Technology

Here's How I Beautified Markdown Reading in the Terminal

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 12:00

Markdown has become nearly ubiquitous as the language of choice for simple text files with a smattering of formatting. With a subset of HTML semantics coupled to friendlier syntax, you’ll see Markdown in README files, other documentation, and rudimentary forms of structured data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert reacts to Trumps bizarre AI protest video

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:53

Donald Trump's response to millions of people protesting against him over the weekend wasn't exactly mature, with the president posting an AI video of himself wearing a crown while raining down poop on protesters from a fighter jet (yes, you read that sentence correctly).

In the Late Show video above Stephen Colbert plays the clip to loud boos from the audience, before sharing his blunt reaction.

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart assesses whether or not Trump qualifies as a 'king'

"There it is: King Trump crapping on America. Which is insane, though I will grant, factually accurate," says Colbert. "This video was vile and violent and only proves the point of the 'No Kings' march even more. What decent democratic leader would ever post a video of themselves sh**ing on peaceful protesters? He is a one-man hate march."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $9.99 on Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Bundle at TCGPlayer vs. Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:01

SAVE $9.99: As of Oct. 21, the Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Bundle is $55 at TCGplayer, compared to $64.99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Destined Rivals Booster Bundle $55 at TCGPlayer
$64.99 Save $9.99   Shop Now

Destined Rivals feels like a distant memory with Mega Evolution out in the wild and Phantasmal Flames preorders going in and out of stock, but it's not a set to be slept on. The Booster Bundle is currently $55 on TCGplayer, a full $9.99 cheaper than Amazon's current price, which equates to a couple of extra booster packs if you find the right deal.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Destined Rivals focuses on Generation Two's protagonist Ethan and Generation One and Two's Team Rocket. It continues the trainer Pokémon theme of Journey Together and is the first Team Rocket focused set in the modern era. It's a big deal and the artwork in this set is ridiculously good. I'm looking at you Ethan's Typhlosion IR.

Most valuable Destined Rivals Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Destined Rivals has some banger chase cards to snatch up, with the highlights including Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR and Ethan's Ho-Oh ex SIR. Buying just these two cards separately in mint condition will run you the best part of $800, but that's only three to four booster boxes on a good day. It soon adds up opening sealed products and there's no guarantee of pulling the chase cards below.

If you want the big ticket Pokémon TCG cards, I'd recommend just buying them to save your cash:

  1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182

    Near Mint Holofoil: $495.99
    Market price: $581.93
    Most recent sale: $504.66

  2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182

    Near Mint Holofoil: $289.99
    Market price: $296
    Most recent sale: $291.01

  3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182

    Near Mint Holofoil: $220.03
    Market price: $242.87
    Most recent sale: $221.30

  4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182

    Near Mint Holofoil: $145.93
    Market price: $153.59
    Most recent sale: $149.84

Categories: IT General, Technology

Teslas iOS app now tells you exactly the sort of maintenance your car needs

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:00

One of the coolest things about owning a Tesla is the ability to get all sorts of info about your car through a mobile app.

Now, the auto company has taken it to another level with a new Maintenance tab (via Teslarati), that shows you exactly what your car needs replaced, fixed, or adjusted in the near future.

Somewhat hidden in the Tesla iOS app (Android app still doesn't have this option) under Service - Request Service - Maintenance, the new section tells you when your car is due for stuff like tire rotation, cabin air filter replacement, or wiper blades replacement. Even better, the app tells you the cost for each item (if you buy it at an official Tesla repair shop), and if you click on each item, you'll see the estimated life left for each component.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Some of the items, such as Windshield Camera Area Precision Cleaning, probably aren't something you ever thought of doing, let alone paying 80 bucks for it, but it's still nice to know the current status for each of these parts.

SEE ALSO: The 'affordable' Tesla is here. But is it a good deal?

If you've done maintenance at some place other than Tesla's official repair shops, these won't be accurate. Unfortunately, there's apparently no way to manually input when you've last changed your tires or had your wiper blades replaced (I've done both but none of that shows in the app).

Also, in my area I don't see the detailed breakdown of what's happening to my car as the folks in the U.S. seem to get. Hopefully Tesla will update this to work for all owners globally, and make it a little easier to access in the app. Still, the feature is a good reminder that you should take your car to the shop for basic maintenance every now and then.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I Would Buy This Matter-Compatible Bulb for How It Looks

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:00

The Cync Clear Full Color Direct Connect A19 Smart Bulb from GE is a gorgeous smart bulb that's fully clear, like an incandescent. With straightforward Matter-compatibility, it's an easy addition to any smart home ecosystem.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $7.95 on the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle at TCGPlayer vs. Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:44

SAVE $7.95: As of Oct. 21, the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle is $59.95 at TCGplayer, compared to Amazon's price of $67.94.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle $59.95 at TCGPlayer
$67.94 Save $7.99   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG community are still going mad for Prismatic Evolutions, and there's little mystery as to why. Mega Evolution boosters and Phantasmal Flames preorders are the talk of Pokétown, but this set is yet to produce a chase card that rivals the value of Umbreon ex SIR.

There's also an incredible pull to this Scarlet and Violet holiday set thanks to the inclusion of Eeveelution SIRs. Everyone is here on top of some other great SIRs such as Roaring Moon ex, Ceruledge ex, and Dragapult ex. The Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle is $59.95 at TCGplayer, compared to Amazon's price of $67.94. That's nearly $8 saved on in-demand booster packs.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Prismatic Evolutions is a notoriously brutal set to rip open. Thanks in part to the Pokéball and Masterball Rares, there's a lot bulking out in this set, which means Illustration Rares and Secret Illustration Rares are ridiculously hard to pull from packs.

Most valuable Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If I don't pull the chase cards I want from my preorder on release, I'll just watch the market and snap up the cards I want instead of pouring money into sealed product. Whilst some just like ripping open packs, I like the peace of mind of looking at the card I've been after in my Pokémon card display. Here's the top chase cards for Prismatic Evolutions and where you can buy them right now:

  1. Umbreon ex - 161/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $1,185
    Market price: $1,012.77
    Most recent sale: $399

  2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $422
    Market price: $29.30
    Most recent sale: $427.78

  3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $500
    Market price: $455.44
    Most recent sale: $399.99

  4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $367.93
    Market price: $367.23
    Most recent sale: $387.90

  5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $239
    Market price: $241.90
    Most recent sale: $239.99

  6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $188.65
    Market price: $198.12
    Most recent sale: $190

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:28

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you know some chemistry.

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Cards

  • Green: Direct action

  • Blue: Basketball

  • Purple: Remote control

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Playing Cards

  • Green: Takes On

  • Blue: NBA Teams

  • Purple: Things You Can Control With Remotes

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #863 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Playing Cards: ACES, JACKS, KINGS, QUEENS

  • Takes On: ADDRESSES, DOES, HANDLES, TACKLES

  • NBA Teams: BUCKS, BULLS, HORNETS, SPURS

  • Things You Can Control With Remotes: DRONES, GARAGE DOORS, TELEVISIONS, WIIS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:28

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're been through a cleanse.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Removing substances.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DETOX

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:27

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if like seeing bands perform.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Banding together

The words are related to music.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things that can be found at a concert.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Checklist.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 21
  • Opener

  • Stage

  • Merchandise

  • Encore

  • Headliner

  • Checklist

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:27

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 18, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 18, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 21 Pips

Number (16): Everything in this space must add to 16. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add to 8. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this orange space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this orange space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 21 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

Number (21): Everything in this space must add to 21. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically; 6-2, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically; 0-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this blue space must be less than 2. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this green space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Oct. 21 Pips

Less Than (2): Everything in this orange space must be less than 2. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this blue space must be less than 2. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this orange space must add to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (18): Everything in this space must add to 18. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically; 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:26

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is simple if you understand baseball statistics.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Football team names

  • Green: Stats

  • Blue: Nicknames

  • Purple: Share a last name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: An AFC North Player

  • Green: Baseball Stats, Abbreviated

  • Blue: "Big" Athlete Nicknames

  • Purple: ____Ward

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #393 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • An AFC North Player - BENGAL, BROWN, RAVEN, STEELER

  • Baseball Stats, Abbreviated- BB, ERA, SO, WHIP

  • "Big" Athlete Nicknames - ARISTOTLE, DUMPER, MAC, PAPI

  • ____Ward - CAM, CHARLIE, DENZEL, HINES

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:24

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025:

AcrossBone that can be "dropped"
  • The answer is Jaw.

Late scientist Goodall
  • The answer is Jane.

Make critical assumptions about
  • The answer is Judge.

Best by a little
  • The answer is One Up.

Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc.
  • The answer is Gods.

DownJust kind of over it
  • The answer is Jaded.

Beef cattle breed
  • The answer is Angus.

Shed tears
  • The answer is Weep.

2007 comedy-drama starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera
  • The answer is Juno.

Refresh, as one's memory
  • The answer is Jog.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jon Stewart assesses whether or not Trump qualifies as a king

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:23

With "No Kings" protests attracting millions of people across major U.S. cities on the weekend, Jon Stewart takes a moment on The Daily Show to assess how close Donald Trump is to actually qualifying as a king.

Donning a grey old-timey wig ("There's no difference in color," Stewart laments when putting it on) and producing a prop scroll of the Declaration of Independence, the host quickly uses examples of the president sending in "standing armies" and exciting "domestic insurrections amongst us" to assess how much of a king he is.

"Look, maybe Trump isn't an all-powerful king, the kind that can do whatever he wants, but he's undeniably king adjascent, king-esque, moving for more. He's the imitation crab of kings right now, the I can't believe it's not king," Stewart concludes. "And the ironic part about Republicans complaining that he is being dubbed a king is that in their minds, he has already surpassed that title anyway."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for October 21, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:20

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

An entourage.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

POSSE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Murky.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SOOTY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An award.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PRIZE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Rain and snow.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SLEET

Final Hurdle hint

Took without permission.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

STOLE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $3 on the Pokémon TCG White Flare Booster Bundle at TCGPlayer vs. Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:16

SAVE $3.01: As of Oct. 21, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Booster Bundle is $51.99 at TCGplayer, compared to Amazon's price of $55.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare Booster Bundle $51.99 at TCGPlayer
$55 Save $3.01   Get Deal

Mega Evolution boosters and Phantasmal Flames preorders are taking over the Pokémon TCG community, but I think you should be looking at the last Scarlet and Violet expansion, Black Bolt and White Flare.

At a time where big box stores are selling sealed product over market value, it's worth knowing the secondary market value. TCGplayer isn't only keeping trainers informed, but the listings are putting Amazon to shame with the Pokémon TCG White Flare Booster Bundle at $51.99 at TCGplayer. That's compared to Amazon's price of $55. It's only a saving of $3.01, but that's money that's better off in your pocket.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Booster Bundles have six packs to rip open, nice and simple. You'll need as many packs to open as you can possibly get away with. This is a massive set, thanks to every Pokémon having a Illustration Rare or Secret Illustration Rare. That means it's going to be tough to pull the chase card you're seeking.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Or you could just pass on the game of chance and just buy the card outright. Yes, the top Black Bolt and White Flare cards are mega expensive, but you'd be surprised to hear that you'll probably save money long term over ripping open sealed product. Here's the top chase cards for Black Bolt and White Flare:

  1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $519.99
    Market price: $498.21
    Most recent sale: $399.99

  2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $422
    Market price: $29.30
    Most recent sale: $427.78

  3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $500
    Market price: $455.44
    Most recent sale: $399.99

  4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $367.93
    Market price: $367.23
    Most recent sale: $387.90

  5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $239
    Market price: $241.90
    Most recent sale: $239.99

  6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $188.65
    Market price: $198.12
    Most recent sale: $190

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle is officially here — save over 30% for a limited time

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:07

SAVE OVER 30%: As of Oct. 21, the Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle is live. Bundle both services together and save over 30% — get Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium for $14.99 per month or Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium Plus for $19.99 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ and Peacock Apple TV+ and Peacock   Get Deal

Streaming services continue to see price hikes, making bundle deals look more and more appealing. Bundles are a great way to bring together some of your favorite services for a lower cost than what you'd pay separately, and a new offering from Apple TV+ and Peacock is finally live.

The new Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle is now available, and comes with two different plans: the Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium bundle (which comes to $14.99 per month) or the Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium Plus bundle (which comes to $19.99 per month).

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Oct. 17, 2025)

Compared to paying for each service separately (Apple TV+ is $12.99 per month, Peacock Premium is $10.99 per month, and Peacock Premium Plus is $16.99 per month), you're saving over 30% with both bundles. Below, we've broken down what's included with each plan so you can figure out which one option suits you best.

Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium — $14.99/month

Apple TV+:

  • Apple Originals with new releases weekly — no ads

  • Live sports

  • Download and watch offline

Peacock:

  • Must-see TV, including NBC and Bravo series

  • Blockbuster movies from Universal Pictures

  • Live sports and events

  • Includes ads

Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium Plus — $19.99/month

Apple TV+:

  • Apple Originals with new releases weekly — no ads

  • Live sports

  • Download and watch offline

Peacock:

  • Must-see TV, including NBC and Bravo series

  • Blockbuster movies from Universal Pictures

  • Live sports and events

  • No ads

  • Download and watch offline

If you're curious about what's available to watch on each of these streaming services, check out our breakdowns of the 38 best Apple TV+ shows and the best movies on Peacock to get you started.

Categories: IT General, Technology

On a Saturn moon, chemicals can do things they cant on Earth

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:00

Some substances that don't mix on Earth can combine in ultra freezing conditions like those on Saturn's largest moon, breaking one of the best-known rules of chemistry, new research shows.

Titan, a hazy orange world about 880 million miles away in space, shares similarities with early Earth and is the only other place in the solar system with a thick atmosphere, as well as lakes and dunes on its surface. A key reason scientists study the moon is to try to figure out how the first chemical steps toward creating life may have unfolded on our own planet. 

Now a team of researchers from NASA and Chalmers University in Sweden has found that on Titan, the cold environment allows molecules to combine in ways scientists hadn't thought were possible. Its main chemicals — methane, ethane, and hydrogen cyanide — can form crystals together. Normally, hydrogen cyanide doesn't mix with methane and ethane, similar to how oil and water separate. 

That discovery opens up new possibilities for how the basic ingredients of life might begin in worlds once thought too hostile for complex chemistry, said Martin Rahm, a chemistry professor at Chalmers. The team's paper, for which Rahm is a coauthor, appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Hydrogen cyanide is found in many places in the universe," he said in a statement. "The findings of our study may help us understand what happens in other cold environments in space." 

SEE ALSO: New space evidence suggests our water could be older than the sun

Titan, a moon that rivals Mercury in size, apparently breaks a basic chemistry rule related to the distribution of electrical charges in molecules. This property is known as polarity. A polar molecule has one end that is slightly negative and another that is slightly positive, whereas a nonpolar molecule has balanced charges. 

In short, nonpolar substances on Earth tend to dissolve nonpolar substances, and polar substances tend to dissolve polar substances — or, as Rahm puts it, "like dissolves like." 

NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured Ligeia Mare, the second-largest known body of liquid on Saturn's moon Titan. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASI / Cornell

The study began when NASA scientists tried to mix hydrogen cyanide, which is highly polar, with nonpolar molecules methane and ethane at nearly -300 degrees Fahrenheit, matching the temperature of Titan. When they looked at the mixtures using laser spectroscopy, a method for studying a material based on how light interacts with it, they saw that the chemicals hadn’t changed, but something else unusual had happened.

A group of scientists at Chalmers who are experts in hydrogen cyanide helped analyze the data, revealing that liquid methane and ethane actually merged with hydrogen cyanide inside a new kind of crystal. This finding is exciting for astrobiologists because hydrogen cyanide is thought to have played a key role in the creation of amino acids and nucleobases, the building blocks of proteins and DNA, Rahm said.

"So our work also contributes insights into chemistry before the emergency of life, and how it might proceed in extreme, inhospitable environments," he said.

Titan is a special moon because its cold atmosphere — filled with nitrogen and methane — may mimic what young Earth was like billions of years ago. It's also the only other world around the sun known to have active weather, though its precipitation isn't water. Titan's lakes and seas are filled instead with methane and ethane, which cycle through Titan's atmosphere, forming clouds and oily rain that reshape the landscape, much like Earth’s water cycle. 

For years, scientists have wondered if these liquids might also allow the crucial chemistry necessary for life to occur — or at least the kind familiar to us. That question drives NASA's $3.35 billion Dragonfly mission, set to launch in July 2028 and reach Titan six years later. Scientists think a deep underground ocean of liquid water may also exist within Titan, possibly capable of supporting life.

The Chalmers team used computer models to simulate thousands of possible molecular combinations. They found that organic compounds could sneak into hydrogen cyanide’s crystal structure and form "co-crystals." Because these could exist at Titan's frigid temperatures and they match NASA's lab results, there's a good chance these chemical mixtures actually occur on Titan, the scientists say. 

"I see it as a nice example of when boundaries are moved in chemistry and a universally accepted rule does not always apply," Rahm said.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Go beyond vocabulary — build real language fluency with Babbel

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: Don’t miss lifetime access to all Babbel languages for just $159 (reg. $299) with code LEARN through Oct. 30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$299 Save $140   Get Deal

Heading into the cooler months is the perfect time to invest in yourself, and what better way to do that than by learning a new language — or 14? With a lifetime of Babbel by your side, you get unlimited access to all 14 of its expertly crafted language courses for $159 with the coupon LEARN, a special offer through StackSocial.

That’s a lifetime of personal and professional growth at a fraction of the regular $299 cost. It’s an offer designed to help you unlock global opportunities, connect with different cultures, and sharpen your brain — all on your terms.

SEE ALSO: Lifetime Babbel access gets you 14 languages, no monthly fees required

Babbel is the number-one-selling platform, trusted by millions of users worldwide. Developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by researchers from top universities, Babbel takes a proven approach to language acquisition.

The lessons are practical, focusing on real-life conversation skills rather than tedious grammar drills. Within a month, you could be confidently chatting with native speakers about transportation, dining, shopping, and more.

Don’t have hours to dedicate to language learning? No problem. Babbel’s lessons are designed to fit into even the busiest schedules. In just 10 to 15 minutes a day, you can make steady progress. And since your progress syncs across devices, you can seamlessly switch between your phone, tablet, and desktop for continual access.

Need to study offline? Simply download lessons in advance, and you’re good to go.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a professional navigating international markets, Babbel helps equips you with the skills you need to succeed. Its 14 languages include essentials like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less commonly offered languages like Indonesian and Norwegian.

No matter your goal — mastering small talk in Paris or preparing a pitch for a client in Berlin — Babbel has you covered.

Don’t miss this terrific price on a lifetime of Babbel for just $159 with coupon LEARN, offered exclusively through StackSocial through Oct. 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This console plays 1,500+ retro games and fast charges your phone for $80

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: The PowerBoy 2-in-1 Retro Gaming Console and Fast-Charging Power Bank lets you play 1,500+ classic games and juice your phone for $79.99 (reg. $129).

Opens in a new window Credit: Retropian PowerBoy 2-in-1 Retro Gaming Console and Fast-Charging Power Bank $79.99
$129 Save $49.01   Get Deal

Here’s a wild idea: what if your backup battery could also play your favorite childhood games? The PowerBoy 2-in-1 Retro Gaming Console and Fast-Charging Power Bank turns that fantasy into a pocket-sized reality for just $79.99 (reg. $129).

It’s equal parts power source and throwback entertainment system — the kind of multitasking gadget you don’t realize you need until you’re an hour into a gaming session while your phone hits 100 percent.

SEE ALSO: Play 1000s of preloaded games with this $90 retro console

With over 1,500 built-in games (and room to add more with a TF card — not included), the PowerBoy delivers serious nostalgia on a 3-inch full-color IPS display that’s crisp, vibrant, and shockingly smooth thanks to its 900MHz processor. You can even use it to watch MP4 videos, listen to MP3s, and read eBooks — like a tiny entertainment center in your hand.

But it’s also a 5000mAh power bank with 22.5W magnetic fast charging. You can charge up to three devices at once, whether it’s your iPhone, Android, or Bluetooth earbuds. It’s the perfect travel companion — one minute you’re crushing old-school games, the next you’re reviving your dead phone.

For 37% off, this thing is part nostalgia trip, part modern survival tool — and a pure conversation starter.

Get the PowerBoy 2-in-1 Retro Gaming Console and Fast-Charging Power Bank while it’s on sale for just $79.99 (reg. $129).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How much does Disney+ cost per month?

Mashable - Tue, 10/21/2025 - 10:00

Between multiple tiers, bundles, and price hikes, it can sometimes be tough to remember what you're paying for Disney+, and what you're actually getting for that price point.

Luckily for you, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive breakdown of how much Disney+ costs per month, what each tier and bundle will get you, and how these prices stack up against other streaming services. How does Disney+ measure up to the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, and more?

SEE ALSO: How much does Netflix cost per month? How much does Disney+'s ad-supported tier cost per month?

Disney+ offers two standalone plans. Its ad-supported tier, simply called Disney+, costs $11.99 per month.

With the most basic Disney+ tier, you get access to the Disney+ library, with ads. You also get the ability to stream on multiple devices at a time. Quality-wise, Disney+ supports up to 5.1 audio and video quality in up to 4K UHD and HDR.

SEE ALSO: How much does Paramount+ cost per month? How much does Disney+'s ad-free tier cost?

Disney+ premium costs $18.99 per month, or $189.99 per year. If you choose the annual plan, that means you're paying closer to $16 per month, saving almost $38 per year.

Disney+ Premium gets you access to the Disney+ library without ads, along with the ability to stream on multiple devices at a time and download titles on up to 10 devices. Quality-wise, Disney+ Premium supports Dolby Atmos audio and video quality in up to 4K UHD and HDR.

How do Disney+'s plan costs compare to other streaming services?

When it comes to both its ad-supported and ad-free standalone plans, Disney+ is the most expensive of the major streaming services.

Its basic plan costs $11.99 per month, as does Hulu's. Meanwhile, Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock's basic plans cost $7.99 per month. A Prime Video subscription by itself without an Amazon Prime membership costs $8.99 per month, while HBO Max's ad-supported tier costs $9.99 per month.

SEE ALSO: How to cancel your Disney+ subscription on your desktop or your phone

Disney+ Premium costs $18.99 per month, the same as Hulu Premium. Every other streaming service offers a cheaper ad-free tier: Peacock's costs $10.99 per month, Prime Video's is $11.98 per month, Paramount+'s is $12.99 per month, HBO Max's is $16.99 per month, and Netflix's is $17.99 per month.

How much do Disney+ and Hulu bundle plans cost?

If you want to bundle streaming services together, Disney+ offers several options. First up is the Disney+ and Hulu bundle. The bundle with ads costs $12.99 per month, giving you access to the most basic tiers of both Disney+ and Hulu. Without ads, the bundle costs $19.99 per month.

How much do Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle plans cost?

If you want to add sports coverage to your streaming plan, check out the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle plans, which include bundles with ESPN Select, which means ESPN+ content, and ESPN Unlimited, which means all ESPN content.

With ads, the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle costs $19.99 per month. The Premium version of the bundle costs $29.99, but while Disney+ and Hulu content will be ad-free, the ESPN Select coverage will still come with ads.

With ads, the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle costs $35.99 per month. The Premium version costs $44.99 per month, but just like with the ESPN Select bundles, the ESPN Unlimited coverage will still come with ads.

How much do Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and NFL+ Premium bundle plans cost?

For football fans, Disney+ offers a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, and NFL+ Premium, which gives users access to everything NFL+ has to offer, along with NFL RedZone and game replays.

With ads, the bundle costs $45.99 per month. Without ads, it costs $54.99 per month. Both tiers will grant you access to NFL+ Premium, and ESPN Unlimited coverage on each tier will still come with ads.

How much do Disney+'s Hulu and HBO Max bundle plans cost?

Looking to add Game of Thrones or The Pitt to your Disney+ streaming? Then the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle plan should be up your alley. With ads, this bundle costs $19.99 per month. Without ads, it costs $32.99 per month.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker