Image: Alex Parkin / The Verge OpenAI’s new model, called o1, appears to think and ponder as you use it. But is it thinking? Or pondering? And what does it mean if it is? Would that make it worth the risks, which appear to be both greater and more plausible than ever? How do you balance the risks of destroying humanity with the possibility of improving it? This is the thing about talking about artificial intelligence: it has this nasty penchant of getting all existential on you. On this episode of The Vergecast, we get all existential about AI. The Verge’s Kylie Robison joins the show to discuss why OpenAI built o1, why it’s launching the way it is, what to make of the folks who are worried about what they’re seeing from the model, and how we should think about this... Continue reading…

Image: SteelSeries SteelSeries is launching its latest lineup of Apex Pro Gen 3 gaming keyboards today, and there’s a noticeable focus on improving how the keyboards sound and feel. SteelSeries is upgrading its Hall effect switches, adding dampening foam, improving its switch stabilizers, and even factory lubricating each key in an effort to create a thockier sounding board. SteelSeries is moving to new OmniPoint 3.0 switches on the Apex Pro Gen 3 lineup, which includes a full-size board and TKL (tenkeyless) wired and TKL wireless variants. SteelSeries says it’s the “most technically advanced switch on the market,” and it has improved sensors that are designed to reduce noise. Image: SteelSeries The Apex Pro Gen 3 lineup also includes... Continue reading…

Get ready for a new Mozilla look with old-school internet vibes. | Image: Mozilla Mozilla has overhauled its branding to pay homage to its Netscape roots and better distinguish the wider organization from its Firefox web browser. The most notable change is to the company’s logo: what was previously a sans-serif wordmark styled as “Moz://a,” has been updated to correctly spell out the Mozilla name, featuring a new customized typeface and an M-shaped flag. According to Mozilla, the flag symbolizes the brand’s “activist spirit.” That fits with the image that the Mozilla Foundation which is leading the company is attempting to build: describing itself as “a non-profit organization that promotes openness, innovation, and participation on the Internet” and regularly releasing privacy reports that investigate tech companies’... Continue reading…

Interview excerpt A sparkling green emerald in a turquoise sea, crowned by an azure sky and formed by volcanic rock, Mauritius is a small independent island nation of 787 square miles in the Indian Ocean with a population of 1.2 million people. It is known for its beaches, reefs, and tranquil sea. Jayshree Mungur-Medhi, an archaeologist and heritage expert on the island, participated in the excavations at Mare aux Songes, where a cache of dodo bones and other fossils were uncovered. MP: When did we first become aware of the existence of the dodo? JM: “Dumb as the dodo” is a saying which is famous worldwide, but actually the dodo only existed in Mauritius. Endemic to Mauritius, the dodo, Raphus cucullatus, became extinct in the late 17th century shortly after its existence was discovered and described. It seems that it was first seen and reported by the Portuguese in 1507, who named it “Dodo” as doido means “stupid” in Portuguese. However, the origin of the name is still debated by scientists. In any case, reported in the 16th century and extinct by the late 17th century, the existence of the live dodo was only known for about 100 years. MP: The dodo is often depicted in caricature form, but what did the strange bird look like? Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyEvolution & Human OriginsScienceAsiaWeird FactsHistoryPreviewRead Later 

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized the presence of a U.S. nuclear submarine in the South Korean port of Busan, state media KCNA said on Tuesday. Kim called it a proof of U.S. ambition to "bring out its nuclear strategic assets,...

Anti-Jewish hate crimes in the U.S. soared 63% in 2023, the highest on record, according to data released Monday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

American actor Meryl Streep has said a "squirrel has more rights" than a girl in Afghanistan, adding her voice to a call by Afghan women to end the Taliban government's severe restrictions on their lives.

Constellation Energy and Microsoft plan to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, hoping they have scored a quick source of enough climate-friendly energy to power rapidly expanding data centers for artificial intelligence (AI).

The time for solidarity between Israelis and the Iranian people is over, and it is now time for action, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian crown prince, told JNS on Friday afternoon at the Israeli-American Council summit in Washington, D.C.

You’ll love this Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy that’s made with tender seasoned beef covered in a thick brown gravy. An easy weeknight meal! A COMFORTING TASTY MEAL There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hearty meal that practically cooks itself, and this Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy is the ultimate example. I love these tender slices of beef simmered slowly in a rich, savory gravy, infused with the flavors of garlic, onions, and a touch of seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just looking to enjoy a stress-free dinner, this Crock Pot recipe delivers a belly warming meal with minimal effort but maximum flavor! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  Do round steaks go by other names? I think this is that cut of meat people look at in the store and wonder what to do with it sometimes, but this recipe is just what you need to make! Some stores may label it as rump steak (why do they make it so confusing?!) You’ll also see bottom round steak or top round steak – all of those work here. Are Round Steaks tender or tough? The more the cow uses a part of their body, the tougher the meat from there tends to be. The bottom round steak comes from the outside part of the rear legs of the cow (the rump) and the top round steak comes from the inside part of the rear legs. The top round steaks will be a bit more tender than the outside or bottom round steaks. Keep in mind that this will be cooking low and slow in the Slow Cooker and both options will turn out nice and tender when you go to eat them. Should I use top round steak or bottom round steak? Round steaks are generally a less expensive cut of beef because they are a tougher cut of meat (which is why it is cheaper) and cooking it low and slow in the crock pot really helps to make it come out so tender. The bottom round steak will be the least expensive as it comes from the rump and the top round steak comes from the inside part of the rear legs, making it a bit more tender than the outside, therefore making it a little more expensive. You pay for tenderness and marbling when it comes to beef so that is why tenderloin cuts are much more expensive. That’s a part of the cow that the cow itself rarely uses – in terms of muscle movement, etc. so that is why it is more tender. So having said all that, use whatever you prefer and can afford. You may see it already sliced into pieces or you can buy a whole bottom round roast and slice it yourself. What to serve this over? As you can see in the pics, this is perfect served over mashed potatoes. But it would also be delicious over rice or noodles to soak up all that gravy! What to serve with Round Steak and Gravy? This steak and gravy would be great served on mashed potatoes as mentioned above, but it would also be delicious when served with other things like Slow Cooker Green Beans, corn on the cob, or your other favorite veggies. I think it would also be good with a Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad. Can this cook for longer than 8 hours? Yes. If you need to pop this in before work and you won’t be home for 10 hours, this will still be fine. The meat just becomes fall apart tender. Just keep it on low. Or if you have a programmable slow cooker, set it for 8 hours and it will automatically switch to a keep warm setting after that 8 hours. How to store leftovers? Leftover Round Steak and Gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze for it up to 3 months. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) boneless beef round steak– Check out the Frequently Asked Question section above to learn more about this cut of meat. If you don’t have any round steaks, you can use cubed steak or chuck roast (keep in mind a chuck roast is fattier though.) salt and black pepper medium sweet onion garlic cloves – I always prefer fresh garlic but if your’e short on time, the jarred stuff is fine. brown gravy mix unsalted beef stock– There is plenty of salt in the brown gravy packet so that is why unsalted beef stock is suggested.  cornstarch – this is used to thicken the gravy. Note: this works better than flour as it doesn’t cause clumps to form. HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT ROUND STEAK AND GRAVY: Season the steaks on both sides with the salt and pepper. Place half of the onion slices and half of the garlic into the bottom of an 6-8 quart slow cooker. Top the onions with the steaks. Add the brown gravy mix on top. Spread the remaining sliced onion and garlic on top. Pour in the beef stock. Place the lid on and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. During the last half hour of cooking, take out about ½ cup of the sauce and mix it with the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Place the lid on and turn up the heat to high; cook for the remaining 30 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately. CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Crock Pot Cubed Steak Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Steak Tips With Peppers Print Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy This Crock Pot Round Steak and Gravy is made with tender seasoned beef covered in a thick brown gravy. An easy weeknight meal! Course Dinner, Main CourseCuisine American Prep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 8 hours hoursTotal Time 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes Servings 4 Calories 372kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients2 pounds boneless beef round steak, cut into 8 thin pieces½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced4 cloves garlic, minced1 packet brown gravy mix2 cups unsalted beef stock3 Tablespoons cornstarch InstructionsSeason 2 pounds boneless beef round steak, cut into 8 thin pieces on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (this is the total amount of salt and pepper you will use on all the steaks.) Place half of the sliced onions and half of the minced garlic into the bottom of a 6-8 quart slow cooker. Top the onions with the seasoned steaks. Sprinkle 1 packet brown gravy mix on top. Spread the remaining sliced onion and remaining minced garlic on top. Pour in t2 cups unsalted beef stock. Place the lid on and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours. During the last half hour of cooking, take out about ½ cup of the sauce and mix it with 3 Tablespoons cornstarch in a medium bowl.Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Place the lid on and turn up the heat to high; cook for the remaining 30 minutes or until thickened. Serve immediately. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 661mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g