Drones: A Game-Changer for Animal Rights Activists Worldwide

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Late last year, UrgentSeas received an anonymous tip from a former Miami Aquarium employee about an animal tank kept away from public view. Advocacy groups investigated.

In November, they posted a short clip of what they found after flying a drone over the property. It was an old manatee living alone in a dilapidated private pool. Within a month, the video had been viewed millions of times and the outcry became so intense that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved Romeo the manatee and his companion Juliet to a sanctuary.

Over the past decade, drones have become an invaluable tool for activists and conservation groups. In 2013, the animal rights organization Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was launched. drone campaign Tracking illegal bowhunting in Massachusetts.

Since then, drones have been used to record factory farm pollution In the Midwest of the United States, there was an outbreak of sea lice in salmon pens in Iceland. Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon. Drones are popular because they are relatively cheap, easy to use, and can extend reach even in difficult or inaccessible terrain. It also provides a bird’s-eye view of the scale of problems such as oil spills and illegal logging.

When it comes to breeding marine mammals, an aerial view is extremely valuable and can reveal the cramped conditions and restricted lives of animals in aquariums.

In some cases, drones have captured the secret lives of hidden animals, such as Romeo the Miami manatee. “This is footage that people need to see to understand how cruel confinement really is,” said the drone pilot who shot the footage at the Miami Seaquarium, and who wishes to remain anonymous.

Another early adopter of drones is Sea Shepherd. Marine conservation groups have begun filming illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas.As technology advances, drones have become quieter and stealthier, he says. Simon Ager, long-time Sea Shepherd volunteer. This is critical for infiltrating ships and catching crimes in progress, he added.

“In my experience, drones have been ineffective because you can never get close to a ship where illegal activity is taking place. They see us coming, and they see us over the horizon. They will turn and flare up, and you guys will have nothing to go after them,” says Agar.

Sea Shepherd thermal drones monitor the porpoise sanctuary in the Gulf of California as part of an effort to protect the world's most endangered marine mammals from illegal fishing. Photo: Eli Hausman/Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Agel said off the coasts of Mexico and Ecuador, tuna fishermen are pulling up nets tangled with sharks and other unintended bycatch, or dumping miles of fishing line into the water, where more marine life is caught. I recorded how it looked like it was dying. Off the coast of the Galapagos Islands, he tracked a large flotilla of Chinese squid fishing vessels with a night-vision drone.That campaign was exposed. Environmental and human rights abuses are rampant on boardincluding slave labor and the dumping of unwanted catches.

Drones also allow activists to safely distance themselves from the dangerous situations they are filming. During an operation to save endangered porpoises in the Gulf of California, cartel-funded fishermen shot a Sea Shepherd drone out of the sky and threw petrol bombs at the ship.

“Conservation is a very dangerous profession, and more environmentalists are killed every year,” Ager said. “Drones are a great way to study something without putting yourself at risk and decide if it's worth the risk.”

The high seas are a near-lawless zone where drone rules and regulations are severely violated. The legal situation is different on land, where activists use drones to photograph zoos and aquariums. UrgentSeas pilots say they use the app to determine where they are allowed to fly their drones and do their best to follow the appropriate laws.

“Flying a drone is clearly something you shouldn't do,” she says. “You don't have to stand outside the facility and fly the drone. You might even hide in the bushes. You're watching the cars. It's kind of like a mission.”

Last November, the Miami Seaquarium filed for a non-disclosure order against Argent Seeds co-founder Phil Demers after drone footage of Romeo went viral. The move is part of a larger lawsuit the aquarium filed against animal activists in May 2023, alleging defamation, public nuisance and trespassing, many of which include flying drones and trespassing on property. It was from a recording.

Romeo, the Miami Aquarium's manatee, was moved to a swimming pool at the Tampa Zoo in Florida last December. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy

The Miami Seaquarium did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Guardian, but said in the complaint that Demers “repeatedly flew unmanned aircraft without authorization.” [Seaquarium’s] Accommodation is available during normal business hours. ”

As a relatively new technology, drones still exist in a legal gray area. “Drones, legal and privacy issues are new issues,” says Benjamin Christopher Caraway, an attorney with the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project in Colorado and Demers' attorney. There are several state torts and statutes regarding drones, but he has yet to see many cases heard in court.

Activists say drones are necessary for free speech and democracy, but opponents say they invade privacy and, in the case of aquariums and zoos, cause trouble to animals, customers and staff. .

Carraway hopes the drone law will address conflicting concerns in a nuanced way. “The whole concept of drones requires a significant update to the law and raises another question: the balance between legitimate interests and the public's right to know, privacy.”

Romeo the manatee rescued from the Miami Aquarium sticks his nose out of the water in his new home at the Tampa Zoo. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy

A trial involving Demers and the Miami Seaquarium is scheduled for May, but it is doubtful the facility will still be open by then. Last year's death of killer whale Lolita and news reports about Romeo's living conditions have added to public pressure on an already struggling aquarium. On March 7, Miami-Dade County issued an eviction notice, ordering the aquarium operator to vacate the county-owned property by April 21.

“The Dolphin Company has repeatedly failed to meet its contractual obligations under the lease agreement,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava said in a statement. “The current situation at Miami Aquarium is unsustainable and unsafe due to its failure to maintain the facility in good condition and its failure to demonstrate that it can ensure the safety and welfare of the animals in its care.”

UrgentSeas receives 5-6 tips from whistleblowers each month. Most are former or current employees of zoos and aquariums around the world. According to Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA, currently 56 killer whales They are in captivity all over the world.

UrgentSeas plans to document every facility with a drone (though the group encourages supporters to fly the drones themselves). “It’s the drone that shows us everything,” says his anonymous UrgentSeas pilot. “But it comes with a lot of risks.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Game Review: Princess Peach Steals the Show with Paper-Thin Performance

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TThe ending of 1985’s Super Mario Bros., soundtracked by the iconic 8-bit NES beeps and blips, sees Mario finally find the princess who’s been in a different castle throughout the game. As her mustachioed hero jumps to her side, a speech bubble displays the digitized name of the damsel in distress: Princess Peach. She expressed her gratitude, her credits rolled, and we bid her farewell.

As anyone who saw Anna Taylor-Joy’s performance in last year’s Mario movie will know, the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom has become rather less one-dimensional these days – the past 40 years have seen the rise of video games and feminism. You guessed it, considering how far we’ve come in the years. However, this is the second game in which she plays the leading role, after the 2005 DS game “Super Princess Peach.” On Showtime, Nintendo’s Pink She Princess literally takes the spotlight. When her trip to the theater goes awry, she must take to the stage to save theatrical art from…the evil vines.

It’s a strange but fun setting, allowing Peach to dive into a series of genre-themed side-scrolling levels. Each new setting provides a new starring role for our heroine, whether she’s traversing through grass, running across rooftops, riding a horse through railroad tracks, or lassoing bandits as the dagger-wielding ninja Peach. All of them are impressively handsome. Showtime’s colorful visuals are a joy, with well-animated bosses that fill the screen and attractive cakes. Still, it only takes a few minutes of play before you figure out the repetition.

From pressing buttons to stir cake mix as Patisserie Peach to the simple jumps and combat that define everything from swordplay to superhero fistfights, Showtime’s gameplay is thinner than Paper Mario. An unusual highlight here is his level of ice skating as Peach, wearing a leotard, races through a whimsical winter wonderland. There’s even a few smiles during the action-packed kung fu scenes, and the visuals lend an enjoyable level of kitsch to the rudimentary fisticuffs pastiche.

The problem is that while Mario’s House usually strikes a good balance between depth and accessibility, Showtime feels shallow. Whether it’s the demonic mermaid level or Detective Peach’s hilariously incomplete investigation, many of these potentially fun ideas feel like prototypes that prematurely escaped from Nintendo headquarters.

While last year’s Super Mario Wonder entertained all ages, Princess Peach: Showtime has little to offer those of us who have mastered the multiplication tables. Brilliantly scripted cinematic moments and visual variety provide color and flourish, but it’s a great shame that the inventive animation and narrative setting aren’t accompanied by the same level of gameplay innovation. is.

Despite a fun premise and high production values, Peach’s long-awaited turn to stardom feels disappointingly condescending, one-dimensional and forgettable, compared to the more capable heroines of the Super Mario Bros. movies. It is the exact opposite. As the Nintendo Switch enters her final years, this was the perfect moment to give the monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom the celebration she deserves. But whereas in The Forgotten Land Kirby received an Iliad-esque epic worthy of Mario, this one is more of a flimsy pop-up book.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

British Security Service alerts about Chinese hackers targeting UK Electoral Commission and politicians

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Security officials have determined that Chinese state-backed hackers orchestrated two “malicious” digital campaigns targeting democratic institutions and politicians in the UK.

The UK holds China accountable for a cyberattack on its electoral commission, where the Chinese government allegedly accessed personal information of approximately 40 million voters.

The National Cyber Security Center, part of GCHQ, revealed that four British MPs critical of the Chinese government were targeted in a separate attack but were able to identify and prevent any compromise before it occurred.

The UK has imposed sanctions on two individuals and a front company associated with the Chinese state-backed cyber group APT31, believed to be behind the hack. “Beijing’s attempts to interfere in Britain’s democracy and politics have not succeeded,” noted Oliver Dowden.

Dowden emphasized that protecting democratic institutions is a top priority for the UK government and vowed to continue calling out and holding the Chinese government accountable for such activities.

The Foreign Office will summon the Chinese ambassador to answer for these actions, with Dowden stating that strong action will be taken if UK interests are threatened.

Since the cyberattacks in 2021 and 2022, the UK has bolstered its cyber defenses, established a Democracy Defense Task Force, and enacted the National Security Act of 2023 to empower security agencies to thwart hostile activities.

Members of Congress targeted by the cyberattacks are expected to be named by the government as victims of a Chinese state-sponsored cyber attack.

Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith called for a new approach to the UK’s relationship with China, recognizing the modern Chinese Communist Party for what it is.

China denied the accusations, stating that the cyberattack claims are fabricated and defamatory, and that they do not condone cyberattacks.

Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the cyberattacks directly with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, condemning the targeting of UK democratic institutions.

The UK remains vigilant in protecting its values and democracy from threats, and emphasizes the importance of awareness of such threats for all countries.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Is the weight of electric cars causing strain on UK roads, bridges and car parks?

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Cars have weight issues. The example of the Mini, designed to save fuel during rationing, highlights this trend. The size of cars is increasing, especially with the surge in popularity of SUVs.

Electric cars may look similar to traditional cars for now, but the key difference is the heavy battery they carry.

In our series debunking electric vehicle myths, we address common misconceptions about EVs, including range anxiety, carbon emissions, mining, and air pollution. In this final episode, we investigate whether electric cars will be too heavy for our roads and infrastructure.

Claim

As roads have evolved over time, concerns have arisen about whether electric cars will strain infrastructure like roads, bridges, and parking lots due to the weight of their batteries.

Matthew Lin, a columnist for the Daily Telegraph, recently questioned the readiness of charging infrastructure and the capacity of roads and bridges to handle heavier vehicles.

Conservative MP Greg Knight urged the UK government to test the structural integrity of multi-storey car parks and bridges against the added weight of electric vehicles.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance warned that small roads could suffer more potholes, while the Daily Mail suggested that multi-storey car parks might be at risk of collapse due to the weight of electric vehicles.

Science

Electric cars can be quite heavy. For example, General Motors’ Hummer weighs over four tons, with a significant portion of that weight attributed to its battery pack. On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y, a more affordable electric car, weighs 2 tons, still lighter than some traditional vehicles like the Range Rover or Ford F-150.

The Tesla Model Y weighs 2 tons, lighter than a Range Rover or Ford F-150. Photo: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

According to a transport and environment advocacy group, EVs are on average 300-400kg heavier than traditional vehicles. The weight of the battery increases by approximately 100kg for every 150km of range.

The increased weight of electric cars leads to more road wear and faster deterioration of roads. However, a study found that the wear is primarily caused by heavy vehicles like buses and trucks, rather than cars and motorcycles.

Road wear is primarily caused by heavy vehicles like buses, rather than cars or motorcycles. Photo: Joe Giddens/Pennsylvania

Regarding bridges, most in the UK can support vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes, with a safety margin built into the design. There are no concerns about national highways, which are built to accommodate heavy goods vehicles.

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Are there any precautions?

There are limitations to the weight of electric vehicles, especially in older car parks. While newer facilities can accommodate heavier vehicles, older structures may require reinforcement to handle the increased weight.

Options for multi-storey car park owners include strengthening the building or reducing the number of cars on each floor, which can impact profits.

Regular inspections are essential for car park owners to ensure the structural integrity of their buildings amid the transition to heavier electric vehicles.

Governments could encourage smaller cars through policies such as taxes and parking fees. Photo: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

It’s worth noting that advancements in battery technology may address the weight concerns of electric vehicles in the future. Continued progress in battery energy density could lead to lighter EVs in the long run.

Encouraging smaller cars through policy measures like taxes and fees can have additional benefits beyond reducing road wear, such as resource conservation, carbon emission reductions, and improved parking lot management.

While EVs are heavier than traditional vehicles, it’s unlikely that their weight will significantly impact road infrastructure. Concerns about weight should not overshadow the importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ireland embraces tech giants while neglecting public services

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

IIn 1956, a man
TK “Ken” WhitakerAn Irish civil servant by training as an economist, he was appointed Permanent Secretary to the Treasury in Dublin at the relatively young age of 39. From his vantage point as the head of the national treasury, the outlook was bleak. The Republic of Ireland was in deep economic and social crisis. It had no natural resources, little industry, and was in deep depression. Inflation and unemployment were high. Ireland’s main export was young people, who fled by the thousands each year in search of work and a better life. The proud dream of Irish independence produced an impoverished nation of priests on the verge of collapse.

Mr. Whitaker quickly assembled a team of young officials to critically analyze the country’s economic failures and devise a series of policies to remedy them. As a result, a report titled “First Plan for Economic Expansion” was published in November 1958, and subsequently
Sean Lemas He was elected Taoiseach (Prime Minister) in 1959 and became Ireland’s survival strategy.

At its heart were several important proposals. Ireland will have to embrace the idea of free trade. That would mean boosting competition and ending the protectionism that had been a feature of Irish economic policy under Lemas’s predecessor Airmon de Valera (whose economic philosophy was once described as “non-British”). But most importantly, the strategy requires that Ireland must welcome foreign capital in the future, which essentially means being nice to national companies, giving multinationals generous tax breaks, giving them help finding land to build on, and generally being responsive to their needs.

Whittaker’s strategy was bold, but it worked. (Of course, joining the European Economic Community in 1973 didn’t hurt either.) The republic moved from a state of deep socio-economic problems to an apparent paradigm of neoliberal prosperity. I have transformed. Foreign companies (mainly American companies) flooded in. German crane manufacturer Liebherr was an early entrant. In 1980, he was followed by Apple, and then came pharmaceutical companies. (Perhaps Viagra is manufactured in Ireland, once the holy land of Catholicism.) Then along came the big technology companies, many of which now have their European headquarters in Dublin.

If any of these behemoths had any doubts about coming to the Emerald Isle, two things would have reassured them. The first is Brexit. These companies had to join the EU. The second was how the republican government rushed to the rescue of one of its compatriots, Apple. When the European Commission concluded in 2016 that the company had been unfairly granted €13 billion in tax exemptions by Irish authorities, Apple not only successfully appealed this decision in 2020 but also had a similar ruling in 2020. was lowered.
The republican government did it.. Think about it for a moment. A small country is refusing to accept her 13 billion euro payment. (Incidentally, the Commission has appealed this decision, and it appears Apple may still have to pay an additional €1.2 billion in interest. This money is currently held in an escrow fund with the Irish government.)

But the subconscious message to corporate bosses was: “If you run into trouble with the EU, we will support you.” This message may have reached Beijing as well. In any case, it is
interesting to learn It comes just as the US and EU are considering cracking down on TikTok (whose owner ByteDance, coincidentally, is based in Dublin), and the Irish government is considering cracking down on popular e-commerce app Temu and other companies. It says that it welcomes Chinese-funded companies. Shein, and tech company Huawei.

I might regret this for the rest of my life, but for now, isn’t that all the treble? Only up to a certain point. On the one hand, the influx of foreign capital into Ireland was transformative. Tax revenue from resident high-tech companies is, on paper, making the country richer. The government is paying out of its ear.

surplus

65.2 billion euros by 2027.

Meanwhile, Ireland faces some difficult problems. For example, corporate wealth has done to Dublin what Silicon Valley did to San Francisco, turning a once livable city into a highly unaffordable metropolis. There is a huge
lack of affordable housing. A related homelessness crisis: around 12,000 people are in emergency accommodation, with an average monthly rent of €1,468. Add to that a creaky public health service (along with lavish and expensive private health services).

And it is the only country in Europe.
Population explosion underway: Current demographic trends indicate that the Republic
The population in 2016 was 4.7 million
somewhere in the range of about $5.5 million.
6.7 million people by 2051 By the end of this century, there will be 10 million people living on the entire island of Ireland.

There is a paradox here. Mr. Whitaker’s strategy is to build enough affordable housing to build all the affordable housing the country needs, to fund a world-class public health system, and to build a mass transit system that frees up the nation’s capital. It brought in tax revenue and created a society that was clearly richer than his wildest dreams. Traffic congestion, electrification of everything, etc. Nevertheless, it is ruled by a coalition government that appears unable to look ahead to the next election. Perhaps it is true that we are getting the government we deserve.

what i was reading

A game with a frontier

A great essay by Bruce Schneier
How “Frontier” became the slogan for uncontrollable AI.

talking points

Salvo, Volume 5 Featuring a fascinating interview transcript by Gavin Jacobson.
new statesman With the famous French economist Thomas Piketty.

into the clouds

The incredible ecological impact of computing and the cloud Anthropologist Stephen Gonzalez Montserrat details what he learned while working in a giant data center.

Source: www.theguardian.com

From Mogul to Inmate: Sam Bankman Freed’s Journey from Success to Incarceration

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

On the morning of March 28th, in a downtown Manhattan courtroom, Sam Bankman Freed, a tech genius turned con artist who remained unrepentant despite his trial and conviction, finally learned his fate.

Bankman Fried, who founded the virtual currency exchange FTX, was found guilty on November 2, 2023, of seven counts of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Fallen Bitcoin booster was found to have siphoned billions of dollars in customer funds to FTX’s sister hedge fund Alameda Research to stay solvent – His pockets were then stuffed with money from unlucky customers, precipitating the organization’s collapse.

“Sam Bankman Freed carried out one of the biggest financial frauds in American history, a multi-billion dollar scheme to make him the king of cryptocurrencies. However, the crypto industry was new and Sam Bankman Players like Bankman Fried may be new, but this type of corruption has been around for a long time,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damien Williams said after the conviction. “This case has always been about lies, deceit and theft, and we have no patience for that.”

Prosecutors then asked Judge Lewis Kaplan to impose a prison sentence of 40 to 50 years. They emphasized the “extremely serious nature of the harm to thousands of victims” and said:[prevent] Defendant shall not commit fraud again; [send] This sends a strong signal to those who attempt to engage in financial misconduct that the consequences will be severe. ”

In order to seek a heavier sentence, prosecutors submitted victim impact statements, revealing how individual and institutional investors were harmed by Bankman Freed’s actions.

“In 2022, at the age of 24, I lost all my life savings, which amounted to more than $20,000,” said one person who did not even try to invest in cryptocurrencies, but simply took advantage of the interest rate operated by FTX. I wrote that it was for a reason. – Bearing Savings Account.

Another victim, who said she had “invested a significant portion of her savings in FTX,” said she was staring at an uncertain future, adding: “Immense anxiety, stress and uncertainty about how I'm going to support myself and my family.” “It's causing sex,” he said.

The “disbelief and fear” the victim described upon learning of FTX’s financial crisis reflected the widespread shock at the exchange’s collapse. Bankman Fried has long been a rising star in the crypto world, attracting both investors and politicians with his trading platform.He argued that exchange was safer. – and less risky – than any other such platform. FTX rose to fame on the back of his advocacy, boosting Bankman Freed’s profile and lining his pockets.

FTX is a huge success: SBF became a millionaire before he was 30 years old

Before Bankman Fried turned 30, his fortune was in the billions. FTX and its biggest competitor, Binance, used to process most crypto transactions around the world.

All the while, with his uniform of T-shirts and shorts and lofty philosophical pronouncements, Mr. Bankman-Fried developed the persona befitting the next tech impresario. His parents, both law professors at Stanford University, studied utilitarianism (in effect, the concept that moral actions are those that achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people), and it was through this context that he learned about commerce. declared that it would evaluate.

Bankman-Fried said he believes in effective altruism. This is a philanthropic endeavor beloved by big tech leaders who believe strategic giving to achieve the greatest number is a virtue. Some proponents of effective altruism promote an “earn to give mentality.” This means that accumulating extreme wealth is moral because it can be donated.

The former mogul's enthusiasm for contributing to society has also permeated politics. He has donated more than $40 million to the 2022 election.

Most of Mr. Bankman Fried’s donations went to the Democratic Party and related committees, but he also poured large sums of money into “dark” contributions to Republican candidates. According to CBS NewsBankman Fried wondered if she might have been the “second or third-largest” donor to the 2022 midterm elections.

While at the top, Bankman Freed chatted with celebrities including Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the 2020 Cryptocurrency Conference in the Bahamas. He moved FTX to Caribbean countries because it employs a trading mechanism that is prohibited in the United States. new york times report.

Among Bankman Fried’s closest friends was Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison. Although their business relationship was complicated, Ellison and Bankman Freed continued an on-and-off romantic relationship over the years.

Like Bankman Freed, Ellison made lofty declarations. “Nothing makes us realize how stupid the normal unmedicated human experience is like regular amphetamine use,” she said in the paper. bomb tweet.

The FTX team's life in the Bahamas seemed to reflect the quirkiness that the tech industry loves. Bankman Freed, Ellison, and eight other members of his entourage lived together in the penthouse. reportedly Access to stimulants – Our in-house clinic will be happy to prescribe it for you.

Everything goes wrong: FTX goes bankrupt, SBF goes to court

Bankman Fried’s fortunes reversed in November 2022. That month, crypto industry publication CoinDesk report He reportedly held billions of dollars in FTT, FTX’s own cryptocurrency. There was a problem because the CEO was using FTT as collateral for a huge loan. When news broke about Binance’s FTT holdings, Binance CEO Changpeng Chao said that the company would dispose of its $500 million FTT holdings due to “recently revealed facts.” FTT plummeted, creating a virtual bank run among customers. FTX, like Alameda Research, sought bankruptcy protection.

It became clear to the outside world that there was an $8 billion hole in FTX’s budget. In December, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan charged Bankman Freed with financial crimes for allegedly using customer and investor funds to make risky trades and assist Alameda Research.

At Bankman Freed’s trial in late 2023, the prosecution alleged that Bankman Freed was involved in a malicious fraud from 2019 until November 2022, when FTX went bankrupt. They claim Bankman Freed “misappropriated and misappropriated” FTX customers’ deposits and funneled “billions of stolen dollars” to bloat wallets and fund high-risk investments. did.

Prosecutors also said Bankman Freed shuffled funds to pay for his expensive lifestyle. They say the “exorbitant expenditures” unrelated to FTX covered Mr. Bankman Freed’s personal expenses, including more than $200 million in real estate in the Bahamas, speculative investments and repayments to Alameda’s lenders. said.

During Mr. Bankman-Fried’s month-long trial, his aides took the stand against him. Some of the most damning testimony came from his ex-girlfriend Ellison, who served as the prosecution’s star witness.

“Did you commit any crimes while working in Alameda?” Ellison was asked. She answered: “Yes, I did…” [Bankman-Fried] directed me to commit these crimes. ”

Despite numerous revelations about FTX’s questionable internal affairs, Bankman Fried made the shocking decision to testify in his own defense. “I made a lot of little mistakes and I made a lot of big mistakes,” Bankman Freed told jurors. “There was a serious oversight.”

Bankman Freed made management errors, including failing to establish a dedicated risk management team. But when attorney Mark Cohen asked if he had defrauded his clients or stolen their money, Bankman Fried responded, “No, I didn’t.”

When it came time for the prosecution to cross-examine Bankman-Fried, the lawyers questioned him on everything from his character. Mr Ellison told jurors that his appearance as limp and bedridden was an act and that he drove a Toyota Corolla as part of his branding. – Discrepancies between FTX’s public and private announcements.

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“Mr. Bankman Freed, do you agree that you know how to tell a good story?” asked prosecutor Daniel Sassoon. “I don’t know. It depends on what metrics you use,” he said, without giving a direct answer.

Mr. Sassoon asked about his colleague’s comments. new york timesIn it, Ms. Bankman-Fried claimed that she considered cutting her hair to have negative value because, “I think it’s important that people think I’m crazy.“ From.“ “I don’t think I meant that,” Bankman Fried said.

“Do you consider yourself an intelligent man?” Sassoon pressed.

“Not in all respects, but in many respects,” Bankman-Fried said.

“As CEO of FTX, did you think highly of yourself?”

“Hooray.”

Unrepentant SBF faces decades in prison

During Bankman Freed’s trial, his lawyers pressed him to portray him as a “math nerd who doesn’t drink or party” and is crazy. Prosecutors pushed back against the baby-in-the-woods argument during sentencing submissions, pointing out that he hardly led a life of hardship.

“With all the advantages afforded by a comfortable upbringing, an education at MIT, a prestigious start to a career in finance, and a worthy idea for a start-up business, Bankman Fried was able to achieve the rewards he envisioned.“ “He could have pursued a productive and altruistic life,” they said.

“Rather, his life in recent years has been one of unparalleled greed and arrogance: ambition and rationalization, risk-seeking and repeated gambling with other people’s money.”

In response, Bankman Fried’s team painted him as a victim, writing that prosecutors presented their version of him as a “depraved supervillain.” [with] Dark and megalomaniac motives. ”

“The government seeks to complete the sentence of 32-year-old Sam Bankman Freed,” his attorneys wrote in a statement regarding prosecutors’ 40 to 50-year sentence. “There’s no need to crush Sam like this.”

They, too, suggested a sentence ranging from 63 to 78 months, citing his elite education.

“Offenders with no criminal history, like Sam, are the least likely to reoffend,” they said. “And college-educated offenders are less likely to reoffend.”

In a February petition seeking a reduced sentence, Bankman Fried said there was “zero harm to customers, lenders and investors…The company was solvent at the time of the bankruptcy filing…The money was there.” “It is not lost.”

John Ray, who was appointed FTX CEO to oversee the bankruptcy, denounced Bankman Freed’s claims in a court filing.

“Mr. Bankman Freed continues to live a life of delusion. The ‘business’ he left on November 11, 2022 was neither solvent nor secure. “A large amount of money was stolen by Mr. Bankman Freed,” Ray wrote.

It seems unlikely that they will receive lenient treatment.

Neema Rahmani, president of the West Coast Trial Lawyers Association and a former federal prosecutor, said Bankman Freed “will serve a significant prison term.”

“He refused to accept responsibility and tried to shift the blame onto others. This is one of the greatest

Source: www.theguardian.com

Key takeaways from the initial week of Mike Lynch’s fraud trial in the US | Autonomy

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Mike Lynch, known as ‘Britain’s Bill Gates’ and the top technology entrepreneur in Britain, reached the pinnacle of his career when he transformed his software company into an $11bn (£8.6bn) acquisition by a Silicon Valley giant. More than a dozen years later, the acquisition has become the focus of a trial in San Francisco that began last Monday.

Lynch is facing 16 charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy by U.S. authorities, alleging that Hewlett-Packard’s purchase of Autonomy was based on deceitful information. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. Lynch has pleaded not guilty.

The trial will center on the events of 2011 when HP acquired Autonomy. In the coming weeks, jurors will hear from numerous witnesses in a courtroom directly above the former Autonomy skyscraper site in San Francisco.

Once hailed as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch spent the first week of his trial quietly listening as federal prosecutors targeted his former empire. He occasionally interacted with his lawyer or worked on his laptop, at times wearing a smile.

1. 2011 Revisited

In 2011, David Cameron was still in office, Barack Obama was president, and movie buffs were enthralled by the final Harry Potter film.

Lynch has consistently claimed that HP mishandled the Autonomy acquisition, leading to its downfall. However, Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the trial’s focus should not include the aftermath of the deal.

Explaining financial transactions and complex arguments from over a decade ago to a new jury presents a significant challenge.

The trial started with the prosecution highlighting a crucial meeting in early 2011 where Lynch allegedly misled HP executives about Autonomy’s success, leading to the $11 billion fraud accusation.

The defense painted Lynch as a tough but brilliant inventor who delegated tasks to talented managers, minimizing his involvement in daily operations.

2. Simplifying the Complex

Government prosecutors accused Lynch of repeatedly lying to investors and auditors, orchestrating a multi-year fraud through deceptive accounting practices.

As the trial progresses, Lynch’s team plans to portray him as a hands-off leader who was unfairly blamed for HP’s struggles and the Autonomy deal.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Reflecting on 25 Years of Rollercoaster Tycoon: The Inspiration Behind a Classic”

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

‘I
“I remember rushing home from school just to play Rollercoaster Tycoon,” says Merlin Entertainments, the owner of UK-based theme parks including Olton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, and Legoland Windsor. John Burton, senior creative lead at Yahoo! He is designing the 72-meter (236-foot) Hyperia roller coaster planned for Thorpe Park. “Then I went to sleep dreaming of being the next Walt Disney.”

As an adult, Burton looks back on the game with the excitement of a teenager on a sugar high. “I learned so much about how roller coaster systems work with block zones and even little tricks at theme parks like adding side cues and strategically placed restrooms,” he said, continued, confirming my suspicions that a Jumanji-themed jungle world was his idea. The piece, which Chessington helped design, has what he calls “subliminal similarities” to his Jolly Jungle scenario from the classic PC game. “When I have to go to a theme park overseas for work, I still load the original game onto the plane and sketch out ideas. I never really stopped playing.”

John Burton of Chessington World of Adventures…he grew up playing on rollercoasters and now designs real-life rides.

Released 25 years ago today, RollerCoaster Tycoon (the best-selling PC game of 1999) was a viral success before online virality was established, with users sharing their favorite real-world designs and recreations. It has inspired countless geosite forum communities. vehicle. These communities still exist, and one designer recently created a nightmarish existential roller coaster that took him 12 years to cringe. complete.

The 1999 theme park strategy game RollerCoaster Tycoon sold 700,000 copies in its first year and helped keep publisher Atari afloat. Today is its 25th anniversary. RollerCoaster Tycoon not only provided millions of fans with an endless toolbox of fun to build the theme park of their dreams (more on that later), but the entire adjacent theme park industry. He has solved the mysteries of men and contributed to reducing the male-dominated industry.

“I remember for many years I was the only woman working on roller coaster projects,” says Legoland Resort Executive Creative Director and creator of the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster at Alton Towers, says industry heavyweight Candy Holland, who helped design Oblivion. “But when Roller Coaster Tycoon came out, there was a sudden surge in young women applying for jobs. I think I had a deeper understanding.”

One of those young women was Flora Louie, a senior project manager for Merlin’s “Magic Creation” team in California. She argues that unlike many games of the time (Resident Evil, GoldenEye 007), Roller Coaster Her Tycoon attracted male and female players because it traded the fantasy of death and destruction for fun creativity. . “Playing Rollercoaster Tycoon was radical,” she says.

“Graphic styles are now seen as quirky and unique, rather than as outdated and restrictive as they were back then,” says Roller Coaster Tycoon designer Chris Sawyer. Photo: Atari

“I remember changing the color so that all the rides were pink. We spent a lot of time creating maze-like lines, making the customers laugh and confuse them, and even telling our parents that all the designs were different.” As a project manager, I have to consider the push and pull of the budget; the impact of increased visitor numbers; safety; managing the flow of guests and delivering the magic; As I’m participating, I’m thinking about all these things and remembering how Roller Coaster Tycoon set me on this path.”

From tranquil lush lakes to more exhilarating Haunted Harbor and Diamond Heights, each of the game’s 21 scenarios is a theme park where you can find quick solutions to dilemmas and give pixelated attendees the time of their lives was intended to create. “The success of this game really kept Atari in business,” admits Atari CEO Wade Rosen. “The fact that you can build these very complex roller coasters and you can completely ignore all of them and launch them. [customers] It was really genius to jump into the lake and see how many fish you could gag. ”

Rosen claims that everyone who played it had a “different experience” and said that the canvas of creativity that existed in Rollercoaster Tycoon was essentially a prototype for what would become Minecraft. He was a ruthless player in capitalism, he says. “I really liked the business side of it…When it was raining, I would put a price on an umbrella right away. It’s like $20 now. And I brought a lot of cash. Sho.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Will other US companies follow Starbucks’ lead in making major progress in union negotiations?

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Starbucks has been actively resisting unionization efforts for over two years, but now they seem willing to engage in negotiations.

In a surprising move, Starbucks and its union released a joint announcement at the end of February, expressing a willingness to make progress on organizing and collective bargaining.

The union representing Starbucks employees announced plans to resume direct negotiations with the company in late April to establish a basic framework agreement involving over 400 unionized stores.

This development has brought hope not only to Starbucks employees but also to workers at companies like Amazon, Trader Joe’s, and REI, who have been struggling to move contract negotiations forward.

The possibility of Starbucks potentially unionizing after years of aggressive anti-union tactics has sparked curiosity about which company may follow suit in the future.

Claire Chan, an REI employee, expressed excitement about the progress, highlighting the persistence required to bring a company like Starbucks to the negotiating table. She described it as a significant step forward.

John Logan, a labor studies professor, remains cautious about Starbucks’ intentions and whether they will truly commit to ending anti-union practices and reaching an initial contract.

The union representative for Starbucks, Michelle Eisen, remains optimistic about the future collaboration between Starbucks and the union, emphasizing the importance of valuing employee input for business success.

Starbucks has offered a settlement to the union following backlash over union-busting allegations, stock price declines, and disruptive strikes, showing a potential shift towards supporting unions.

Legal experts and union representatives see Starbucks’ possible unionization as a significant step that could inspire other companies to consider similar actions.

Overall, the announcement from Starbucks has far-reaching implications for workers’ rights and the future of unionization in major corporations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Reddit’s stocks soar on their first day of public trading

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The social media platform Reddit’s stocks, traded under the symbol RDDT.N, closed the first day of trading in New York with a 48% increase. This suggests that there is renewed investor interest in initial public offerings (IPOs) of promising yet money-losing companies.

Reddit’s shares closed at a value 48% higher than their initial offering price on the first day of trading, valuing the company at over $9 billion. The stock rose to $57.80 per share, a 70% increase, before settling at $50.44 per share by the day’s end.

The IPO price for the San Francisco-based company was $34 per share, giving it a market value of $6.4 billion. The company and its selling shareholders raised $748 million.

Reddit’s highly anticipated IPO had been in the works for over two years. An IPO filing was made secretly in December 2021 but was delayed due to market volatility. The current valuation marks a decrease from 2021 when it was valued at $10 billion in a private funding round.

Reddit’s strong market entry could yield significant gains for its largest shareholder, Advance Publications. The parent company of Condé Nast, which owns magazines like The New Yorker and Vogue, stands to profit up to $1.4 billion from the IPO. Advance purchased Reddit for $10 million just 18 months after its launch.

Reddit’s co-founder and CEO, Steve Huffman, received a compensation package totaling $193 million last year. While the site’s other co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, has been a public figure, he does not appear in the company’s filings with U.S. financial regulators.

Major shareholders of Reddit include Chinese gaming company Tencent with an 11% stake, Fidelity with 9.5%, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with 8.7%. Reddit was part of the first batch of startups from Y Combinator, where Mr. Altman later served as president.

Reddit’s IPO amid a tech frenzy is expected to give the company a strong market position. However, Julian Klimochko, CEO of Accelerate Financial Technologies, suggests that market performance in the coming weeks will be closely monitored.

“A poor trade by Reddit could impact the IPO market, leading many companies to pause their IPO efforts,” Klimochko stated.

Since its founding in 2005, Reddit has become a cornerstone of social media culture, known for its alien logo on an orange background and its tagline “Front Page of the Internet.”

Reddit hosts over 100,000 online forums called “subreddits” covering a wide range of topics. The platform has been used for various activities, including support groups and interviews, such as the one conducted with Barack Obama in 2012.

Despite its cult status, Reddit has not matched the success of larger rivals like Facebook and Tesla. The company has about 73 million daily unique visitors compared to Facebook’s 2 billion daily logins.

Reddit allocated 8% of its IPO shares to eligible users, moderators, board members, and acquaintances of employees and directors as part of its user appreciation plan. The company is in early stages of monetization and has yet to turn a yearly profit, raising questions about its path to profitability.

“The true test will be after the first earnings report. The results and strategic changes made post-IPO will be crucial,” said Leena Agarwal, director of Georgetown University’s Psaros Center for Financial Markets.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Celebrating 20 Years of Katamari Damacy: The Surreal and Colorful Game That Remains the Weirdest Yet Most Beloved

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

MWhen I was a kid, my parents were somewhat skeptical of video games. When I was a kid, I had a Super Nintendo and his N64, but they only let me play on the weekends, so on Fridays I’d come home from school and munch on Mario 64 with a big pack of Haribo Tongue Fastiks. I was there. My gaming horizons didn’t expand until his teenage years. Around that time, I started making enough money to buy myself a PlayStation 2 and started participating in forums with other geeks whose gaming worlds were much broader than mine.

PlayStation 2 had several features strange game. While the N64 had some success, and I’ve developed a lasting attachment to his Mystical Ninja starring Goemon, it wasn’t as good as the Sony console. There was “Dark Cloud” and “Monster Hunter,” “Ryu ga Gotoku,” “Mojib Ribbon,” “God Hand,” “Okami,” and “Rivit King,” but as far as I know, this is Frolf (Frog Golf). This is the only game about.

And then there was Katamari Damacy, the very epitome of everything weird and wonderful in the PlayStation 2 library, a fun game that celebrates its 20th anniversary this week.

The premise is this. The eccentric king of the universe, who wears Shakespearean purple tights, drinks too much beer and messes up the universe. And you, his little green prince, have to take the sticky ball to Earth. Roll it and collect bigger and bigger objects until they are big enough to replace a moon or a planet. This song is a strong contender for the best theme song in video game history, and also one of his best intro sequences. Behold.

Actually, she’s only 5cm tall. “That body, that physique. Are you really our son?” cries the king. Therefore, he must start small. You’ll need to start with something really small, like rolled up thumbtacks, dice, or empty soy sauce packs. Animals will chase the ball to try to throw it off course, and precious trash will be scattered if it hits something too big to roll. Katamari Damacy is surreal, hilarious, and a lot of fun, winding up cows, cars, people, and eventually buildings, islands, and clouds. It’s only about four hours long, but it leaves a lasting impression on everyone who plays it, simply because the music is haunting. Twenty years later, it still pops into my head from time to time as I wait for the kettle to boil.

Katamari soul. Photo provided by Bandai Namco

Katamari Damacy symbolizes Japanese game development during this era. PS2 technology was good enough for game designers’ more ambitious ideas to start blossoming, and budgets weren’t yet so outrageous as to require multi-million sales. The result is a slew of short, surreal, and often quite broken games. who I really wanted that. You can clearly see the designer’s heart reflected in it. Many of these games were never released to the world. Katamari Damacy itself was never officially released in Europe, but fortunately for curious teenagers in the ’00s, importing the game was relatively easy if you knew how to use the Internet. Thankfully, the PS2’s region lock was easily circumvented. In 2004, getting a copy and putting it to work felt like unearthing an artistic treasure.

Katamari designer Keita Takahashi brought together students from publisher Namco’s design school and programmers from the arcade division to complete the game in less than a year on a budget of £650,000. Takahashi studied sculpture at art school and went on to create some interesting games, but it’s safe to say that none were as interesting as this one.Namco continued make a series without him Many years have passed since he left the company in 2009, but things have never been the same. Recent Katamari Damacy games have felt like self-parody. The reason Katamari Damacy is so loved is precisely because no one has ever seen anything like it before.

No doubt, this is mainly because I am not a teenager anymore, but I hardly ever feel that way now. It feels like you’re playing something you’ve never seen before.If you’re lucky do not have For those who have already experienced it, there is a great remaster of Katamari Damacy on Steam and all consoles called Katamari Damacy Reroll. Happy 20th birthday, beautiful weirdo.

what to play

Dragon’s Dogma 2. Photo: Capcom

dragons dogma 2 ‘ released on Friday and I’m having the time of my life. I’ve been waiting 12 years for a sequel to the weirdest medieval RPG I’ve ever played, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s like Elden Ring meets The Witcher, except it’s pleasantly silly in that it can pick up people and carry them around for hours. For no reason, you find yourself fighting an ogre in the middle of a crowded city where no one is paying attention.

This is the antithesis of the tightly scripted RPGs that currently dominate the genre, and instead allows you to mix and match a bunch of fun systems and experiment with how they collide, giving you a sense of the unexpected. always happens. As I type this, I’m in a haunted castle with a magician who looks like Aladdin Sane-era David Bowie and a retinue of greatsword-wielding warriors straight out of Dark Souls. I’m in the middle of an adventure.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X, PC
Estimated play time: 50+ hours

what to read

Sony’s PlayStation VR headset. Photo: Afro/Rex/Shutterstock

Bloomberg claims that Sony has temporarily suspended production of the product. PSVR2 virtual reality headset, thousands of units remain unsold. Sony has never fully bought into the luxury of this expensive accessory – it’s only released a few games for it since its launch last year – and consumer demand just isn’t there either. It seems that. I’m sorry I said that.
Mutsumi Inomatathe character designer and artist who defined the look of Bandai Namco’s Tales series of role-playing games; died63 years old.
EAstudio is the latest giant publisher to suffer layoffs. 5% reduction in workforce worldwide. Apex Legends developer Respawn was the hardest hit.

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What to click

Question Block

Pokemon Sword and Shield. Photo: Nintendo

This week’s question from reader Danny:

“Which Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch would you recommend for my introduction?” 9-and Will my 6-year-old daughters be involved in this series? ”

Luckily, Danny, I just introduced Pokemon to kids my age this year, and now they’re hooked. They get so much joy out of these games and it’s really gratifying. Here he has two good options. The first one Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee!is a remake of the OG Red/Blue Pokemon games that blends old-school combat and collecting with Pokemon Go-style catching, where kids can help catch creatures by simulating throwing Pokeballs at the screen. Masu. (Also, if you played the original version, your kids will think you’re omniscient.)

Other options are pokemon sword and shield, just finished with the kids. It’s simple, cartoonishly beautiful, easy to read, and comes with all the game mod cons that first-generation Pokemon trainers had to do without (which moves are effective against opponents, which (e.g. actually letting you know if a technique is ineffective). (on the battle screen).

If you have any questions for the questions block or anything else you’d like to say about the newsletter, please reply or email pushbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘Escape through Animal Crossing: Psychology of the pandemic revealed’ | Games

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

‘TToday is the first day of your new life on this pristine and beautiful island. Well then, congratulations! ” says benevolent raccoon landlord Tom Nook minutes into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. (Nook gets a lot of hate online, but there’s no denying he’s very welcoming.) Many players read this comforting message during a time of uncertainty and fear in the real world. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released on Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2020., days before the UK entered its first Covid lockdown.

This was fortuitous timing. When we were all stuck at home, thanks to this game you can plant local fruit, take care of your flowers, see what’s on offer in the shops in town, and play with Tom Nook. I was able to repay a large loan (thankfully interest free) and escape. Chaos and daily death toll. We opened the gates to our island and welcomed friends and strangers into our pristine little world. When real life fell apart, we started anew glasses cat, Sheep in a clown coat and rhinoceros like cake.

Due to the sudden popularity of the game Nintendo Switch sales status surge amid pandemic shortages. new horizons sold 44.79 million units By December 2023 – almost 3.5 times more than any other game in the Animal Crossing series since 2001. This is his second best-selling Switch game to date after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

“I visited a friend who was far away in real life”…Many people still play this game.

Player April said she and her partner Matthew have spent over 700 hours playing the game, turning their island into a collaborative…

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple faces full-scale lawsuit from US over alleged smartphone market monopoly

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The U.S. government initiated a significant antitrust lawsuit against Apple on Thursday, alleging that the tech giant impeded competition by limiting access to its software and hardware. The lawsuit challenges Apple’s core products and practices, including iMessage and the interconnectivity of iPhone and Apple Watch.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, asserts that Apple holds monopolistic power in the smartphone market and engages in “pervasive, persistent, and unlawful” conduct to maintain its dominance. It seeks to “free the smartphone market” from Apple’s anti-competitive behavior and claims that the company stifles innovation.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “Apple’s illegal conduct has helped them remain in power, threatening the free and fair markets essential to our economy.”

The Department of Justice’s case against Apple is a significant legal action against the world’s most valuable publicly traded company. It follows similar antitrust cases targeting major tech firms like Amazon, Meta, and Google, which have faced scrutiny for consolidating power and stifling competition.

Apple denies the allegations, arguing that the lawsuit jeopardizes their core business and principles that set their products apart in a competitive market.

The lawsuit questions whether Apple’s practices of limiting rivals’ access to proprietary features like iMessage and Siri constitute anti-competitive behavior. It investigates whether Apple’s closed ecosystem creates unreasonable barriers for competitors.

The complaint accuses Apple of anti-competitive actions such as blocking innovative apps, restricting third-party digital wallets, and limiting cross-platform messaging. These actions allegedly inhibit competition and increase prices for consumers.

The lawsuit aims to change Apple’s practices and impose fines for their actions. It seeks to prevent Apple from strengthening its monopoly and using its app store and private APIs to hinder cross-platform technology distribution.

Apple, as a dominant force in the smartphone market, has faced criticism for its closed ecosystem. Rival companies view Apple’s features as creating a walled garden that limits consumer choice and competition.

The lawsuit highlights Apple’s clash with startup Beeper, which attempted to enable non-iPhone users to access iMessage. Beeper’s struggles with Apple exemplify the challenges faced by smaller competitors against tech giants.

The legal action against Apple is part of a broader crackdown on anticompetitive behavior by major tech companies. Regulators in both the U.S. and Europe have been investigating and pursuing cases against tech giants to promote fair competition.

European regulators, in particular, have fined Apple for anti-competitive practices. The investigation stemmed from complaints that Apple’s restrictions on its app store harmed other music streaming providers.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back with additional insights and words of wisdom from inspiring women | Podcast

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

This week’s picks

football dial F
Widely available every week starting Wednesday
Total Sport FM listeners are used to their hosts being white and ungainly, so what happens when the management brings in a young YouTuber? Rory Adefope (below), with Des (Fergus Craig) She plays Lisa, a new employee who pairs up to compete for airtime. The fast-talking, tongue-in-cheek satire of sports radio is spot-on, and every character is a bit ignorant and awful. As the producer says, “Hate equals clicks, views, and ad dollars.” Hannah Verdier

miss me?
BBC Sounds, 2 episodes every week
Lifelong friends Lily Allen and Mikita Oliver have a wealth of chemicals and materials for their twice-weekly updates. Funny stories, memories from her ’90s involving A-listers, discussion of hot topics, musings on the Princess of Wales are all here, and an insider’s look at how the celebrity world works It also includes a perspective. HV

Rory Adefope. Photo: Julia Kennedy/Observer

smarter than me
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ best podcast with older (and smarter) women is back for season two. Billie Jean King, Patti Smith, and Sally Field are among the sensational subjects who offer pure inspiration this time around. Louis-Dreyfus says it has “brainwashed” her about her own ideas about aging and made her look forward to it. I can see why. HV

unreliable witness
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Who is Ellie Williams? The 22-year-old was jailed on false rape charges in 2022, but this nuanced podcast proves there’s a lot the public doesn’t know. Sky News home editor Jason Farrell and producer Liz Lane have spoken to her family and friends, who portray her as an intelligent and sociable woman who had shown signs of abuse. HV

strike
BBC Sounds, weekly episodes
There are many reflections on the miners’ strike, which marks its 40th anniversary, but it is the personal memories that are truly moving. Merthyr Tydfil-born filmmaker Jonny Owen, then 13, explores the divide between miners who went on strike and those who didn’t, and how it divided friendships and communities. talked about. HV

There’s a podcast for that

Danny Robbins, host of the Battersea Poltergeist Podcast. Photo: David Levin/The Guardian

this week, Rachel Aroesti choose the best five paranormal phenomenon Podcasts from a guide to American spiritualism to a BBC investigation finding the truth about 1950s London poltergeists.

ghost story
This wonderful podcast by journalist Tristan Redman begins as a vague anecdote about a potentially haunted attic in south-west London and turns into a fascinating, deep, and rather beautiful meditation on memory and the past. We will continue to expand. This series was started by a strange coincidence. As a child, Redman experienced strange occurrences in her bedroom. Years later, he found his wife’s great-grandmother murdered next to her. What follows is an interesting investigation into a very strange murder and a spine-chilling investigation into the possibility of ghosts. Could it be that Redman has lived under the influence of supernatural forces all his adult life? Although his conclusions were by no means definitive, they were revelatory and moving.

battersea poltergeist
Danny Robbins is the king of paranormal podcasting in the UK, as host of the BBC’s excellent audio series-turned-TV show Uncanny. But it was actually the 2021 series Battersea Poltergeist that first ignited the comedy writer’s late career. switch. An incredibly thorough investigation into the ghostly events that took place on Wycliffe Road in the 1950s, Robbins pulls out all the stops to uncover the noises and flights that haunted the Hitchings family and made headlines for more than a decade. Provided a reasonable explanation for the object. But no matter how hard he tries, the host can’t completely dismiss the idea that something happened there that can’t be explained scientifically. And by the end of the series, you will too.

ghost church
Podcaster and comedian Jamie Loftus (known as co-host of the long-running show “The Bechdel Cast”) is an American spiritualist (a religion adjacent to Christianity defined by the belief that the dead never actually die). ) is a reliable and often hilarious guide to. This charming, funny and heartfelt series. To delve into the shaky underpinnings of spiritualism and its less comical modern aspects, Loftus ventures into Cassadaga, a small, highly insular community in Florida that has dedicated its life to communicating with spirits. I would like to interview mediums. Although she arrived with an open mind, she quickly realized that it would take a preternatural level of seriousness to keep from laughing at all the mind-bogglingly bizarre details. Ta.

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radio rental
Podcaster Payne Lindsay, who made a name for himself by investigating a series of cold cases, goes on to create a series of gruesome films that revolve around something that isn’t exactly a true crime, but is still incredibly sinister. I turned my attention to the story. After scouring forums for suitably chilling stories, from stories of her girlfriend’s doppelgänger to an evil babysitter that clearly never existed, Lindsay tracks down the posters and reveals the gruesome details of their experiences. I recorded everything. The paranormal is just one possibility in these explanations, but human evil is a far more terrifying possibility, so for once it’s often the preferable option. Oh, and if that gets a little too much, Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight from The Office US) is on hand to break the ice, serving as MC for the whole thing in the guise of video store owner Terry Carnation .

ghost in the suburbs
Wellesley, Massachusetts is a real place, but it’s not the poltergeist-filled community this podcast would have you believe. Ghosts in the Burbs does not initially appear to be a work of fiction. Our host is a seemingly real person named Liz Sower, a community member who decided to compile local ghost stories from her neighbors into a (real) blog. However, it soon becomes clear that Sour is actually narrating a sophisticated melodrama about a town plagued by paranormal activity. The tone is pleasant, and Sour and his acquaintances give off a delicious mummy vibe, but it’s also very unsettling. After a while, the host will be able to see ghosts, spirits, and demons. It’s not a skill set that will help you sleep at night.

Why not try it…

After Broad and Market Examines the 2003 murder of Sakia Gunn, a young, black, gay 15-year-old student in downtown Newark. Her murder galvanized LGBTQ+ activism in New Jersey.
in Y is importantnutritionist Alina Kuzmina and expert guests discuss a wide range of health topics, including overeating, work-life balance, and the relationship between mind and body.
Serpentine Podcast: Intimacy We ask how we can expand and evolve our connections with ourselves, others, and the world around us.

If you want to read the full newsletter, subscribe to receive Listen Here in your inbox every Thursday.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Dragon’s Dogma 2: A thrilling and unpredictable fantasy adventure | Games

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

LLet’s talk about my piece, Bowie. As his name suggests, he is a beautiful, fair-skinned, slender magician with heavy makeup and big red hair. He is an extradimensional being, and his job is to support my adventures as Arisen, the fate-chosen ruler of this kingdom. That’s when I unknowingly landed the role.

Bowie wasn’t very good at his job. He often forgets to heal me when a harpy or goblin or ogre knocks my lumps off in the field and forces me to say, “Help!” Press the button while being held down by the Minotaur. When he travels to other worlds, he always returns with sour stories of how often he has fallen in battle, and how badly he has suffered at the hands of other Ariens. Anyway, I love Bowie. my pawn. Despite his failures, we have had incredible adventures together.

You might look at the screenshots and videos of this game and think I must be high, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the best adventure I’ve had in years. Yes, it’s a bit of a shock. Yes, the information on the screen is confusing and the controls take some getting used to. That’s right, you will always die because you will be caught outside after dark and will encounter a lot of ghosts that will instantly vaporize you. Yes, whoever designed the map needs to talk hard about the concept of color contrast. But give yourself a few hours to play Dragon’s Dogma 2, at least until you reach the capital city of Fermund. Then you will be released immediately. You’ll get carried away, and soon you’ll be on your way to a faraway land, zapping ghosts with a team of fellow pawns to bring them back to the next life.

If I had to describe this game in one word, it would be “more fun than functionality.” What you have to understand is that, in contrast to most of the other very serious fantasy novels out there, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is very silly. It’s a beautiful mess of ideas colliding and connecting, creating some really funny moments. For example, pushing a Cyclops so hard that it tumbles off a cliff, levitating around a haunted castle with skeletons chasing you, or accidentally killing your lover. An errant sword swipe forced her to sneak into the morgue later to revive them with a magic stone (which she didn’t care about). Unless you played the first Dragon’s Dogma 12 years ago, you’ve probably never played anything quite like it.

I can honestly say that I had no idea what was going to happen next. I also don’t know if some of my random daring feats were meant to happen or were just interesting bugs. One time I was sorting out my armory in the town square of Fermundo when I turned around to see a troll standing there, and the townspeople looked at me with obvious surprise. In a tense battle, I defeated it and destroyed half of the market stalls, but then everyone carried on with their work as if nothing had happened. Was that demon supposed to be there? I don’t know, but it was a great story.

Speaking of the story, it’s not the plot that got me here with this game. Hundreds and hundreds of medieval-flavored fantasies! – About the characters, and most importantly, my goal to oust the Queen Regent and her puppet puppets and take back my rightful place on the throne of the kingdom as the chosen Arisen. Everyone speaks in a mesmerizingly stiff, unspecific Middle English syntax (“What must we do, Arisen?”). The word “o” is used interchangeably to mean something, anything, or nothing. I’ve spent very little time following the plot so far. many I grabbed my sword and left the city, following the road forever, picking up random quests along the way.

The world is cruel. You can’t go near water. If you don’t, you’ll be swallowed up by an evil scarlet tentacle called Brine. When it gets dark, you can only see about 1 meter in front of your face, and fear looms over you from the night. Griffins, dragons, and other unconquerable giant beasts roam free, and taking them on won’t hurt most animals, so it’s best to know when to run away. If you don’t remember lantern oil, medicine, and a camping pack, you’ll be totally ruined by night.

Combat is what really drives the game. Whether you’re a warrior, a spearmage, a thief, an archer, or a wizard, work together with your team of hired pawns to engage in truly exciting and dangerous battles like monsters. Hunter or Bloodborne. All of these professions can be switched freely, so if you get tired of close combat, you can try archery or spell casting. Mastering each profession unlocks a huge tree of abilities to keep you fighting, always, and always having fun.

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Continue to have fun fighting…Dragon’s Dogma 2. Photo: Capcom

Dragon’s Dogma’s world and enemies are unpredictable, and combat styles vary widely, which can make them inconsistent and unfair at times. A team of pawns makes up for this by essentially making combat much easier and allowing the player to offset any weaknesses his character has. In fact, I love Pawn. They combine the roles of narcotics, heroes, clowns and saviors, and the game is always told by their laments, curses and abuse. It’s a miracle they don’t get too annoyed when they hear one of them say, “That ladder looks sturdy enough to climb on!” I might kick them off of it again.

If this review feels chaotic, that’s because it’s a true reflection of the game. It’s crazy, fun, fantastical chaos, and I honestly love it. Before I started writing this, I had left Arisen and her lovably incompetent pawns on an ancient battlefield patrolled by dragons. We used a few ballista bolts to blow it up, then it flew out and smashed the ballista with its claws. At that point, I realized that I was somewhat outnumbered here and fled to some castle ruins to hide from the creatures. This seemed like a good idea until skeletal warriors rose from the ground, and I realized that this castle was very haunted. I don’t know how to get out of this situation. But I know it will be an adventure.

Source: www.theguardian.com

France imposes a 250 million euro fine on Google for breaching intellectual property agreements

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

French regulators have fined Google €250m (£213m) for breaching agreements with media companies regarding online content reproduction.

The competition watchdog in France announced the fine on Wednesday, citing violations related to intellectual property rules concerning news media publishers. Regulators also raised concerns about Google’s AI services.

According to authorities, Google’s AI-powered chatbot Bird (now called Gemini) trained on content from publishers and news agencies without their knowledge. This action led to the fine.

The watchdog stated that the fine was for failing to fulfill commitments made to Google in 2022, accusing Google of not negotiating in good faith with news publishers for compensation for using their content.

As part of the settlement process, Google has agreed not to dispute the facts and is proposing corrective measures to address the shortcomings highlighted by the authorities.

The EU created “neighboring rights” copyright to enable print media to claim compensation for their content usage. France has been at the forefront of this issue, enacting laws to protect publishing rights against tech giants that monetize news content without sharing revenue.

The recent fine is a result of a copyright dispute in France over online content, initiated by complaints from leading news organizations and the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) in 2019.

Google’s AI chatbot Bird was criticized for using content from media outlets without permission, impacting fair negotiations between publishers and Google.

Amid efforts to protect content scraping by AI services without consent, Google has faced fines for not adhering to commitments and fair negotiation practices with publishers.

Google responded by highlighting its agreements with over 280 French news publishers under the European Copyright Directive. The company stated its commitment to constructive cooperation with publishers to connect people with quality content sustainably.

The statement emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with publishers but also expressed challenges in navigating regulatory changes. Despite the fine, Google aims to move forward positively in the content ecosystem.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Is Reddit Joining Facebook and Twitter in Becoming Trash?

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

L
Like many individuals who were laid off and confined to their homes during the coronavirus lockdown, I found myself devoting endless hours to learning obscure skills that wouldn’t necessarily enhance my resume. Bookbinding, a hobby that surprised many of my acquaintances, became a newfound passion. I’ve never been particularly skilled with my hands, and my life had predominantly revolved around technology and the internet up until that point.

I delved into mastering intricate sewing techniques, learning about adhesive compositions, and discerning the origins of paper by touch. All of this learning took place on the Reddit webpage at a subreddit specifically dedicated to bookbinding. The supportive community of bookbinders generously shared tips and advice on my projects, all at no cost. In my view, it was akin to attending an expensive art school, providing a nurturing environment where I could learn at my own pace without breaking the bank.

Reddit, with over 70 million daily users, hosts a multitude of subreddits catering to diverse interests. From the commonplace discussions on r/politics to the eccentric communities like r/muglife showcasing favorite cups or r/sweetjeans with bizarre denim images, Reddit stands out as an online platform where unique content thrives.

Reddit remains one of the few internet spaces where exploration is unrestricted, allowing users to stumble upon new and intriguing content. However, with impending commercialization looming, Reddit faces challenges in monetizing its platform while maintaining the goodwill of its diverse user base and volunteer moderators.

The impending IPO of Reddit underscores broader implications for the future of the internet, as corporate interests increasingly shape online interactions. While algorithms dominate major platforms, hindering user experience, Reddit’s IPO signifies a shift towards commercialization that may compromise the unique user-generated content that sets it apart.

As Reddit navigates its commercial future, striking a balance between profitability and community interests poses a significant challenge. The platform must address user demands for financial compensation, potential restrictions on NSFW content, and the impact of investor influence on niche subreddits.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Minneapolis drivers successfully protest for wage increase, leading Lyft and Uber to exit city rather than pay fees.

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Uber and Lyft have announced the suspension of their operations in the Minneapolis area in protest of a newly passed minimum wage ordinance by the City Council.

The ordinance, set to take effect on May 1, establishes a minimum wage of $1.40 per mile and 0.51 cents per minute for rideshare drivers, with a minimum wage of $5 per ride. Despite the mayor’s veto being overridden by the City Council, Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the area in response.

If the companies proceed with their plans to halt operations on May 1, Minneapolis will stand as the only city in the U.S. without Uber or Lyft services.

Advocates for the bill highlight the low wages and high costs faced by rideshare drivers. They assert that wages have decreased, leading to support for the ordinance.

Eid Ali, a veteran rideshare driver and president of the Minnesota Uber Lyft Drivers Association, has been terminated. Uber and Lyft argue that the minimum wage is unsustainable for maintaining affordable fares for riders.

Ali expressed his disbelief in the actions of the multi-billion-dollar companies, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and a living wage for all workers.

Should Uber and Lyft exit the market, Ali believes that other entities are prepared to step in. He believes their fight is not solely about the minimum wage but also about its implications on the broader market.

Farhan Bader, another rideshare driver, highlighted the undervaluation of drivers’ roles in society and argued for fair compensation amid declining pay and increased working hours.

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Efforts are underway by Minnesota lawmakers to introduce a bill preempting Minneapolis regulations to retain Uber and Lyft in the area.

Uber’s senior director of communications, Josh Gold, expressed disappointment in the City Council’s decision and emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure drivers receive fair wages while keeping rideshare affordable.

A Lyft spokesperson also voiced support for state-level preemption and raised concerns about the impact of the minimum wage ordinance on drivers’ income and the accessibility of ridesharing services.

Uber and Lyft’s clash with regulators over wages and working conditions reflects a broader trend seen in the industry both in the U.S. and globally.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Microsoft Appoints DeepMind Co-founder to Lead Newly Formed AI Division

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Microsoft has named the co-founder of the British artificial intelligence research institute DeepMind as the head of its new AI division. Mustafa Suleiman, now 39 years old, co-founded DeepMind with Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg back in 2010. The company was later acquired by Google in 2014 for £400m and has since become the core of Google’s AI efforts. Suleiman left DeepMind in 2019 and will now lead Microsoft AI, a new organization focusing on the US company’s consumer products and research. Several members from Suleiman’s Inflection AI startup will also join the division.

Microsoft has made a multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, to develop generative AI technology. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, praised Suleiman as a visionary product maker and a team leader with a bold mission. The new division will integrate Microsoft’s consumer AI efforts, such as the Copilot chatbot and the Bing browser, which utilizes ChatGPT technology. Copilot is a key element in Microsoft’s AI monetization efforts, enabling users to easily compose emails, summarize documents, create presentations, and more.

Suleiman’s colleague Karen Simonyan, also a co-founder of Inflection AI, will join the new division as a principal investigator. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported that Apple is in talks to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI product into the iPhone. Inflection AI, backed by Microsoft and Nvidia, has become one of the leading companies in the generative AI race.

Suleiman, who has roots in both Syria and the UK, recently published a book on AI titled “The Coming Wave.” In it, he discusses both the potential benefits and risks of AI technology, calling for an increase in research on AI safety. In an interview last year, he described the book as a “provocation,” noting the importance of predicting future trends and taking action to mitigate potential risks.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Incredible Rise: Swedish Composer Goes From Relative Obscurity to Spotify Sensation

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Sweden’s most listened to artist on Spotify is a “secret” composer who has released music under hundreds of different names, surpassing Britney Spears and Abba in plays.

Stockholm-based musician Johan Rohr has been identified as the mastermind behind over 650 artists, accumulating 15 billion plays on the streaming platform, making him the most played artist in Sweden.

Under aliases like “Maya Åström”, “Minik Knudsen”, “Mingmei Hsueh”, and “Csizmazia”, Lehr has released more than 2,700 songs on Spotify, including a song titled “Ether”.

His success has placed him in the top 100 most streamed artists globally on Spotify, ahead of music legends like Michael Jackson, Metallica, and Mariah Carey.

Rohr owes much of his success to being featured on over 100 official instrumental playlists curated by Spotify, such as “Peaceful Piano” and “Stress Relief”, which are popular among users for background music.

Spotify celebrated paying a record SEK 90 billion (£6.7 billion) to the music industry last year, supporting new artists to make a living from their music.

Swedish group Abba has strong competition with Rohr, supporting over 650 artists on Spotify. Photo: Ole Lindeborg/TT News Agency/AFP/Getty Images

Critics argue that the success of anonymous artists like Rohr goes against Spotify’s promise to support small, independent musicians, record companies, and composers.

Rohr, who has worked as a conductor for pop stars, has kept quiet about his earnings from Spotify, but his private company reportedly earned a record 32.7 million kronor (about 240 million yen) in 2022.

Overtone Studios, the record company behind Rohr’s music, acknowledged his use of multiple names and described him as a “pioneer of the mood music genre”.

Niklas Brantberg of Overtone Studios emphasized the importance of artists being able to publish music under different names to reach their full creative potential.

Spotify allows artists to use pseudonyms, catering to the growing demand for functional music like relaxation and concentration playlists.

The platform licenses music from rights holders and pays royalties as per agreements with distributors, without restrictions on artist names or pseudonyms.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“British tech company accused of being ‘controlling’ as Mike Lynch fraud trial continues into second day” | Autonomy

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

British entrepreneur Mike Lynch faced arrest on the first day of his criminal trial, where prosecutors portrayed him as a controlling boss who orchestrated a massive fraud. Lynch is set to appear in court in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Co-founder of Autonomy, Lynch is accused of inflating the software company’s sales, misleading auditors, analysts, and regulators, and threatening those who raised concerns before its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

Lynch’s lawyers plan to have him testify once prosecutors complete their case against him. He has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

A deal by HP to acquire Autonomy for $11.1 billion soured when HP reduced the purchase price by $8.8 billion due to alleged accounting irregularities, omissions, and misstatements in the business.

As the trial commenced, prosecutors called on Ganesh Vaidyanathan, Autonomy’s former head of accounting, as the first witness to testify about accounting issues raised in 2010.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Reeves argued that Lynch presented Autonomy as a successful company to HP but that its financial statements were false and misleading due to accounting tricks and concealing hardware sales.

Chamberlain, Autonomy’s financial director, also pleaded not guilty to charges related to falsifying documents and misleading auditors, with his attorney suggesting he was a pawn caught in a battle between giants.

Lynch alleges Autonomy’s poor performance post-acquisition was due to mismanagement by HP, not wrongdoing before the acquisition, as he spent time preparing for trial under house arrest.

Extradited from Britain to the U.S. last year, Lynch posted bail and wears a GPS tag on his ankle under 24-hour guard surveillance.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exploring the Exciting Features of Nvidia’s Latest AI Superchip

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Nvidia, a chipmaker, has once again solidified its position in artificial intelligence by introducing a new “superchip,” a quantum computing service, and a set of tools to assist in the development of general-purpose humanoid robots. Let’s delve into what the company is up to and the implications of their advancements.

What is NVIDIA doing?

At their annual development conference, Nvidia unveiled the latest generation of AI chips, known as the “Blackwell” series, used to power high-end data centers for training cutting-edge AI models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini. Among them is the Blackwell B200, an upgrade to the existing H100 AI chip. Using this new chip, training large AI models like GPT-4 would require significantly fewer chips and less power, potentially leading to more efficient power usage in the AI industry.

What makes a chip “super”?

In addition to the B200, Nvidia introduced the GB200 “superchip,” which combines two B200 chips on one board to enhance processing efficiency. This setup can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve overall performance, making it an attractive option for running advanced AI models like chatbots.

What if I want it to be bigger?

For those looking for even more power, Nvidia offers the GB200 NVL72, which can be configured with multiple B200 chips to create a powerful AI data center capable of handling complex tasks. Despite the high cost of these advanced chips, they provide significant capabilities for AI development.

What about my robot?

Nvidia’s Project GR00T aims to create foundational models for controlling humanoid robots, enabling them to understand natural language, mimic human behavior, and interact with the real world. Combined with technologies like Jetson Thor, Nvidia is paving the way for autonomous machines that can perform diverse tasks efficiently.

quantum?

While Nvidia is not directly involved in quantum cloud computing, they are venturing into this realm by offering a service that simulates quantum computing using AI chips. This enables researchers to test quantum ideas without the need for expensive quantum computers, with plans to provide access to third-party quantum computers in the future.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Alone in the Dark – Jodie Comer and David Harbor struggle to elevate this lackluster horror game

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

IIt’s fitting that this latest Alone in the Dark game chooses a generational curse as its premise, as the series that pioneered the survival horror genre hasn’t had a good run for nearly 30 years. Its various misadventures include the disastrous 2008 game of the same name. The game included a blink-only button, among many strange design decisions. But it was terrible, at least in an interesting way, and that’s more than can be said for this boring and derivative re-imagining of the game that started it all.

Set in early 20th century Louisiana, Alone in the Dark follows Emily Hartwood (Jodie Comer), who is sent to a mental health clinic after receiving a worrying letter from her uncle Jeremy. It depicts a visit to Tokoro Delceto Manor. So worried, in fact, that she not only hires private investigator Edward Carnby (David Harbour) to accompany her, but one of the first questions she asks Carnby is whether he’s “waving a gun.” I expected that there might be a need for it, so I was wondering if he brought a gun. She is there to meet her uncle.

As it happens, you get to choose between Carnby and Heartwood to swing the gun, and that decision creates a slightly different perspective on the same story. This reimagining retains the general premise of his 1992 original, but its presentation and mechanics are heavily borrowed from Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 2. Explore Delceto mansion in limited freedom and solve simple puzzles to unlock different rooms. This is interspersed with more action-oriented segments where you enter Uncle Jeremy’s dreams and fight monsters in locations inspired by HP Lovecraft’s stories.

Very boring most of the time…Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic

The southern Gothic manor house is fun enough to explore, and the puzzles it contains may be a little distracting. But for the most part, Alone in the Dark is pretty boring. The biggest problem is writing. The game aims for a snappy, noir-esque detachment, but it can’t match it with the fundamental silliness of a Lovecraftian mystery. The sudden switch in tone and location is more disconcerting than interesting. It also struggles to justify itself. Why do the dual protagonists spend most of the game apart, even though Heartwood specifically hired Carnby to protect her?

If Pieces Interactive was hoping that the star talent they hired would improve their writing skills, unfortunately the effect is quite the opposite. Comer seems confused as to what Heartwood’s character is. Almost every line she says is off-key. Simple filler phrases like “I need the key” sound like something a sarcastic teenager would say to her. Harbor sometimes sounds like he’s reading a script with one eye on the clock, but he does a somewhat better job of it.

It’s worth noting that the Resident Evil games aren’t narrative masterpieces either. But those people teeth Scary and exciting, the qualities of Alone in the Dark stumble past. Aside from a few instances, exploring the mansion lacks any sense of suspense, as combat and puzzle-solving exist in separate realms. Even in the dream world, encounters with monsters are surprisingly rare. Assuming you can’t stand enemies quaking in corners due to the game’s regular AI glitches, it might be fun to shoot them when they appear, but most other interactions are underwhelming or not at all It’s frustrating. Melee combat is sluggish, but opening doors and climbing ladders is excruciatingly slow.

The sudden change in sound is more disconcerting than intriguing… Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic

Moreover, for someone who is supposed to be lost in the abyss of madness, Jeremy’s dreamscapes are disappointingly mundane. These include Louisiana swamps, cemeteries, warehouses, and libraries (apparently ancient). You’ll visit some more exotic locations later on, but they’re too fleeting to have much of an impact. It takes enough effort just to hear real people talk about their dreams. If you’re going to force yourself to experience a fake person’s dream, you’d better make sure it’s very weird.

Where Alan Wake 2’s excellent surrealist horror offered a clear and compelling story while reveling in its weirdness, Alone in the Dark was too staid, too clumsy and, so haphazard that it evokes nothing more than a shrug. The mystery surrounding Jeremy’s madness isn’t worth the weighty unraveling, but the combat and puzzle-solving are just a shadow of Resident Evil 2’s excellent design. It seems the curse lives on.

Source: www.theguardian.com

TechScape: How Labor’s Bold Manifesto Could Enhance Security in AI | Technology

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The political landscape of AI regulation became clearer when an influential Labor think tank outlined a framework for addressing the issue in the party’s manifesto.

From our story:

The policy paper, created by center-left think tank Labor Together, suggests banning specialized nudity tools that enable users to create explicit content from real images.

It also calls for developers of general AI tools and web hosting companies to take measures to prevent the creation of such harmful deepfakes.

While Labor’s proposals are not yet official party policy, they highlight the issues that Westminster technocrats believe they can rally around. (Shadow technology minister Peter Kyle has expressed interest in the proposals.)

For years, technology in the UK has been politically neutral, with all parties agreeing on the importance of supporting British technology for growth and influence. However, there have been limited efforts to go beyond this consensus.

Even as concerns about technology regulation grew, especially with the introduction of the Online Safety Act under Theresa May’s government, the debate remained technocratic rather than principled or partisan. The Labor Party pushed for specific amendments to the bill, which eventually passed without significant opposition.

The most notable opposition to the bill came from within the Conservative Party, with one faction attempting to ban acts that they deemed as “hurtful.” This was partially due to provisions in the bill aimed at replacing the outdated “malicious communications” offense with more specific crimes.

However, the current proposals by Labor, such as banning nudity tools, may face opposition from the Conservatives, showcasing the differing concerns of the two parties on AI issues. While the Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, focuses on existential risks from Silicon Valley, Labor is more concerned with exploitation risks.

“MrDeepFakes does not represent technology”

Security China’s AI robot booth. Photo: Florence Lo/Reuters

In discussing this article with authors Kirsty Innes and Laurel Boxall, the expected disagreement was notable. “Analog conservatives lack rapid response in this area. They view AI as a ‘mutant algorithm’ or a Silicon Valley novelty that can be scaled without regard for its impact on workers,” said Innes. “It took seven years to pass the Online Safety Act through Congress, but the world has changed since then.”

“We need to move beyond the dichotomy of supporting innovation versus protecting public interest – government versus business,” added Innes. “Most tech companies want their tools used for positive purposes. They recognize the issue, but MrDeepFakes does not represent the tech industry. Therefore, they are likely to support us on this matter.”

The policy document also suggests more flexible regulations for various technology sectors supporting AI. Web hosts, search engines, and payment platforms would be required to prevent the creation of “harmful deepfakes” under threat of fines from Ofcom. Critics may argue that such policies could stifle innovation, potentially leading platforms to ban all deepfake tools deemed “harmful.”

According to a survey by Control AI, the UK public overwhelmingly supports a ban on deepfakes, with 86% expressing their approval – higher than in other countries like Italy (74%).

Deepfakes, “cheapfakes” and AI elections – join us live

Real news vs. fake news: Is AI a threat to democracy? Composite: Guardian/Getty Images

Another proposal in the paper suggests that major political parties abstain from using AI to create misleading content in their campaigns for the next nine months, as a pledge. However, the feasibility and sustainability of such a commitment amidst the UK’s political environment remain uncertain.

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I’ll be hosting a Guardian Live event next month on the impact of AI on elections, where experts like Katie Harvath from Anchor Change and Imran Ahmed from the Center to Counter Digital Hate will discuss the implications of generative AI on the electoral process involving 2 billion voters.

While deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are expected to play a role in campaigns, the extent to which they will be used remains uncertain. Are fake images and videos a significant shift in misinformation, or are they a continuation of existing deceptive practices?

What concerns me more is how new technologies will impact an already fragile public sphere. With social media platforms making changes, the direction of political discourse is unclear. Where are conversations headed, and how will campaigning evolve in this changing landscape?

Robotics

A humanoid robot from robot AI company Figure will do laundry for you. Photo: Figure.ai

I don’t usually share YouTube videos, but Figure’s latest demo is too cool to miss. Watch the video.

Although prediction season is over, I predict that chatbots in 2022 will be like robots in 2024.

Robotics, historically challenging and costly, is being revolutionized by advances in AI. Training systems in simulated environments, enabling natural language commands, and controlling physical bodies may lead to rapid progress akin to that seen in large-scale language models in recent years.

It appears that this transformation is already underway.

Subscribe to receive the full newsletter, TechScape, every Tuesday in your inbox.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Supreme Court to Decide on Government’s Authority on Online Misinformation | Tech

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in a case that may have significant implications for the federal government’s relationship with social media companies and online misinformation. The plaintiffs in Marcy v. Missouri claim that the White House’s request to remove false information about the coronavirus on Twitter and Facebook constitutes unlawful censorship in violation of the First Amendment.

The discussion began with Brian Fletcher, the Justice Department’s acting chief attorney general, arguing that the government’s actions do not cross the line from persuasion to coercion. He also disputed the lower court’s portrayal of events in the ruling, calling it misleading or containing quotes taken out of context.

“When the government convinces a private organization not to distribute or promote someone else’s speech, it is not censorship but rather persuading the private organization to act within its legal rights,” stated Fletcher.

The justices, particularly conservatives Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, pressed Fletcher on where the distinction lies between coercing and persuading a company. Fletcher defended the government’s actions as part of a broader effort to mitigate harm to the public.

Louisiana Attorney General Benjamin Aguignaga argued that the government was covertly pressuring platforms to censor speech, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit, led by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri, accused the government of infringing on constitutional rights.

Several justices, including liberals Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, also weighed in on the government’s efforts to address potential harm and the boundaries of the First Amendment. Sotomayor criticized the factual inaccuracies in the plaintiffs’ lawsuit.

Aguignaga apologized for any shortcomings in the brief and acknowledged that it may not have been as thorough as it should have been.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk Addresses Controversial Post by Far-Right Austrian Linked to Christchurch Terrorists Following Account Recovery

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

An Austrian far-right individual who had connections with the Christchurch terrorists prior to the 2019 attack had his X account restored, and Elon Musk, the owner of X, responded to one of his tweets.

Martin Sellner, the founder of the Identity movement, which advocated for the superiority of European ethnic groups, was banned from Twitter in 2020 under previous management, along with several other accounts associated with the movement, due to criticism of the platform’s handling of extremist content.

Sellner was being sought by Austrian authorities in 2019 for suspected collaboration with Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant and a terrorist organization. Sellner has denied any involvement in the attack.

Tarrant had donated 1,500 euros (A$2,487) to Sellner’s identitarian organization, and in 2018, Sellner had invited Tarrant for a drink if he ever visited Austria. It was revealed that they had exchanged emails.

Although Tarrant visited Austria in 2018, Sellner claims they never actually met.

Sellner expressed gratitude towards Musk for reinstating his X account, which now has a blue checkmark and 51,000 followers.

“I am thankful to be back on Twitter/X. A special thanks to Mr. Musk for reopening this platform,” he stated in a translated tweet. “We hope this trend continues and others who were banned return as well.”

After Sellner posted a video about Swiss police shutting down an event he was attending in canton Aargau and restricting his movements, Musk responded by saying, “Is that legal?”

Reports surfaced last month that Germany was considering prohibiting Sellner from entering the country.

Dr. Josh Ruth, an extremism expert from Deakin University, noted that Sellner’s account was one of many far-right accounts, including leaders of Australia’s National Socialist Network, that had been allowed back on X under Musk’s leadership.

According to Ruth, these groups have been reconnecting and establishing international links post their return to the platform. He added, “There is a movement to build connections and expand globally.”

When asked for comment, Musk defended his decision to allow such accounts on the platform, arguing that as long as posts are not illegal, they should not be censored.

While this stance aligns with American free speech standards, critics argue that the account was previously taken down for spreading hate and fear online, and nothing has changed in that regard.

Julie Inman-Grant, the Australian eSafety Commissioner, raised concerns about the reinstatement of accounts that had previously been banned for hateful conduct, emphasizing potential risks to user safety.

X and five other tech platforms received legal notices from Australia’s online safety regulator regarding their handling of extremist and terrorist-related content, with fines being a possible consequence for non-compliance.

Ruth highlighted the need for decisive action against online extremism, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental democratic values such as mutual respect and recognition.

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Remembering the Karaoke Inventor: A Tribute to a Life of Honor and Ridiculousness” | Pop and Rock

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

R
Conventional wisdom suggests that music critics who criticize popular pop stars are often dismissed as failed musicians. This notion has always seemed like an unfair judgment to me. Rather than being a slight against harsh critics, it seems more like a criticism of musicians who have not achieved success in the industry. The question arises: why do some people fail in music? Implying that success is solely determined by talent or professional circumstances severely underestimates the allure of music, as exemplified nowhere better than in karaoke.

Karaoke establishments embrace a culture of incompetence, where grandeur, off-key performances, and unconventional stage presence are not only accepted but celebrated. In this environment, the “unpopular musician” takes on a captivating persona, becoming a standout figure in the music industry.

The recent passing of Shigekazu Negishi, the inventor of the karaoke machine, at the age of 100 highlighted the significant impact of his creation. Negishi, a Japanese consumer electronics innovator, developed the Sparko Box machine in 1967, initially as a response to a mocking colleague in a factory. Despite facing initial skepticism and criticism from live musicians wary of automated competition, Negishi’s invention went on to become a commercially successful venture.

Critics of karaoke have often deemed it boring, silly, and kitschy over the years, dismissing its artistic value. However, a shift in perception occurred when I personally experienced a karaoke bar in east London, where the magic of public performances unfolded before my eyes. Karaoke transformed from a nostalgic ritual to a high-stakes theatrical spectacle where honor and absurdity intersect.

Not so quiet…Björk.
Photo: REX/Fotex

Karaoke challenges individuals not only to showcase their vocal abilities but also to shed their inhibitions and embrace a sense of playfulness and humor. In a room filled with potential critics, the act of performing transforms into a liberating experience of self-expression and creativity.

Related: Stand up and be a fool: why film-makers love a karaoke scene

Karaoke provides a platform for ordinary individuals to embody a sense of star power, offering a unique form of interaction distinct from traditional concerts. Whether one performs with passion or humor, karaoke encourages participants to let go of inhibitions and embrace the joy of performance.

Shigekazu Negishi’s lifelong dedication to karaoke and his inventions symbolize the enduring power of passion over talent. As his legacy continues to influence music culture, he remains a beacon for aspiring singers worldwide.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk stands firm on stance on diversity and free speech in controversial interview

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk defended his stance on diversity and free speech in a tense interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Tesla’s chief executive was openly irritated by Lemon’s line of questioning during an hour-long video interview. published on Monday.

Asked about prescribing ketamine, Musk said, “It’s a pretty private thing to ask someone about a medical prescription.” He said he took the drug to deal with “negative chemical conditions in the brain, such as depression.”

Asked if he had abused drugs commonly used as anesthetics, he said: If you use too much ketamine, you won’t be able to actually do any work. There’s a lot of work.”

Musk, who canceled his X platform’s contract with Lemon after the interview was taped earlier this month, has spoken out about diversity, equity and inclusion, including his support for conservative Ben Shapiro’s thread on X. (DEI) asked about criticism of the system. Experts argued that DEI was putting patients at risk.

Lemon told Musk there was “no evidence” that the DEI system was lowering standards of medical practice, and the billionaire said his responses to the X User interview “will be his own decision” on the issue. He said it would be helpful.

Asked if he believes in DEI, Musk said, “I think we should… treat people according to their skills and integrity.”

Musk also defended X’s content moderation standards after Lemon highlighted anti-Semitic and racist posts that still remain on the platform, which the Tesla CEO acquired in 2022.

When asked why it wasn’t removed, Musk said the post wasn’t illegal, saying, “I mean, Don, you love censorship.” Lemon said he believed in moderation, to which Musk replied, “Moderation is a propaganda word that means censorship.”

If a post is illegal, “we’re going to take it down,” Musk said, adding that if it doesn’t violate the law, “we either deserve the censorship or we’re the censors.”

Musk made his frustration with Lemon clear on several points. When the moderator asked if he was upset, the entrepreneur replied, “You’re upset because the way you phrased your question was not very convincing.”

Musk told Lemon that the next Tesla Roadster model will be a collaboration with the SpaceX business and “will incorporate rocket technology.”

He added, “I think the only way to make something cooler than the Cybertruck is to combine SpaceX and Tesla technology to make something that isn’t actually even a car.” Asked if it was a flying car, Musk replied, “Maybe.”

Musk also acknowledged that he had recently met Donald Trump, but said he had not donated to Joe Biden’s campaign, although he had “stepped back” from supporting him. Asked if he would support a presidential candidate, he said, “I may end up supporting a candidate, but I don’t know yet.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

When Trocadero ruled as the epicenter of the video game world

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

EStepping into the Trocadero complex in central London in the late 1990s can be an overwhelming and euphoric experience. The vast building was then home to Sega World, an “indoor theme park” and arcade based on the “Joypolis” concept that had seen the Japanese gaming giant flourish in its homeland. Away from the hustle and bustle of Coventry Street, visitors walk past the Sonic the Hedgehog statue at the door before stepping onto the famous ‘Rocket Escalator’. A vision of the future in brushed steel and electric blue lighting. An escalator ride takes people through a large central open area to the upper floors of the building, where they can get a glimpse of the various attractions that occupy each floor (a mad bazooka bumper car, a ghost hunt VR experience), and then… Visitors were deposited on the top floor. Wind your way through themed zones such as a carnival and sports arena.

Around you, a trembling choir of AS-1 simulator rides, with arcade machines whining and hydraulics roaring, along with rows of Sega’s VR-1 virtual reality experience, complete with eight-person pods. It was chirping over the excited chatter of the guests there. and interactive shooting games. Intermittently, the sudden mechanical groan of Pepsi He Max He drops filled the air, along with the screams of the occupants. The speakers belted out the biggest pop hits of the era. Props like a life-sized Harrier jump jet and his carefully placed F1 car filled the gaps in a cabinet that housed arcade icons like Daytona USA and Virtua Fighter. Sega insisted in a promotional video that the entire experience was “the ultimate futuristic entertainment.”

Visitors will take a virtual reality trip with the SegaWorld 3D experience circa 1997.
Photo: Nigel Dickinson/Alamy

However, this excitement and spectacle was not new to the Trocadero. The Trocadero has been a place of diverse attraction for over 200 years. After humble beginnings building six simple cottages, the property was redeveloped in 1774 by his tennis court, circus, restaurant, pool hall, dance performances, and for some time after his 1950s. The sex industry became popular. In 1878, it was renamed the Royal Trocadero Music Hall, after the Trocadero Palace in Paris. It then became a theatre, and in 1896 he was taken over by J Lyons & Co, who reopened the building as the Trocadero Restaurant, offering dances, performances, parties and Edwardian-style meals until 1965.

In 1984, the building was demolished again and the 400,000 sq ft complex was reinvented at a cost of £45 million as Britain’s largest indoor entertainment center, featuring a Guinness Book of Records exhibition, shops and multiplex cinema. Ta. In 1990, an amusement arcade named Funland was born with a large selection of the latest coin-ops. Dark area on the first floor. In the coming years, it will become the center of British arcade culture, housing games like Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Mortal Kombat and Virtua Fighter 2 before most other coin-op palaces .

…

Source: www.theguardian.com

Today marks the start of the criminal fraud trial of British technology mogul Mike Lynch | Autonomy

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The criminal fraud trial of the British technology mogul once referred to as “Britain’s Bill Gates” is set to commence today in San Francisco.

Mike Lynch, the co-founder of British software company Autonomy, stands accused of artificially boosting the software company’s sales, deceiving auditors, analysts, and regulators. In 2011, before Hewlett-Packard’s significant takeover of the company, he even threatened those who raised concerns.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison.

HP purchased Autonomy in an $11.1bn (£8.72bn) deal to enhance its software business. However, just a year later, they reduced the purchase price by $8.8 billion, citing accounting irregularities and misstatements in the business.

In 2019, Lynch was indicted by a federal grand jury on 17 charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy.

Despite past accolades, including an OBE in 2006 for his contributions to enterprise and an appointment to Prime Minister David Cameron’s Science and Technology Council in 2011, Lynch’s current situation is dire. He has spent the past year under house arrest preparing for trial.

Lynch was extradited from Britain to the US last May. After posting $100 million bail, he was required to wear a GPS ankle tag and be under constant surveillance by armed guards.

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In a first-time allowance back in November, he could leave the luxurious San Francisco compound where he is based daily between 9 am and 9 pm, albeit with strict conditions.

Source: www.theguardian.com

My 17-year-old son arrested for distributing child abuse images, expresses relief

Posted on March 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Louise* thought she had been honest with her two children about the risks of the internet. However, last year, at 6 a.m., the police knocked on her door looking for her 17-year-old son.

“Five or six police officers came up my stairs,” she recalled. She exclaimed, “When they informed her they were searching for her son due to indecent images, she felt like she was going to pass out.

“I said, ‘Oh my god, he’s autistic. Has he been taught?’ They confiscated all his devices and took him away. I was so stunned that I almost vomited after they left.”

Louise’s son is just one of many under-18s accused by law enforcement of viewing or sharing indecent images of children in the past year.

the study Published in February Some individuals who consume child sexual abuse material (CSAM) admit to becoming desensitized to adult pornography and are now in search of more extreme or violent content. It appears that there are people.

In December, an investigation by The Guardian revealed that in certain areas, the majority of individuals identified by authorities as viewing or sharing indecent images of children were under 18.

Experts argue that this is part of a larger crisis caused by predators grooming children through chat apps and social media platforms.

In January, the Internet Watch Foundation cautioned that over 90% of child abuse images online are self-produced, meaning they are generated and distributed by children themselves.

Louise attributes her son’s natural teenage curiosity about pornography to steering him towards a dangerous path of interacting with strangers and sharing explicit images. Alex* was convicted of viewing and distributing a small number of child abuse images, some falling under Category A (rape and abuse of young children). Categories B and C.

While Louise acknowledges that her son, who received an 18-month community sentence and is now on the sex offenders register for five years, committed a serious offense and must face the consequences. But she also wants other parents to comprehend the sequence of events.

“It all began with an obsession common among many young people with autism,” she explained. “He adored manga and anime. I can’t even count how many miles he traveled to buy manga for himself.

“This interest led him from innocent cartoons to sexualized images, eventually leading him to join a group where teenagers exchange pornography.”

Alex has since admitted to his mother that he had an interest in pornography and was part of online groups with names like “Sex Images 13 to 17.” “What teenager isn’t curious?” Louise pondered.

It was on these popular sites and chat apps that adults were waiting to exploit vulnerable young individuals like him.

“He was bombarded with messages,” Louise shared. “Literally thousands of messages from individuals attempting to manipulate him. This boy has struggled for years to fit in as an autistic kid at school. He’s been a victim of bullying. And all of a sudden, he felt accepted. He felt a sense of excitement.

“Adults coerced him into sharing images of abuse. If he hadn’t been caught, who knows where it could have led?”

Louise questioned Alex why he didn’t show the images he received to an adult.

“I even asked him, ‘Why didn’t you tell me immediately when you saw the image?'” And he replied, “Mom, I know it’s difficult to do that. Did you know?” to describe the months I’ve been online in these spaces. ” His actual words when the police arrived were, “Oh, thank God.” That was a relief to him. ”

She mentioned that the lockdown has shifted the dynamics for young people like her son, with their lives increasingly reliant on the internet. “They were instructed, ‘Just go online and do everything there.”

Both Alex and his mother are receiving assistance from the Lucy Faithful Foundation, a charity aiding online sex offenders. Last year, 217,889 people expressed concern about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or actions and have reached out to seek help.

The organization recently launched a website called coast, targeting young individuals anxious about their own sexual thoughts and behaviors. Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions, calls to support hotlines for under-18s rose by 32%.

Alex also reflected on the precarious position he found himself in. “I was in my final year of sixth form, at home while my friends were heading off to university, so I felt anxious and fearful about our friendship drifting apart.

“Here, I made the fateful decision to use multiple chat platforms to try to build friendships. Although I had no intention of sexual involvement, I approached my friend in a natural sexual interest, experience. The fear of delay, combined with the powerful effect of anonymity, has made it very easy to engage in these matters.”

He cautions that his generation’s utilization of the online realm demands novel approaches to safeguard children better.

“This issue cannot be resolved by simply advising against talking to strangers on the internet. That information is outdated,” he remarked.

“Many people believe that this content can only be found on the dark web, when in fact it can be found in the shallowest parts of the internet without any effort. It was so scary that I might have thought about it, but unfortunately I was in too deep and it was too late.”

*Name has been changed

If you have concerns about images your child may have shared themselves, you can report them through the joint Childline and Internet Watch Foundation service. Delete report. You can also report images of child sexual abuse from the same website. If you are concerned about the sexual behavior of young people, please visit: shorespace.org.uk

Source: www.theguardian.com

Sydney Researchers Lead the Way in Brain Chip Technology Ahead of Elon Musk’s Neuralink Neuroscience

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

BLaine computer interface technology is at the heart of movies like Ready Player One, The Matrix, and Avatar. But outside of the world of science fiction, BCIs are used on Earth to help paralyzed people communicate, to study dreams, and to control robots.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced in January that his neurotechnology company Neuralink had implanted the first computer chip in a human. In February, he announced that patients can now control a computer mouse with their thoughts.

Neuralink’s purpose is noble. It is about helping people who are unable to communicate or interact with their environment. But details are scant. The project quickly raised alarms about brain privacy, the risk of hacking, and other potential issues.

Dr Steve Kassem, senior research scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia, said the Neuralink news should be taken with a “large pinch of salt”. It’s not the first company to do neural implants, he says. In fact, Australia is a ‘hotspot’ for relevant neurological research.

Does the patient dream of electric sheep?

The University of Technology Sydney project, which has received millions of dollars in funding from the Department of Defense, is now in its third phase to demonstrate how soldiers can use brain signals to control robotic dogs.

“We succeeded [demonstrating] Handa can use his brain to issue commands that direct the dog to reach its destination completely hands-free…so the dog can use its hands for other purposes. ” he says.

Soldiers use assisted reality glasses with special graphene interfaces to issue brain signal commands to send the robot dog to different locations. Lin said he is working on making the technology multi-user, faster and able to control other vehicles such as drones.

Meanwhile, Sydney company Neurode has developed a headset to help people with ADHD by monitoring the brain and sending electronic pulses to help them cope with changes. Another his UTS team is working on it. dream machine, which aims to reconstruct dreams from brain signals. It uses artificial intelligence and brainwave data to generate images from your subconscious mind.

And then there are the implants.

good signal

Synchron started at the University of Melbourne and is now based in New York. it is, Mesh inserted into blood vessels in the brain This allows patients to use the Internet by transmitting signals that operate similar to Bluetooth. People can shop, send emails, and communicate online using technology that controls computers.

Synchron has implanted and monitored mesh in many patients, including one in Australia. Patient P4, who has motor neuron disease, had mesh implanted several years ago.

“I think he’s had over 200 sessions,” says Gil Lind, Sychron’s senior director of advanced technology. “He is still progressing well with his implant treatment and is working very closely with us.

“He was able to use the computer through the system…As the disease progressed, it became very difficult to use the physical buttons.

“This allows for online banking, communication with caregivers, [with] Someone I love. ”

Dr Christina Maher from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Center said Synchron’s technology is “miles ahead” of Elon Musk’s, and is more sophisticated and safer as it does not require open brain surgery. Stated. The researchers have also published more than 25 papers, she said.

“As for Neuralink, we don’t know much about it.

“My understanding is that the top priority for them is to test the effectiveness and safety of surgical robots…so they are focusing more on the robotic side of things, and this is a commercial It makes sense from a perspective.”

Need for regulation

But amidst the hype and promise of neurotechnology, there are concerns about who will have access to the beneficial technologies and how they will be protected.

Maher says it’s important to balance the need for innovation with appropriate regulation while allowing access to those who really need it. She says the “gap between the haves and have-nots” is being discussed not just in Australia but around the world.

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“As brain-computer interfaces become more common, people will be divided into those who can afford them and those who cannot,” she says.

Lind said Synchron is focused on those who have the most to gain, such as quadriplegic patients. “We want to expand it as much as possible. We hope to reach a bigger market and help more people in need,” he says.

A personal and pivotal moment for him, he says, was seeing the faces of the clinicians, team, and family of the first patient who received a successful implant.

At Neuralink, Kasem warns that there are always risks when technology is developed by a company that exists to make a profit. “A cell phone plan for the brain is not what we want,” he says.

“And what if this gets hacked? There’s always a risk when it’s not a closed system.”

But it’s more likely that Neuralink will use people’s data.

“Like every app on your phone or computer, Neuralink monitors everything it can. Everything it can,” Kasem says.

“It will be stored somewhere.”

Protect your brain data

Maher agrees that data is a big issue, saying the risk of hacking remains when devices are connected to the internet. She says much of the social media, biometrics, and other data is already out there, but her brain’s data is different.

“meanwhile [BCI companies] They are subject to the same data privacy laws…The difference in many people’s minds is that brain data is very private and it’s your personal thoughts.

“The big picture here is that once you start recording large amounts of brain data, there are absolutely megatons of data out there,” she says.

Despite privacy concerns, Kasem says interacting with the brain has exciting potential.

“We need to remember how powerful and important the brain is. All you are, all you have been, and all you will ever be is your brain and nothing else.” he says.

Quoting American physicist Emerson Pugh, he says the brain has trillions of neural connections that lead to “infinite opportunities.” hand. ”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Epic Games challenges Apple and Google in Australia amid claims of market power abuse

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

When Apple’s first iPhone was released in 2007, all of its apps were created by Apple.

According to his biography by Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs was reluctant to allow apps from third-party developers on the iPhone. He eventually succumbed to pressure with the launch of his App Store in 2008. However, the company wanted to maintain strict control over what was allowed on the platform: email. 2021 release schedule revealed.

The case, which will be heard over the next five months in Melbourne’s Federal Court, will center on Apple’s control over its empire. At the same time, Google, which has prided itself on having a more open ecosystem than Apple, will have its practices tested.

Two cases in Australia’s Federal Court were adjourned in April 2021, pending the outcome of a similar case in the United States. Epic Games, the maker of the popular game Fortnite, has spent the past three years in a global legal battle against Apple and Google, alleging abuse of market power over their app stores.

Fortnite announced a deal with Google in 2020 after Epic Games offered its own in-app payment system that bypasses the one used by the platform and reduced the fees Apple and Google receive on in-app payments. Removed from Apple’s app store.

Epic lost a 2021 antitrust lawsuit against Apple, but won a lawsuit against Google late last year. Although the Australian cases were initially separate, they are now integrated into one monolith. Judge Jonathan Beech decided to hear the two cases and a related class action at the same time to avoid duplication of witness evidence.

David and Goliath?

In an Australian lawsuit that originally began in 2020, Epic Games argued that Apple’s control over in-app purchases and Apple’s actions in banning the Fortnite app were an abuse of market power, and that it significantly reduced competition in app development. He claimed to have lowered it. The company also claims that Google has harmed Australian app developers and consumers by preventing them from distributing apps and choosing in-app payments on Android devices.

As with mobile phone operating systems, the litigation between Apple and Google has many similarities, but there are also important differences. Apple’s iOS and App Store are completely closed and controlled by Apple. This means that if you have an app on your phone and a payment is made through that app, it has to go through Apple.

Similar rules apply to the Play Store in Google’s Android operating system, but Google also allows apps to be “sideloaded,” or installed directly onto a phone without using the app store. It also allows phone manufacturers like Samsung to have their own app stores. Fortnite is still available on Android, but only through sideloading or the Samsung Store.

Companies charge fees for transactions in their app stores. In Google Play, he charges a commission of 15% for the first million dollars a developer earns each year, and above that he increases to 30%. If an Apple developer’s revenue in the previous year was less than $1 million, he would pay a 15% fee, but if it was more than that, he would pay a 30% fee.

Fees are common in the industry, with Epic’s own store charging developers a 12% fee.

Epic argues that it should be able to offer its store as a competitor to Apple’s store, and that it should also be able to offer alternative payment options within its official game store apps.

Google claims to be more open than the Apple App Store, but it was this openness that hurt the tech company in the US lawsuit. The jury found that tying the Google Play Store to in-app payments was illegal and that the company had entered into anti-competitive agreements with some developers to keep their apps on the Play Store.

In the Apple case, the judge took a narrower view, considering mobile game transactions specifically rather than app stores as a whole. The judge found that Apple is not a monopoly and is in competition with Google and other companies. The judge also upheld Apple’s concerns about the security implications of opening the App Store and sided with the company’s pursuit of intellectual property royalties through in-app payments.

Apple is expected to file a similar lawsuit in Australia. The company believes there is little difference between the cases and that the principles underlying Australian competition law are similar to US antitrust principles.

Apple sees Epic not as David the Goliath, but as a multibillion-dollar company seeking more profits at the expense of iPhone users’ safety.

Google claims that it not only offers customers a choice in the app store, but also offers alternative options for developers to sell their content outside of Google Play. It also points to permissions that allow sideloading of apps while maintaining user security, which Epic claims it is trying to water down.

“It’s clear that Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than other major mobile platforms, and are a good model for Australian developers and consumers,” Google’s Government Affairs statement said. Vice President for Public Policy Wilson White said in a post this week. .

“We continue to have a right to sustainable business models that keep our users safe, grow our businesses in partnership with developers, and keep the Android ecosystem thriving and all Australians healthy. We will vigorously defend it.”

Apple forced to make changes to EU App Store

Initial submissions will last two weeks, followed by three months of evidence from fact witnesses and experts, followed by two weeks of final submissions, ending in mid-July.

Witnesses expected to testify include Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, who is in Melbourne for the hearing, as well as key executives from Apple and Google.

A concurrent class action lawsuit on behalf of Australian developers and consumers will fail if Epic’s lawsuit fails.

The case is unlikely to be resolved by the end of the year, and Beach is not expected to issue a verdict within six months, after which it could be appealed.

Whether or not Epic wins the battle, Apple and Google may ultimately lose the app store war. Apple has been forced to implement changes to its App Store in the European Union, including allowing alternative payment options and marketplaces, under the Digital Markets Act. As a result, Apple last week reinstated Epic’s developer account in the EU.

Epic says Apple’s implementation of these changes is incomplete, but other governments, including Australia, may follow suit.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Cultural Highlights of Nicole Flattery: A Spotlight

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

W
Author Nicole Flattery was born in Kinnegad, County Westmeath in 1989. She studied theater and film at Trinity College, Dublin, after which she completed a master’s degree in creative writing, for which she won the White Review Short Story Award in 2017.Her award-winning short story collection let’s have a good time was published in 2019, and her work has appeared in the following publications: stinging fly, guardian, and london book reviews. Her debut novel, Not particularly, explores female friendship, fame, and identity in 1960s New York. Published in paper bag By Bloomsbury on March 28th.

1. Location

Rough Owell, county westmeath

“I wish I could swim there every day”: Ruff Owell. Photo: Alamy

This place is not far from my parents’ house, so I often go swimming here with my mother and sister. It’s very beautiful and there’s a great sense of community among the swimmers. Winter is my favorite time to swim. It’s a cold season that tests your endurance. When you first jump in, you don’t think about anything for just a few seconds. I wish I could do this every day. When I was a teenager, I didn’t really like growing up in rural Ireland. I thought I was missing out on the excitement and glamor, and I definitely was. But now I miss it so much.

2. Film

One from the Heart (directed by Francis Ford Coppola)

Teri Garr in “One from the Heart.”

I just watched this re-release version. It was goofy and silly and fun, but also very detailed and extravagant viewing, perhaps because of Coppola’s work. The story is about a couple, Franny (Teri Garr) and Hank (Frederick Forrest), who find themselves in crisis in Las Vegas. she wants to travel He wants to settle down. They break up and then rebound with other people. Tom Waits does the soundtrack, and everything is very stylized and surreal. I watch a lot of old movies. Because I think we can learn from that, but more superficially, I think we can also learn about clothing. I can’t stop thinking about the red dress Gar is wearing. I would gladly take heartbreak if I could keep that dress.

3. TV

Love is Blind (Netflix)

“Love Is Blind”: “I hope they make 100 seasons.” Photo: Johan Poulin/Netflix

It’s a reality show with the basic premise of meeting, falling in love, and proposing invisibly. All you can do is have a few conversations through the wall about spirituality, trauma, and what you want to do on the weekend. Then marry them! With six seasons so far, it’s safe to conclude that love is not blind. It’s fascinating to watch couples emerge and try to reconcile the idea of romantic love with reality. Some of them are extremely single-minded. Even if it’s obvious that you can’t stand your partner’s gaze and don’t want to get involved, you end up getting married anyway. They always say something like, “I can’t wait to sleep with you and wake up with you in the morning.” It’s as if you’re worried that your partner will leave in the middle of the night. That’s exactly right. What would I do in that situation? I hope they make 100 seasons.

4. Critic

aS Hamra

With the demise of Pitchfork and other publications, I feel like long-form criticism is dying out a bit, which is scary and scary. Personally, I love reading. It means the world to me. AS Hamra’s playful and wonderful film criticism book streaming the earth dies Full of insight, wit, and voice. We need critics like this who understand that what we see is who we are. It also helps if you’re really funny, as is he. His Oscars recaps, while often written only about the movies themselves, are always some of the best writing about awards season.

5. Technology

dumb phone

You can’t spend even one hour in Dublin and not see the devastating impact of the tech industry. We sold our city to these companies and made it impossible for anyone else to live here. I don’t just mean homelessness and exorbitant rents, but lack of imagination and the occasional need to drink at an exorbitantly expensive place called Ye Olde Irish Hardware Shop. It also means the fact that it must be done. I use a bad phone a lot now. I’m more sociable and like to talk to strangers. Leaving the house with a dumb phone is amazing. I think this is what it feels like to be on the run.

6. Coffee shop

Lilliput Stores, Stoneybatter, Dublin

“They also sell exquisite honey, and I’m addicted to it.” Photo: Noel Bennett/Alamy

I’ve been coming here for years because I used to work at the nearby publishing company Lilliput Press. Now it’s just a 10-minute walk from my home. It’s very cozy and has a great selection of food, pastries, and wine. They also sell exquisite honey, and I’m addicted to it. It’s always a treat after going to yoga. In fact, I spend most of my classes thinking about what I’ll gain, which probably won’t help me achieve enlightenment. Everyone who works there is so friendly and warm that it’s worth the trip out of town.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Unexpected downfall of British tech mogul Mike Lynch: From Wealth to ankle bracelets

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

MTech mogul Ike Lynch, once known as Britain’s Bill Gates, has been in San Francisco for the past 10 months with a GPS bracelet on his ankle and two armed guards watching him 24/7. This week, he faces a tough battle for his freedom in court.

Thirteen years after a major acquisition involving one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent companies and Lynch’s business, his reputation as one of Britain’s top engineers has come into question. The acquisition is now the focus of a criminal fraud trial where Lynch could potentially be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison if found guilty.

Lynch’s spectacular downfall started with his role as co-founder of Autonomy, a software company that once made him a star in the British tech industry. His accomplishments in business earned him an OBE in 2006 for his contributions. However, his reputation is now at stake as he faces accusations related to the Autonomy acquisition.

Lynch is on a mission to prove his innocence and clear his name from the allegations surrounding the Autonomy deal. The odds are stacked against him as federal prosecutors in the US have a high conviction rate, making it challenging for defendants to win in court.

The trial will focus on the events leading up to HP’s acquisition of Autonomy in a multi-billion dollar deal that Lynch believed would propel the company to new heights in the software industry. However, the aftermath of the acquisition was far from what was expected, leading to a series of legal and financial troubles for Lynch and Autonomy.

As the trial approaches, Lynch is preparing his defense with the help of his legal team, who are working tirelessly to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the case. Both sides will present their arguments, and a jury will ultimately determine Lynch’s fate.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Large portions of Western and Central Africa experience internet outage due to undersea cable malfunction

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Numerous countries in western and central Africa are currently experiencing a lack of internet service due to reported outages in several submarine cables.

The cause of the cable outage on Thursday remains unknown.

Seacom, an African submarine cable operator, has confirmed the downtime on their West African cable system, leading to rerouting of affected customers who used their cables, which are part of the Google Equiano cable.

According to NetBlocks, disruptions due to cable damage have been a recurring issue in Africa, but the current situation is considered one of the most severe instances.

Data transmissions have shown significant disruptions at the international shipping points of the submarine network, impacting at least a dozen countries, with a major threat to critical services in countries like Ivory Coast.

Africa, known for a high proportion of internet traffic on mobile devices, relies heavily on internet connectivity for various business operations.

Several countries, including Liberia, Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso, were heavily affected by the outage, as reported by NetBlocks.

Cloudflare also highlighted ongoing internet disruptions in countries like Gambia, Guinea, Namibia, Lesotho, and others, pointing out a disruptive pattern from north to south in Africa.

South African carrier Vodacom attributed connectivity issues to an undersea cable failure affecting network providers in South Africa.

Mehta emphasized that the impact of such cable failures could escalate as networks try to prevent damage, resulting in reduced capacity for other countries.

“While the initial disruption may be physical, further technical issues could arise,” she added.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Steven Mnuchin creates consortium to purchase TikTok | US News

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

According to CNBC, Steven Mnuchin is organizing a group of investors to purchase TikTok.

This development follows a recent bill passed by the US House of Representatives, giving ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, about six months to sell the app’s US assets or be subject to a ban. In the absence of a sale, app stores like Apple App Store and Google Play would not be allowed to host TikTok or provide hosting services to ByteDance-managed applications.

TikTok has labeled the bill as a “ban” and is urging Senators to consider their constituents’ opinions before making a decision.

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Mnuchin expressed support for the bill and the sale of TikTok, emphasizing the app’s strong business potential.

While concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices have lingered for years, the recent bipartisan push for a forced sale poses a significant challenge to the app. The Senate is now faced with an uncertain vote on the matter after the House passed the bill with overwhelming support.

TikTok’s CEO has vowed to use legal means to oppose the ban, highlighting the potential negative impact on US jobs and the economy if the sale goes through.

Despite potential interest from other tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to acquire TikTok, regulatory scrutiny and other challenges may complicate any acquisition attempts.

Mnuchin’s involvement in orchestrating the purchase of TikTok comes after his tenure as Treasury Secretary and recent investment activities through his private equity firm, Liberty Street Capital.

The Chinese government has criticized the House vote as an act of “robbery” in its attempt to force the sale of TikTok.

The future of the ban remains uncertain as Senate support for the bill is not yet clear. TikTok also faces uncertainties regarding the Chinese government’s approval of a US-based acquisition.

This recent bill is part of an ongoing political battle over TikTok, which has faced multiple bans and attempted bans in the past. Trump’s previous attempts to ban TikTok were blocked, but Biden has expressed willingness to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ofcom concludes that exposure to violent online content is unavoidable for children in the UK

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The UK children are now inevitably exposed to violent online content, with many first encountering it while still in primary school, according to a media watchdog report.

British children interviewed in the Ofcom investigation reported incidents ranging from videos of local school and street fights shared in group chats to explicit and extreme graphic violence, including gang-related content, being watched online.

Although children were aware of more extreme content existing on the web, they did not actively seek it out, the report concluded.

In response to the findings, the NSPCC criticized tech platforms for not fulfilling their duty of care to young users.

Rani Govender, a senior policy officer for online child safety, expressed concern that children are now unintentionally exposed to violent content as part of their online experiences, emphasizing the need for action to protect young people.

The study, focusing on families, children, and youth, is part of Ofcom’s preparations for enforcing the Online Safety Act, giving regulators powers to hold social networks accountable for failing to protect users, especially children.

Ofcom’s director of Online Safety Group, Gil Whitehead, emphasized that children should not consider harmful content like violence or self-harm promotion as an inevitable part of their online lives.

The report highlighted that children mentioned major tech companies like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp as platforms where they encounter violent content most frequently.

Experts raised concerns that exposure to violent content could desensitize children and normalize violence, potentially influencing their behavior offline.

Some social networks faced criticism for allowing graphic violence, with Twitter (now X) under fire for sharing disturbing content that went viral and spurred outrage.

While some platforms offer tools to help children avoid violent content, there are concerns about their effectiveness and children’s reluctance to report such content due to fear of repercussions.

Algorithmic timelines on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also contributed to the proliferation of violent content, raising concerns about the impact on children’s mental health.

The Children’s Commissioner for England revealed alarming statistics about the waiting times for mental health support among children, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect young people online.

Snapchat emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards violent content and assured its commitment to working with authorities to address such issues, while Meta declined to comment on the report.

Source: www.theguardian.com

McDonald’s experiences technology issues in UK, Australia, Japan, and China

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Several countries, including the UK and Australia, are experiencing a “technical outage” at McDonald’s restaurants. The fast food chain denies any cybersecurity attack.

Affected services are reported in Australia, the UK, Japan, and China, with restaurants, drive-thrus, and online ordering experiencing issues. A global spokesperson for McDonald’s stated they are working to resolve the problem.

The spokesperson mentioned, “We understand that we experienced a technology outage that impacted our restaurant. The issue is currently being resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Notably, this issue is not related to any cybersecurity event.”

A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK confirmed that the power outage affecting restaurants in the UK and Ireland has been resolved. The Down Detector site in the UK reported over 600 app outages on Friday morning.

In Australia, a customer mentioned they were unable to make purchases at the drive-thru or online. McDonald’s Australia acknowledged that the issue is impacting their restaurants nationwide.

McDonald’s Japan also faced a “system failure” affecting its stores. An apology was issued on social media, stating service will be restored soon.

According to a spokesperson, many McDonald’s restaurants in Japan stopped accepting orders due to the system failure. McDonald’s in Japan operates around 3,000 stores.

In China, the hashtag “McDonald’s collapse” trended on social media. McDonald’s, with over 5,000 stores, faced challenges compared to their rival KFC with nearly double the number of outlets.

McDonald’s acknowledged and resolved the issues in various regions but encountered some customers opting for KFC instead. Other countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Sweden also reported problems.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Escape to Summer House: A Pixel Renovation Game that Lets You Live Your Dream

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

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Imagine an idyllic vacation. Where is your mind wandering? Tolkien’s idyllic glade? Maybe a terracotta hut in a dusty desert? After living in a small town all your life, you yearn for a bustling city apartment surrounded by neon advertisements and walled gardens. Summerhouse is an intimate shoebox world that provides an outlet for such architectural fantasies, allowing players to meticulously craft living spaces that match their vision of the perfect escape.

The antithesis of Grand Design, Summerhouse is a pixelated playpen, an extravagant game for the kitschy, quaint, grand or unknown. You don’t have to worry about budgets, foundations, or planning permission. Developer Friedemann’s hazy, pixelated world will suit your tastes.

“Summerhouse nurtures your inner inventor.” Photo: Friedemann/Future Friends Games

Before donning your metaphorical helmet, choose one of four vibrant spots, including the foothills of a snow-capped mountain or the borders of a metropolis. Once in the field, we skim through the Microsoft Paint-like side menu, which includes windows, doors, and decorations.

Summerhouse is so astonishingly ignorant of physical geometry that his blueprints gather dust on the pavement. Line a tiled roof with a white picket fence like a medieval parapet, or reuse a vending machine as a door. The burden of choice that always overwhelms me when playing city-building games melted into quiet contemplation as I built a house made primarily of mailboxes in an arid valley.

As you arrange the building blocks of your summer house in an inspired manner, you’ll occasionally see cameos from cute characters and new objects that embody your cozy concept. But this is not something to work towards or plan for. Rather, Summerhouse nurtures your inner inventor and allows you to stumble upon progress. This approach lends itself to the game’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, and once you’ve developed a thriving space, it can take the form of a gentle diorama that you can sit and admire, much like in David OReilly’s game.
Mountain.

“A beautiful homage to my past.” Photo: Friedemann/Future Friends Games

With the push of a button, a crisp moonlit night transforms into a hazy, sun-drenched morning. He also liked to whip up a storm of atmosphere reminiscent of a wild Queensland camping trip or a summer barbecue gone wrong. She can explore mini-kingdoms in every state as if she were on a year’s worth of vacation. Summerhouse was the most powerful moment, recontextualizing my actual summer vacation memories. Some of the houses I built were beautiful homages to my past, others were twisted monsters of Escher-esque geometry, but I still fell in love with their tortured abstractions.

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Relaxing is not easy for me. I can’t sit still to save my life. Still, we enjoyed the tranquility of the summerhouse. I used the construction of my house as an opportunity to organize and rearrange my mental filing cabinet, to keep my hands busy and my mind wandering. With its minimalist feel and clicky sounds, Summerhouse is sure to take the frustration out of your day. It’s a thought-provoking addition to the cozy gaming cabal that is slowly conquering my hard drive.

Source: www.theguardian.com