Delta Air Lines apologized for a now-deleted social media post that appeared to sympathize with a user upset about flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins. The airline’s response, which acknowledged the user’s fear, was deemed inconsistent with Delta’s values. The employee responsible for the post has been counseled and removed from social media duties. Delta confirmed that the flight attendants involved are still employed and supported by the company. Starting Monday, Delta will only allow U.S. flag pins on uniforms.
Read more at: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9uYXRpb24vMjAyNC8wNy8xMi9kZWx0YS1wYWxlc3RpbmUtZmxhZy1waW4tYXBvbG9neS_SAQA?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
The nearly complete fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus, discovered in Colorado in 2022, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York next week. Named Apex, the dinosaur stands 11 feet tall and measures 27 feet long. Discovered on private land near Dinosaur, Colorado, in May 2022, the excavation was completed in October 2023. Apex shows signs of arthritis but no combat damage.
Read more at: https://apnews.com/article/stegosaurus-dinosaur-auction-sothebys-3b47fffdcc3f7c139d192d70169ba737
Cornell University scientists have designed a spacesuit that recycles urine into drinkable water, inspired by the stillsuits in “Dune.” This innovation aims to extend the duration of spacewalks and could debut in upcoming Moon and Mars missions. Currently, astronauts recycle liquid waste on the ISS but rely on modified diapers during spacewalks, which can be uncomfortable and risky. The new suit addresses these issues, potentially enhancing mission safety and efficiency.
Read more at: https://gizmodo.com/dune-inspired-spacesuit-recycles-urine-into-clean-drinking-water-2000469804
Leaked videos on TikTok show hands-on footage of the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL. The pre-release hardware features prototype etchings and the “G” logo. The Pixel 9 has a glossy rear panel, while the 9 Pro XL has a matte finish. The side rails are reversed, with the 9 Pro XL having a shiny perimeter. Regulatory markings appear on the left edge near the bottom, unlike recent US Pixel models.
Read more at: https://9to5google.com/2024/07/12/pixel-9-pro-xl-leak-gallery/
Researchers found that AI, like ChatGPT, can boost writers’ creativity but may reduce idea diversity. Prof Oliver Hauser from the University of Exeter highlighted the social dilemma: while AI benefits individuals, widespread use could diminish unique ideas. In a study, 293 participants wrote stories with varying AI assistance. Most participants used AI-generated ideas, with 82 of 100 opting for a single idea and 93 of 98 using at least one of five offered ideas. This suggests AI can aid creativity but might limit the variety of creative outputs.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/12/ai-prompts-can-boost-writers-creativity-but-result-in-similar-stories-study-finds
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are set to launch in two months, making it unwise to buy an iPhone 15 now unless urgently needed. Waiting until September is recommended for the new models or price drops on older ones. Notable new features include bigger screens: the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature a 6.9-inch display, up from 6.7 inches.
Read more at: https://9to5mac.com/2024/07/12/iphone-16-new-features-worth-the-wait/
Andrey Kozlov, a 27-year-old security guard, was captured by Hamas while working at the Nova music festival on October 7. He endured eight months of brutal captivity in Gaza, including being shackled and left sweltering under blankets. Kozlov described fleeing through a forest when armed men captured him. On his first day, a captor threatened to kill and film him, but later bizarrely signaled “I love you.” Kozlov and three other hostages were rescued by the IDF on June 8.
Read more at: https://nypost.com/2024/07/12/world-news/rescued-hostage-details-physical-and-psychological-abuse-by-hamas/
German politicians expressed outrage after US intelligence uncovered a Russian plot to murder Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. German authorities were informed by the CIA. Chancellor Olaf Scholz declined to comment, but other politicians, including Defense Committee chairman Marcus Faber, condemned the plot, highlighting Russia’s aggression towards Europe and German citizens.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-decries-russian-plot-to-assassinate-rheinmetall-boss/a-69641234
Elon Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, faces significant challenges this month. The European Union has filed grievances against X for suspected breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which could result in penalties up to 6% of global turnover. Additionally, X violated provisions of the DSA and GDPR, following legal challenges by PhD student Danny Mekić, who was shadowbanned without notification after sharing a news article. Mekić’s legal claims in the Netherlands allege X failed to provide a point of contact and a statement of reasons for the restrictions, violating Articles 12 and 17 of the DSA.
Read more at: https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/12/more-bad-news-for-elon-musk-after-x-users-legal-challenge-to-shadowban-prevails/
Eminem’s 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” features multiple diss tracks targeting Diddy, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. The album includes “Antichrist,” referencing a video of Diddy assaulting Cassie, and “Fuel,” a collaboration with JID that alludes to the sexual assault lawsuits. This is Eminem’s first album since his 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Read more at: https://nypost.com/2024/07/12/entertainment/eminem-shades-diddy-on-new-album-the-death-of-slim-shady/