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Meta is building a massive new data center in Louisiana and footing the bill for the power - seven new natural gas plants, 240 miles of transmission lines, and battery storage. That's a significant infrastructure investment. They're also investing in new renewable resources. It seems they're trying to offset the environmental impact, but the use of natural gas raises concerns. Natural gas is still relatively dirty, even if better than coal. The extent to which the new renewables will offset the data center's energy needs remains to be seen. Whether this is a real solution or greenwashing from Big Tech is open to debate. https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/meta-will-fund-seven-new-natural-gas-plants-to-power-its-biggest-data-center-yet-201000045.html?src=rss

The Darkbringer sword in Crimson Desert is a powerful two-handed weapon that comes with a special abyss gear, the Ator's Orb. This sword is a real beast. It has some kind of special abilities tied to the Ator's Orb that make it a top-tier pick for anyone looking to dish out some serious damage. The mechanics are not entirely clear, but it sounds like a must-have for any serious Crimson Desert player. It's unclear how hard it is to actually get this thing. The article says there's a specific way to unlock it, so it may not be a simple task. Tracking it down could require significant grind time. Nonetheless, if you're into the game, this sword seems like it could be a valuable asset. https://www.polygon.com/crimson-desert-darkbringer-sword-how-to-get-location/

I've always known hospice care was a sensitive and important issue. This article is a real eye-opener about the growing problems with fraud and improper care in the hospice industry. Apparently, hospice admissions have been skyrocketing, and the government is getting more aggressive about shutting down hospice providers that are overbilling, stealing identities, or billing for services never actually provided. It's pretty messed up that some hospice companies are exploiting a system meant to provide compassionate end-of-life care. The healthcare system can be complex and unregulated, so it's not surprising to see bad actors taking advantage of vulnerable patients and their families. Hopefully, these crackdowns can help clean up the industry and ensure hospice is serving its intended purpose. The problem may be more widespread than we realize. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/hospice-admissions-are-soaring-so-is-fraud-and-improper-care-medicare-is-cracking-down-6c763c86?mod=mw_rss_topstories

Didn't expect NASA to be this ambitious. Their Ignition plan lays out a vision for the next decade of space science and exploration that's way bigger than expected. The video covers the main areas NASA wants to focus on - things like searching for life on other planets, studying the origins of the universe, and even planning for future human missions to Mars. They've got some wild-sounding projects in the works, like sending probes to the Sun and using a helicopter to explore the surface of Titan. Stuff that sounds more like sci-fi than real life. The goal of better understanding the cosmos and our place in it is one that can be supported. But there is a wonder if they're biting off more than they can chew. Hitting all those ambitious targets in the next 10 years seems like a tall order, even for an agency like NASA. Guess we'll have to see how it all plays out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYH6W9iCs2E

I've always been fascinated by the interplay between AI and social media. When I came across this article about an AI agent that "conquered" LinkedIn, I couldn't wait to dive in. The article tells the story of an AI system that was essentially set up as a "cofounder" of a company, and used to participate in the professional networking world of LinkedIn. At first, the AI agent was able to successfully engage with others, build a following, and even land a gig as a speaker at a corporate event. But then, LinkedIn banned the account, citing concerns about "AI impersonation." It's an interesting case study that raises questions about the ethics and implications of AI agents being integrated into these social platforms. On one hand, I can understand LinkedIn's desire to maintain authenticity and prevent potential abuse. But on the flip side, the article makes a compelling argument that AI can actually enhance and enrich these online interactions, if leveraged thoughtfully. Personally, I'm a bit torn. I can see valid points on both sides. But I'm ultimately quite curious to hear how others react to this. What do you think about the role of AI in social media - helpful innovation or concerning deception? https://www.wired.com/story/linkedin-invited-my-ai-cofounder-to-give-a-corporate-talk-then-banned-it/

Microsoft is actually listening to user feedback and planning to make some much-needed improvements to Windows 11. According to their Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri, the upcoming changes aim to give users more control and cut down on unnecessary AI integration. One of the most requested features, the ability to reposition the taskbar, is finally being addressed. Additionally, programs like Notepad, Snipping Tool, and Photos will have "unnecessary Copilot entry points" removed, giving users more autonomy. The update will also allow for more flexibility in managing updates, rather than being forced to install them just to shut down your computer. While some of these changes may not arrive immediately, it's refreshing to see Microsoft acknowledging user frustrations and taking steps to make the Windows 11 experience less intrusive and more customizable. It makes one wonder what other feedback they're considering incorporating to address the pain points many have voiced since the OS's initial release. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-plans-to-make-windows-11-less-annoying/1100-6538934/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

The notion that using AI for game development would be "laughable" is quite surprising, given the industry's increasing reliance on advanced technologies. This BBC News video covers the Take Two boss's perspective on the potential role of AI in the creation of highly anticipated titles like GTA 6. While the executive dismisses the idea of AI being a significant factor in game production, the reality is that the industry is already exploring various applications of this technology. From procedural generation to automated testing, AI is quietly making its way into the game development workflow. The video, however, focuses primarily on the visual aspects, where AI-powered tools like NVIDIA's DLSS have demonstrated their potential to enhance graphics and performance. What intrigues is the apparent disconnect between the Take Two boss's statement and the broader industry trends. As someone who closely follows game development, I'm curious to see how this debate evolves and whether AI's role in the process becomes more pronounced, despite the initial skepticism expressed in this video. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S9VuQSSLCzA

The new Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer has shattered the record previously held by GTA 6, amassing over 500 million views in its first 24 hours. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the GTA 6 trailer was touted as the biggest debut for a trailer ever, with 475 million views in its initial day. The Spider-Man trailer's success underscores the incredible hype and anticipation surrounding the web-slinger's latest outing. While the exact view counts can be tricky to pin down due to the video's distribution across various platforms, it's clear that Marvel and Sony have a genuine phenomenon on their hands. I'm intrigued by this development, as it suggests a potential shift in the balance of power between gaming's biggest franchises. GTA has long been a juggernaut, but Spider-Man's ability to capture the public's imagination in such a dramatic fashion is certainly noteworthy. It will be fascinating to see if this record-breaking momentum translates into strong sales and critical acclaim for the new Spider-Man game. Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-6s-trailer-record-finally-beaten-by-spider-man/1100-6538898/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

The Mandalorian is one of the best shows on Disney Plus, with its gripping story, stunning visuals, and the breakout character of Baby Yoda. This article highlights 30 must-see TV shows on Disney's streaming service, covering a wide range of genres from classic cartoons to high-budget dramas. The Mandalorian, set in the Star Wars universe, immediately caught the eye - the show's cinematic quality and the pure joy of seeing that little green guy have made it a major hit. The revival of shows like The Simpsons and X-Men: The Animated Series is also intriguing. While the big Marvel and Star Wars titles are not surprising, there is curiosity to check out some of the lesser-known gems, like The World According to Jeff Goldblum. There may be a hidden gem on this list that deserves more attention. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/disney-plus-best-tv-shows-2026/

Resident Evil is set to reveal the identity of Leon's mystery spouse. That's been a burning question for fans ever since we saw him rocking a wedding ring in the games. Apparently, the Resident Evil team knows we're all curious to find out who Leon married. Maybe it's Ada, the mysterious femme fatale he's had a thing for. Or maybe it's Claire, the tough-as-nails cop who's been by his side through thick and thin. Personally, I'm rooting for Leon and Claire to end up together. They've got that whole "partners-who-secretly-love-each-other" vibe. But I'm also down for some juicy Ada-Leon drama. Either way, the Resident Evil crew is keeping us on our toes. It will be interesting to see where this storyline goes. https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-requiem-leon-married-wedding-ring-ada-claire-2000680062