Author: Harper Lane
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has apologized for its initial response to the assault on Oscar-winning filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, which followed mounting pressure from voting members. Numerous Academy members criticized the organization for failing to publicly acknowledge Ballal by name in its statement after the Palestinian director reported being attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank. On March 26, the Academy issued a statement condemning efforts to “harm or suppress artists for their work or viewpoints,” yet it did not specifically mention Ballal, co-director of “No Other Land,” which won Best Documentary…
On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made headlines by wearing a $50,000 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona during her visit to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. The luxurious watch sharply contrasted with the infamous facility, known for housing Venezuelan migrants deported by the Trump administration due to alleged affiliations with the Tren de Aragua gang. Social media commentators quickly highlighted the stark optics of Noem’s accessory. Lawyer Tristan Snell remarked on X, “Tell me again how these Trumpers are just regular folks rather than wealthy oligarchs looting and grifting America.” Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the…
Less is more when it comes to the Light Phone 3. Although it features a newly integrated camera, you’re paying more for the simplicity of its functions. This device is part of a category known as “dumb” phones, which focus on essential capabilities instead of the complex features found in smartphones, like web browsing or social media apps. As the world anticipates a tech revolution driven by artificial intelligence, many are seeking relief from the distractions of bright screens and endless scrolling. In fact, Amazon CTO Werner Vogels suggested that 2025 could mark a shift towards more intentional tech use.…
On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced an image generator within ChatGPT, sparking a wave of creativity and new artistic possibilities. However, users quickly began transforming their photos into Studio Ghibli-style images, referencing the beloved anime studio known for films like “The Boy and the Heron.” As people enjoyed this fun feature, it became a source of humorous exchanges online. In a lighthearted tweet, Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, reflected on his journey towards creating superintelligence. He amusingly described waking up to countless messages like, “look, I made you into a twink Ghibli style haha,” showcasing the unexpected ways users are engaging with the…
Digital clutter is a genuine issue, and if you’re paying for additional storage, chances are you’re dealing with it. Keeping unnecessary files, apps, and digital assets doesn’t just drain your wallet—it also has a negative impact on the environment. In fact, the carbon footprint of computing has overtaken that of the airline industry. The cloud isn’t just an innocuous part of the atmosphere; it comprises hundreds of server farms that consume massive amounts of water and electricity. Every email, photo, and meme stored on your devices contributes to this problem. So, how do you tackle this excess digital baggage? Similar…
Things have taken a turn for the worse for genetic testing company 23andMe. CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned, and the company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, following the resignation of its board about six months ago over strategic disagreements. The company has faced numerous challenges, including data hacks, a class-action lawsuit, and ongoing leadership tensions. These issues have placed 23andMe’s future in jeopardy as it seeks a buyer. There are growing concerns that a sale could potentially lead to the selling of user data. The director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on digital privacy,…
Donald Trump and Elon Musk recently showcased a new shared interest: wrestling. The duo made headlines by appearing together at the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championship in Philadelphia, an annual tournament featuring the nation’s top collegiate wrestlers. Trump entered the Wells Fargo Center to a mixed reception, receiving cheers from supporters but also facing a few boos. Chants of “U-S-A” echoed through the arena as he interacted with the crowd. Outside, protesters gathered along Pattison Avenue holding signs that read “Save our democracy” and “No fascists.” In the championship match, Wyatt Hendrickson triumphed over Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson to…
I want to raise my young daughter without the pressure to become a “Sephora kid” obsessed with makeup. It’s essential for me to educate her about the potential dangers of the beauty industry and the risk of damaging her skin at such a tender age. I want her to understand that true beauty isn’t dependent on makeup or the perfect filter. As a skincare enthusiast, I take joy in my routine, whether it’s the refreshing feeling in the morning or an evening treat after a long day. My love for skincare even led me to co-found a beauty brand that…
Trump announced that federal student loans will be transferred from the Department of Education to the Small Business Administration (SBA). This statement came one day after he signed an executive order aimed at eliminating the Department of Education. During an appearance in the Oval Office, Trump mentioned that the SBA would oversee the management of approximately $1.7 trillion in federal student loans. “We have a significant portfolio with numerous complicated loans, and it’s coming out of the Department of Education right away, with Kelly Loeffler leading the charge at the SBA,” Trump stated. He expressed confidence that the loans would…
Publishers such as Dotdash Meredith and Forbes are making significant changes in response to recent actions taken by Google. The tech giant has implemented a crackdown on what it deems spammy content, affecting numerous product-review articles and causing noticeable repercussions for freelance writers associated with these media companies. Last year, Google targeted third-party content providers perceived as exploiting the credibility of established publishers for SEO advantages. As a result, many articles written by freelancers, including product reviews and coupon pages, were impacted. In response, Dotdash Meredith and Forbes severed relationships with certain freelancers and opted to have their own staff…