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EyeEm, the Berlin-based photo-sharing platform, will reportedly make available its users’ photos for training of artificial intelligence (AI) models. This move comes after the company’s acquisition by Spanish firm Freepik. EyeEm, once considered a potential rival to Instagram, has seen a significant decline in recent years. Despite this, the platform still boasts a library of 160 million images and nearly 150,000 users. The company’s new strategy involves adding a clause to its Terms & Conditions, granting it the rights to use user content for AI training. Users were given a 30-day window to opt out by removing their content from the platform. If they chose not to, they were effectively consenting to this new use case for their work. This move has sparked a debate about the ethics of using user-generated content in this manner. The CEO of Freepik, Joaquin Cuenca Abela, had previously hinted at plans to incorporate more AI into the platform. It now appears that this involves using user content to train AI models. What are your thoughts on EyeEm’s new strategy? Do you believe it’s a fair trade-off for users, or does it cross a line? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/26/photo-sharing-community-eyeem-will-license-users-photos-to-train-ai-if-they-dont-delete-them/ https://thezerobyte.com/13989/eyeem-to-license-user-photos-for-ai-training-unless-deleted/ https://photoarchivenews.com/news/eyeem-decides-to-license-images-for-ai-training/ Image: Mykhailo Polenok | Dreamstime.com
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Apple has reportedly eradicated a number of AI image generation apps, which is capable of generating fake nudes, from its App Store. The misuse of generative AI technology for creating deepfakes and nonconsensual pornography has been a growing issue. Despite the potential harm, Apple had previously been relatively passive in addressing this problem. The alarm was raised by 404 Media, who informed Apple of these apps’ existence. Marketed as capable of creating nonconsensual nude images, these apps were a ticking time bomb. Following the alert, Apple took action and removed three of these apps from the App Store. Despite the positive step, questions remain. Apple’s App Store Review process failed to identify these apps initially. It was only after third-party alerts that Apple took action. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Apple’s review process and its ability to prevent such apps from appearing on the App Store in the first place. While Apple’s decision to remove these apps is a step in the right direction, it also highlights the challenges tech companies face in policing their platforms. As AI technology continues to evolve, how can we ensure it is used responsibly? We invite you to share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.404media.co/apple-removes-nonconsensual-ai-nude-apps-following-404-media-investigation/ https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/04/26/apple-finally-pulls-generative-ai-nude-apps-from-the-app-store https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/26/apple-pulls-multiple-ai-nude-image-apps-from-app-store/ Image: Bigtunaonline | Dreamstime.com
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Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer, is now subject to the European Union’s most rigorous digital regulations. This move comes as the EU’s Executive Commission formally classifies Shein as a “very large online platform” under the bloc’s Digital Services Act. This designation is a consequence of Shein’s meteoric rise in the West, where it has captivated younger women with its low-cost apparel and household items. The Chinese-founded company, now based in Singapore, primarily reaches its customers through its app. With more than 45 million European users, Shein is now obligated to adhere to the most stringent requirements by August. These include taking specific measures to protect online users and assessing and mitigating any “systemic risks” from their services, such as limiting the sale of illegal or counterfeit products. Shein’s obligations also extend to adjusting its user interfaces and recommendation algorithms to ensure consumer safety and well-being. Furthermore, the company is required to file annual risk assessment reports evaluating potential harm to consumers, especially children. This development places Shein alongside 22 tech giants, including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Amazon, and Google Search, which have been subject to the toughest tier of supervision since the Digital Services Act took effect last year. Violations of these regulations could result in fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual worldwide revenue. How will these stringent regulations reshape the landscape of online fast-fashion retailing? Will other online retailers follow suit? We invite you to share your thoughts on this topic. Read more: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_2326 https://www.newsday.com/business/Shein-European-Union-digital-services-act-fasion-online-j57961 https://www.politico.eu/article/chinese-fast-fashion-app-shein-will-face-tougher-eu-tech-rules/ https://apnews.com/article/shein-european-union-digital-services-act-fasion-online-56e51fec66278107e99f3e063a2987a4 https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/26/shein-dsa-vlop/ Image: Timon Schneider | Dreamstime.com
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Sprite has introduced a novel beverage, Sprite Chill, that promises to redefine the consumer experience. This innovative drink not only offers a unique cherry-lime twist to Sprite’s signature lemon-lime flavor, but it also features a proprietary blend of cooling agents that intensify the sensation of coldness as one continues to drink. Sprite Chill, available in both full sugar and zero sugar varieties, is designed to deliver waves of refreshment. Unlike traditional carbonated beverages that lose their freshness when exposed to air, Sprite Chill maintains its cooling effect from the first sip to the last. This sensation is akin to the whole-mouth cooling effect experienced when chewing a piece of cooling gum. The development and testing of Sprite Chill involved several rounds by Coca-Cola’s R&D team. The team aimed to elevate the crisp, refreshing taste Sprite fans expect with a first-of-its-kind cooling sensation. This marks a departure from the usual mint flavor used to deliver cooling sensations. Sprite Chill is rolling out to stores now, offering fans a limited-time opportunity to try and share this unique beverage experience. Will Sprite Chill set a new standard for carbonated beverages? How will this innovation influence the beverage industry? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below. Read more: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/introducing-sprite-chill-the-coldest-est-in-the-game https://www.tomsguide.com/tech/i-tried-the-new-sprite-chill-that-tastes-colder-as-you-drink-it-and-its-surprisingly-awesome https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2024/04/23/sprite-chill-launches-lto-with-unique-cooling-sensation
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Last year, Ohio-based company Throwflame unveiled the Thermonator, a flamethrower-equipped robot dog. This innovative product, touted as the first of its kind, is now available for purchase at a price of $9,420. The Thermonator is a quadruped robot that comes with an ARC flamethrower mounted on its back. This flamethrower, which can be fueled by gasoline or napalm, is capable of shooting flames up to 30 feet. The robot dog is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to be remotely controlled through a smartphone. It also features a LIDAR sensor for mapping and obstacle avoidance, laser sighting, and first-person view (FPV) navigation through an onboard camera. Interestingly, the Thermonator appears to integrate a version of the Unitree Go2 robot quadruped, a consumer-level bionic companion. The ARC flamethrower, a product of Throwflame, is attached to the back of the Thermonator. This flamethrower can be purchased separately for up to $899. Throwflame envisions a variety of applications for the Thermonator, including wildfire control and prevention, agricultural management, ecological conservation, snow and ice removal, and even entertainment and special effects. However, it’s worth noting that flamethrowers can also double as weapons or potentially start wildfires. In the US, flamethrowers are legally unregulated in 48 states and are not considered firearms by federal agencies. This development comes after Elon Musk made headlines in 2018 for offering an official Boring Company flamethrower that reportedly sold 10,000 units in 48 hours. The Thermonator, with its unique combination of robotics and flamethrowing capabilities, seems set to ignite a similar buzz in the market. How will the availability of such devices shape our future? Will they prove to be useful tools or pose new challenges? We invite you to share your thoughts on this fiery topic. Read more: https://throwflame.com/products/thermonator-robodog/ https://www.indy100.com/science-tech/robot-dog-flamethrower-throwflame-thermonator https://www.tweaktown.com/news/92054/you-can-soon-buy-robot-dog-that-wields-flamethrower-shoot-streams-of-fire-30-feet/index.html Image: Throwflame
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Apple, the tech titan, has stirred up excitement in the digital world. The company recently dispatched digital invitations for a product unveiling event, intriguingly titled "Let Loose". This much-anticipated event is scheduled to be live-streamed at 10 a.m EDT on May 7. The last time Apple hosted a similar event was in March 2022. This year, the event has sparked widespread speculation, with many expecting the launch of new iPads. The iPad line-up did not see any new models in 2023, adding fuel to these predictions. These launch events by Apple are not just product announcements; they are global phenomena. Millions of tech enthusiasts and Apple fans tune in to watch these events live, making them a critical marketing channel for the company. As we count down to the event, one can’t help but imagine the potential innovations Apple might introduce. Will there be significant upgrades to the high-end iPad Pro? Or perhaps a larger iPad Air? And what about the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard? Only time will tell. What are your expectations for the ‘Let Loose’ event? Share your predictions and join the conversation! Read more: https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=48bfiihn https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/apple-sends-invites-to-may-7-launch-event-new-ipads-expected/3518067/ https://www.thestreet.com/technology/apple-just-announced-may-7th-let-loose-event-new-ipads https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/23/apple-announces-special-event-for-may-7-let-loose/ Image: Apple
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Coca-Cola and Microsoft have announced a five-year strategic partnership, worth a staggering $1.1 billion, set to revolutionize the former’s core technology strategy. The collaboration will leverage Microsoft’s cloud and generative AI capabilities, marking a significant step in Coca-Cola’s ongoing digital transformation. The beverage giant has chosen Microsoft Cloud as its preferred platform for cloud and AI. This decision is expected to catalyze the development of innovative generative AI use cases across various business functions. The partnership will also explore the potential of Azure OpenAI Service. This technology could significantly enhance workplace productivity, particularly with the help of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Coca-Cola has already migrated all its applications to Microsoft Azure, demonstrating its readiness to embrace this new era of AI. This strategic alliance builds on a relationship that began in 2020 with an initial investment of $250 million. The expanded partnership reflects Coca-Cola’s commitment to digital transformation. The collaboration will provide Coca-Cola with increased access to Microsoft’s cloud and Gen AI platforms, including Power BI, Dynamics 365, Defender, Fabric, and Microsoft 365. Coca-Cola is currently exploring the use of generative AI-powered digital assistants on Azure OpenAI Service. These digital assistants could help employees improve customer experiences, streamline operations, foster innovation, gain a competitive advantage, boost efficiency, and uncover new growth opportunities. What are your thoughts on this partnership? How do you think the use of AI will transform Coca-Cola’s operations and customer experiences? Read more: https://news.microsoft.com/2024/04/23/the-coca-cola-company-and-microsoft-announce-five-year-strategic-partnership-to-accelerate-cloud-and-generative-ai-initiatives/ https://consumergoods.com/coca-cola-sparks-ai-transformation-11b-microsoft-cloud-expansion https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202404237008/microsoft-coca-cola-in-strategic-partnership-focusing-on-ai-cloud-services
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TED Talks has recently partnered with OpenAI to create a captivating video. This collaboration utilized Sora, OpenAI’s unreleased text-to-video model, to envision what TED Talks might look like in 40 years. The video, done in a first-person view (FPV) drone-style journey, takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride through innovative research labs, bustling factories, and engaging lecture halls. There was even a cameo of a spacesuit-donning Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire who recently had a public fallout with OpenAI and its co-founder Sam Altman. Despite the impressive visuals, the video also highlights the limitations of Sora. The people in the shots are on-screen for only a couple of seconds, and there’s plenty of uncanny valley nightmare fuel in the background. Yet, the exhilarating experience leaves the audience eager for more. The creation of this video involved LA-based director Paul Trillo. To achieve the final 1:33 clip, he had to create over 330 clips from text prompts and then edit them down. The final video was made up of a total of 25 clips, all generated by Sora. This collaboration between TED Talks and OpenAI offers a tantalizing glimpse into the possibilities of AI-assisted content creation. How will AI tools like Sora shape the future of public speaking and presentations? Read more: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openais-new-sora-video-is-an-fpv-drone-ride-through-the-strangest-ted-talk-youve-ever-seen-and-i-need-to-lie-down https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/ai-image-video/openai-just-dropped-a-new-sora-video-to-promote-ted-talks-and-the-video-is-explosive Image: TED Talks / X
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In the heart of Rutland, England’s smallest county, a grand tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled. This seven-foot bronze statue, a first of its kind, was revealed on what would have been her 98th birthday. The monument, crafted by the talented sculptor Hywel Pratley, presents a majestic vision of the Queen in her state robes. The statue uniquely captures the Queen’s fondness for her corgis, with one at her feet and two more on the plinth. This detail pays homage to the monarch’s lifelong love for these spirited dogs. The Queen’s first corgi, Susan, who was an 18th birthday present, is often described as the matriarch of many of her other pets. The unveiling ceremony was a grand affair, attended by a 400-strong crowd, including several members of the Welsh Corgi League. The sculptor, Pratley, designed the plinth to be interactive, encouraging visitors to sit on it and pat the dogs. This feature is expected to be a hit with the Instagram generation. The statue was commissioned by Dr. Sarah Furness, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland. An engraving on the monument reads, “Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 - 2022. Erected as a tribute to her late Majesty through public subscription by Rutland people”. This statue is believed to be the first commissioned specifically as a memorial to her after her death. This monumental tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, complete with her beloved corgis, is a testament to her enduring legacy. It serves as a reminder of her 70 years of exemplary service and her deep affection for her corgis. Do you think this statue capture the essence of Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy? Share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a60569992/queen-elizabeth-ii-corgis-statue-photos/ https://news.artnet.com/art-world/a-new-seven-foot-tall-sculpture-of-a-young-queen-elizabeth-ii-with-her-corgis-becomes-the-first-monument-to-the-late-monarch-in-england-2344764 https://people.com/queen-elizabeth-statue-unveiled-98th-birthday-corgi-gathering-8636820 Image: Rutland County Council
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Tinder, the world’s most utilized dating app, has introduced a new safety feature, 'Share My Date’. This innovative addition allows users to share their date plans with friends and family directly from the app, enhancing both safety and social interaction. The ‘Share My Date’ feature provides users with the ability to send a link that includes essential details about their upcoming date. These details encompass the match’s name, meeting location, date, and time. The feature also offers an option to include a personalized note. This development comes in response to data revealing that over half of singles under 30 share details of their dates beforehand. Tinder’s Global Relationships Insight Expert, Paul Brunson, suggests that sharing date plans should be part of a user’s 'date-ready checklist’. The ‘Share My Date’ feature is expected to roll out across multiple countries in the coming months. This strategic move by Tinder aims to address safety concerns associated with online dating, ranging from scams to stalking and even sexual assault. As we witness this significant shift in the online dating landscape, one can’t help but wonder: Will this new feature set a precedent for other dating apps to follow? How will this change the way we approach online dating safety? Share your thoughts below. Read more: https://www.tinderpressroom.com/2024-04-22-SHORTCUT-YOUR-DATING-ADMIN-THANKS-TO-TINDERS-SHARE-MY-DATE https://news.sky.com/story/tinder-adds-new-share-my-date-safety-feature-to-worlds-most-used-dating-app-13120889 https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/21/tinder-gets-a-share-my-date-feature-for-users-to-send-date-plans-to-their-curious-friends/
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Meta has announced the opening up of its Quest operating system to third-party hardware manufacturers. This strategic decision is set to revolutionize the mixed reality landscape, offering a more open computing platform for the metaverse. Meta’s Horizon OS, the mixed reality operating system that powers their Quest devices, is now accessible to external device makers. This initiative is expected to foster a new ecosystem of mixed reality devices. By extending the reach of their platform, Meta aims to bring the power of mixed reality to a wider audience. The company’s decision to open up its operating system is a significant step towards their vision of a more open computing platform for the metaverse. This move is also seen as a strategic maneuver in the escalating battle with Apple for dominance in the next frontier of computing. Meta’s Horizon OS combines core technologies that power today’s mixed reality experiences. The operating system features gesture tracking and high-resolution pass-through4, enabling developers to create immersive mixed reality experiences. Leading technology companies such as Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox are reportedly developing devices on the Meta Horizon OS platform. This collaboration is expected to expand the market to a wider range of users, much like what was witnessed with PCs and smartphones. How will this move shape the future of the metaverse? We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions. Read more: https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/introducing-our-open-mixed-reality-ecosystem/ https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/22/meta-opens-quest-os-to-third-party-headset-makers-taps-lenovo-and-xbox-as-partners/ https://www.zdnet.com/article/meta-opens-its-quest-os-to-third-party-headsets-including-asus-and-lenovo/ https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-opens-up-its-vr-operating-system-to-third-party-hardware-makers/713924/
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Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is blasting up in laughter as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return in the new trailer of 'Deadpool & Wolverine’. This third installment in the ‘Deadpool’ series marks the first time these iconic characters are seen together in the MCU. Throughout the trailer, audiences witness a hilarious tug-of-war between Deadpool, portrayed by Reynolds, and Wolverine, brought to life by Jackman. Deadpool is seen persistently trying to persuade Wolverine to return to his superhero roots, while Wolverine resists. The trailer is a delightful mix of humor and action, with less emphasis on the storyline and more on the comedic interactions between the two characters. Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine continues to captivate audiences, while Reynolds’ Deadpool adds a layer of humor that keeps fans wanting more. The anticipation for this film has been building since the release of the first trailer during the Super Bowl, which broke records with an astounding 365 million views within 24 hours. This film also marks the return of Jackman’s Wolverine, who was last seen in the 2017 film 'Logan’. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, is set to hit theaters on July 26. It promises to be a thrilling ride, filled with raucous laughter and edge-of-your-seat action. How will the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine evolve in this film? Will Deadpool succeed in his mission to bring Wolverine back to his superhero roots? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Read more: https://nerdtropolis.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-movie-trailer/ https://variety.com/2024/film/news/deadpool-3-trailer-wolverine-1235942344/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/deadpool-and-wolverine-trailer-ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-1235878566/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13336637/Deadpool-Wolverine-official-trailer-Ryan-Reynolds-tries-help-Hugh-Jackman-return-former-glory.html Image: Marvel
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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has reportedly made the decision to dismiss the entire marketing team. This move comes less than a year after Musk had given the green light for a traditional advertising push. The team, known as the “growth content” team, was led by Alex Ingram and consisted of about 40 employees. The dismissal of the team is part of a larger wave of layoffs at Tesla. These layoffs have affected more than 10% of the global workforce of around 140,000 staffers. The suddenness of the layoffs left many employees blindsided, with some only discovering their dismissal when their keycards no longer granted them access to the office. Musk’s decision to cut the marketing team signifies a reversal in Tesla’s advertising strategy. The company had long relied on word-of-mouth and non-traditional methods to build its brand. However, last year, Musk announced that Tesla would "try a little advertising and see how it goes". Despite this, Musk has now criticized the ads as being "far too generic". This criticism comes despite Tesla having spent significant amounts on advertising, including $200,000 on ads on Twitter. This development raises questions about the future direction of Tesla’s marketing strategy. Will the company return to its roots and rely solely on word-of-mouth and non-traditional methods? Or will a new marketing team be formed to take a different approach to advertising? Share your views in the comments below. Read more: https://electrek.co/2024/04/22/tesla-fired-its-entire-new-ad-team-in-recent-layoffs/ https://fortune.com/2024/04/22/tesla-layoffs-marketing-team-elon-musk-advertising-ev-sales-slowdown/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-22/tesla-cuts-marketing-team-in-reversal-of-musk-s-nascent-ad-push Image: Frédéric Legrand | Dreamstime.com
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Express Inc., the parent company of popular brands such as UpWest and Bonobos, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move by the Columbus, Ohio-based fashion retailer is set to send ripples through the apparel industry. The company, which has been a staple in the fashion world since its inception, announced plans to shutter 107 of its 602 stores. This decision comes as part of a larger strategy to sell off the majority of its retail locations. The closures will affect both Express retail stores and all of its UpWest locations. Express Inc.'s portfolio, which includes brands such as Express, Bonobos, and UpWest, listed assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion. The company has received a commitment for $35 million in new financing from some of its existing lenders. This financial restructuring is expected to help the company navigate through these challenging times. The company’s decision to file for bankruptcy protection is seen as a strategic move to facilitate a formal sale process. Express Inc. has received a non-binding letter of intent from a consortium led by WHP Global for the sale of a substantial majority of its retail stores and operations. How will this bankruptcy filing impact the future of the retail industry, and what does it mean for other fashion retailers? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this unfolding situation. Read more: https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/express-files-for-us-bankruptcy-protection-to-close-over-100-stores/ https://www.courant.com/2024/04/22/express-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection-announces-store-closures-possible-sale/ https://rebusinessonline.com/fashion-retailer-express-files-for-bankruptcy-plans-to-close-107-stores-and-sell-to-investment-group/ Image: Timon Schneider | Dreamstime.com
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On April 21, the globe celebrates an extraordinary occasion, World Creativity and Innovation Day. This annual event, recognized by the United Nations, emphasizes the crucial role of creativity and innovation in human development. The day was first observed by citizens and organizations in over 50 countries in 2002. The United Nations formally established the day to promote the importance of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development, both at the individual and group levels. This year, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) held an event in Hanoi on Friday April 19 to respond to the World Creativity and Innovation Day. The event aimed to enhance public awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in socio-economic development. Creativity and innovation are not just about artistic expression. They are also about problem-solving in the context of economic, social, and sustainable development. Creativity is the ability to conceive new ideas or new spins on old ideas. Innovation, on the other hand, is actionable. It involves implementing ideas to produce something useful. The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has commended filmmakers for their commitment, doggedness, ingenuity, and sacrifices towards the development and growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. This highlights the transformative power of the creative industries in terms of income generation, job creation, and export earnings. As we celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day, let’s remember that human creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, have become the true wealth of nations in the twenty-first century. How will you harness your creativity and innovation to make a difference in your community? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the power of creativity together! Read more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/creativity-and-innovation-day https://wciw.org https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/world-creativity-and-innovation-day-april-21 https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/GMA3/video/celebrating-world-creativity-innovation-day-sharpie-mindy-kaling-109391213 Image: World Creativity and Innovation
