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Saturday, July 22, 2017
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Chinese Censorship Has Gotten to WhatsApp

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Facebook-owned application is currently under tight restrictions in China. Its various services have been blocked. As a consequence, people can’t use voice, photo, and video messages to communicate. However, text messages still have their clearance intact. This is just one of the many steps in this period of time that the Chinese censorship is willing to take to succeed in a leadership reshuffle in Beijing.

Chinese Censorship Blocked WhatsApp Except Its Text Messages

On Wednesday, dozens of Chinese users complained about encountering difficulties with their WhatsApp application. They reported frozen video, photo, and voice messages. Only their text communication managed to get through. However, it seems that the source of such technical issues was Chinese officials themselves.

The block was initiated incrementally. This method shares similarities with the procedure that ended up with Gmail’s total blackout back in 2014. Facebook declined to comment on this event. This move comes amid Chinese preparations for a leadership reshuffle. This event takes place twice in ten years. Therefore, this is a defining moment that many parties within the Communist group intend to take advantage of. Current President Xi Jinping is also a viable candidate for this process.

The Chinese censorship is probably the largest such apparatus in the world. It goes by the name of the Great Firewall and currently has thousands of online pages under the ban. The organization has no issue with extending their grasp over giant platforms such as Google, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other sources of international news.

WhatsApp Was Gaining Popularity Thanks to Privacy Terms

Since he became president five years ago, Xi Jinping promoted a vigorous movement on obtaining control over what kinds news Chinese citizens can gain access to or not. This phenomenon exacerbated over recent months by abolishing celebrity news, VPNs, live streaming video apps, and online video content.

On the other hand, WhatsApp didn’t enjoy much popularity in China. Its Asian rival, WeChat, holds a monopoly over this market with 900 million users. However, Facebook’s messaging service was just starting to increase its influence thanks to its promise of a secure line of communication. While WeChat allows officials to monitor conversations frequently, the country had no power over WhatsApp.

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London’s Natural History Museum Replaces Dippy with Blue Whale

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whale skeleton

Dippy has been guarding the central hall of London’s Natural History Museum for more than 100 years. However, the board of the institution decided that the 105-foot statue of a Diplodocus carnegii skeleton deserves a well-earned retirement. From now on, the watch guard will be in the enormous flippers of a blue whale.

London’s Natural History Museum Has a New Mission in Mind

The first thing visitors are going to see once they enter London’s most famous museum is the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth. This is about a blue whale and its majestic dimensions. Only by looking at it, people are aware that they are in the presence of a miracle of the natural world. The marine mammal has already taken the place of the iconic Dippy that had been watching over the institution since May 12, 1905.

This sudden change intends to highlight a new direction for the organization. The museum wants to get rid of the dust of the past and take a more refreshing look. Therefore, it is going to uncover more exhibits and educational facts about the living science. This move implies turning off the lime lights for old fossils.

The gigantic skeleton of a blue whale will be dubbed as “Hope.” This decision marks people’s ability to build a sustainable future against all odds, as it already did before. While there are no more Diplodocus carnegii or other dinosaurs walking on this planet, there are still some blue whales left. However, this species is struggling with extinction. For decades such creatures were hunted down for profit.

As a consequence, London’s Natural History Museum wants to send a signal of alarm to everyone who enters its doors. While there’s nothing left to do for dinosaurs, people can still make a change for blue whales.

The New Exhibit Called Hope Comes with a Compelling Story from the Past

The history behind the institution’s exhibit is representative of the fate of its entire species. At its death, the marine mammal was sold for £250. Its oil became fuel while its meat headed to the pet trade. Afterward, the remaining skeleton reached the museum in March 1892. Since 1938, Hope has been the main attraction in the mammal’s gallery.

Behind this change was the museum’s principal curator of mammals, Richard Sabin. He confessed that his whole life changed at the age of 10 when he visited the same institution he works for now. He came up with the idea to display the marine mammal in central hall and arrange it as in a true-to-life lunge-feeding position.

Image source: NaturalHistoryMuseum

Logitech Swallows Astro Gaming to Consolidate Position in Audio-Headset Market

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headsets

Logitech has just acquired a powerful player in the audio-headset market, namely Astro Gaming. This organization has already managed to make an influential name for itself through a large palette of PC peripherals such as mice, headsets, and keyboards. Through this new addition to its portfolio of purchases, Logitech earned a dominant piece of the industry on the spot.

Astro Gaming Was One of Logitech’s Rivals in Audio-Headset Market

Logitech paid $85 million in cash for integrating Astro Gaming in its business. The merger might be ready in August. Through this one move, Logitech gained access to a profitable pool of clients who are mostly passionate gamers. This means that they are willing to support innovation in PC industry as long as it boosts their playing experience. Logitech was half way there through its brand entitled Logitech G which is focused solely on gaming.

The two parties were actually rivals within the audio-headset market. Astro had some popular, high-quality products for which consumers were willing to spend a pricey budget. The most successful lines were Astro A50 and A40 headsets which could reach even $250 a pair. On the other hand, Logitech’s highest price tag in this PC niche stopped at $200.

Logitech Created a Pattern in Its Mergers and Acquisition Department

According to a press statement, the company has big plans for this investment. Logitech intends to focus less on PCs, phones, and tablets, and more on the game console market. The organization intends to streamline this segment until it hits long-term growth.

The company shows a pattern in its acquisition department. Every move is carefully tailored to gain access to a new niche and expand its outreach there. For instance, the $34 million investment in Ultimate Ears rendered Logitech a prestigious position within the market for Bluetooth speakers. The same goes for Jaybird and Saitek which represented keys to wireless earbuds and flight stick niches respectively.

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Teen Birth Rates at Lowest Levels in History

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teen girls

In the United States at this moment, there are fewer births among teenage girls than ever before. In 2016 alone, this rate plummeted 9% in comparison to previous year. These fresh data came right from a new government report that appeared on Friday. Further good news predicts that these teen birth rates will continue to maintain low figures.

Teen Birth Rates Plummeted 67% Since 1991

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the birth rate among teenagers decreased 67% since the year of 1991. The agency used data from 99.9% of the births that took place in the year of 2016 to measure the latest impact of this trend.

Dr. Elise Berlan is a physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital who described these latest readings as a massive decline. Berlan was not involved in this research paper yet she claimed that these results are satisfactory for her. Unfortunately, most teen pregnancies occur without a preliminary decision.

The Low Rates Coincide With Wider Access to Contraceptives

The professional did not know the exact reason for these low rates. However, this period of decline did correspond to a wider accessibility to different contraception methods. As a physician, Dr. Berlan is aware of intimate details among teens. According to her, youngsters started to become more responsible towards the consequences of the sexual act. Therefore, they use condoms, pills, and the withdrawal method to prevent any reproduction.

On the other hand, researchers noticed higher birth rates among older women. Thess indices increased by 1% in 2016 over the previous year. However, these are not great signs for society. In 2015, there were 2% more women aged between 35 and 39 who gave birth. This represents the highest peak since 1962.

All things considered, Dr. Berlan thinks that access to care is a crucial aspect of a healthy society. Teen birth rates are staying low as long as methods of birth control are available.

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Federals Endorse California’s Ambition for Giant Water Tunnels after Decades

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California is the most populous state in the United States. However, it doesn’t seem to have all the necessary means to stay on its own feet. The state needs support from other parties, even for some basic requirements such as water supplies. Nonetheless, Gov. Jerry Brown has just received clearance to apply his plans for two giant water tunnels in California.

The Work for the Two Giant Water Tunnels Will Last Ten Years and Cost $16 Billion

On Monday, the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the Californian plan to rethink the water system. The costs will expand to a total of $16 billion. However, the U.S. wildlife agency stated that the project would not put in danger more than a dozen species that are under federal protection. Their natural habitat is in the freshwater estuary on the West Coast.

However, this approval is just the first out of a series of clearances this much-awaited project needs in order to start constructions for two 35-mile tunnels. The practical work is expected to take yet another ten years. The main goal and challenge are to suck only part of Sacramento River and turn the remaining into two four-story-high tunnels. These tubes will run below delta with San Joaquin River.

Donald Trump’s Influence Might Have Hurried the Approval for the Project

These constructions are essential to provide a reliable supply of water for tens of millions of citizens and farms. The new source will serve most of Southern and Central California. However, the opposition to this project is strong enough because of the wildlife it would endanger.

There are already some species of salmon that have been struggling for decades because of state’s dependency on delta waters. There are other local species that might be impacted too harshly by these endeavors.

The sudden approval of these two giant water tunnels might be an influence of the election of President Donald Trump. He previously stated that he supports such type of projects, especially for water sources for Central California.

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How to Make the Most of Steam Summer Sales

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The gaming community is in a frenzy these days. A much awaited event has started. Steam summer sales are here which means major budget holes for many. However, there is also a smart way to go about it. Even though moderation is not a strong point for many players, there are a few tricks and tips to survive this period with some cash for other needs as well.

Steam Summer Sales Might Last Until July 5

Many gaming enthusiasts are scheduling their entire year of new content purchases around the Steam summer sales. Usually, if they like a new production but don’t desire it too much, they wait for the summer days. The big event started at 6 pm BST/1 pm ET today. Last year, it started on a Thursday as well on 23 June.

PayPal confirmed this official date on its Twitter account. The online payments system company wants a piece for itself from this busy period of game sales. Therefore, PayPal collaborated with Steam on a small enticing project. All UK gamers who decide to invest at least £20 in their collection of titles will pay £5 less if they choose PayPal as a paying method. The offer expires on July 5 which might coincide with the end of the sales as well.

There Are a Few Tricks for Avoiding Large Budget Holes

To avoid missing out on the most appealing deals, one must do some preparations for this event. One trick is to upload all favorite titles in the Steam Wishlist. All games in this digital pocket will send notifications the moment they receive a discount. Another tip is to aim for bundles. This collection of productions allows people to save more than they would by picking one title at a time.

Nonetheless, the most sensitive piece of advice is to refrain from greedy. Many people are mesmerized by how many 75% signs there are. Eventually, they end up buying more than they can play in a lifetime. Therefore, be sure that you will have an occasion sometime in the near future to enjoy your prey.

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Herman Miller Compresses Activity Tracking Obsession into a Smart Desk

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office illustration

Today’s trends that get consumers hooked on them are all about smart devices that make life simpler and easier to understand. Such aspirations led to smartphones and various concepts of smart homes and smart cars as well. As of recently, the popular Herman Miller furniture manufacturer came up with a new addition to this collection of top-notch technology. The company devised the smart desk which is a piece of furniture that can connect to the cloud.

The Smart Desk Keeps Track on How People Choose to Spend Their Time at Their Office

The new Herman Miller line of innovative products propelled the smart desk in the limelight. This convertible standing desk has a set of embedded sensors that can keep track of people’s activity at their desk. First of all, users will have a clear history of how much they are using their working space per day. On top of that, they can also keep track on the hours they spent in a sitting or standing position.

The Herman Miller smart desk also comes with its own app. Customers can consult this software to set goals such as how many hours per day should they work on a standing table. Moreover, they can receive notifications every time they have to sit down or stand up.

The Price Tag Comes With an Annual Subscription Fee as Well

This set of sensors constitutes a network called Live OS. People can buy this technology for their own old desks. However, they might not deliver so many results as they do when connected to the new surfaces. An unfortunate combination can lead to a weak flux of data that tell only how often people use their desk per day.

The price for the entire interface might be pricier than it needs. The set of sensors on their own have already decided on a price tag of $100. On top of that, clients have to cover an annual subscription fee of $36 for one desk. However, if they are going with a Herman Miller smart desk, the fee is of $60 per year. It is uncertain why the in-house products are more expensive. However, it must have something to do with the higher wave of data clients get with a smart table.

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The Poopy Situation of Swimming Pools Is Not Bad Enough to Make People Sick

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child swimming in clear swimming pool

Summer is here, and millions of Americans are seeking refuge from the heat by heading to the local public pool. As every year, the CDC warned all pool-goers of the hidden dangers lurking in the chlorine-filled waters, the internet panicking over the idea that poop freely floats in swimming pools all over the country. Is an epidemic just waiting to break out? Experts believe it’s not. Here’s a look at the numbers.

About 17 Percent of People Pee Willingly in Public Pools

A 2011 study focusing on the average swimmer hygiene behavior found about 17 percent of individuals pee in public swimming pools. At least 17 percent admitted to the behavior. There are real chances that a considerable part of those involved in the study were ashamed to confess their dirty habits.

Another 2000 paper found that every child unknowingly releases about ten grams of fecal matter when bathing or swimming. Multiplying that with the millions of children that invade swimming pools in the summer, the United States should have faced a nation-wide epidemic each year. However, it didn’t because most pools are filled with chlorine and the human body is made to stave off bacteria daily.

Who Gets Sick?

The CDC released a statement last week, notifying the public that the incidence of Crypto outbreaks have doubled since 2014. The Cryptosporidium bacteria is responsible for about 50 percent of overall gastrointestinal conditions caused by direct contact with recreational waters. When lakes and rivers are eliminating, the number climbs to a staggering 80 percent.

This is because the Cryptosporidium is one of the few bacteria that survives the effects of chlorine and other swimming pool disinfectants. Other recreational water dangers include Giardia, Shigella, E.coli, and norovirus.

Swimming Pools Are Safe if You Don’t Swallow the Water

From the total 300 million individuals who visit a public swimming pool at least once a year, about 1,400 get treated for an infection caused by bacteria lurking in recreational waters. Usually, these conditions are caught when the swimmers enter public waters with an open wound through which bacteria crawls in or when they accidentally ingest the infected water.

Best advice for a diarrhea-free summer at the pool? Don’t swim next to groups of toddlers, don’t do in the water if you have an open wound, and whatever happens, don’t swallow the water. Also, don’t forget to wear sunscreen and enjoy your summer.

Image Source: Pixabay

Man From Colorado Collapses and Dies After Trying to Eat a Half-Pound Doughnut

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Doughnut

A 42-year-old man from Colorado died after trying to eat a half-pound doughnut during an eating contest.

Tragedy struck a small community from Colorado after a 42-year-old man choked to death while trying to eat a doughnut the size of a small cake. The incident occurred hours away after a 20-year-old social worker from Connecticut died after participating in a pancake-eating contest. The doughnut shop’s owner declared that the recent tragedy marks the end of the doughnut-earing competition.

Travis Malouff, a 42-year-old man from Colorado, took a little trip downtown to the Voodoo Doughnuts shop on Sunday. Like many other customers, Malouff was charmed by the perspective of participating in the shop’s annual doughnut-eating contest.

It would appear that the winner of this sort of competition would not have had to pay a dime for the doughnuts he or she ate, and would have also received a certificate which says that they’ve won the annual doughnut-eating competition – prizes to kill for, that’s for sure.

Malouff and the other would soon discover that this year’s doughnut-eating competition will prove to be more challenging. So, instead of sitting down at the table and eating as many doughnuts as they could, the participants were challenged to eat a half-pound doughnut in under a minute.

Twenty seconds later, the man got up from his chair, hands in the air, announcing that he was finished devouring the half-pound house specialty. However, some of the clients gathered around the tables to witness the event saw that the man had trouble maintaining his balance and that his face turned blue.

After a few more seconds, Malouff collapsed, but one of the doughnut shop’s customer managed to break his fall. When the clients saw that the man stopped breathing, they immediately called the ambulance.

However, by the time the emergency response crew arrived, Travis Malouff of Colorado was already dead, chocked by the 3-dollar doughnut the size of a small cake. The man’s autopsy revealed that he died after a piece of doughnut go lodged in his airways, preventing him from breathing.

The owner of the Voodoo Doughnuts shop, the locale ere Malouff died, did not return any calls or e-mails. However, a few days later, a shop’s spokesperson declared that in light of the recent events, the locale’s owner has decided that there will be no more eating contest held at the Voodoo Doughnuts.

A few hours later, a 20-year-old woman from Connecticut lost her life after participating in a pancake-eating contest. What a time to be alive!

Image source: Pixabay

Thimbleweed Park Rolls out on PCs and Consoles

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Thimbleweed Park

Thimbleweed Park will soon launch on PCs and consoles.

Are you one of those people who longs for the Golden Age of gaming? In terms of die-hard titles, the ‘80s gave out some of the best titles out there, such as Day of the Tentacle, Full Throttle, and the Indiana Jones series. Well, grab on to your hats, folks, because the point-and-click adventure genre is about to become popular once more. Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, the creators of the amazing Maniac Mansion and Day of the Tentacle 2, have just announced that Thimbleweed Park, a groovy point-and-click adventure game will soon be launched on PC and consoles.

Moreover, according to the same statement, it would appear that the game will also receive a mobile version. What is Thimbleweed Park and why is it considered a cornerstone in the history of the genre?

Well, as you remember, a couple of years ago, some great ‘90s style, 8-bit, point-and-click adventure games started to emerge. Probably one of the most successful titles is the episodic The Last Door, described as being a sincere love letter written to one the father of horror, Henry Philip Lovecraft.

However, when cannot move one without mentioning the name of Blackwell Legacy, a blend between the classic Police Quest and Indiana Jones and The Fate of Atlantis. And now, the creators of award-winning Maniac Mansion and Day of the Tentacle 2 have just announced that they intend to go further back to the roots of the point-and-click adventure genre with the launch of Thimbleweed Park, a game riddled with plot twists, dark humor, and lots of clever puzzles.

Now, the plot of Thimbleweed Park revolved around a series of mysterious murders which took place in the town with the same name as the game’s title. Antonio and Angela Reyes, two detectives are sent to investigate these murders. At the same time, Delores Edmund and her brothers gather at her family’s ancestral home to hear her uncle’s will, while Ransome the clown tries to remove a terrible curse and Franklin learns what it feels like to be a ghost.

What’s the connection between these multiple subplots? Well, play the game to find out. Thimbleweed Park is currently available on GOG, Steam, and Xbox One store for PC and console. Furthermore, according to the game’s creators, it will receive a mobile version in the following months.

So, witty dialogues, tons of plot twists, bone-chilling stories, and 8-bit graphics. What more can you ask?

Image source: Blog Thimbleweed Park

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