Good evening. Those tuning into the first NFL regular season game, taking place between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at 7:20 pm CT tonight, may notice something different: America’s most-popular sports league is now using Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology as its main method for measuring first downs, meaning no more chain gangs.

The NFL hopes the introduction of Hawk-Eye will cut down on some stoppage time, so that its partners can squeeze in more Patrick Mahomes State Farm commercials (probably). During testing, virtual measurements took about 30 seconds on average, compared to 75 seconds with a chain crew.

Learn more about the tech, currently used by 23 of the top 25 global sports leagues, here.

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Each of the following events happened on September 4. Your challenge is to put them in the order in which they occurred by year, earliest to latest. Answers at the bottom!

• A) George Eastman patents the Kodak camera. Designed with the novice photographer in mind, the device optimizes ease of use. The preloaded roll of film and new box-style camera revolutionizes photography, transforming the field from a specialized profession into a popular, widely adopted pastime.
• B) Australian wildlife conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin, who achieved worldwide fame as host of The Crocodile Hunter and related documentaries, is killed by a venomous bull stingray.
• C) American singer Kelly Clarkson becomes the first winner of the reality TV series American Idol.
• D) Los Angeles is founded, as settlers lay claim to what has become the second most populous US city. Legend says the Illuminati had already placed the “Hollywood” sign there.

Hint: If you lose momentum and become idol—choose #3.

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The feeling of completing today’s Conjoiner sequence has been compared to devouring a stack of grandma’s fluffy pancakes drizzled with the dark, sweet juice of a maple tree. It’s that satisfying.

The first clue of today’s sequence is: “Our neighbors to the north who specialize in syrup”...

Mini

Listen up—today’s mini crossword has a tale to tell. And you may just learn something from it.

• Play today’s wisdom-containing puzzle here.

Sudoku

Single? Everyone knows playing with numbers is proven to get you more numbers (#nerdsrule). Hone your skills with today’s sudoku puzzle.

• Play today's puzzle here.

Click to play any (or all) of the three GOATWars’ challenges below, then pick the GOAT through a series of head-to-head matchups. This data-driven process was developed to create definitive best-of-all-time lists using a more objective approach than random bloggers just publishing controversial opinions for clicks.

• 🎬 THE GREATEST TIMOTHEE CHALAMET MOVIES OF ALL TIME
• 🎶 THE GREATEST URBAN ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
• 🏆 THE GREATEST SPORTS TEAMS OF ALL TIME

🤔 RANKING CHARACTERS FROM “PARKS AND RECREATION,” GREATEST TO LEAST

1. Ron Swanson
2. Leslie Knope
3. April Ludgate

Explore the full list.

🏁 THE GREATEST MOTOR RACES OF ALL TIME

1. Daytona 500
2. Indianapolis 500
3. 24 Hours of Le Mans

Explore the full list.

🎶 THE GREATEST BOB DYLAN SONGS OF ALL TIME

1. “Blowin' in the Wind”
2. “Like a Rolling Stone”
3. “The Times They Are A-Changin'”

Explore the full list.

Note: Results are as of the published time; these lists are dynamic and may change.

D, A, C, B

• D) 1781: Los Angeles is founded, as settlers lay claim to what has become the second most populous US city.
• A) 1888: George Eastman patents the Kodak camera.
• C) 2002: American singer Kelly Clarkson becomes the first winner of the reality TV series American Idol.
• B) 2006: Australian wildlife conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin, who achieved worldwide fame as host of The Crocodile Hunter and related documentaries, is killed by a venomous bull stingray.