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Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Ready for Historic Launch

by admin January 15, 2025

Blue Origin is preparing for the maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket, aiming to compete with SpaceX in the commercial space race. The New Glenn rocket, standing 320 feet tall, is set for its first orbital voyage after a slight delay due to unfavorable sea conditions. This rocket, named after astronaut John Glenn, is designed to revolutionize space travel by delivering heavier payloads and competing against SpaceX’s Falcon rockets. The launch is set for Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a new window opening at 1:00 am on Monday.

The mission, known as NG-1, is more than just a rocket launch. It marks Blue Origin’s first attempt at orbital space travel. The company has secured a NASA contract to launch Mars probes aboard the New Glenn in the near future. This signifies a major leap toward Blue Origin’s goal of challenging SpaceX’s dominance in space exploration. SpaceX has long held the upper hand with its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. These rockets currently serve commercial, governmental, and scientific sectors, including missions for NASA.

New Glenn will face a high-stakes launch competition, with SpaceX planning a Starship test launch the day after Blue Origin’s mission. Shortly after the launch, Blue Origin will attempt to land the rocket’s first-stage booster on a drone ship named Jacklyn, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Although SpaceX routinely lands its boosters, this will be Blue Origin’s first attempt at recovering a rocket from the sea.

New Glenn is designed for larger payloads, distinguishing itself from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. With a broader payload fairing, it’s ideal for carrying bulky cargo, such as satellites for Project Kuiper. Blue Origin is also focused on the long-term goal of building a sustainable, space-based industry. Unlike Musk’s Mars colonization vision, Bezos imagines floating platforms in space as a way to protect Earth’s environment.

Blue Origin’s slow and steady approach contrasts with SpaceX’s “fail fast, learn fast” methodology. Despite skepticism, the launch of New Glenn will offer a valuable alternative for US government missions. This addition will provide redundancy, ensuring backup options for future space travel missions. If successful, it will solidify Blue Origin’s presence in the space race, ensuring robust competition for years to come.

Meet the Man Who Introduced Bots to Concert Ticket Buying

by admin January 14, 2025

Bots—automated programs capable of completing tasks online far faster than us mere mortals—have been wreaking havoc on the concert ticket-buying public for decades.

A single bot can purchase over a thousand tickets in under a minute. There are cases where just a few bots have managed to snap up 15,000 tickets in a single day. When tickets for a highly sought-after event go on sale, it’s estimated that bots account for at least 40 per cent of the traffic to ticketing websites. In some instances, this figure has soared to an astonishing 96 per cent.

These bots relentlessly elbow their way to the front of the queue, buying tickets in bulk and immediately listing them on resale platforms with extortionate mark-ups. They can bypass restrictions like “limit four tickets per person” quicker than it takes a human to enter their payment details.

How Do Bots Work?

The secret lies in their speed and volume. Bots launch coordinated attacks, overwhelming the ticketing system and outpacing human buyers the instant sales open.

A specialised bot can create hundreds, sometimes thousands, of accounts on platforms like Ticketmaster or infiltrate existing accounts by cracking passwords and other credentials. When the clock strikes sale time, these bots mimic the actions of countless humans patiently waiting in line.

Once sales go live, a buying bot—actually, multiple bots working in tandem—activates scripts that race through the purchasing process. Some bots, known as “expediting bots,” can open up to 100 purchase windows simultaneously, heading straight to checkout. Others clog up the system by hoarding tickets in shopping carts, making them unavailable to everyone else. These tickets are held until the bots can finalise the purchase and transfer them to resale sites. This tactic, aptly named “denial of inventory,” is designed to frustrate genuine fans.

Some bots even resort to credit card fraud or find ways to circumvent the “X tickets per person” rule. They’re employed by ticket resellers, corporate hospitality firms, and big businesses eager to secure seats for clients. Others are operated by criminal organisations or entrepreneurial individuals. In fact, a quick search online reveals websites selling ticket-buying bots for as little as £75 to £700. Some even offer instructions on building your own.

The Man Behind the Mayhem

So, who do we have to thank for this chaos? To find the answer, we must travel back to 2001. Enter Ken Lowson, a former insurance salesman from Arizona and the man widely credited with unleashing bots upon the world of concert tickets.

Lowson, a ticket reseller by trade, teamed up with a teenage programming prodigy from Bulgaria to develop an automated ticket-buying program. Over the years, they honed the program to become faster, more aggressive, and virtually unbeatable when it came to snapping up tickets.

Lowson’s company, ironically named Wiseguy, amassed tens of millions of dollars from scalping tickets between 2001 and 2010. At the height of its dominance, Lowson claimed Wiseguy controlled 90 per cent of ticket sales in the United States during the 2000s.

The Legacy of Ticket-Buying Bots

Lowson’s creation set a precedent that others have eagerly followed. The ticket resale market has become a lucrative industry, with bots playing a central role. Genuine fans are left frustrated, unable to compete with the speed and efficiency of these automated programs.

Despite efforts by ticketing companies and lawmakers to curb the use of bots, they remain a persistent issue. Measures such as CAPTCHA tests, ticket limits, and anti-bot software have only been partially effective, as bot developers continuously find new ways to outsmart these defences.

Lowson himself has since distanced himself from the ticketing industry, claiming to regret the impact of his actions. However, the legacy of his creation endures, leaving concertgoers battling bots for the chance to see their favourite artists live.

A Frustrating Reality

For now, the fight against bots continues, but the damage has already been done. What started as a clever innovation has evolved into a plague, robbing music fans of the joy and fairness of purchasing tickets. As long as there’s money to be made in the resale market, bots will remain a thorn in the side of the ticket-buying public.

Malaysia and Japan Strengthen Collaboration in Higher Education and Clean Energy

by admin January 14, 2025

Malaysia and Japan are set to deepen their collaboration in higher education and clean energy, as discussed during Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s two-day official visit to Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted plans to enhance ties between the two nations, emphasising their shared goals in education and sustainable energy advancements.

Anwar noted ongoing partnerships between Malaysian universities and Japanese institutions, such as Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) with Waseda University and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with the Japan International Institute of Technology (JIIE). He also announced plans for the establishment of a branch campus of Tsukuba University in Malaysia.

While addressing the collaboration, Anwar called on Japan to include Keio University in future initiatives, describing the institution as significant due to its historical contributions and his prior engagements with it. He expressed hopes for Keio University’s involvement in civilisational dialogues and other academic programs.

Advancing Clean Energy and Regional Energy Connectivity

Both nations aim to finalise a key hydrogen energy collaboration by May, which Anwar described as a vital step toward clean energy innovation. He underscored Sarawak’s leading role in hydrogen energy development through a partnership between Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) and PETRONAS. The collaboration, according to Anwar, reflects a commitment to leveraging new technologies for sustainable growth.

He indicated plans to convene discussions on the hydrogen project in either Tokyo or Kuala Lumpur by May, signaling a decisive timeline for the initiative.

On a broader regional scale, Anwar stressed Japan’s critical role in the proposed ASEAN energy grid, a project aimed at connecting Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. He also highlighted Sarawak’s undersea energy cable initiative, designed to link Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, emphasising Japan’s involvement as essential to the project’s success.

These initiatives, he noted, are part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to strengthen energy connectivity in Southeast Asia and foster sustainable development in partnership with Japan.

Celebrities Who Lost Homes in California Wildfires: Tragedy Strikes Again in 2025

by admin January 11, 2025

California wildfires have once again devastated the homes of several high-profile celebrities. From Malibu to Pacific Palisades, the fires have caused massive destruction, leaving famous residents grappling with the loss of their properties. The most recent tragedies, including the January 2025 wildfires, have claimed the homes of several well-known figures in the entertainment industry.

Paris Hilton

In January 2025, Paris Hilton and her family witnessed their Malibu home burn down on live television. As the fire tore through the property, Paris shared the heart-wrenching moment with her followers. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that no one, regardless of their status, is immune to nature’s fury.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus and her former husband, Liam Hemsworth, lost their Malibu home in the 2018 Woolsey fire. Miley expressed her gratitude for her loved ones and pets’ safety, despite the destruction of their home. She later referenced the loss in her song “Flowers,” symbolizing the emotional toll of losing both a home and memories built there.

Mandy Moore

In the 2025 wildfires, Mandy Moore was forced to evacuate her Altadena home before it was too late. The fire claimed her property and her children’s school, further adding to the devastation in the area. Mandy shared her experience on social media, expressing both relief and sorrow for the loss of her home.

Robin Thicke

During the 2018 Woolsey fire, singer Robin Thicke lost his home but made it out safely with his family. Despite the destruction, he took to social media to thank the brave firefighters and volunteers who risked their lives trying to save their house. His message of hope in the face of disaster resonated with many of his followers.

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody

Among the celebrities who have lost their homes are Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, best known for their roles on Gossip Girl and The OC. The couple, whose property was reportedly ravaged by the fire, had to evacuate their home as the flames closed in. “It’s just heartbreaking,” said a source close to the couple. “They are lucky to have escaped, but it’s still devastating to see their home destroyed.”

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty, the Beverly Hills, 90210 star who has faced personal challenges with her health in recent years, is also among those who have experienced significant losses. Doherty has been vocal about her past battles with cancer, and her recent return to fight the wildfires’ destruction shows her continued strength in the face of adversity.

James Woods

Several other celebrities have faced similar losses, including James Woods, who was visibly emotional about losing his home in the January 2025 Palisades fire. Woods shared heartfelt tributes on social media, expressing his sorrow for the devastation caused by the fire and his gratitude that his family was safe despite the destruction.

Other Celebrities Affected by the Fires

Actor Gerard Butler, whose Malibu home was destroyed in the 2018 wildfires, also experienced another blow with the recent fires. Music icon Neil Young, who lost his home in 2018 as well, expressed his sorrow for California’s loss and the beauty that has been forever altered by the flames.

Diane Warren, the renowned songwriter, shared images of the seaside home she lost in the January 2025 fires. Although deeply saddened by the destruction, Warren found comfort in knowing that her animals were safe and expressed her hope that others affected by the disaster would eventually find peace.

Several other celebrities, along with thousands of residents, are included in this list of those who have lost their homes and belongings in these catastrophic fires, highlighting the widespread devastation and impact on both public figures and everyday Californians alike.

The Ongoing Battle with Wildfires

These celebrities, like many others in California, are not alone in their struggles with the devastating effects of wildfires. Every year, countless people lose their homes to these catastrophic events, and the emotional toll on those affected is immeasurable. The recent destruction underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat and prevent wildfires, ensuring the safety of communities and their residents.

MakeMyTrip Introduces Part Payment Option for International Flights

by admin January 10, 2025

MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has unveiled a new part-payment feature for booking international flights, aiming to simplify travel planning and reduce the financial burden on customers. This innovative initiative allows users to secure bookings by paying only a fraction of the ticket cost upfront, making it especially beneficial for long-haul and short-haul international flights exceeding ₹1 lakh.

The feature, which builds on MakeMyTrip’s commitment to customer-centric solutions, has already gained strong traction among travelers. Saujanya Shrivastava, Chief Operating Officer – Flights, Holidays & Gulf, emphasised the company’s mission to make travel accessible and convenient, stating that the feature empowers Indians to plan international trips with greater flexibility.

How the Part Payment Option Works

Travellers can now confirm international flight bookings by paying just 10–40% of the total ticket fare upfront, depending on the airline, travel route, and booking window. The remaining amount can be cleared either before the travel date or within 45 days of booking, whichever is earlier, without incurring additional charges.

This solution is particularly advantageous for larger families or groups who often face challenges with high upfront costs for international travel. Once the full payment is made, users can modify their bookings based on airline fare rules.

Additional Features Enhance Travel Flexibility

The part-payment option complements MakeMyTrip’s suite of innovative features, including:

‘Zero Cancellation’: Offers coverage for cancellations due to unforeseen events.
‘Fare Lock’: Lets customers lock flight prices for a nominal fee, valid for up to 15 days.
‘Free Date Change’: Allows rescheduling flights up to two hours before departure.

With these enhancements, MakeMyTrip continues to lead the way in delivering user-friendly travel solutions, making international travel more accessible and convenient for Indian travelers. This industry-first initiative reflects the company’s focus on leveraging technology to address real challenges and create seamless travel experiences.

SpaceX Successfully Launches First Starlink Mission of 2025

by admin January 9, 2025

SpaceX kicked off the new year with the successful launch of its first Starlink mission of 2025 on January 6, at 2:13 a.m. IST. The mission, conducted from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, saw a Falcon 9 rocket deliver 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. This milestone continues SpaceX’s mission to expand its satellite internet network, aimed at providing high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the globe.

Mission Details and Achievements

The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage executed a precise return, landing smoothly on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the 17th successful launch and recovery for this particular booster, showcasing SpaceX’s leadership in reusable rocket technology. Impressively, this booster has now supported 10 Starlink missions and the Crew-5 mission, which ferried astronauts to the International Space Station.

Approximately 65 minutes after liftoff, the upper stage of the Falcon 9 is expected to deploy the 24 satellites, adding to the over 6,850 Starlink satellites already in orbit. These satellites are part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to enhance global connectivity. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, who tracks satellite constellations, highlighted the significance of this growing network, which continues to dominate as the largest satellite constellation in history.

Starlink’s Global Connectivity Vision

Starlink represents SpaceX’s vision for bridging the digital divide by providing reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved and remote regions. Following a record-breaking 2024, during which SpaceX conducted numerous successful missions, the company remains committed to accelerating satellite deployments throughout 2025. This launch sets the stage for a year of regular missions to expand the Starlink constellation.

As SpaceX pushes the boundaries of space exploration and satellite technology, its impact on global communications is undeniable. The combination of reusable rockets and an ever-growing satellite network reinforces SpaceX’s position as a trailblazer in the industry, driving progress toward a more connected and accessible world.

Japanese woman, world’s oldest person, dies at 116

by admin January 9, 2025

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest person, has died at the age of 116, an official from Ashiya city announced on Saturday.

Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official overseeing elderly welfare, confirmed that Itooka passed away on 29 December at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, central Japan.

Born on 23 May 1908, Itooka loved bananas and a yoghurt-flavoured Japanese drink called Calpis. She became the world’s oldest person last year after the passing of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, as noted by the Gerontology Research Group. Upon learning she had topped the World Supercentenarian Rankings List, her response was a simple “Thank you.”

On her birthday last year, Itooka celebrated with flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor.

Originally from Osaka, Itooka was a volleyball player during her school years and was known for her lively spirit. She climbed Mount Ontake, a 3,067-metre peak, twice.

At 20, she married and later had two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she managed the office at her husband’s textile factory. After his death in 1979, she lived independently in Nara.

Itooka is survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. Her funeral was held with family and close friends, Nagata confirmed.

According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is also 116 and was born 16 days after Itooka.

Microsoft’s AI Investment: Massive AI Investment on the Horizon

by admin January 7, 2025

Microsoft is set to significantly bolster its presence in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with an estimated investment of $80 billion (S$110 billion) for the 2025 fiscal year. This ambitious commitment reflects the company’s vision of AI as a transformative force across all sectors of life. According to an online post by Microsoft President Brad Smith on Jan. 3, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global leader in AI innovation, provided it strengthens its domestic capabilities and builds robust international partnerships.

Smith likened AI to the modern-day equivalent of electricity, emphasising its potential to power economic growth for decades. He urged a collaborative approach, suggesting that effective policy measures, strategic investments, and international cooperation could secure the nation’s leadership in this critical technology.

Global Competition and Policy Recommendations

Smith highlighted the growing competition between the United States and China in exporting AI systems worldwide, noting that early movers in this space could gain a decisive edge due to the network effects of technology adoption. He stressed the importance of swift action to enhance U.S. influence in the global AI landscape.

He also advocated for increased government support for AI research, calling on policymakers to expand funding for institutions such as universities and the National Science Foundation. These efforts, he reasoned, would help the U.S. capitalise on its strengths and create a sustainable foundation for long-term success in AI-driven industries.

As nations vie for dominance in this rapidly advancing field, Microsoft’s substantial investment underscores the critical role of private sector innovation. By aligning public and private resources, Smith believes the U.S. can emerge as a leader in this transformative era, shaping the future of AI to drive economic and societal progress.

Here’s how much Canada’s top CEOs earned in 2023

by admin January 5, 2025

Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs earned an average of £8.2 million in 2023 from salaries, bonuses, and other forms of compensation, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA).

It was the third-highest year for CEO earnings since the CCPA began tracking data in 2007, although slightly lower than the record-breaking years of 2021 and 2022. “It’s still significantly higher than historical levels,” said David Macdonald, senior economist at the CCPA and author of the report.

The decline was attributed to reduced corporate profits in 2023 and wage increases for workers following the latest inflation spike, Macdonald noted. By 10:54 a.m. on 2 January, the average CEO on the list had already earned £38,900 — equivalent to the annual income of the average Canadian worker.

The report revealed a stark disparity between CEOs and regular workers. On average, Canada’s top 100 CEOs earned 210 times more than the typical worker in 2023, compared to 104 times in 1998.

The highest-paid CEO in Canada in 2023 was Patrick Dovigi of GFL Environmental Inc., with total compensation of £42.5 million. Joshua Kobza of Restaurant Brands International Inc. followed with £24.2 million, and R.M. Kruger of Suncor Energy Inc. earned £22.8 million.

Salaries made up a small fraction of CEO pay, with most income coming from share-based and option-based awards. “Salaries now form an increasingly minor part of CEO compensation,” said Macdonald. He highlighted examples such as Tobi Lütke of Shopify and Murray Edwards of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., both of whom accepted nominal salaries of just one dollar in 2023.

The average cash bonus for these CEOs in 2023 was £1.4 million. While theoretically linked to company performance, bonuses often increased regardless of the company’s financial success, according to the CCPA.

Macdonald identified three primary forms of non-salary compensation: direct share awards, where executives are paid in shares; cash bonuses; and stock options. The list remained male-dominated, with only three women featured — fewer than the CEOs named Scott (five) or Michael (four). Interestingly, the women on the list earned more on average than the Scotts and Michaels.

Macdonald pointed out some positive developments. Workers’ wages saw significant increases in 2023, helping them catch up with inflation. Additionally, policy changes aimed at reducing the wage gap were introduced in 2024, such as raising the inclusion rate for taxing capital gains above £152,000 to over 66 per cent. However, these measures did not affect CEO pay in 2023.

Starbucks Launches Winter Menu, Adds Cortados for the First Time

by admin January 4, 2025

Starbucks has launched its winter menu, introducing new flavors and bringing back fan favorites. For the first time, the coffee chain adds the cortado to its lineup, alongside returning pistachio beverages and new seasonal treats.

The cortado, a Spanish espresso drink, gets its name from “cortar,” meaning “to cut.” The drink combines three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso with steamed milk, balancing intensity and smoothness. Served only in an 8-ounce short size, it’s a hot beverage designed for espresso enthusiasts. A nondairy version, the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado, offers a sweeter alternative.

Pistachio drinks are back for a limited time. The Pistachio Latte blends espresso, steamed milk, and pistachio flavoring, finished with a brown-buttery topping. The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew combines cold brew with vanilla syrup, topped with pistachio cream cold foam and salted buttery sprinkles. Both options are available hot, iced, or blended.

Starbucks’ food menu also sees updates. The Spicy Falafel Pocket, a new vegan option, includes smashed falafel, hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and spicy herb sauce in toasted lavash. On the sweet side, the Vanilla Bean Custard Danish returns with its layers of sugared Danish dough and vanilla custard filling. The seasonal Valentine Cake Pop features vanilla cake dipped in red chocolate icing with a heart design.

Additionally, Starbucks has adjusted its matcha powder, now sweetened with classic syrup. This change addresses customer requests for customizable sweetness levels in matcha-based drinks.

These winter offerings bring a mix of new tastes and returning favorites, catering to coffee and food lovers alike. With limited-time options and permanent additions, the menu promises something special for the season.

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