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Today's NYT Strands hints and answersCredit: New York TimesLooking for Wednesdays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:Christmas is over. The fat goose is likely dead and eaten. The old man has a few more pennies in his hat, though theyll likely be spent before the new year. Mistletoe has served its purpose. All three ships have sailed in. 2025 is about to begin. And we have a Strands grid to solve and words to uncover!Strands is the newest game in the New York Times stable of puzzle games. Its a fun twist on classic word search games. Every day were given a new theme and then tasked with uncovering all the words on the grid that fit that theme, including a spangram that spans two sides of the board. One of these words is the spangram which crosses from one side of the grid to another and reveals even more about the days theme.Spoilers ahead.Todays Strands HintsTodays Theme: Relative conjunctionHint #1: More like relatives.Hint #2: Just not immediate family.Read More: Todays Wordle #1286 Hints, Clues And Answer For Thursday, December 26thTo help you uncover all the words, here are the first two letters of every word, including the spangram.NIGRNEUNAUCOINRERemember, spoilers ahead!What Are Todays Strands Answers?Todays spangram is: REUNIONHeres the full list of words:NIECEGRANDCHILDNEPHEWUNCLEAUNTCOUSININLAWHeres the completed Strands grid:Today's StrandsScreenshot: Erik KainTodays Strands BreakdownConjunction threw me off on this one for a spell. Clever to use the theme to misdirect, since relative is too on-the-nose. Once Id found AUNT and UNCLE, however, it was pretty easy to piece the rest together. I wish the spangram had been FAMILYREUNION instead of just REUNION, which felt a bit like a cop-out. I think the trickiest of all these words was INLAW, which I looked at for the longest time (having already gotten AUNT and COUSIN) and still couldnt unscramble in my head. I had to type out the letters and as soon as I did that I saw the word.How did you do on your Strands today? Let me know on Twitter and Facebook.Be sure to check out my blog for my daily Wordle guides as well as all my other writing about TV shows, streaming guides, movie reviews, video game coverage and much more. Thanks for stopping by!

How to solve today's Wordle.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesLooking for Tuesdays Wordle hints, clues and answer? You can find them here:Christmas has come and gone. Its always a little bittersweet. So much anticipation in the lead-up to Christmas, and then it comes and we open our presents and listen to the music and then its over. But we still have New Years Eve to look forward to!Yesterday, I gave you a Wordle Wednesday riddle and it was a pretty tough one! Today, Ill give you the answer. Here was the riddle:Christmas Riddle Santa stands in his workshop, With gifts stacked to the sky. He calls for three clever elves, To help with his supply. The first elf takes half the pile, Then adds three gifts more. The second elf takes half of what's left, And adds the same as before. The third elf does the same again, Leaving Santa with just one. How many gifts did Santa have, Before the elves begun?The answer is 50. Theres a complicated mathematical way to solve this, but Ill just explain the numbers. If the first elf takes half the pile25and adds 3, you get 28. The second elf takes half of whats left11and adds 3, you get 14. 14 + 28 = 42. The third elf does the same, taking half of 84and adding 3. Thats 7. 42 + 7 = 49. One present is left for Santa, which leaves us with 50.And thats all folks! Have a great rest of 2024! Now lets solve this Wordle . . . .How To Solve Todays WordleThe Hint: Attach to something.The Clue: This Wordle has a double letter.Okay, spoilers below!...The Answer:Today's WordleScreenshot: Erik KainPlay Puzzles & Games on ForbesWordle AnalysisEvery day I check Wordle Bot to help analyze my guessing game. You can check your Wordles with Wordle Bot right here. I was lucky with my first guess today. Ive used FLARE a number of times in the past, but it was better than ever today, leaving me with just 5 possible solutions. MAFIA was the best second guess I could have come up withI never would have guessed the answer on #2and left me with just 1 possible solution: AFFIX for the win. Thats a tough Wordle!Competitive Wordle ScoreI get 1 point for guessing in three and another point for beating the Bot, who took four tries today. 2 points for me!How To Play Competitive WordleGuessing in 1 is worth 3 points; guessing in 2 is worth 2 points; guessing in 3 is worth 1 point; guessing in 4 is worth 0 points; guessing in 5 is -1 points; guessing in 6 is -2 points and missing the Wordle is -3 points.If you beat your opponent you get 1 point. If you tie, you get 0 points. And if you lose to your opponent, you get -1 point. Add it up to get your score. Keep a daily running score or just play for a new score each day.Fridays are 2XP, meaning you double your pointspositive or negative.You can keep a running tally or just play day-by-day. Enjoy!Todays Wordle EtymologyThe word "affix" comes from the Latin affixus, the past participle of affigere, meaning "to fasten to". This is derived from ad- (meaning "to" or "toward") and figere (meaning "to fasten" or "fix"). The term entered Middle English in the late 15th century, retaining the sense of attaching or adding something.Let me know how you fared with your Wordle today on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog where I write about games, TV shows and movies when Im not writing puzzle guides. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Forward-looking: The UK Ministry of Defence has revealed it is testing a futuristic weapon capable of taking down drones using nothing but radio waves. Remarkably, each "shot" costs less than a "pack of mince pies." The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) has been in development for some time, but British soldiers recently had the chance to put it through its paces. The Army's Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit, in collaboration with 7 Air Defence Group, successfully conducted a live firing trial in West Wales. This marked the first use of the system against Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) by the British Armed Forces. Unlike laser-based energy weapons that use concentrated light beams, the RFDEW disables drones and missiles by bombarding them with high-powered radio frequencies, effectively frying their internal electronics.Laser-based weapon systems have proven their efficacy against individual drones and other aircraft, but they face challenges when dealing with swarms of drones. This is where the RFDEW has shown superior potential.During the trials, the Army's air defense teams successfully detected, tracked, and engaged multiple drone targets at distances of up to a kilometer. Impressively, each engagement cost only about 10p (13 cents) per shot.The RFDEW trials mark a big milestone not just for the UK's directed energy initiatives, but for rapidly advancing military tech in general. It seems to check all the boxes the press release by the UK government highlights that it's highly automated so it can be operated by a single person, it's precise, it's relatively low-cost, and it packs the punch to neutralize threats on land, in the air, or even over water.The last bit is important, suggesting that it can be used against threats beyond aerial drones and missiles. The system is also flexible in terms of deployment and can be fitted onto any military vehicle. // Related StoriesThe technology was developed by British defense firm Thales, in partnership with QinetiQ, Teledyne e2v, and others. Its development supported over 135 skilled engineering jobs across the UK.Government bigwigs are understandably hyped about the successful trials. Defence Minister Maria Eagle called it "another step forward for a potentially game-changing sovereign weapon" that will help the UK maintain a "crucial advantage against the emerging threats we face."However, deploying the RFDEW operationally is still likely some way off. There's likely still plenty more testing and fine-tuning needed before radio wave assaults become standard British military doctrine.

Hyundai appears to be in a Christmas kind of mood.The South Korean automaker announced that it will start offering free North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters in the first quarter of 2025.Recommended VideosThe offer will be applicable to current and new Hyundai electric vehicle (EV) owners who have purchased or leased their vehicle on or before January 31, 2025.Please enable Javascript to view this contentHyundai says its authorized adapter will give Hyundai EVs equipped with combined charging system (CCS) ports access to more than 20,000 Tesla Superchargers in the U.S.RelatedTo accelerate EV adoption, we started by listening to our current owners, says Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product at Hyundai Motor North Americ., in a statement. These adapters will make DC fast-charging more convenient for current owners.The NACS adapters will be available for all of Hyundais EVs available on the U.S. market. These include the model year 2024 and earlier Kona Electric, Ioniq hatchback, and Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, as well as 2025 Ioniq 6, Ioniq 5 N, and Kona Electric. The automakers Genesis luxury brand will also be participating in the program.This differs from its Kia unit, as NACS to CCS adapters are only offered to Kias EV6 and EV9 models that were delivered after September 4, 2024. Earlier models and Niro EVs are not getting the adapters.The new Hyundai 2025 Ioniq 5 will be the first non-Tesla vehicle to feature a native NACS port. Other new models, like the Ioniq 9, are also getting the native ports.Meanwhile, both the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 will start off by charging slower with NACS on the Tesla Supercharger network than with their CCS adapter. Hyundai has told Green Car Reports that this is not about the vehicles but about the Supercharger network, which is due to get upgraded sometime in 2025.Editors Recommendations

Donald Trump urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of Canada.One of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's coalition partners may force him out of the position.Gretzky visited Mar-a-Lago and wore a MAGA hat after Trump's November electoral victory.In a Christmas Day message, past and future president Donald Trump said he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of Canada.Trump wrote on Truth Social that he talked with the legendary hockey player and Canadian icon, telling Gretzky he could easily win a national election.He also said Gretzky could become "Governor of Canada" an apparent reference to his joke that the northern neighbor could become the 51st state in the United States of America."I just left Wayne Gretzky, 'The Great One' as he is known in Ice Hockey circles," Trump wrote in a Wednesday afternoon Truth Social post. "I said, 'Wayne, why don't you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada - You would win easily, you wouldn't even have to campaign.'"Gretzky wasn't interested in running, Trump said."He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement," Trump wrote. "It would be so much fun to watch!"A representative for Gretzky didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.In his next presidential term, Trump has said that he would imposetariffsonimported goods from Canada that wouldmake American importers pay 25% more.Trump's account posted on Truth Social nearly 40 times on Wednesday, mostly articles from conservative media outlets supporting his policies. He also named Kevin Marino Cabrera, a Republican official in Florida who worked for Trump's 2020 campaign, as his choice for ambassador to Panama. Over the past week, Trump has threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal.The president-elect's support for Gretzky a dual US-Canadian citizen comes as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could be on the brink of losing power.Trudeau's Liberal Party remains in power through a coalition with the New Democratic Party in the country's parliament. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party, said he would call for a "no confidence" vote in January, costing the Liberals their majority and triggering a new election. Canada is also scheduled to have a federal election in October 2025.Gretzky and his family visited Mar-a-Lago shortly after Trump's November electoral victory. In one photo posted to Instagram by a Trump Organization executive, Gretzky is wearing a white-and-gold "Make America Great Again" cap.In the past, Gretzky has occasionally supported members of Canada's Conservative party, which polls show is leading Trudeau's Liberal party.

Sam Altman asked his followers on X for ideas to improve OpenAI in 2025.Altman responded to suggestions about creating family accounts and improving video features.OpenAI had a rocky year following new litigation from competitor Elon Musk.Sam Altman wants your suggestions for improving OpenAI in the new year.On Christmas Eve, OpenAI's CEO opened the floor to his followers on X with a simple question: "what would you like openai to build/fix in 2025?"Altman's post comes toward the end of a tumultuous year for OpenAI. Elon Musk, who cofounded the company but left the board in 2018, filed a lawsuit against Altman and OpenAI in February. Musk withdrew the lawsuit in June but filed a new lawsuit in August in which he argued that OpenAI executives "deceived" him into cofounding the company.Amid its legal challenges, OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in funding in October a record-high$157 billion.Now, Altman is looking at what's in store for the new year, and he's crowdsourcing ideas on how to continue advancing and improving not just ChatGPT but all of the company's existing and emerging products. Here are three ideas Altman appears to be eyeing so far.Family accountsOne X follower responded to Altman's post with a suggestion to allow OpenAI users to create accounts for families that include guardrails, allowing kids to use the platform safely."Let their curiosity take off, but within reasonable limits, as determined by the parent," the user wrote, to which Altman responded: "this is a good idea!"OpenAI's website states that ChatGPT isn't meant for children under 13 and requires parental consentImprovements to voice chatsChatGPT developed a voice feature that allows users to speak directly to the chatbot. One of Altman's followers suggested that the feature be improved because, as of now, per the user, "you can't just silently think for 5 seconds without being interrupted."Altman wrote that that's a "good point." Users have struggled with the feature since it was rolled out, with some having reported bugs and misinterpretations from the chatbot.Better video generationMultiple users urged Altman to improve Sora, OpenAI's text-to-video model. Sora allows users to describe a video they want the platform to create with a written prompt, which Sora will generate based on the text.Sora officially launched on December 9 after being piloted to a limited group of creators in February. Rohan Sahai, Sora's product lead, said at the launch that the product would begin more conservatively because its team wants to preventOpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Best free games for PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch from Wuthering Waves to ValorantAdam StarkeyPublished December 26, 2024 1:00am Another wave of free-to-play games looms (Kuro Games)If youve found yourself with a new console over Christmas, heres some games you can try without any damage to your bank account.While game consoles are often bundled with free games, like Wii Sports or Face Raiders on the Nintendo 3DS, theres now an entire subsection of the industry dedicated to offering experiences which are entirely free.The free-to-play model might represent some of the mediums worst habits, like egregious microtransactions and other dodgy models of monetisation, but some of them are surprisingly generous in what they offer without having to lay down any cash.So if youre looking to try out some free games after picking up a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or Nintendo Switch, weve listed some of the best options below. Weve omitted the usual heavy-hitters, like vanilla Fortnite, Call Of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, and Genshin Impact, to prioritise games released over recent years, but you probably already knew about those anyway.Its also worth noting that while these games are billed as free, in most cases youll need an online subscription to play them. The lowest tier for PlayStation is PS Plus Essential at 6.99 per month (or cheaper if bought yearly), whereas Xbox offers Game Pass Core for the same price, and Nintendo Switch Online is the cheapest at 3.49 per month.Free games on PS5 and Xbox Series X/SAstros Playroom (PS5)If youre new to the PlayStation 5 console, Astros Playroom is the perfect introduction to the systems capabilities. This is a family-friendly platformer designed to show off the DualSense controller, between the haptic feedback on the triggers and the touchpad.This comes pre-installed on every PlayStation 5 console and doesnt require any online connection, so theres nothing stopping you enjoying what is still one of the best exclusives on the system. If youre a fan, its full-priced successor Astro Bot was just released this year.Marvel Rivals (PS5 and Xbox) Marvel Rivals has been a big success, so far (NetEase Games)This 6v6 third-person shooter is largely pitched as an alternative to Overwatch and its become very popular since it launched earlier this month. Its huge roster of Marvel characters boasts big names like Spider-Man and lesser known heroes like Squirrel Girl, all contained within a competitive hero shooter.Wuthering Waves (PS5)One of the many rivals to Genshin Impact is Wuthering Waves, which launched on PC earlier this year but lands on PlayStation 5 from January 1 (at 10pm GMT), 2025. The action role-playing core shares similarities with its inspiration, but it has a greater emphasis on combat.The Finals (PS5 and Xbox) The Finals launched in 2023 (Embark Studios)Of all the free first person shooters to drop over recent years, The Finals is one of the few to have some staying power. Its pitched around a fictional game show, as teams fight to secure cash vaults, but the destructible environment is the big selling point allowing you to flatten entire structures and turn the tables at the smash of a sledgehammer.Infinity Nikki (PS5)If youre bored of competitive violence, jump into the cuddly world of Infinity Nikki. Its part open world platformer and part dress-up role-player, pulled along by the impressive detail in its unlockable in-game outfits. This has become a sensation since it launched earlier this month, with a whopping 20 million downloads within its first week.Halo Infinite (Xbox) Halo Infinite has a free portion (Microsoft)While the campaign portion is locked behind a paywall, Xbox players can jump into Halo Infinites multiplayer offering without any charge. It hasnt maintained the longevity past Halo games have managed, but theres still a healthy amount of players to keep the frenetic matches rolling.Valorant (PS5 and Xbox)This first person hero shooter might be the best example of the genre out there, but its one best suited for experienced players. Its essentially a blend of Overwatch and Counter-Strike, so expect a predominantly tactical experience sprinkled with some absurd power-ups.Zenless Zone Zero (PS5) Zenless Zone Zero isnt as open as Genshin Impact (MiHoYo)Developer MiHoYo have largely cornered the market when it comes to anime-orientated free-to-play role-playing games, and this is the studios latest title following Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. Zenless Zone Zero will feel familiar to anyone whos dabbled in either of those games, but its smaller focus might make it the more welcoming option.MultiVersus (PS5 and Xbox)If you want the closest thing to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate without the cost, MultiVersus might be your best option. It takes the same platform fighter fundamentals and applies it to various properties from the house of Warner Bros., ranging from Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, and DC to Adventure Time.Lego Fortnite (PS5 and Xbox) Brick Life has arrived in Lego Fortnite (Epic Games)Fortnite is one of the most ubiquitous properties in gaming today, but in recent years it has added several modes beneath the traditional battle royale. One of the most popular is Lego Fortnite, which now spans various modes between a survival Minecraft-like sandbox and a social role-play experience called Brick Life.Free games on Nintendo SwitchPokmon UniteIf youre looking for a gateway into League Of Legends or Dota 2, Pokmon Unite might be the best route into the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. Its popularity has dimmed since it launched in 2021, but its still a compelling title designed for quick 5v5 matches. Three years later, theres now over 62 playable Pokmon to unlock.Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99 F-Zero with a modern twist (Nintendo)Weve bundled these together because theyre both playable for free if you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online. As the name implies, both Tetris 99 and F-Zero 99 pit you against up to 98 other players online in fiercely competitive matches. The latter, especially, is secretly one of the best racing games on the Switch outside of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.Super Kirby ClashIf you dont have the cash for Kirby And The Forgotten Land, Super Kirby Clash might address your cuddly pink ball fix. Its an action role-playing game where you take on a series of bosses with friends locally or online. Its far from the best Kirby experience, but theres some chaotic charm to be found in this bizarre oddity.Pokmon Caf ReMixThis might not rank highly among the overwhelming number of Pokmon spin-offs, but its cute art style might grab younger fans of the series. This simple puzzle game is only playable using the Switch touchscreen though, so it can only be played in handheld mode. Even monsters need a snack (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.More TrendingTo submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Present Shapes, Bonteheuwel Freedom Square Landscape Art Intervention / Lorenzo Nassimbeni Conceptual ArchitectSave this picture!Courtesy of City of Cape TownSquareCape Town, South AfricaArchitects: Lorenzo Nassimbeni Conceptual ArchitectAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:70 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Southland PhotographyManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: ACM, Spectrarubber More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The project consists of a series of artistic interventions forming part of the upgrade of a public space called Freedom Square in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town. Bonteheuwel was created by the South African apartheid government as a locality for people of color who were forcefully removed from their homes. The physical site for the artworks was seen as part of a larger site, that of the social structure of the township. The square is considered the heart of Bonteheuwel. It is a space of movement, gathering, and positive spirit. The artwork sought to celebrate this fact.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!As the foundation of the project, an art workshop with school students in the area was held. The brief for the workshop asked the students to reflect upon the built environment of Bonteheuwel. Colorful shapes representing the architectural elements of the area formed collages showing the students' experience of their home. The collages were directly referenced in the design of artwork for the security screen of the library in the square and floor artworks placed within the landscaping of the overall project. The workshop was considered as a public artwork in itself, an artistic and educational performance.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The artwork on the security screen was composed of a series of shapes made from an aluminum composite material. The shapes are brightly colored, directly speaking to the colors used in the collages from the workshop. The shapes were bolted to the security screen with elegant stainless steel nuts and bolts. The floor artworks were made of a rubber flooring material. The soft texture of the material is conducive to a space like Freedom Square, as it is a space where children play.Save this picture!Save this picture!In terms of spatial configuration, the artworks are placed in the space in such a way that they complement and reinforce the landscape architecture. As a backdrop for the space, the library screen is celebrated by the artwork and made more prominent. The floor artworks are designed to give depth and focus to the square, activating it and encouraging pedestrian movement. The library screen and floor artworks are in conversation at either end of the square, thus defining its edges. Complementing the library screen and floor artwork is a pair of murals by local Bonteheuwel artist, Shaunez Benting. The murals respond conceptually and geometrically to the other artistic interventions in the space to form a 'family' of artworks.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A challenge in the project was the notion of acceptance of the artistic interventions by the community. There is major division along political lines in Bonteheuwel, and it was noted that the artworks in the square might be the catalyst for further division, especially should they reference the history of the township. As such, Nassimbeni chose to work with the school students of the area and to give them the opportunity to communicate their views on the present-day context of the space.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Cape Town, South AfricaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 26, 2024Cite: "Present Shapes, Bonteheuwel Freedom Square Landscape Art Intervention / Lorenzo Nassimbeni Conceptual Architect" 25 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024742/present-shapes-bonteheuwel-freedom-square-landscape-art-intervention-lorenzo-nassimbeni-conceptual-architect&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream