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The Sisterhood fears Tiran-Arafel in “Dune: Prophecy.” But what does that mean?

Dune: Prophecy throws a lot of new Dune lore at us, from the Butlerian Jihad fought against thinking machines to the beginnings of the Sisterhood that will one day become the Bene Gesserit.

However, one of the biggest new terms we learn in the first episode is “Tiran-Arafel,” a word uttered by Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson) on her deathbed. The warning accompanies a vision of the Sisterhood’s destruction, suggesting that whatever Tiran-Arafel is, it’s nothing good.

Dune: Prophecy confirms this in the very next scene, when young Sister Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden) informs her fellow Sisters of Raquella’s words. Her compatriot, Sister Kasha (Yerin Ha) gives the exact definition. “A reckoning,” she says. “A holy judgment brought on by a tyrant.”

However, the idea of Tiran-Arafel, or more specifically, just arafel, is not unique to Dune: Prophecy. Instead, arafel — which is Hebrew for “fog” — pops up at the end of God Emperor of Dune, the fourth novel in Frank Herbert’s series.

As (spoiler) Paul Atreides’s son Leto II (who is also a sandworm-human hybrid) dies, his last words are, “Do not fear the Ixians. They can make the machines, but they no longer can make arafel. I know. I was there.”

There’s a ton to unpack there, from the machine-creating Ixian civilization to Leto’s visions. (Like father, like son.) But the main takeaway from God Emperor of Dune for the sake of Dune: Prophecy is that arafel is later described as a “cloud-darkness of holy judgment.” Essentially, it’s the apocalypse for humankind.

Dune: Prophecy adjusts that meaning a little bit, with the “tiran” addition emphasizing that the Sisterhood’s judgment will specifically be brought on by a tyrant. But who could that be?

As of now, all signs point to soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who seems to have it out for the Sisterhood. After all, his mysterious ability to burn people without even touching them seems like exactly the kind of power a tyrant would have.

New episodes of Dune: Prophecy premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

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Connections is a New York Times word game that’s all about finding the “common threads between words.” How to solve the puzzle.

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

If you just want to be told today’s puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 18’s Connections solution. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

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

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

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

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

Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories

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

Yellow: Found in a bathroom

Green: Regular payments/bills

Blue: Things with visible dots or patterns

Purple: Different types of crabs

Here are today’s Connections categories

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

Yellow: Used in Hair Care

Green: Monthly Expenses

Blue: Things with Spots

Purple: ___Crab

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today’s Connections #526 is…

What is the answer to Connections today

Used in Hair Care: COMB, DRYER, HAIRSPRAY, ROLLERS

Monthly Expenses: GAS, INTERNET, PHONE, RENT

Things with Spots: DALMATIAN, DIE, DOMINO, LADYBUG

___Crab: FIDDLER, HERMIT, HORSESHOE, SPIDER

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

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

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

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Connections.

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Here’s the answer for “Wordle” #1248 on November 18, as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.

Oh hey there! If you’re here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we’re serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today’s answer.

If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 18’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What’s the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:

Weak and delicate.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…

Today’s Wordle starts with the letter T.

The Wordle answer today is…

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today’s Wordle is…

FRAIL.

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

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

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

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

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.

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SNL revives Domingo with Charli XCX and a “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan spoof.

SNL revives Domingo with Charli XCX and a “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan spoof.

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‘SNL’ Cold Open parodies Trump and Biden’s presidential transition meeting

‘SNL’ Cold Open parodies Trump and Biden’s presidential transition meeting

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Charli XCX stars in very mean ‘SNL’ meet cute

Charli XCX stars in very mean ‘SNL’ meet cute

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Charli XCX hooks up with Shrek in ‘SNL’ sketch

Charli XCX hooks up with Shrek in ‘SNL’ sketch

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Answers to each clue for the November 17, 2024 edition of NYT’s The Mini crossword puzzle.

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT’s The Mini for Sunday, November 17, 2024:

Across

Someone for whom a velvet rope may be lifted, in brief

The answer is VIP.

Workplace with pickaxes

The answer is Mine.

Puff piece?

The answer is Cigar.

Lose a staring contest

The answer is Blink.

Parts of Crocs that say “crocs” on them

The answer is Soles.

Down

Candlelight ceremony

The answer is Vigil.

Totally harebrained

The answer is Inane.

Company car and a free gym membership, for example

The answer is Perks.

Venus de ___ (sculpture)

The answer is Milo.

“60 Minutes” network

The answer is CBS.

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

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

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Mini Crossword.

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A character guide to “Dune: Prophecy,” which premieres at 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 17 on HBO and Max.

HBO’s Dune: Prophecy offers us a look at what the world of Dune was like 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides. Naturally, that time jump means we get to meet a whole new cast of characters — a process that can be daunting given Dune: Prophecy‘s intricate sci-fi lore.

But don’t worry! We’ve assembled a handy-dandy character guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of Dune: Prophecy, from the Sisterhood to the Imperial Royal Family. You’ll be an expert in no time.

On Wallach IX: The Sisterhood

Inspired by Brian Herbert (son of Dune author Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel Sisterhood of Dune, Dune: Prophecy centers on the early days of the Bene Gesserit order, back when it was known simply as “the Sisterhood.” The series picks up over a century after the Butlerian Jihad, a war against “thinking machines” (aka AI) that led to the banning of all computers.

Several forces rose to fill the void left behind by thinking machines, including the Sisterhood. At their school on the rainy planet Wallach IX, the Sisterhood trains young women to serve the Great Houses as Truthsayers. Their guidance from the shadows bolsters the Sisterhood’s power and creates a growing network of influence across the Imperium. Among those shaping the future of the Sisterhood are:

Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson): The current leader of the Sisterhood, Valya was a close confidant of the Sisterhood’s founder, Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson). She hopes to make the Sisterhood an unstoppable force and push the boundaries of what it means to be human.

She also hopes to bring House Harkonnen (yes, of Feyd-Rautha fame) back into the Imperium’s good graces, as they were disgraced following the end of the Butlerian Jihad. The culprits? The pesky members of House Atreides, whose beef with House Harkonnen will endure long past Dune: Prophecy and into Dune.

Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams): Valya’s younger sister. While Tula tends to do her Valya’s bidding, the rise of a new threat to the Sisterhood may force the pair in radically different directions.

Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae): A close friend of Tula and Valya since their days as acolytes in the Sisterhood, Kasha is also the Truthsayer for Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong).

Sister Francesca (Tabu): Sister Francesca is another good friend of Tula, Valya, and Kasha’s from their acolyte days. She was once a great love of the Emperor.

On Wallach IX: The acolytes of the Sisterhood

The Reverend Mothers and high-ranking Truthsayers aren’t the only members of the Sisterhood Dune: Prophecy focuses on. You’ll also meet a quarter of acolytes, each negotiating their own relationship to the order they’ve devoted their lives to. They are:

Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka): A hard-working acolyte with a lot of potential, Sister Theodosia — or just Theo — aspires to be the best Truthsayer she can, all while hiding a dangerous secret of her own.

Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham): Emotionally guarded and somewhat skeptical of the Sisterhood’s teachings, Sister Jen is among the most unpredictable acolytes in the Sisterhood.

Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds): Raised by anti-technology Butlerians, Sister Emeline is a deeply religious member of the Sisterhood. In some scenes, you can catch her reading the Orange Catholic Bible, a foundational religious text in the Dune world.

Sister Lila (Chloe Lea): Sister Lila is the youngest acolyte in the Sisterhood and was raised in the order. Her deep empathy and kindness could lead her to greatness — or could they lead someone to take advantage of her?

On Salusa Secundus: The Imperial Royal Family

In Dune, Salusa Secundus is the Emperor’s prison planet, where the Sardaukar fighters are trained. (Remember the banger throat-singing scene in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune? That was all on Salusa Secundus.) However, thousands of year prior, it was the homeworld of the Imperial House Corrino, and therefore the seat of the Emperor. This opulent paradise is home to the Imperial Royal Family, which includes:

Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong): Head of the Imperium, Emperor Javicco hopes to maintain peace in the era following the machine wars. But that’s easier said than done, especially when his grasp on the spice-rich planet of Arrakis is slipping. Don’t worry, Javicco, your descendants will have the exact same problem for millennia.

Empress Natalya Arat Corrino (Jodhi May): With her marriage to Emperor Javicco, Empress Natalya helped unite the Imperium. However, she’d love to contribute further, even as her husband begins to heed her counsel less and less.

Princess Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina): Heir to the Golden Lion throne, Princess Ynez is determined to be the best ruler she can be. That means joining up with the Sisterhood. If her training is successful, she’d be the first Sister on the throne. (And you know Valya would love to see that.)

Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston): Constantine is Emperor Javicco’s illegitimate son. (Jon Snow in space, anyone?) While he’s close with Ynez, he also find himself in the awkward limbo of trying to impress his father or simply living a carefree life of hedonistic bliss.

On Salusa Secundus: The outsiders

The Imperial Royal Family have several intriguing characters hovering in their orbits. They are:

Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel): A charismatic soldier previously stationed on Arrakis, Desmond arrives on Salusa Secundus with troubling news and an even more troubling ability, one that could tip the scales of power across the Imperium. Oh, and he wants to wipe out the Sisterhood for good.

Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason): An Atreides? In Dune? It’s more likely than you think. Keiran Atreides is a Swordmaster for House Corrino who trains closely with Ynez. Very closely.

Mikaela (Shalom Brune-Franklin): A Fremen woman who works in a Salusa Secundus spice den, Mikaela is hiding some secrets of her own.

Dune: Prophecy premieres Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

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Live stream Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions in the NFL from anywhere in the U.S.

TL;DR: Live stream Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions with NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV.

NFL Week 11 action continues with a matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions. These two are almost on opposite ends of the NFL standings, with the Jaguars falling at 2-8, while the Lions are one of the top teams at 8-1.

Jacksonville has lost three straight games and four of their last five. Meanwhile, the Lions have won seven games straight.

When is Jaguars vs. Lions?

The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Detroit Lions takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 17. The two teams will face off at Ford Field in Detroit.

The game will air on CBS, where Kevin Harlan is expected to do the play-by-play. Trent Green will join him in the booth, and Melanie Collins will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Jaguars vs. Lions

The Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Detroit Lions is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV’s base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Best streaming Services for Jaguars vs. Lions

You have cable streaming options for this game. We’ve found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Jaguars vs. Lions on CBS.

Most affordable: Sling TV

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Jaguars vs. Lions from anywhere in the world

If you’re abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Jaguars vs. Lions from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

Sign in to your favorite streaming service

Watch Jaguars vs. Lions from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

Fast connection speeds free from throttling

Up to eight simultaneous connections

30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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