Apples had a very eventful fall, with a jam packed September event, an iPad mini 7 launch in mid October, followed up by an exciting week of announcements at the end of the month. With all of those new product announcements, there were also a number of discontinuations of older products, meaning theyre no longer available to purchase from the Apple Store. However, theres still good deals to find on last gen products from third parties.Apple introduced a new iPad mini model in October, with support for Apple Intelligence, compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro, as well as a fix for the jelly scrolling problem from the iPad mini 6. Its a relatively small upgrade, but one that was much needed after a 3 year wait.There isnt really much of a great reason to want an older generation iPad mini model, but if you dont care about Apple Intelligence you can pick up the last generation model for $349 with 64GB of storage.#2 FineWoven iPhone casesApple debuted their highly controversialFineWovencases with the iPhone 15 last year, as an environmentally friendly replacement to leather. It was meant to be a premium feeling fabric material, but it missed the mark completely. The cases scratch far too easily, and ultimately failed to satisfy as a premium product.Apple seemed to acknowledge this, andFineWoveniPhone cases no longer exist for iPhone 16 models. They did keep aroundFineWovenMagSafe wallets and Apple Watch bands, though. If youd like to pick up a FineWoven case for your iPhone 15, theres a variety of deals on Amazon including this one for iPhone 15 Pro for only $21.#3 M3 MacBook ProApple unveiled the new MacBook Pro with M4 late last month, with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chipsets, an upgrade to Thunderbolt 5 on higher end models, much needed RAM upgrades, support for Center Stage, and an option to configure your Mac with a nano-texture display.There are a couple cool deals to find on the M3 MacBook Pros, including this one deal at Best Buy where you can pick up the base model for $1199 a great price for a 14-inch MacBook Pro, given the display quality.#4 M2 Mac miniApple unveiled the largest redesign to Mac mini earlier this month, being significantly smaller than the prior model, frontal I/O, and M4/M4 Pro chipsets. This design also bumped up on the RAM, with M4 coming with 16GB by default and M4 Pro coming with 24GB by default. Its also Apples most powerful desktop Mac.There really arent any noteworthy deals on the outgoing Mac mini model, but you shouldnt buy it anyways, given the scale of the redesign. You can pick up the M4 Mac mini for $499 on Amazon after clipping the on page coupon. The outgoing model is available for $469 currently, but you shouldnt buy it since you also get half the RAM.#5 M3 iMaciMac also got a refresh last month, jumping from M3 to M4, support for additional Thunderbolt ports, as well as gaining the same Center Stage capability as the MacBook Pro. Plus, it now comes with 16GB of RAM by default all at the same starting price of $1299. It also got a fresh set of colors.There also arent any great deals on the outgoing M3 iMac right now, but you can save $150 on the current model after clipping the on page coupon, making it $1149 on Amazon.#6 and 7 iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro MaxAs has been tradition since 2018 with the release of the iPhone XS, Apple has once again discontinued the previous generation of flagship iPhones, meaning the iPhone 15 Pro models went away upon the unveiling of the iPhone 16 Pro models. However, theres definitely a unique reason to want to buy a 15 Pro refurbished, since theyre one of the only iPhones that support Apple Intelligence.You can pick up a renewed premium 128GB iPhone 15 Pro for $719 currently, and a renewed premium 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max for $894 currently. Amazon Renewed Premium devices come with a 1 year return window, so youre covered in case something happens.#8 iPhone 13Apple introduced theiPhone 13in 2021, with a number of upgrades, including longer battery life, a new camera system, and a smaller notch. It started at $799, and has received a number of price cuts over the years, and reached a low of $599 prior to being discontinued.Although Amazon doesnt really sell new iPhones in the US, you can find refurbished deals, as low as $370 for an unlocked iPhone 13 in excellent condition.#9, 10, and 11 Lightning Magic AccessoriesWith the new Mac refresh this fall, Apple transitioned the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Keyboard to USB-C, discontinuing all of the Lightning versions.There are a couple deals on Lightning versions of these accessories, though Id recommend against buying a Lightning version of an accessory youll probably keep for quite a while. Nonetheless, Magic Mouse with Lightning is on sale for $12 off, and Magic Trackpad with Lightning is around $20 off currently.#12 Apple Watch Series 9After the release of the thinner Apple Watch Series 10, Apple discontinued the older Apple Watch Series 9, likely because the Series 10 retained the same starting price, and there just isnt a ton of room in the pricing ladder for a watch between the SE and Series 10.There are some deals on Apple Watch Series 9, including this one for $299 but Id avoid buying it given the fact that you can currently pick up a Series 10 for as little as $329.#13, 14, and 15 Remaining Lightning AirPodsWith the introduction of AirPods 4 and USB-C AirPods Max, Apple replaced all of the remaining AirPods with a Lightning port, including AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max (Lightning). Apple introduced two variants of AirPods 4 at varying price tags, one with noise cancellation and one without. Id avoid picking up AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 personally, since AirPods 4 are such a good deal. You can pick up the basic version for $119, or the noise cancelling version for $168. Id also consider USB-C AirPods Pro 2 if youre interested in noise cancellation, which are currently available for $169.Also, there are some nice clearance deals on AirPods Max (Lightning), being available for as low as $399.While the latest tech always looks flashy and appealing, its always worth considering deals on the recently discontinued stuff, at least in my opinion.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Image by Getty / FuturismDevelopmentsThere's a price to pay for smelling good.As the Washington Post notes in its medical column, that's because many perfumes on the market are infused with a potentially harmful chemical known as phthalates, which help their scents last longer.The risks phthalates pose to children are already well documented enough that certain forms of the chemical are banned in children's toys in the US. But there are no such restrictions against them being used in perfumes and other self-care products, like shampoos and soaps. It's on the consumer, then, to forego them whenever possible."I recommend avoiding added fragrances altogether in perfumes, scented lotions and shampoos, even scented detergents and antiperspirants," Andrea Gore, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Texas at Austin, told WaPo.The literature on phthalate exposure especially among children is concerning. The chemical is considered to be an endocrine disruptor, meaning that it interferes with the body's ability to produce and regulate hormones.That comes with striking developmental risks. One study cited by WaPo linked having a higher concentration of phthalates in urine to a 25 percent increased risk of ADHD-related behaviors in adolescents.But the drawbacks aren't limited to children. Phthalates have also been linked with cardiovascular disease in adults. With adult women, another study illustrated the almost immediate benefits of cutting out phthalate-infused beauty products: after just 28 days of being phthalate free, the participants exhibited not only decreased phthalate concentrations in their urine, but a stunning decrease in cancer-associated gene expression.In defense of phthalates, some contend that there isn't enough data to prove that they cause negative effects in humans. But there have been extensive tests conducted on animals and that, according to Gore, is more than enough evidence."If a chemical has endocrine disrupting effects in animals, there is exceptionally high certainty that this is also the case in humans," Gore told WaPo. "The hormones of the endocrine system are structurally and functionally similar, if not identical, in nonhuman and human animals."Still, perhaps there's an argument to be had on whether we should be focusing on phthalates in perfumes when so many consumer products from trash bags to laundry detergent are scented with the stuff. Plenty of plastics are made with the chemical, too, because it makes them more soft and flexible.Regardless, cutting out phthalates doesn't have to mean giving up fragrances, soaps, and all the other ambrosial products that pretty up our sweaty forms. Phthlalate-free alternatives exist, and you can prioritize reducing your exposure through other means, such as avoiding eating ultra-processed foods. Phthalates are also heavily used in plastic food containers so avoiding heating your meals in them is another way to minimize risk."It's frankly overwhelming to consider all the sources of potential endocrine disruptors and so I think to maintain your own sanity, I would focus on changes that are sustainable for your lifestyle and resources," Rebecca Jeun, an endocrinologist at the University of Louisville Health, told WaPo.The aforementioned study on women who weaned off the chemical showed that benefits were practically immediate. So don't worry about being (phtha)late to the party.More on chemicals: Scientists Identify Strange Chemical in Drinking Water Across the USShare This Article

About us:Native Camp is Japans No.1 Online English Service counting the highest number of both teachers and students who are learning the English language through our platform. Since 2017, we have started hiring teachers from all around the world, and we have created an environment that makes it easy for them to work and earn while having full flexibility.We are continuously expanding, introducing new features and teaching materials, and as a result of these efforts, more than 1.3 million members are using our service. Lessons are provided via a unique language platform developed by our company. We have simplified our application process and made it as quick as possible, so joining our team of teachers has never been easier. Join us today to experience the benefits that we provide.ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHER(Home-Based job position)What we offer:Complete flexibility (24/7)100% remoteEasy-to-follow teaching materials providedNo minimum hours per week requiredFrequent incentives offeredNo CV or experience requiredOnline support availableRequirements:English ProficiencyLaptop or PC with a webcamHeadset with a microphoneStable Internet connection and speedQuiet environment and plain backgroundApplication Process:Apply through our websiteDo the English Proficiency TestDo the System Check and the Demo LessonComplete your profileStart TeachingThe whole application process is done online, via desktop. Just follow step by step and the system will guide you through it.If you have any questions please contact us via our website (Contact Us page). Related Jobs See more All Other Remote jobs

Submitted by WA ContentsAMT 2025 Architectural Material Technologies Commons ConferenceUnited States Architecture News - Dec 07, 2024 - 13:37 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The Architectural Material Technologies Commons conference aims to revolutionize our approach to material responsibility in architecture and design. By focusing on novel, regenerative, resilient, indigenous, and traditional materials, AMT2025 seeks to foster sustainable practices that respect our environment, honor cultural heritage, and empower practitioners through the democratization of knowledge and skills.The concept of the Commons, both historical and digital, forms the foundation of our conference. We draw inspiration from the modern Digital Commons, defined as information and knowledge resources that are collectively created and owned or shared between or among a community and that tend to be non-exclusive, that is, be (generally freely) available to third parties. Thus, they are oriented to favor use and reuse, rather than to exchange as a commodity. (Fuster Morell, M. (2010))AMT2025 embodies this spirit by offering free admission, emphasizing our commitment to the open dissemination of regenerative and sustainable materials, practices, designs, and ideas. We believe in the power of shared knowledge, from vernacular construction techniques to cutting-edge innovations, to drive positive change in our built environment.AMT2025 will explore a wide range of key focus areas that are crucial to the future of sustainable architecture. Well delve into novel and regenerative materials in sustainable design, while also examining the role of indigenous, traditional, and vernacular materials in contemporary architecture. The conference will highlight resilient architectural practices that embrace regenerative techniques and showcase ways to integrate contemporary tools and technologies with traditional materials and methods. A significant emphasis will be placed on the open-source sharing of vernacular knowledge and construction skills, as well as the importance of preserving and transmitting generational craft knowledge. Well also investigate symbiotic relationships for accessible, low-cost housing solutions, explore the concept of urban commons and their role in shaping our built environment, and discuss models of self-governance and cooperation in small-scale architectural ecosystems. Through these diverse topics, AMT2025 aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in creating a more sustainable and equitable architectural future.Join us for three days of keynotes, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Connect with experts from academia, industry, and local communities to explore innovative approaches to material responsibility that contribute to a regenerative, equitable, and resilient built environment.AMT2025 invites architects, designers, researchers, craftspeople, students, and community members to participate in this vital conversation. Together, well examine how collaborative, commons-based approaches can create more responsible and accessible architecture, from reimagining traditional materials with modern technologies to developing ultra-low-cost housing solutions using readily available materials.By fostering a community of practice that values both innovation and tradition, AMT2025 aims to catalyze a movement towards more sustainable, equitable, and culturally rich architectural practices. Join us in Columbus, Indiana, as we work collectively to shape the future of our built environment.Key topicsNovel and regenerative materials in sustainable designTraditional and vernacular materials in contemporary architectureResilient architectural practices embracing regenerative techniquesIntegrating contemporary tools and technologies with traditional materials and methodsExpanded List of TopicsDecentralized and off-grid architectural solutionsSelf-sufficient building designs for remote locationsMicro-grid systems and renewable energy integration in architectureWater and waste management solutions for off-grid structuresCase studies of successful off-grid communities and their architectural approachesOpen-source sharing of vernacular knowledgeDocumenting and digitizing traditional building techniquesPlatforms for disseminating indigenous architectural knowledgeIntegrating vernacular wisdom with modern sustainable practicesThe role of mentorship and apprenticeship in preserving architectural craftsResilient design strategies for climate change adaptationArchitectural responses to extreme weather eventsPassive design techniques for energy efficiency in varying climatesWater-conscious architecture and rainwater harvesting systemsGreen infrastructure integration in building designTechnology and traditional materials: bridging the gapDigital fabrication techniques applied to natural materialsAI and machine learning in optimizing vernacular design principlesRobotics and automation in traditional construction methodsVirtual and augmented reality tools for preserving and teaching craft skillsLow-cost housing solutions using sustainable materialsAffordable eco-housing designs for urban and rural environmentsRepurposing readily available materials for emergency sheltersCommunity-driven construction projects using local resourcesScalable modular housing systems with minimal environmental impactBiophilic design and human-nature connectionsIncorporating living materials in architectural designStrategies for enhancing biodiversity in built environmentsTherapeutic landscapes and healing architecture using natural materialsBiomaterials and their impact on indoor environmental qualityInnovative materials and sustainable design approachesNovel bio-based and regenerative materials in architectureAdvancements in recycled and upcycled building materialsBiomimicry in architectural design and material selectionZero-waste design strategies and circular economy principles in constructionWe acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities native to this region, and recognize that Indiana University Bloomington is built on Indigenous homelands and resources. We recognize the Myaamiaki (Miami), Lnape (Delaware), Bodwwadmik (Potawatomi), and Saawanwa (Shawnee) people as past, present, and future caretakers of this land.Event factsEvent name: Architectural Material Technologies CommonsOrganizer: Indiana UniversityDate: 27-29 March, 2025Location: The Republic Building, Columbus, IndianaRegister to the event from here.Top image courtesy of Architectural Material Technologies Commons.> via Architectural Material Technologies Commonsarchitecture event

Network Rail Property will reveal its redevelopment plans for Victoria Station next yearNetwork Rail has appointed Hawkins Brown and Acme to design a major office-led redevelopment of Londons Victoria station.The two practices are working up a transformational rethink of the central London terminus which is comparable to the overhauls currently proposed by Network Rail for Liverpool Street and Waterloo stations, according to the transport operators property arm.Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail Property, said the scheme would enable infrastructure improvements at the station, currently the sixth busiest in the capital, and better integrate its rail, underground and bus services.He told Building Design: We have ambitious plans for Victoria centered around an all transportation hub in a vision across all transportation modes, unlocking lands that we own, commercial opportunitiesand then reinvesting back into infrastructure.The construction cost of the scheme, which will be split into five phases, is currently unknown but Dobson said it had the potential to deliver up to 3bn for Network Rail Property through commercial and retail space.Network Rail is working with Westminster council and Transport for Londons development arm Places for London on the proposals, which are expected to be revealed in a first round of consultation next year.> Also read:We hope to be a good neighbour: how the new Liverpool Street station team is rethinking Londons most controversial projectA full planning application will then be submitted either late next year or in 2026.Network Rail is currently leading the project and is not expected to bring in private sector investment or appoint a development partner until it has complete confidence around planning and the model for delivery, according to Dobson.The transport operator has been taking a much more active role on major projects over the past year, recently replacing plans for a 1.5bn redevelopment of Liverpool Street station, drawn up with Sellar and Swiss architect Herzog & de Meuron, with its own scaled back scheme designed by Acme.Dobson said one of the changes to Network Rails strategy was making sure that we bring private sector capital in at the optimum time, optimum in the sense that weve managed to balance the risk and the return for both Network Rail Property, but also for the private sector [and] also to bring them in when actually you have a real project, and its real in terms of its delivery.> Also read:Network Rail to appoint new development partner for Liverpool Street station only after it gets planningAnd thats why things like what we are trying to do on Liverpool Street, what were trying to do on Victoria, is so important because were positioning it in terms of bringing forward private sector partners when its capable of being delivered.The proposals for Victoria station follow a masterplan for the grade II-listed site drawn up by Allies & Morrison and WW&P, which were appointed in 2019 to identify opportunities for development and potential public realm improvements.Victoria is one of three major station redevelopment projects in the capital which Network Rail is currently working up alongside Liverpool Street and the Grimshaw-designed overhaul of Waterloo, both of which will include substantial overstation office elements.Hawkins Brown and Acme have been contacted for comment.

Capella, the final residential building in the Kings Cross masterplan, provides 176 homesView from Lewis Cubitt ParkSource: Billy BoltonView from Lewis Cubitt Park.Source: Allies and MorrisonLewis Cubitt Park elevation detailSource: Allies and MorrisonView from Lewis Cubitt Park.Source: Allies and MorrisonSouth-east corner.Source: Allies and MorrisonView from Jellicoe Gardens.Source: Billy BoltonSouth facade, Keskidee Way.Source: Allies and MorrisonWest facade.Source: Allies and MorrisonBuilding entrance on Lewis Cubitt ParkSource: Credit Allies and MorrisonResidents roof terrace.Source: Billy Bolton1/10show captionCapella, the final residential building in the Kings Cross masterplan, has been completed by Allies and Morrison.The 14-storey mixed-tenure apartment block is located on the northern edge of Lewis Cubitt Park and provides 176 homes, comprising 120 market-rate apartments and 56 socially rented units. It also includes retail spaces and shared tenant amenities.The building is faced in cream-coloured brick, with white precast balconies and light green wave-like concrete panels, which aim to reference the lighter tones of nearby buildings such as Luma by Squire and Partners, while contrasting with the predominantly darker material palette around the park.The L-shaped structure hosts a range of apartment types, including studios, four-bedroom homes, duplexes, and split-level units. On the 12th floor, five two-storey maisonettes with private rooftop gardens cap the building, aiming to articulate the skyline.Graham Morrison, Partner at Allies and Morrison, said: As the Google building completes Kings Boulevard to the south of Kings Cross, Capella completes Lewis Cubitt Park in the north. It follows the masterplans design principles to make a space, support the context and fulfil its brief in a straightforward and efficient manner.Its terrace of towers defines the edge of Lewis Cubitt Square and its tenure-blind form adjusts to and completes Keskidee and Chilton Squares. It has been fulfilling to start the masterplan with a sketch and to finish it with one of our buildings.The southern facade is staggered to maximise views towards Lewis Cubitt Park, while the northern side features a balconied elevation bookended by framed facades on Keskidee Square and Chilton Square.Ground floor tenant amenity space. Interior design by Johnson Naylor.Source: Billy BoltonGround floor tenant amenity space. Interior design by Johnson Naylor.Source: Billy BoltonGround floor tenant amenity space. Interior design by Johnson Naylor.Source: Billy BoltonGround floor tenant amenity space. Interior design by Johnson Naylor.Source: Billy BoltonApartment interiorSource: Billy BoltonApartment interior. Interior design by Johnson Naylor.Source: Billy Bolton1/6show captionInternally, apartments are accessed via double-loaded corridors from two daylit lobbies. The layouts, designed by interior architecture and design practice Johnson Naylor, aim to balance efficiency with liveability, providing clear routes from lobbies to residences. All units have either a balcony or terrace. Both market and socially rented apartments share access to a 260m roof garden.The buildings overall form and facade composition were developed to align with the Kings Cross masterplans principles, which guide massing, orientation, and frontages without dictating stylistic uniformity.Fiona Naylor, founding partner at Johnson Naylor, emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating: True collaboration with the design and construction team is critical to achieving excellence and maintaining the integrity of the design. Collaborating with Allies and Morrison holistically from the original masterplan massing has allowed the integration of our thinking on the internal space to link seamlessly with the vision for the buildings exterior.Anthony Peter, development director at Related Argent, added: Capella is the final residential building to complete at Kings Cross, bringing us another step closer to the overall completion of the estate. It has been wonderful to watch this beautifully designed building go from a wire-framed block within a masterplan to a living, breathing building that people can now call home.The Kings Cross masterplan, a 67-acre redevelopment co-masterplanned by Allies and Morrison and Porphyrios Associates, has transformed the former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. Encompassing residential, commercial, cultural, and public spaces, the masterplan prioritises connectivity, sustainability, and placemaking. The overall development was shortlisted for the 2024 Stirling Prize.Ground Floor PlanPDF, Size 0.5 mbTypical Floor PlanPDF, Size 1.23 mbSection CCPDF, Size 0.14 mbDownload

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that it made a number of arrests between 26 and 28 of November as part of a complex investigation into reported corruption offences in West Yorkshire.Nine people in total were arrested on suspicion of bribery offences, including the four council staff members, who the BBCreported as being members of the councils planning department.Police said all nine people have now been bailed pending further enquiries.AdvertisementConfirming the four arrests, Leeds City Council said it had since suspended the staff members.A council spokesperson said: The council is aware of an investigation that is being carried out by West Yorkshire Polices Economic Crime Unit.We can confirm that four members of council staff have been arrested. The staff were subsequently suspended from their roles at the council in line with our established policies and procedures.The spokesperson said the council was unable to comment further while the police investigation was ongoing.West Yorkshire Police was unable to confirm whether any of the arrests were made on council property.AdvertisementA 2021 study by Transparency International found that half of English councils had planning policies that left them liable to corruption risk.2024-12-09Anna Highfieldcomment and share

Stroud District Council's development control committee reportedly approved a reserved-matters application for the new Forest Green Rovers ground last week.The local authority granted outline consent for the Gloucestershire football clubs 5,000-seat stadium five years ago.Planning officers recommended approval of the latest plans, saying they were satisfied that the reserved matters 'generally follow the indicated information submitted and controlled by the conditions and S106 legal agreement of the approved outline planning consent.AdvertisementIn a report to councillors, they added: The scheme provides a high-quality design and appearance and the layout and landscaping provide mitigation and enhancement and are considered acceptable.Outline approval of the scheme came in December 2019, six months after the council refused earlier plans, citing noise, traffic and impact on the environment.The proposals were subsequently altered with changes including swapping one grass pitch to an all-weather surface, a revised landscaping strategy, increased matchday transport and clarifications regarding noise.Zaha Hadid Architects won a competition in 2016 to design a sustainable home for the Gloucestershire football club, which was on its way to promotion to the Football League but has since slipped back to the fifth tier of the game.The club is UN-certified as carbon-neutral, serves vegan food and is powered by renewable energy. It is chaired by environmentalist Dale Vince, owner of green energy firm Ecotricity.AdvertisementThe club, formerly known as Stroud FC, has been based at the New Lawn stadium in Nailsworth since 2006.Following Vinces acquisition of the club in 2010, the venue received a flurry of green upgrades including solar panels, a solar-powered robot grass mower and the worlds first organic football pitch.When choosing the Zaha Hadid Architects proposals in 2016, Vince said: The really standout thing about this stadium is that its going to be entirely made of wood the first time that will have been done anywhere in the world.The importance of using wood is not only that its a naturally occurring material, it has very low carbon content about as low as it gets for a building material.And when you bear in mind that around three-quarters of the lifetime carbon impact of any stadium comes from its building materials, you can see why thats so important, and its why our new stadium will have the lowest carbon content of any stadium in the world.

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.TheNew York Times Crossword Puzzleis legendary. But if you don't have that much time, theMini Crosswordis an entertaining substitute. The Mini Crossword is much easier than the old-school NYT Crossword, and you probably can complete it in a couple of minutes. But if you're stuck, we've got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Dec. 9, 2024. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: __ on a true storyAnswer: BASED6A clue: Martini garnish on a toothpickAnswer: OLIVE7A clue: "The Departed" co-star MattAnswer: DAMON8A clue: Like the air in a hookah barAnswer: SMOKY9A clue: Number of Z tiles in ScrabbleAnswer: ONEMini down clues and answers1D clue: Physiques, casuallyAnswer: BODS2D clue: Texas fortress to "remember"Answer: ALAMO3D clue: Who sometimes "says" to touch your nose while jumping on one footAnswer: SIMON4D clue: Bring to mindAnswer: EVOKE5D clue: Last word in the song "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"Answer: DENYHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Connections puzzles.Strands doesn't get as much attention as its New York Times game siblingsWordleandConnections, but it can be just as challenging and entertaining. Strands just moved out of beta, so it's now in the New York Times' official Games app, which might bring it more fans. I go into depth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHow to play NYT Strands1.Use today's theme to look for words relating to that topic. See one? Drag or click the letters in order. Click on the last letter twice to submit your guess. If you've found a theme word, it'll light up in blue and stay that way.2.Other words you find are considered hint words that give you clues to the theme words. Find three hint words (they must have at least four letters each) and the game will reward you by showing you a theme word. But if you can't unscramble it, find three more hint words and the game will highlight the theme word's letters in order.3.Hunt for thespangram, a special theme word that spans the entire puzzle, though it could flow across or top to bottom. It summarizes the puzzle theme.4.When you're done, you'll have used every letter on the board in either a theme word or spangram. Theme words fill the entire board and do not overlap.Hint for today's Strands puzzleToday's Strands theme is:Quiet at first.If that doesn't help you, here's a clue: You don't say!Clue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:SOME, NOME, MILK, MONEY, PALS, PATS, SALS, MILE, NOGS, HOTEL, TENT, ROLE, SILT, SOIL, LIME, MELT, STEEL, PONY, PASTAnswers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:WRAP, GNOME, PSALM, HONESTY, KNUCKLE, MNEMONICToday's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isSILENTLETTER.To find it, start with the S that's four letters down on the far left, and wind across.