In the NYT today, a piece that explains exactly what goes on behind the scenes when you're at the checkout stand and select "debit" or "credit" with your Visa bank card. Short version: two ways to screw you!
What really happens when you select "debit" or "credit" with your Visa card
National Rifle Association files for bankruptcy, NRA will legally move from New York to Texas
RIP, NRA. Thoughts and prayers. The National Rifle Association has filed for bankruptcy, and the organization will legally move from New York to Texas, with plans to operate as a non-profit. The NRA lists assets and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million each, and its bankruptcy petition is signed by Wayne LaPierre. Here's the… READ THE REST
Unemployment claims in US jump to 965,000, highest since August
New U.S. unemployment numbers out today are bad, and it's because the pandemic is surging after the holidays. "The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August and evidence that the resurgent virus has caused a spike in layoffs," reports AP: The latest figures for jobless claims,… READ THE REST
CISA, FBI, NSA, ODNI: The 'likely Russian in origin' attack on USA was for 'intelligence-gathering'
A joint statement "on the recent significant cyber incident involving federal government networks" was just released by @CISA, @FBI, @ODNI, and @NSA — and their phrasing suggests the attack is still ongoing. "This work indicates that an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor, likely Russian in origin, is responsible for most or all of the recently… READ THE REST
Lightkey Pro predicts what you're going to write next – and can supercharge your texts, emails, and more
Thanks to machine learning, algorithms know us now as well as we know ourselves. Once artificial intelligence starts building a file on you and your habits, assessing data, then extrapolating outcomes, it becomes very clear how much we each follow our own particular patterns – and how easy it is for some smart AI to… READ THE REST
It's a desk lamp, a night light, and a gorgeous art piece – all wrapped up in one
When you buy an item to perform a task you need done, but there's such beauty to it that you'd gladly display it even if it did nothing at all, you know you've hit a sweet spot. The Tree of Lyte Motion Sensor Bird Night Light Tree and Illuminated Eggs by Lift Care absolutely fits… READ THE REST
These 10 deals can teach you an instrument and get you started recording music your way
and Drums Master Class Bundle – $59.99; originally $1,791 You've gotta walk before you can run…which is why these instrument lesson packages are the perfect starting point for any budding musician. For ax men and women, The Ultimate Beginner to Expert Guitar Lessons Bundle includes almost 60 hours of training in learning the guitar, proper… READ THE REST