Deals and Delights: Gaming, Monkeys, and Word Games

As the winter blues start to set in, it's time to upgrade your gaming setup, catch up on some adorable animal stories, and challenge yourself with word games. In this article, we'll take a look at the latest deals, discounts, and news from the world of gaming, entertainment, and puzzles.

First up, gamers will be excited to know that the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor has hit a record-low price at Amazon. This high-performance monitor is now available for $499.99, a whopping 23% discount from its original price of $649.99. With its impressive specs, this monitor is sure to take your gaming experience to the next level.

But it's not all about gaming – we also have a heartwarming story to share. A baby monkey named Punch, who was rejected by his mother at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, has found comfort in an unlikely friend – a stuffed IKEA orangutan. The adorable monkey's story has captured the hearts of many, including Stephen Colbert, who featured Punch on his show.

Pokémon fans, meanwhile, will be thrilled to know that the Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is now available at a discounted price on TCGplayer. This popular trading card game is now selling for as low as $86.64, which is $8 cheaper than Amazon's best price.

If you're looking for a challenge, the New York Times has got you covered with its daily word games. The NYT Connections puzzle requires players to find the common threads between words, while the NYT Strands game is a twist on the classic word search. We've got hints and solutions for both puzzles, so you can test your skills and have fun.

In the NYT Connections puzzle, players need to group four words that share something in common. The game is available on both web browsers and mobile devices and requires players to think creatively to solve the puzzle. We've got some clues and tips to help you get started.

The NYT Strands game, on the other hand, requires players to find words that can be made from linked letters – up, down, left, right, or diagonal. The game has a theme that links every solution, and players need to figure out the "spangram," a special word or phrase that sums up the day's theme. We've got hints and solutions for today's puzzle, so you can play along.

In conclusion, whether you're a gamer, a Pokémon fan, or a word game enthusiast, we've got something for everyone in this roundup of deals and delights. From discounts on gaming monitors to adorable animal stories and challenging word games, there's something to brighten up your day.

Sources:

• The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor has hit a record-low price at Amazon — save $150
• Stephen Colbert bought Punch the monkeys IKEA orangutan
• The Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is close to market price at TCGplayer — save $8 vs. Amazon
• NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 19, 2026
• NYT Strands hints, answers for February 19, 2026