The Future of Tech, News and making sense of it all!

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Technology News Thursdays, and More!

 Technology News and More...





Beat high gas prices on your next road trip: 6 ways to save at the pump



2KThe Points Guy / 17h
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information to reflect current gas prices. While getting gas for your daily commute or filling up before a family road trip , you’ve probably groaned at the numbers on the screen at the gas pump. Gas prices are climbing again. The national average for regular gasoline sits at $3.82 at the time of writing, according to AAA . That’s down substantia


X faces millions in fees over unpaid severance for former Twitter employees
200+Mashable / 14h
Shortly after Elon Musk acquired Twitter late last year, the company underwent a number of rounds of layoffs and thousands of employees were let go. Severance was promised to Twitter's now-former workforce…severance in which Musk isn't paying. And it looks like not paying severance is going to cost him. Twitter, now known as X, is currently facing 2,200 arbitration cases from former employees loo


How to Fix a DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 10
400+How-To Geek / 16h
Dealing with blue screen errors is never fun, but it's worse when you have no idea what's caused it in the first place. One particular head-scratcher is the DPC Watchdog Violation, which can be caused for a number of reasons.

Philips Hue gets into home surveillance with its new Secure cameras
Engadget / 3min
Signify, the Philips spinoff known for its Hue lighting products, has announced a new category for the brand that puts it in direct competition with companies like Ring and Nest. Yes, the company has launched new security products, most of which will be available this fall. They include Philips Hue Secure cameras in wired and wireless (or battery) versions that feature a 1080p HD video feed with


Garena relaunches Free Fire in India a year after ban
TechCrunch / 22min
Garena is relaunching Free Fire in India, a year and a half after the popular mobile title was banned in the South Asian market over national security concerns. The firm, owned by South Asian giant Sea, said it has partnered with Yotta, controlled by local giant Hiranandani, for cloud and other storage needs of local […]


DJI Mini 4 Pro: leaks, release date and price
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 30min
When it arrived in May 2023 the DJI Mini 3 Pro impressed us so much, we ranked it as the best compact drone for most people. It earned this accolade thanks to its compact size, intelligent obstacle avoidance and the low-light performance of its 4K camera. Its tiny dimensions saw it slot neatly into the sub-250g drone category, meaning it could be flown almost anywhere without restriction. Now it


Tesla reportedly faces investigation over its mysterious glass house project
24Engadget / 1h
At least two government agencies are looking into Tesla's secret glass house project dubbed "Project 42," according to The Wall Street Journal . Back in July, the publication reported that the automaker's board launched an investigation over concerns that its CEO, Elon Musk, was using company funds for the project. Now, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has reportedly


Teale, your mental health companion at work, raises $11 million
TechCrunch / 1h
French startup Teale has secured a funding round of $11 million earlier this summer (€10 million). The company provides a mental health platform for employees and helps HR managers when it comes to preventing burnout or quiet quitting. Alter Equity and Bpifrance’s Digital Venture fund are leading the Series A funding round. Existing investors Isai […]


A lifetime subscription to this stock screener is on sale for 87% off
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Tykr Stock Screener is on sale for £95.11, saving you 87% on list price. Playing around with the stock market can be fun. But you need to know what you're doing, at least somewhat. However, you don't need to get back in the literal classroom to start learning. With this deal, you get a lifetime subscription to Tykr Stock Screener and a Top Tools for Better Stock


You may have missed JLab’s teeny tiny JBuds Mini but they’re set to see a big launch
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 2h
When it comes to the best true wireless earbuds , size matters – and big isn't necessarily better. Larger earbuds can be hard to fit, if you have smaller ears. Even if like me you have a head like a hippo's, the combination of large size and weight in some big earbuds can be wearing over longer periods. So we're quite taken with the new JLab JBuds Mini, which are set to launch on September 1. The


JLab's insanely tiny wireless earbuds cover the basics for $40
Engadget / 2h
JLab's extremely affordable earbuds already strike a solid balance of value and performance , but the company set out to "drastically" reduce size and weight with its latest model. First announced back in December , the JBuds Mini is a set of insanely tiny wireless earbuds with a charging case smaller than a car key fob. While the $40 earbuds lack more advanced features like active noise cancella


How to watch the Asia Cup 2023 online for free
Mashable / 2h
TL;DR: ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking free streaming sites. Watch the 2023 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup takes place later this year, which means competing teams will be ramping up preparations. Every team will want to gain some momentum before the flagship event of the international cricket calendar, and the Asia Cup might provide the perfect o


Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for August 31
Mashable / 2h
You're nearly there! Tomorrow's only a day away, as the song goes, and tomorrow is Friday — celebrate by nailing your daily Wordle ! We're here for you every day with some hints and tips to help you figure out the solution. If you just want to be told today's answer, you can jump to the end of this article for August 31's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep readi


Feds investigate Tesla’s use of funds for secret ‘glass house’ project
TechCrunch / 5h
Manhattan federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission are separately investigating the use of Tesla funds to bankroll a secret project that is described internally as a glass house for CEO Elon Musk, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal that cites people familiar with the matter. WSJ reported in July that […]


Today’s Connections Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, August 31
Lifehacker / 5h
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Thursday, August 31, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Beware, there are spoilers below for August 31, NYT Connections #81! Scroll to the end if you want some hints (and then the answer) to… Read more...


Google AI-powered search gets better at citing its sources
Mashable / 5h
If you're one of the lucky ones with access to Google Search Labs, from now on you'll notice that its generative AI search tool looks a little different. As of Thursday, Search Generative Experience , or SGE for short, now includes reference links directly within the AI-generated response. SEE ALSO: Google Chrome will use generative AI to summarize articles Previously, if you wanted to know where


Google is pushing its AI-powered search on India and Japan next
Engadget / 6h
Google has been working to marry its new-found focus on generative AI with its existing expertise in search since mid-May, as part of Search Lab's Google Search Generative Experience ( SGE ) project. On Wednesday, the company announced that the SGE program is expanding beyond America's digital borders and into both the Japanese and Indian marketplaces. SGE is Google's answer to Microsoft's Bing A


Pass AI law soon or risk falling behind, MPs warn
BBC News - Technology / 6h
The commons technology committee urges new legislation for the UK to take lead on AI regulation.


Dealmaster: Labor Day discounts on Steelcase chairs, LG OLED TVs, Lenovo laptops, and more
Ars Technica - All content / 6h
(credit: Steelcase) Whether you need a new set of noise-canceling headphones to have a more pleasant commute to work or you need a more ergonomic chair for your long hours of working from home, Labor Day is a great time to pick up office gear at a discount. From Steelcase's well-reviewed office chairs to Apple AirPods and Sony's noise-canceling headphones to Lenovo laptops and LG OLED TVs, we've


Google’s AI-powered search expands outside U.S. to India and Japan
TechCrunch / 6h
Google is bringing its generative AI search experience to the first countries outside the U.S., the company announced today, starting with expansions in India and Japan. The new AI-powered search feature, also known as SGE (Search Generative Experience), will become available through Google’s Search Labs in those markets, and will introduce a new feature aimed […]


Dog autism? 37% of US dog owners buy into anti-vaccine nonsense
70Ars Technica - All content / 7h
Enlarge / A very good boy gets a check-up with a veterinarian. (credit: Getty | Arne Dedert ) The anti-vaccine rhetoric that dogged COVID-19 responses has now gone to the dogs, literally. A little more than half of surveyed dog owners—53 percent—questioned the safety, efficacy, and/or necessity of vaccinating their beloved four-legged family members. The study, published recently in the journal V


Google removes fake Signal and Telegram apps hosted on Play
IoC > 1 domain•
Ars Technica - All content / 7h
Enlarge (credit: Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Researchers on Wednesday said they found fake apps in Google Play that masqueraded as legitimate ones for the Signal and Telegram messaging platforms. The malicious apps could pull messages or other sensitive information from legitimate accounts when users took certain actions. An app with the name Signal Plus Messenger


This PhiGolf World Tour Edition Golf Simulator Is $149.99 Right Now
Lifehacker / 7h
PhiGolf is a Kickstarter-funded golf simulator that connects to your iOS or Android, mirrors your device onto a bigger screen, and includes access to thousands of virtual golf courses. Normally, PhiGolf World Tour Edition is $249, but these open-box returns cost $149.99 right now . Read more...



Quordle today - hints and answers for Thursday, August 31 (game #584)
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 7h
It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off. Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, around 18 months after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's good fun, but also difficult. What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also


TechCrunch interview: ‘Palo Alto’ author Malcolm Harris
TechCrunch / 7h
"I feel like if we know Elon Musk’s name in a hundred years, that's a very, very bad sign."


The Easiest Ways to Fix Cat Scratches on Your Furniture
Lifehacker / 7h
Cats are terrifyingly destructive. Aside from their shocking effectiveness as predators, cats are also reliable chaos machines in our houses. It’s not their fault, of course—they’re animals we’ve chosen to allow inside our homes, and no cat will ever understand the inherent value of a really nice sectional in your… Read more...


Hollywood Execs Can't Stop Picking Fights With Each Other
Gizmodo / 7h
Deadline reports that Hollywood studio execs are supposed to meet tonight in order to “ get on the same page” regarding negotiations with the currently striking writing and acting guilds, presumably after the latest round of bad press surrounding the AMPTP’s failure to negotiate in good faith. Read more...


Clearblue's cheap menopause test fills a hole in the at-home health market
21Engadget / 7h
Clearblue has launched a new product that can determine what stage of menopause a person is in. The "Menopause Stage Indicator" is a urine testing device and it's the company's first for this underserved market in women's health. The Menopause Stage Indicator looks like a standard pregnancy test stick but instead of measuring urine for pregnancy hormones, it will look for follicle-stimulating hor


FastestVPN Is $30 Right Now
Lifehacker / 8h
Whether you want to protect your browsing activity or unblock region-locked content on your streaming services, you should have a VPN, and FastestVPN is on sale for $29.97 right now (reg. $360). Read more...


'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for August 31, 2023
Mashable / 8h
If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need. What is Quordle ? Quordle is a five-letter word guessing gam


9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly
65The Points Guy / 8h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. When it comes to travel, you have a lot of options. You can book directly through the website of an airline, hotel, rental car company or other travel provider. You can also use online travel agencies like Expedia or Skyscanner. And many banks offer their own portals, such as Capital One Travel and Chase Trave


New Samsung Food app can help you master the art of cooking right at home
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 8h
Samsung is stepping into the kitchen as it launches its new “AI-powered food and recipe platform” – the aptly named Samsung Food. The app isn’t completely new as it draws much of its information from the “extensive database of Whisk, a smart food [company]” bought by Samsung NEXT back in 2019 . Utilizing Whisk’s Food AI tech, however, Samsung Food acts as a personal assistant of sorts by helping


Star Trek: Prodigy's Producer Has Hopes the Show Could Go on for More Seasons
Gizmodo / 8h
The unfortunate removal of Star Trek: Prodigy from Paramount+ earlier this year hasn’t been a killing blow for the team on the animated series, who continue to work on finishing the previously greenlit season two in the hopes that the show can find a home elsewhere. But what then? It’s not necessarily the end of the… Read more...


What Your Boredom at Work Is Actually Telling You
Lifehacker / 8h
We’ve all been bored at some point during the work day—work isn’t meant to be mentally stimulating for every moment. Whether we’re bored routinely during a certain time of day or with our career in general , boredom is a common workplace experience. It’s a common life experience—so why shouldn’t the same be true at… Read more...


Thorny AI ownership questions have Copyright Office seeking public input
49Ars Technica - All content / 8h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images ) On Wednesday, the US Copyright Office began seeking public comment on issues surrounding generative AI systems and copyright. The public comment period, which starts on August 30, aims to explore the complex intersection of AI technology with copyright laws, and it closes on November 15. The comments could inform how the agency decides to grant copyrights in the fu


Sennheiser's Ambeo Soundbar Mini crams 3D audio in a Beam-like design
Engadget / 8h
When Sennheiser debuted the original Ambeo Soundbar in 2019, it was the company's only living room speaker to carry its immersive audio tech. It was also very expensive at $2,500. That model, now dubbed the Ambeo Soundbar Max, is still $2,000 and its big sonic chops come in a massively large package. Last year, Sennheiser revealed the Ambeo Soundbar Plus : a $1,500 option that carried much of wha


Sennheiser's Minimalist AMEBO Soundbar Mini Promises Big Bass
How-To Geek / 8h
Sennheiser's popular AMEBO Soundbar Plus is now available in a compact form factor. The AMEBO Soundbar Mini measures just 27.5 inches wide and does not include a subwoofer, but it promises deep bass, robust spatial audio support, and convenient music streaming over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's available today for $800—yeah, more expensive than the average compact soundbar, but a reasonable price for


YouTube star KSI shares how little he's made from X monetization
Mashable / 8h
Elon Musk has said that he wants X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to be the "best platform for creators." In hopes of doing just that, Musk's platform has rolled out features like Subscriptions for creators and, most recently, a creator monetization program. The monetization program has especially piqued creators' interests. Last month, a number of X users who are part of the monetizati


Ransomware hackers target major Citrix NetScaler flaw
Exploitation for Client Execution (Enterprise T1203)•
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 9h
Cybersecurity researchers from Sophos have discovered a new hacking campaign in which the threat actors leveraged a known vulnerability to conduct domain-wide attacks. According to the researchers’ report , a group called 'STAC4663' managed to exploit CVE-2023-3519 to infiltrate vulnerable systems and deploy all sorts of malicious software. The exploit is a remote code execution vulnerability dis


These Are the Best Online Flashcard Tools
Lifehacker / 9h
Making your own flashcards can be tedious, but they’re such a great study tool that it would be a shame to let that stop you from using them. Although there are major retention benefits to writing information down by hand , busy learners don’t always have time—so here are some great online options for making and using… Read more...


The mechanical keyboard that runs on Game Boy cartridge shells
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / FlatFootFox's TypeBoy with TypePaks installed. (credit: TheStuChef/Reddit ) There's nothing like that burst of anticipation when first sliding a game cartridge into its slot. Who would've thought someone would ever bring that nostalgic, uniquely tactile experience to a wireless mechanical keyboard? Meet FlatFootFox's TypeBoy . With a name ostensibly nodding at the Game Boy, the wireless


Sony wants up to $40 more per year for PlayStation Plus subscriptions
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge (credit: Sony) In a blog post announcing its latest monthly PlayStation Plus games, like sandbox playground Saints Row and 1980s mecha co-op shooter Generation Zero, a Sony director "also wanted to let you know that starting September 6, we will be increasing the price for PlayStation Plus 12-month subscriptions," across all levels. The move comes just two months after Microsoft similarly


What to expect from the iPhone 15 and more on September 12
Ars Technica - All content / 9h
Enlarge / This is the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple's Cupertino campus, where the iPhone event on September 12 is likely to be hosted. Granted, it will probably be a pre-recorded video. (credit: Samuel Axon ) Together, the iPhone and Apple Watch account for more than half of Apple's business—and those two product lines get updated like clockwork every year around September. The cat is already out o



HURRY: Business Class Awards To India Wide Open Every Day On United
62View from the Wing / 9h
United Airlines award space is wide open between the U.S. and India. You can fly out of San Francisco, Chicago, or Newark (or, potentially, connect to one of those cities) and on to Delhi with some availability to Mumbai as well. You'll find at least two business class seats every day through the end of the schedule. Continue reading ...


Cryofacials, massages and custom Ralph Lauren merchandise: My experience with American Express at the US Open
The Points Guy / 9h
It’s the last week of August, so tennis fans and celebrities alike are flocking to New York City for the one and only U.S. Open Tennis Championship from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10. American Express is back with its flagship Centurion Lounge experience , celebrating the Centurion Lounge® Network’s 10-year anniversary. It offers perks for cardholders and tennis fans at the USTA Billie Jean King National T


These Are the Best Labor Day Deals on TVs
Lifehacker / 9h
Labor Day is not until Monday, but deals for tech and large appliances are in full swing. One particularly good opportunity to take advantage of during the lead-up to Labor Day are TV sales: You can find some deals of up to 50% off right now. Read more...


American Airlines Passenger Threatens To Make Life Miserable For Anyone Who Reclines Their Seat
30View from the Wing / 9h
An aggressive passenger in the American Airlines forum on Reddit declares that (1) passengers should not recline their seats, and (2) seats should not recline. Calling seat recliners “entitled,” the passenger says that if a passenger in front of them reclines they’ll “tug on” their seat and “do whatever I can to make yo[ur] trip miserable.” And since this is a commonly-held view, it seems to be o


Paper Straws Are Actually Worse Than Plastic Ones, Scientists Say
Futurism / 9h
Short Straw When you use a paper straw for drinks, you might think you're being a conscientious citizen of Planet Earth. If so, bad news: a team of scientists say paper straws have more harmful forever chemicals than plastic ones, and at higher concentrations. Well, at least we tried. Scientists in Belgium discovered that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or the PFAS known as "forever chemical


Watch a Clip from Jennifer Reeder's Feminist Horror Noir Perpetrator
Gizmodo / 9h
Read more...


How to save hundreds on airfare with Amex’s International Airline Program
48The Points Guy / 9h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information. The American Express International Airline Program is a lesser-known benefit for cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion Card from American Express . The IAP has undergone positive changes in recent years, making it more acces


Generative AI startup AI21 Labs lands $155M at a $1.4B valuation
28TechCrunch / 9h
AI21 Labs, a Tel Aviv-based startup developing a range of text-generating AI tools, has raised $155 million in a Series C funding round led by Walden Catalyst, Pitango, SCB10X, b2venture, Samsung Next and Amnon Shashua, the founder of Intel-owned Mobileye and an AI21 Labs co-founder. Google and Nvidia also participated. The tranche, which brings AI21 […]


How to Use Vanish Mode on Instagram
Lifehacker / 10h
If you’re worried about someone opening your Instagram app and perusing your private DMs, there’s an easy way to make sure they’ll only find a blank screen: vanish mode. Read more...


Sony Hikes PlayStation Plus Prices by as Much as $40 Annually
48Gizmodo / 10h
Sony is hiking its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription cost by $40 starting next month, the company announced on Wednesday. The price adjustment will apply across all tiers under the 12-month subscription and will take effect in all countries where PlayStation Plus is available. Read more...


Hasbro Assembles 8 New Marvel Legends Figures Inspired by the Infinity Saga
Gizmodo / 10h
Do you have enough Marvel heroes on your toy shelf? Do you need additional renderings of Black Widow , Bruce Banner, Captain America , War Machine, Spider-Man, Thor, and possibly two more Iron Man armors? The Hasbro Marvel Legends series has got you covered, with a new release featuring all of the above. Read more...


That 30-slide deck won’t cut it anymore
21TechCrunch / 10h
Founders are ditching the narratives around purpose, problem and solutions.


Baidu opens up its ERNIE generative AI to the public
31Engadget / 10h
Another ChatGPT rival is out in the wild. Baidu has made ERNIE Bot , its generative AI product and large language model, generally available to the public through various app stores and its website . Alongside ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration), the company plans to release a string of AI apps it says will allow folks "to fully experience the four core abilities of gene


AI Startups Are Already Running Into Some Serious Problems
69Futurism / 10h
Red Flags Less than a year into the AI boom and startups are already grappling with what may become an industry reckoning. Take Jasper, a buzzy AI startup that raised $125 million for a valuation of $1.5 billion last year — before laying off staff with a gloomy note from its CEO this summer. Now, in a provocative new story , the Wall Street Journal fleshes out where the cracks are starting to for


Microsoft 365 Mobile Apps Are Adding Widgets and a "Clipper"
How-To Geek / 10h
Microsoft used to have its suite of productivity apps mostly scattered across multiple apps on smartphones, but recently, it has sought to integrate it all under a single, unified Microsoft 365 app. Not only does that app give you access to the mobile versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but it's also a one-stop-shop for all things productivity on Microsoft's ecosystem, which also means it oc


All the Netflix Original Movies Coming This Fall
Lifehacker / 10h
Netflix has released its fall line-up of original movies, and there’s a little something for everyone: These movies run the gamut from family-friendly animated comedies to dark and disturbing thrillers and documentaries. Big-name actors like Mahershala Ali, Julia Roberts, Colman Domingo, and Emily Blunt all show up,… Read more...


Substack introduces new AI-powered audio transcription tools
TechCrunch / 10h
Substack is introducing new AI-powered tools that are designed to make podcasting on the platform easier, the company announced on Wednesday. With these new tools, users can easily generate transcripts and audiograms. Users can now use an AI tool to create a transcript of their podcast episode or narration in about a minute. Once you […]


NYC subway security flaw makes it possible to track riders’ journeys
100+Engadget / 10h
The contactless payment system for New York City’s subways has a security hole. Anyone with access to someone’s credit card number can see when and where they entered the city’s underground transit during the last seven days. The problem lies in a “feature” on the website for OMNY, the tap-to-pay system for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which allows you to view your recent ride


Google sets its Pixel 8 announcement event for Oct. 4
Mashable / 10h
Google Pixel fans , mark your calendars and start setting aside cash now. On Wednesday, Google sent out invites to the media for its next Made By Google event, which is set for 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 4 in New York City. The invite isn't especially specific, but it does promise to "introduce the latest additions to our Pixel portfolio of devices." In other words, this is where we'll hear about the Pix


Meta Quest 3 may have the ability to turn any table into your personal VR keyboard
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently took to Instagram to preview a potential virtual keyboard feature for Quest headsets. Posted on his official account, the short clip shows Zuckerberg and Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth typing away on a VR keyboard while wearing a Quest 2 headset. The device was able to accurately track their finger movements and display what they were writing on screen without requirin



Google wants to use generative AI to boost its security tools
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 10h
Google is integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) into a couple of its security products, to give the tools a boost and make them easier to use. At its recent Google Cloud Next 23 event, the company announced its Duet AI will make its way to Mandiant Threat Intelligence, Chronicle Security Operations, and Security Command Center. Google’s head of UX for cloud security, Steph Hay, expl


Where tennis isn’t even the main event: A review of the Chase Lounge and Terrace at the US Open
The Points Guy / 10h
It has become a big tradition at the U.S. Open in Queens, New York: Chase has been operating an exclusive lounge at the Flushing Meadows venue for 12 years now. For the second year in a row, Chase also brought back an outdoor terrace where you can watch tennis with a bird’s-eye view of the courts and sip a cocktail in style. There’s also a cool Chase ATM dispensing swag, a photo-op for tennis fan


Screenly makes it easier to build interactive apps for its digital signage platform
TechCrunch / 11h
Screenly has long offered developers ways to build applications for the kiosks and checkout systems that use its Screenly Box hardware (or a Raspberry Pi, for the DIY crowd). Its customers include the likes of Amazon, NASA and Lowe’s. Today, it’s taking a next step in making it easier for developers to build applications for […]


Use Hard-Boiled Eggs to Keep Your Hollandaise From Breaking
Lifehacker / 11h
Hollandaise sauce is a pillar in the condiment community (along with its fellow mother sauces ) but it can be intimidating to make. The classic method requires specific timing, specialized equipment (do I own a double boiler?), and it’s all too easy to break. Well, I’ve done some breaking of my own–breaking the rules,… Read more...


Ask Sophie: What’s the wait time for EB-2 and EB-1 green card categories for those born in India?
TechCrunch / 11h
Back in 2018, the Cato Institute estimated it would take 151 years for a person born in India to get a green card in the EB-2 category.


War Sparks a Need to Flee ASAP in This Exclusive Excerpt From Kalyna the Cutthroat
Gizmodo / 11h
Elijah Kinch Spector’s sequel to debut fantasy adventure Kalyna the Soothsayer is on the way, and from the title alone— Kalyna the Cutthroat —you can tell things have shifted a bit for the central character. The book ’s not out until late 2024, but io9 has the cover reveal and an exclusive excerpt from Kalyna the … Read more...


Chinese ChatGPT alternatives just got approved for the general public
30MIT Technology Review / 11h
On Wednesday, Baidu, one of China’s leading artificial-intelligence companies, announced it would open up access to its ChatGPT-like large language model, Ernie Bot, to the general public. It’s been a long time coming. Launched in mid-March , Ernie Bot was the first Chinese ChatGPT rival. Since then, many Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba and ByteDance, have followed suit and released the


Firefly and Millennium enter ‘hot standby phase’ for high-stakes Space Force mission
TechCrunch / 11h
The clock is ticking for Firefly Aerospace and Millennium Space Systems, with the two companies announcing today that they have entered the “hot standby phase” for an orbital mission for the U.S. Space Force. The exact launch date of the Victus Nox mission, Firefly’s third mission using the Alpha rocket, is unknown. This is by […]


Tesla in Big Trouble Over "Elon Mode" That Turns Off Autopilot Safety Features
45Futurism / 11h
Elon Mode The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered Tesla to hand over any data it has about a hidden configuration of its Autopilot driver assistance feature dubbed "Elon mode ," which shuts off the alert noises — or "nags" — that prompt drivers to periodically engage the steering wheel to show they're still paying attention the road. As Bloomberg reports , the NHTSA sent


Google Announces October 4th 'Made by Google' Event With Expected Pixel 8 Launch
Gizmodo / 11h
Not one to let Apple hog the buzz of phone launch season, Google declared Wednesday it’s planning to host its own big phone announcement extravaganza soon. Called “Made By Google,” the event will include a livestream keynote where the company is expected to unveil its Pixel 8, the Pixel Watch 2, and more hardware. Read more...


Google Chat now plays nice with Slack and Microsoft Teams
21Engadget / 11h
Google has been busy making a bunch of announcements for its cloud-based productivity apps this week, largely centered on Duet AI integration . There are some other helpful updates on the way to several apps, including Google Chat. A feature is now available in beta on several Workspace plans (with full availability on the roadmap for early next year) that allows for messaging interoperability be


Savor the complete SaaS Stage agenda at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023
TechCrunch / 11h
Software as a service (SaaS) is an ever-evolving industry, especially now with AI changing the software landscape yet again. It’s why we dedicated a day and a stage to the topic at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023. We teased some of the programming a few weeks back, and today we’re excited to announce that the SaaS Stage […]


Cottage Cheese Protein-Popsicles Are Actually Pretty Great
25Lifehacker / 11h
There’s no denying that making ice cream out of cottage cheese has found its place in the TikTok sun . You can’t beat having your protein packed cheese snack as a frozen dessert, but calling something “ice cream” comes with expectations. Expectations that are hard to meet without egg yolks and heavy cream. Instead of… Read more...


Now live: Capital One’s Lifestyle Collection for hotels
The Points Guy / 11h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Capital One launched its first luxury hotel program — the Premier Collection — in January, joining the ranks of well-established hotel programs by American Express , Chase and Citi . Now, another new hotel program from Capital One Travel has gone live: the Lifestyle Collection. This new collection is open to a broade


Super blue moon: When and how to see it
60Mashable / 11h
Did you just hear there's a super blue moon? Are you frantically trying to glimpse it as if it's some kind of legendary Pokémon ? Breathe. The super blue moon, which will be visible starting at 9:36 p.m. ET on Wednesday, is probably not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and also it's just the moon . But looking at the night sky is always worth it ( as long as you're somewhere with a nice view ),


Booze Might Not Give Men 'Beer Goggles' After All, Small Study Finds
22Gizmodo / 11h
Alcohol’s effect on men’s dating attitudes might be more complicated than we think, new research this week suggests. The small study found that young men’s perception of a woman’s attractiveness didn’t change once they started drinking. But, when under the influence, the men did become more willing to try meeting… Read more...


FCC says “too bad” to ISPs complaining that listing every fee is too hard
100+Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | imagedepotpro) The Federal Communications Commission yesterday rejected requests to eliminate an upcoming requirement that Internet service providers list all of their monthly fees. Five major trade groups representing US broadband providers petitioned the FCC in January to scrap the requirement before it takes effect. In June, Comcast told the FCC that the listing


NASA officials sound alarm over future of the Deep Space Network
67Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge / NASA has three Deep Space Network stations in California, Spain, and Australia, collectively tracking dozens of space missions. (credit: NASA/Bill Ingall's ) NASA officials sounded an alarm Tuesday about the agency's Deep Space Network, a collection of antennas in California, Spain, and Australia used to maintain contact with missions scattered across the Solar System. Everything from N


OpenAI disputes authors’ claims that every ChatGPT response is a derivative work
28Ars Technica - All content / 12h
The Bedwetter Enlarge / Sarah Silverman attends The Bedwetter book signing at the Barnes and Noble Union Square in New York City. (credit: Lars Niki / Contributor | Corbis Entertainment ) This week, OpenAI finally responded to a pair of nearly identical class-action lawsuits from book authors —including Sarah Silverman, Paul Tremblay, Mona Awad, Chris Golden, and Richard Kadrey—who earlier this s


Barracuda thought it drove 0-day hackers out of customers’ networks. It was wrong.
Process Injection (Enterprise T1055)•
23Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge (credit: Steve McDowell / Agefotostock ) In late May, researchers drove out a team of China state hackers who over the previous seven months had exploited a critical vulnerability that gave them backdoors into the networks of a who’s who of sensitive organizations. Barracuda, the security vendor whose Email Security Gateway was being exploited, had deployed a patch starting on May 18, and



Microsoft-signed “BGAUpsell.exe” pushes Bing on Windows and Chrome users
26Ars Technica - All content / 12h
Enlarge / A new kind of Bing pop-up appears for some Windows 11 users, apparently generated by a Microsoft-signed executable separate from the OS's notification system. (credit: The Verge ) In July, Microsoft began to let web browsers other than Microsoft Edge access and use its AI-powered Bing Chat service . This is unsurprising and not a big deal in and of itself. Microsoft has been pushing its


Speedrunning charity event Awesome Games Done Quick returns in January
Engadget / 12h
The annual Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) speedrunning charity gaming event is returning in January. It’s going to be an in-person affair once again, the first time since COVID. It all takes place in Pittsburgh at the Wyndham Hotel from January 14th to the 21st. Despite the change to an in-person format, you’ll be able to stream the festivities via the Games Done Quick Twitch channel. For the un


American Airlines Flight Attendants Vote To Authorize Strike
500+One Mile at a Time / 12h
Airline demand has recovered very nicely post-pandemic, as airlines are largely reporting record revenue. This success is a bit of a double-edged sword for airlines, as many labor groups are also looking for huge raises. American Airlines and its pilots union have ratified a new contract , which came several weeks after pilots voted to authorize a strike . While that’s progress, American’s bigges


Doctor Who Finally Confirms Its Mystery New Rose's Familial Connection
69Gizmodo / 12h
Ever since Doctor Who teased the arrival of someone else named Rose in the world of adventures of time and space, fans have been speculating about who she really is. And while it’s not quite the child of the Bad Wolf just yet, it’s still nice to learn a little more about her. Read more...


American Airlines Imposes Cuts On Elite Status Membership Kits
27View from the Wing / 12h
The membership card has been dropped, luggage tags reduced by half, and employee recognition certificates ended as part of these kits. They're just a cheaper self-mailer with less personalization and at lower cost. Continue reading ...


Use the Leitner System to Study More Effectively
20Lifehacker / 12h
Diversifying your studying techniques is a great way to keep yourself more engaged as you learn new information—so try the Leitner system next time you tackle a new subject. This memory-enhancing method is best for when you have a substantial amount of time to learn your material, so don’t use it for cramming, but do… Read more...


12 credit cards that can get you $1,000 or more in 1st-year value
400+The Points Guy / 12h
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Many credit card newbies are skeptical of anything with an annual fee. It’s a valid question to ask: Why pay money to use a card when there are so many options without annual fees ? The truth is that most rewards cards with annual fees provide far more value than they charge, assuming you use the benefits.


View of a 1968 Dodge Charger coupe. Printed on front: “1968 Dodge Charger. From: Dodge Public…
Music, Arts & Literature / 12h
View of a 1968 Dodge Charger coupe. Printed on front: “1968 Dodge Charger. From: Dodge Public Relations, P.O. Box 1259, Detroit, Michigan 48231. For release on or after 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 30, 1967. (68-11-RP). Dodge news photo.” National Automotive History Collection, Detroit Public Library


Meta Quest 3 firmware leak reveals big depth mapping upgrade
TechRadar - All the latest technology ne... / 12h
All the signs are that Meta is going to fully unveil the Meta Quest 3 , and give us an on sale date, at its special event on September 27. Until then, we're learning more about the device through leaks – such as the latest one that reveals its depth mapping capabilities. In a clip dug out of the Meta Quest 3 firmware and posted to Reddit (via user Samulia and UploadVR ), we see a short animation


How to Download YouTube Videos on an iPhone
21Lifehacker / 12h
Sure, you can watch YouTube videos on your iPhone anywhere you have an internet connection—but we’re not always connected. If you want an opportunity to watch your favorite YouTube clips without worrying about your wifi or cell signal, there are two easy methods to download them to your iPhone right now. Read more...


Smoking Cigarettes Appears to Cause Mental Illness, Scientists Say, But With a Catch
Futurism / 12h
The link between smoking cigarettes and mental illness is well-established , but scientists have long pondered which causes which. Now, using health data from more than 350,000 people, geneticists out of Denmark's Aarhus University have found significant evidence that smoking cigarettes can actually lead to mental disorders — a longstanding point of contention among researchers who have struggled


Cops Say They Won’t Ticket Elon Musk for Driving While on the Phone
Futurism / 12h
Breaking the Law In spite of flagrantly breaking state law , Elon Musk won't be fined by local police for his live-streamed self-driving stunt. The captain of the Palo Alto Police Department told The Verge that because none of his officers personally witnessed the incident — which involved Musk not only filming himself while operating a Tesla in a new version of so-called full self-driving (FSD)


A ‘people-first’ view of the AI economy
TechCrunch / 12h
We have customized our 'people-first' framework to apply to AI companies and are using it to guide our investment decisions.


[ENDING] Citi AAdvantage Executive Card 100,000 Mile Bonus Offer Is Here
View from the Wing / 12h
To promote changes to the card they have a 100,000 mile initial bonus for a limited time (after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months of account opening). That makes getting the card in the first year an absolute no brainer, since at a value of 1.3 cents per mile that's worth $1,300. Continue reading ...


Instagram is internally testing the ability to create Reels up to 10 minutes long
TechCrunch / 12h
Instagram is internally testing the ability to create Reels that are up to 10 minutes in length, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday. The social media giant says it is not testing the capability externally. The feature was first uncovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared screenshots of the internal prototype on X. […]


Google's Pixel 8 Event Now Has a Date
How-To Geek / 12h
One day after Apple announced its iPhone 15 launch event , Google decided to do the same. The search giant is officially sending out invites where it'll unveil the new Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, likely a Pixel Watch 2, and more at an event on October 4th, 2023.


Ahsoka's Third Episode Packed in Lots of Action and Even More Mythology
58Gizmodo / 12h
On Star Wars Rebels , Sabine Wren never gave off strong Jedi vibes. She occasionally used a lightsaber, and she was incredibly badass, but there was never any indication she was Force-sensitive. It was a piece of information that felt at odds with the revelation of her becoming the apprentice of Ahsoka Tano on Ahsoka .… Read more...


Vivaldi Browser Just Got Even Faster
How-To Geek / 12h
The Vivaldi web browser is already one of the most feature-packed web browsers around, and it keeps getting even better. Several updates this year improved media playback features and added workspaces, on top of the full-featured email client that was added over a year ago. While Vivaldi is making plans for an iPhone version of the browser (it's already on Android phones and tablets), the company


Perplexing Pulsar ‘Switching’ Behavior Finally Deciphered by Astronomers
24Gizmodo / 12h
A rapidly spinning dead star’s wacky fluctuations in brightness are due to the extreme environment surrounding the object, according to a team of astronomers who observed it. Read more...


Unmasking Trickbot, One of the World’s Top Cybercrime Gangs
34Wired / 12h
A WIRED investigation into a cache of documents posted by an unknown figure lays bare the Trickbot ransomware gang’s secrets, including the identity of a central member.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

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No Agenda Show 1586

Restore HUAC and End Insanity
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Tomorrow's show is the last show of August, traditionally the slowest month of the year in competition with July. People have lives and go on vacation Some even abandon the show (gasp!). Let's wrap August with a tidal wave of support.

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Tomorrow's Show

All sorts of weird machinations are taking place in the world of politics. These recall a phenomenon from the 1950's when Communist influence in the USA was making its last attempts at becoming the major influence in government, entertainment, news coverage, and culture in the country.

This was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). This committee was established in 1938 and was abolished in 1975 reaching its nadir in the 1950's. Primarily designed to stamp out the influence of Marxism combined with anti-American self-hatred as a dangerous influence in society.

It was a powerful group and eventually certain abuses hurt its credibility. It's association with other anti-Communist investigations, namely the hearings and investigation by Joe McCarthy in the Senate did not help its reputation. This is despite the fact that McCarthy had nothing to do with HUAC.

In hindsight, and seeing what is going on today, demands rethinking the decision to end that committee. There are literal anti-Americans wielding great power in all segments of society, especially government, the media and academic arenas. Individuals proudly announce they are Communists in today's society. Think about that for a minute. It's quite remarkable.

It really must be stopped unless you want to just give up and become an anti-capitalist Marxist nation. And note, most of what is going on today – especially the American educators teaching increased hatred of our history-- coincides with the shuttering of HUAC.

Meanwhile, California is concerned about protecting the lesser castes in the hierarchies of Indian society with the passage of an anti-caste discrimination bill, Forget about fixing potholes which are thematic throughout the state, let's do this instead. Cripes.

"Nancy" cartoon fromthe 1950's with anti-communist theme.

The Trump Mugshot Memes

 

Trump mugshot meme. Trumpmade up to look like a whore.
Trump mugshot meme. Trump cpmpared to some evil villain.
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Trump mugshot meme. Mugshot turned into Presidential portrait.
Trump mugshot meme. Trump replaced by Jow Biden eating Ice Cream.
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Hypocrite of the Week
Hypocrite Julia Horowitz. She first says Joe Biden has nothing to do with rising gas prices, the thanks him when prices go down.
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