room?

That was a big conversation, and I can't fully get into it yet because there is still some question of why they're doing this to her.

But I will say what's interesting here is that she's going through these painful or unpleasant experiences and then she's leaving, and the question that's being asked throughout the episode by Dr. Mauer (Robby Benson) is, to what degree is anything leaking through? Is she walking out of that room with any emotional echo of what she was going through in that room? So far it seems that she's not, so that's the throughline that I think is happening with what's going on in those rooms. But again, there's still a question of what exactly they're doing, or what they're trying to prove or disprove.

Dichen Lachman in "Severance." Credit: Apple TV+

A lot of the rooms feel like universally hated experiences. Were there any other scenarios that you and the writers' room thought of for other rooms that didn't end up making it into the show?

There were a lot. At one point I made a list of about 50, and then we winnowed it way down. You know, I happen to really, really hate flossing, and I was like, "Well, maybe there's a room where she's just flossing." And then someone else said, "Well, I like flossing. It's satisfying." So we had an argument as to how nightmarish or wonderful that would be.

SEE ALSO: Every time 'Severance' hinted at that huge Helly twist

The rough flight room was one where I unfortunately thought to myself, "If I were given the option to sever myself for a flight, I might do it." Which is awful, especially after watching the show and knowing so much about what Innies go through! But that relatability feels like a big part of Lumon's project. Could you speak more to the mundane aspect of these scenarios?

One of the first things that some people ask after watching the show is, "What would you sever, if you could sever away anything in your life that you don't like?" It's really interesting to hear the different answers to that for different people, and then also to think of what the experience of that poor Innie would be who had to to do that one task repetitively.

For example, the Christmas card room was just me being catty about having been forced to write a lot of thank-you cards as a kid and always being annoyed by that. I thought, "It's not even worth it to get presents now because I have to write these long thank-you cards, and it's annoying!" So when the writers were talking about things that you wouldn't want to have to do over and over again, that was one that came to mind for me personally.

It's funny, turbulence has never bothered me, although I know a lot of friends who are really, really afraid of that. But I am a very claustrophobic person. I hate elevators; I hate getting in an elevator ever, for any reason.

This show must be a nightmare then.

Yeah, I hate elevators and Ben [Stiller] hates eggs, so we're both working through something on this show.

But to me, what's such a nightmare when you talk about potentially severing is that if you were having that experience that Gemma seems to be having in the plane, that's your whole life. There's literally nothing outside of this room for you. That was the element of it that really felt especially nightmarish to me.

There's literally nothing outside of this room for you. That was the element of it that really felt especially nightmarish to me. - Dan Erickson

This episode answers some questions, but it raises many others. We know Mark's files are tied to Gemma's rooms, but are Helly, Irving, and Dylan also working on what's going on with Gemma? Are they refining for different people, or maybe doing other things that we don't know about yet?

[pause] That's a really good question, a really good question.

Then there are the people who are observing MDR's work through their screens. They look very much like the shadow selves from the "Woe's Hollow" episode. Are these similar Lumon creations?

That is also a terrific question that I would love to answer. It would be fun to have that conversation with you, and sadly I don't believe I can.

Coming back to the memory portion of the episode, can you tell me about Lumon's involvement in Gemma's life before her abduction, and why she was targeted?

That's definitely still an outstanding question on the show. But I think what does become clear is that there was something special about her. We see the Lumon tear drop on the machine at the blood drive, we see Dr. Mauer at the fertility clinic. The big question we're asking ourselves now is, when did she first end up on Lumon's radar? How long had they been watching her, and to what end? What exactly was it that they were looking for as they were watching her?

This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday.

Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours.

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

FREE LEGO: On March 9, build a Lego Steering Wheel model at participating stores and take it home with you for free. Find participating stores here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego: Free Steering Wheel Learn More

Lego has been feeling generous lately. On Feb. 9, customers had the opportunity to build a Lego Valentine's Day Heart and take it home with them for free. We made a lot of noise about that free giveaway, partly because it seemed like the sort of thing that wouldn't happen again for a long time. How wrong we were.

On March 9 from 12-2 p.m., Lego is running a Steering Wheel make-and-take event intended for participants aged 6+ years. The Lego Steering Wheel model (Formula 1 Collection) will be available on a first come first serve basis, at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada, while supplies last. Participants are limited to one build each.

SEE ALSO: 'Piece By Piece' review: Pharrell Williams finds his happy place in Legoland biopic

What makes this free giveaway especially interesting is that the Steering Wheel model is not available for purchase. So by taking part, you're getting your hands on an exclusive item for free. That sounds like a pretty good deal to us, particularly for the Formula 1 fans out there.

Build and take home an exclusive Lego Steering Wheel for free on March 9.

Stock up on free fantasy books in the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Stuff With Fantasy is offering fantasy books in a variety of subgenres for free.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back once again for its final appearance in February. Rejoice, bookworms.

We've been treated to a number of these popular events in 2025, but that doesn't mean we're any less excited for a new giveaway going live. You've probably seen the excitement building over on BookTok, with everyone counting down the days to the next Stuff Your Kindle Day.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

So what exactly is Stuff Your Kindle Day? This event provides an amazing opportunity to stock up on hundreds (or sometimes thousands) of books for free. And better yet, the books that you download are yours to keep. The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is focused on fantasy.

Stuff With Fantasy is offering a long list of fantasy books in a variety of subgenres for free. Want to make the most of this popular event? We've lined up everything you need to know.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule has been exhausting in 2025. Exhausting in a good way. In February, Stuff Your Kindle Day has taken place on Feb. 10, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21, with everything from monster romance to indie titles on offer for free.

And now on Feb. 28, the Stuff With Fantasy event is offering free fantasy books all day.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

There are many great things about Stuff Your Kindle Day, but arguably the best aspect is that anyone can participate.

You don't need to own a Kindle to get involved. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.

Which e-books are free?

Sourcing all of these free books is made easy thanks to Stuff With Fantasy. There's a helpful hub page with everything organzied by subgenre. You can find free fantasy books in subgenres like paranormal, dark, cozy, coming of age, urban, historical, romance, and so much more.

See something you like? There's nothing stopping you from stocking up for free, but Stuff With Fantasy does ask that you double check everything is the promised price before downloading.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books per month that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow, so don't hold back.

Shop Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These super popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. They start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months per month. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

This is your last chance to get a Slurpee for free. How to get yours on Feb. 28.

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

FREE SLURPEE: On Feb. 28, get a free small Slurpee at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores. Check participating locations here.

Opens in a new window Credit: 7-Eleven 7-Eleven: Free Slurpee on Feb. 28 Learn More

Every Friday in February, customers have had the opportunity to visit participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores to get their hands on a small Slurpee for free. Go and check your calendar. This is your last call to drink for free.

You should check participating locations before you set off in search of your free Slurpee, but once you've confirmed that small detail, don't delay. This is almost definitely your last chance to get a free Slurpee until National Slurpee Day in July.

SEE ALSO: Domino’s is releasing a pepperoni perfume for Valentine’s Day. Here's how to get yours for free.

The only details to note are that each customer can get only one free small Slurpee each, and this free giveaway is only valid whilst supplies last. But there really isn't a catch here. This is one of those rare opportunities when customers can genuinely get something for nothing.

Make the most of this final chance to grab a Slurpee for free.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand online for free

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new season of MotoGP promises to be really entertaining. There are so many interesting storylines, and with defending champion Jorge Martín set to miss the opening weekend with an injury, the stage is set for someone else to take the spotlight. We can't wait to see how things unfold.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand?

The MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand takes place at Chang International Circuit. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand race starts at 3 a.m. ET on March 2.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand for free

Every 2025 MotoGP race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of Thailand for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City online for free

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup fifth round includes some really interesting matchups, including Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City. The Premier League will be expected to win this one, but Cardiff City will still believe that they can progress into the next round.

If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City?

Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 28. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City for free

Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City 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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Live stream Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Stream Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Afghanistan vs. Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy online for free

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Afghanistan vs. Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has entered the final round of group-stage games, with places in the knockout rounds up for grabs. Australia will be looking to book their place against Afghanistan, but there are no easy games in this competition.

If you want to watch Afghanistan vs. Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Afghanistan vs. Australia?

Afghanistan vs. Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starts at 4 a.m. ET on Feb. 28. This ODI takes place at the Gaddafi Stadium.

How to watch Afghanistan vs. Australia for free

The following platforms are offering coverage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy:

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is available to live stream for free in Pakistan. The free streaming platforms are geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free 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 Pakistan

  4. Visit Tamasha or PTV

  5. Live stream Afghanistan vs. Australia 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Afghanistan vs. Australia (plus every other 2025 ICC Champions Trophy game) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Afghanistan vs. Australia in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free with ExpressVPN.

The best SSD in 2025

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you want your laptop or computer to function at the top level — whether you're using it for gaming or editing — a solid state drive (SSD) is a vital component. SSDs are faster and perform better than pretty much any hard drive available.

An SSD can help improve the overall speed of your computer as well keep your files and data as secure as possible. As tech heads will know, an SSD is a great way to upgrade your set-up. And it doesn't need to cost you a fortune.

But how do you find a SSD that works for you and your computer? And what makes one SSD better than another? That's part of the problem with buying hardware. There are so many specifications that the jargon is hard (unlike with an SSD) to keep stored in your brain.

If you're in the market for an SSD, read on for some useful information and a roundup of the best SSD options right now.

What is a solid-state drive?

An SSD is a storage device that uses blocks of memory cells to store data for easy access. SSDs tend to use flash memory, which makes them faster and more efficient than HDD options. Consequently, SSD has become the more popular means of storage — synonymous with the latest gen PCs and laptops.

What's the difference between SSD and HDD?

It's a matter of inner workings. Whole SSD uses memory chips and flash memory, the more traditional HDDs are built with mechanical moving parts, which is what makes them slower. It's worth remembering, however, that HDDs are cheaper and they can hold significantly more data than SSDs.

How much data can SSDs hold?

The amount of storage differs — each model tends to have multiple capacity options — but most of the SSDs you'll find on this list range between 1TB and 4TB.

Do you need an SSD?

The great thing about SSD technology is that it's a simple way to upgrade your PC and laptop. SSDs are especially good for laptop users because they're small, portable, and eat up less power. But it's always worth asking yourself if you actually need the upgrade.

SSDs are also good for gaming and video editing because they have fast load and response times and reduced lag. The only drawback is they have limited storage (and less storage for your cash) than HDD. Serious gamers might want to combine both SSD and HDD, using the HDD for files that are access less frequently.

What are the different types of SSD?

There are different kinds of technology that you'll find inside SSDs. It's worth knowing some of the jargon so you have a basic idea. The easiest way to say it is that there are two types of SSD – SATA and PCIe/NVMe SSDs. SATA is the older technology, which is fine for basic needs but not as fast as PCIe and NVMe. PCIe is a type of flash storage, while NVMe isn interface that accelerates data transfer speeds.

What is the best SSD?

Thankfully, with prices going down and quality going up, finding a high-quality SSD has become easier than ever. We did the research, keeping in mind functionality, storage, and price to bring you some of the top options on the market.

These are the best SSDs in 2025.

The best webcams in 2025

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

When it comes to webcams, there's one thing you can rely on: The webcam built into your computer isn't up to scratch. At least, not if you need it for professional purposes, whether that means video meetings or YouTube content creating.

The good news is that you don’t have settle for subpar video every time you hop on a call or drop your latest short. There is another way: an external webcam.

External webcams are clearer, more detailed, more advanced, and just, well, better. Before you buy one, however, there are a few basics you’ll need to know. Here's some helpful information, plus a selection of the best webcams, to put you in the picture.

What is an external webcam?

An external webcam clips on the top of your screen or sits on a little tripod and plugs in via USB or Thunderbolt, rather than being a part of your computer or laptop. Most external webcams — especially high-quality cams — come with software that lets you manually adjust features, resolution, frames rate, white balance, exposure, and so on. Ultimately, an external webcam can be an easy way to make your video quality better and more consistent.

Are external webcams expensive?

They don't have to be expensive. There are webcams on the cheaper end out there that are still a step up from built-in webcams. Of course, the more you pay, the clearer the image and greater the customisation options, but upgrading to an external webcam doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot.

What features do webcams have?

This isn't an exhaustive list, but it's useful to keep these things in mind when shopping for a webcam:

  • Built-in mics — Some cameras come with one built-in mic, two built-in mics, or no mics at all. If crisp sound quality is important to you, spring for an external USB microphone. Webcam mics are never really built to wow. However, if your computer setup has no mic at all, grab a webcam that comes with one so you can make sure you're being heard on your calls. Some mics also have noise cancelling capabilities to cut out ambient background interference.

  • Field of view — If you want a webcam that frames you nicely (as in, not so small that the smallest adjustment will cut you out of the picture, and not so big you see the whole room in the background) check out the field of view, which describes the width of the area a camera captures. The standard sweet spot on most webcams hovers around 80 degrees, which can fit about two people comfortably.

  • Image resolution and frame rate There are a few image resolutions you’ll come across, including 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (UHD). As you might have guessed, the higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality. While the image resolution is all about clarity, frame rate is all about smoothness. Typically, a higher frame rate like 60fps looks smoothest, though 30fps will still offer lag-free video. Only the highest quality webcams support 4K/30 fps and most video call/streaming platforms support 1080p/30fps.

  • Lighting — If you find that your facial features are almost always lost to overexposure or that your image looks so dark you're giving villain-in-a-found-film-horror-movie-energy (absolutely a vibe but maybe not the one you want on client calls), look out for webcams that handle changing light conditions well or have software that allows you to adjust contrast, exposure, and white balance.

Keep these things in mind when beginning your purchase process.

Are webcams a security risk?

There isn't a greater privacy risk with an external webcam than a built-in webcam. But with any webcams, external or otherwise, you should be aware that webcam hacks are very much a thing, even if you don’t have your camera on. The rule of thumb is that if you have a webcam, you should be covering it every time it’s not in use. There are external covers you can buy for most kinds of webcams and some webcams.

What is the best webcam?

We've searched high and low for the very best webcams and lined up a selection for you. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this roundup, including popular models from top brands such as Logitech, Anker, and Razer.

These are the best webcams in 2025.

The best mouse in 2025

Mashable - 6 hours 35 min ago

WFH has been a standard working practice for many people for years now. Sure, it's nice to do your work in the comfort of your own home, but it does come with certain issues. For starters, you need to stock up with the right equipment. A good worker needs good tools, after all. Which means you need home office technology.

Though it depends on your line of work, chances are you'll need a printer, monitor, and keyboard. But there's another item that's important: the mouse. It's often taken for granted, but a mouse can impact your productivity and overall comfort behind a desk.

There are lots of mouse options on the market, and from some of the biggest names in tech, including Razer, Logitech, and Apple. But how do you go about picking the right model for you? If you’re struggling to get to grips with the perfect option, here's some information to help you, well, click with a mouse that suits you.

Do you need a good mouse?

If all you do is the odd bit of browsing and link clicking, it’s true that any old mouse will get the job done. But we’re talking about WFH here, which means hours and hours spent in front of the computer. If that’s the case, a good quality mouse is essential for keeping your arm, wrist, and hand comfortable and free from injury. A high-quality computer mouse can help prevent fatigue, improve your overall performance and productivity, and just make everything a whole lot easier.

What is an ergonomic mouse?

An ergonomic mouse is designed to keep your hand in a natural position, therefore reducing the kind of stresses and strain that might lead to carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injury. Ergonomic mice are easy to spot as they sometimes look clunky or unusual — but it’s all designed for comfort and physical wellbeing.

What is DPI?

This is something you’ll see a lot when shopping for a computer mouse. It stands for “Dots Per Inch” — essentially a measurement of how sensitive the mouse is. It describes how many pixels the cursor moves across per inch of physical mouse movement. A higher DPI means higher sensitivity — the cursor moves faster and tracks more distance across the screen. Some manufacturers call it CPI — “counts per inch” — but it essentially means the same thing. DPI is also adjustable with some of the more advanced mouse models.

How does a mouse connect to the computer?

As you'll see below, there are both wired and wireless mouse options. A wired mouse inserts straight into your computer, usually via USB, while a wireless mouse will sync using Bluetooth or a USB dongle. A wireless mouse will be better for a home that has a permanent work stations, whereas a wireless model gives you the flexibility to move around from room to room or other working locations.

Can you use a gaming mouse for work?

A gaming mouse will come with specialist features — such as lighting, programmable buttons, and super-high DPI — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for everyday use as well. We’ve included some gamer mouse options below — worth considering if you’re a gamer who likes to mix up work and play.

What is the best mouse for working from home?

Nowadays, computer mice come with everything from customisable buttons to built-in LEDs. You could spend hours doing detailed research on everything on offer, but that's going to take a lot of dedication. Alternatively, you could let someone else do all of the hard work for you and check out this roundup of the best mice for working from home. That means us. We've tracked down a selection of impressive devices that should suit everyone. You just need to pick (and click) a favourite.

These are the best mice in 2025.

Shrek 5 teaser trailer adds Zendaya to cast, draws on TikTok memes

Mashable - Thu, 02/27/2025 - 22:17

DreamWorks has announced Shrek 5's cast in a short clip which draws on TikTok memes and trends. Of course, this includes the viral "yassified" Shrek filter of the ogre wearing a black catsuit and dancing in the sky.

In the brief 27-second video, Shrek scrolls through short clips on the Magic Mirror in a manner reminiscent of a TikTok feed — and is suitably repulsed by the questionable depictions of himself that he encounters. Unsurprisingly, Shrek alum Mike Myers is returning to voice the titular ogre, alongside Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and Eddie Murphy as Donkey. Doing a Shrek film without these three would basically be sacrilege at this point. Less expected was the revelation that Zendaya is joining the cast, the Euphoria actor voicing Shrek and Fiona's daughter.

SEE ALSO: How Shrekfest keeps the 20-year legacy of 'Shrek' alive

Shrek and Fiona's children first appeared in 2007's Shrek the Third, which featured the birth of triplets Fergus, Farkle, and Felicia. It seems safe to assume Zendaya's teen ogre is Felicia all grown up, however we don't yet know whether Shrek 5 will also feature her brothers, or who might be voicing them.

Little has been revealed about the plot of Shrek 5, which is the first entry in the Shrek film franchise's main series since 2010's Shrek Forever After. Though judging by this teaser, it looks as though DreamWorks may be taking some inspiration from Shrek's status as an enduring meme online.

Shrek 5 is set to arrive in theatres on Dec. 23, 2026.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 28, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/27/2025 - 22:00

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been 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 February 28 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Someone who can't make up their mind

  • Green: Terms of endearment for someone sweet

  • Blue: Clarity of thought

  • Purple: Irreversible actions

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: Be Indecisive

  • Green: Lovely Person

  • Blue: Lucidity

  • Purple: Components of Metaphors for Things That Can't Be Undone

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 #628 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Be Indecisive: HESITATE, WAFFLE, WAVER, YO-YO

  • Lovely Person: ANGEL, DARK, DOLL, PEACH

  • Lucidity: MARBLES, MIND, SENSE, WITS

  • Components of Metaphors for Things That Can't Be Undone: BELL, EGG, GENIE, TOOTHPASTE

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 February 28

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 28, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 02/27/2025 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 28 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 February 28, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Something unclear or covered in soft fibers.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter Z appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FUZZY.

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 February 28

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for February 28

Mashable - Thu, 02/27/2025 - 21:52

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 February 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 28 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Nautical ink

These words are permanently on your body.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are tattoos that share the same ocean-related theme.

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 SailorTattoo.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 28
  • Mermaid

  • Anchor

  • Ship

  • Compass

  • Eagle

  • Swallow

  • SailorTattoo

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.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 28

Mashable - Thu, 02/27/2025 - 21:46

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been 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.

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: Important in poker

  • Green: Recent hockey event

  • Blue: One of the best NBA centers

  • Purple: Share a mascot

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: High cards in poker

  • Green: 4 Nations Face-off

  • Blue: Related to Nikola Jokic

  • Purple: Eagles

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 #158 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • High cards in poker - ACE, JACK, KING, QUEEN

  • 4 Nations face-off - CANADA, FINLAND, SWEDEN, USA

  • Associated with Nikola Jokic - JOKER, MVP, NUGGETS, SERBIA

  • Eagles - BOSTON COLLEGE, IAN, MARQUETTE, 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.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator