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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintA sheet of fabric used in theatre to cast shadows, usually as a backdrop.
SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 18 Hurdle Word 1 answerSCRIM
Hurdle Word 2 hintPumpkins are a prominent example of this type of plant.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 18 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerGOURD
Hurdle Word 3 hintExcess that is often disposed or recycled.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 18 Hurdle Word 3 answerWASTE
Hurdle Word 4 hintComfortable giving orders.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 18 Hurdle Word 4 answerBOSSY
Final Hurdle hintA lineup – or a type of stone.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerSLATE
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
SAVE $250: As of Nov. 18, the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro is on sale at Amazon for $649.99. This deal saves you 28% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin fēnix 7 Pro $649.99 at AmazonEarly Black Friday deals are here and if a new Garmin is on your wishlist, we've found an incredible deal at Amazon on the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro. An advanced fitness tracker, this watch is a must-have for the serious athlete. And as of Nov. 18, you can find it at its lowest-ever price at Amazon.
The multisport GPS watch is designed with a durable 1.3-inch display in a 47 mm fiber-reinforced polymer case, topped with a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire solar charging lens for extended battery life, meaning with the help of the sun you can enjoy weeks of battery life.
SEE ALSO: Score big savings on the iPad Air ahead of Black FridayOur favorite feature is the built-in LED flashlight, a must-have for trail runners and late-night activities. It has variable intensities and strobe modes, so you have greater awareness while you train at night.
New hill and endurance score features are able to track your performance on ascents and overall stamina across activities. You'll also enjoy the same 24/7 health monitoring tools that are synonymous with Garmin, such as HRV status, Pulse Ox (for altitude acclimation), and advanced sleep tracking.
Morning reports and training readiness help to encourage your training with advanced analysis and stats, while wrist-based running power, strength training metrics and advanced pacing tools help fine-tune your performance.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.
SAVE $100: As of Nov. 18, the Apple iPad Air 2024 is on sale at Amazon for $499. That's a 17% saving on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 2024 (11-inch) $499.00 at AmazonNovember is the month of discounts as Black Friday sales start up. Retailers including Walmart and Best Buy are just some of many that have graced us with early deals and discounts. Whether you love it or hate it, who can argue with more time for savings?
Amazon's Black Friday event doesn't kick off for a few more days (Nov. 21 for your calendars), but there are already some active deals lingering, if you look hard enough. Like this great deal on the 2024 Apple iPad Air (11-inch). As of Nov. 18, the 128GB WiFi model is reduced to $499, saving you $100. This deal is for all colors so you can choose from blue, space gray, purple, and starlight.
SEE ALSO: Walmart just leaked the best deals from its upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday salesReleased only a few months ago, the new iPad Air features a faster CPU, GPU, and the new M2 chip, meaning it is a much more powerful device than its predecessors. Built for Apple Intelligence, it helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.
The display boasts P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, so you know you're getting a seriously impressive screen quality. And, with up to 1TB of storage, you’ll have ample space for all your apps and documents, while the all-day battery life keeps you productive on the go.
The latest model also includes a landscape 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that supports Center Stage for videoconferencing and clear Portrait mode selfies. The 12MP Wide back camera is perfect for capturing photos and 4K videos.
Head to Amazon to grab this deal before it runs out.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, November 18, 2024:
Across___ Martin, frequent collaborator with 1-DownThe answer is Steve.
The answer is Hoses.
The answer is Onset.
The answer is Rear.
The answer is Try.
The answer is Short.
The answer is Toner.
The answer is Essay.
The answer is Veer.
The answer is Est.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
SAVE $90: As of Nov. 18, the ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station (Gen 4) is discounted to $209.95 at Amazon (30% off its regular price of $299.99).
Opens in a new window Credit: Astro ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station $209.95 at AmazonReady to ditch the clutter of cables and take your gaming audio to the next level? The ASTRO A50 Wireless Headset is here to deliver. This Black Friday, you can grab it for $209.95 at Amazon — $90 off its usual price of $299.99.
The A50 is a high-end wireless headset compatible with PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, and Mac. Astro Audio V2 and Dolby Audio support create an immersive, cinematic soundscape. Dialogue, in-game sound effects, and music all come through crystal clear, making it perfect for both competitive gaming and casual marathon sessions.
SEE ALSO: Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review: The best gaming headset I've ever usedIt features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with over 15 hours of life, so it’ll easily outlast even the longest gaming sessions. When it’s time to refuel, the included base station acts as a charger and a convenient stand to keep your setup tidy.
Gamers will appreciate the A50’s game-to-voice balance functionality, giving you total control over how much of the action you hear versus your teammates’ chatter. You can further customize your audio experience with ASTRO’s Command Center software, which is available for PC and Mac. Plus, its USB sound card functionality eliminates the need for optical cables, simplifying the setup process for PC gamers.
The A50 is a Mod Kit ready to boost comfort and noise isolation. The optional kit lets you swap out the headband and ear cushions with synthetic leather versions (sold separately), which is perfect for players who want an upgrade.
At $209.95, the ASTRO A50 Wireless Headset is a premium choice at a wallet-friendly price. Don’t wait — Black Friday deals like this are as rare as a 360 no-scope headshot.
SAVE $900: The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K Smart Ultra Short Throw Projector is on sale for $3,099 at Best Buy (regularly $3,999) this Black Friday.
Opens in a new window Credit: AWOL AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro $3,099.00 at Best BuyIf your dream home theater setup involves popcorn, a massive screen, and Dolby Atmos audio, the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro is ready to make it happen. This ultra-short throw 4K laser projector is a cinephile’s dream — and this Black Friday, you can snag it for $3,099 at Best Buy, saving a whopping $900 off its regular price of $3,999.
Designed to transform any room into a cinematic haven, the LTV-3000 Pro delivers 4K UHD visuals powered by triple laser RGB technology for stunning color accuracy and sharpness. It covers 107% of the Rec 2020 color space and 147% of DCI-P3, offering richer, more vibrant visuals than most home projectors. With a peak brightness of 3,000 lumens, it holds up even in rooms with some ambient light.
SEE ALSO: Google is reportedly developing a ‘fake’ email feature to help you avoid spamThis projector can handle everything from streaming the latest blockbuster to diving into a game. It offers a screen size of 80 to 150 inches, and thanks to its ultra-short throw distance, it only needs to sit 9.8 inches from the wall for a 100-inch display. Add Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a turbo game mode with ultra-low lag, and you’ve got a device that’s as versatile as it is powerful.
Audio doesn’t take a backseat here, either. The built-in 36W Dolby Atmos stereo speakers deliver immersive sound. eARC support ensures seamless integration with external sound systems for a true surround experience. The included Fire TV Stick 4K Max lets you stream your favorite platforms straight out of the box.
At $3,099, the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro brings the magic of the movies to your living room. With a big discount, Black Friday is the perfect time to level up your home entertainment.
SAVE $45: As of Nov. 18, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless Gaming Headset is discounted to $134.99 at Amazon (25% off its regular price of $179.34).
Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P $134.99 at AmazonLooking for a gaming headset that’s as versatile as your skills? The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P Wireless Gaming Headset delivers top-notch sound and premium comfort — and this Black Friday, it’s available for $134.99 at Amazon, a $45 discount from its usual price of $179.34.
Built for PlayStation (but compatible with PC, Switch, and mobile), the Arctis Nova 7P features neodymium magnetic drivers that deliver crystal-clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass for an ultra-immersive gaming experience. Pair that with Tempest 3D Audio or Microsoft Spatial Sound, and you’ll hear every footstep, reload, and whispered comms like never before.
SEE ALSO: Google is reportedly developing a ‘fake’ email feature to help you avoid spamThis headset really shines in multi-platform wireless connectivity. You can game at home with the included USB-C dongle (a USB-C to USB-A adapter is also provided), then seamlessly switch to Bluetooth for calls or music on the go. Want to mix your game and phone audio? This headset lets you do both at once — a lifesaver for multitaskers.
Battery anxiety won’t be an issue either. With a whopping 38 hours of battery life and a quick-charge feature that gives you six hours of playtime after just 15 minutes, the Arctis Nova 7P ensures you’ll never miss a session. Its retractable mic also provides clear communication during games and stows away when you’re commuting or just vibing.
While reviews praise its sound quality and comfort (thanks to AirWeave Memory Foam ear cushions), some users have noted that the mic may pick up some background noise. Still, for $134.99, this is a Black Friday deal worth grabbing before it’s gone.
SAVE $200: As of Nov. 18, the Motorola razr+(256GB) is available for $799.99 at Best Buy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola razr+ (256GB) $799.99 at Best BuyThe Motorola razr+ is flipping the Black Friday script on boring smartphones — literally. Packed with cutting-edge features, this isn’t just a phone; it’s a statement. Nostalgic for the golden age of flip phones or intrigued by a foldable future? The razr+ offers the best of both worlds for less this Black Friday.
With the largest external display of any flip phone on the market, you can breeze through notifications, control music, and even snap selfies without flipping it open. But when you open it, that 6.9-inch pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate greets you with a vibrant, ultra-smooth experience perfect for streaming, scrolling, or gaming.
SEE ALSO: Google is reportedly developing a ‘fake’ email feature to help you avoid spamPowered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, this foldable marvel keeps things fast and efficient, with AI features adding an extra layer of smarts. Its 3,800mAh battery can easily last all day. Still, heavy users may need to rely on its TurboPower fast charging (charger sold separately). Wireless charging is also on deck for extra convenience.
One of the phone’s most unique features is its Flex View mode, which allows you to stand the device at different angles. Want to take a selfie hands-free, capture TikToks with your cat, or video call without propping it against a coffee mug? Flex View has you covered.
While it’s not perfect (some apps don’t always play nice with the external display, and the battery is smaller than non-foldable phones), it’s a small price to pay for having the coolest phone in the room. At $799.99, this Black Friday deal brings the razr+ 2023 closer to being a tech splurge you can justify.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum – A$548 (was $799, 31% off)
Lefant Robot Vacuum – A$159.90 (was $399.99, 60% off)
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim) – A$259.99 (was $349.99, 26% off)
Apple 2024 13" MacBook Air with M3 chip – A$1,518 (was $1,799, 16% off)
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop – A$1,299 (was $2,199, 40% off)
HP OMEN 17.3" Gaming Laptop – A$4,699 (was $7,399, 36% off)
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 14” – A$2,199 (was $3,899, 42% off)
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 16" Gaming Laptop – A$1,899 (was $2,999, 36% off)
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14" – A$247 (was $449, 45% off)
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 – A$158 (was $249, 37% off)
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 – $249 (was $299, 16% off)
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$448 (was $549, 18% off)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones – A$552.46 (was $649, 15% off)
Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness Tracker – A$107 (was $149, 28% off)
Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Tracker – A$318.36 (was $379.95, 16% off)
Samsung Watch 4 – A$237.23 (was $399, 41% off)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra – A$1,097 (was $1,299, 16% off)
Apple Watch Series 9 – A$624 (was $699, 11% off)
LG 75" UT8050 4K UHD LED Smart TV – A$1,495 (save $400)
LG 75" QNED81 4K UHD LED Smart TV – A$1,995 (save $500)
Samsung 75" QN90D 4K Neo QLED Smart TV 24 – $3,795 (20% off, save $1,000)
Samsung 85" QN90D 4K Neo QLED Smart TV 24 – $5,495 (15% off, save $1,000)
Hisense 65" Q6NAU 4K QLED Smart TV 24 – $888 (18% off, save $207)
Hisense 55" Canvas S7NAU 4K QLED Smart TV 2024 – $1,495 (16% off, save $300)
SurfShark VPN 2-year plan – A$2.89/mo +2 months free (save 84%)
McAfee Antivirus Plus 2-year plan (5 devices) – A$79.97 per year (save $160)
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The Black Friday sales are here again. And, as you probably know, that means you'll find the biggest discounts this year – and just ahead of the festive season, to boot! To save you the hard yards, we've trawled the Australian internet to put together this list of the biggest deals for everything tech that we've spotted so far. This list will be updated throughout November, so be sure to check back here if you're looking for something specific.
What is Black Friday? Is it a thing in Australia?While Black Friday originally comes from the United States, it has become mainstream in Australia, too. The tradition began in the 1950s, when shops in the U.S. would offer big discounts on their stock the day after Thanksgiving. This allowed stores to clear their shelves for the new season, and consumers to get ahead of their holiday shopping in one weekend. The event has since gone global, and most retailers in Australia and around the world do some form of Black Friday sale.
Cyber Monday is a more recent addition to the shopping weekend, as online retailers sought to offer their own take on Black Friday. But as the lines blur between commerce and e-commerce these days, Black Friday/Cyber Monday has become one connected week of deals.
When is Black Friday in 2024?Black Friday 2024 technically takes place on Friday, November 29, and Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, December 2. However, the whole month of November is now choc-a-block with Black Friday sales campaigns from online and in-store marketplaces such as The Good Guys and Amazon, as well as direct brands like Lenovo and HP.
What are the best items to buy on Black Friday/Cyber Monday?When it comes to discounts, you will get the best bang for your buck with big-ticket items, since these translate to the biggest cash savings. It is often a great strategy to hold out until Black Friday to do your big tech purchases (such as laptops, smart home devices, TVs, etc.) Keep an eye out specifically for the following products:
Appliances: Retailers like The Good Guys and Bing Lee always go big on Black Friday, dropping prices on pretty much everything they stock. You can expect deals on washing machines, fridges, freezers, kettles, toasters, and much more. If you're looking to stock up on appliances for your home, these sites should be your first stop.
Games consoles: Finding console availability has been a total over the last couple of years, but things are definitely improving in Australia, with PS5 bundles being readily available on Amazon. That means there should be opportunities to pick up deals games and accessories for the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PS5 this year.
Smartphones: Amazon always offers plenty of impressive deals on all sorts of smartphones.
Toys: Black Friday is probably the best time of the year to shop for toys. The most in-demand toys will sell out fast in the run-up to Christmas, so this is a great opportunity to get in early. We recommend checking out Amazon for the best deals on Lego, especially for the massively popular Star Wars and Harry Potter sets.
TVs: Black Friday is all about big deals on the biggest products, and that means TVs. We expect pretty much all of the leading retailers to offer fantastic deals on TVs of all sizes from top brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, and Panasonic. It's best to shop around for the best TV deals, because there are going to be so many, but you can't go wrong with The Good Guys, Bing Lee or Kogan.
VPNs: Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are a fairly new addition to the Black Friday shopping scene, but there are some good deals available, especially by Cyber Monday. Cybersecurity is increasingly important, and VPNs offer online protection for your identity and data. All the leading services are likely to offer discounted rates over the week, and you should be able to find good deals on the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.
Be sure to also be on the look out for deals on travel, subscription services, and laptops, because these are likely to feature heavily throughout this shopping season.
TL;DR: Get Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for £15.83 (reg. £23.77) — 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 & Bedrock Edition is the ultimate choice for just £15.83. 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 cosy 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 £15.83 through 21 November, the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition digital download is the perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King 'Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition' (Digital Download) £15.83 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: Live stream Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Prime Video is the best place to watch Monday Night Hockey this season.
The next fixture hosted by Prime Video is Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens have really struggled this season, so they'll need to be at their best to take anything from the Oilers.
If you want to watch the Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens?Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 18. This fixture will be played at the Bell Centre.
How to watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens for freeEdmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens is available to live stream on Prime Video in Canada, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Fans in Canada can watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens (plus more Monday Night Hockey fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the NHL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada
Watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NHL without actually spending anything. This is obviously only a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NHL fixtures before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for the NHL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NHL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes a bonus three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Edmonton Oilers vs. Montreal Canadiens for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 18 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow - Dinger
Green - Woods, balls, etc...
Blue - Sprinters, but not in track and field
Purple - 90s hoops icons of a certain distinction
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow - Home Run
Green - Golf Equipment Brands
Blue - NFL Rushing Champions
Purple - Members of the 1992 Dream Team
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 #53 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayHome Run: BIG FLY, HOMER, SLAM, TATER
Golf Equipment Brands: CALLAWAY, PING, PXG, TITLEIST
NFL Rushing Champions: HENRY, JACOBS, MCCAFFREY, TAYLOR
Members of the 1992 Dream Team: BARKLEY, DREXLER, EWING, JORDAN
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.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 18 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Coming up for airThese words spend time in the water.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are related to ocean animals.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is MarineMammals.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 18Seal
Dolphin
Orca
Walrus
Manatee
Narwhal
MarineMammals
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.
HBO's Dune: Prophecy is already making good on its name, delivering some ominous prophetic visions in its first episode.
The first vision comes courtesy of Mother Superior Raquella (Cathy Tyson), the founder of the Sisterhood that will one day come to be known as the Bene Gesserit. On her deathbed, she foresees a terrible future, with an apocalyptic judgment known as Tiran-Arafel coming for the Sisterhood. Much of what she sees in her vision already comes to pass in episode 1, but some images are more symbolic or have yet to happen. Let's break it down.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper A sandworm attacks the Sisterhood School.Raquella's vision kicks off with a cameo from Dune's biggest star. I'm speaking, of course, of Shai-hulud, the mighty sandworm of Arrakis.
In the vision, a sandworm barrels toward the Sisterhood School. But now, instead of being on the rainy planet of Wallach IX, the school is in the middle of the Arrakis desert, making it the perfect meal for a hungry worm.
Of course, the Sisterhood School won't magically teleport to Arrakis in the coming episodes, so we can rest assured that this image won't literally come to pass. However, the message behind it is clear: The biggest threat to the Sisterhood will come from Arrakis.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy': What does Tiran-Arafel mean?As of the end of episode 1, that threat is almost certainly soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who despises the Sisterhood and wishes to rid the Imperium of their influence. He also has a strong connection to Arrakis. Not only is he the sole survivor of an attack on Emperor Javicco Corrino's (Mark Strong) spice-mining operation, he was also eaten by a sandworm and somehow lived to tell the tale. (At least, according to a hologram Javicco finds.) Therefore, the sandworm attacking the school in Raquella's vision represents Desmond's crusade against the Sisterhood, as well as the strange powers he seems to have inherited from his worm time. Speaking of those powers...
Some gnarly burns, courtesy of Desmond Hart.Without even giving us a beat to recover from the spectacular sandworm appearance, Raquella's vision leaps into some gnarly images of burned flesh. By the end of episode 1, we know exactly who got burned, and how.
The burn victims are Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae) and 9-year-old Pruitt Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior). But they didn't get scorched in a fire. Instead, Desmond used some strange new power to burn Pruitt to death. At the same time, on an entirely different planet, Kasha suffered the same fate, suggesting some greater connection between the two incidents.
SEE ALSO: Who's who in 'Dune: Prophecy': Every character you need to knowThese burns tie back to Raquella's last words to young Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden): "You will be the one to see the burning truth and know."
Clearly, the burning truth is Kasha's death and Desmond's ability, which may or may not come from being eaten by a worm. In the aftermath of Kasha's death, years after Raquella's passing, Valya (Emily Watson) makes that connection, whispering, "I see, Mother. I see."
There's a clear horror there, as Valya recognizes that the arrival of the burning truth means the prophesied reckoning can't be too far behind. Has all her work been for nothing? Worse, has it brought about the very reckoning she wanted to stave off?
Bloodied hands, golden thrones, and plans gone to waste.Next up in the vision, we see flashes of Valya's plan to put a Sister on the Golden Lion Throne of the Imperium. She'd hoped that Sister would be Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), whose red engagement gown makes an appearance in the vision, along with the Golden Lion Throne. Based on Ynez's presence here, it seems like her engagement to Pruitt and her eventual ascension to the throne aren't going to stop Tiran-Arafel — they're a part of it.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy': Why isn't the Sisterhood called the Bene Gesserit?Adding to this sense that Valya's actions will cause this great disaster are shots of bloody hands and a trail of blood. They call to mind Valya's murder of her adversary Sister Dorotea (Camilla Beeput), when she used the Voice to compel her to slit her own throat. The blood from Dorotea's corpse trickled down stone stairs just like we see in Raquella's vision, but there is a small difference: In the vision, we see a copy of the religious text known as the Orange Catholic Bible next to the blood. That's not the case in Dorotea's death scene.
The Bible in the vision could represent Dorotea's own piety, which was the reason she opposed Valya and Raquella's breeding index in the first place. However, the more foreboding possibility is that this footage is from a death we haven't seen yet.
What's with those spooky blue eyes?Raquella's vision ends with the strangest image yet. We are swallowed by a sandworm — POV: You're living the dream — presumably like Desmond was. As the worm's teeth close above us and spice swirls in the air, we see the vastness of space. Then, two metallic blue eyes burst open among the stars, and a strange, robotic sound rings out.
The blue eyes, the way they flash when they open, and the sound that accompanies them are an almost exact match with the eyes of the robotic lizard Pruitt smuggled into his and Ynez's engagement party. At this point in the Dune timeline, thinking machines like the lizard are freshly forbidden following the Butlerian Jihad. The eyes in Raquella's vision highlight that thinking machines may still be a major threat to the Sisterhood, even though they are no longer in use.
Now, if you'll allow me to reach further, Raquella's visceral physical reaction to the eyes calls to mind another key element of Dune lore: The Kwisatz Haderach, and why the Bene Gesserit tried to create him in the first place.
As Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam tells Paul in Frank Herbert's Dune, "We look down so many avenues of the past...but only feminine avenues... Yet, there's a place where no Truthsayer can see. We are repelled by it, terrorized. It is said a man will come one day and find in the gift of the [Truthsayer] drug his inward eye. He will look where we cannot — into both masculine and feminine pasts."
With that in mind, perhaps the strange space where Raquella sees the eyes is some form of that masculine past, one that prevents Raquella and the other Sisters from looking deeper. If it is, its presence in Dune: Prophecy could be the push the Sisters need to begin refining their breeding index and kick off the terrifying eugenics project that will one day result in Paul Atreides.
New episodes of Dune: Prophecy premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Dune: Prophecy throws a lot of new Dune lore at us, from the Butlerian Jihad fought against thinking machines to the beginnings of the Sisterhood that will one day become the Bene Gesserit.
However, one of the biggest new terms we learn in the first episode is "Tiran-Arafel," a word uttered by Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) on her deathbed. The warning accompanies a vision of the Sisterhood's destruction, suggesting that whatever Tiran-Arafel is, it's nothing good.
SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopperDune: Prophecy confirms this in the very next scene, when young Sister Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden) informs her fellow Sisters of Raquella's words. Her compatriot, Sister Kasha (Yerin Ha) gives the exact definition. "A reckoning," she says. "A holy judgment brought on by a tyrant."
However, the idea of Tiran-Arafel, or more specifically, just arafel, is not unique to Dune: Prophecy. Instead, arafel — which is Hebrew for "fog" — pops up at the end of God Emperor of Dune, the fourth novel in Frank Herbert's series.
As (spoiler) Paul Atreides's son Leto II (who is also a sandworm-human hybrid) dies, his last words are, "Do not fear the Ixians. They can make the machines, but they no longer can make arafel. I know. I was there."
There's a ton to unpack there, from the machine-creating Ixian civilization to Leto's visions. (Like father, like son.) But the main takeaway from God Emperor of Dune for the sake of Dune: Prophecy is that arafel is later described as a "cloud-darkness of holy judgment." Essentially, it's the apocalypse for humankind.
Dune: Prophecy adjusts that meaning a little bit, with the "tiran" addition emphasizing that the Sisterhood's judgment will specifically be brought on by a tyrant. But who could that be?
As of now, all signs point to soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who seems to have it out for the Sisterhood. After all, his mysterious ability to burn people without even touching them seems like exactly the kind of power a tyrant would have.
New episodes of Dune: Prophecy premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 18 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Found in a bathroom
Green: Regular payments/bills
Blue: Things with visible dots or patterns
Purple: Different types of crabs
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Used in Hair Care
Green: Monthly Expenses
Blue: Things with Spots
Purple: ___Crab
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 #526 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayUsed in Hair Care: COMB, DRYER, HAIRSPRAY, ROLLERS
Monthly Expenses: GAS, INTERNET, PHONE, RENT
Things with Spots: DALMATIAN, DIE, DOMINO, LADYBUG
___Crab: FIDDLER, HERMIT, HORSESHOE, SPIDER
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 17Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 18's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 18 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Weak and delicate.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.
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...
FRAIL.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 18Reporting 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.
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