Saturday, 31 July 2021
This powerful VPN provides access to special servers designed for streaming
SAVE 82%: A three-year subscription to CyberGhost VPN is on sale for £1.99 per month as of Aug. 1, and includes an extra three months for free.
CyberGhost VPN is offering one of the standout deals from the world of cybersecurity, with a three-year subscription available for just £1.99 a month as of Aug. 2. This deal saves you a massive 82% on list price, and even includes an extra three months of protection for free.
So that's a pretty convincing reason to try CyberGhost VPN, but what else? CyberGhost VPN is one of the most popular services out there, with decent connection speeds, powerful encryption, and much more. It's also one of the best services for streaming.
All subscribers get access to thousands of servers located all around the world, with seven multi-logins so everyone in your home can access their favourite content at the same time. CyberGhost VPN also offers special streaming servers that streamline the process of bypassing content restrictions to unlock extra content on sites like Netflix and Prime Video.
If all of that wasn't enough to convince you, every CyberGhost VPN plan comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
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Manage your brand online with this Shopify store creation course bundle
TL;DR: The Complete Shopify Store Creation Course Bundle is on sale for £17.90 as of Aug. 1, saving you 98% on list price.
Whether you’ve already made a name for yourself as a brick-and-mortar brand or you’re building something brand new from the ground up, Shopify makes the process of building and managing an online store very doable. You’re sure to have some questions along the way, though, which is where this Shopify Store Creation Guide comes in handy.
For just £17.90, this 48-hour guide includes what you need to know about the Shopify platform — from navigating the layout to designing your website from scratch. Beyond just making it look visually pleasing, you’ll also learn how to make your site user-friendly and SEO-friendly.
The courses are taught by instructors like Yassin Marco, a specialist in online business creation; Bryan Guerra, a digital marketing and ecommerce guru; Jono Farrington, a Shopify SEO expert; and Leon Chaudhari, an entrepreneur who dabbles in just about everything.
This Shopify guide is valued at £1,002.. But for a limited time, you can get lifetime access to all seven courses for only £17.90.
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Build the video game of your dreams with this online training bundle
TL;DR: The 2021 Premium Unity Game Developer Certification Bundle is on sale for £14.41 as of Aug. 1, saving you 99% on list price.
Last year might’ve sucked big time, but it was actually a great year for gaming. A couple shiny new consoles came out, as well as a treasure trove of new games. Major studios had some big releases, but the biggest standouts of the year were the indie gems.
In fact, Among Us, a charming indie party game of teamwork and betrayal, ranked high on many lists as one of the best games of 2020. It held its own among major studio hits and was even labeled one of the best comfort-food games of the year. And, guess what: It was made in a tiny development studio in Washington on none other than the Unity engine — a platform even non-coders can build games on.
With this Unity Game Developer Bundle, you have the potential to create the next Among Us. It features 17 courses and 146 hours of training on both Unity and Blender and is led mostly by John Bura. Bura’s contributed to 40 commercial games — several of which have risen to number one in the App Store. He’s also the owner of gaming studio Mammoth Interactive and even recently sold a game to Nickelodeon. With his instruction, you’ll be on your way to creating your dream game in no time.
The training itself is based on a learning-by-doing structure. That means, as you work your way through each course, you’ll actually create a game that mirrors the concepts you learned. For example, you’ll make a platform shooter game with pixel art, an AR block builder game, your own Battle Royale game, and even a 3D Super Mario clone. By the end, you’ll even learn how to monetise games and design your own completely from scratch.
While it's valued at well over £2,000, you can virtually enroll in this Unity training for only £14.41 for a limited time.
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Secure your online world for under £2 a month with Private Internet Access
SAVE 83%: A three-year subscription to Private Internet Access is on sale for £1.71 per month as of Aug. 1, and includes an extra two months for free.
Cybersecurity is no joke, and that's why you need a VPN that doesn't mess around. Private Internet Access is a serious online security service that offers powerful protection for your data and identity.
A three-year subscription to Private Internet Access is on sale for £1.71 per month as of Aug. 1, saving you 83% on list price. That's a massive discount, but it gets better. This plan also includes an extra two months for free, and is fully refundable for 30 days.
All subscribers get fast connection speeds, around the clock customer support, and access to secure servers in 78 countries. Private Internet Access also has dedicated apps for all major operating systems, and lets you connect 10 devices simultaneously. That means you get protection for all your smartphones, computers, and routers with one account.
Save 83% on powerful protection for all your devices with Private Internet Access.
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Best VoIP for small business owners — whether you're WFH or not
Small businesses have to find ways to compete with the big box stores and companies with more resources and recognition. The best way is to stand out by developing a reputation for reliability and top-notch service. One of the keys to achieving that is by always being available and easy for your clients and customers to contact. There's a secret weapon that small businesses can utilize to stay connected: VoIP.
An excellent VoIP service (it stands for voice over internet protocol, in case you were wondering) goes a long way to making this possible while keeping costs low.
So what is a VoIP, exactly?
Think of it like using FaceTime or Skype but as a professional service, or as a souped-up and internet-connected version of your standard landline connection. Everything businesses need from their phone system, VoIP can do better — and often cheaper.
But, how do you know what to look for when seeking out a great VoIP service for your small business? Don't worry. We've got you covered with a look at the best VoIPs for every kind of small business and every budgetary need.
Why does your small business need a VoIP service?
When it comes to running your business, there is perhaps nothing more fundamental to the operation than communication, from organizing your team to getting in touch with customers and clients. VoIP services provide an enhanced version of what you'd expect from a standard business phone provider. A VoIP service gives you crystal clear phone calls and video calls because you're connected to the internet and have a digital connection that can transmit more data at faster speeds. Even better, you can typically get service from a VoIP provider at a lower price than a landline service.
That makes it ideal simply if you're trying to communicate with other employees remotely, but it also offers so much more. Many VoIP providers offer services for small businesses will give you toll-free numbers, automatic call recording, and even features like a switchboard feature or virtual receptionist assistant. All these capabilities make your business seem more professional to potential clients, as well as help you organize your work practices more effectively.
Why VoIP is ideal for the remote workplace
We already covered call quality and some of the additional features that you can get from a VoIP service, but there are other benefits as well. Key among them is the fact that VoIP systems can integrate seamlessly into your existing workflow. That is a big deal. Anyone who has ever been a part of an office that tries to switch over their CRM software knows just how big of a disruption it can be. VoIP services often offer options that allow you to use it with your existing software without any interruption.
It’s also the ideal tool for the modern workplace. As more and more companies are going remote — or staying remote after the pandemic — staying in touch with your team is as important as ever. So is making sure they have access to the tools that they need to do their job. VoIP services aren’t limited to the hard-wired connection of a landline. You’ll be able to set up conference calls and access the full suite of tools from your VoIP’s digital dashboard no matter where you’re working from.
What to look for in a small business VoIP
There are dozens of different VoIP companies out there, so it's crucial that you know what elements you most need. The smallest of small businesses may only need a cheap landline replacement and some basic collaborative features for remote workers. Still, it's likely you also want extra features, like being able to record calls or a virtual receptionist to handle multiple clients at once.
Avoid overpaying for services you don't need. If your business doesn't rely on CRMs, then you shouldn't go out of your way to find a VoIP service that includes CRM integration. Make sure your VoIP can grow with you, such as by ensuring that you can upgrade your service as you develop. It's good to have a business plan for the future.
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When selecting a VoIP, these are your best bets
We have evolved past the need for landlines. Welcome to the era of VoIP. At its simplest, a VoIP (also known as Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way of making phone calls through the internet rather than having to rely on a regular landline or your cell phone. Think of it kind of like FaceTime or Skype but typically far more advanced and specialized than those services.
While many VoIP services involve a subscription fee, don’t let the dollar signs fool you: they often end up saving you money and can prove to be cheaper than using a standard phone line. That's particularly the case when dealing with long-distance calls or business conferences. Such services are also typically far more reliable, which is crucial for certain scenarios. And as more of the world moves online and businesses shift to more remote work, being able to stay connected and in contact anywhere is increasingly important.
Keep on reading and we'll explain all when it comes to the wonders of VoIP and take a look at the best VoIPs, no matter what your situation is.
Why are VoIPs important?
VoIPs are important for many different people. For businesses, it can be hugely beneficial to have crisp and clear calls, no matter where you're calling from. Most companies can’t settle for static and spotty signals when it comes to important conference calls and daily communications. VoIPs provide a steady connection and crystal clear call quality as long as you have an internet connection.
SEE ALSO: What the heck is a VoIP? An expert explains.
For those people with relatives around the world, they can enjoy cheap phone calls that remain high in quality and aren't dependent on anything other than a regular landline for the relative. That's particularly useful when dealing with friends or family who aren't tech-savvy. You’ll save on those international charges that can add up in a hurry and spend more time talking about what is important to you rather than doing tech support for those on the other end of the line.
In all cases, the big benefit is the reduced costs. Regular calls and international calls cost a lot over time. Businesses have the additional expense of needing to pay for features like toll-free numbers or automatic call recording. These can all come as standard with certain VoIP services.
How do VoIPs work, exactly?
VoIP systems are much simpler than you might imagine. Put simply, they are a way to make calls over your internet connection instead of your landline or mobile network.
To get a little more technical, VoIP systems let you connect to a server that allows you to place calls to other telephone networks across your internet connection. It converts your analog voice signal — the kind that is used when placing a standard phone call — into a digital signal by your VoIP service provider and transmitted over your internet connection.
The result is an experience identical to placing a call over a landline or mobile network, except the call quality is better and the cost is typically cheaper.
What to look for when buying a VoIP service
There are dozens of different VoIP services out there, so it's important to know what you are looking for and what will best serve your needs.
Think about why you are considering a VoIP service in the first place. If you're looking to call relatives at a lower price, then you don't need to worry about business features like toll-free numbers, fax, or automatic call recording. However, you do want to make sure the calls are crisp and high-quality, and voicemail features could be useful.
If you're a small business, you don't have to worry about conference call support for dozens of users, but you could probably do with some flexibility to expand the plan as your business grows. You also want to check that you can port your old number across if customers are used to that number from before.
And if you’re a larger business, you’re going to want to take a look at the full suite of features. Conference calling might become essential, especially if your workforce is becoming more remote-friendly. Fax services, as well as toll-friendly numbers and answering machine features are also likely to need some consideration.
In all cases, it's vital to know what your budget is so you can keep to it accordingly. Read on to discover our picks for the best VoIPs.
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Twitter issues cash bounty challenge for undoing 'racist' photo cropping
Twitter just issued a new challenge that will pays people to actually do some good.
As part of the hacker conference DEF CON beginning Aug. 5, Twitter has announced a challenge to the hacking/coding community to help the company make the algorithm that crops the platform's photos less (apparently) racist.
Tweet may have been deleted
For photos attached to tweets that are a larger or different shape than the thumbnail proportions, a Twitter algorithm chooses what portion of the image to show in the tweet's preview. In Sept. 2020, Twitter users pointed out that this algorithm appeared to more consistently show white faces than black faces when there was an odd-shaped image that contained both. Some described this as an instance of algorithmic bias, which is when racism intentionally or inadvertently gets baked into the decisions a computer makes.
In response, Twitter shared the way the algorithm worked, and said that it would look into the matter. But the algorithmic bias bounty program takes efforts to solve this problem a step further by financially incentivizing people to mitigate it.
Tweet may have been deleted
Bug bounties are programs companies or other groups have that reward people (often, those outside the organizations) for finding bugs in their technical infrastructure. Bug bounties often focus on finding potential security breaches, and organizations pay bug bounty hunters for alerting them to the issues.
Twitter is taking this concept and applying it to the challenge of algorithmic bias in photo cropping. It will award $3,500 to a first place winner that can identify the cause of this apparent bias, plus $1,000 each for second place, "most innovative," and "Most Generalizable (i.e., applies to the most types of algorithms)," and $500 for third place.
The challenge is a neat use of the bug bounty model: Rather than apologizing and playing defense for an instance of algorithmic bias, Twitter is saying, we want proactive help. And we'll pay.
"We want to take this work a step further by inviting and incentivizing the community to help identify potential harms of this algorithm beyond what we identified ourselves," Twitter's blog post announcing the challenge reads. "With this challenge we aim to set a precedent at Twitter, and in the industry, for proactive and collective identification of algorithmic harms."
The bounty program at this time is specific to the challenge of photo cropping. But the blog post announcing the challenge describes it as "Twitter’s first algorithmic bias bounty challenge." First, and maybe not last? Mashable has reached out to Twitter to learn whether it will launch more algorithmic bias bounties to hunt down bias in machine learning, and will update this when we hear back.
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11 best spy movies on Netflix
Spy movies offer a special brand of excitement. Dashing agents strut into high-stakes scenarios, race through exotic locations, and tumble into sexy alliances, taking audiences along for every vicarious thrill. Eye-popping gadgetry, heart-racing action sequences, and mind-bending twists are all to be expected, yet are nonetheless enthralling. Even across these standards, the spy movie can take forms dynamic, dramatic, and downright hilarious. Whatever kind of spy story you’re seeking, we’ve got something for you.
Here’s the best spy movies now on Netflix:
1. Casino Royale
For decades, Bond—James Bond—has defined the espionage thriller. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Roger Moore, Sean Connery, and Pierce Brosnan, English leading man Daniel Craig took on the role of 007 in this 2006 hit that reimagined Bond for the modern age. Directed by Martin Campbell, Casino Royale jetted audiences back to the MI6’s operative’s early days, when he was working toward achieving his license to kill. With blue eyes as steely as his demeanor, Craig made his mark on this storied franchise by hurling himself into exhilarating action, delivering sharp quips, and seducing a glamorous Bond Girl (Eva Green). Bringing added oomph to this blockbuster are supporting performances from Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, and Judi Dench. And if you want to double down, hit play on Quantum of Solace next. But be sure to do so before August 31, that’s when both will vanish.
How to watch: Casino Royale is streaming on Netflix.
2. Austin Powers
What if James Bond had zero chill? Then you’d have Austin Powers, a shag-obsessed English spy with a wild sense of style and a vintage worldview from the 1960s. Of course, so is he. In this hit 1997 action-comedy, Mike Myers stars as the titular secret agent, whose been thawed out of cryostasis to best his longtime nemesis Dr. Evil (also played by Myers). However, in the thirty years since they last faced off, the world has changed drastically, turning both hero and villain into funny fish out of water. Joining Myers in scoring laughs is a cutup cast that includes Elizabeth Hurley, Michael Yorke, Mindy Sterling, and Seth Green. Director Jay Roach plays with espionage standards, like hi-tech tools, eccentric foes, busty femme fatales, and outrageously convoluted death traps, to create a parody that’s sure to please. For bonus fun, create a DIY marathon, by following the first film with its sequels, Austin Powers The Spy Who Shagged Me and Goldmember.
How to watch: Austin Powers International Man of Mystery is streaming on Netflix.
3. The Sum of All Fears
When it comes to a steely secret agent played by a string of debonair men, the Brits have James Bond, and the Americans have Jack Ryan. Dreamed up by bestselling novelist Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan is an affable CIA agent who’s been portrayed by the likes of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Chris Pine, John Krasinski, and—in this instance—Ben Affleck. In this 2002 thriller, Ryan is an analyst, who is astoundingly intelligent but untrained for the field. However, when Neo-Nazis secretly scheme to push the US and Russia into renewed nuclear conflict, Ryan will dive in to action and political intrigue to save his nation from devastation. Director Phil Alden Robinson delivers teeth-clenching tension, which is rooted in stirring performances from an ensemble that includes Morgan Freeman, James Cromwell, Philip Baker Hall, Ciarán Hinds, and Liev Schreiber.
How to watch: The Sum of All Fears is streaming on Netflix.
4. Unknown
Is this one critically heralded? No. Still, this 2011 movie was a box office smash because it’s an action-thriller starring Liam Neeson. So, if that’s your jam, you won’t want to miss this fast-paced flick, which has horror-director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax, Orphan, The Shallows) dipping his toe into espionage. Based on a French novel by Didier Van Cauwelaert, Unknown stars Neeson as Dr. Martin Harris, who is traveling to Berlin with his picture-perfect wife (January Jones). But then a forgotten briefcase and a taxi-cab crash spins him into a bizarre new reality: his wife says she’s not his wife, and she insists he’s not Dr. Martin Harris. Chasing down the truth, this anonymous man of action uncovers deception, conspiracy, and an assassination plot…and that’s just for starters. Lacing tension, terror, action and intrigue, Collet-Serra and Neeson create a juicy thriller that delivers.
How to watch: Unknown is streaming on Netflix.
5. Red Joan
This espionage drama begins in a picturesque English garden, where a sweet old lady (Judi Dench) is pruning shrubbery when she’s abruptly arrested for treason. Flashbacks whisk us to World War II-era England, when Joan Smith (Sophie Cookson) was a bright young woman with high ideals, who strode into a world of international intrigue, torrid romance, and potential nuclear war. Inspired by Melita Norwood, an English civil servant who gave classified atomic weapons information to the KGB, Red Joan reveals a story about a complicated and controversial woman, who broke all the rules--and arguably betrayed her nation--in hopes of saving the world. Theater director Trevor Nunn guides his cast through portrayals that are restrained but riveting. But best of all are stinging sequences of spy craft, injected with a woman’s touch for diversion, from fur coats and baby carriages to men’s squeamishness over a box of sanitary napkins.
How to watch: Red Joan is streaming on Netflix.
6. The Net
This 1995 film is a wonderful and entertaining time capsule about the early days of the internet and Americans’ emerging fears about online spying. With the intensity and vulnerability that made her an A-lister, Sandra Bullock stars as a reclusive hacker who follows a mysterious glitch down a rabbit hole of conspiracy, identity theft, and a ruthless syndicate that’s wants to delete her. To best her sinister foes, she’ll have to use her computer savvy, her fast-dwindling friend list, and her wits. Pitching his protagonist out from behind the comfort zone of her computer screen, director Irwin Winkler creates a web that’s world-wide and full of threats, from Cancun beaches, to sterile retirement homes, to sprawling convention centers, and the arms of a handsome stranger (Jeremy Northam). The look of the old-school internet might cause chuckles, but the chills of this espionage thriller still hold up.
How to watch: The Net is streaming on Netflix.
7. The Snowden
Want something more harrowing than fictional speculation that something wicked lurks online? Then, check out this 2016 biopic/thriller about the eponymous American CIA subcontractor, who leaked highly classified information about how the U.S. government employed the internet to spy on its own citizens. Some believe Edward Snowden is a hero or a whistleblower. Others see him as a spy and a traitor. Oliver Stone, the heralded filmmaker behind Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, Wall Street, and JFK, has never shied away from provocative political content and he makes bold swings here. With Snowden, he brings his signature gravitas and pulls together a star-studded cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Timothy Olyphant, and Nicolas Cage. In this suspenseful offering, they declassify the personal story of the man and the myths behind the global headlines.
How to watch: Snowden is streaming on Netflix.
8. The American
This 2010 film combines elements of espionage-thriller and the Revisionist Western to create a uniquely captivating story. George Clooney stars as a contract killer looking to get out of the life…without losing his. Following a gruesome catastrophe in Sweden, his handler promises one last job in picturesque Italy. Soon, this dashing death dealer has crossed paths with a beguiling local, a patient priest, and an enigmatic assassin. Each of these blossoming relationships—for better or nerve-racking—spur him to reflect on his life, which is written in blood. Can he truly just walk away? Director Anton Corbijn brings a steamy atmosphere, sharp edge, and a hint of Hitchcockian glamor to this tense tale of hit men, deception, double-crosses, and second chances. Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli, and Johan Leysen co-star.
How to watch: The American is streaming on Netflix.
9. The Penguins of Madagascar
I spy something family-friendly! After proving stealthy scene-stealers in the Madagascar movies, 2014’s The Penguins of Madagascar gives this wacky waddle an espionage-stuffed spinoff of their own. Directors Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith crack open the origin story of how the four-penguin squad of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private came together. Then, they give these silly spies a globe-trekking mission that pits them against an ornery octopus, who is a master of disguise. Along with espionage drama standards—like lush locations, wild tech, and gonzo action—this animated romp also offers tons of laughs, working in parody, prat falls, and fart jokes with equal relish. Bringing verve to the voice cast are celebrated dramatic actors John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Peter Stormare, as well as documentarian Werner Herzog.
How to watch: Penguins of Madagascar is streaming on Netflix.
10. American Ultra
A popular trope in spy movies is the sleeper agent, a mild-mannered person who contains the muscle memory and spycraft skills of a deadly operative. In some cases, their true identity is a mystery even to themselves. That is until a cryptic code word unlocks a treasure trove of secrets. Imagine The Manchurian Candidate as a stoner comedy, and you’ll have some sense of the wacky pleasures of 2015’s American Ultra. Jesse Eisenberg stars as a hapless convenience store clerk, whose big plan is to propose to his cool girlfriend (Kristen Stewart). That is until an ambush by heavily armed foes turns on his hidden programming, revealing he’s Jason Bourne…if Jason Bourne was a pothead with anxiety issues. Director Nima Nourizadeh brings a frenzied pace, explosive action, and an intoxicating goofiness to the familiar premise of an agent gone rogue to save his girl. Connie Britton, John Leguizamo, Walton Goggins, and Topher Grace co-star.
How to watch: American Ultra is streaming on Netflix.
11. The Losers
Critics loathed this 2010 offering, writing it off for its endless stunt sequences, mindless entertainment, and abject absurdity. But sometimes all of the above is exactly what you want. Plus—despite its insulting title—this action flick is full of big names in butt-kicking, including Pacific Rim’s Idris Elba, The Walking Dead’s Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Zoe Saldana, and the MCU’s Captain America, Chris Evans. Director Sylvain White harnesses all this star power into an unhinged adaption of the Andy Diggle and Jock’s Vertigo Comic series, The Losers. This fast-paced film follows an eccentric but elite black-ops team, who must fight for their lives once they’ve been betrayed and disavowed. Their path to potential salvation involves explosive action, lots of swagger, and plenty of smirking one-liners. Simply put, it’s a perfect pick for Netflix and Veg.
How to watch: The Losers is streaming on Netflix.
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Reminder: Banned content of all kinds is still thriving on social platforms
It's a tale as old as the internet.
Social platforms like Facebook and YouTube continue rolling out content moderation tools meant to keep harmful content like hate speech, misinformation, and incitements to violence off their platforms. Reports show that users keep successfully posting terrible stuff anyway.
The latest example concerns anti-semitic content. There is a rise in anti-semitism around the world, and that's translating to (and fueled by) posts on social media.
As reported by the New York Times, two new studies — from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, and the Anti-Defamation League, respectively — show that social platforms including Facebook (and Instagram), Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, TikTok, and Roblox (yes, even Roblox) remove only a small percentage of content the organizations reported as anti-semitic.
Specifically, the Center for Countering Digital Hate reports that Facebook removed just over 10 percent of the "hundreds" of pieces of content the researchers reported, while Twitter acted on around 11 percent. YouTube responded to 21 percent, and TikTok acted on 18 percent.
The ADL's report had similar findings, though Twitter fared better. It assigned grades to platforms based on their responsiveness to reports on hate speech. Twitter got a B- (congrats!), Facebook and TikTok received C- grades, and Roblox got a dismal D.
The director of the ADL summed up the findings appropriately for the Times: The results are depressing, but unsurprising.
That's because these reports are just the latest examples of how users keep successfully publishing content that social platforms say they prohibit, with objectionable content running the gamut from hate speech to Covid-19 misinformation to incitements to violence.
In late July, The Washington Post reported on studies that showed how anti-COVID vaccine propaganda and misinformation easily flourished on Facebook and YouTube. Countering this sort of content has been a priority for social platforms, but the content President Biden described as "killing people" is still thriving.
In April, BuzzFeed News shared the results of an internal Facebook report that detailed how "Stop the Steal" organizers successfully incited people to violence in Facebook groups and posts the platform failed to act on.
Thanks in part to the abhorrent rhetoric of politicians like Donald Trump, throughout the pandemic, Asian people have faced a flood of hate and harassment on social media. As CNET reported in April, the ADL found that "17% of Asian Americans said in January they experienced severe online harassment compared with 11% during the same period last year, the largest uptick compared with other groups."
These reports all fall under the categories of content Facebook and, for the most part, other platforms ban in their community standards. And in the cases of anti-semitism, COVID misinformation, Stop the Steal organizing, and Asian hate, posts on social networks all appear to correlate with real-world violence or death.
Facebook publishes a quarterly Community Standards Enforcement Report, which shows data about numbers of reports of prohibited content, and Facebook's responsiveness. The most recent report from May on the first three months of 2021 says that the prevalence of hate speech is declining, and comprises just "0.05-0.06%, or 5 to 6 views per 10,000 views." Facebook also says its advancements in AI have led it to "proactively detect" — rather than rely on user reports — 97 percent of the hate speech content it removes.
The recent reports on anti-semitic posts show the gaps in these figures, however. That 97 percent refers to posts the social media company removes, but there were still plenty of posts for the non-profit organizations to find (and report themselves). On the combined platforms, 7.3 million people viewed the anti-semitic posts, the Center for Countering Digital Hate found.
The fact that we've heard this story before doesn't make it any less upsetting. These companies continually pledge to improve and acknowledge that they have work to do. In the meantime, people die.
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Space photos show intense drying of California mountains
The drys are getting drier.
NASA satellite photos underscore how snow trends are significantly changing in the Sierra Nevada — the mighty mountain range California heavily relies on for water, which irrigates the Golden State's prosperous growth of fruits and vegetables.
Snow and rainfall naturally vary in California, referred to as "boom and bust" cycles. But dry spells have become more frequent and intense. "Over the past 10 years, there have been fewer boom years, while the dry years have been getting drier," snow scientist McKenzie Skiles told NASA.
As the climate continues warming, snowpack has diminished, which is particularly problematic during drier years. Scientists found that between 2008 and 2017 the snow level in the Sierra Nevada (the elevation where it snows more than it rains) moved up 2,300 feet. "The result is less snow cover over time and less water stored in the snowpack," NASA explained.
The satellite imagery below, showing both a 2006-2021 timelapse and a drought year in 2015 versus a wetter year in 2017, illustrate the extremes in California snowpack, and how increasing dryness threatens outdated, 20th century conceptions of water reliability. We're living in a warmer, and warming, climate regime.
Tweet may have been deleted
In the greater West, 2021 may end up as the driest year in modern history. What's more, the Southwest is currently mired in an over two-decades-long megadrought, the most severe such drought in at least 400 years.
Yes, droughts come and go, but the dryness is becoming drier. "[Droughts are] going to get worse and worse unless we stop global warming," University of Michigan climate scientist Jonathan Overpeck told Mashable in April.
The evidence is visible in the Sierra Nevada. And in the state's dropping reservoir levels.
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Swimply lets you swim in a stranger's pool. It's less weird than you think - CNET
It's like an Airbnb-style for swimming pools. Your visit may or may not include a giant unicorn floatie.from CNET https://ift.tt/37990Mg
Netflix: 40 best movies to see tonight - CNET
Rom-com Resort to Love is out now.from CNET https://ift.tt/3icToxC
Best credit card for August 2021 - CNET
The best credit cards for cash back, travel and balance transfers -- plus our top picks for students, Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers and Apple Pay enthusiasts.from CNET https://ift.tt/3gBQUHh
Will your advance child tax credit payments affect your 2022 taxes? They might - CNET
If you receive too much money from the IRS, you may have to return part of this year's monthly child tax credit payments next year. Here's what to know.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fdsF20
Netflix: The 40 best TV shows to watch tonight - CNET
Season 4 of supernatural Western Wynonna Earp is out now.from CNET https://ift.tt/379wrFp
'Clifford' delayed as COVID variant cases threaten Hollywood's comeback
Paramount had planned to release Clifford the Big Red Dog on Sept. 17. Unfortunately, COVID doesn't give a crap about anyone's plans.
The fantasy comedy based on Norman Bridwell's classic children's books has been delayed to a to-be-decided date. Multiple outlets report that the change in plans is COVID's fault as cases surge in the United States and elsewhere, fueled by the "Delta" variant of the virus.
Paramount didn't release a formal statement to accompany the news, and social media accounts for the studio and the movie both haven't mentioned it as of Saturday afternoon. It's not clear if the planned premiere at September's Toronto International Film Festival is still happening, though Clifford isn't currently listed on the festival's website and a direct link found via Google search redirects to TIFF's full itinerary.
The move comes in the same week that the public learned of Centers for Disease Control data that paints a chilling picture of the Delta variant's capabilities and spread. While the risk of serious illness is quite low for vaccinated people, and breakthrough infections (i.e. when the virus infects someone who's been vaccinated) are uncommon, Delta "is as contagious as chickenpox" for the unvaccinated. The problem, though, is there's data suggesting that vaccinated individuals can carry and transmit the virus, even if their own case is asymptomatic or minor.
This is particularly troubling news for parts of the world where vaccination rates remain low, as it is in many parts of the U.S. Case numbers are already surging in various locations, and the expectation is that things will get only get worse — significantly so, if vaccination rates don't improve — before they get better.
The delay for Clifford is particularly appropriate given the movie's target audience. This is unquestionably a family movie, and children younger than age 12 aren't currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to receive vaccines. Paramount could always follow the lead of other studios and put Clifford out on its Paramount+ streaming service, but after a bruising 2020 (and 2021) for Hollywood, the studio would no doubt prefer to stick with a theatrical release.
Clifford may end up being the big red dog in the coal mine, ahead of a coming spate of delays for big movies set to release in the early fall. With COVID guidance leaning back in the direction of universal masking and distancing in light of Delta, theaters may find that bringing audiences back in for movies — family-friendly or not — is once again a tough sell.
That would be a devastating blow to one corner of the entertainment industry that is only just starting to bounce back after the pre-vaccine 2020 shut everything down. The fact that there is now a vaccine and people are just refusing it (for reasons other than health or religion) makes this latest setback, and the prospect of more to come, all the more frustrating.
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Stop messing with bears in national parks
In my past life as a park ranger, I've seen people repeatedly approach big animals, the likes of elephant seals and Alaskan brown bears.
This is a continued, selfish insult to the lives of wild animals, many of which are already threatened and existing on just preserved pockets of their once bountiful habitat. It's true that many visitors respect wildlife, yet a vibrant strain of ignorance and naivety of the wilderness persists in U.S. culture, resulting in park visitors continuing to disturb or harass gregarious animals, notably the wild bison and grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park.
Most recently, the park charged a woman for disturbing wildlife after she approached and agitated a grizzly mom and her cubs, reports Montana's Billings Gazette. The woman is set to appear in court in late August.
You can watch the videotaped interaction on YouTube. A woman walks within 15 feet of the grizzly family group to take a picture. The mother bear, naturally defensive, bluff charges the woman to discourage her from coming any closer. Thankfully, there was no physical attack and lethal park response: Bears, even when not in the wrong, often lose.
If there's one crucial message to take away from this unfortunate event, it's this succinct reality: Bears, like all wildlife, need space. Giving them space shows respect and allows these wild animals the ability to live their lives unhindered by human threats or presence.
In Yellowstone, for example, visitors are required to "keep at least 100 yards (93 meters) from bears at all times and never approach a bear to take a photo." A similar regulation exists in Alaska's Katmai National Park, of Fat Bear Week internet fame: Visitors are told to keep at least 50 yards from bears at all times while at a popular bear-viewing site.
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Beyond respecting wildlife, keeping a smart distance from large animals also avoids serious injuries to people, or worse. Be like journalist Deion Broxton, whose avoidance of a Yellowstone bison herd went deservedly viral in 2020.
"Oh no, I'm not messing with you," Broxton said on camera as a bison came near.
In 2019, negligent people stood within 10 yards of a Yellowstone bison. The bison charged, resulting in a nine-year-old girl getting violently tossed into the air. In 2017, parents ignored a warning not to feed sea lions: The sea lion leaped out of the water, snatched a young girl and pulled her into the water (she survived).
Why do people approach dangerous animals? A prominent reason is many people today are out of touch with the wilderness. They might grow up in a world largely influenced by TV and urban life, without sufficient exposure to the natural world. At young ages, children miss crucial cues about natural danger. These cues shape their future understanding and views.
"There’s certainly not an innate knowledge of which animals are dangerous or not — it has to be learned," Clark Barrett, a biological anthropologist at the University of Los Angeles, California, told me.
So when children grow up and become adults, they might not have a grip on the realities and threats of the wild world. "It’s almost as if people leave their brain in their car when they go into the wilderness," explained Dan Blumstein, a behavioral ecologist at the University of Los Angeles, California.
But we're certainly not helpless. Listen to park rangers, educate yourself and those in your life when you enter the wilderness. Think about the animals: Give 'em space.
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Friday, 30 July 2021
Amazon Prime Video: The 30 best TV shows to watch tonight - CNET
The Pursuit of Love is out now.from CNET https://ift.tt/3iY9hac
Amazon Prime Video: The 25 best films to see tonight - CNET
Here are the highlights for this week.from CNET https://ift.tt/3zUJTcw
Broadway, Met Opera will require proof of vaccination and masks as shows resume - CNET
Theater is reopening in New York, but shows are taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fcbAW4
Breakthrough COVID infections in fully vaccinated people aren't so rare, CDC says - CNET
After recommending some fully vaccinated people go back to wearing masks indoors, the CDC drew criticism for not citing its sources. Here is one of its sources.from CNET https://ift.tt/3i9ykrL
Netflix: 40 best movies to see tonight - CNET
The Last Mercenary, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, arrives this weekend.from CNET https://ift.tt/3icToxC
9 hidden Amazon perks besides Prime shipping and video to save you money - CNET
You already know the famous features: Prime Video, Prime Music and Prime's free shipping. But there's a ton of Amazon perks that you might not know about and will want to start using ASAP to save.from CNET https://ift.tt/2TPncqQ
Netflix: The 53 best TV shows to watch tonight - CNET
Season 2 of Outer Banks is out now.from CNET https://ift.tt/3i03gKS
Chevy COPO Camaro returns in a big way with Big-Block V8 power - Roadshow
The drag strip special is back for 2022 with a massive 572-cubic-inch V8 under the hood.from CNET https://ift.tt/3yewdbX
Want to learn and share more about local Black history? Start with Google Maps.
April Hamm knows Google Maps is more than just a tool to navigate from point A to B. She's harnessed the power of the app to teach people about Black history in her current city of New Orleans.
Though she grew up in a small town in Georgia, Hamm spent a lot of time visiting New Orleans as a kid. Since 2017, Hamm's been a Google Maps Local Guide for her adopted city, a volunteer who helps others get acquainted with places on Google Maps via personally-crafted contributions like written reviews, photos, and fact-checking information.
"Places that were part of my own community...and primarily run or visited by Black, Indigenous, [and] people of color were simply not on the map or didn't have a strong presence," says Hamm, who is Black. "Not a lot of people were writing reviews or maybe people didn't know about them [the businesses] to visit them in the first place."
Hamm pours a lot of energy and love into the position, even if it is unpaid. While local guides are not Google employees, there has been a chorus of activists generally calling for people of color to get paid for corporate diversity initiatives recently. Still, Hamm finds being a guide fulfilling and knows the importance of encouraging her community and tourists to visit and learn about undiscovered places in their own backyard and beyond.
"It really starts offline for me. I love going places. Whenever I go someplace new, I love going to museums, learning about local history," says Hamm about her motivation to become a local guide.
You, too, can create these lists in your own community, and learn from Hamm's experience. Each guide uses the technology Google provides to support the causes they care about, Hamm says.
In her time as a local guide for Google Maps, Hamm's made lists highlighting Black history museums and other Black landmarks in New Orleans and Louisiana, created a self-guided tour to celebrate Black freedom both on Juneteenth and throughout the year, and curated places to celebrate Juneteenth in New Orleans in 2021. (Juneteenth, which marks the true end of slavery in the U.S., became a federal holiday this year.)
For Hamm, creating these lists goes beyond an attempt to inspire her community to delve into Black history and visit local Black-owned businesses.
"If you're a member of any minority group...it's really hurtful when you're looking for places that you care about and they're not there."
"If you're a member of any minority group...it's really hurtful when you're looking for places that you care about and they're not there," she says.
Not only is Hamm a fan of cultural institutions that uplift Black stories, she's also a co-founder and educator at the Jim-Ree African American Museum in Elberton Georgia. The museum is a family affair. Hamm's stepfather planted the seeds for it after he started a Black History Month committee in Elberton in the '90s. In 2015, after years of work by Hamm, her mom, and aunt, the museum formally opened in what was a former county jail.
After opening a museum centered around Black history and culture, it was a natural segue for Hamm to create Google Maps lists of Black businesses and landmarks.
While Hamm hasn't seen other people creating similar Google Maps lists to hers, she's observed people commenting online that they'd like to do the same.
Hamm doesn't think the lack of Black businesses and cultural sites on Google Maps always stems from an intentional whitewashing. Sometimes, it's simply because people don't know these places exist.
By drawing people's attention to these businesses via Google Maps lists, Hamm wants to help spotlight them and, hopefully, draw more visitors. And, of course, make Black history come alive for everyone.
1. Creating a Google Maps list to highlight local Black history
If you want to follow Hamm's lead and make Google Maps lists to put your local Black history on the map, Hamm has some advice.
If you already have a few places you want to spotlight, first save them on Google Maps for yourself so you can find them later.
"The cool thing about [Google Maps] lists is you can begin to organize it for yourself before you publish it," says Hamm. "As you discover new places, you'll simply save them."
After, Hamm suggests visiting these places IRL to gather information about them so you can include that on your list. If you can't physically go to the site right now, do a deep dive of its website to collect as much info as possible.
"As soon as you can, go and physically visit the location," says Hamm. "If it's a museum, find out if you need an appointment, if there's any cost, and all of that is information you're going to want to add to Google Maps so that other people will know too."
People often avoid visiting public places because they don't know what to expect, like the hours, parking availability, or entrances for people with physical disabilities, Hamm says. While you're there, seek out that information. Also look for and include details like restroom locations, if the site is family friendly (like if they have high chairs), what kind of seating is available, and if it's wheelchair- accessible.
Hamm also sometimes includes photos with her lists to help give people an idea of what to expect.
"You can gather that information for yourself so you can go and visit, but also then [it's important] to share it so other people won't have to go through all of that extra trouble," says Hamm. If it's easy for people to locate that information, they'll likely visit the place rather than give up.
Once you've gathered this information, you can use these instructions to make a Google Maps list.
2. Identifying the right places
If you don't know what sites are out there that celebrate Black history, that's OK.
Start with a simple Google search, suggests Hamm. You can type something like "African American places near me" to get started.
Don't restrict your search to the internet. Do research. Find historians in your area who study Black history and pick their brains on places they think are important to include. Hamm started this practice long before she became a Local Guide and then integrated the places she learned about into her lists.
You can also reach out to museums and historical societies to supplement your list, suggests Hamm.
3. Naming your lists
Hamm often relies on themes for her lists. For example, "African-American landmarks," "Best of New Orleans Black-owned restaurants," or "Where to find clothes to wear for Juneteenth." Themes can help organize your lists so they're not random and people know what to expect from them at first glance.
Beyond a name, you'll also want to include a short but evocative description of the location, any helpful details, and why you think it stands out.
"It's very important that we identify things that make the place special," says Hamm. "I think that being Black-owned or women-owned, certainly those are things that are special."
Overall, Hamm suggests making lists with content you truly care about.
"You don't have to go with what you think might be popular," she says. "It will be more meaningful for you...and more authentic for other people," if you highlight what you're passionate about.
4. Visiting sites in person
If you're able to physically visit a place you want to include in your list, ask the owners or management if they'd be open to a private visit. This way, you can talk with them to curate interesting details to put in your list's description.
If not already on the site's website, or if you want to know more, consider questions like "Tell me your story" or "how did you get started?" These kinds of questions can elicit personal stories that can help a business pop off the screen.
"I can learn from them, what do they want people to know about their location," says Hamm about these private visits. For example, when she visited the Meals From the Heart Cafe in New Orleans' French Quarter for her New Orleans Freedom Tour list, Hamm learned its recipes have been passed down through generations.
"I could relate to that because that's something we do in my family," says Hamm.
If you're not able to visit a location in person, you can use information from a business' website or interview the owners via phone to fill in details.
"It's really a human effort to get these locations on the map," says Hamm. "You don't have to be Black or anything other than what you are to help make this information more accessible."
At the end of the day, Hamm says, Black history is American history and Google Maps lists are a way to spread this knowledge:
"Creating lists makes it easier for people to find the information online," says Hamm. By helping to create lists, regardless of your background, you're helping more people to discover these amazing places!"
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New book about Tesla already causing drama between Elon Musk and Apple's Tim Cook
Ah, who doesn't love some drama between two rich adult men.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Times published a review of Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins' new book about Tesla, Power Play. The review stresses that the book is about "the many employees not named Elon Musk who made essential contributions to whatever success the carmaker enjoys today," with Musk serving "not as main character but dramatic foil to those doing their best under chaotic, dysfunctional conditions," Spicy!
But, of course, the part of the book the review discusses that is making the most waves is directly about Musk.
Specifically, the review recounts an anecdote in the book about an alleged call between Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. According to the book, the two CEOs spoke about Apple potentially acquiring Tesla when the electric automaker was having financial problems in 2016. Musk was into the idea, under the condition that he become the CEO. Not "stay" the CEO of Tesla — but become the CEO of Apple.
What was Cook's response to Musk's proposition that he take over Cook's job? To say "Fuck you," and hang up the phone, according to the review's account of the book.
Obviously this is hilarious and a beautiful exchange to contemplate. But both parties are denying that this happened.
Which, in turn, is leading to typical Elon Musk Twitter drama.
Reporter Mark Gurman originally published a story in Bloomberg in 2020 about how Tesla and Musk did broach a potential acquisition of Tesla by Apple in 2016. According to Musk and the report, Apple wouldn't take the meeting.
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Gurman points out that Cook told Kara Swisher a similar version of events to Musk's, but a less acrimonious one. In the interview transcript, Cook says he has "never actually spoken to" Musk, and then goes on to compliment him. Which is basically the CEO version of "I don't know her."
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Cook's assertion that they've never spoken is a bit hard to believe, considering that the two CEOs sat one seat apart at the infamous tech CEO summit held in 2017 by Trump. But a generous reading of the statement is that "never spoken" refers to a meaningful conversation about Tesla vis-Ã -vis an Apple acquisition. Hrmm.
Also, Cook has not actually weighed in himself, and Apple did not return Mashable's request for comment before the time of this article's publication.
Musk, however, couldn't let the situation naturally diffuse without having the last word.
Musk takes Gurman's Twitter thread as an opportunity to bash the book as "false *and* boring" and talk up Tesla's growth.
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Also, just a few moments later he goes on to criticize Apple for...its App Store fees?!
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As Fortnite maker Epic Games and anti-trust investigators have argued, Musk's got a point. But with respect to the Tesla/Apple dramz, hello, left field, nice to be in you!
The LA Times review does not give details about the source of the anecdote. Musk did reportedly refuse to participate in the book. Per the LA Times: "In an author’s note at the end, Higgins writes that Musk 'was given numerous opportunities to comment on the stories, facts, and characterizations presented in these pages. Without pointing to any specific inaccuracies, he offered simply this: 'Most, but not all, of what you read in this book is nonsense.''"
So we've got the book giving one version of events, Cook giving his non-version, and Musk's Twitter account, all of a conversation that may or may not have happened. And now, there's a new canon of Twitter drama about it all. And scene.
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Ashton Kutcher explains how 'Punk'd' would've been better with 5G
We talked to legendary Punk'd creator Ashton Kutcher about how the latest technology would've changed the beloved show.
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MIT researchers created a fiber that determines what physical activity you're doing — Future Blink
Researchers from MIT developed a digital fiber that collected 270 minutes of surface body temperature data to decide with 96% accuracy what activity that person was doing.
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3 great VPNs for Xbox in 2021 - CNET
Gamers can have a little privacy. As a treat.from CNET https://ift.tt/2SXZE2y
Disney sued by Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow's streaming release - CNET
The movie star alleges that the film's streaming release on Disney Plus at the same time it hit theaters violated her contract and reduced how much she was paid.from CNET https://ift.tt/2V76eVh
Olympic medalist reveals how she fixed her kayak... with a condom - CNET
It worked. And Jessica Fox's kayaking has no unplanned pregnancies that we know of.from CNET https://ift.tt/3icdjN2
Google Pixel 6 rumors: Release date, price, camera specs and more - CNET
Google could show "deep technology investments" in the fall with the rumored Pixel 6. Here's all the buzz we've heard about the new smartphone so far.from CNET https://ift.tt/377yWYv
COVID breakthrough and fully vaccinated people: Here's the latest - CNET
Breakthrough COVID infections will continue to happen as new variants spread -- but that's not a reason to question vaccines, experts say.from CNET https://ift.tt/2WuFaQa
Huawei P50 series unveiled: Not one, but two camera bumps on these superphones - CNET
Surprisingly, the phones are 4G-only so far and use the company's own operating system, Harmony OS.from CNET https://ift.tt/3BXLGiC
Frustrated parents: Track your delayed child tax credit payment online. Here's how - CNET
The first advance child tax credit check was sent two weeks ago, but some parents are still waiting.from CNET https://ift.tt/3zRr9dH
Saturn at opposition: How to watch the ringed planet line up with Earth - CNET
Break out the binoculars and telescopes, because Saturn is showing off for us.from CNET https://ift.tt/3C1tzs2
Enough ice melted on Greenland this week to cover Florida in a half foot of water - CNET
A summer of rain and heat is causing yet another meltdown for one of the planet's most important reserves of ice.from CNET https://ift.tt/2V9VXro
Best cash-back credit cards for August 2021 - CNET
Earn more rewards and credit every time you spend.from CNET https://ift.tt/3oKAOyu
The first public human-operated eVTOL has officially taken off — Future Blink
The electric aerial vehicle company OPENER just made history with its vehicle, BlackFly.
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Thursday, 29 July 2021
Why Team USA's Olympics face masks make them look like Batman villains - CNET
You can get your own version of the Bane-style mask, but it'll cost you.from CNET https://ift.tt/3zQdgg8
More than 120,000 Ford F-150 Lightning reservations on the books - Roadshow
About three-quarters of those reservation are from customers new to the Ford brand.from CNET https://ift.tt/3iZDXbb
Meet Coconuts-2b, an exoplanet with six times the mass of Jupiter - CNET
There's a good explanation for the planet's unusual name.from CNET https://ift.tt/2Vo4nLS
A star of 'The Office' confessed he may actually be the Scranton Strangler
The Office successfully wrapped up its fair share of complex storylines over the course of nine seasons, but in the year 2021 fans still don't know the identity of the infamous Scranton Strangler. Or do we?
For anyone who needs a refresher, the Scranton Strangler was a mysterious serial killer referenced within Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch during Season 6 to Season 9. There have been a number of theories (both on and offscreen) surrounding the identity of the killer, but we never got definitive closure.
Some people assumed the chaotic, constantly unhinged Creed Bratton was to blame, while others swore that the incredibly dull and largely loathed HR rep Toby Flenderson was more capable of murder. Toby eventually served on the jury for the strangler case and said he believed the man accused, one George Howard Skub, was innocent. Interesting! Then, in March 2018 the official YouTube channel for The Office posted a Making a Murder parody video titled Making A Strangler, which explored the theory that Toby was indeed the one doing the strangling.
There's a lot to unpack here, but one theory we'd like to throw into the ring for consideration is that David Wallace, Dunder Mifflin's CFO played by Andy Buckley, was the Scranton Strangler all along. It may seem like a bizarre theory, but even Buckley himself confessed that it sounds pretty plausible. Let's walk you thought it, shall we?
The uncommon theory was tweeted by Mashable's very own video producer, Jules Suzdaltsev, more than a year ago on February 15, 2020. In a thread about the workplace comedy he came right out and said it: "David Wallace is the Scranton Strangler."
Tweet may have been deleted
A few days later Buckley replied to the theory by saying, "Very well could be Jules," then sharing some thoughts of his own.
"He had it in him to just snap. Hot tub middle of the day, boozing, creating the Suck It. And what was he doing in Season 8 the 3rd or 4th to last Ep. Runs into Andy at a local Scranton Charity Dinner? Why was he in Scranton?" Buckley tweeted about his character David before saying, "Perhaps you're correct."
For fans of The Office who've been trying to figure out who the Scranton Strangler was since 2010, this is potentially a huge development. Technically the information was shared over a year ago, but we're reporting it now because Jules just saw the tweet and is now "LOSING IT." (We'll give him a pass because life gets hectic and sometimes you miss things, but do not leave Office fans hanging again.)
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Since I share a workplace with Jules I messaged him and asked him to explain the David Wallace Scranton Strangler theory in a little more detail.
Here's what Jules had to say:
My friend and I came up with this theory a few years ago, and it makes perfect sense. Wallace is essentially The Office's Patrick Bateman, a clean-cut, unflinching multi-millionaire with a "heart of gold" who everyone likes. So why does he let Michael get away with everything, and why does he spend so much time in Scranton when he lives in Greenwich, Connecticut and works in NYC? That’s like a three hour drive!
Its simple - Michael's branch gives him plausible deniability to be in Scranton, where he has been strangling strangers for a better part of a decade. Who would ever suspect David Wallace? Nobody, and it's always the person you least suspect. In fact, why do you think he sent away Holly? Is it because she and Michael were getting too close, or is it because Holly was getting too close to the truth? David Wallace is a murderer and should be brought to justice.
What do we think, people? Is David Wallace actually a criminal who de-stressed in his hot tub after long days of cold-blooded killing? Or was it just Toby?
You decide.
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Annapurna Interactive hosts first showcase: 10 indie games coming soon to console, mobile and PC - CNET
Stray, Solar Ash, 12 Minutes and more will be available to play by 2022.from CNET https://ift.tt/3fd9yoG
Best laptop deals: Save $250 on MacBook Air, $200 on Lenovo Yoga 7i and more - CNET
Apple's new M1 MacBooks are at their lowest prices yet, and there are deep discounts on other laptops from Acer, Dell, Gateway and MSI.from CNET https://ift.tt/3BTA5Bk
Playdate console preorders will not ship until 2022 - CNET
If you want one of these consoles, you'll be waiting a little bit.from CNET https://ift.tt/3BTgst2
IRS child tax credit 2021: Opt out deadlines, payment schedule and more - CNET
We've got all the dates you need to know, from when you'll get your next child tax credit check to your last chance to unenroll from the payments if you want to.from CNET https://ift.tt/3BRE9lv
Uber will offer free Rosetta Stone to ride-hail and delivery drivers - CNET
Uber aims to lower the language barrier between Uber drivers and their patrons, while also giving gig workers new skills for finding other jobs.from CNET https://ift.tt/2Wojzc7
Please just look at these cute little singing blob things — Future Blink
The Airship Orchestra is an interactive art installation that just so happens to incredibly cute and mesmerizing.
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Jetpack man is back, adding to the flying mystery over LAX
The mysterious figure known as the "jetpack man" was spotted again over Los Angeles.
A pilot spotted a flying object that resembled a person wearing a jetpack on Wednesday evening near Los Angeles International Airport, where at least four "jetpack" sightings have been reported in the last year, CBS News reports. Upon the pilot's sighting, air traffic control warned other flights to watch out for what's since been dubbed "the jetpack man."
"A Boeing 747 pilot reported seeing an object that might have resembled a jetpack 15 miles east of LAX at 5,000 feet altitude," the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, air traffic controllers alerted other pilots in the vicinity."
In recordings obtained by CBS Los Angeles, the figure was described as a "UFO" and "Iron Man."
"Skywest 3626, use caution. The jet man is back, let me know if you see him," air traffic control said. "Skywest 3626, did you see the UFO?"
"We were looking, but we did not see Iron Man," the pilot responded.
The FBI investigated a string of "jetpack" sightings in the Los Angeles area late last year. The "jetpack man" has become something of a local legend in Southern California after multiple reports of the flying object around LAX.
In August 2020, an American Airlines pilot reported seeing a "guy in a jetpack" at 3,000 feet during his descent to LAX, and that October, a crew on a China Airlines flight reported another unidentified flying object at 6,000 feet as the plane approached the airport. The American Airlines pilot spotted the figure only 300 yards to his left.
In December of that same year, a local flight school posted footage of what appeared to be a person zipping around the Palos Verdes Peninsula using a jetpack, which is just south of LAX.
It's unclear whether the sightings are related.
While there are a handful of jetpack manufacturers worldwide, few are for sale. It's also unlikely that a jetpack tank could have enough fuel to reach more than a mile of altitude like the object spotted by the China Airlines crew did. JetPack Aviation, a company based in Chatsworth, California, created jetpacks that are technically capable of reaching 15,000 feet, but Chief Executive David Mayman told the Los Angeles Times that the packs can only really reach around 1,000 to 1,500 feet safely because of fuel constraints.
"To fly up to 6,000 feet from the ground, to fly around long enough to be seen by China Airlines and then to descend again, you'd be out of fuel," Mayman said.
It's not entirely out of the question, though. In February 2020, the aviation company Jetman Dubai announced that pilot Vince Reffet reached 6,000 feet of altitude operating one of its winged jetpacks, before deploying his parachute and safely landing. Reffet died in a training accident nine months later.
One widely accepted theory is that the "jetpack man" haunting LA skies is just a mannequin strapped to a drone. Recreational drone users aren't allowed to fly above 400 feet, over groups of people, over restricted airspace, and especially near other aircraft.
The air traffic controller reporting the August jetpack man sighting put it best: "Only in LA."
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