Friday, 31 January 2025

Quordle today – my hints and answers for Saturday, February 1 (game #1104)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1104) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1104) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1104) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1104) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 3.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1104) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• F

• B

• F

• F

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1104) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1104 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1104, are…

  • FACET
  • BLISS
  • FLUFF
  • FRANK

Another very tricky set of words and very close to being an F for Fail.

In order to complete today’s Quordle I had to tune in to the setters' mindset and think about how they would make it difficult, so I went with FLUFF instead of the other options I had, and gambled that the final word would be a double-letter too. It worked.

Sadly, I didn’t employ the same intuition for the Sequence and failed to guess DIZZY. Kudos if you got that.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1104) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1104 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1104, are…

  • TWINE
  • BLUSH
  • LEAVE
  • DIZZY

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1103, Friday 31 January: PARER, SYNOD, BRAWN, BANJO
  • Quordle #1102, Thursday 30 January: WEEDY, CHIRP, STALE, SUGAR
  • Quordle #1101, Wednesday 29 January: CROWN, SCENE, AGILE, CRANK
  • Quordle #1100, Tuesday 28 January: TOKEN, DAISY, INANE, PLIED
  • Quordle #1099, Monday 27 January: ANGEL, GLOBE, MAYOR, BRAVE
  • Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER
  • Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
  • Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
  • Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
  • Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
  • Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
  • Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
  • Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
  • Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
  • Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
  • Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
  • Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
  • Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
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NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Saturday, February 1 (game #335)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #335) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Hunt and peck

NYT Strands today (game #335) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • PROP
  • NATURE
  • ROLE
  • TOLD
  • COLD
  • POST

NYT Strands today (game #335) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Birds of prey

NYT Strands today (game #335) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 2nd row

Last side: right, 8th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #335) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 335 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #335, are…

  • KESTREL
  • EAGLE
  • HAWK
  • CONDOR
  • FALCON
  • OSPREY
  • VULTURE
  • SPANGRAM: RAPTORS

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: 1 hint

You know an animal is fierce and not to be messed with when a sports team is named after it and in the bird world that means the RAPTORS that make up today’s puzzle.

There are hundreds of teams around the world nicknamed EAGLEs, FALCONs and HAWKs, just as there are Bears, Lions and Tigers – and not so many prepared to be called “the cats” or “house flies”.

It’s all very macho. But perhaps I’m only saying this because the football/soccer team I support – Brighton & Hove Albion – are nicknamed the Seagulls, a type of bird that’s not so much known for sweeping majestically from the sky to hunt its prey as it is for stealing fries and pooping on shoulders.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, 31 January, game #334)

  • MAMA
  • DADA
  • KITTY
  • MINE
  • BOTTLE
  • YUCKY
  • BYE BYE
  • MORE
  • SPANGRAM: FIRST WORDS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

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A new Chrome browser highjacking attack could affect billions of users - here's how to fight it

  • A new highjacking attack targets Chrome browsers
  • It could steal all your browser data and even from your OS
  • There are several ways for users to fight back

Whether you believe it to be the best web browser, Google Chrome is undoubtedly the most popular search engine by a landslide. For that reason, it remains a popular target for hackers as well. And now, a massive new threat is on the horizon, which could threaten billions of users.

A new attack called ‘Browser Syncjacking’ has been discovered by security researchers at the cybersecurity firm SquareX (reported on by BleepingComputer). Though it requires several steps, it’s shockingly easy for the average Chrome user to fall victim, as it needs minimal permissions.

First, a malicious Google Workspace domain is created with multiple user profiles, and security features like multi-factor authentication are disabled. This is used to create managed profiles in the background of the victim’s devices. Then, hackers will then create a malicious Chrome extension to launch on the official Chrome Store, appearing as a useful tool to attract potential victims.

Once any potential victims install the extension, it hides a browser window that runs in the background to log the victim into one of the Workspace profiles previously made. The final step involves tricking the victim into activating Chrome sync by opening a very real Chrome support page that’s been tampered with, then guiding them through turning on sync. If this happens, that person’s full Chrome account and stored data — including browsing history and passwords — are now available on the hacker’s profile.

From here, as SquareX explains, a victim’s entire browser can be taken over, often through a seemingly innocent Zoom invite that, if accepted, gets malicious content from that Chrome extension injected into it. If the victim falls for a prompt that asks to update Zoom, the update (actually an executable file that contains an enrollment token) will allow the hacker to control the browser completely.

Not only does this give hackers free reign over any data stored in your browser and allow them to spy on any websites you browse (and see any sensitive information you input), but it also allows them to access your OS to “install malware, capture keystrokes, extract sensitive data and even activate a device’s webcam and microphone,” as Tom’s Guide details.

How do you stay safe?

This all sounds overwhelming and even impossible to avoid since the attacks require so little input from users to get the ball rolling. But there are ways to keep your browser safe from harm.

The first is to avoid installing new Google Chrome extensions while limiting the ones you already have. If you really need to install anything new, make sure to research it and its developers for signs of suspicious activity.

It’s also essential to have the best antivirus software, which will automatically scan your PC or Mac regularly and immediately alert you to suspicious activity. It’s best to store passwords in the best password managers instead of in the browser, protecting them from hackers’ prying eyes.

There are always new attacks on the horizon, but it’s vital to stay vigilant in your online activity and be careful of extensions and software you download. This will always serve to protect your browser and computer.

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Thursday, 30 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Friday, January 31 (game #334)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #334) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Baby talk

NYT Strands today (game #334) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • YARD
  • OBEY
  • BONE
  • BORE
  • DARE
  • SEEM

NYT Strands today (game #334) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Look who’s talking

NYT Strands today (game #334) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 4th column

Last side: bottom, 5th column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #334) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 334 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #334, are…

  • MAMA
  • DADA
  • KITTY
  • MINE
  • BOTTLE
  • YUCKY
  • BYE BYE
  • MORE
  • SPANGRAM: FIRST WORDS

  • My rating: Moderate
  • My score: 1 hint

Strands asked us to think like a baby today, or at least spell like one.

After some initial worries that the whole puzzle was going to be “baby talk” – Gaga, Googoo, etc – it all fell into place rather sweetly.

According to family legend my first words were not MAMA or DADA but “Batman”, a result perhaps, of the TV being my favourite parent and the cause of a lifelong obsession with men in tights – although Adam West will always be a cut above any other caped crusader. I’d also contest that like the classic Batman TV series, any action TV show or movie could be vastly improved by the addition of the words “BIFF!”, “POW!” and “SPLAAAT!” appearing on the screen in red and yellow lettering during fight scenes.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 30 January, game #333)

  • FROZEN
  • DARK
  • DEEP
  • LAKE
  • SLEEP
  • SHAKE
  • LOVELY
  • BELLS
  • SPANGRAM: FROST POEM

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

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Wednesday, 29 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Thursday, January 30 (game #333)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #333) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Stopping by woods on a snowy evening

NYT Strands today (game #333) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • LOVE
  • STORE
  • LOSE
  • DELVE
  • SAME
  • LOST

NYT Strands today (game #333) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Words from a classic verse

NYT Strands today (game #333) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 5th row

Last side: right, 5th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #333) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 333 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #333, are…

  • FROZEN
  • DARK
  • DEEP
  • LAKE
  • SLEEP
  • SHAKE
  • LOVELY
  • BELLS
  • SPANGRAM: FROST POEM

  • My rating: Moderate
  • My score: 1 hint

Today’s Strands is a lot easier if you are familiar with Robert Frost’s classic poem about briefly stopping to wonder at the natural world.

Frost called the poem, written in 1922, "my best bid for remembrance", so how wonderful that it’s been given a brief blast of spotlight in this puzzle. If you have the time there’s a wonderful, crackly, archive interview with the poet on YouTube, where he reads it in his fabulously deep voice. It’s fantastic.

Anyway, I must go. I’ve got promises to keep – well, a promise to myself to play and write about Connections next.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 30 January, game #333)

  • SOCK
  • GLOVE
  • STICK
  • SHADOW
  • FINGER
  • MARIONETTE
  • SPANGRAM: PUPPET MASTER

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

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Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Quordle today – my hints and answers for Wednesday, January 29 (game #1101)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1101) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1101) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1101) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1101) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1101) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• C

• S

• A

• C

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1101) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1101 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1101, are…

  • CROWN
  • SCENE
  • AGILE
  • CRANK

There’s often a single letter that unlocks all four words in Quordle and today it was C. it took me a while to guess SCENE, but once I did it paved the way for CRANK and CROWN.

That said I still only just made it, with AGILE the only possibility on my final go.

Phew!

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1101) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1101 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1101, are…

  • SNEER
  • EMBED
  • WITTY
  • SPEAR

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1100, Tuesday 28 January: TOKEN, DAISY, INANE, PLIED
  • Quordle #1099, Monday 27 January: ANGEL, GLOBE, MAYOR, BRAVE
  • Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER
  • Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
  • Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
  • Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
  • Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
  • Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
  • Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
  • Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
  • Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
  • Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
  • Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
  • Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
  • Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
  • Quordle #1083, Saturday 11 January: ASCOT, FIBER, ROGUE, SMELL
  • Quordle #1082, Friday 10 January: BIGOT, INLET, LEECH, TUNIC
  • Quordle #1081, Thursday 9 January: RESET, HUMOR, TENOR, IMAGE
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Monday, 27 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Tuesday, January 28 (game #331)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #331) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Stable supply

NYT Strands today (game #331) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • SHORE
  • ROPE
  • SOAP
  • RUSH
  • NEAR
  • SHINE

NYT Strands today (game #331) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Ride that pony

NYT Strands today (game #331) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: right, 4th row

Last side: left, 3rd row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #331) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 331 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #331, are…

  • CROP
  • REINS
  • SADDLE
  • HARNESS
  • BRIDLE
  • SPURS
  • SPANGRAM: HORSEBACK RIDING

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: 1 hint

Apart from having the longest Spangram I've ever seen – beating last September’s ROOT VEGETABLES with 15 letters – today’s Strands was a walk, or should we say ride, in the park. Let me know if you’ve seen a longer one.

Naturally, I was hoping that a nosebag would be on the list. Although it is not really something you’d need for HORSEBACK RIDING, I enjoy how it’s become slang for mindlessly eating snacks. Something I may do now and then!

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, 27 January, game #330)

  • SLOTS
  • CRAPS
  • POKER
  • BLACKJACK
  • ROULETTE
  • BACCARAT
  • SPANGRAM: GAMBLING

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

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Sunday, 26 January 2025

Quordle today – my hints and answers for Monday, January 27 (game #1099)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1099) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1099) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1099) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1099) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1099) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• G

• M

• B

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1099) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1099 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1099, are…

  • ANGEL
  • GLOBE
  • MAYOR
  • BRAVE

I returned to my regular starting combination of AUDIO and STEER today and it appeared to work out. I’m sure there are better start words than these but I like including all the vowels, the common S start letter and a couple of Es.

It took me a wildshot – guessing BLOKE – to unlock today’s foursome, with GLOBE leading to the next three words.

Meanwhile, the Daily Sequence was a nightmare today. Congratulations if you completed it. I did not.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1099) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1099 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1099, are…

  • WAXEN
  • POESY
  • LATTE
  • THONG

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER
  • Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
  • Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
  • Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
  • Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
  • Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
  • Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
  • Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
  • Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
  • Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
  • Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
  • Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
  • Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
  • Quordle #1083, Saturday 11 January: ASCOT, FIBER, ROGUE, SMELL
  • Quordle #1082, Friday 10 January: BIGOT, INLET, LEECH, TUNIC
  • Quordle #1081, Thursday 9 January: RESET, HUMOR, TENOR, IMAGE
  • Quordle #1080, Wednesday 8 January: MINCE, SADLY, RISEN, VOUCH
  • Quordle #1079, Tuesday 7 January: CREED, FILET, ROUTE, TAPER
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Saturday, 25 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, January 26 (game #329)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #329) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Ore so they say

NYT Strands today (game #329) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • PAIN
  • COMA
  • CLAD
  • MULE
  • TEAL
  • BELL

NYT Strands today (game #329) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Vital elements

NYT Strands today (game #329) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 4th column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #329) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 329 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #329, are…

  • NICKEL
  • IRON
  • COBALT
  • CADMIUM
  • ALUMINUM
  • TITANIUM
  • SPANGRAM: PURE METAL

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: 1 hint

It was pretty obvious from the theme clue what we were looking for today and, of course, my biggest fear was that I would have to spell out ALUMINIUM – or rather, ALUMINUM as those of you in the United States would have it. A few very obvious – and much easier to find and spell – PURE METALs were left out of the puzzle, including Gold, Copper, Zinc and Silver.

As I was completing the game my mind wandered to the heavy metal genre, and the thought that it was named that after IRON Maiden – iron being a particularly heavy metal. But actually, Google tells me it comes from the song Born to Be Wild by the '70s band Steppenwolf, which includes the phrase “heavy metal thunder”. So today I learned two things – that, plus how to spell ALUMINUM.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 25 January, game #328)

  • BALLOON
  • COFFEE
  • SUCCEED
  • COMMITTEE
  • WHIPPOORWILL
  • SPANGRAM: LETTERS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

https://ift.tt/edbYjWy

Friday, 24 January 2025

Quordle today – my hints and answers for Saturday, January 25 (game #1097)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1097) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1097) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1097) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1097) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 3.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1097) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• G

• G

• G

• M

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1097) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1097 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1097, are…

  • GIVER
  • GROOM
  • GUSTO
  • MAKER

I attacked today’s Quordle with GUSTO, putting down the first words that popped into my head – and it worked a treat, as I checked out on my eighth go.

It’s odd when you get spidey senses about words, but the truth is I got lucky today by guessing a word that began with the letter G (GAMER), thus unlocking three part-completed words.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1097) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1097 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1097, are…

  • POSIT
  • PERCH
  • PAPER
  • LEVER

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
  • Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
  • Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
  • Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
  • Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
  • Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
  • Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
  • Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
  • Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
  • Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
  • Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
  • Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
  • Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
  • Quordle #1083, Saturday 11 January: ASCOT, FIBER, ROGUE, SMELL
  • Quordle #1082, Friday 10 January: BIGOT, INLET, LEECH, TUNIC
  • Quordle #1081, Thursday 9 January: RESET, HUMOR, TENOR, IMAGE
  • Quordle #1080, Wednesday 8 January: MINCE, SADLY, RISEN, VOUCH
  • Quordle #1079, Tuesday 7 January: CREED, FILET, ROUTE, TAPER
  • Quordle #1078, Monday 6 January: PIVOT, WOOLY, GRUNT, GROOM
  • Quordle #1077, Sunday 5 January: BORAX, JUDGE, CADET, SALON
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Thursday, 23 January 2025

Quordle today – my hints and answers for Friday, January 24 (game #1096)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1096) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1096) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1096) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1096) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1096) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• G

• S

• S

• T

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1096) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 1096 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1096, are…

  • GRIND
  • STOCK
  • SERVE
  • TOUCH

Despite a very good start getting STOCK and TOUCH in the first four turns I labored to finish today’s Quordle.

I’m struggling with a head cold at the moment and I think it showed with my guesses for SERVE, where I tried SEVER even though I already knew the word couldn’t end in ER. 

Sometimes it’s such a struggle to extract a guess from my brain that I rush to type it before thinking. This is not, frankly, very helpful for Quordle…

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Daily Sequence today (game #1096) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 1096 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1096, are…

  • MADAM
  • SPAWN
  • LOVER
  • SIGHT

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
  • Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
  • Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
  • Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
  • Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
  • Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
  • Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
  • Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
  • Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
  • Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
  • Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL
  • Quordle #1084, Sunday 12 January: BRIEF, PETAL, WOMAN, FELON
  • Quordle #1083, Saturday 11 January: ASCOT, FIBER, ROGUE, SMELL
  • Quordle #1082, Friday 10 January: BIGOT, INLET, LEECH, TUNIC
  • Quordle #1081, Thursday 9 January: RESET, HUMOR, TENOR, IMAGE
  • Quordle #1080, Wednesday 8 January: MINCE, SADLY, RISEN, VOUCH
  • Quordle #1079, Tuesday 7 January: CREED, FILET, ROUTE, TAPER
  • Quordle #1078, Monday 6 January: PIVOT, WOOLY, GRUNT, GROOM
  • Quordle #1077, Sunday 5 January: BORAX, JUDGE, CADET, SALON
  • Quordle #1076, Saturday 4 January: CORER, CRATE, QUASI, EXIST
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NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Friday, January 24 (game #327)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #327) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Get smart

NYT Strands today (game #327) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • THIN
  • SUCK
  • SELL
  • BUCK
  • TEEN
  • HILL

NYT Strands today (game #327) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Next level

NYT Strands today (game #327) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 5th column

Last side: bottom, 4th column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #327) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 327 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #327, are…

  • QUICK
  • BRILLIANT
  • BRIGHT
  • CLEVER
  • INTELLIGENT
  • SPANGRAM: THATS GENIUS

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: Perfect

Spotting a Q in a Strands puzzle is always a great headstart and after a QUICK opener the rest fell into place quite easily today.

The only real sticking point was the Spangram, which was made up of two words and which jarred a little thanks to the absence of an apostrophe in THATS GENIUS – not that this is possible in Strands, it’s just sad to see their disappearance from the world.

As an English teacher might put it: people only write “Thats” instead of “That’s” because they’re lazy. And that’s the truth.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 23 January, game #326)

  • MILK
  • BUTTER
  • CHEESE
  • GELATO
  • CUSTARD
  • YOGURT
  • SPANGRAM: DAIRY PRODUCTS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

https://ift.tt/L3oTJ5q

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Thursday, January 23 (game #326)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #326) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Udderly delicious

NYT Strands today (game #326) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • STALE
  • BURY
  • START
  • SIDE
  • CRUD
  • BUTCH

NYT Strands today (game #326) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Cow classics

NYT Strands today (game #326) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: bottom, 5th column

Last side: top, 3rd column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #326) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 326 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #326, are…

  • MILK
  • BUTTER
  • CHEESE
  • GELATO
  • CUSTARD
  • YOGURT
  • SPANGRAM: DAIRY PRODUCTS

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: Perfect

Being lactose intolerant and also, despite this condition, a turophile, I found today’s Strands enjoyable but, much like my beloved cheese, hard to stomach.

I put my diminutive stature down to a dislike of creamy creations, as height and milk protein have been shown to be linked. Researchers have attributed an obsession with DAIRY PRODUCTS as the reason why people from the Netherlands are better at reaching things on high shelves than any other nation in the world. In a year the average Dutch person consumes over 25% more CHEESE and other milk-based products than their American or British counterparts and this has resulted in a growth spurt over the past century, taking the Dutch from the shortest people in Europe to the tallest – the average Dutchman is more than 6ft tall and the average Dutch woman about 5ft 7in. 

Anyway, a lovely easy Strands with a tasty subject matter.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Wednesday, 22 January, game #325)

  • BRAVE
  • CARS
  • SOUL
  • ONWARD
  • ELEMENTAL
  • RATATOUILLE
  • SPANGRAM: ANIMATION

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

https://ift.tt/FLiokaB

Are you an educator or student? Google's new features for Chromebooks and more will make your life way easier

  • Google has added several new features to ChromeOS
  • These include Class tools, Workspace, and Classroom
  • Most are aimed at both students and educators

Google has announced several brand new features for the best Chromebooks, Google Workspace, and Google Classroom in a series of official blog posts.

First of all, there are Class Tools: real-time features that educators can use with their students, such as sending and pinning educational content to students’ screens, or turning on live captions and translations.

Google Classroom has several new features, including the ability to generate vocabulary lists through Gemini in Classroom, allowing educators to create customized word lists with definitions, parts of speech, and examples tailored to various grade levels.

Figma’s FigJam lets educators assign group whiteboards for group work, discussions, and brainstorming ideas. Educators can also create distinct student groups based on their needs and assign grades at scale, as well as keep students’ guardians informed with weekly newsletters and share Classroom page links to keep them up to date with assignments.

Image 1 of 4

Google Chromebook, Workspace, and Classroom tools

(Image credit: Google)
Image 2 of 4

Google Chromebook, Workspace, and Classroom tools

(Image credit: Google)
Image 3 of 4

Google Chromebook, Workspace, and Classroom tools

(Image credit: Google)
Image 4 of 4

Google Chromebook, Workspace, and Classroom tools

(Image credit: Google)

Another tool, somewhat related to education but also applicable more widely, is Face Control on Chromebooks, which is finally being released. First revealed back in 2023, it’s an incredibly useful accessibility tool that allows users to control their cursor with head movements and perform actions with facial gestures. It’s now rolling out with the ChromeOS M132 update.

There will also be a whopping 20 new Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices launching in 2025 for students and educators. These include the Acer Chromebook Spin 511 and Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2, which will come with styluses and are built with a younger audience in mind, while the Asus CR1204CTA, and HP Fortis G1i 14 Chromebook are meant for older students. There’s also the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 for educators.

Google is continuing its winning streak with ChromeOS

In the past I've written about how Google has done surprisingly well in its initiative to create useful AI tools meant to aid users and enhance lives, rather than simply (and poorly) perform tasks better suited to humans. In that quest, Google has been also developing useful tools in other underrepresented markets, like education. Chromebooks are especially useful for students and educators, as their simple UI, affordable pricing, and portability are ideal for those who need a laptop to carry around and use eight or more hours a day.

Now with enhancements to Class tools, Google Classroom, Face Control on Chromebooks, and a bevy of models specially designed for education, Chromebooks and ChromeOS as a whole have become even more valuable, offering features that other laptops simply don’t.

Hopefully the tech giant will continue to innovate in this regard, as this is one of the best ways it sets ChromeOS and Chromebooks apart from the competition.

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Tuesday, 21 January 2025

NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, January 22 (game #325)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #325) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

Today's NYT Strands theme is… Pixar this

NYT Strands today (game #325) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

  • CONE
  • DRONE
  • DRAW
  • MALE
  • LINE
  • LATE

NYT Strands today (game #325) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

Perfectly drawn

NYT Strands today (game #325) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 3rd row

Last side: right, 4th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #325) - the answers

NYT Strands answers for game 325 on a blue background

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #325, are…

  • BRAVE
  • CARS
  • SOUL
  • ONWARD
  • ELEMENTAL
  • RATATOUILLE
  • SPANGRAM: ANIMATION

  • My rating: Easy
  • My score: 1 hint

Even though I could see that this Pixar-themed puzzle included RATATOUILLE, I still had to leave it until last – and even then struggled to connect the letters in the right order. What a tricky word to spell.

Sadly, Strands didn’t include my favorite Pixar movie – WALL-E – no doubt for punctuation reasons. Same for the magnificent MONSTERS, INC.

Whenever I catch myself taking life too easy, watching soccer in a reclined position with a bag of chips on my lap, I often snap out of my drooling stupor by thinking about WALL-E and the spacecraft full of fitless humans who have forgotten how to fend for themselves. Admittedly, this is most days.

Maybe I should buy a treadmill for my sports TV viewing. It’d make it harder to eat the chips, at least.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.


Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, 21 January, game #324)

  • CHERRY
  • BOSS
  • MAJOR
  • PHAT
  • FRESH
  • RADICAL
  • TUBULAR
  • SPANGRAM: DATED SLANG

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

https://ift.tt/DHMyUYI

WhatsApp's new new music status updates take me back to my MySpace and MSN Messenger days


  • WhatsApp will let you pick songs from Instagram's music catalog
  • Audio length will depend on the kind of status you're sharing
  • Tracks will link to your Instagram profile, if you have one

WhatsApp and other Meta services are quite good at taking inspiration from their rivals, so for example Instagram launched its CapCut rival Edits on the same day that the US was expected to ban CapCut as part of the wider TikTok ban. But its latest addition isn't from a current rival, and while it's partly inspired by a feature Instagram has, it's also a real blast from the past. The emo past.

If you're very online and a certain age, you'll remember when MySpace used to let you display specific songs on your profile, or when we used "What I'm Listening To" in our MSN Messenger statuses to show how cool/tortured/whatever we were.

Soon, you'll be able to share songs with your WhatsApp status updates.

This is glorious news if, like me, you're a member of the passive-aggressive community. Instead of saying how you feel, you can get music to do it for you.

The new feature isn't official yet, but it's been in testing for a few months and is appearing for some users of the latest beta version of the app. As WABetaInfo reports, it gives you the ability to share music tracks as status updates.

How WhatsApp's musical status updates work

The new music icon looks like a note and appears just to the left of the crop, sticker, text and markup icons. Tapping it opens up the WhatsApp music catalog, which is the same one you can access in Instagram. It's good, extensive and updated regularly: my band added music to the various streamers last week, and the songs are in Instagram's catalog already.

The length of your musical selection will depend on the kind of status update you're doing. For video, the music will last as long as the clip does; for photo statuses, you're limited to 15 seconds.

As with Instagram, you'll be able to move the selector to pick the specific (and, perhaps, very pointed) part of the song you want others to hear, and tapping on the track will ask you if you want to see the other person's Instagram profile.

As yet we don't know when the new feature will come to the main app, but given that it's appearing for some beta users it's likely to arrive within the next few weeks.

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