Garth Gator
-
Posts
24 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Garth Gator's Achievements
-
Zippo is blazing up to 4/20 with its 20th of April Collection, or what it endearingly also terms the “High Class Collection.” This luxurious selection departs from cliché stoner stereotypes, instead offering lighters made from high-polish brass. Each windproof lighter features a unique design, ranging from playful to abstract to elegant. Zippo emphasizes that these lighters cater to the modern cannabis user who appreciates both form and function. “At Zippo, we understand that cannabis enthusiasts want accessories that reflect their personality and desire to live with confidence,” says Lucas Johnson, associate vice president of global marketing at Zippo Manufacturing Company. “With the 20th of April Collection, we want to embrace the spirit of the holiday but offer a range of lighters that combines practicality with premium quality. These are lighters you would be equally proud to use as to display on your coffee table or bookshelf.” Prices for these limited editions start from $37.95. https://www.lbbonline.com/news/zippo-lights-up-420-with-high-class-collection https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zippo-lights-up-420-with-high-class-collection-302117257.html https://www.zippo.com/pages/20April Images: PR Newswire, Zippo
-
In South Korea, a unique trend of purchasing pet rocks has emerged among overworked young adults as a way to cope with loneliness and burnout. This trend was influenced partly by public figures such as K-pop stars and an actor, who showcased their own pet rocks, igniting interest among the public. The phenomenon gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to its popularity as people sought companionship in these low-maintenance “pets.” Pet rocks offer a form of stress relief and a sense of companionship without the responsibilities associated with traditional pets like dogs or cats. These rocks are often personified by their owners with names and sometimes even decorated. Owners find solace in caring for these rocks, attributing to them a listening ear for their worries and day-to-day experiences. The resurgence of pet rocks in South Korea is also linked to the increasing number of single-person households in the country, reflecting a broader social shift towards solitary living conditions. The appeal lies in the minimal commitment required, providing a sense of comfort and presence that counters feelings of isolation without adding the burden of care associated with living creatures. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/pet-rocks-south-korea-relaxation-c8a595a7 https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/how-young-koreans-find-peace-of-mind-in-pet-stones https://www.businessinsider.com/south-koreans-use-pet-rocks-for-burnout-and-loneliness-2024-3 Image: AI-generated
-
For space enthusiasts, the ability to witness celestial wonders firsthand is a privilege. Today, we have our smartphones to eternalize these moments. But what about way back in the past? The answer lies in a grainy, silent snippet from 1900. This historic film, captured by English inventor John Nevil Maskelyne—who was a magician too, no less—depicts the total solar eclipse of May 28th, 1900. Maskelyne, known more for his stage illusions than astronomy, traveled to North Carolina specifically to witness this astronomical spectacle. Armed with an early film camera, he documented the event, leaving behind what is believed to be the oldest surviving footage of its kind. The brief clip, lasting only seconds, portrays the awe-inspiring phenomenon. As the moon gradually covers the sun, the sky darkens, and the solar corona – the sun’s outermost atmosphere—becomes visible like a delicate halo. The rudimentary technology of the time restricts the detail, but its significance remains. Will you be capturing the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse yourself this April 8? https://boingboing.net/2024/04/03/this-1900-film-of-a-solar-eclipse-may-be-the-oldest-footage-of-an-astronomical-event-ever-video.html https://www.space.com/oldest-known-total-solar-eclipse-video-1900-magician.html https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/first-ever-solar-eclipse-film-brought-back-life Image: Royal Astronomical Society
-
Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update has been shrouded in secrecy, but a recent leak from MacRumors may offer a glimpse into the software's design direction. The tip-off consists of an image purported to be an iOS 18 design resource—a template used by developers to create apps visually consistent with the operating system. The image, obtained by the credible tech publication from an anonymous source claiming to be connected to an iOS engineer, showcases a significant shift in the user interface (UI). While MacRumors acknowledges the possibility of a hoax, the image aligns with prior rumors suggesting iOS 18 will borrow design cues from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s high-end Vision Pro headset. Take a look: The resource depicts the Camera app featuring a new, glassy aesthetic with buttons that mimic the reflective edges seen in visionOS. This newfound depth and translucency mark a departure from the current flat design prevalent in iOS. This leak coincides with a report by Israeli website The Verifier suggesting a similar UI overhaul for both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, with the iPad version potentially featuring a translucent navigation bar in the Apple TV app. https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/09/ios-18-visionos-design-elements-rumor/ https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/this-could-be-our-first-look-at-ios-18-huge-redesign/ Image: Filipbu | Dreamstime.com
-
With X/Twitter numbers down, Elon Musk’s social network is scrambling for more eyeballs and welcoming NSFW (Not Safe for Work) Communities. Sex sells, after all. While rolling out Communities globally, the company has revealed it’s been quietly testing features that allow community administrators to designate their spaces as containing “adult content.” These NSFW communities will be visible only to users who have specified their age within the app. According to X software engineer Dongwook Chung, admins will have the ability to set the “Adult content” label in community settings, preventing automatic content filtering. This move comes as no surprise, given X’s history of pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms. X’s journey toward NSFW communities began long before Musk’s takeover. In 2021, Twitter experimented with the concept of Communities, envisioning a more intimate space for conversations. While the platform never explicitly discussed enabling NSFW features, it allowed adult content—a departure from its social media peers. However, X’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2022, rumors circulated that the company considered creating an OnlyFans competitor through its creator subscription product. Ultimately, this plan was shelved due to concerns about illegal child exploitation content. The question now arises: Has X addressed these concerns under Musk’s leadership? https://www.engadget.com/x-is-working-on-nsfw-communities-for-adult-content-184629839.html https://hypebeast.com/2024/4/x-twitter-elon-musk-create-nsfw-communities-adult-content https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/29/x-confirms-plans-for-nsfw-communities/ https://www.news18.com/tech/elon-musks-x-could-bring-communities-to-talk-about-adult-content-for-users-all-details-8833152.html Image: Olena Churilova | Dreamstime.com
-
Lush and DreamWorks have joined forces to prove that self-care has layers, like onions, with a playful, limited-edition Shrek collection celebrating our “inner swampy selves.” Tapping into the film franchise’s enduring popularity and its standing as a pop-culture phenomenon, Lush—a brand synonymous with natural ingredients and ethical sourcing—is embracing the unconventional message of Shrek: that true beauty lies in individuality and self-acceptance. Clean, airbrushed aesthetics are out, it determines. In their place are seven bath, shower, and body products inspired by the movie’s characters and slimy setting. Think earthy greens, mossy browns, and cheeky nods to the iconic ogre himself. A standout is the Shrek Swamp bath bomb, a riot of green and brown that fizzes with rhassoul mud, oakmoss, and seaweed, leaving skin feeling soft and invigorated. For a touch of sweetness, the Gingerbread Man bubble bar crumbles under running water, releasing a warm, gingery scent. Don’t forget Donkey! The Get Outta My Swamp shower slime is a playful homage to the lovable, chatty character, with a refreshing lime and lemongrass aroma. The collection even incorporates a Shrek Pack, a special edition of Lush’s popular Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask. Interestingly, the original, cult-favorite product is already nicknamed “Shrek Pack” by fans in South Korea thanks to its muddy green hue. “I love how Shrek is a family film I enjoyed when I was in my teens and now my own teenager loves all the meme culture of Shrek today,” expresses Melody Morton, creative concepts director at Lush. “It’s a classic film that celebrates self-love and was an obvious fit for a Lush collaboration. It’s earthy and fun and perfect for some swampy self care.” Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Lush probably doesn’t care. The series is a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades of green. https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/skincare/lush-shrek-collection/873946 https://gizmodo.com/lush-shrek-collab-bath-bombs-shower-slime-dreamworks-1851368002 https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/lush-launches-shrek-themed-collection/ Images: Lush, Claudio Caridi | Dreamstime.com
-
7-Eleven wants to meat seltzer fans halfway with its new drink. That’s not a typo. The convenience store is causing a stir with an offering called the “Big Bite Hot Dog Sparkling Water,” inspired by its famous Big Bite Hot Dogs. This peculiar drink promises to capture the essence of their iconic hot dog in a bubbly form, complete with “ketchup and mustard included.” The launch is part of a collaboration with Miracle Seltzer, known for its art-inspired sparkling water flavors. While the new lineup of Lemon Lime, Green Apple, and Sweet Orange seem like standard choices, the Hot Dog flavor throws a savory (or unsavory) curveball. Says the chain: Blech. The company says it will share more details on when the hot dog water will be available on April 1 (April Fools’ Day). For now, fans can quench their thirst with the collection’s more crowd-pleasing options at select 7-Eleven stores. https://kottke.org/24/03/big-bite-hot-dog-sparkling-water-from-7-eleven/ https://nerdist.com/article/7-eleven-new-hot-dog-flavored-sparkling-water-big-bite-coming-april-1/ https://ktla.com/food/7-eleven-announces-new-hot-dog-flavored-drink-but-some-fans-question-if-the-product-is-real/ https://comicbook.com/irl/news/7-eleven-sparkling-hot-dog-water/ Images: 7-Eleven
-
The excitement is building for the 2024 solar eclipse, a celestial wonder that promises to captivate millions of skywatchers across North America. But amidst the thrill, safety remains paramount. Gazing directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. That’s where special glasses come in, offering a safe way to witness this natural spectacle. However, with the eclipse approaching, the American Astronomical Society has warned about a rise in counterfeit eyewear. Here’s how to be a savvy space spectator and ensure your eclipse glasses are the real deal. Look for the ISO Certification Legitimate eclipse glasses will be labeled with “ISO 12312-2” (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015). This international standard signifies the glasses meet specific requirements for filtering sunlight to safe levels and blocking harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The Indoor Test Never look directly at the sun with your eclipse eyewear on for this test. Instead, wear it indoors and try to see your surroundings. Safe glasses will significantly dim the environment, making it difficult to see details. If you can easily navigate a room or read text, the glasses are likely unsafe. Reflected Light Test If it’s cloudy or you prefer not to test indoors, try looking at sunlight reflected off a mirror or another shiny surface. Through safe eclipse glasses, the reflected light should appear very faint, almost like a dim shadow. If the reflection seems bright or allows you to see details, the glasses are not suitable for solar viewing. Reputable Vendors Source your eclipse glasses from trusted vendors like reputable astronomy stores, science centers, or eclipse websites endorsed by organizations like the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Avoid street vendors or online retailers with a history of selling unsafe products. Remember, your eyesight is precious. Don’t be blinded by bargains that seem too good to be true! https://www.space.com/aas-warns-of-fake-solar-glasses-total-eclipse-2024 https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/how-to-tell-if-your-solar-eclipse-glasses-are-safe-or-fake/ Image: generated on AI
-
LEGO and MUJI, two titans of design and functionality, once crossed paths in an unexpected way with the release of a co-branded hole punch in 2009. A hole-in-one? Not quite. Released in 2009, the Stud Punch was a simple yet revolutionary idea—allowing paper to become a part of the plasticky LEGO universe. Builders could construct, say, a sprawling LEGO city, complete with bustling paper streets, paper toy cars, and towering paper buildings. Although it combined LEGO’s winning building blocks with MUJI’s minimalist aesthetic, the Stud Punch wasn’t without its flaws. This tool was specifically designed to create 5.1 mm holes, the perfect size for a LEGO stud to fit through. This precision, however, was both its biggest selling point and its Achilles’ heel. Aligning multiple punches for larger paper elements proved tricky, and the 1:1 fit for LEGO studs left little room for error. Additionally, the lack of clear instructions might have left some hobbyists scratching their heads. Experimentation became the name of the game, and the game got frustrating fast. This forgotten piece of stationery punched above its weight. Too much perfection can lead to imperfections. Agree? https://youtu.be/MBZO8j5l-SQ https://www.solidsmack.com/design/stud-hole-puncher-the-center-of-lego-muji-joint-venture/ Images: Chris Cook and Heiko Kueverling | Dreamstime.com
-
For many travelers, navigating the complexities of air travel can be stressful. But in the wake of recent Boeing headlines, a new website aims to address a specific concern: Is your upcoming flight on a Boeing aircraft? Enter Am I Flying on a Boeing?, a tool designed to quell pre-flight jitters—or raise flight anxiety. Passengers simply enter their flight number and travel date, and the website retrieves data from a global distribution system (GDS) to determine the currently scheduled aircraft. The brainchild of “engineer turned travel guy” Shrey G, Am I Flying on a Boeing? boasts a key advantage: it claims to utilize live GDS data, offering a potentially more accurate picture compared to sites that rely solely on historical information. Shrey G, whose background includes work on large language models, acknowledges on the website that schedule changes and unforeseen circumstances can still lead to last-minute aircraft swaps. While the website offers a solution for the Boeing-wary traveler, it's important not to perpetuate undue anxiety. The commercial aviation industry adheres to rigorous safety standards, and modern Boeing models, like the 787 Dreamliner and the 777X, have stellar safety records. So, to rebook or not to rebook? Am I Flying on a Boeing? empowers travelers with information, but the ultimate decision rests with the individual. For those with lingering concerns, contacting the airline directly to confirm the aircraft type remains a reliable option. https://www.amiflyingonaboeing.com/ https://gizmodo.com/website-tells-travelers-if-theyre-flying-boeing-plane-1851356826 https://www.techtimes.com/articles/302839/20240321/flying-boeing-website-will-know-plane-s-make.htm Opening image: AI
-
Banksy’s latest artistic intervention in North London has withered to an act of vandalism just three days after its surprise appearance. The artwork, located on the side of a residential building on Hornsey Road in Finsbury Park, featured green paint sprayed onto a wall positioned behind a pollarded cherry tree, creating the illusion of leaves when viewed from the right angle. The world-renowned artist confirmed the piece as his own through a series of images on his Instagram account. Local authorities have noted the defacement, revealing two white streaks splattered across the artwork. The incident has drawn condemnation from fans and art enthusiasts who have labeled it “wanton vandalism.” Islington Council has responded swiftly, erecting a metal security fence around the mural and implementing increased patrols to deter further damage. While the council ponders restoration options, the damaged mural has become a curious attraction, drawing crowds eager to witness the latest sprouting in this Banksy saga. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/banksy-islington-council-london-finsbury-park-germany-b2515725.html https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/03/18/banksy-mural-will-people-care-more-about-trees-thanks-to-the-new-artwork https://www.irishnews.com/news/uk/banksy-tree-mural-defaced-with-white-paint-D75UFDAH7VP3RPSGKIMQZGEU2Q/ Opening image: Banksy
-
Google Drive is slowly rolling out a dark mode for its web app, joining the ranks of its nighttime-friendly siblings like Gmail and Chrome. This alternative view essentially swaps the usual bright background for a darker, more eye-pleasing theme, which can be a huge win for night owls who (hoo?) work better after hours or anyone who prefers a less glaring interface. The update isn't here for everyone just yet. Google seems to be rolling it out in stages, so you might see a prompt inviting you to "enjoy Drive in the dark" when you log in, or you might have to wait a bit longer. Once you have it, enabling dark mode is straightforward. Just head to Settings > Appearance and toggle it on. It's important to note that dark mode currently only applies to the background elements of the web app, like the sidebar and search bar. The icons and folders themselves won't change colors. The mobile app, however, is a different story. Android users have been able to activate dark mode for their Google Drive app for a while now. It works similarly to the web app version, switching the background to a darker theme. While documents within Drive (like Docs, Sheets, and Slides) don't have built-in dark mode yet, these apps have their own dark mode settings you can enable independently. Overall, the arrival of dark mode for Google Drive is a welcome update, especially for those who spend a lot of time browsing files at night. It might not be a complete overhaul, but it's a step in the right direction for a more comfortable user experience. https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-drive-is-finally-getting-a-dark-mode-and-this-makes-me-happy https://www.androidpolice.com/google-drive-web-finally-dark-mode/ https://9to5google.com/2024/03/17/google-drive-web-dark-theme/ Image: Vipvideotube | Dreamstime.com
-
Apple’s Vision Pro is gearing up for a global tour, if the latest code sleuthing by MacRumors is anything to go by. Tucked away in the system files of the Vision Pro are hints of a multilingual expansion pointing to its next destinations. Currently fluent in only English (US) and Emoji, the Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard is about to become a polyglot, with support for 12 new languages on the horizon. This language boost points towards where Vision Pro might be popping up next. The new additions include: Traditional Cantonese and Simplified Chinese English variations for Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the UK French (Canadian and France) German (Germany) Japanese Korean The linguistic leap suggests Apple’s sights are set on a broader stage, with Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK likely in the queue for the Vision Pro’s next rollout. Hong Kong and Taiwan are also possibilities considering the Traditional Chinese additions. This code discovery seems to confirm Apple’s earlier murmurings about bringing the Vision Pro to more countries this year. While specific launch dates and locations are still under wraps, one thing’s clear: the spatial computing vision is about to get a whole lot wider. https://www.macrumors.com/2024/03/13/vision-pro-keyboard-new-languages/ https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/13/visionos-apple-vision-pro-more-countries/ Image: Adrian Vidal | Dreamstime.com
-
One drawback about using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is their responses get too robotic (well, what did we expect?). It turns out a nifty trick can nudge their responses towards a more natural, “human”-like conversation. The secret lies in a simple fix to your prompt, as digital marketing expert Joe Benson suggests. He says instructing the chatbot to respond in the tone of a text message to a friend works wonders. Instead of a dry prompt like “Explain to me the meaning of life. Write a 40-50 word summary,” try this: “Explain to me the meaning of life. Write a 40-50 word summary in the tone of a text message to a friend without a salutation or emojis.” This texting trick could be a boon for anyone who wants ChatGPT to generate emails, descriptions, and other types of content that sound like they came from a real person. https://bgr.com/tech/one-simple-chatgpt-hack-makes-ai-responses-sound-like-a-human-instead-of-a-robot/ https://twitter.com/website_joe/status/1765597412859519106 Image: Rokas Tenys | Dreamstime.com
-
Tesla's much-anticipated Cybertruck hit a rough patch just hours after someone acquired one in Los Angeles, with the vehicle managing to collide with the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel sign last Monday. The driver, rapper 2Rare (real name Naseem Young), had proudly showcased his new ride on social media earlier that day. However, the celebratory mood came to a screeching halt when the Cybertruck ended up with its two front wheels perched precariously on a landscaping wall, leaving both the vehicle and the sign worse for wear. Initial reports shifted the blame to a valet, but social media sleuths and witness accounts quickly identified 2Rare as the one behind the wheel. The Beverly Hills Hotel itself clarified that no hotel staff were involved. Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered his own explanation, hinting that the driver might have been caught off guard by the Cybertruc’'s powerful acceleration, which has been compared to a Porsche 911. Adding insult to injury, this wasn’t the only Cybertruck mishap that night in Los Angeles. An earlier accident involved another falling off an overpass on the 134 Freeway, injuring two people. The vehicle reportedly caught fire after hitting the concrete barrier. https://qz.com/tesla-cybertruck-beverly-hills-hotel-sign-rapper-2rare-1851324165 https://jalopnik.com/rapper-identified-as-the-guy-who-crashed-a-cybertruck-i-1851316428 https://beverlyhillscourier.com/2024/03/09/cybertruck-crash-causes-social-media-stir/ https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/03/37465600/driver-crashes-tesla-cybertruck-on-first-day-damaging-beverly-hills-hotel https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13159231/cybertruck-crash-beverly-hills-hotel-elon-musk.html https://people.com/tesla-cybertruck-crashes-into-beverly-hills-hotel-sign-elon-musk-responds-8604689 Image: Michael Vi | Dreamstime.com
