Catégorie : Tech News

It’s always disappointing when one of the new Netflix movies flops. Currently, the sci-fi thriller Subservience is in the top 10 on Netflix, with people flocking to watch the new Megan Fox-led movie. Unfortunately, it’s been a critical fail and has only scored 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, which means we can’t add it to our best Netflix movies round-up. If you’re looking for a better sci-fi movie, I’ve got three recommendations you shouldn’t miss.

Whether you want something action-packed, emotional, or a blend of sci-fi comedy, hopefully, one of these three recommendations will satisfy any futuristic cravings you have this weekend. And with over 80% on the iconic Tomatometer, they’ve got the critics’ seal of approval as well as mine.

Upgrade

• RT score:  88%
• Runtime: 104 minutes
• Main cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson
• Director: Leigh Whannell

Leigh Whannell is one of my favorite writers ever, and while I’ll take any excuse to big up his 2004 horror masterpiece Saw, it’s his action-packed sci-fi thriller that has made it onto my weekend recommendations list. Upgrade is one of the coolest movies you’ll ever see, in my opinion, featuring an impressively physical performance from lead actor Logan Marshall-Green. Set in 2046, Marshall-Green plays a mechanic, Grey, who lives with his wife Asha – who works for a company that makes human-computer augmentations.

When tragedy strikes and an ambush leaves Asha dead and Grey paralyzed, he sinks into a depression. In an attempt to get him back on his feet, he accepts an implant that can control his body. Surely nothing can go wrong here, right?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

• RT score:  92%
• Runtime: 108 minutes
• Main cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo
• Director: Michel Gondry

Now I think about it, recommending this movie is pretty mean of me and you will need tissues for this one. Just trust me. But if you’re after a more heartfelt, emotional sci-fi drama, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a total masterpiece and one I revisit whenever I’m in the mood for a good cry. Come on, we all have those movies!

While Jim Carrey is known for his more comedic roles, we get to see a serious side to him here as Joel, a man who discovers that his estranged girlfriend, Clementine, has undergone a procedure to have her memories of him erased. I do love thought-provoking dramas like this about revolutionary technology that could run the risk of doing more harm than good.

They Cloned Tyrone

• RT score:  95%
• Runtime: 119 minutes
• Main cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx
• Director: Juel Taylor

Now for some comedy. Sci-fi blends effortlessly with almost any genre, and comedy is no exception. They Cloned Tyrone is the feature film directorial debut for Juel Taylor, and a hugely successful one given that very high Rotten Tomatoes score.

The movie follows an unlikely trio who uncovers a shadow government cloning conspiracy. So if you’re looking for a mystery with lots of laughs along the way, this genre-hopping movie is for you. You’ll also see John Boyega playing multiple different roles here, and he does it all brilliantly. It’s highly entertaining and a bit lighter, if the other two sound too intense.

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The world may have moved on to “Glicked,” but Barbenheimer’s 2023 box-office reign still looms large over Hollywood. Oppenheimer took home a slew of Oscars, including Best Picture, but what about that other coveted prize many have wanted for Barbie: a sequel? Back when the hype was at its most pink and intense, writer-director Greta Gerwig didn’t sound too interested. But that hasn’t stopped rumors, including a new one today, teasing a Barbie 2 in the future.

The Hollywood Reporter cites a “well-placed source” in saying that Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach have “hatched an idea for the sequel, having already brought it to Warner Bros. While it’s said to be in ‘early stages,’ it is understood that finding the story has opened the door for deal talk which, again, is early, another source with direct knowledge confirms.”

Don’t allow yourself to get even a little excited, though. Along with those two tidbits of info came two strong denials. Gerwig and Baumbach’s rep said “there is no legitimacy to this reporting,” while a Warner Bros. representative said THR’s “reporting is inaccurate.”

There are, as expected, zero further details, including whether Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, along with other cast members, might return for a follow-up. Late last year Gerwig said there was enough material generated from the writing of the original script for an entire Ken spin-off, but there’s no way of knowing what direction Barbie 2—if Barbie 2 ever even happens—might take.

That said, you can’t blame whoever’s putting those rumors out there for trying to hype up a sequel, real or imagined, to the billion-dollar hit. Mattel is probably not going to rake in that kind of cash with that View-Master movie it’s trying to make, for instance.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Bosch is the latest recipient of (preliminary) CHIPS and Science Act funding. The company signed a non-binding agreement with the US Commerce Department and could receive up to $225 million in funding.

Lest you think Amazon’s gruff crime solver somehow got a piece of the action, Bosch is also a German multinational corporation that makes… just about everything under the sun. (That even includes a stink-removal machine!) The company recently accelerated its silicon development, buying TSI Semiconductors in 2023 and finalizing the deal early this year. But instead of focusing on cutting-edge silicon for computers, phones and AI, Bosch specializes in chips for the auto industry.

The company plans to use the funds on the Roseville, CA facility it acquired in the TSI deal. The company will invest up to $1.9 billion to convert the plant into one that spits out silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, which are used to boost the efficiency of EV driving and charging. Bosch expects the first 200mm wafers to come off the line there in 2026.

“The Roseville investment enables Bosch to locally produce silicon carbide semiconductors, supporting US consumers on the path to electrification,” Paul Thomas, president of Bosch in North America and Bosch Mobility Americas, wrote in a statement.

In addition to boosting America’s primacy in the chip industry, the CHIPS Act’s other goal is job creation. The White House says the proposed funding would create up to 1,700 jobs, including 1,000 in construction and 700 in manufacturing, engineering and R&D.

“Today’s agreement catalyzes nearly $2 billion of private investment and the creation of over 1,700 jobs, while investing in a critical technology relied upon on by our defense and auto industry,” wrote Natalie Quillian, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff.

In November, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading advanced chip maker, was the first to have its CHIPS Act grants (to the tune of $6.6 billion) finalized. Other recipients include Intel (although its funding was recently cut), HP, Samsung, GlobalFoundries, Texas Instruments and Rocket Lab.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.

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The Mini Crossword is always longer on Saturdays — 16 clues and answers as opposed to 10. I didn’t find today’s too tough, except that as a child of the 1980s, when I see « SMOOTH OPERATOR » in a clue, the only answer I come up with is Sade. Hint: It’s not that. But if you’re stuck on that or any other Mini Crossword clue, we’ve got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Live ___ » (longtime Taco Bell slogan)
Answer: MAS

4A clue: Jockey’s garb
Answer: SILKS

6A clue: « Abso-freakin’-lutely! »
Answer: HELLYES

8A clue: Antlered animal at Yellowstone National Park
Answer: ELK

9A clue: Twenty-sided item for tabletop games
Answer: DIE

10A clue: Bordeaux or Burgundy
Answer: REDWINE

12A clue: Like a smooth operator
Answer: SUAVE

13A clue: Green additive to the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day
Answer: DYE

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Chewy chocolate bite in a yellow box
Answer: MILKDUD

2D clue: 100%
Answer: ALL

3D clue: Take a great leap of faith, say
Answer: SKYDIVE

4D clue: Tennis great Monica with a palindromic surname
Answer: SELES

5D clue: River that meanders through Paris
Answer: SEINE

6D clue: « ___ Majesty, » hidden track on the Beatles’ « Abbey Road »
Answer: HER

7D clue: « You understand? »
Answer: SEE

11D clue: Path
Answer: WAY

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Good morning! Let’s play Connections, the NYT’s clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need clues.

What should you do once you’ve finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I’ve also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc’s Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

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

NYT Connections today (game #552) – today’s words

Today’s NYT Connections words are…

• GOING
• SOLE
• REAL
• BUTTER
• FLUKE
• SOLD
• DIVA
• SOL
• ONCE
• SOLO
• TANG
• YUAN
• POUND
• TWICE
• WORLD
• MULLET

NYT Connections today (game #552) – hint #1 – group hints

What are some clues for today’s NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Things with fins
• GREEN: The bids are in 
• BLUE: Spending power
• PURPLE: No mugs

Need more clues?

We’re firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today’s NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #552) – hint #2 – group answers

What are the answers for today’s NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: FISH 
• GREEN: WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE 
• BLUE: GLOBAL CURRENCIES 
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE « CUP »

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

NYT Connections today (game #552) – the answers

The answers to today’s Connections, game #552, are…

• YELLOW: FISH FLUKE, MULLET, SOLE, TANG
• GREEN: WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE
• BLUE: GLOBAL CURRENCIES POUND, REAL, SOL, YUAN
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE « CUP » BUTTER, DIVA, SOLO, WORLD

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• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Perfect

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There was one head-scratcher in every group today – making it one of those strangely satisfying games.

WORDS BEFORE “CUP” definitely warranted its Purple status, but even the Yellow group had a FISH that could just as easily have been one of the GLOBAL CURRENCIES.

How much is the fish?

25 Tang to you.

You could say it was a FLUKE, but I made it home without a hitch.

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Yesterday’s NYT Connections answers (Friday, 13 December, game #551)

• YELLOW: FANTASY CREATURES DRAGON, GIANT, PIXIE, TROLL
• GREEN: EMAIL FOLDERS DRAFTS, SENT, SPAM, TRASH
• BLUE: CITRUS SODAS CRUSH, SPRITE, SQUIRT, STARRY
• PURPLE: ANIMAL HOMOPHONES BORE, LINKS, PHISH, TOWED

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What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don’t technically need to solve the final one, as you’ll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What’s more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It’s a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It’s playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

If you’ve opened TikTok, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) even once this year, you probably know what a Costco Guy is. If you too want to go shopping while eating a chicken bake or try the new double-chunk chocolate cookie, then you’ll need yourself a Costco membership. A Costco membership will allow you to shop at over 600 locations within the United States as well as over 800 locations worldwide. You’ll be able to use your card at Costco’s business centers, travel, gas stations, hearing aid centers, optical, pharmacies and, of course, Costco’s website. Lucky for you, it’s only $65 for the year and right now, you’ll be granted a $45 digital shop card with your purchase.

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Discover Incredible Savings

The real magic however happens right at the warehouses where you can find anything your heart desires. Laundry detergent? Got it. Rotisserie chicken? Oh yeah. 80″ 4K OLED television? You bet. Seven-person hot tub? Yup. And then you can treat yourself after a long day of shopping to a hot dog for one dollar — a price point to which the founder of Costco told a CEO who wanted to raise it, “If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you.”

The membership can be shared among anyone in your household. Kid just got their license and wants to drive? Cool! Put them to work doing errands. Perhaps you can entice them with the free samples.

As someone who moved away from home years ago, I finally bit the bullet and got myself my own Costco membership. I honestly don’t know how I was living without one. Stocking up on snacks in bulk is really the only way you should be buying snacks. Bulk also makes it way harder to eat the entire box of Goldfish in one sitting which, yes, is something I was dealing with.

Upon signing up, the $45 Costco card will be sent directly via email from Costco within two weeks after successfully redeeming. The digital credit is not just one-time use, so you don’t have to spend the $45 at once. Good luck with that though. Not because Costco items are expensive, but because there’s so much good stuff you’ll have trouble staying in the double digits each time you go.

Note that this offer is only available to customers in the United States and Puerto Rico and can is only valid for new members or for members whose memberships have been expired for more than 18 months.

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has seen an alarming rise in gamified job scams over the past year. The FTC says that reports of job scams have quadrupled each year since 2022 topping out at 20,000 reports at a cost of $41 million in total during the first six months of the year.

Job or task scams often involve the scammer asking someone to do a relatively simple task online such as liking videos or rating product images in assigned sets using terms like “product boosting” or “app optimization,” according to the FTC. People are promised higher payments for completing a certain amount of sets that may pay out small amounts at first but they end up costing more than they pay out in the long run.

Scammers will reach out to people via text messages or communication apps like Whatsapp offering them a task job. The most common type of this scam usually involves some kind of cryptocurrency. Then the scammer may ask their target to deposit some money or “charge up” their account through an app in order to start working on new and bigger sets of tasks. They may even try to convince their victims by hearing testimonials from fake recipients about how much money they made for completing relatively simple tasks.

The victim will “charge up” their accounts with their own money in order to avoid losing what the app shows they’ve earned in the hopes they’ll get their deposited money and the fee they are owed. Instead, the money they’ve been paid isn’t real and any money they’ve deposited to “charge up” their account is lost for good.

The FTC recommends ignoring offers from unknown text or WhatsApp messages and never paying someone for the promise of being paid at a later time or date. The commission also recommends steering clear of any job offers that involve rating or liking things online, a practice the FTC says is “illegal and no honest company will do it.”

What is the best internet provider in Beaumont?

If you’re looking for the best internet provider in Beaumont, Texas, our broadband experts have got you covered. After reviewing the available providers, AT&T Fiber is the best internet service provider in Beaumont. Though coverage isn’t the broadest, it offers symmetrical speeds, fast connectivity and straightforward service. If AT&T isn’t available at your address, consider Spectrum or T-Mobile as backup options.

AT&T Fiber also offers some of the speediest plans in Beaumont, as it’s the only provider to offer multi-gigabit service in the area. You can choose between 2 gigabits for $145 or 5 gigabits for $245 a month. If you’re looking for the cheapest plan, Spectrum costs only $50 monthly for download speeds up to 500 megabits per second.

Best internet in Beaumont, Texas, in 2024

Beaumont internet providers compared

Provider	Internet technology	Monthly price range	Speed range	Monthly equipment costs	Data cap	Contract	CNET review score
AT&T Home Internet Read full review	DSL hybrid	$55	10-100Mbps	None	1.5TB	None	7.4
AT&T Fiber Read full review	Fiber	$55-$245	300-5,000Mbps	None	None	None	7.4
Rural Telecommunications of America	Fixed wireless/Fiber	$49-$108	100-1,000Mbps	$100 one-time fee (optional)	None	None	N/A
Spectrum Read full review	Cable	$50-$70	500-1,000Mbps	Free modem; $10 router (optional)	None	None	7.2
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review	Fixed wireless	$50-$70 ($40-$50 for eligible Go5G Plus and Magenta Max mobile customers)	72-245Mbps	None	None	None	7.4
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review	Fixed wireless	$50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans)	50-1,000Mbps	None	None	None	7.2

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s the cheapest internet plan in Beaumont?

Provider	Starting monthly price	Max download speed	Monthly equipment fee
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review	$50	500Mbps	$10 (optional)
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review	$60 ($35 with eligible mobile plan)	300Mbps	None
AT&T Home Internet Read full review	$55	100Mbps	None
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review	$55	300Mbps	None
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review	$50 ($40 with eligible mobile plan)	245Mbps	None
RTA MiniGig	$48	100Mbps	None

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Beaumont

The best internet deals and top promotions in Beaumont depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. 

Beaumont internet providers, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, however, such as AT&T and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round. 

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How many members of your household use the internet?

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For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. 

Fastest internet plans in Beaumont

Provider	Starting price	Max download speed	Max upload speed	Data cap	Connection type
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review	$245	5,000Mbps	5,000Mbps	None	Fiber
AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review	$145	2,000Mbps	2,000Mbps	None	Fiber
AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review	$80	1,000Mbps	1,000Mbps	None	Fiber
RTA GalaticGig	$108	1,000Mbps	1,000Mbps	None	Fiber
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review	$70	1,000Mbps	35Mbps	None	Cable
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review	$70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan)	1,000Mbps	75Mbps	None	Fixed wireless

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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines — and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

• 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics — browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video.
• 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 
• 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 
• 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Beaumont

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

1. Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
2. Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
3. Are customers happy with their service?

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Beaumont FAQs

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

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

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – hint #1 – Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – hint #2 – repeated letters

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

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – hint #3 – uncommon letters

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

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – hint #4 – starting letters (1)

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

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

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – hint #5 – starting letters (2)

What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with?

• S

• O

• T

• D

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

Quordle today (game #1055) – the answers

The answers to today’s Quordle, game #1055, are…

I love you Quordle… I’ve always loved you…

DITTO

I was at it from the ONSET today determined to tame the four-word beast. But no.

I’m beginning to think that the only way to complete Quordle is to take it to the edge and hope you get lucky on the final go.

Fortunately, that final scene in Ghost sprang to mind, and with a tear rolling down my cheek I was able to bring this particular baby (wrong movie alert) home.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

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Daily Sequence today (game #1055) – the answers

The answers to today’s Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1055, are…

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Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1054, Friday 13 December: ERECT, REBAR, MOIST, IDIOM
• Quordle #1053, Thursday 12 December: MILKY, CRIER, STORK, DRIER
• Quordle #1052, Wednesday 11 December: BRIAR, NASAL, SHARD, FLUFF
• Quordle #1051, Tuesday 10 December: BEGAN, TRIAL, IDEAL, GUIDE
• Quordle #1050, Monday 9 December: TITAN, FORTE, SPEED, BRIAR
• Quordle #1049, Sunday 8 December: BUNCH, SHINY, MOULT, INTRO
• Quordle #1048, Saturday 7 December: SHAKY, CROOK, GHOUL, VERSE
• Quordle #1047, Friday 6 December: BRAWL, UNTIL, DOWRY, STING
• Quordle #1046, Thursday 5 December: AGING, BICEP, CLOVE, SPILL
• Quordle #1045, Wednesday 4 December: JUDGE, GIVER, GNASH, CLOAK
• Quordle #1044, Tuesday 3 December: FUDGE, THICK, CRANK, STASH
• Quordle #1043, Monday 2 December: TROPE, HOVER, SAUNA, SHAPE
• Quordle #1042, Sunday 1 December: NAIVE, CIRCA, STEAD, MICRO
• Quordle #1041, Saturday 30 November: MAMMA, SNUCK, CRYPT, TAROT
• Quordle #1040, Friday 29 November: JOIST, DROOL, DUSKY, GLIDE
• Quordle #1039, Thursday 28 November: GRADE, WORRY, NOISE, DAISY
• Quordle #1038, Wednesday 27 November: HEART, ROGUE, INEPT, UTILE
• Quordle #1037, Tuesday 26 November: PRIED, FAINT, HURRY, WOOER
• Quordle #1036, Monday 25 November: NUDGE, SNOOP, SHACK, DRYLY
• Quordle #1035, Sunday 24 November: CLOTH, CLAMP, PETTY, CHEST

It’s Friday the 13th in December, so it’s perfect timing for spooky season to rise again in this week’s round up of theme park, immersive, and geek core holiday news.

Just in time for Jason Voorhees’ favorite day, there’s some happy horror holiday fun to be had this month, with Nosferatu inviting fans on a chilling immersive theater experience, Disney Cruise launching a Haunted Mansion parlor bar, and Gremlins and Batman Returns getting a feature on the “Holidays Made Here” Warner Bros. studio tour. Meanwhile, Universal Studios unleashes The Grinch for Grinchmas and some unexpected winter fun in Super Nintendo World. As for Disney Experiences, theme park festivities highlight Pixar’s Coco in a special cultural celebration. 

Nosferatu: The Immersive Experience

Next week in anticipation for the release of Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, immersive theater juggernaut Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, whose immersive division is led by Delusion creator Jon Braver, will present a special-engagement experience to bring the film to life for fans December 16-18. The only bummer is that as of this week it’s sold out, unless they extend the run. More info here.

The Haunted Mansion Parlor

 

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On the newly christened Treasure, the latest ship to join the Disney Cruise line, Haunted Mansion fans will be able to experience the spooky fun of the beloved Disney Parks attraction with a boo-zy spin in its very own interactive lounge with spirited themed drinks. To book a trip on the Treasure and view destinations visit here.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Holidays Made Here

In Burbank, CA you can take behind-the-scenes glimpses of all your fave Warner Bros. movies, including the festively curated exhibits on the “Holidays Made Here” studio tour. Included are darkly horror tinged favorites like Batman Returns, Gremlins, and of course Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. There’s also a gift shop at the end of the tour that will take you back to the Warner Bros. mall store days; some of the special merch can also be found online. Tour tickets here.

The Horror Boo-dega in Burbank, CA

Halloween is alive and well year-round in Burbank, CA—home of the WB and Disney—with a lane on Magnolia Street full of kitschy shops that have become their own destination for horror fans, including local faves Mystic Museum and Halloweentown. New to the bunch is the Horror Boodega, which features spooky tricks and treats all year long. This week it’s celebrating Friday the 13th, of course!

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

 

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At Grinchmas, you can get in the Grinchy spirit with a live re-telling of the Seuss classic with Cindy-Lou Who, the iconic Martha May, and the Grinch himself (their chemistry is always heart-growing off the charts). Our favorite part? Meeting Max the dog of course! Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood takes place from now until January 6, 2025. For tickets visit here.

Did You Know It Snows in the Mushroom Kingdom?

That’s right: at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood you can find some adorable holiday decor including these Mario and Luigi snowmen. We want more of this of course, maybe some “snoap” fall —though that might make things slippery enough that visitors will need a 1-Up for help. There’s also very cute Nintendo themed decor around, with merch inspired by it. We love the Snowman Mario Ugly Christmas sweater, which let’s be real isn’t really ugly.

Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland & Miguel from Pixar’s Coco

One of the best parts of the Festival of Holidays is the presence of Pixar favorite Coco, and having it represent the Mexican culture’s huge impact on Southern California. It helps transition from Dia De Los Muertos to the winter holidays with Coco‘s timeless and endearing themes of familia. This year, to keep the beloved film as part the holidays beyond November, Miguel is featured with his guitar alongside a live mariachi, performing songs about how we keep loved ones we’ve lost ever-present, and their memories alive. You can also try delicious foods featured in the film, like barbacoa tamales, as part of the holiday foods marketplace experience. For more info visit here.

Spooky and Holiday Geek Core Gift Trends

For the folks in your life who love to be haunted all year, here’s our trends guide for those last minute shopping trips!

• Nosferatu x Heretic Parfum – The official fragrance collaboration for the film smells earthy and moody, perfect for that friend who thinks they’re a vampire. Find it here. 
• RSVLTS x Gremlins collection featuring zany creature fun prints. Buy here.
• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice kids dress-up collection from Taylor Joelle featuring looks inspired by Astrid, Lydia, and Beetlejuice. Take a look here. 
• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice stocking stuffers from Kid Robot featuring Baby Beetlejuice and cult fave Bob. Find them online and in select retail locations.
• Catwoman Michelle Pfeiffer has her own fragrance company—Henry Rose—including some scents that are inspired by her cinematic history. Dark Is Night, Menace, and Queens and Monsters evoke Batman Returns, Stardust, and Maleficent 2. Check them out here. 
• Dr. Martens x Wednesday shoe collection for the Addams fan in your life: here
• These cozy Buffy the Vampire Slayer drops from Dumb Good are a slay. Buy online. 

For the under the wire holiday festive finds:

• Elf cozy sleep collections for the kids and the whole family at Copper Pearl, find online. 
• Dr. Squatch stocking stuffer soaps featuring Elf, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and Game of Thrones. Shop here.
• Star Wars pajamas for the whole family from Hanna Andersson online.
• Pixar collection from Petunia Picklebottom for traveling families with littles. Shop here!
• Looney Tunes matching family pajamas collection from PatPat online.
• Disney Princess dresses (with sleeves!) for theme park visits this holiday season from PatPat; shop the wide collection here.
• Don’t forget traveling pets with these cozy fur kid releases from Sassy Woof featuring Elf and warm coats from Free Country which you can personalize and match.

 

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.