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Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like hot dogs.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 Mashable

By 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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For better or wurst...

The words are related to hot dogs.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe toppings on a hot dog.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Top dogs.

NYT Strands word list for August 19

• Mustard

• Onion

• Relish

• Ketchup

• Sauerkraut

• Cheese

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a preference between charcoal or natural gas.

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 August 17, 2026 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 August 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cooking BBQ in this.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GRILL

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.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 today's Wordle.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're familiar with the theater.

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.

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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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 17, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Easy

• Green: Hide

• Blue: Sounds like a sport

• Purple: Could be a movie

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Piece of Cake

• Green: Conceal

• Blue: Words before “ball” in sport names

• Purple: Homophones of CGI-animated films

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 #1164 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Piece of Cake: BREEZE, CINCH, PICNIC, SNAP

• Conceal: BLANKET, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE

• Words before “ball” in sport names: BASE, BASKET, FOOT, PICKLE

• Homophones of CGI-animated films: ANTS, COCOA, RHEO, SEOUL

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 13, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 today's Connections.

If there is one genre that has come to define Apple TV, it's sci-fi. The streaming service has fully leaned into sci-fi as one of its most prominent genres. The result has been some of the best sci-fi shows on television.

TL;DR: Get the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for $24.99 (reg. $49.99) and combine charging, data transfer and several handy travel tools in one compact cable.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoCable GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable $24.99
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Carrying a charging cable is already a necessity for most people, so GoCable tries to make that one piece of gear do considerably more. The GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable combines charging, data transfer, and several built-in tools in a compact design, and it’s currently $24.99 (reg. $49.99).

The cable supports up to 100W charging, making it suitable for everything from phones to laptops when paired with a compatible wall adapter or power bank. Universal connectors support USB-C-to-USB-C and Apple Lightning devices, while an LED display provides a quick look at charging status. A magnetic wrap keeps the cable contained instead of turning the inside of your bag into a knot factory.

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The extras are what make this more of an everyday-carry gadget than a standard charging cable. A built-in bottle opener handles one common travel problem, while a concealed safety cutter can help open packages without requiring another tool. There’s also a carabiner clip for attaching the cable to a bag or belt, plus support for high-speed data transfers when you need to move files between compatible devices.

That combination is great for travelers, commuters, and creators who already carry several devices and want to consolidate some of their gear. A photographer, for example, could keep the cable handy for charging a camera or other equipment while also having a way to transfer files. It’s also small enough to keep attached to a backpack or keyring, so it doesn’t disappear into the bottom of a bag.

GoCable takes the familiar charging-cable concept and adds tools that don’t need their own space in your bag. Just keep in mind that the charging source isn’t included, so you’ll still need a compatible power adapter or power bank.

For anyone looking to simplify their everyday carry, the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is available for $24.99 (reg. $49.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

TL;DR: Get six courses and six hours of Claude & ChatGPT project management training for $19.99 (reg. $97).

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpertEase Global Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle $19.99
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AI is becoming another tool in the project manager’s toolbox, but knowing how to use it effectively is a different matter. The Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle focuses on practical workflows with six courses and six hours of training, and it’s on sale right now for $19.99 (reg. $97).

The bundle covers project management fundamentals, as well as specific ways to use ChatGPT and Claude throughout a project’s lifecycle. You’ll learn how to create project plans, define objectives and deliverables, build timelines and milestones, and break larger projects into manageable tasks with work breakdown structures.

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A dedicated prompt engineering course also covers techniques for getting more useful responses from generative AI tools. That matters when you’re asking an AI assistant to work with project information because the quality of the output depends heavily on how the request is structured.

The training also gets into some of the less exciting parts of project management. ChatGPT and Claude can be used to help prepare meeting agendas and minutes, write status reports, organize action items, identify risks and dependencies, and develop mitigation strategies. The goal is to reduce repetitive planning and documentation work while leaving the actual project decisions to the person managing the work.

Team leads can use the workflows for coordination and delegation, while consultants and operations professionals can apply them to client projects and internal processes. Professionals preparing for project management roles can also use the training to build familiarity with AI-assisted workflows that are increasingly becoming part of modern workplace tools.

This bundle focuses on two widely used AI assistants and the tasks project professionals actually handle. Instead of learning how to use ChatGPT or Claude in the abstract, you’ll work through applications tied to planning, scheduling, communication, and project delivery.

For $19.99 (reg. $97), the Claude & ChatGPT for Project Management Bundle offers six hours of focused training for anyone looking to bring AI into their project workflow without spending hours figuring out where to start.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The stray SpaceX rocket that crashed into the moon about two weeks ago created a fresh crater wider than an NBA basketball court and up to 10 feet deep, NASA says. 

The measurements come from the space agency's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which circles the moon from pole to pole every two hours. But getting images and data of the impact, which happened on Aug. 5, took six days because the spacecraft had to wait for the hole to slowly rotate back into view as the lunar surface turned beneath it.

NASA wanted these images to hone its ability to pinpoint fast-moving objects that slam into the moon — a dress rehearsal that could help protect future astronaut crews by improving how quickly and accurately it can track impact risks.

SEE ALSO: Bright planets can blind the Webb telescope. A fix is coming.

The rocket made moonfall near Einstein Crater, close to the boundary between the lunar near and far sides.

Getting the images was a bit of a threading-the-needle exercise. Engineers tilted the orbiter so its camera pointed at the predicted zone each time it passed overhead, while the spacecraft raced along at about a mile per second. 

"If the camera snapped even 10 seconds too early or too late, the target would drift off-center by 10 miles," according to the agency. 

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The roughly four-ton Falcon 9 upper stage hit the moon after spending more than a year wandering through space. The crash wasn't planned — shifts in solar activity and gravity slowly nudged the empty rocket onto a lunar collision path.

The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Jan. 2025 with two commercial lunar landers: Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience. After it released both spacecraft, the used booster stayed in space as intended instead of heading back to Earth. Blue Ghost went on to make a successful lunar landing, a first for a privately built spacecraft, while Resilience crashed during its own landing attempt.

In a statement earlier this month, SpaceX said the collision wasn't intentional and that the company works "to be as responsible as possible with hardware left in space to ensure space safety."

The new NASA photos show the crater under different lighting conditions as the sun's position changed from one orbit to the next. In some shots, the crater rim stands out sharply, letting scientists measure its 60-foot width. Based on the length of the crater's shadow, scientists could also estimate its depth.  

The orbiter took images of the crater from different angles, showing older, darker, weathered surface material and brighter debris blasted up from deeper underground around it. Credit: NASA Goddard / Intuitive Machines

The images also reveal a mix of bright and dark streaks fanning out from the hole. The darker rays are made of older, "weathered" lunar dust and rocks that space radiation and tiny meteorites have altered over time. The collision dug this material up from just over a foot below the surface. The brighter rays closer to the rim come from more pristine material blasted out from deeper underground.

NASA didn't find the crash site on its own, and it wasn't the first orbiter to get shots of it. Independent astronomers used public data to trace the rocket's path. Then, NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, which tracks objects that could pose a risk to Earth, refined the predicted impact zone. 

The NASA center passed the information along to South Korea's Danuri orbiter team, which released its orbiter images on Aug. 6. The South Korean scientists sent the precise coordinates back to NASA so that it could home in on the rocket's final resting place.

Your internet service provider's bundled modem could soon serve as a home security tool. Comcast has launched an Xfinity Shield platform that not only protects against online threats, but can stand in as a motion detector to alert you to physical intruders.

The latest macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta is here and the big news isn't a software update or a new Mac feature — it's references made to new yet-to-be-announced Apple products.

Earlier today, Mashable covered the biggest highlight the internet is buzzing about: A video demo in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta that appears to show a user demonstrating how new AirPods with cameras will work.

However, AirPods with cameras aren't the only unreleased Apple products alluded to in the new macOS beta release. In fact, there is a slew of new Apple products mentioned throughout the beta. 

SEE ALSO: Apple Siri AI settlement: When eligible iPhone users can receive up to $95

Unlike the AirPods with cameras video, most of these unreleased product mentions are just references to codenames but they still give a good idea of what's to come, possibly as soon as Apple's big iPhone event in September.

Sticking with Apple headphones, the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta references what appear to be a fourth-generation AirPods Pro. Along with AirPods Pro 4 are references to codenames which could refer to two upcoming Beats headphones. And there may be more than one model of AirPods with cameras too. The macOS Beta references two separate codenames attached with camera AirPods projects.

With the annual iPhone event just weeks away, it should come as no surprise that there are references to the upcoming new line of Apple smartphones. And the codenames here all match up with the ones previously uncovered in the iOS 27 beta 5 system files. The referenced iPhones here include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, the long-rumored foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 base model, and iPhone Air 2.

Also found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta are references to an assortment of Apple home products. Codenames mentioned in the macOS beta have been linked to different versions of Apple's new Home Hub as well as "Pebble," the homeOS operating system that runs on the Home Hub device. There are also codenames connected to the new HopePod mini, a potential Apple home security device, and a rumored "tabletop robot" product. 

Codenames linked to a new Apple TV remote, two new (possibly water resistant) iPad mini devices, and a new Vision Pro headset are references in the macOS beta too.

Of course, the whole reason we're talking about these upcoming Apple products right now is thanks to the macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta, so it seems fitting that there would be some unreleased Mac-related mentions. The macOS beta references codenames for two new iMac Models. There's also references to four new MacBook Pro models, which could possibly be the higher-end OLED MacBook Pros that Apple is reportedly working on. Finally, there's a reference to a codename that seems to be a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that will be powered by Apple's upcoming M6 chip.

It should be noted that the products that have been mentioned here have all been previously tied to codenames references in the macOS beta. There are dozens more codenames mentioned in this new beta that reference unknown new Apple products as well. 

We'll have to see what Apple has up its sleeve, starting with the iPhone event in September.

I am mainly a Linux user, but sometimes I have to return to Windows for work or gaming. Whenever I do, I notice that Windows hasn’t evolved in any meaningful way since I first used it. Compared to Linux, it feels like it’s stuck in time. Let me explain what I mean.

SUVs might be the default choice for a lot of buyers these days, but the Toyota Camry is proving there's still plenty of life left in the humble sedan. Toyota's July sales figures show the Camry is gaining ground, with year-to-date sales up 15.5 percent from the same point last year.

The Framework Laptop 12 just got a welcome upgrade, particularly if you prefer Linux to Windows. Framework has updated its more affordable PC with not just Intel's newer Core Series 3 chips, but an option to have Linux pre-installed.

There are plenty of new cars on the market that I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending. Some are practical, some are incredibly fast, and others offer an impressive amount of luxury for the money. That doesn't necessarily mean I'd want to own them, though. Personal preference matters a lot when you're spending your own money, and sometimes a seemingly minor flaw can completely ruin an otherwise fantastic car.

So, you want to run Proxmox in your homelab? It's a fantastic operating system that is now a cornerstone of my own homelab, but there are some beginner projects you should definitely get under your belt before going all-in on Proxmox. Here are the five things I think you should master in Proxmox before building your dream homelab.

This is the perfect time of year to update your office setup, whether you're a student or not. Take advantage of Secretlab's back to school sale and save big on the most popular models of the company's gaming chair and desk lines!

If you're looking forward to your Siri AI settlement check of up to $95 from Apple, it looks like you'll be waiting a little while longer.

Apple's settlement in the Siri AI-related class action lawsuit received preliminary approval last month. According to a new court document, the final approval hearing is now scheduled for February 24, 2027. That's actually seven months earlier than the previous date of September 29, 2027, but payments still won't arrive anytime soon. Once the court approves the settlement at that hearing, payments typically take a few months to reach consumers — specifically, until any appeals are resolved and eligible claims are processed.

SEE ALSO: Siri AI beta available now: 7 things to try

In 2024, Apple heavily promoted its new Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized, AI-powered version of Siri. However, those Siri features were apparently not ready for release and Apple delayed them. Multiple class action lawsuits were filed against Apple alleging that the company promoted these AI features as a major reason to buy the new iPhone. These lawsuits were eventually combined into a single class action lawsuit.

In May 2026, Apple reached a $250 million settlement while admitting no wrongdoing.

According to the agreement, qualified consumers will receive anywhere from approx. $25 to $95 dollars, although that amount could rise or fall depending on the number of claims and other factors.

To qualify, a consumer must have purchased an iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025. 

SEE ALSO: The New Siri AI Is Great if You Do These Things First

As of now, the settlement's claims website has not gone live, so there is nothing eligible consumers need to do yet. Potential class members are expected to receive instructions by email or mail once claims open.

Apple finally unveiled Siri AI at this year's WWDC, and the revamped assistant is currently being tested in iOS 27 betas. Apple says it will will finally become more broadly available as a beta later this year. However, those delays turned out to be costly for Apple.

Home is where the heart is. On Linux, home is where everything personal to you is: your documents, downloads, screenshots, and configuration. In fact, your home is so special, you really ought to be showing it a bit more love.

NFL fans noticed something unusual at training camp this year: The quarterbacks were doing an awful lot of canoodling.

Within days of one another, cameras captured Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert getting cozy with fiancée and singer Madison Beer, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sitting on the field with rumored girlfriend and model Olivia Ponton, and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart sharing a "quiet moment" with girlfriend and influencer Marissa Ayers.

"Wtf is going on?" one X user asked. "Why are all these QBs hanging out with their girlfriends at practice? Or if this always happened then why is it just now always making the broadcast?"

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As it turns out, the pattern was not entirely a coincidence.

The viral moments are part of a larger content campaign designed to reach women and younger viewers, a source close to the NFL told Front Office Sports. The push falls under the league’s "helmets-off" strategy, which focuses on players’ personalities and personal lives rather than only what happens on the field.

"Whether it’s training camp, weekly practice or a major event like the Super Bowl, we look for authentic opportunities to highlight our players and the people who are part of their journey," Ian Trombetta, the NFL’s senior vice president of social and influencer marketing, told FOS. "The content is authentic, genuine and relatable, and that’s resonated strongly with women and young fans, who are key growth audiences for the NFL."

SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL preseason games: Streaming guide

To be clear, the highlighting of players' relationships does not necessarily mean the affection itself was staged. The Chargers told FOS that the team had not planned any formal content around Beer specifically. What was coordinated was the league’s decision to place more of these relationships in front of viewers.

The business case is fairly obvious: Beer, Ponton, and Ayers collectively have more than 70 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, compared with the NFL’s combined 53 million. When the league reposted Beer and Herbert’s engagement photos, the Instagram post received more than 500,000 likes — roughly 10 times the engagement of an average NFL post. Women follow these women, and the NFL wants to capitalize on that interest.

The internet, however, had one small note for the league: Women can also just like football.

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The criticism is not necessarily that women dislike celebrity relationships, fashion, or gossip. Plenty of people clearly enjoy the content, and a relationship can absolutely be the reason someone first becomes curious about a sport. Research cited by FOS found that 49 percent of Gen Z fans have become interested in a sport or athlete because of viral content or something outside the game, including an athlete’s relationship.

The problem is presenting WAG content — an acronym for "wives and girlfriends" — as the content for women. Women are already a massive part of the NFL audience: A poll published last year found that 41 percent of American women considered themselves NFL fans.

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The financial incentive to keep that audience growing is enormous. The NFL generates an estimated $2.75 billion in retail sales from licensed consumer products each year, and attracting more women opens up new merchandise categories, brand partnerships, ticket buyers, and viewers whom advertisers want to reach. As one licensing expert told Front Office Sports, adding a demographic with disposable income gives the league "another gold mine to tap into."

Taylor Swift, of course, demonstrated how quickly attention surrounding a relationship can turn into business. Apex Marketing Group estimated that Swift generated nearly $1 billion in equivalent brand value for the NFL after she began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — a phenomenon known as the "Swift Effect." Seen from that perspective, the league’s WAG strategy is not difficult to understand. But amplifying other football couples does not guarantee that the NFL can recreate "the pop culture moment that Taylor and Travis had," as one X user put it.

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Beer, Ponton, and Ayers bring tens of millions of their own followers, many of whom fall within the exact young female demographic the NFL wants to convert into regular viewers and consumers. If even a fraction begin watching games, buying jerseys, or following teams because of them, the campaign becomes very valuable.

The online backlash suggests the problem is not the NFL's commercial logic though, but the limited way it is applying it. Rather than investing primarily in better merchandise, women's perspectives on the sport, female creators, or access that treats women as knowledgeable fans, it risks falling back on the assumption that women need a romance plot to care about football at all.

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As Awful Announcing put it: "Remember when the NFL just made everything pink and called it a day for women? This is somehow even lazier."

Here's a piece of advice, from a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan: If the league truly wants to convert women into lifelong fans — and customers — it may need to offer them more than quarterbacks with girlfriends. Some of them, (breaking news!), are also interested in football.

Do you think Linux is just for homelabs or servers? Worried it can't handle your professional workflow? Well, I've been daily-driving Linux for 10 years, and here are five ways it helps me do real work.