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About 9to5Toys
Rikka Altland
Twitter icon @rikkaaltland
Rikka Altland is the Editor-in-Chief of 9to5Toys. Having joined the team at the beginning of 2017, Rikka has gone on to specialize in LEGO coverage and review, smart home tech, and home networking. Contact her directly at rikka@9to5mac.com.
Rikka Altland's favorite gear
LEGO BB-8
Spigen's new ArcField 15W Qi charging stand sees first discount to $49 (Reg. $70)
$49 chevron-right
Rikka Altland - Aug. 17th 2022 11:29 am PT
Spigen's official Amazon storefront is now offering its new ArcField 15W Qi Charging Stand for $48.99 shipped when clipping the on-page coupon. Normally fetching $70, today's offer amounts to the very first discount we've seen since launching just over a week ago. At 30% off, this is also a new all-time low. Designed for Samsung's latest smartphones in particular, the new Spigen ArcField Qi charger sports an upright design for keeping tabs on notifications and the like throughout the day. Its 15W output can wirelessly refuel your handset at peak speeds, though you'll have to supply your own 25W USB-C charger in order to take full advantage of the output.
Belkin's latest USB-C hub mounts to the back of your M1 iMac with a detachable design
Rikka Altland - Aug. 17th 2022 11:13 am PT Twitter icon @rikkaaltland
NewsBelkin
Buy now chevron-right
Belkin has recently lanuched a new USB-C hub that looks to be just as compelling of a solution for M1 iMacs as it is for taking with you in the everyday carry. The new Multiport Hub with Mount may look like a typical way to extend I/O, but features a novel design that can be attached to the back of your desktop machine and then unclamped for use on-the-go.
M1 Mac mini returns to all-time low with first discount in over a month at $570 (Save $129)
AmazonAppleBest Mac Deals
Reg. $699 $570 chevron-right
Throughout the end of summer, many of Apple's latest devices have been hard to come by in stock at Amazon, and the M1 Mac mini has been a recent victim of the trend. So if you've been waiting for a chance to save, right now you can score the entry-level 256GB model for $569.99 shipped with the price dropping at checkout. Normally fetching $699, this is now matching the best price to date and is the first markdown we've seen since back on Prime Days.
Bringing Apple's new M1 chip to the desktop, its latest Mac mini is a great option for those who want a more affordable way to take macOS for a spin. Its compact footprint won't take up space on your desk, but also lets you plug in a monitor of your choice for fitting in with your workstation's demands. Its 256GB of internal storage is also backed by 8GB of RAM, as well as a pair of Thunderbolt ports and an HDMI output. Get a closer look in our launch coverage and then head below for more.
9to5Toys Daily: August 17, 2022 – Apple Watch Series 7 from $270, OnePlus 10T $599, more
Rikka Altland - Aug. 17th 2022 8:20 am PT Twitter icon @rikkaaltland
9to5Toys Daily
Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.
Apple Watch Series 7 styles fall to all-time lows from $270 (Reg. $399+)
OnePlus 10T 256GB smartphone sees pre-order discounts from $599 (Reg. $749)
Nanoleaf Lines add some modular RGB flair to your HomeKit setup at $180, more from $60
https://9to5toys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/08/9to5Toys-Daily-81722-11.01-AM.mp3
CalDigit's popular TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is finally back in stock at Amazon
Best of 9to5Toysmac accessoriesCalDigit
In stock $380 chevron-right
CalDigit has long made some of the best Mac accessories on the market, and the most recent debut to pick up the torch is now finally back in stock. After launching earlier in the year, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is finally available for purchase again courtesy of Amazon. Now back in stock at $379.99 via the retailer, you'll have been lucky to find this one on virtual shelves at all since initially launching several months ago.
RCS not connecting on mobile data for some Google Fi Pixel users with Android 13
Samsung's insane 55-inch curved gaming monitor has cloud services like Stadia and Xbox built in
Google Play system updates for August bring Material You to Android Help, AutoFill redesign, and more
The OnePlus 10T can be ripped apart with your bare hands, durability test shows [Video]
Android app deals of the day: Heroes of Flatlandia, OXXO, Quick Reminders, more
What Android 13 features have not yet launched and when they're coming
Google Docs checklists can now be assigned and appear in Google Tasks
Visible is ending Party Pay for new customers, adds new Visible+ plan
Google TV rolling out new 'Watch With Me' collection from Scandal's Kerry Washington
Galaxy Watch 5 is thicker than Samsung says it is, but the size is not necessarily a bad thing
Apple launches back to school iTunes movie sale at $7 or less alongside weekly $1 HD rental
From $1 chevron-right
Rikka Altland - Aug. 17th 2022 7:18 am PT
Halfway through the work week, Apple is launching its latest movie sale courtesy of iTunes. Just in time for back to school season, this time around you'll be able to save on a selection of titles at $7 or less. All of the coming of age and school-focused flicks are also joined by the latest $1 HD rental that'll be available throughout the week. Head below for all of our top picks from Apple's latest promotion.
eufyCam 2C Pro system with HomeKit Secure Video down at $230 (Save $90), more from $33
From $33 chevron-right
Following the smartphone accessory sale earlier in the week, Anker is back today with a collection of price cuts across its lineup of eufy smart home security cameras courtesy of Amazon. Shipping is free across the board. Headlining is its eufyCam 2C Pro 2-Cam Kit at $229.99. Down from $320, today's offer is delivering a new all-time low at $90 off. This is $10 below our previous mentions, as well. If you're looking to finally invest in some smart home security ahead of fall and the holiday shopping season, this eufyCam system is certainly up to the task. Each of the 2C Pro cameras pack 1080p recording and weather-resistant designs for setting up outside. On top of 180-day battery life, you're also looking at the notable inclusion of HomeKit Secure Video support for integrating with the rest of your Siri setup. You can check out our hands-on review for a more in-depth look, but then head below for more eufy camera deals from $33.
Androidoneplus
Reg. $749 From $599 chevron-right
Ahead of shipping on September 1, OnePlus is giving early adopters a chance to save on its all-new OnePlus 10T 5G smartphone. Dropping to $649 for the 256GB model, that's $100 off the usual price and what you'd pay for the 128GB capacity. Those who will be upgrading from an existing OnePlus phone, or have one linked on their account period, will receive an extra $50 off, dropping the price to $599 shipped. These are some of the first chances to save of any kind on the upcoming device and an all-time low.
OnePlus 10T arrives as a more budget-focused handset compared to the flagship 10 Pro counterpart and comes centered around the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip. Complete with a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, there's also 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Not to mention the 125W charging and a triple-lens camera array around back with a 50MP main sensor. We dove in to take a closer look in our hands-on review, as well.
Roku Express 4K+ with AirPlay 2 and Apple TV+ button remote down to $30 (Reg. $40)
AmazonRokuStreaming Media Players
Reg. $40 $30 chevron-right
Amazon now offers the Roku Express 4K+ Streaming Media Player for $29.99 shipped. Typically fetching $40, today's offer is notably delivering the third-best price of the year at 25% off. While we did see it go for $25 last month on Prime Day, this is the best we've seen since. Delivering one of the latest streaming experiences from Roku, its recent Express 4K+ arrives with all of the features you'd expect ranging from access to everything from Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and more. This model also sports a refreshed remote that has a dedicated Apple TV+ button alongside other favorites, as well as both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. You can also get a closer look in our launch coverage. Head below for more.
Ultimate Ears debuts WONDERBOOM 3 speaker with recycled build and improved battery
NewsUltimate Ears
Today, Logitech is announcing the long-awaited follow-up to our favorite portable Bluetooth speaker of 2019. All these years later, Logitech and Ultimate Ears are now launching the all-new WONDERBOOM 3 with some improvements baked into a largely identical form factor including improved battery life and recycled materials.
Dodge shows "Banshee" electric Charger concept – an EV with exhaust?
Quick Charge Podcast: August 17, 2022
Tesla releases rare comment denying media report's claim an executive has left
Meet the first all-electric 2024 Chevy Blazer EV PPV police edition
Tesla meets with Canadian minister of industry amid effort for Gigafactory in Canada
SWFT ZIP e-bike with 37-mile range arrives in time for fall at $1,200 ($200 off) in New Green Deals
The all-electric Firefly Sport launches in Britain for 4- to 10-year-old drivers
The world's largest offshore wind farm is about to officially launch
Ford F-150 Lightning owners are getting 250 kWh of free fast-charging from Electrify America
BMW to reportedly adopt Tesla's 4680 battery format
EGO Power+ 21-inch electric lawn mower ends summer with $50 all-time low discount to $349
$349 chevron-right
Amazon is now offering the EGO Power+ 21-inch 56V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower for $349 shipped. Normally fetching $399, this is one of the very first discounts to date at $50 off. We last saw it for $10 more, with today's offer delivering a new all-time low. Powered by a 5Ah battery and rapid charger that are included in the box, this EGO Power+ mower arrives with a cordless design that can tackle medium-sized yards with a 45-minute runtime. Alongside a 21-inch cutting deck, there's also 3-in-1 bagging features for bagging, mulching, and side discharging cut grass. Summer may be coming to an end, but this is a great way to get your lawn in shape for winter without fussing with gas or oil.
Save $50 on the recently released ASUS Chromebook C425 at Amazon low of $280
Amazon is now offering the all-new 14-inch ASUS Chromebook C425 M3/4GB/128GB for $279.99 shipped. Normally fetching $330, you're looking at a match of the all-time low first set back in July. This is only the second discount to date at $50 off and a rare chance to save on the new debut. Having just launched for the first time back in June, the new ASUS Chromebook C425 is centered around a 14-inch NanoEdge 1080p touchscreen display. There's also an M3 Intel chip under the hood to complement the 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, as well as a lightweight build backed by a backlit keyboard. All of course with Chrome OS at the center of the experience.
Nanoleaf's official Amazon storefront now offers its new Lines HomeKit Light Starter Set for $179.99 shipped. Normally fetching $200, today's offer is the first discount we've seen since last month back on Prime Day at $20 off. This matches the second-best price to date and comes within $10 of that all-time low from Amazon's summer shopping event. You can also save on the 3-pack Expansion set for the first time at $59.99, down from $70 and also matching the second-best price to date. You can get a better idea of what to expect in our hands-on review, though we also take a deeper dive into the Nanoleaf Lines feature set down below.
AirPods 3 are finally back in stock and discounted to $150 at Amazon (Reg. $179)
AmazonAppleHeadphones
After seeing a refurbished offer go live yesterday, those who are holding out for a chance to score new condition AirPods 3 are finally in luck. Listings have largely been out of stock for over a month, and today Amazon is finally restocking virtual store shelves with some savings attached. Right now, Apple's latest AirPods 3 are now on sale for $149.99 shipped. That's down from the usual $179 price tag, the first discount in over a month, and $29 in savings.
Apple's latest earbuds just launched back in October and most notably arrive with a redesigned casing that takes a page out of the pro version's book. While you're ditching the silicone eartips, AirPods 3 arrive with much of the same Spatial Audio support, as well as added water-resistance for tagging along on runs or workouts. Plus, there's the nifty new MagSafe charging case that provides 30 hours of listening to complete the package. Head below for more.
LEGO's new AT-TE walker set is finally available for purchase
Rikka Altland - Aug. 16th 2022 4:07 pm PT Twitter icon @rikkaaltland
LEGONewsStar Wars
$140 Buy now chevron-right
After the LEGO Group announced last month that the new AT-TE would be delayed into the fall, listings are finally live! As one of the most eagerly-awaited builds of the year, the new Clone Wars walker is finally available for purchase at $139.99 and includes seven minifigures alongside nearly 1,100 pieces.
From $270 chevron-right
Rikka Altland - Aug. 16th 2022 3:50 pm PT
Update: Costco is now offering members the Apple Watch Series 7 45mm for $269.99.
Amazon is now discounting an assortment of Apple Watch Series 7 models with better than Prime Day prices. Shipping is free across the board. Right now, the 41mm GPS Aluminum styles start at $289 and is down from its usual $399 price tag with the price dropping at checkout. This is the second-best discount to date at $110 off. The larger 45mm styles are also on sale, with the prices dropping at checkout to $319 in several colorways from the usual $429 going rate with the price dropping at checkout.
Regardless of which style you're looking at, this is Apple's latest fitness companion which comes backed by a noticeably larger screen. From there, Apple Watch Series 7 also sports a new fast charging mode which supplements all-day battery life with the ability to deliver enough charge to wear overnight in just 8 minutes. Then staples like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, ability to take ECG readings complete the build. Here's how it compares to the previous-generation models, as well. Then head below for more.
Wemo's new HomeKit Smart Plug with Thread hits $20 all-time low in Belkin 20% off sale
Belkin is currently taking 20% off an assortment of its latest smart home products, smartphone accessories, and more when code WAS20 has been applied at checkout. Shipping is free in orders over $50. An easy pick has the new Wemo Smart Plug V4 with Thread for $19.99. Down from $25, like you'll pay at Amazon, today's offer amounts to $5 in savings, matches the all-time low, and is one of the very first price cuts we've seen on the recent release. Upgrading Wemo's existing and already popular smart plug with Thread support, the new version delivers HomeKit support out of the box. On top of being able to bark commands at Siri to turn lights on or off, this smart plug being outfitted with Thread and Bluetooth means that it is future-proof thanks to support for the upcoming Matter smart home platform. Everything is packed into a single outlet design that won't hog the entire receptacle with its miniature form-factor. Dive into our launch coverage for the full scoop and then head below for more.
Nomad launches 20% off end of summer sale on 15W MagSafe chargers, iPhone 13 cases, more
Smartphone AccessoriesNomad
Shop now 20% off chevron-right
Nomad today is rolling out an end of summer sale and taking 20% off a curated assortment of iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple accessories. You'll need to apply code SUMMERSALE2022 at checkout, and shipping is free in orders over $150. Our top pick is the new Base One 15W MagSafe Charger for $79.99. Normally fetching $100, this is marking the second-best price to date at $20 off while also coming within $10 of the all-time low from back in May. Arriving as one of Nomad's latest chargers, the new Base One packs MFi-certified MagSafe charging out of the box that can refuel your iPhone 12 or 13 series handset at 15W speeds. Pairing solid metal with a unique glass design, it'll also look the part for your Apple setup be it the desk or nightstand. You can get a better idea of what to expect in our hands-on review. Head below for more.
9to5Toys Daily: August 16, 2022 – AirPods 3 hit $110, 11-inch M1 iPad Pro from $700, more
Apple's latest AirPods 3 with Spatial Audio hit $110 thanks to Grade A refurb sale (Save $69)
Apple's latest 11-inch iPad Pro delivers M1 power and Thunderbolt from $700 (Save up to $382)
Sony's new Xperia PRO-I 4K OLED smartphone with 1-inch sensor hits $1,198 low (Save $600)
Samsung's immersive 49-inch Odyssey Neo G9 mini-LED 240Hz monitor now $700 off at $1,600
$1,600 chevron-right
After seeing the all-new Odyssey Ark finally go up for pre-order yesterday, Amazon is now rolling the savings over to another one of Samsung's flagship battlestation displays. Right now, the 49-inch Odyssey Neo G9 mini-LED Curved 4K Gaming Monitor is on sale for $1,599.99 shipped. Normally fetching $2,300, this is matching the all-time low set once before on Prime Day at $700 off. Samsung's latest flagship monitor to actually ship arrives as the Odyssey Neo G9. Delivering a 49-inch curved mini-LED panel with 2,000-nits of peak brightness, you're looking at 4K resolution alongside 240Hz refresh rates. Other notable features include a 2ms response time, HDMI 2.1 inputs, and both G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support. Get all of the details in our launch coverage before heading below for more.
DJI updates RC Pro firmware enables Mini 3 Pro compatibility
Army's TATRC blood transport drone to speed up care for fallen troops
DoD taps BlueHalo's Titan counter-drone tech in $24 million deal
Percepto automated inspection drones monitor huge Thai solar farm
Autel EVO II V3 drones, Smart Controller hit the FCC
DroneShield's counter-drone software gets major software update to integrate more sensors
Dronedek gets facial recognition tech for its drone delivery mailbox
DoD and Joby broaden partnership in military eVTOL applications
Russian general hails Mavic 'warfare' drone with praise DJI doesn't want
'Dronephobia' video mocks Russian terror of Ukraine drone attacks
Score three Philips Hue Color Ambiance smart bulbs at $68 (Reg. $100), more from $42
Amazon is now offering a 3-pack of Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Bluetooth Smart Bulbs for $67.99 shipped when clipping the on-page coupon. Normally fetching $100, this bundle just fell to $80 before revceiving an extra 15% in savings to deliver a new all-time low of $32 off. This is $12 under our previous mention and a new 2022 low, as well. A notable package for those just getting started in the Philips Hue ecosystem or expanding their existing setup, these bulbs feature both Zigbee and Bluetooth connectivity for working on their own or with the greater Hue environment. At just $22 each, this is a great way to add some multicolor lighting to your space or take advantage of HomeKit Adaptive Lighting and more. Other notable features include support for Alexa, Assistant, and Siri as well as full color illumination. Head below for more.
Review: Twelve South launches new Curve Flex MacBook stand with adjustable aluminum build
Best of 9to5ToysNewsReviewsTwelve South
Today, Twelve South is launching an all-new addition to its lineup of MacBook stands, and it just so happens to be the brand's most versatile option yet. Meet the new Curve Flex, an adjustable way to prop up your machine at the desk with an aluminum design that can fold open to elevate your device up to 22 inches off the desktop. Head below as we take a hands-on look at what to expect from the new Twelve South Curve Flex.
Amazon launches end of summer Echo sale with Alexa speakers from $25
After seeing an assortment of other in-house Amazon gear go on sale to start the week, Amazon is now rolling over the savings to its latest lineup of Alexa-enabled speakers. Everything starts at $24.99 and shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Our top pick is the latest Echo 4th Gen Speaker at $69.99 in three styles. Normally fetching $100, today's offer amounts to 25% in savings while beating our previous mention by $5 and coming within $5 of the 2022 low set over 2 months ago. Amazon's latest flagship smart speaker arrives with all of the same Alexa features you'd expect including smart home voice control, help answering questions, and music playback. The most recent Echo edition packs a robust internal speaker array and comes in three different fabric-wrapped form-factors. Head below for more from $25.
Moto G Stylus 5G is now even more affordable with $100 discount down to $200 Amazon low
Amazon is now offering the latest unlocked Moto G Stylus 2022 128GB Android Smartphone for $199.99 shipped in several styles. Normally fetching $300, today's offer is delivering one of the first overall price cuts to date. This is $100 off the usual price and matches the all-time low set just once before back in June. Having recently launched back at the beginning of February, the latest edition of Moto G Stylus arrives with a 6.8-inch Max Vision FHD+ display backed by a 90Hz refresh rate. There's a holepunch camera up at the top with a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC to power the device. The biggest selling point is right in the name, as the smartphone packs a pop-out stylus that can be used for hand writing notes, crafting digital art, or just for more precise input. Get a closer look in our launch coverage and then head below for more.
Bring iOttie's new Velox MagSafe dashboard car mount to your ride for $39.50 (Reg. $55)
$39.50 chevron-right
Amazon is now offering the iOttie Velox MagSafe Dashboard Car Mount for $39.53 shipped. Normally fetching $55, this is only the second discount to date at 28% off. Today's offer comes within cents of the first price cut from back in June and is fittingly the second-best discount to date. iOttie recently refreshed its Velox accessory lineup with some more versatile offerings, and this dashboard mount brings the updated form-factor to your car. Everything remains centered around the 7.5W MagSafe charging pad that's complemented by a car charger, and sports an adjustable design with suction cup base and telescopic arm for getting your handset locked into the perfect position for keeping an eye on navigation, music, and more on the road. Go check out our hands-on review for a closer look at what to expect. Head below for more.
SpaceExplored
Artemis I arrives at LC-39B ahead of its planned launch date of August 29
Launch Spotlight: Artemis 1 – NASA set to launch the Orion capsule to the Moon
Space Explored Podcast 43: Starship static fires are back, Artemis I nears, and more
Watch NASA's SLS Moon rocket roll to the launchpad for Artemis 1
SLS rollout moves forward ahead of Artemis 1 launch
Booster 7 and Ship 24 undergo major tests; Florida Starship progress continues
SpaceX conducts back to back static fires of Starship 24 and Booster 7
NASA is sending an iPad around the moon to help test Alexa in space
Northrop Grumman partners with Firefly to upgrade Antares and develop future rocket together
HP Chromebase AiO delivers a 22-inch rotating screen with 'Hey Google' at $400 (Save $190)
Rikka Altland - Aug. 15th 2022 12:55 pm PT
Amazon is now offering the HP 22-inch Chromebase AiO 64GB for $399.99 shipped. This is marking a new all-time low while beating our previous mention by $30. Bringing Chrome OS to the workstation, the unique HP Chromebase is centered around a 21.5-inch 1080p display with a cone-shaped and acoustic fabric-covered stand underneath which rests on a rotatable mount. This allows you to use the Chromebase in both horizontal and vertical orientations, though the notable features don't end there. You'll also find a physical privacy webcam cover which pairs with Hey Google support, dual USB-C and USB-A ports, and Wi-Fi 6. Go check out our launch coverage for some additional details and head below for more.
Review: Sony's new X-Series rugged speakers deliver this summer's best portable sound
Rikka Altland - Aug. 15th 2022 12:31 pm PT Twitter icon @rikkaaltland
NewsSonyReviews
Earlier this summer, Sony launched a new series of portable Bluetooth speakers that arrived in the X-Series lineup. Today, we're taking a hands-on look at what all three different portable offerings can deliver and just how the waterproof design stacks up with USB-C charging, X-Balanced drivers, and other signature Sony features.
Several retailers are now offering the unlocked Sony Xperia PRO-I 512GB 5G Android Smartphone for $1,198 shipped including Adorama, Amazon, and B&H. Marking the very first price cut we've seen, today's offer amounts to $200 in savings from the usual $1,798 price tag. Sony's latest Android smartphone delivers a series of photography-focused features centered around its very own 1-inch sensor capable of shooting 4K/120 video. There's also a companion triple sensor 12 MP camera array with 3D iTOF depth sensor, a 16mm ultrawide, and a 50mm standard lens. As for your more typical features, Android 11 powers the 6.5-inch 4K OLED 120Hz display and comes supplemented by dual SIM support, a dedicated physical shutter button, and 3.5mm headphone jack. Head below for more.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin pairs AirPlay 2 with a signature design at $699 low (Save $100)
Crutchfield is now offering the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin AirPlay 2 Speaker for $699 shipped in two different colorways. Also at Amazon. Down from the usual $799 price tag, today's offer amounts to $100 in savings, is only the second notable discount we've seen, and matches the all-time low. As you might know from our hands-on review, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin arrives as an updated version of one of the most iconic speakers on the market. Still delivering the same signature design as a decade and a half ago, the refreshed model now packs modern comforts like AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi connectivity to complement the 240W internal sound system. Though as good as the Zeppelin sounds, it really is all about the striking looks that deliver a unique form-factor into your listening space. Our in-depth look at the setup also has some other info on what to expect from the premium experience if you're still not sold. Head below for more.
9to5Toys Daily: August 15, 2022 – M2 MacBook Air $100 off, Pixel 6/Pro from $499, more
Apple's all-new M2 MacBook Air lands at $1,099 with first Amazon discount (Save $100)
Pixel 6 returns to all-time low at $499 (Save $100) alongside $250 off Pixel 6 Pro at $649
Rare discount takes $60 off Amazon's latest Echo Show 15 at $190, plus more
Outfit your Apple Watch Series 7 with an affordable leather band at $9 (Save 30%)
$9 chevron-right
OUHENG (99% positive all-time feedback from 2,500+) via Amazon offers its Genuine Leather Apple Watch Band 45/44/42mm for $9.19 when clipping the on-page coupon. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Normally fetching $13, today's offer is delivering a new 2022 low at over 30% off. This beats our previous mention from earlier in the year by $1 and is the lowest we've seen since early 2021. Compatible with every Apple Watch released so far, including the latest Series 7, this leather band elevates the look of your wearable from the sport strap that was included in the box. Comprised of genuine leather, it features space gray lugs as well as rugged overall design that's said to patina over time. Head below for more.
Anker discounts webcams, portable projectors, GaN II chargers, more in latest sale from $14
Anker is kicking off the week today by dishing out a collection of discounts courtesy of its official Amazon storefront. As per usual, you can expect to score free shipping with a Prime membership or in orders over $25. Amongst the assortment of other gear marked down below, our headliner brings the Anker PowerConf C200 2K USB Webcam to $49.99. That's $20 off the usual $70 going rate, $10 below previous mentions, and a new all-time low.
As Anker's latest workstation upgrade, the PowerConf C200 arrives at the other end of the spectrum as its higher-end Video Bar. Delivering 2K webcam capabilities much the same, this unit packs a handheld form-factor with built-in mount that can be positioned on everything from your laptop screen to iMacs, exterior monitors, and more. On top of the adjustable 95-degree field of view and dual microphones, Anker also includes low-light correction and auto focus. Head below for more.
Samsung's new Odyssey Ark monitor with 55-inch mini-LED panel finally goes up for pre-order
NewsSamsungpre-orders
$300 off Pre-order chevron-right
After stealing the show back at CES in January, Samsung's glorious new curved monitor is finally on the way. Deemed the Odyssey Ark, Samsung's latest desktop offering arrives with an eye-catching mini-LED panel to complement the unique curved form-factor. Now available for pre-order at long last, there are $300 in savings attached for early adopters.
Google's refreshed Wifi system starts at $70 with 3-node package up to $50 off
Amazon is now discounting the the refreshed Google Wifi 802.11ac Mesh System to $149.99 shipped. Typically sells for $200, today's offer amounts to $50 in savings, matches our previous mention which was the first discount of the year, and comes within $1 of the all-time low from last year's Black Friday festivities. Delivering 4,500-square feet of coverage, this 802.11ac mesh Wi-Fi system from Google offers 1.2Gb/s speeds and integrates with the rest of your Assistant kit for easy setup and control. Alongside the ability to prioritize certain devices on your network, other notable features here include six Gigabit Ethernet ports and three nodes for providing consistent Wi-Fi throughout your home. Head below for more.
Amazon's official Smart Thermostat falls to $48 alongside Air Quality Monitor at $56
Amazon is currently offering its new Smart Thermostat for $47.99 shipped. Typically fetching $60, this one is back on sale at 20% off for the first time since Prime Day and delivering a more rare chance to save. Expanding the Echo ecosystem with the perfect accessory now that the weather is about to change with fall, Amazon's Smart Thermostat was recently released as an affordable way to command your climate control system with Alexa. Whether it's for making it through the inconsistent fall temperatures or you're already looking to prepare for winter, you'll be able to set the perfect temperature through the voice assistant. Get a closer look in our launch coverage and then head below for more.
Amazon discounts entire Fire TV streamer lineup: 4K Max at $40 (Reg. $55), more from $20
Marking the first price cuts since back on Prime Day, Amazon is starting off the week by discounting its entire lineup of Fire TV streaming media players. Joining the Kindle discounts that already went live today, Amazon now offers the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $39.99 shipped. Headlining the stable, this model is down from the usual $55 price tag in order to deliver the second-best price of the year. This comes within $5 of the previous Prime Day mention and is the first chance to save since the mid-summer sale last month.
As Amazon's new flagship streamer, its Fire TV Stick 4K Max is packed with notable first time inclusions like Wi-Fi 6. That's alongside the refreshed Alexa Voice Remote with quick access streaming service buttons as well as TV pass through control, as well as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Our hands-on review praises how all of those inclusions stack up to a notable experience. Head below for more.
Apple's official Magic Keyboard on sale for one of the first times at $75 via Amazon (Reg. $99)
Amazon is now offering Apple's Magic Keyboard for $75 shipped. Normally fetching $99, today's offer amounts to one of the very first discounts at $24 off while delivering a new Amazon all-time low in the process. Apple's latest iteration of standalone Magic Keyboard arrives with a compact layout and comes centered around its most recent scissor switches. The Bluetooth-backed and battery-powered form-factor is designed to work with everything from your MacBook for turning it into a workstation machine or iPads and much more. It recharges over Lightning, and includes a woven USB-C cable in the box. Head below for more.
Samsung's Galaxy S22+ now $200 off with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip starting at $800
Amazon is now offering the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G 128GB Android Smartphone for $799.99 shipped in several styles. Arriving with $200 in savings attached, today's offer is down from its usual $1,000 going rate. The elevated 256GB capacity is also on sale and sitting at $849.99 from its $1,050 price tag, also matching the second-best discount to date. Delivering more of a mid-range experience compared to the flagship Ultra counterpart, the Galaxy S22+ still arrives powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. That powers the entire experience with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display and its 120Hz refresh rates as well as the 50MP triple camera array around back. Take a closer look at what to expect in our review. Head below for more.
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Stock is currently going in and out at Amazon, though B&H is now matching at $100 off.
Amazon is now offering one of the very first price cuts on Apple's all-new 13-inch M2 MacBook Air. Right now the entry-level 8GB/256GB Starlight model has dropped to $1,099 shipped. That's down from the usual $1,199 it typically fetches and marks the only time we've seen Amazon offer up any savings. At $100 off, today's offer is a new all-time low overall, as well.
Apple's all-new M2 MacBook Air comes powered by its latest in-house chip and pairs with a refreshed form-factor. The 13-inch Liquid Retina Display sports a 500-nit brightness to complete the P3 wide color support and pairs with a 1080p FaceTime camera with three-mic array and Spatial Audio-enabled speakers. Though the real highlight has to be the return of MagSafe charging, which pairs with other I/O like dual Thunderbolt ports. Learn more about the entry-level configuration's performance over at 9to5Mac. Then head below for more.
Apple's latest 24-inch M1 iMac starts from $1,190 with up to $329 in cert. refurb discounts
From $1,190 chevron-right
Woot is now discounting an assortment of Grade A refurbished iMacs, with several configurations of 24-inch M1 iMac stealing the spotlight. Of the models that start from $1,190 with free shipping for Prime members (or with a $6 delivery fee), the elevated 8-core GPU model being a particular highlight at $1,259.99. You'd pay $1,499 for a new condition model, with today's offer delivering the best we've seen for a Grade A-certified offering at $239 off. There are also some higher-end configurations at $329 off.
Bringing Apple's M1 chip to a screen-based desktop design, the new iMac sports a 24-inch 4K Retina Display backed by True Tone support. On top of the integrated 1080p FaceTime camera, there's also Spatial Audio-enabled speakers, Wi-Fi 6, and Thunderbolt connectivity. Plus, those who opt for the 8-core model will be able to take advantage of Ethernet in the power brick on top of the improved performance. Includes a 90-day warranty. Get a closer look in our launch coverage and then head below for more.
Amazon is now offering the new Echo Show 15 for $189.99 shipped. Marked down from the $250 price tag you'd normally pay, today's offer is still one of the first cash discounts since launching last fall. It comes within $10 of the all-time low set once before back on Prime Day, and is the best discount we've see since at $60 off.
Delivering Amazon's largest screen-based Alexa experience yet, the new Echo Show 15 is fittingly centered around a wall-mountable 15.6-inch screen. You'll find all of the usual hands-free voice control access for commanding smart home devices and the like, as well as some more novel features allowed by the screen form-factor. The new Visual ID feature will automatically adjust content based on who's in the room, and the larger display now supports a refreshed widget system for showing off family reminders, photos, and much more. Dive into our announcement coverage for a closer look. Head below for more.
AmazonAndroidGoogle
Reg. $599+ From $499 chevron-right
Amazon is now discounting two of Google's latest smartphones, with the unlocked Pixel 6 5G 128GB leading the way at $499 shipped. Down from the usual $599 price tag you'd more typically pay, today's offer amounts to $100 in savings and matches the Prime Day price from last month in order to mark a return to the all-time low.
Google Pixel 6 arrives as the more entry-level of the company's two latest flagship handsets and packs the same Google Tensor chip as its flagship counterpart. Everything is centered around a 6.4-inch 90Hz display and backed by 128GB of storage with a dual sensor rear camera array around back completing the handset. Then in our longterm hands-on review, we also walked away impressed with the pro features. Head below for a Pixel 6 Pro discount.
Here's a first look at LEGO's upcoming 2,065-piece motorized Ideas Lighthouse
LEGONewsLEGO Ideas
Just over a year ago, the LEGO Group confirmed that one of the next sets to enter the Ideas stable would be a motorized lighthouse, and today 9to5Toys can offer a first-look. Slated to hit store shelves as the latest creation from the fan-made community on September 1, the upcoming kit will arrive with 2,065 pieces.
Apple's official iPhone SE 3 silicone cases on sale for $21 all-time lows (Reg. $35)
Amazon is now offering Apple's official iPhone SE 3 Silicone Case in several styles for $20.99. Shipping is free for Prime members or in orders over $25. Normally fetching $35, like you'll pay for some of the colorways that aren't included in the sale, today's offer is one of the first price cuts we've seen since the new SE launched earlier this year. You're looking at 40% in savings as well as a new all-time low across the board, too. Apple's official silicone case covers your iPhone SE 3 in the usual premium material that adds some protection to your device in a slim package with a soft touch finish. There's a microfiber lining on the inside, as well as three different colorways to score. Head below for more.
Sony's unique new true wireless LinkBuds offer ambient audio passthrough at $158
Amazon now offers the Sony LinkBuds True Wireless Earbuds for $158 shipped in two colorways. Normally fetching $178, today's offer amounts to $20 in savings and matches the second-best price to date. This is still only the fourth price cut since launching earlier this year and comes within $10 of the all-time low. Taking a hardware approach to the software transparency mode feature, Sony's new LinkBuds are centered around open ring-style drivers that all sound to naturally passthrough from the outside world. Our hands-on review explores what to expect on that front, though the spoiler is that these are ideal for public transportation commuters and the like. The Sony V1 processor balances the sound profile and rounds out the package alongside 20-hour battery life, IPX4 water-resistance, and an ultra-compact charging case.
Momax enhances MagSafe iPhone chargers with futuristic transparent designs [Save 10%]
Best affordable iPhone plans for 2022
watchOS 8.7.1 update fixes reboot bug affecting Apple Watch Series 3 models
iOS 15.6.1 fixes two security vulnerabilities that were actively exploited in the wild
macOS Monterey 12.5.1 now available with security fixes
iOS 15.6.1 now available with bug fixes and performance improvements
9to5Mac Daily: August 17, 2022 – iPhone 14 Pro price increases, Apple's hiring slowdown
Bloomberg: iPhone 14 event slated for September 7, release on September 16
Act fast and save $49 on the official Apple Watch Leather Link band at low of $50
Amazon now offers the official Apple Watch Leather Link Band starting at $49.99 shipped for the 41mm Golden Brown style. Normally fetching $99, you're looking at a new all-time low of $49 off while beating our previous mention by $35. This is still one of the first price cuts overall, and a discount this deep won't be around for long so act fast. You're looking at one of the more recent additions to Apple's official stable of Watch bands, not to mention one of its more premium offerings. Comprised of handcrafted Roux Granada leather made in France, this is certainly one of the more premium in-house straps from Apple. Alongside its stylish appearance, the Leather Link band also features a magnetic design that locks in place without having to fuss with a clasp. Head below for more.
9to5Toys Daily: August 12, 2022 – iPad mini 6 $99 off, M2 MacBook Pro from $1,149, more
iPad mini 6 is finally back in stock with $99 cellular discounts to all-time lows of $550
Apple's all-new M2 MacBook Pro back on sale with $200 in savings from $1,149
Synology's popular DS220j 2-Bay NAS is perfect for Time Machine backups at 2022 low of $150
Apple launches $8 or less weekend movie sale alongside $5 road trip flicks
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Reg. $10+ From $5 chevron-right
The weekend has arrived, and so too has the latest Apple movie sale courtesy of iTunes. Notably for this particular weekend, you'll be able to save on a collection of popular titles at $8 or less, alongside a $5 road trip sale to help you end summer. Not to mention, all of the movies will become a permanent part of your collection, as well. Head below for all of our top picks from Apple's latest promotion.


Earlier this week I got an invitation to friends' pot-luck dinnerparty, and signed up to bring a dessert. Looking for baking inspiration, i came across this cream cheese swirl brownie recipe, which i couldn't resist, given my weakness for all things cheesecake'y. I never tried making cream cheese brownies before, although it is in fact one of my top favourite desserts (the best ones i've tried served at MJ-Coffee on Gothersgade 26, Copenhagen). Turns out, it's not that easy, creating a swirl pattern: it might take some practice to master that one. Otherwise it is quick and delicious, not too cakey or gooey; a hit at the dinnerparty.
Tips: make sure to mix the brownie batter and separately cheesecake layer ingredients really well (food processor or electrical mixer). 1 stick of butter in the recipe equals appr 100 g. Pre-heat your oven to 175C and bake for 30 min max, otherwise brownies will be too dry. You do not necessarily have to add red food colouring, unless you want a red velvet variety. Best served with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream. Enjoy !


Весенний дискуссионный лагерь - это ежегодная встреча участников проекта "Мир, в котором мы живем". В течение недели участники обсуждают и анализируют материалы проекта, обобщают их, формируют свою позицию по отношению к выделенным аспектам проблематик.
Spring discussing camp - is an annually organized meeting of the "World We Live In" project participants. During one week students discuss and analyze the projects materials, generalize them, trying to form their personal attitude to shared in the project issues.
Дополнительная информация о проекте будет обновлена в скором времени.
Spring discussing camp - is an annually organized meeting of the "World We Live In" project participants. During one week students discuss and analyze the projects materials, generalize them, trying to form their personal attitude to shared in the project issues. The camp - is an opportunity to see all the WWLI participants after a whole year of e-mail collaboration. Also it is a great possibility for everyone, who's interested to share experiences about the young and youth policy in general. We believe that this camp helps to gather together young people from different backgrounds, unite them in a common action of building a sustainable future.
Additional information about the Spring Camp 2006 will be published here soon.


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'Sleepy Hollow' recap: John Noble is 'The Sin Eater'
Geoff Berkshire 11.04.13 6 years ago 2 Comments
It's about time for a deeper dive into Ichabod's past on "Sleepy Hollow" and that's exactly what we get from "The Sin Eater," the show's first episode back after a two week hiatus. Unfortunately, it's also an episode that highlights a widening gap between the complexity of the series mythology and the simplicity of its execution. "The Sin Eater" is a perfectly fine, workmanlike installment that does what it needs to do. But when you've been off the air for two weeks, you want to come back with a bigger bang than this.
The action kicks off with the requisite dose of Ichabod's education about the modern world — in this case the grand old American past-time of baseball, apparently an obsession of Abbie's. She explains how the game is all about teamwork and it's a sport that doesn't discriminate, and he agrees it represents the spirit of democracy. It's a cute, funny, enjoyable scene that plays to their growing bond, which is important since they'll spend most of the rest of the episode separated from each other.
"Sleepy Hollow" still works best when Ichabod and Abbie are together, so the necessity of keeping them apart for most of "The Sin Eater" was probably destined to be a drag. They each have important individual storylines: Ichabod is captured by vaguely menacing Free Mason leader Mr. Rutledge (James Frain of "True Blood," "24," "The Tudors" and "Grimm") and forced to recount the story of why he abandoned the British army and joined the Americans; while Abbie is instructed by Katrina to seek out a Sin Eater to "sanctify" Ichabod and break his blood bond with Headless before the horseman returns. But even though Ichabod's life is supposed to be on the line there's not much suspense to anything that happens (although it's a nice touch to have Ichabod actually drink the poison Rutledge gives him).
The stakes are simply too low, and too familiar, throughout. The revelation that Ichabod's "sin" is his guilt over the death of freed slave Arthur Bernard is overly reminiscent of the Sandman haunting Abbie because she refused to acknowledge the truth about the demon she and her sister encountered as children. In each case, they need to make peace with the past before they can move forward, and both ultimately accept that fact so easily that it feels like a big fuss made over nothing.
Still, it's a kick to see John Noble as the Sin Eater, Henry Parish. He only has a couple of scenes but the promise that he'll be back for more, in an expanded role, remains tantalizing. It's just not enough to elevate this episode, which is too bogged down in the clunky 18th Century flashbacks.
We see a lot of key moments in Ichabod's life here: the first time he meets Katrina, the first time (presumably) that he sees a demon, the events that lead to him changing sides in the war (including seeing a father's death by hanging in front of his child, and the relationships he develops with Arthur and Katrina), but there's no real spark or sense of unpredictability to any of it. It's still a mystery how exactly we're supposed to feel about Ichabod and Katrina's relationship — Tom Mison and Katia Winter don't have much chemistry yet, but haven't really been allowed to develop it either — and none of the other characters in the past, including Arthur, are substantially developed enough.
It's also an installment almost entirely lacking in solid shiver-inducing moments, though the eerie atmosphere of Abbie's vision comes close, especially when Headless enters the house. And thankfully the return of Headless in the final sequence offers the promise of more where that came from next week.
Odds and ends:
– Ichabod mentions that Mr. Rutledge is a direct descendant of Edward Rutledge, "the youngest signatory of the Declaration of Independence." A quick look at Edward's Wikipedia page brings up all sorts of "fun" facts: He wanted black soldiers kicked out of the Continental Army and his support of slavery made him ripe for a portrayal as the chief antagonist in the historical musical "1776." (What a guy!) Also, oddly, one of his real life direct descendants is Goldie Hawn (!).
– Jenny was a fun substitute sidekick for Abbie tonight (maybe it's time to bump her up to series regular status?) and nails Katrina's biggest flaw: "The next time you see that witch in a dream tell her to be more specific."
– "There are two things in life I believe a man should hold on to for as long as possible: virginity and skepticism." Oh, Captain Irving, you still make no sense whatsoever.
TOPICS#Sleepy Hollow
TAGSJAMES FRAINJOHN NOBLEKatia WinterLyndie Greenwoodnicole beharieORLANDO JONESSLEEPY HOLLOWtom mison

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Archive: Terrorism
Blair 101% behind anti-terror raid
Tony Blair last night insisted he was "101 per cent" behind the decision to launch an anti-terror raid on a house in east London last week.
Blair rejects CIA rendition claims
Tony Blair has dismissed a report accusing Britain of colluding with the CIA in transporting terror suspects across the world.
Muslim leader warns of breakdown in trust
Trust could break down between police and the Muslim population if the reasons for Friday's anti-terror raid in London are not made clear, a community leader has warned.
Man shot by police in London anti-terror raid
The IPCC has been called in after a man was shot during a dawn anti-terror raid in east London.
Government slammed over torture agreements
A parliamentary committee has today expressed "grave concern" at the government's use of diplomatic assurances to deport people to countries where they may face torture.
Amnesty condemns UK's 'human rights violations'
Amnesty International has today accused the British government of "serious human rights violations" in its annual report.
Compensation boost for July 7 victims
Victims and their families are to receive more compensation for the July 7th bomb attacks in London, following criticism over the money being offered.
MI5 cleared over London bombings
The security services cannot be blamed for failing to prevent the July 7th London bombings, a parliamentary report finds today.
Attorney general: Guantanamo must close
The attorney general last night warned that the continuing operation of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp was "unacceptable".
Reid: Security services are properly funded
The security services have been given the resources they need to tackle terrorism in the UK but can only expand at a certain rate, John Reid says.
Straw appeals for hostages' release
Foreign secretary Jack Straw has repeated his call for Iraqi militants to release four Westerners they are holding hostage.
Foreign torture evidence ruled inadmissible
The law lords have today ruled that foreign evidence that might have been obtained under torture is not admissible in British courts.
Kennedy grills Blair over CIA flights
Charles Kennedy today grilled the prime minister over allegations that British airports are being used by the CIA.
Injuries compensation scheme set for overhaul
People who suffer minor injuries as a result of crime would no longer be eligible for compensation under new government proposals announced today.
Terrorism bill 'may breach human rights law'
The government may be forced to amend its controversial new terrorism bill after a number of proposals were found to be in breach of human rights legislation.
Rice rejects use of torture
Condoleezza Rice has rejected outright allegations that the US is using European airports to transport terror suspects to countries where they might face torture.
EU ministers back data retention plans
EU ministers have agreed on plans to require telecommunications firms to store data to fight terrorism and organised crime.
Transport terror threat 'very high'
The threat of terrorist attacks on Britain's transport system "remains grave" and should be countered by every means possible, MPs warn today.
CIA 'terror' flights probe demanded
The government is being urged to take action over claims that UK airports are being used by the CIA to transport suspects to countries where they might be tortured.
MPs probe terror detention plans
Plans to give police powers to hold terror suspects for up to 90 days without trial will come under scrutiny by a committee of MPs, it has been announced.
Met chief faces shooting probe
An investigation has been launched into how Metropolitan police commissioner Ian Blair dealt with the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes by officers this summer.
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Review: It's been a long time between drinks for German combo Bambi Davidson, whose last full-length - the lo-fi rock oddity El Faco - dropped some 15 years ago. After a decade and a half of improvisational live performances, they return with an expanded line-up and a really rather good sophomore set for Mudd's Claremont 56 imprint. Whereas their early work was stripped-back and to the point, Brunswick is packed with undulating, expansive grooves, gentle, sun-kissed melodies, lilting pedal steel and woozy, dub-influenced production. Tracks don't so much come and go, but meander attractively, offering Balearic mood pieces that doff a cap to krautrock and dub disco. It's an impressive set, all told, and one that will appeal to Claremont 56's growing fan base.
Review: Here's a question for you: What happens when you take a track by a British power trio heavily influenced by blues and psychedelia, and get a master of wayward, left-of-centre Balearica to remix it? You get the latest 12" missive from Claremont 56, which sees Bella Figura's "Better Man" reworked twice in impressive fashion by Magic Feet boss Craig Bratley. If you are familiar with Bratley's output for s It Balearic, Bird Scarer and Tsuba, you know the man breathes cosmic goodness and his work on Bella Figura's track offers a subtle new version that loses none of Justin Gartry's bluesy poignancy whilst adding a sparsely treated beat and plenty of low lying studio trickery.
Review: Cool story: 60s psychedelic folk strummer Cutter was spotted busking in an LA subway by Claremont 56's 40 Thieves. Instantly submitting to his acoustic charms, they strike up a creative relationship. Recruiting the writing skills of Jum Jum Records founder David Harks, they create the cosmic beauty that is "Strutting Serpent". Sitting somewhere between Cat Stevens and Paqua, it's the epitome of Balearic timelessness. For added psychedelic majesty flip for a future version of Cutter's classic "Gift Of Our Fathers". Stunning.
Review: Dial 81 and tell them it's an emergency... Blair French has dropped his second single this year and there are only 300 copies in existence! Following "Standing Still Is An Illusion" on Rocksteady Disco come two more sublime Balearic affairs that fit Claremont 56 like a snug pair of speedos; "Sandbar Caviar" wafts and sways with island waves as gentle arpeggios ebb and flow creating harmonies and cosmic textures while "Inland Island" adjusts our seats to a horizontal position with its snaking bassline and spacious percussion gradually opening into a heavenly vocal and guitar lead that's tantamount to transcendental.
Bison - "Way To LA (Day)"
Mudd & Pollard - "Vincent"
Smith & Mudd - "Le Suivant"
Mudd & Pollard - "Scaffold"
Smith & Mudd - "Shulme"
Smith & Mudd - "The Surveyor"
Dog Eat Dog - "Rollover"
Mudd & Pollard - "Dub Stavros"
Smith & Mudd - "24/7"
Holger Czukay - "Music Is A Miracle"
Smith & Mudd - "Enos"
Holger Czukay - "Good Morning Story"
Played by: Lexx, Felix Dickinson, Manu Archeo, Justin Miller, Wes [Cutloose :: Manchester], Kacper Kapsa Polish Cut Outs, Aihki, Mudd (Claremont 56), Woody Wood Jr., Magnier (House of Disco), Dynamicron (Los Grandes/Our Nights), COYOTE is it balearic?
Review: As Claremont 56's superb Originals series of crate-digging compilations tiptoes towards the final curtain (a celebratory vinyl box-set is due later in the year), label boss Paul Murphy hands the reigns over towards longtime pals DJ Spun and Ben Cook, the men behind San Fran/New York imprint Rong Music. If you've heard either DJ, you'd expect their selection to jump between a myriad of dubby, stargazing styles, and that's exactly what they deliver. From the intergalactic ambience of Space Time Continuum's "Transmitter", to the low-slung dub disco of Futura 2000, via the Balearic house shuffle of FM Inc and spaced-out punk-funk of Big Boys, it's a treasure trove of thrillingly atmospheric obscurities. Recommended... as usual.
Played by: Andrew Pirie (Melting Pot), Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Felix Dickinson, Tornado Wallace, Baggy [Emotional Pop], MUSHROOMS PROJECT, Sito / / Mischio Dischi Disco, Justin Van Der Volgen, Manu Archeo, Wes [Cutloose :: Manchester], Scott K. [BOXmusic], Dj soFa, Eddie C, Kwinzola, Aihki, I Love Disco!, Steve Lee, Mudd (Claremont 56), Woody Wood Jr.
Review: Although well-known in his native Greece, AOR pop revivalist Sillyboy's Ghost Relatives has yet to breakthrough elsewhere. This outing on Claremont 56 has the potential to raise his profile no end, not least because it's a certifiable earworm. Musically deep, drowsy, atmospheric, slow and intoxicating - all effects-laden guitars, ghostly synths and dubby bass - the song's genius lies in the artist's lead vocal and lyrics, which muse on the claustrophobia of life in tiny towns and villages the world over. His short-and-sweet A-side version is accompanied on side B by Claremont 56 label boss Paul "Mudd" Murphy's extended take, which offers up three minutes of atmospheric instrumentation before launching into Sillyboy's brilliant vocal.
Review: Hot on the heels of their top-selling collaboration with Quinn Lamont Luke, "The Distance", Smith and Mudd present a freshly re-mastered edition of their brilliant 2007 debut album, "Blue River". Surprisingly, it's the first time that the effortlessly Balearic set has come out on vinyl, something that should enthuse all those wax-lovers who like their grooves blissful, laidback and sun-kissed. It remains a wonderful set full of gentle, delay-laden guitar motifs, dubby yacht-rock basslines, spacey soundscapes, folksy motifs (see the impeccable title track), and jazz-funk influenced ambient instrumentals (the brilliant "Elsewhere" and "The Secret"). In other words, the album's magic has not been eroded by the passing of time.
Review: For the recording sessions for Gorthleck, long-running collaborators Paul 'Mudd' Murphy and Ben Smith set up a small studio in a loch-side house in the Scottish highlands. The dramatic scenery and ever-changing weather patterns seem to have proved inspirational, because the album is arguably the downtempo duo's strongest to date. Variously influenced by kosmiche, Balearica, neo-folk, ambient, Tangerine Dream and movie soundtracks, the album's nine tracks meander along impressively, subtly shifting shape whilst winding their way into your subconscious. It's a beautiful set from start to finish, rich with hazy musicality and mood-enhancing moments, and comes highly recommended.
Review: As it approaches the end of its' first decade, Claremont 56 continues to lead the way when it comes to atmospheric, sun-kissed Balearica. This latest chunk of horizontal goodness comes courtesy of Essex-based Statues, a trio who caught label boss Paul 'Mudd' Murphy's attention after submitting a string of impressive demos. "Alaula" is a softly spun delight, with Grant Carruthers' impassioned vocals weaving themselves around alluring acoustic guitars, rich bass, twinkling Rhodes lines, and Robin Lee's immaculate cello parts. Murphy delivers the obligatory flipside remix, serving up a delay-laden dub built around intricate percussion, life-affirming pianos, and Lee's wonderful strings.
Holger Czukay - "Music To Be Murdered By"
Leo Ceccanti - "Andromeda Bound"
Review: As he did to celebrate Claremont 56's fifth birthday, Paul "Mudd" Murphy has enlisted the help of the Idjut Boys to mark the passing of the label's first decade. This time round, the long-serving dub disco duo has put together a spellbinding, two-disc mix of specially commissioned material. Of course, they've gone to town, blending the label's 10th birthday tracks with oodles of dub delay, all manner of trippy effects, and a swathe of their own specially prepared dubs, DJ tools and re-edits. These intoxicating, mind altering versions are showcased in unmixed form on disc three, following two discs of horizontal Balearic bliss, slow-dance goodness and the impossible-to-pigeonhole antics of Can founder Holgar Czukay.
Review: Paul 'Mudd' Murphy has form when it comes to putting together must-have vinyl box sets. A few years back, he brought the Originals series of Balearic compilations to a close with a fine box set. Now, to celebrate the 10th birthday of his Claremont 56 label, he's put together another lavishly produced, five-vinyl set, this time made up of brand new or previously unheard material. As you'd expect, highlights come thick and fast, from the dubbed-out quirkiness of Holgar Czukay's "Music To Be Murdered By" and the rubbery electrofunk of Phil Mison's remix of FreshRo's "Pacific State", to the samba-boogie of Jex Opolis's remix of Paraiso, and deep space Balearic bliss of Leo Cecranti's "Andromeda Bound". Throw in killer reworks from Lexx, Bjorn Torske, Ron Trent, Larry Heard, Emperor Machine, and Murphy himself, and you have an essential collection.
Review: Waxwood generally likes to keep his identity on the down low, though it was confirmed recently that he's a Brooklyn-based Russian with a penchant for cosmic and spiritual music from around the world, as well as layered ambient experimentation and intoxicating house and techno beats. All of these traits come to the fore on "Kama", which sees him pepper a rolling, head-nodding hypno-house groove with simmering strings, relaxed electronics and chiming melody lines. It's rather good, all told, as is the more obviously Balearic flipside revision by Swiss crew Fuga Ronto, which adds guitars, electric bass and new backing vocals for an even wider-eyed listening experience.


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H. Candace Gorman
H. Candace Gorman is the principal in the law firm of H. Candace Gorman. The firm concentrates in Civil Rights and human rights law. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in Philosophy in 1976 and later attended law school, graduating from John Marshall Law School in January 1983. Attorney Gorman is a member in good standing of the bar of the State of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
In 2004, Attorney Gorman argued and won a unanimous decision before the United States Supreme Court in Jones vs. R.R. Donnelley, 541 U.S. 369 (2004) in a difficult matter regarding the Statute of Limitations for § 1981 cases. In that landmark decision the Supreme Court changed the Statute of Limitations in § 1981 cases to four years (the federal default statute of limitations (28 USC § 1658) across the country.
Gorman has been representing two Guantánamo Bay detainees pro bono for more than three years. With no end in sight she shut down her civil rights practice to focus solely on getting her two clients out of Guantanamo, closing Guantanamo and bringing those responsible for and assisting with these particular war crimes to justice. Much of this past year Gorman has been living in The Hague, Netherlands where she was a visiting professional at the International Criminal Court. As A result of that experience she became involved in a start-up NGO the Oxford War Crimes Center (http://www.oxfordwarcrimes.org/) where she has accepted the title of Legal Director of Victim Representation. When her Guantanamo clients are free she hopes to focus on the rights of victims before the International Court. However, Gorman promises she will not forget her duty to do everything she can to bring the Bush administration war criminals to justice.
Show Full Bio
An Open Letter To Jeh Johnson/General Counsel, Department of Defense
Captive Flower
Judge Decides Guantanamo Prisoner's Health Problems Are His Own Fault
Shhhh, Mr. Al-Ghizzawi's Torture is "Secret"
Do you have info to share with HuffPost reporters? Here's how.
Another Gitmo Stooge Bites the Dust
And Then There is the Underwear Story
Garbage Guantánamo-Style
Portrait Of A Gitmo Propagandist
Death at Guantanamo (Again)
Is There a Larry Lurking in the Bushies?
The Morning Email
Wake up to the day's most important news.


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Welcoming Week Celebration Fosters Unity in the Community
Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) SW-Comprehensive Refugee Services program celebrated Welcoming Week with their clients, neighbors and new community partners on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Welcoming Week is a national initiative of annual events when communities bring together immigrants and U.S. born residents in a spirit of unity to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming
Protecting and Housing Teens in Crisis for 25 Years
Meet Beth Deck, celebrating 25 years as the Regional Director for the Lutheran Services Florida, ESC Youth Shelter. 25 years is a long time for some, but with the same enthusiasm she felt at the time, Beth still tells the story of the first time she read about the opening of Currie House in the newspaper!
This upcoming July 2017 will mark 35 years of operations for LSF. 35 years doesn't quite seem like a lot or a major milestone. But what LSF has become since our founding in 1982 is quite remarkable and, to be honest, really unimaginable. So many times we get caught up in the daily grind, and
Helping Immigrants & Refugees
Maria Hernandez has dedicated her life to serving the refugee community in the Tampa area and has marked this 35-year milestone while working for Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), a local nonprofit organization. Hernandez was the first employee hired by LSF and joins in celebrating with the organization, as it begins to mark its 35th anniversary
Leaders and Community Partners Collaborate to Advance Black Children & Families of Central Florida
National Black Child Development Institute Charters Greater Tampa Bay Affiliate The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) will welcome a new member to its National Affiliate Network in a chartering ceremony on Thursday, September 22, 2016. Early care and education experts, human services providers, advocates, partners, and community leaders have come together to create Black
What a Preschool Revolution Means for Children in Florida
The recent article in the Atlantic, highlighted the importance of early education. It is critical that politicians understand how failing to invest sufficiently in quality early learning programs can have adverse effects on the economy and family well-being. As of 2016, there exists a tremendous need for high quality early childhood education for all children.
Finding Protection after being Exploited and Abused
"Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" It's a phrase we've all heard before. For some, it's a lighthearted, playful commercial from Life Alert. For others, it's a frightening reminder of the daily dangers faced by the elderly—dangers that go far beyond a simple fall. For Dee Ann Thomas, it's the latter. Five years
Believe In Your Dreams
I came to the United States five years ago from Cuba and did not speak English. I got a job working in a trash compacting factory for minimum wage and found it hard to live by. I wanted to go further with my life and after three months, I decided to go after my dream.


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Novitec Ferrari GT4 Lusso Announced
11:20 am October 24, 2017 By Roland Hutchinson
Novitec has announced that it is launching a customized version of the Ferrari GT4 Lusso, the Novitec Ferrari GT4 Lusso. The car will get a number of upgrades over the standard GT4 Lusso.
The Novitec Ferrari GT4 Lusso comes with 21 inch wheels at the front and 22 inch wheels at the rear, the car gets a number of carbon fiber enhancements and it comes with 709 horsepower, this is around 99 horsepower more than the standard car.
This gives the Novitec Ferrari GT4 a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h. The car also comes with sport springs allowing it to be lowered up to 35mm lower than the standard car.
Sporty design in combination with outstanding aerodynamic efficiency, king-sized wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, and engine tuning to up to an output of 521 kW / 709 hp and 882 Nm of torque for the twin-turbo eight-cylinder variant: NOVITEC, the world's leading refinement specialist for the powerful cars from Maranello, now also offers an extensive customization range for the new Ferrari GTC4Lusso.
The domain of NOVITEC is making the most thrilling sports cars in the world even more electrifying and special. For the new Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the designers of the German refinement specialist developed aerodynamic-enhancement components with a naked carbon finish, which lend the 2+2-seater an even sportier appearance. What is more: The design not only focuses on the looks. In addition, the NOVITEC bodywork components were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel and as a result optimize the handling stability of the Shooting Brake Coupe.
You can find out more information about the Novitec Ferrari GT4 over at the company's website at the link below. As yet there are no details on pricing.
Source Novitec
Filed Under: Auto News


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'Impressive' pub given just ONE out of five food hygiene rating
Bosses have been told to up their game
Robert Rowlands
00:12, 2 SEP 2017
Inspectors were left unimpressed when they visited in July
A pub has been told it needs to make major improvements following its latest food hygiene inspection.
West Lindsey District Council officials were left unimpressed when they visited the bar and restaurant in July, telling bosses to up their standards in key areas.
Management of food safety at the Gamekeeper on Scotter's High Street, near Gainsborough, was rated as needing major improvement, while cleanliness at the site was also deemed to fall below the expected standard.
However, it wasn't all bad news, with hygienic food handling being considered generally satisfactory.
Chinese takeaway given ONE out of five food hygiene rating
Area inspected by food safety officer Standards found
Hygienic food handling
Hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage Generally satisfactory
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building
Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene Improvement necessary
Management of food safety
System or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future. Major improvement necessary
Despite not proving a hit with inspectors, the pub is generally well thought of in the local area.
Punters have served up numerous positive reviews, which has seen the bar obtain a 4.5 out of 5 rating after 95 reviews on its Facebook page.
One person said: "It was the first time I had been to this particular pub with my partner and also a long time since I had eaten here. We were both extremely impressed.
"Excellent service, piping hot fresh food and a very friendly atmosphere.
"It is good to see that the pub still offers excellent value for money at just under £24 for two people to have mains and desserts. We will be back again."
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Another added: "Food was excellent as always, generous portions and piping hot. Nothing was too much trouble for Michelle and her staff in ensuring that our party of 18 had an excellent afternoon.
"All were catered for from a three-year-old to a 95-year-old and additionally the decoration of the private room was superb. Would highly recommend for any occasion and at a very reasonable price."
The Gamekeeper has been approached for comment by Lincolnshire Live.
West Lindsey


I found this both moving and inspiring. I've come to believe that academics and researchers have a moral imperative to fight closed publishing, and this talk by Lessig only makes me feel that more strongly.
My mom and I have known since probably last summer that my 78 year old grandmother was experiencing difficulties with day-to-day life, and over the course of the last year she began to drop weight at an alarming rate and have more and more trouble with things like using the ATM machine, paying bills, grocery shopping, and just the stuff we all have to do in life. Her house is about an hour and a half away from us in the town where I was born, and we spent most weekends this spring and summer trying to help her until things reached a point where it was clear weekend visits just weren't enough or sustainable. She was forgetting to eat through the week, and it was costing us a fortune in gas driving 3 hours back and forth, nevermind the stress and worry when we weren't there.
It's really sad to see someone you love begin that decline, and it was all the more difficult because her forgetfulness and confusion seemed so intermittent. Some days she seemed perfectly fine, and other days she couldn't remember how to tie her shoes or use a zipper. One minute she's ranting about someone in the family in perfectly normal-for-her fashion, the next she's lost in the town where she's lived for 50 years.
To compound matters, she's been a "collector" (aka a hoarder) for at least all of my lifetime, and her always packed to the rafters house began to slide into an even more disorganized, cluttered, and dangerous mess than usual. She's never had furniture or living spaces like most normal people's houses, but there were at least always clear pathways to the main rooms and around the tv, the kitchen table, etc. Over time, though, even these areas became cluttered and unnavigable, with cords and wires and boxes and bags and plastic tubs of stuff every which way so that even I could hardly get from room to room without tripping.
And in her confusion and forgetfulness, she began to develop delusions to explain why some thing that she swore she hadn't moved was suddenly in a new place in her house – someone must be living in her basement and sneaking up to move things. And the thing she was looking for and couldn't find – someone must have stolen it. The delusions became so complex and detailed, and so frightening to her, that she began hiding weapons around her house, and carrying big butcher knives around so that the man living in her basement couldn't attack her.
It got to a point where it was truly dangerous to leave her alone. She was so upset over the man in her basement she wouldn't even leave the house to go get groceries or eat even when we came to help and assured her we'd checked the basement. She was calling the police every couple of days about the man in the basement and was becoming outraged that they wouldn't even go down there to look for him after a while.
It was clearly time that something had to be done. But what? How do you start that process?
It turns out that the answer isn't very clear, or wasn't very clear to us anyway. We spent weeks making phone calls and searching the internets for advice, and we discovered that at least in Indiana, most of the social services and institutions that we assumed would be able to help us couldn't. Adult Protective Services cannot intervene until or unless someone files a complaint that an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or exploited. Obviously we were trying to deal with the situation BEFORE any of those problems came to pass. The police couldn't intervene unless someone filed a complaint that she was a danger to herself or others. And though she was certainly a danger to herself, we didn't feel like the criminal justice system was the appropriate path to take.
We spoke with her doctor, but he was little help at all and in fact was rather insensitive to the situation and made it much worse – after that visit, my grandmother refused to speak to my mother at all and I was caught in the middle. Though I'd hesitate to allege outright fraud, when we discovered how often her doctor was seeing her, how many tests had been ordered, how many different medications he'd prescribed, all for a patient who was clearly suffering from some kind of dementia.. you have to wonder how much Medicare $$ he made from her visits and if that had any influence over his decision making process.
It was really pretty scary, knowing that she needed help but unable to figure out how to start the process to help her. In the end, we discovered that she had to have a psychiatric evaluation and then my mother could apply for emergency temporary guardianship, though even that is complicated by a new law Indiana passed this summer to guard against "granny snatching" since we live in Ohio and she is a resident of Indiana.
All of the legal stuff aside, the emotional stress was another terrible weight. We had been talking to her all summer trying to convince her to move to Cincinnati closer to us, but she didn't want to leave her house, her town, her community, her friends. And who could blame her? She wanted to be in her own house, with her kitties, where she'd lived for many years. She was adamant about staying. But it was obvious that wasn't an option, so what to do?
Finally she was admitted to the hospital for another complaint and eventually qualified medical staff diagnosed her with Alzheimer's, delusions, and dementia and that made it easier for my mother to get guardianship, but once that happened it opened a whole new can of worms. Which facility in Cincinnati was best? What level of care? And how expensive could she afford? My mother and I toured facilities and asked questions, tried to compare the various options with what we thought would work best for my grandmother, even as my grandmother felt imprisoned and angry that she couldn't go home, stuck in the hospital and sometimes enjoying the respite from her worries about her cats and the thieves she believed were robbing her and other times upset about being away.
We eventually selected a facility but her transfer from the hospital to the new place was frightening for her, and she's still having trouble adjusting to the new circumstances even as she seems to enjoy the increased stimulation, company her own age, and the activities they have at the memory care unit. I think for the most part she doesn't realize what actually has happened and she often wonders when she will be able to go home, and when she remembers, worries about her cats. Mostly I'm happy to know she's somewhere safe even if I worry she's frightened and worried about being away from home.
Reading about Alzheimer's is scary too, the disease progression is unpredictable and we have no idea how long it will be before she doesn't recognize us or doesn't know where she is, and the late stages.. well. I guess we'll just have to take things one day at a time and do the best we can to make sure she has good care.
No matter how young or old you are, you (yes you!) NEED to have a living will and durable medical power of attorney documentation drawn up, signed and witnessed, and filed somewhere easily located (and hopefully shared with your designated caregiver) so that when the time comes that you are unable to care for yourself, someone you know and trust can do this for you. DO NOT WAIT. Do not think that you're not old enough to worry about it. Everyone should have this, and especially if you have children. It will make what is already a horrible situation so much easier for your loved ones who need to be able to help care for you.
Don't be afraid to ask your friends and colleagues about their experiences with aging parents. Some of the most helpful advice for both me and my mother has come from our social networks and from friends who have gone through similar experiences. It really helps to know that others have faced what sometimes feels like having to choose between least worst options for someone you care about.
And above all, talk with the people you love and trust about your wishes regarding end of life issues or what you would prefer if you become incapacitated. While thinking about such things is not particularly pleasant, I feel closer to my mom too, as a result of all of this, and feel that I have a better idea of what she will want when the time comes, and I've also talked to her about what I would want if something should happen to me – and that gives me some comfort.
Thanks to my friends and colleagues who've sent well wishes as we've been going through this stressful process, and thanks to the friends and communities I've neglected in recent weeks for their patience.
I made a vow last year to reduce my conference travel. It seemed prudent to cut back on expenses in this tough budget climate, but more than that, all the conferences began to run together in my mind, all the sessions sounding the same, the airports and hotel rooms one big blur. From time to time I've felt sad to miss seeing good netfriends, at SLCC09 especially, but it also felt good to take a step back and not be so darned harried. Until this past week, when so many people I admire gathered at EDUCAUSE 2009, and for the first time I felt a tinge of real regret. Because it sounds like maybe this year's EDUCAUSE breathed a bit of fresh air into the room.
I first met Gardner Campbell (@gardnercambell) through an NMC Summer Conference several years ago (another conference I was sad to miss this year) and I've been a faithful reader of his blog Gardner Writes ever since. His passion for teaching, and for exploring the use of technology in teaching in meaningful ways, has been illuminating. He's the kind of faculty member I want to learn from and collaborate with, and he's always been unbelievably approachable for such a rock star. 😉 So when I heard he was taking the pro-Twitter position in a Point/Counterpoint session, it seemed like a must-see and I wasn't disappointed.
From now on, when administrators and faculty ask me what the point of Twitter is, I'm not even going to discuss it, I'll just send them a link to this video. If they aren't convinced after that, there's no hope.
Thanks to Gardner and Bruce Mass for a great debate and a terrific resource we can share with others.
The other "must-watch" video from the conference is really a must-watch for more than just educators. Netizens everywhere need to be thinking about this issue, especially in light of the ACTA treaty negotiations that were leaked this week (see the Electronic Freedom Foundation's take, ReadWriteWeb, Wired, and more – universal sentiment is "BAD – VERY BAD"). I'm beyond outraged about ACTA and hope to make a separate post on that topic soon.
In any case, Lessig delivered a powerful talk about copyright that I hope you'll take the time to review. You won't be sorry you did.
I refer to the great angst and gnashing of teeth over content theft in virtual worlds. Linden Lab responded to the lawsuit filed by SexGen bed maker this week, a group of content creators staged a 48 hour period of creating nothing to protest content theft, Ben Duranske urged everyone to register their copyright with the US government, and the very controversial Emerald Viewer team filed a DMCA notice to Google about the much vilified Neilife viewer.
The article finds – unsurprisingly – that virtual worlds now lack many of the elements of the rule of law. Which aspects fail is more surprising, however. Provider agreements and computer software, the sources of regulation that are most often criticized as "anti-user," provide the best theoretical hope for achieving the rule of law, even if they currently fail in practice. On the contrary, widely proposed "reforms," such as community norms, self-regulation, and importation of real-world law face both theoretical and practical barriers to implementation of the rule of law in virtual worlds.
What are we to make of all this copyright/IP mess? I dunno. I don't have any easy answers either.
But I have long argued that one of the greatest benefits of being involved in virtual worlds like Second Life is that you get to see some of the great issues of our time being played out in another context, a different context than the "real world" – a smaller context – and that this gives us a new perspective with which to view what's happening in the "real world". It's so difficult for me to articulate this thought, I wish I could do a better job of it, but it's the primary reason I feel like educators – no – academics and intellectuals of all stripes – should be involved in what's happening in virtual worlds. This copyright issue is just one of many examples, it's fascinating to see how it plays out in the context of a conversation at EDUCAUSE versus the context and conversations of Second Life.
On one hand, we hear Lessig imploring educators and edtech IT folks to find ways to honor the rights of content creators in ways that do not turn our kids into terrorists. He says, and I agree, that the creativity unleashed by mashups in the digital age cannot be stopped. We hear Lessig warning us that by forcing people to live a a life outside the law, we undermine the very rule of law that democracy requires. He urges us to help find a third way, a middle road between copyright extremists on both ends of the spectrum.
In another context, in the microcosm of virtual worlds and Second Life, we hear that the rule of law has yet to even emerge, all while we watch from the sidelines as real life courts are asked to adjudicate a potentially precedent-setting case about virtual content theft. We hear some virtual world content creators arguing they must have the right to back up their work, to port their work, the products and artifacts of their creativity, into whatever medium they desire, whatever grid they happen to be on. Other content creators are arguing that so long as the tools to make this backup/portability possible can also be used to steal THEIR content and creativity, these tools should NOT be available. Even though they already are. And, I think they are here to stay, no matter how much Linden Lab tries to enforce some kind of 3rd party registration for viewers.
Much to think about. And I wonder, what would the content creators who staged the 48 hour "create nothing" protest say to Lessig's point?
Linden Lab offers standalone "behind the firewall" servers at $50k a year price – are they crazy?
But there's a Masonic feeling to the whole thing: we're not just individual actors contributing to the common good, we're individual actors contributing to the evolution of digital spaces that have no governing body, and we're hoping that in so doing our collective contributions will lead to a common good, without always stopping to have much of a conversation about it, although we start to get worried if it happens all over again: if Google actually turns out to BE the next Microsoft, although it's typically only the big, easy-to-spot targets that we worry about – the rest of it is too granular, too innocuous, the metadata is invisible to us, it's all held in those windowless rooms.
Healthcare reform passes the House after bitter partisan vote – will it actually improve anything? Is this REALLY what democracy has come to in the digital age? Am I the only one disgusted with the sausage making mess?
A fellow from the team writing recommendations for the National Education Technology Plan comes to Second Life for feedback – did he get anything useful from the process? I greatly appreciated the effort of the ISTE organizers and all the speakers, and that he made the effort to reach out to cutting edge educators, but I found the process chaotic, frustrating, and unsure what the take-away was.
I'll have to stop here. Too much to process this week.
So many things happening right now, I haven't had time to even blog about them all! Two events happening today and one archived event below.. hope to see you in-world!
Robert Bloomfield (SL: Beyers Sellers) is the host of Metanomics, a weekly broadcast (Mondays at Noon SLT/PDT) focusing on current trends and developments impacting vitrual worlds. Their archived events listing powerfully illustrates the depth and breadth of their weekly productions. ISTE is proud to be partnering with Metanomics to bring our audiences together in the hopes of facilitating dialogue, networking, information sharing, and join innovation in Second Life. Beyers will be joined by our very own Chris Collins (SL: Fleep Tuque, a correspondent for Metanomics) in a lively, open discussion surrounding the question, "How can Metanomics, and the Metanomics archives, inform K-20 educators, librarians and instructional technologists who would like to use information about business and policy in virtual worlds?" This will be a voice presentation, please be sure you have a working voice setup prior to the event!
The event is targeted at industry representatives, legal scholars, policy makers and regulators from around Europe and the rest of the world and is a unique opportunity to interact directly with key stakeholders.
Virtual Policy is organised by the Virtual Policy Network (tVPN: www.virtualpolicy.net ) in conjunction with The Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform with New York Law School providing program support.
This past Saturday, I participated in a BlogHer panel in world. The conference took place in San Francisco and in Second Life and our panel covered Second Life as an Educational & Training tool. Scan the liveblog notes for the highlights on the panel.
Thanks to Harold Jarche for the link.
This was posted in the context of a series of quotes about the insanity of the "War on Drugs" in the US, but it applies to any number of current issues. I'm reminded of it again after watching some post-election coverage following the Kentucky and Oregon primaries with some talking heads on MSNBC discussing the electoral math, the pledged and super delegate counts, and the big question about whether or not Michigan and Florida's delegates will count and by which proportion for which candidate, and which proportion of pledges versus super delegates.
By the time the segment was over, I understood less than I did when I started watching, and I was left wondering if this was any way to pick a leader in a time when the world seems like an awfully complex and worrisome place, and at a time when I know in my bones that we're facing global challenges beyond anything we've ever faced before.
At this point, I'm not sure if the Democratic party is holding water buckets or grenades, but it sure seems to me like Barack Obama is leading the bucket brigade. I hope this contest between the Democratic candidates is over soon so we can get on with the business of putting out the fires.