Beginning of the End? New Poll Shows Trump Jumping Ahead of Biden As Debate Nears

Image: Microsoft Microsoft is launching its Xbox TV app on Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks in July. The Xbox app will provide access to Xbox Cloud Gaming so subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can stream a variety of games directly to Fire TV devices. Microsoft will support the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K models for its Xbox app, which will be available in more than 25 countries. All you’ll need is a compatible Fire TV Stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to stream Xbox games. Image: Microsoft The Xbox TV app running on a Fire TV Stick. This marks the first time the Xbox TV app has launched on a device other than Samsung’s recent TVs and monitors. Microsoft first p... Continue reading…

I met Vitus “V” Spehar — the face behind Under the Desk News — a year ago in Washington, DC. I was on location with The Verge filming the TikTok senate hearing along with interviews with senators and content creators for a Verge video about the looming ban. And when we interviewed V outside of the Capitol, V said that TikTok was useful for channels like their own — a news channel that was started because they didn’t believe traditional news sources were accessible enough to younger audiences. V’s TikTok channel now has 3.1 million subscribers. Every weekday, V sifts through news websites in search of six to eight stories they deem important enough to share with their audience. V then condenses each story into a bite-size snippet, crawls... Continue reading…

An exterior view of the Supreme Court on June 20th, 2024, in Washington, DC.  | Photo by Andrew Harnik / Getty Images The Supreme Court decided to press pause on the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to prevent smog-forming pollutants from drifting across state borders. Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and various trade organizations including fossil fuel industry groups asked the Supreme Court to issue a stay on the plan while they contest the EPA’s actions in lower courts. SCOTUS agreed to put the plan on hold today in its opinion on Ohio v. Environmental Protection Agency. Five justices voted in favor of halting implementation for now, while the remaining justices dissented. “If anything, we see one reason for caution after another,” Justice Neil Gorsuch writes in his opinion. “If anything, we see one reason for caution after another.” While the... Continue reading…

When connected to a smartphone, the Unistellar Envision binoculars can identify over a million landmarks on Earth and in space. | Image: Unistellar Unistellar’s new Envision binoculars bring smart functionality similar to Swarovski’s Optik AX Visio binoculars announced earlier this year. But instead of recognizing birds and animals, the Envision will use AR to identify and label over a million unique landmarks including mountains and trails and more than 200,000 objects in the night sky. The French company launched a decade ago with smart telescopes that automate the process of finding and photographing objects like stars and planets. It’s now squeezing that technology into a pair of binoculars featuring 50mm lenses from Nikon upgraded with an augmented reality projection system that overlays contextual information about what’s being viewed in real time. It’s innovative, but... Continue reading…

Nothing confirmed recently that it won't launch the Phone 3 flagship this year, dispelling speculation that a new flagship from the British smartphone vendor might hit stores this summer. But the Nothing Phone 2a mid-ranger (pictured above) that launched a few months ago won't be Nothing's only phone of the year. It also won't be the cheapest. Nothing has a secondary line of products called CMF that focuses on more affordable gadgets. Until now, Nothing has only made CMF-branded earphones and smartwatches. But it's about to launch its first Nothing CMF Phone 1, details of which have been leaking online for weeks. The newest leak gives us a seemingly complete set of specs for the CMF Phone 1, along with pricing details. Unsurprisingly, the CMF Phone 1 will offer decent specs for an entry-level Android phone. The price will be even lower than the Phone 2a. The only question is whether you'll be able to buy it, or whether Nothing will only target emerging markets with this particular CMF device. Continue reading... The post Nothing’s new phone will be even cheaper than the Phone 2a appeared first on BGR. Today's Top Deals Today’s deals: $53 HP Chromebook, $850 M3 MacBook Air, 20% off LG C4 OLED TV, $28 Echo Dot, more Today’s deals: $399 M1 iPad Air, $30 Levoit humidifier, half off Beats Studio Pro, $139 Dewalt drill set, more Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Today’s deals: $3 smart plugs, $299 Apple Watch S9, $38 bug zapper, $700 off Samsung G9 monitor, more

Tales of warriors and elite guards often evoke images of honor, loyalty, and legendary feats. Among these, the Varangian Guard stands out as a formidable force, renowned for their loyalty, discipline, and fierce combat prowess. Originating from the distant lands of Scandinavia, these warriors left an indelible mark on the Byzantine Empire, serving as its elite protectors for centuries. To understand the Varangian Guard, it is vital to explore their origins, composition, duties, and the pivotal role they played in the Byzantine Empire.Terry Bailey explains. Here, is a picture of the Varangian Guard per thethe 11th century chronicle of John Skylitzes. Here, the body of Leo V is being dragged to the Hippodrome through the Skyla Gate. Origins and FormationByzantine Emperor Basil II suffered a major defeat against the Bulgarians in 986, at Trajan's Gate, a strategic mountain pass in Bulgaria. The rebels Bardas Sclerus and Bardas Phocas renewed their attempts to supplant Basil and seize the Byzantine throne for themselves. Surrounded by enemies both within and without the empire, Basil desperately needed help and turned to Prince Vladimir of Kiev. Vladimir sent 6,000 Varangian mercenaries to aid Basil.Thus the Varangian Guard's story began in the turbulent times of the Byzantine Empire. Grappling with external threats and internal strife, foreign mercenaries were vital to the continuation of the empire. It was during this time that the Byzantine Emperor harnessed the potential of the Scandinavian warriors. The term "Varangian" originally referred to Scandinavian and Viking adventurers who ventured far from their homelands in search of riches and glory. These Norsemen hailed from regions encompassing modern-day Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and their reputation as fearsome warriors preceded them across Europe. The Byzantine Emperor saw an opportunity in their martial skills and offered them employment as his bodyguards. Composition and RecruitmentThe Varangian Guard was comprised primarily of Norsemen, Swedes, Danes, and later, Anglo-Saxons, forming a diverse force bound by a common purpose. Recruitment into the Varangian Guard offered these warriors lucrative incentives, including generous pay, plunder, and land grants. Additionally, the promise of adventure and the allure of serving a powerful emperor in a distant land appealed to the Viking spirit of exploration and conquest.To join the Varangian Guard, candidates underwent rigorous selection criteria, including physical prowess, combat skills, and loyalty. Those deemed worthy were sworn into service, pledging allegiance to the Byzantine Emperor and vowing to defend the empire with their lives. Once inducted, Varangian warriors adopted a distinct attire, often adorned with symbols of their Scandinavian heritage, such as runes and Viking motifs. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe primary duty of the Varangian Guard was to protect the Byzantine Emperor and the imperial family. Stationed in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, these elite warriors formed an impenetrable shield around the emperor, deterring would-be assassins and safeguarding the throne from internal and external threats. Their presence instilled fear in the hearts of adversaries, earning them a reputation as the emperor's loyal guardians.Beyond their role as bodyguards, the Varangian Guard played a crucial role in Byzantine military campaigns. Renowned for their ferocity and combat prowess, they served as shock troops in battle, leading the charge against enemy forces with unmatched bravery and determination. Their proficiency in wielding axes, swords, and shields made them formidable adversaries on the battlefield, striking fear into the hearts of their foes.One notable campaign where the guard was vital to Byzantine victory under the emperor John II Komnenos was at the Battle of Beroia in 1122. The Varangians hacked their way through the enemy's circle of Pecheneg wagons, collapsing the Pecheneg position and causing a general rout in their camp.In addition to their martial duties, members of the Varangian Guard served as elite palace guards, maintaining order within the imperial court and ensuring the security of key strategic locations. Their presence symbolized the emperor's authority and power, serving as a visible reminder of the empire's military might and prestige. Prominence and InfluenceThroughout its existence, the Varangian Guard played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the Byzantine Empire. The presence of these elite warriors bolstered the emperor's authority and deterred rebellions and coups, ensuring the stability and continuity of the imperial regime.Their loyalty to the emperor was unwavering, earning them the trust and admiration of successive rulers who relied on their protection and counsel. Moreover, the Varangian Guard's influence extended beyond the confines of the imperial palace.As foreign mercenaries serving in a distant land, they brought with them elements of their Scandinavian culture and traditions, enriching the culture of Byzantine society. Their presence in Constantinople contributed to the exchange of ideas, technologies, and customs between the Byzantine Empire and the northern realms of Europe, fostering cross-cultural interactions and mutual understanding. Decline and LegacyDespite their illustrious history, the fortunes of the Varangian Guard began to wane in the latter years of the Byzantine Empire. The decline of the empire, coupled with internal power struggles and external threats, weakened the once-mighty Varangian Guard. As the Byzantine Empire faced mounting challenges from Seljuk Turks, Crusaders, and other adversaries, the Varangian Guard found themselves overstretched and outnumbered.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of an era for the Varangian Guard. With the demise of the Byzantine Empire, the once-vaunted Varangian Guard was disbanded, However, their legacy was immortalized in tales of velour and heroism. Despite their eventual disbandment, the Varangian Guard's impact on Byzantine history and culture remains undeniable evidence of the enduring spirit of the Norse warriors who ventured far from their homelands to carve out a place in history.Needless to say, the Varangian Guard stands as an enduring legacy of the Norse warriors who served as the elite protectors of the Byzantine Empire. Originating from distant lands, these fierce warriors left an indelible mark on Byzantine history, shaping the destiny of an empire and earning a place of honor in military history. Their loyalty, discipline, and unmatched combat prowess continue to inspire awe and admiration, providing a powerful reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Find that piece of interest? If so, join us for free by clicking here. Note of interestA renowned figure of the Varangian Guard was Harald Sigurdson (Hardrada), who is well known for his invasion of Northern England in 1066, where he was engaged by Harold Godwinson ruler of England at the Battle at Stamford Bridge.However, Harald Sigurdson (Hardrada), was struck in the throat by an arrow and killed early in the battle in a state of berserkergang, (berserker rage), wearing no body armor and fighting aggressively with both hands around his sword.However, Harold Godwinson's victory over Harold Sigurdson, (Hardrada), was short-lived, as only a few weeks later he was defeated by William the Conqueror and killed at the Battle of Hastings when he was struck in the eye by an arrow.The fact that Harold Godwinson had to make a forced march to fight Hardrada at Stamford Bridge and then move at utmost speed south to meet the Norman invasion, all in less than three weeks, is widely seen as a primary factor in William's victory at Hastings over Godwinson's army.

An ancient burial field in Norway that features more than 40 circular stone grave markers has been found to contain the remains of mostly children, all of whom died more than 2,000 years ago, Norway’s Museum of Cultural History reports. The partially burnt bones of the children, who ranged in age from infancy to six years old at the time of death, were buried directly beneath the curious stone circles, in finely-crafted ceramic pots that long ago shattered into pieces. Dating of the skeletal remains revealed the children had almost all been buried between 800 and 400 BC, or during Norway’s Bronze Age and Iron Age. “The dating shows that the burial site was used over a long period, so they couldn’t all have died in the same natural disaster or outbreak of disease or epidemic,” site excavation leader Guro Fossum, an archaeologist affiliated with the Museum of Cultural History, told the Norwegian news service NTB. Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyHistoryAncient TraditionsRead Later 

Time magazine has signed a multi-year content deal with OpenAI that would give the ChatGPT maker access to its archive of news content, the companies said Thursday.

Legislation to slash funding for the Department of Justice and U.S. attorneys' offices has been passed by House Republicans opposed to what they consider a weaponization of those agencies against former President Donald Trump and conservatives.