Blogroll
I Went Back and Booted the First Linux Distro I Ever Tried
Nearly every Linux user seems to remember their first encounter with the OS. I decided to try booting up the first distro I ever tried, Knoppix, to see how well it held up since I first tried it over 20 years ago.
Pornhub traffic dropped during Apple event — but not for Android users
Tuesday's Apple event was so "awe dropping" that people clicked away from Pornhub to watch it.
That is, if they're already fans of Apple. Last year, the event was enough to get iPhone users off the site, but not Android users. This year proved much of the same, according to insights from Pornhub. During big announcements for the AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air, traffic from Android users was actually nearly two percent higher than that of an average day. The sleek thinness of the iPhone Air was unsexy, apparently.
SEE ALSO: A new round of Apple Watches have arrived. Here's where to preorder.The same can't be said for iPhone users, though. Once the event began yesterday, Pornhub traffic dipped 16.2 percent for those using the Apple product.
Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub InsightsSome people switched back to explicit content for the announcement of the AirPods Pro 3 — traffic was only 12.9 percent below average. Heart-rate monitoring from the earbuds wasn't enough to get their blood pumping.
Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub InsightsApple Watch Series 11, however, was more titillating as traffic to Pornhub dipped further to 15.3 percent. Was it the extended battery life?
Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub InsightsWhat diverted people's eyeballs from porn the most was — unsurprisingly — the iPhone announcements. This is especially true of the iPhone 17 unveiling, when Pornhub saw a 16.6 percent decrease. The Air and the Pro announcements saw slightly lower dips (15.6 and 15.8, respectively), but still higher than the other products.
Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub InsightsEven minutes after the event's end, Pornhub traffic from iPhone users was below average. Guess everyone needed a smoke break.
How to watch Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong online for free
TL;DR: Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The 2025 Asia Cup is off to a flying start, and we're expecting more of the same in the coming days. Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong is the next fixture on the schedule, with fans expecting a confident win from Bangladesh. Hong Kong lost their opening game by 94 runs against Afghanistan, so they'll simply be hoping to make this one a closer affair.
If you want to watch Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong?Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 11. This game takes place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
How to watch Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong for freeBangladesh vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.
Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock Tamasha from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Cup for free 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 Pakistan
Visit Tamasha
Live stream Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Tamasha?ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan
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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
Apples iPhone 16 is now only available with 128GB of storage
Immediately after launching the new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone Air, Apple discontinued the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. Perhaps the company is afraid of cannibalizing the new lineup too much?
Easier to miss, however, was the fact that Apple also greatly reduced the iPhone 16 lineup (via MacRumors). Yes, the iPhone 16 is still available over at Apple's online store for $699, but you can only have it with 128GB of storage.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: What are the differences?If you need more storage, you'll have to opt for the larger iPhone 16 Plus, which can be bought for $799 with 128GB of storage, and for $899 with 256GB of storage.
Oops. Credit: AppleIt's a fairly small detail, but it will make a difference for people shopping for a new iPhone that need more storage than the puny 128GB. All of the new models, including iPhone 17, start with 256GB storage, but the price is, of course, higher.
There is another option in the middle, the iPhone 16e, which comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage (for $599, $699, and $899, respectively). But that one lags behind other models in the camera department.
It's fairly typical of Apple to nudge buyers into the direction of its new phones with details like this. Your best option — if you're interested in an older model — is to check inventories at other retailers, which still may hold the model your want.
The iPhone Plus Is Dead, Here's What You Should Buy Instead
Lost among the fanfare about the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro’s chunky camera block is news of a fallen comrade: the Plus-sized base model iPhone. This is bad news for anyone who preferred a larger screen, but there are still some options available.
Pokémon TCG price watch: Destined Rivals bumps and cuts for September
Since launch, collectors and players have been watching Destined Rivals closely, and the market is already showing strong winners and losers. Illustration Rares, particularly the Rocket-era Special Illustration Rares, are pushing higher thanks to nostalgia and standout artwork. On the gameplay side, cards like Cynthia’s Garchomp and Ethan’s Ho-Oh are gaining traction for competitive use, lifting their values further.
But not everything is trending up. Several Hyper Rares and less-demanded Illustration Rares are cooling off as collectors redirect spending toward the most premium variants. The gap between SIRs and other rarities is widening with every week.
SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new setsMeanwhile, sealed product from Destined Rivals has exploded in value just three months post-release. Booster boxes and Pokémon Center ETBs are already priced at premium collector levels, raising the question of whether it’s smarter to keep them sealed or crack them open.
Pokémon card bumps Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyTeam Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 231/182 (SIR) — $369.37 $339.60 (+8.8%)
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – 232/182 (SIR) — $249 $193 (+29%)
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – 230/182 (SIR) — $198 $144.95 (+36.6%)
Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – 229/182 (SIR) — $169.09 $132.04 (+28.1%)
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex – 233/182 (SIR) — $107.91 $99.59 (+8.3%)
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 231/182 (SIR) rose from $339.60 in August to $369.37 now, an 8.8% bump. Its current price is exactly aligned with its market price of $369.37, suggesting demand is strong enough to hold at this level. This card is already the chase of the set, and collectors are driving the surge. With premium art and solid gameplay utility, it’s easy to see why the SIR is overshadowing the Hyper Rare.
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – 232/182 (SIR) has made one of the biggest leaps, climbing from $193 in July to $249 now (+29%). The market price is slightly lower at $228.47, meaning some sellers may already be testing the limits of demand. Still, this card has both collector pull — Cynthia remains one of the most popular trainers — and competitive upside. That mix keeps it hot.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – 230/182 (SIR) jumped from $144.95 in July to $198 now, a 36.6% increase. Its market price of $183.78 suggests it’s slightly overheated at the moment, but not by much. With a playable ability in Golden Flame and the legendary status of Ho-Oh, this is one of the safest climbs among the set.
Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – 229/182 (SIR) climbed from $132.04 to $169.09, a 28.1% gain. The market sits lower at $139.35, meaning the card may have run ahead of itself short term. That said, collectors love the dramatic artwork and the nostalgia of Rocket’s legendary birds. Even if it cools slightly, demand will stick around.
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex – 233/182 (SIR) had a smaller rise, going from $99.59 to $107.91 (+8.3%). Its market price is almost identical at $107.41, meaning it’s holding steady with real transactions. Nidoking may not be as flashy as Mewtwo or Moltres, but the Rocket branding and poison-heavy mechanics make it appealing for niche collectors.
Pokémon card cuts Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyTeam Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 240/182 (Hyper Rare) — $65.58 $71.31 (-8%)
Misty’s Psyduck – 193/182 (IR) — $51 $94.99 (-46.3%)
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – 241/182 (Hyper Rare) — $44.09 $57.86 (-23.8%)
Ethan’s Typhlosion – 190/182 (IR) — $39.46 $41.67 (-5.3%)
Yanmega ex – 228/182 (SIR) — $33.74 $38.18 (-11.6%)
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 240/182 (Hyper Rare) slipped from $71.31 to $65.58, down 8%. Its market price of $66.85 shows it’s still moving, but buyers clearly prefer the SIR version. The correction here is more about collectors flocking to premium art than a weakness in the card itself.
Misty’s Psyduck – 193/182 (IR) has seen the harshest fall, crashing from $94.99 in May to $51 now, a 46.3% drop. Its market price of $56.25 is slightly higher than current, suggesting a small rebound could happen, but the bigger story is that the novelty has worn off. Cute factor alone can’t sustain a card without playability or enduring collector demand.
SEE ALSO: Save over $60 on the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Lucario and Tyranitar Collection with Sam’s Club’s restockCynthia’s Garchomp ex – 241/182 (Hyper Rare) dropped from $57.86 in July to $44.09 now, down 23.8%. Its market price of $43.94 matches closely, signaling stability at this lower level. The SIR is dominating collector demand, leaving this variant struggling to hold interest.
Ethan’s Typhlosion – 190/182 (IR) edged down from $41.67 to $39.46, a modest 5.3% decline. Its market price of $34.19 shows the floor may be even lower than current listings suggest. Typhlosion just isn’t matching Ho-Oh’s appeal, and unless gameplay shifts, it could keep sliding.
Yanmega ex – 228/182 (SIR) fell from $38.18 to $33.74, a drop of 11.6%. The market price of $34.42 is close to its new level, suggesting the fall has stabilized. Yanmega’s niche ability wasn’t enough to compete with the bigger names in the set, leaving it underwhelming for both collectors and players.
Destined Rivaled sealed bumps and cuts Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyDestined Rivals Booster Box — $349 $247.76 (+41%)
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box — $312.90 $182.39 (+71.5%)
Half Booster Box — $199.85 $186.99 (+6.9%)
Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box — $99.96 $83.99 (+19%)
Booster Bundle — $41.40 $45.25 (-8.5%)
Build & Battle Box — $39.74 $40.85 (-2.7%)
Sleeved Booster Pack Art Bundle — $37.50 $28.31 (+32.5%)
Booster Pack Art Bundle — $35.98 $33.86 (+6.3%)
3 Pack Blister [Kangaskhan] — $39.74 $40.85 (-2.7%)
3 Pack Blister [Zebstrika] — $30.99 $23.31 (+32.9%)
Sleeved Booster Pack — $9.49 $6.84 (+38.7%)
Booster Pack — $8.71 $6.31 (+38%)
Destined Rivals sealed is proving to be one of the strongest sealed performers in recent TCG memory. Since releasing in English on May 30, nearly every product has risen, with some doubling in just three months.
Booster Boxes have surged from $247.76 in July to $349 now, a 41% increase. With a market price of $362.63, demand is still pushing higher. These are already a premium buy, and investors who want long-term sealed value should move quickly before they become unreachable.
Pokémon Center ETBs are the standout performer, skyrocketing from $182.39 in July to $312.90 now, a massive 71.5% rise. The market price of $330.68 is even higher than current listings, showing that real buyers are paying above sticker. This is the premier sealed product for Destined Rivals investors.
SEE ALSO: Save 32% on the Pokémon TCG Slashing Legends Tin featuring Koraidon at TCGPlayerHalf Booster Boxes rose slightly, from $186.99 in July to $199.85 now (+6.9%). With a market of $192.85, these are steady but not explosive. More of a mid-range option for collectors.
Regular ETBs climbed from $83.99 to $99.96, a 19% gain. The market price of $99.72 suggests it’s holding firm. These are still the entry point for casual collectors and remain a safe pick-up.
Booster Bundles and Build & Battle Boxes have been mostly flat, with Bundles dipping slightly and Build & Battle holding around $40. These are practical for players who want packs to rip, but not strong sealed investments compared to boxes or ETBs.
Sleeved Boosters and Blisters are trending upward. Sleeved booster packs rose from $6.84 to $9.49, while regular boosters went from $6.31 to $8.71. The three-pack blisters tell a split story: Kangaskhan’s blister rose from $40.85 to $39.74 (steady, slight dip), while Zebstrika’s blister jumped from $23.31 to $30.99, showing stronger demand. For collectors, Zebstrika looks like the sleeper pick.
The DJI Mic 2 is down to its record-low price at Amazon
SAVE 18%: The DJI Mic 2 is on sale at Amazon for $179, down from the standard price of $219. That's a savings of $40 and a record-low at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 2 (one transmitter, one receiver) $179 at Amazon$219 Save $40 Get Deal
DJI has been on a roll in 2025. The brand is pumping out new creator gear that's raved about, and it's not just drones. DJI has a new portable power station, e-bike, and even a robot vacuum cleaner. But amid tension with imports and tariffs and a potential ban in December, it's been a challenge to find DJI tech in stock. Those stock issues make today's deal on a creator-approved mic one to pounce on soon.
As of Sept. 9, the DJI Mic 2 is in stock and on sale at Amazon for $179, marked down from the usual price of $219. That shaves a respectable $40 off the price thanks to an 18% discount. Today's sale price marks a record-low at Amazon.
The DJI Mic 2 bundle that's on sale for $179 includes one transmitter, one receiver, one windscreen, a clip magnet, a carrying pouch, and a few other accessories. If you'd prefer to have two transmitters, check out the sale price on the DJI Mic Mini.
DJI considers the Mic 2 to come with "pro-level audio," thanks to many features. For one, it gets up to 18 hours of operating time and the transmitter weighs just 28 grams. Unlike some creator mics, the Mic 2 has a noise cancelling feature which means environmental noise will automatically be reduced.
SEE ALSO: DJI reveals the Mic 3, a follow-up to its cult-favorite pocket mic. But we have bad news too.Overall, you get a 820-foot range with the DJI Mic 2 and it has 8GB of internal storage, which can safely keep up to 14 hours of uncompressed audio.
Before it goes out of stock once more, snag the DJI Mic 2 for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. You'll be getting a pro-level audio upgrade for recording vlogs, interviews, and more.
Hisenses huge 98-inch QD5 QLED 4K TV is on sale for over $700 off at Amazon
SAVE OVER $700: As of Sept. 11, the Hisense 98-inch QD5 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,498.99 at Amazon. This is $799.01 off its list price of $2,298.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 98-Inch Class QD5 Series QLED 4K UHD TV $1,498.99 at Amazon$2,298 Save $799.01 Get Deal
A massive TV makes watching new shows, movies, and sports feel so much more exciting. If you've been looking to splash out on a larger display but have been waiting for good deals to appear, there are a few popping up right now at Amazon. In particular, the huge Hisense 98-inch QD5 QLED 4K TV is on sale for close to its lowest-ever price as of Sept. 11.
The Hisense 98-inch QD5 QLED 4K TV is currently marked down to $1,498.99 at Amazon. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it's just a single dollar away from its lowest-ever price of $1,497.99, so this discount truly represents good value for money.
SEE ALSO: Hisense's new 55-inch E6 QLED 4K Fire TV is on sale for its lowest price ever on AmazonThe large 98-inch screen size is sure to make whatever you're watching feel like you've stepped into a little cinema of your own. You'll get to enjoy great picture quality thanks to QLED Color, which makes everything look vibrant and colorful, and 4K resolution that brings out every detail.
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos add another layer of immersion, offering excellent picture and sound for your eyes and ears to enjoy. And if you're a gamer, this TV also features a Native 144Hz Panel, with a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) of 48Hz to 144Hz, so your games will look smooth at all times.
Don't miss out on the Hisense 98-inch QD5 QLED 4K TV down to $1,498.99 at Amazon. And if you're shopping for a smaller model right now, Amazon's also offering a deal on the 65-inch LG evo AI TV.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 11, 2025
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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Something to sit on.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
CHAIR
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025Reporting 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.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 11, 2025
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: An imperfection
Green: Giant
Blue: Impolite things
Purple: Seen in an MLB game
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Blemish
Green: Behemoth
Blue: Rude things to do
Purple: On a baseball field
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 #823 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayBlemish: DENT, DING, MAR, SCRATCH
Behemoth: COLOSSUS, MAMMOTH, WHALE, WHOPPER
Rude things to do: POINT, SNICKER, STARE, WHISPER
On a baseball field: BASE, BOX, MOUND, PLATE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025Are you also playing NYT 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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for September 11, 2025
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Take a breakThe words are ways to unwind.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are activities usually done alone.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Me Time.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 11Unplug
Exercise
Journal
Me Time
Paint
Walk
Read
Meditate
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
NYT Pips hints, answers for September 11, 2025
Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
How to play PipsIf you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 11, 2025The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 11, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 11 PipsEqual (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically, 0-6, placed horizontally.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 11 PipsNumber (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.
Number (14): Everything in this space must add to 14. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.
Number (15): Everything in this space must add to 15. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed vertically.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add to 9. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 3-5, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Sept. 11 PipsEqual (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this green space must add to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.
Number (24): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add to 5. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Google Pixel 10 Review: So Good I'm Skipping the Pro Model This Year
As a long-time Pixel owner, last year’s release took me by surprise. I didn’t think the series needed a refresh, but I was quickly won over. This year, the Google Pixel 10 is more of the same, and some critical upgrades make me feel like I don’t need the Pro version anymore.
Stephen Colbert reacts to Charlie Kirk shooting with a message about political violence
Stephen Colbert has reacted to the death of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influencer with tens of millions of social media followers who was shot and killed during an event at a college campus in Utah. Kirk was an ally of President Trump and the founder of Turning Point USA, a movement that aimed to spread right-wing viewpoints across school campuses.
"After our scripts for tonight's show were finished this afternoon, we here at The Late Show learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah," says Colbert in the clip above, which preceded the main show.
"Our condolences go out to his family and all his loved ones. I'm old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, and I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences. Political violence only leads to more political violence. And I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a mad man, and not a sign of things to come."
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 11, 2025
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 11, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Sport-specific tools and equipment
Green: Working out
Blue: College football's best
Purple: Same letters, different words
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Gymnastics apparatus
Green: Exercises
Blue: Heisman trophy winners
Purple: Anagrams of NBA teams
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #353 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayGymnastics apparatus - BARS, BEAM, FLOOR, VAULT
Exercises - BURPEE, CRUNCH, LUNGE, SQUAT
Heisman trophy winners - BURROW, BUSH, CROUCH, TEBOW
Anagrams of NBA teams - PARROTS, RECAPS, SENT, SHORTEN
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.
Save over $200 on this massive 75-Inch TCL QM8K QD-Mini LED TV at Amazon
SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 11, the TCL 75-Inch QM8K QD-Mini LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,797.99 at Amazon. That's 10% off its list price of $1,999.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-Inch Class QM8K Series QD-Mini LED 4K UHD TV $1,797.99 at Amazon$1,999.99 Save $202 Get Deal
With the new football season up and running and some exciting shows dropping on streaming services, it's a great time to be camped out on your couch enjoying it all on a stunning TV. If you've been looking to upgrade your screen, there are some discounts available at the moment that are worth a look, including this deal on the TCL 75-Inch QM8K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon.
The TCL 75-Inch QM8K QD-Mini LED 4K TV usually goes for $1,999.99, but Amazon has slashed over $200 off its price and dropped it to $1,797.99 for a limited time. For those looking to go for a bigger display, this TV delivers size and style.
SEE ALSO: Score the 65-inch LG evo AI TV for its lowest price yetTCL's 75-Inch QM8K TV boasts a QD-Mini LED display with 4K resolution, offering vibrant colors and detail that allows you to enjoy a crystal clear picture on its massive 75-inch screen. And with a 144Hz refresh rate, the picture will always come across smooth. On top of that, you'll enjoy excellent sound quality thanks to Audio by Bang & Olufsen and Dolby Atmos, both of which help you feel immersed in what you're watching.
Since it's a Google Smart TV, watching your favorite shows and films on streaming services comes easily as you can house all of your favorite apps in one place.
If you've been looking for an upgrade, this deal on the TCL 75-Inch QM8K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon is worth considering. And if you've been hoping to get a smaller TV instead, you can also score a great deal on Hisense's 55-inch E6 QLED 4K Fire TV at Amazon right now.
Amazon’s Fire TV 2-Series is back to its lowest price of 2025 — save $70 right now
SAVE $70: As of Sept. 11, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is on sale for $179.99 at Amazon. That's a 28% saving on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series $179.99 at Amazon$249.99 Save $70 Get Deal
Cozy season is upon us, so we suggest upgrading your TV in time for Gilmore Girls rewatches and horror movie marathons.
Not sure what to go for? The Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is on sale at Amazon, and it's back down to its lowest price this year. As of Sept. 11, you can pick up the 40-inch model for $179.99 on Amazon, saving $70 on list price.
SEE ALSO: Score the 65-inch LG evo AI TV for its lowest price yetFor a low price, you're getting a whole lot with this TV. Like most Amazon devices, it has built-in Alexa voice control. Not only can you use this to control some of your other smart home devices, such as robot vacuums and Bluetooth speakers, but you can also use it to search through all your streaming platforms at once.
It also has strong visuals, so you can enjoy an HD 1080p resolution with support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. Meaning all your shows, movies, and gaming experiences are the highest quality. For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. If you've not used it before, this interface is simple and really easy to operate.
The TV also comes with two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And if you have more than one Fire TV, all of your movies and shows will stay in sync across devices.
Get this Fire TV deal from Amazon now.
The Apple iPad 11-inch is on sale for under $300 at Amazon
SAVE $50: As of Sept. 11, the Apple iPad 11-inch is on sale for $299 at Amazon. That's a 14% saving on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (11-Inch) $299 at Amazon$349 Save $50 Get Deal
If you're in need of a tablet upgrade and you're already committed to the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, AirPods, etc.), why not jump all the way in and invest in an iPad? You know it makes sense.
As of Sept. 11, the iPad 11-inch is on sale for $299 at Amazon. This $50 off deal is valid across all colorways, so you can choose from blue, pink, silver, or yellow. That's not the case with a lot of Apple deals right now, so we can't say for sure how long this deal will last.
SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Live Translation meme bluntly deciphers snarky subtextThis is an incredibly efficient and fast iPad thanks to its A16 chip. This provides a smooth performance whether you’re gaming, editing photos, or just multitasking through your day. Lagging and slow displays are a thing of the past.
It's a giveaway in the name, but the screen has an 11-inch Liquid Retina display. This makes everything look incredibly sharp and bright, whether you’re watching movies, scrolling TikToks, or gaming. The cameras are impressive, too. The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls with Center Stage keeping you perfectly in frame, while the 12MP Wide back camera with True Tone flash is great for photos, document scanning, and shooting 4K video.
And it's compatible with many Apple accessories. Attach the magic keyboard to turn your iPad into work mode, or use the Apple Pencil Pro to create, draw, or write.
Get this iPad deal from Amazon before it sells out.
Did Taylor Swift influence the new iPhone color? Fans seem to think so.
What does it say about my brain that my first thought upon seeing the new iPhone 17 Pro was — is that Life of a Showgirl orange? Whatever brain cell triggered that thought is one I share with the rest of the internet. Is it a coincidence that of the three new iPhone 17 Pro colors, one of them is the same shade of orange that Taylor Swift is claiming for her latest album?
On Sept. 9, Apple released its latest iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. The internet's first reaction to the new iPhones? They're ugly. But the second was to make the connection between The Life of a Showgirl and its orange era with the new iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Some online are saying the new iPhone 17 Pro is "so Taylor-coded." On TikTok, user @shreyakolluri noted that Apple must have a Swiftie iPhone designer because the color lines up too perfectly with the orange hue of Swift's new album. However, others don't see it. In reply to ThePopTingz's tweet, one user asked, "What's the connection of Taylor Swift's album to the Apple event?"
Some sleuthing Swifties went so far as to point out that Swift's albums often coincide with Apple's iPhone drops, and iPhones have a history of falling into Swift's color palettes.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.But is there actually a connection between Apple and Swift? Unfortunately for the Swifties — no. Swift has collaborated with companies including TikTok, Spotify, Tumblr, and Amazon Prime Video, but not Apple.
In fact, Swift clashed with Apple in 2015. Ten years ago, Swift took to Tumblr to pen an open letter to Apple about why she wouldn't be releasing her album 1989 on their platform. Her decision was made after Apple offered a free three-month trial of Apple Music to new subscribers and said that during this period, they would not be paying royalties to artists and producers. That letter resulted in Apple reversing its decision and paying artists.
But it's no surprise that Swifties raised a brow at the color-coordinated coincidence. Swift is known for her pre-album rollouts, which usually involve a whirlwind of easter eggs and brand collabs. Since the announcement of her forthcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, on her fiancé Travis Kelce's podcast New Heights, which he hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, fans have been speculating what's to come in this era. What is confirmed? Orange is the signature color for The Life of a Showgirl.
Opens in a new window Credit: Target 'The Life of a Showgirl' by Taylor Swift Vinyl $34.99 at TargetPre-order Here
On the New Heights podcast, Jason asked Swift why she picked orange for this album, to which she replied that it "feels like, kind of energetically, how my life has felt. And this album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour, which was so exuberant and electric and vibrant.”
And while Apple didn't provide any background on why they chose Cosmic Orange for their latest iPhone, it's good timing on their part. Orange is on the rise.
If you preorder the iPhone 17 Pro now, it will arrive in time for The Life of a Showgirl, which releases on Oct. 3.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro $1,099 at AppleFrom $1,099 Pre-order Here
Dudes Rock posts about your good day are all over TikTok
Good days don't always come, so when you find one, maybe it's worth celebrating. That seems to be the ethos of a new trend on TikTok, at least.
It's difficult to describe this trend. There are no set rules to it. There isn't a dance. No memeable catchphrase. It's not attached to a single viral song or sound. And there's no argument over it. It's just posting your good day.
SEE ALSO: Where the 'I have one daughter' TikTok trend came fromThat's not to say there's no formula. As far as I can tell, it typically involves including a Yacht Rock-ish song (think Steely Dan), a slideshow of images depicting your good day, and straightforward language describing said pleasant day. It's kind of a TikTok version of the old "Dudes Rock" memes from pre-X Twitter — where you celebrate simple or silly things that are innocent in lieu of the often-toxic boys will be boys.
Here's one about golfing and bowling.
Here's a more food-focused post.
And here's a host of others that are all over the map.
You can see the simplicity in the trend. You just post about your day, typically focusing on life's small pleasantries. Maybe you had a cold beer. Maybe you played a round of golf. Maybe you saw a couple of old pals. Either way you look at it, it's a Dudes Rock small win. (Not for nothing, let it be known that the "dudes" in Dudes Rock in gender neutral. We can all enjoy Steely Dan and a back porch.)
Granted, this trend intersects with my personal interests, but it is spreading. It's not totally clear where it originated, but it seems the account @burgermonster21 is at the center of the trend. Pretty much every post from the account is of that ilk.
It's not the most exciting or strange trend TikTok has produced, but it certainly feels like a good idea to celebrate daily, small wins. After all, few things are better than a cold beverage and a good plate of food.


