J.K. Rowling Warns Progressives About Doubling Down on Calling Opponents Nazis

Kamala Harris Says the Outcome of the Election 'Is Not What We Voted For'

Bulwark Crew Wishes Biden Would’ve Been More Authoritarian to Prevent Authoritarianism

Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge Microsoft is testing a big Windows on Arm update to let more x64 software and games run under Prism emulation on Copilot Plus PC with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors. The capability comes as part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27744, rolling out to testers in the Canary Channel. This way, Qualcomm’s new chips can run more kinds of apps that don’t have native ARM64 versions and, until now, weren’t usable with emulation. It could even enable games that use AVX2, like Starfield and Helldivers 2, to work on Windows on Arm. With this update, Microsoft’s emulator will open up support for 64-bit x86 software to use processor extensions like AVX, AVX2, BMI, FMA, and F16C. However, it says 32-bit software still won’t... Continue reading…

Striking New York Times tech workers have created a “Guild Builds” page dedicated to strike-themed games you can play, including a spin on Wordle, a word search, and the custom Connections I reported on earlier today. As part of its strike announcement on Monday, the New York Times Tech Guild requested that people don’t cross the digital picket line to play the NYT’s daily puzzle games. This collection of five other games offers an alternative if you want to support the striking workers but also do some brain teasers. There are currently five games on the page: Strikle, the twist on Wordle Connections: Strike Edition, which is a puzzle made in a Connections creator Word Search Match Strike, a memory game Frogger 8th Avenue They... Continue reading…

Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge The Federal Trade Commission has charged Sitejabber, an online review platform, with violating its new fake reviews rules by using point-of-sale reviews to misrepresent what customers think about products. In one of its first enforcement actions under new rules banning companies from making or selling fake reviews, the FTC is ordering the company to stop. The FTC says Sitejabber “deceptively” punched up businesses’ review counts by incorporating responses to point-of-sale questionnaires asking customers to rate and review their shopping experience, before they’d actually gotten any products or services. It also alleges that by giving its clients tools to publish that feedback on their own sites, Sitejabber enabled them to mislead people... Continue reading…

The world is still settling into 5G, but that hasn’t stopped researchers from setting their sights on the next iteration, 6G wireless tech. When it hits, 6G may be up to 9,000 times faster than 5G—fast enough for us to communicate via hologram. However, to power that speed, researchers are looking at an unconventional power source: the human body. This development comes as researchers strive to find a way to incorporate Visible Light Communication (VLC) into 6G telecommunications. But there’s one problem: VLC is extremely wasteful. In fact, the amount of energy that VLC wastes makes many reluctant to rely on it. That could change, though, with the development of Bracelet+, a small but mighty antenna that could collect the leaked RF VLC puts off. But first, they had to find a good way to maximize the collection of that energy so that it could be repurposed into 6G wireless tech. After trying a wall, a phone, and even other devices like a tablet or laptop, the researchers decided to attach the Bracelet+ to the human body and see what happened. Surprisingly, they found that the human body is the most efficient medium for amplifying the wire’s ability to collect leaked RF energy. In fact, it was able to amplify it up to ten times more than the coil did so alone. The final design—which became Bracelet+—is designed to be worn on the upper forearm. It’s a simple coil of copper wire that can also be adapted to be a ring, belt, anklet, or necklace. Additionally, the researchers note in their paper, which actually won the prestigious Best Paper Award from the Association for Computing Machinery’s Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems, that the design is extremely cheap. With such an easily scaleable design, the future of 6G wireless tech could be closer than ever, at least in terms of figuring out how to harvest all that leaked energy. Don't Miss: Scientists can tweak one gene to extend lifespans by up to 30% The post Next-gen 6G wireless tech might use human bodies for energy appeared first on BGR. Today's Top Deals Today’s deals: $699 M2 MacBook Air, $30 Philips OneBlade 360, $199 Bose TV soundbar, $399 Dyson V11, more Best Apple deals for November 2024 Today’s deals: $150 off eufy Robot Vacuum Omni C20, $30 Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $99 Beats headphones, more Today’s deals: $56 for 2024’s easiest Halloween costume, $699 M2 MacBook Air, 20% off Dyson, more

Sir Barnes Neville Wallis, CBE, FRS, RDI, FRAeS, born on Septembe, 26, 1887 in Ripley, Derbyshire, is often remembered for his role in the development of the famous "bouncing bomb" during the Second World War. However, his contributions to science, engineering, and aeronautics extend far beyond this iconic invention. A visionary in the truest sense, Wallis's legacy includes groundbreaking work in airship design, aircraft development, and advanced weaponry, in addition to, shaping the course of 20th-century technology.Terry Bailey explains. Barnes Neville Wallis.Early life and educationWallis's early life provided the foundation for his eventual career in engineering. His father, Charles Wallis, was a doctor, but young Barnes developed an early fascination with mechanical objects, much to his father's frustration. After attending Christ's Hospital school in Sussex, where he displayed a knack for mathematics and science, Wallis pursued an apprenticeship at Thames Engineering Works. However, he subsequently changed his apprenticeship to J. Samuel White's, the shipbuilder based at Cowes on the Isle of Wight originally training as a marine engineer, he took a degree in engineering via the University of London external program. Contributions to Airship designWallis's early career saw him make significant contributions to the development of airships. In 1913, he joined Vickers, a company heavily involved in aeronautics, where he began working on lighter-than-air vehicles. He played a pivotal role in the design of the R100, a large British airship intended for long-range passenger travel.The R100 project was part of a competition with the government-sponsored R101, which ultimately ended in disaster with the crash of R101, a craft of a different design to the R100. While the R101's failure effectively ended the British airship program, the R100 itself was a technical success, in large part due to Wallis's innovative structural design, which utilized a geodesic framework. This design became a hallmark of Wallis's work.The geodesic framework was notable for its strength and lightweight properties. This design not only enhanced the airship's durability but also reduced its overall weight, making it more fuel-efficient. The R100's successful transatlantic flight to Canada in 1930 was a testament to the efficacy of Wallis's design, even though the airship program was ultimately scrapped after the R101 disaster. Transition to aircraft designAfter the decline of airship development, Wallis turned his attention to aircraft design. His expertise in geodesic structures led him to work on the Vickers Wellington bomber, which was used extensively by the Royal Air Force, (RAF) during the Second World War. The Wellington's geodesic structure made it incredibly resilient to damage. Unlike conventional aircraft, the Wellington could sustain considerable battle damage yet continue flying due to its ability to retain structural integrity even after losing large sections of the skin or framework.This durability made it a valuable asset during the war, particularly during the early bombing campaigns. Wallis's work on the Wellington showcased his ability to apply innovative design principles to aircraft, extending the operational capabilities and survivability of warplanes. The Wellington aircraft became one of the most produced British bombers of the war, with more than 11,000 units built, attesting to the practical success of Wallis's engineering philosophy. The Bouncing Bomb and the Dam Busters RaidWallis is perhaps most famous and remembered for his invention of the bouncing bomb, which was used in the Dam Busters Raid (Operation Chastise) in 1943. This operation targeted key dams in Germany's industrial Ruhr region, aiming to disrupt water supplies and manufacturing processes critical to the Nazi war effort. The bouncing bomb, officially known as "Upkeep," was an ingenious device that skimmed across the surface of the water before striking the dam and sinking to the optimal depth, then detonated when a hydrostatic pistol fired. In addition to, upkeep two smaller versions were also developed, High-ball and Base-ball.The design of the bomb required not only advanced physics and mathematics but also extensive practical testing. Wallis conducted numerous experiments with scaled-down prototypes to perfect the bomb's trajectory and spin, ensuring it could bypass underwater defenses and inflict maximum damage, before conducting half and full-scale tests of the bomb. The Dam Busters Raid, though not as strategically decisive as hoped, was a major tactical and propaganda victory that demonstrated the effectiveness of precision engineering in warfare. It also solidified Wallis's reputation as one of Britain's foremost wartime inventors, and designers. Beyond the Bouncing Bomb: The Tallboy and Grand SlamWhile the bouncing bomb is Wallis's most well-known design, his development of the "Tallboy" and "Grand Slam" bombs was arguably more impactful. These were so-called "earthquake bombs," designed to penetrate deeply into the ground or fortifications before exploding, causing immense structural damage. The Tallboy, weighing 12,000 pounds, was used effectively against hardened targets such as U-boat pens, railway bridges, and even the German battleship Tirpitz, which was sunk by RAF bombers in 1944.The Grand Slam, a 22,000-pound bomb, was the largest non-nuclear bomb deployed during the war. Its sheer destructive power was unparalleled, and it played a crucial role in the final stages of the conflict, helping to obliterate reinforced German bunkers and infrastructure. Wallis's work on these bombs demonstrated his understanding of the evolving nature of warfare, where the destruction of heavily fortified targets became a priority. Post-War Contributions: Advancements in supersonic flightAfter the war, Wallis continued to push the boundaries of engineering, particularly in the field of supersonic flight. He began working on designs for supersonic aircraft, foreseeing the need for faster travel in both military and civilian aviation. His proposed aircraft designs included the "Swallow" which was a supersonic development of Wild Goose, designed in the mid-1950s and was a tailless aircraft controlled entirely by wing movement with no separate control surfaces.The design intended to use laminar flow and could have been developed for either military or civil applications, both Wild Goose and Swallow were flight-tested as large (30 ft span) flying scale models. However, despite promising wind tunnel and model work, these designs were not adopted. Government funding for Wild Goose and Swallow was cancelled due to defense cuts.Although Wallis's supersonic aircraft designs were never fully realized during his lifetime, they laid the groundwork for later advancements in high-speed flight. The variable-sweep wing technology he envisioned was later incorporated into aircraft such as the F-111 Aardvark and concepts of supersonic flight in the iconic Concorde, the world's first supersonic passenger airliner. Wallis's vision of supersonic travel outlined his enduring ability to anticipate technological trends. Marine engineering and submersible craftWallis's inventive spirit was not confined to aeronautics. In the post-war years, he became involved in marine engineering, focusing on the development of submersible craft and weaponry. One of his notable projects was the development of an experimental rocket-propelled torpedo codenamed HEYDAY. It was powered by compressed air and hydrogen peroxide that had an unusual streamlined shape designed to maintain laminar flow over much of its length.Additionally, Wallis also explored the development of deep-sea submersibles. His work on underwater craft highlighted his interest in new forms of exploration and transportation, aligning with the burgeoning post-war interest in oceanography and underwater research. As part of this exploration of underwater craft, he proposed large cargo and passenger-carrying submarines, that would reduce transportation costs drastically, however, nothing came of these designs which probably would have transformed ocean-going transportation.Due to Wallis's experience in geodesic engineering, he was engaged to consult on the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia. Some of the ideas he suggested are the same as or closely related to the final design, including the idea of supporting the dish at its center, the geodetic structure of the dish and the master equatorial control system. Later life and recognitionThroughout his life, Wallis maintained a strong commitment to education and mentorship. He was an advocate for the advancement of engineering as a discipline and frequently gave lectures to students and professionals alike. Wallis became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1945, was knighted in 1968, and received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1969 in recognition of his outstanding engineering achievements. Additionally, he was awarded the Royal Society's prestigious Rumford Medal in 1971 for his work in aerodynamics.Even in his later years, Wallis remained active in engineering, particularly in exploring the future potential of space travel. His forward-thinking ideas on rocket propulsion and spacecraft design, though largely theoretical at the time, hinted at the emerging field of space exploration, which would become a global endeavor in the following decades.Wallis passed away on October, 30, 1979, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to inspire engineers and inventors worldwide. His impact on both military and civilian technologies is a testament to his brilliance and determination to push the boundaries of what he knew was possible but others often did not. LegacySir Barnes Neville Wallis, CBE, FRS, RDI, FRAeS, was a true polymath whose influence extended across multiple disciplines. While he is best known for his wartime contributions, particularly the bouncing bomb, his legacy goes far beyond a single invention.From the geodesic structures of airships and bombers to supersonic aircraft concepts and deep-sea exploration vehicles, in addition to, his innovative ideas on ocean and space exploration and travel. Wallis's career spanned an astonishing range of technological advancements. His ability to marry theoretical physics with practical engineering solutions made him a giant of 20th-century science and technology.Wallis's story is not just one of wartime ingenuity but of a lifetime spent striving to solve complex problems with creativity and persistence. His contributions continue to resonate today, reminding us that the spirit of innovation is timeless. The site has been offering a wide variety of high-quality, free history content since 2012. If you’d like to say ‘thank you’ and help us with site running costs, please consider donating here.

The "Inferno" map in Counter-Strike has ascended to become a landmark within the franchise, celebrated for its elaborate layout, evocative Mediterranean architecture and historical atmosphere. Above and beyond its position as a backdrop for innumerable matches, Inferno demonstrates an association with real-life historical and architectural inspirations that expand far beyond the digital domain. This map incorporates facets from the past to assemble convincing surroundings, borrowing from the overarching differentiae of ancient cities, traditional European architectural practices and the military importance of urban topographies. 11 of the Most Ancient and Continually Occupied Cities in the World How Mixed Ancestries Shaped European Traits Ancient European Urban Influences  The Inferno map configuration blends aspects of ancient European cities, particularly those embedded in Italy and the Mediterranean. The narrow alleys, cobblestone streets and densely built structures within the map mirror historic towns like Florence, Siena and Naples; these cities—with histories dating back to Roman times or earlier—developed organically over centuries, resulting in intricate street networks and tightly packed buildings. Such urban planning, molded by logistical necessities and defensive priorities, aligns with Inferno's tactical strategic gameplay, a sphere where narrow passageways and complex routes are critical. Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later 

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January, the Biden administration is planning to push through what's left of the remaining $6 billion in Ukraine security assistance by Inauguration Day, Politico reported Wednesday.