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If you get your phone wet, your first thought is probably to put it in rice. But please don't. You shouldn't use rice to dry out a wet smartphone , period. Experts have been saying for years that the rice method actually works slower than simply setting the phone on a counter. It can even make the situation worse by leaving goopy, wet grains stuck in your phone's crevices. Yet this myth is so pervasive that Apple explicitly told people to stop doing it as late as 2024. People keep doing it despite all the warnings against it. Case in point, smartphone myths don't take much to get started and become almost impossible to debunk once they do. And trust us, the rice myth is only one in a very, very long list. Some myths are more or less harmless. Others could put your entire digital life in peril. Here are 12 smartphone myths that we all need to stop believing yesterday. For many people, it's become a sort of end-of-the-day ritual to open the app switcher and close all the background apps they've used during the day. The logic comes from computers — open background programs consume resources, so closing them frees those resources. Except, smartphones work differently. This one has been known to be wrong for a long time. Back in 2016, an Apple executive confirmed there was no reason to do it. Apple's support page on closing an app corroborates this, recommending it only if an app is unresponsive. The same goes for Android. In fact, experts say closing background apps probably makes things worse. Smartphones are extremely efficient with their limited horsepower, automatically freeing up system resources by suspending apps as necessary. To actually limit which apps are running in the background and eating up resources, go to General > Background App Refresh on your iPhone and toggle off any offending apps. On Android, go to Battery > Battery Saver and enable Adaptive Battery. If you want to go even further, go to the app's setting page and disable Allow background usage. Just be aware that this could cause notification problems . Sometimes, a myth starts as good advice, then time goes by, and it becomes problematic. You've probably been told by tech-savvy people over the years that leaving your phone plugged in overnight will ruin the battery. It used to be that your phone was effectively topping itself off nonstop throughout the night — dropping from 100% to 99%, charging back up to 100%, and ad nauseam — which is bad news for a lithium-ion battery's health. Nowadays, though, optimized battery charging modes are commonplace. Optimized charging should be enabled by default, but just in case, head to Settings > Battery > Charging and enable Optimized Battery Charging on iPhone. On Android, it's in Settings > Battery > Charging optimization. Your phone learns from your daily sleep schedule, charging up to 80%, then waiting to charge the rest of the way a few minutes before you wake up. Really, the bigger issue here is that people shouldn't be charging their phones to 100% and letting them drop to 0%. Lithium-ion batteries last the longest when you keep them in the Goldilocks zone of 20% to 80% — or, if you're especially dedicated, 40% to 80%. Hopefully, new revolutionary battery technologies will make all this fussing with charging optimization a thing of the past. Yet another piece of wisdom that, if someone told you this 15 years ago, was probably true to an extent. Phone manufacturers used to ship proprietary charging bricks and cables with their devices and often recommended only charging with same-brand hardware for safety reasons. Perhaps you heard a secondhand story or two of someone's phone dying after plugging into a mystery charger. Times have changed. Nowadays, you can charge an iPhone or Android device without the proprietary brick or cable. Smartphones have improved drastically, with built-in protections to prevent battery damage if a brick supports a higher charge level than the phone. It's only when you need fast-charge speeds that using the right brick matters. The real issue is using cheap bricks and cables from questionable companies. In other words, maybe skip that $5 charger you found at the gas station or on Alibaba. Buy from a highly-rated third-party brand like Anker. Invest in that iPhone 3-in-1 charger , and your phone will thank you for it. This goes double for a wireless charger, which can be bad for your phone's battery even if it's a brand-name product. One thing that most certainly is not a myth is how dangerous it is to click on unknown download links. All it takes is opening one malicious executable on your desktop computer to blow the doors wide open for a hacker. Fortunately, smartphones get most of their apps from the tightly regulated, closely controlled Google Play Store and Apple App Store, so they're safe ... right? Not exactly. For years, both app stores have been negligent enough to allow outright malware and scams to be distributed through their platforms. In 2024, Zscaler found 90 malicious applications that had gotten 5.5 million downloads on the Google Play Store — and this is only one report in 2024. The situation isn't necessarily better on Apple's famously strict App Store. In 2019, 18 malware-laden apps slipped through Apple's defenses. In 2021, The Washington Post reported that 2% of the top 1,000 App Store apps were effectively scams. We could keep giving examples, but the evidence makes the point: just because an app is on the official store doesn't mean it's safe. The takeaway here is to "drive defensively" online. Avoid the worst cybersecurity mistakes , whether it's using simple passwords or thoughtlessly clicking on links. Check an app's user reviews and use common sense. If you're getting a weird gut feeling, heed it and keep your distance. Smartphones have given DSLRs a run for their money in the past decade, and you only need a handful of photography tips to take great photos. Thing is, progress has stagnated. Cheap Android phones can take excellent shots, while flagship devices from this year produce only marginally better pictures than their predecessors from five years ago. Despite this, cameras remain the marquee selling point of just about every smartphone these days, and the big statistic they always focus on is the megapixel count. For the layman, it seems fairly straightforward: more megapixels, better pictures. But this isn't necessarily true. More megapixels do produce bigger, more detailed images. Zooming in, you will find more detail in a 24 MP picture compared to a 12 MP one. However, what really makes a good smartphone picture is the onboard processing. The Google Pixel doesn't necessarily have the biggest or best camera sensor, but it did win the top three spots in Marques Brownlee's blind smartphone camera test. It's not about how much money you spend, either. The $1,200 Sony Xperia 1 V produced some of the worst portrait shots in Brownlee's testing. At the end of the day, what matters is choosing a smartphone with processing that produces pictures you like, not a smartphone with top-of-the-line camera specs. Aside from having a phone that supports fast charging, there's not much else you can do to speed up charging. That is (some might say) unless you disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, turn on low power mode, set screen brightness as low as it will go — and most importantly, turn on airplane mode. Airplane mode is touted as a one-tap way to do most of that without creating a shortcut or changing a whole bunch of settings that you'll have to revert later. Or is it? CNET tested this theory way back in 2014. According to them, enabling airplane mode only reduced charging time by about four minutes, and in some cases, 11 minutes. That might seem like an open-and-shut case, but there are a couple of things to consider. One, airplane mode isn't technically charging your phone faster. It disables settings (like Wi-Fi and cellular) that consume energy, allowing more power to go toward charging. But those settings are going to consume varying amounts of energy depending on how strong your Wi-Fi and cellular signal is in a given place. Two, this test was conducted 10 years ago. Smartphones have become much more efficient since then, and the test would need to be replicated on dozens of modern smartphone models to reach a definitive conclusion. Finally, most smartphones take about an hour to charge anyway — making an 11-minute improvement almost negligible — and you'd be robbed of the smartphone's functionality in the meantime. Over the past decade or so, it's come to light (pun intended) that blue light from your phone's screen disrupts your circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep after exposure to it. To combat this, smartphone manufacturers introduced dark mode and features like Night Shift on iPhone that give your screen an orange hue to help you sleep better. It seemed like we had the problem solved — until recent research. A 2019 study by the University of Manchester suggested that blue light has less impact on sleeping patterns than yellow light, and a 2023 study published in Nature Human Behavior concurred. We may have gone on this blue-light-eradicating craze based entirely on earlier, misunderstood research. So what's keeping us awake, then? Short answer: screens, regardless of color. It makes sense when you think about it. Light (like the sun) tells your body to wake up and be alert, so shining a bright light in your face — your screen — clearly isn't going to help you feel sleepy. Get away from those screens a couple of hours before bedtime. Read a book, listen to some relaxing music, and give your poor eyes a break for once. When 5G started rolling out in 2019, it was supposed to revolutionize mobile data. Instead, many people disable it because it drains battery. What 5G did revolutionize, however, was a new era of disinformation — particularly the scary idea that 5G emits dangerous radiation that causes cancer and headaches. To all the people who believe this, let's be abundantly clear: 5G has no proven, conclusive negative health effects. None. Nada. Zilch. Some studies have claimed to find a link between 5G and potential health issues, but they haven't been replicated enough and are often contradicted by other studies. This isn't to say more research won't change the paradigm later, but extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. A raft of independent, replicable studies would be needed before anyone can credibly claim that 5G is harmful. Anyone who champions the claim of harm despite this is either acting in bad faith or is dangerously misinformed. Humans have been exposed to electromagnetic radiation from cell towers (and many, many other sources) for decades, and there's still no evidence that it's hurting us. If you're worried about harmful radiation, then you are much better off focusing on wearing sunscreen. The evidence is indisputable: UV rays from the sun damage your DNA and increase your skin cancer risk. Never open banking apps or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi, people often say, unless you're using a VPN. Otherwise, hackers will intercept your information, steal your money, and leave you high and dry. Except ... no, not really. This used to be true when HTTP (unencrypted web traffic) was the norm and Wi-Fi protocols were weak. These days, the vast majority of websites use HTTPS (encrypted web traffic), and most web browsers warn you before connecting to an unencrypted website. Further, modern devices notify you if the network security is weak. Using HTTPS on properly configured Wi-Fi networks is generally enough to stay safe on public Wi-Fi. The real threat isn't hackers lurking on trustworthy public Wi-Fi networks — it's hackers pretending to be trustworthy public Wi-Fi networks. This is known as an "evil twin" attack. According to NordVPN , hackers go to places with free public Wi-Fi and create a false network with the exact same name — or better yet, provide a free network where none exists. Once you connect to an evil twin, the hacker redirects you to fake websites that mimic the ones you use, like your email or bank account. They skim your credentials when you try to log in, using them to access your accounts. Evil twins pop up anywhere you'd expect to find free Wi-Fi — airports, universities, even your nearby Starbucks — and it's virtually impossible to differentiate a legitimate network from an evil twin. Basically, you should avoid public Wi-Fi as much as reasonably possible. If you can't avoid it, at least don't log in to sensitive accounts or services while using it. Aside from putting bags under seats, buckling up, and watching tired flight attendants teach you how to strap on an oxygen mask, you know you'll inevitably be required to put your phone in airplane mode. We've been told for years that cellphone signals interfere with sensitive equipment, conjuring a scary image of the plane dropping out of the sky just because you were too lazy to toggle it on. But is there any truth to this? No, not really. According to CNN , smartphones not set to airplane mode don't pose a threat to the airplane's signal-sensitive gear. There was some concern in the early days of mobile phones about this theoretical interference, but studies have yet to demonstrate any issues — even after the rollout of 5G, which has so far proven harmless despite its proximity to airline frequencies. One reason for airplane mode may be to avoid disrupting the flight crew. According to Britannica , smartphones occasionally provoke audio artifacts that, while not risky to the plane, can annoy the pilots. Another reason may be to prevent inconsiderate people from being more disruptive than they already are. Imagine how annoying it would be to have a whole bunch of loud, chatty passengers taking calls during a flight that's already uncomfortable. It's a recipe for so-called "air rage." The EU has already allowed in-flight phone usage, so it may only be a matter of time before the myth gets debunked and the U.S. allows the same. Until then, the biggest reason to enable airplane mode (aside from complying with the flight crew) is to save your battery. Your phone wastes a ton of energy searching for signals, which could leave you with a dead battery on arrival. We've discussed how efficient phones are and why it's pointless to close background apps unless they are misbehaving. But this has led to another myth that requires debunking: your phone never needs to be restarted except for updates. This isn't true. Phones, like computers, have apps that suffer memory leaks, experience bugs, and don't always succeed in clearing RAM or resolving issues. These problems can accumulate and worsen performance. Restarting is a quick and easy way to freshen up a sluggish phone. So how often should you restart? About once a week is ideal. It only takes a minute, so set a reminder to do so each weekend. Another reason for this weekly restart comes from the NSA. Ostensibly, certain types of cyberattacks can be thwarted just by powering off regularly. Restarting keeps your phone fast and protected in one simple step. We saved the best for last: The biggest myth that needs debunking is this – updating your phone slows it down. Over the years, we've seen various seeming confirmations that smartphone manufacturers quietly slow older devices in an effort to get people to buy new ones. Apple famously got busted big time with "Batterygate," where it confirmed it was slowing down older iPhones. Many people took this as a cue to stop updating their phones to prevent being throttled by software updates. However, this myth is a misunderstanding of a well-intentioned decision, and heeding it puts you in grave digital danger. It's hard to defend Apple's anti-consumer practices, but as far as Batterygate goes, they were in the right. Worn-out batteries in old devices don't just lose capacity; they also put out less current, which could cause random shutdowns. To prevent this, Apple underclocked older devices. Replacing the battery on an old device is all it takes to bring it back to maximum performance. Updates don't just include new features and bug fixes — they also patch known vulnerabilities. Failing to update puts you at the mercy of hackers, who scan for vulnerable devices within 15 minutes of a vulnerability becoming public. Finally, the apps you use will eventually drop support for outdated operating systems. Trust us, updating your phone is in your best interest.Liverpool shines in Champions League, dumping Real Madrid down the table. Dortmund rises to 4th
The condemnation came as the House of Lords debated regulations paving the way for a scheme which would require animal lovers on the British mainland to have documentation in order to visit Northern Ireland. Critics view the move as further evidence of Northern Ireland still having to follow EU rules post-Brexit and being treated differently from the rest of the UK – a major source of contention to the unionist community. The paperwork, which will be free to apply for, includes a declaration that the owner will not travel onwards to Ireland or another EU country with their pet or assistance dog. Animals will have to be microchipped and have their own individual pet travel document, which will be valid for its lifetime. Northern Ireland residents returning after a stay in Great Britain with their pet or assistance dog will not need a travel document. The scheme is being introduced under the Windsor Framework, a revised deal for Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit trading arrangements aimed at tackling issues caused by the protocol. Raising her concerns in Parliament, Baroness Hoey, a Northern Irish Brexit supporter and former Labour MP, said: “These regulations are in effect about a new aspect of the Irish Sea border that has not had expression until this point because of the grace periods.” She added: “The experience of visiting Northern Ireland with your pet dog or cat, or even a ferret, will be made to feel like a visit to a foreign country. Lady Hoey went on: “This could spell the end of holiday trips for pet owners from GB to NI and then on to the Republic, when they want to explore both Northern Ireland and the Republic. “If they have a pet passport, they will have renounced their right to go to the Republic. That makes the border more of an obstruction than having border control posts on it, because at least in that eventuality, you could still cross over it.” Rejecting claims it was a result of the UK leaving the EU, she said: “The reality is that this is happening precisely because Northern Ireland has not got Brexit. “As we say repeatedly, it is still subject to EU rules and the EU could change the rules overnight.” Former DUP deputy leader Lord Dodds of Duncairn said: “Every one of the statutory instruments that come forward under the Windsor Framework must be properly debated, because these laws are being brought forward to implement what a foreign jurisdiction has decided should be the law of the United Kingdom. “In the 21st century, we should not accept colonial rule. We abolished it elsewhere. We believe it should not be tolerated for one second. People should have the democratic right to decide their laws for themselves, in their interests.” He added: “The ridiculous part about this debate is that we are having to debate European laws regulating the movement of pet animals owned by British citizens between one part of the United Kingdom and another. That is an outrage.” Lord Dodds went on: “As I said, there will be hundreds, thousands more of these regulations, in all areas, affecting the daily lives of people in Northern Ireland. They all add up to a grievous assault on Northern Ireland’s constitutional position.” But former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick said: “I support the Windsor Framework because it is a necessary legal device to deal with the complexities that were presented to us in Ireland, north and south, on the issue of Brexit. “We need a pragmatic solution rather than choosing to have political contests and duels simply for the sake of them.” Introducing the regulations, environment minister Baroness Hayman of Ulloch said: “This scheme will simplify the requirements associated with moving pet dogs, cats and ferrets from Great Britain to Northern Ireland significantly. “It replaces single-use animal health certificates with a free-of-charge lifelong travel document and removes the need for costly pet health treatments. “Pet owners who travel frequently with their pets, or those who rely on the services of an assistance dog to travel independently, will benefit substantially from this change in approach.” However, she acknowledged the concerns raised by peers and promised to continue engagement with them.More empty promises from politicians is not the answer to what ails us today. The answer will come from our local communities, nonprofit leader Rich Harwood writes. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Chinese student’s drone got stuck in tree near Newport News Shipbuilding, leading to Espionage Act prosecution Chinese student’s drone got stuck in tree near Newport News Shipbuilding, leading to Espionage Act prosecution Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Candidates who ran against Sen. Christie New Craig say they tried to investigate residency concerns Candidates who ran against Sen. Christie New Craig say they tried to investigate residency concerns Longtime Phoebus Auction Gallery to close after New Year’s Day event Longtime Phoebus Auction Gallery to close after New Year’s Day event Column: Visiting America’s battlefields? Show some respect Column: Visiting America’s battlefields? 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Tech mogul Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X, has called for better accessibility to the platform's 'Mute Words' feature. His comment came in response to a post by Dan, an employee of X, who highlighted the functionality in a recent post on the platform. Dan wrote , "Friendly reminder that you can mute words on X: settings > privacy > mute > mute words. Forever if necessary or for a duration if you just need a break." The feature allows users to block specific words or phrases from appearing in their feed, offering a personalised way to filter content. In response, Musk acknowledged the value of the feature but admitted it could be challenging to locate, replying, "We do need to make this easier to find." The ' Mute Words' feature is especially useful for those seeking respite from specific topics or trends, particularly during high-profile or controversial events. Users can opt to mute words either indefinitely or for a limited period, tailoring the platform to their needs. As Musk’s acknowledgment suggests, an update may soon make this functionality more prominent, potentially reducing user frustration and increasing engagement. Since taking over the microblogging platform, Musk has introduced various changes, aiming to make X more user-friendly and adaptable to individual preferences. In other news, Elon Musk who will soon become a part of Donald Trump's administration, recently posted a video featuring the late Nobel laureate Milton Friedman discussing America's social security system. The billionaire and tech mogul captioned the video, "Wise words from a true genius." In the video, Friedman explored several topics, including the government's taxation policies, their influence on inflation, and the effects of government social security programs on the public. “Government is a fiction where everybody believes that he can live at the expense of everybody else. And that is the free lunch myth. The myth that somehow or other government can provide goods and services can spend money at nobody's expense,” stated Friedman.The path to peace and stability in the Arab worldFor Gemini natives, the approaching week offers a lively blend of exciting prospects, social engagements, and the need for circumspection in crucial decisions. You may begin the week on a high note around the 29th, feeling motivated to push forward in various aspects of life. Yet, as you transition into the 30th, it’s vital to pay attention to both your immediate surroundings and your personal interactions. Minor tensions related to driving, schedules, or debates with close ones may briefly disrupt your flow; maintain flexibility to glide through these speed bumps. Midweek, especially around the turn of the year, you could receive supportive news from family or colleagues that bolsters your confidence. Some Geminis might feel a burst of creativity or gain a strong desire to expand their knowledge, making it an excellent time to research study programs or online courses. You might also notice that opportunities to form partnerships or receive help from others are on the rise. As you close out the week, a more reflective mood sets in, encouraging you to evaluate your recent actions and prepare for a productive month ahead. Love and Relationship Gemini’s social and flirtatious side may feel especially invigorated during the holidays. From the very start of this week, unmarried Geminis could stumble upon intriguing connections through friends or social gatherings. If you are already in a relationship, there may be a few stressful moments involving small disagreements or misunderstandings, especially around the 30th. Keep in mind that words carry weight; a calm, rational approach can quickly restore harmony. As the New Year comes into view, romantic prospects become even more optimistic. Around the 1st and 2nd of January, you can expect to share heartfelt moments that foster deeper commitment or, if you’re single, spark potential new beginnings. By the weekend, be prepared for a strong urge to connect on a more soulful level. Engaging in genuine conversations with your partner or a love interest can help you feel emotionally balanced and hopeful about the future. Education and Career When it comes to academics, Gemini students are favored by a supportive cosmic current this week, but you are also counseled to tread carefully. The 30th suggests you keep your eyes on the road, metaphorically speaking—do not overburden yourself with extracurricular activities to the point that your studies suffer. Utilize the midweek positivity to direct your energy toward topics or projects you find challenging. A classmate or mentor might prove instrumental in guiding you through tricky material. Working professionals and entrepreneurs may find that fresh partnerships or collaboration offers pop up unexpectedly throughout the week. If you are in the process of scaling your business, carefully assess the track records and motives of potential partners before committing. The period around the 1st to the 3rd of January bodes well for forging beneficial alliances. However, you should hold off on finalizing large investments or expansions if something feels uncertain. Trust your instincts: Geminis excel in sharp analysis, so apply that skill in any negotiations you undertake. Money and Finance Financially, Geminis should maintain a balanced view this week. While you may receive monetary support from a partner, family member, or unexpected source, the 30th and 31st caution against impulsive spending. If you have been considering investments—particularly in real estate or speculative ventures—double-check all documents and market signals. A hasty choice could boomerang. As you usher in the New Year, a sense of relief and optimism can motivate you to restructure your budgets or savings plans. The stars suggest that from the 2nd of January onward, you could be presented with a promising side gig, freelance job, or a financial tip from a trusted friend. Nonetheless, do not forget to keep an eye on your expenses: mundane yet crucial costs (such as household bills or car maintenance) may need immediate attention. Steer clear of gambling your resources on unverified leads or overly ambitious schemes. Health and Well-being Gemini natives thrive on mental stimulation, but you are urged to watch for signs of mental overload this week. The start of the period calls for cautious movement—both physically and mentally. If you feel restless or notice that your mind wanders incessantly, schedule pockets of downtime for gentle exercise or relaxation techniques. Midweek, your energy levels might spike with renewed vigor. This is a fine time to engage in group sports or creative hobbies that let you expend energy constructively. Take special care around the 4th: pushing yourself too hard could result in minor strains or fatigue. Keep a water bottle close, stay hydrated, and make sure to nourish your body with regular, balanced meals. By combining self-awareness with a focus on balanced living, you will maintain your trademark Gemini agility and breeze through the week feeling physically and emotionally energized. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Welcome to mock draft season, 49ers fans. San Francisco and a handful of other middling teams this week, and while the fight for postseason seeding is ongoing, we pretty much know the 14 teams who won't be on a flight to Cancún in three weeks. For the second-to-last time this season ... Here is where the 49ers sit in the NFL Week 17 power rankings after a and heading into " " With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the select ... Well, we know they won't be drafting a quarterback after giving $55 million per season. If the season ended today, they would be drafting third. Just please don't let Travis Hunter end up in Jacksonville ... We as a society must never forget how bad is. He's been flying under the radar a bit in place of , but he gave us a reminder on Sunday. Just one week after I basically called forgettable, he goes toe-to-toe with and the Bills. Touché. Congrats, you probably just ruined your chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick. Was a meaningless win over the ... *checks notes* ... Jaguars worth it? Nevermind, put back in. The People's Quarterback at least put up points while turning the ball over. is a tough watch. is showing enough to where finally doesn't have to use its top pick on a quarterback. Take the best offensive lineman and call it a day. responded well after a bad game against Dallas last week. I still think there could be a nice foundation forming in Carolina. might actually be drafting high enough to snag one of the top quarterbacks. If is open to mentoring another rookie in 2025, the Jets' future might not be a complete disaster. (Monday Night Football) Certainly there are better things you can do on a Monday night than watch a New Orleans team decimated by injuries get blown out at Lambeau. Absolutely wild to think a team that nearly won the Super Bowl last year, and if fully healthy, still has one of the best rosters in the league, might have a top-10 draft pick next spring. Maybe a blessing in disguise? However, they have too much pride, so it wouldn't surprise me if they somehow beat the Lions next week. made sure to hold on to the football while crossing the goal line. Then he made sure to do so again. And again. Just for good measure. Not once this season did they look like a team deserving of a playoff spot. We should have called a spade a spade weeks ago. is one of the best kickers in the league and is one of the best backup quarterbacks. I did not expect to be having either of those conversations this season. Similar to Cincy, it's likely too little too late. finally had a good game. They could have used this version of him weeks ago ... is having a -esque MVP-caliber season. He's putting up eye-popping numbers and making otherworldly throws that defy gravity. As I was saying, congratulations to the for (eventually) winning the NFC West. , you're not that guy, pal. Considering the unusual situation he was thrust into, it was a pretty decent starting debut for The then-questionable draft pick could turn out to be pretty useful. It wouldn't be the NFC South if none of the contending teams wanted to win the division. You have a cakewalk of a schedule, and the other division rival just benched its quarterback for a rookie. What are you doing? and the passing game are in a serious funk. They're fortunate to have and a defense that's playing lights out as they inch closer to a division title. It appears Jim Harbaugh will lead Los Angeles back to the playoffs in his first season with the . If they can run the ball like they did against Denver, they might actually stand a chance in the postseason. Denver's season, regardless of how it ends, will be an overwhelming success. still can prove a lot over the next two games. I'm sounding the alarms about the Houston offense. Not just because of devastating injury, but because they've looked like a shell of their 2023 selves. might have just locked up Offensive Rookie of the Year with a thrilling five-touchdown performance and has the 'Manders on the brink of clinching a playoff spot. What a special season. needs an effective and a healthy for this offense to hum. Defense doesn't win championships like it used to. (Monday Night Football) If there's one wild-card team in either conference that has the best chance to go the distance, it's Green Bay. They officially can punch their ticket with a win on Monday night. running angrier as the weather gets colder. That's a terrifying sight for any AFC playoff team. Baltimore looks unbeatable when both sides of the ball are playing well. Barely squeaking out a win over a bottom-feeder this late in the season isn't exactly what you'd expect from one of the top teams in the league. Oh wait, yeah it is. That's what Kansas City does on almost a weekly basis. A win is a win. Not even could carry Philly to victory without . Their chances of securing the top seed are bleak, but they will need some help from their friends in San Francisco and Green Bay next week. This was supposed to be a re-tooling year, right? 13-2 record. Journeyman quarterback playing like a franchise stud. Still in the hunt for the No. 1 seed. Kevin O'Connell is the Coach of the Year, and that is not up for debate. Three things in life are certain; , playing through an ankle injury. It looks like the AFC playoffs will run through Arrowhead. It's wild to think there are three teams still competing for the NFC's top seed because it feels like Detroit should have locked it up weeks ago. They're just that much better than everyone else.
Liverpool is 100% on top of the Champions League after dumping title holder Real Madrid into an almost unbelievable 24th place in the 36-team standings on Wednesday. No one felt the embarrassment of Madrid’s 2-0 loss at Anfield more than Kylian Mbappé, the superstar added in the offseason by the storied club that also was European champion against Liverpool in the finals of 2022 and 2018. Mbappé had a penalty saved in the second half and was earlier dumped on his behind by Conor Bradley’s superb tackle in an instant viral moment. Only Liverpool has started the new Champions League format with five wins and first-year coach Arne Slot's team is two points clear of Inter Milan. Barcelona is third, trailing Liverpool by three points. Madrid is, remarkably, with three rounds left just one place above being eliminated. The top eight teams at the end of January go direct to the round of 16 in March, and teams placed from ninth to 24th enter a round of two-leg playoffs in February. “(This) doesn’t change much, because even with a win it was going to be tough to secure a top-eight finish,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. ”It was a fair result." Monaco missed a chance to go second in the table, giving up a lead playing with 10 men from the 58th minute in a 3-2 loss at home to Benfica. Swiss forward Zeki Amdouni scored the winning goal in the 88th. Borussia Dortmund, the beaten finalist against Madrid in May, is up to fourth place after beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Champions League standout Jamie Gittens now has four goals in five games, curling a rising shot in the 41st to open the scoring in Croatia. The best comeback was at PSV Eindhoven, where the home team trailed Shakhtar Donetsk by two goals in the 87th minute before a 3-2 win was sealed by United States forward Ricardo Pepi’s goal deep in stoppage time. US defender Cameron Carter-Vickers scored an embarrassing own goal for Celtic — playing a no-look pass far beyond goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel — in a 1-1 draw with Club Brugge. “One of those things,” Schmeichel said. “Cam gets pressed and he hasn’t heard me shout that I’m not in (goal).” Congo teammates Ngal’Ayel Mukau and Silas impressed in wins for Lille and Red Star Belgrade. Mukau scored twice in 12th-place Lille’s 2-1 win at Bologna and Silas leveled for Red Star in a 5-1 rout of Stuttgart, though he barely celebrated his goal. Silas is on loan with the Serbian champion from Stuttgart. Aston Villa's 0-0 draw with Juventus was preserved by an excellent save by Emiliano Martinez , the World Cup-winning Argentina goalkeeper, diving low to push away a header from Francisco Conceição. Liverpool’s stand-in right back Bradley was a standout Wednesday, denying Mbappé at high speed in a signature defensive play in the 32nd. The 21-year-old Northern Ireland defender, deputizing for fit-again Trent Alexander-Arnold, joined the attack in the 52nd to play a key pass returning the ball to Alexis Mac Allister who scored the opening goal. After Mbappé’s penalty was pushed away by goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher in the 61st, Liverpool star Mo Salah missed with his spot-kick in the 70th, before substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the win with a header in the 77th. Madrid now has lost three of five games after defeats at Lille and at home to AC Milan. The record 15-time European champion has another tough trip next, at fifth-place Atalanta on Dec. 10. On the same date, Liverpool is at 30th-place Girona and looks to be cruising into the round of 16. “You know how special it is to play against a team that has won the Champions League so many times," Liverpool coach Slot said of Madrid. “They were a pain for Liverpool for many years too.” Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz ended four-game losing runs to get their first points and wins. Red Star rallied against Stuttgart after the German team led in the fifth minute. The 1991 European Cup winner’s goal to level the game in the 12th was scored by on-loan Silas. He held up his hands as if in apology as part of a low-key celebration. Sturm Graz won 1-0 against Girona, the Spanish newcomer to European competitions. It was the Austrian champion’s first Champions League game since coach Christian Ilzer left to join Hoffenheim. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
JuJu Watkins and No. 3 USC can't hold back No. 6 Notre Dame in first lossDown 8%, 9%, and 13% in 3 Months, these 3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Are Buys in December
De La Rosa scores 27 points as Columbia tops Fairfield 85-72The Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub (RBIH) has onboarded digital lender Vivifi Finance to run a pilot project to offer unsecured loans to gig workers, two people with the knowledge said. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for The pilot that was launched a fortnight ago is aimed at creating a digital platform that offers loans to drivers of cab-hailing apps like Ola and Uber drivers, food delivery drivers employed with Swiggy and Zomato , and other temporary jobs. "The RBI innovation hub is running a pilot with Vivifi Finance and three other gig platforms, where alternate data is being used to underwrite these gig workers," said a source aware of the matter. "The idea is to bring them into formal banking channels and offer them credit based on that data." The RBI and Vivifi India Finance did not respond to ET's queries until Sunday press time. The pilot is currently in the early stages. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program "The pilot has been launched quite recently and the stakeholders involved are using data available with banks and credit bureaus plus alternate data which is both economic and behavioural that is being obtained through gig platforms," said another official. "Once the pilot is successful, the next plan is to link it with the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) platform." More than 600,000 loans amounting to ₹27,000 crore have been disbursed using the ULI platform in the pilot project. The RBIH had earlier launched a Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit, which was used to build an end-to-end digital solution to offer agriculture loans. This platform was renamed Unified Lending Interface which commenced in a pilot phase on August 17, 2023. According to data from RBI, as of December 6, 2024, over 6 lakh loans amounting to ₹27,000 crore have been disbursed using application programming interfaces from the platform. A substantial number of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) loans worth ₹14,500 crore to 160,000 beneficiaries have been disbursed. The ULI is a digital public infrastructure in the lending space, which aims to unlock critical financial, non-financial and alternate data for lenders to enable informed credit decisions. So far, 36 lenders, including various banks and NBCs have been onboarded. These lenders are using more than 50 data services including, authentication and verification services, land records data from six states, satellite service, property search, dairy insights and document verification, to gain customer information. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Taylor Swift’s record-shattering “Eras Tour” is set to end on Sunday in Vancouver with the final performance of a cultural phenomenon that has easily become the highest-grossing musical tour in history. The globe-spanning event kicked off in the US state of Arizona on March 17, 2023. When it ends in the Canadian city this weekend, the American singer/songwriter will have performed 149 shows with stops from Buenos Aires to Paris and Tokyo. Swift’s camp has not publicly released ticket revenue numbers for the tour, but the widely cited trade magazine Pollstar has estimated the figure at well over $2 billion. That smashes the record previously held by Elton John’s pandemic-interrupted Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, which sold an estimated $939 million in tickets over 328 shows spread across five years. Beyond the concerts, Swift’s presence in venue cities has supercharged local economies. Her second-last tour stop was Toronto, where she performed six shows over two weekends. She generated an additional Can$282 million ($199 million) in economic activity in Canada’s largest city, tourism promotion organization Destination Toronto estimated. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended one of the Toronto shows with his family. Last year, before the announcement that Eras would include Canadian stops, Trudeau issued a public appeal urging Swift to come. “I know places in Canada would love to have you. So, don’t make it another Cruel Summer. We hope to see you soon,” Trudeau posted on X in July 2023, referring to a hit song from Swift’s 2019 album, “Lover.” Not all the political attention Swift attracted during Eras was positive. Shortly after the US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in September, Swift endorsed the Democrat for president. That triggered an all-caps Trump post on the former president’s Truth Social platform that simply said, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT.” ‘Super Bowl suspense’ Eras also earned sterling critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Swift’s stamina and energy through shows that have averaged just under four hours. The New York Times called opening night in Glendale, Arizona a “master class.” The Vancouver Sun called Friday’s show, her third last, “spectacular.” A setback came this summer in Vienna when three shows were canceled after authorities arrested a man in connection with an Islamist attack plot. And tragedy struck when a fan died from heat exhaustion during a show in Rio de Janeiro in November of last year. Unprecedented ticket demand led to frustration for many fans and forced Ticketmaster initially to scrap presale plans. Eras also included a “will she, won’t she” moment of suspense that transcended the world of pop music. The question was whether Swift had enough time after finishing a show in Tokyo on February 10 to make it to Las Vegas in time for kickoff at football’s Super Bowl to see her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play for the Kansas City Chiefs. It is rare for a non-football storyline to dominate discussion ahead of America’s premier sporting event. But concern about Swift’s schedule was so acute that the Japanese embassy in Washington issued a statement affirming she would “comfortably” make the game. From a private box, along with Kelce’s mother, Donna, Swift chugged a beer and watched the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers — as more than 200 million TV viewers watched her. — AFP
Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. Foreign and business leaders celebrated Carter's humanitarian work. President-elect Donald Trump said the world owed Carter "a debt of gratitude." Former President died on Sunday at the age of 100. World leaders responded with an outpouring of support, celebrating . The Georgia peanut farmer turned politician served as president from 1977 to 1981. But he is perhaps most known for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House. Carter championed human rights and pushed for peace in various corners of the world. In 1982, he founded to focus on such issues. In 2002, Carter received a for his efforts to promote peace and human rights. Carter also played an active role with Habitat for Humanity until the end of his life. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," Carter's son, Chip, said in a via The Carter Center on Sunday. President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he would order a state funeral in Washington for Carter. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian," Biden said in a . "With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us," Biden added. "He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe." Biden said that the love Carter shared with his late wife, , was "the definition of partnership" and that their leadership was "the definition of patriotism." President-elect Donald Trump wrote on that Carter's presidency "came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." "While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for," Trump said in a . Trump had earlier criticized Carter's decision to hand over control of the Panama Canal to Panama, saying in a Truth Social Post on December 21 that his predecessor had " ." The president-elect recently accused Panama of charging US vessels "exorbitant prices" and threatened to retake control of the canal. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a on Sunday that Carter had "the longest and most impactful post-presidency in American history." "Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth," the Obamas said. "And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion," the statement added. President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) Former President George W. Bush said in his that Carter was a "man of deeply held convictions" who "set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." "President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency," Bush said. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that Carter had " ." "I will always be proud to have presented the Medal of Freedom to him and Rosalynn in 1999, and to have worked with him in the years after he left the White House," Bill Clinton said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that Carter led an "extraordinary life" that touched countless people's lives through his vision and generosity. As we remember President Carter's extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity. My thoughts are with the Carter family and all those mourning this incredible man. May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what... — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) Sen. Bernie Sanders on X that Carter would be remembered as a "decent, honest and down-to-earth man" for both his time as president and his later humanitarian work. "He will be sorely missed," Sanders wrote. US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg shared a tribute to the former president on X, writing that Carter's "leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency." President and Mrs. Carter were also extraordinarily gracious and kind to Chasten and me, receiving us warmly at their home and making us feel like friends even as we sat amazed by their presence and grace. — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) Carter's passing also saw tributes pouring in from foreign leaders such as Ukrainian President , British Prime Minister , and Canadian Prime Minister . "He was a leader who served during a time when Ukraine was not yet independent, yet his heart stood firmly with us in our ongoing fight for freedom," Zelenskyy said of Carter in his X post. "We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression," he added. Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life — and he loved doing it," Trudeau wrote on X. "He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me." Also on X, shared a photo of the former president wearing a tool belt in front of a construction site with the message: "Today, we honor President Carter's lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace." Today, we honor President Carter’s lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace. — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) said in her that Carter was her hero. The philanthropist said she knew Carter best as a "global health advocate" who took on "diseases that impact the world's poorest people, like Guinea worm disease." "When President Carter left office, there were more than 3.5 million cases of this painful, debilitating disease around the world each year. This year, thanks in no small part to the work of the Carter Center, that number was down to single digits," French Gates wrote. "One of my favorite teachings says: 'To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.' We honor President Carter by remembering that because of him, life is healthier, better, and safer not just for one life, but for millions," she continued. Read the original article on
The NYT Connections game has quickly become a favorite for puzzle enthusiasts, offering a unique challenge that requires players to group 16 words into four distinct categories based on a shared theme. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for While the premise sounds straightforward, the execution can be far from simple, as the categories are often highly specific and unexpected. Unlike algorithmic games like Wordle, Connections pushes players to think creatively, drawing on linguistic nuances, cultural references, and word associations. If today’s puzzle has left you scratching your head, we’ve got the hints and answers to help you master game #567, as mentioned in a report by How To Geek. Hints for Today’s Connections Puzzle (#567) Here are a few clues to guide you through today’s puzzle: Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Yellow Group: Think of what you’d find in shades of red, like a vibrant stop sign. Green Group: Consider what details are crucial for scheduling or planning an appointment. Blue Group: Imagine varying degrees of hair or its descriptors. Purple Group: Think of words that sound like they could be types of plants or trees. These hints should help you focus your efforts and identify potential groupings. Answers to Today’s NYT Connections (#567) If you’re still struggling, here are the answers for today’s Connections game, as per the How To Geek report Yellow (Shades of Red): Brick, Cherry, Maroon, Ruby Green (Appointment Specifications): Date, Duration, Location, Time Blue (Different Amounts of Hair): Head, Lock, Strand, Wisp Purple (Tree Homophones): Beach, Fur, Pair, You Strategies for Solving NYT Connections Puzzles To excel at Connections, consider these tried-and-tested strategies: Identify Parts of Speech: Separate words into verbs, nouns, adjectives, or other grammatical categories. This can help you spot patterns that might not be immediately obvious. Look for Synonyms or Themes: Group words that are synonyms or related to a single concept, but be cautious of deliberate red herrings that the game often includes to mislead players. Say the Words Aloud: Speaking the words can sometimes reveal homophones or other connections that aren’t immediately visible. For instance, tree-related homophones like "Beach" and "Fur" are easier to identify when spoken. Shuffle the Words: Rearranging the board can help you see new patterns or combinations. Why NYT Connections Stands Out The NYT Connections game is unique in its unpredictability, making it a refreshing alternative to other word puzzles. Categories can range from the obvious to the obscure, covering topics as diverse as fairy tales, economics, and even word endings. This variability ensures that no two games feel alike, keeping players engaged and challenged. FAQs Which is the hardest color in Connections? When players correctly identify a group, its category is revealed alongside a color-coded difficulty rating: yellow for the easiest, green for moderate, blue for challenging, and purple for the most difficult. Every Connections puzzle includes one category from each difficulty level. Is there a strategy for NYT Connections? The initial guess is often the most challenging and can lead to errors if you rush. Take your time to carefully review all the options before making a selection. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Syrians rejoice as Assad flees, ending brutal reignPassage Bio sees $284,519 in stock purchases by Lynx1 Capital
MICHAEL OWEN has named “the sad thing about Manchester United these days” while slamming “stupid” new signing Noussair Mazraoui. The Red Devils are on a dire run under new boss Ruben Amorim that has seen them lose four of the last six games. United have conceded 14 goals in that time too. And their latest loss came on Sunday as Bournemouth ran riot at Old Trafford in a 3-0 win. The Cherries took advantage of United’s typically slack defending to claim back-to-back victories at the Theatre of Dreams. Amorim’s men were once again caught lacking at set pieces as they conceded an easy opener. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But it was a penalty for Bournemouth’s second which really frustrated pundit Owen. The former United man was left fuming when defender Mazraoui hacked down Justin Kluivert to give away a spot-kick. And afterwards, he branded the new signing’s decision to lunge as “stupid”, while also lamenting United’s inability to fight back when going a goal down. Owen told Premier League Productions: “A little rash? A little stupid, more like. What on earth are you doing? Most read in Football FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS “Two players are waiting for him, he’s not going to score from there and he dives in. “Just stay on your feet and usher him away. It’s just a poor, poor decision. The sad thing about Manchester United these days is they go 1-0 down and you never really think they’re going to come back. “They’re not a good team. Ruben Amorim needs to be watching that game and ensure these players that are not performing do not put on the shirt again. “He needs to be that brutal and that ruthless.” Mazraoui, 27, joined United in the summer from Bayern Munich for just over £12million. He has already played 25 times in all competitions for his new side. But it remains unclear where he fits in to Amorim’s system. Mazraoui, a right-back in a four-man defence by trade, has been utilised as both a wing-back and a centre-half in United’s 3-4-3 formation. Yet it was Erik ten Hag who really tried to prove Mazraoui’s versatility by using his former Ajax star as an attacking No10 playmaker in United’s 1-1 Europa League draw at Fenerbahce in October. RUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola's Cherries. SunSport's Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad... Andre Onana - 5 Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters. Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots. Noussair Mazraoui - 4 Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence. Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display. Harry Maguire - 4 All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle. Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one. Lisandro Martinez - 5 Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United. Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics. Diogo Dalot - 6 Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact. On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit. Manuel Ugarte Booked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners. Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game. Kobbie Mainoo 6 Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive. Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third. Tyrell Malacia 3 Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back. Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time. Amad Diallo 7 The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper. Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal. Bruno Fernandes 8 Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents. But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser. Joshua Zirkzee 5 Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them. Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility. Substitutes Leny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4 Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability. Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5 Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa. Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6 Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop. Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony.