Internet meme tries shaming Trump into releasing tax returns
Way back in the years and months leading up to the 2012 presidential election, a loudmouth businessman and reality TV star named Donald Trump continued to push a disproved and fallacious controversy asking Obama to reveal his birth certificate. The paranoid believed it would prove he was born in Kenya and thus ineligible for the office, but the White House released it in 2011 anyway, shutting them down. Still Trump clamored on, shoddily ventriloquizing that not he but others still believed Obama was a fake. Now it’s 2016 and the outsider has somehow become the Republican presidential candidate — and a smattering of internet trolls have turned the tables, claiming that someone else told them he’d donated to the pedophilic North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA).
To be clear, as The Daily Beast’s Ben Collins writes, it is incredibly unlikely that Trump donated to an association promoting romantic and sexual relationships between adult men and young boys. Heck, we would never know since NAMBLA is not a non-profit organization and, given its private nature, can legally hide any and all donations, according to The Washington Post. It’s unclear if NAMBLA even really exists anymore, as VICE drummed up only secondhand guesses to its far-dwindled membership. It had become so unknown that Jon Stewart used its acronym as a punchline on The Daily Show, given that most viewers would be clueless as to what it was.
Many people are saying that the Iranians killed the scientist who helped the U.S. because of Hillary Clinton’s hacked emails.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2016
No, the point of the pressure is to fling Trump’s hearsay back at him. By couching his language as passing along the opinions of others, he refuses to take responsibility for his more volatile, aggressive and outlandish claims. By doing so, it stays in the public conversation. So somebody built a bot called AutoModerator and assigned it to post equally ridiculous things about the GOP candidate in the comment sections of the EnoughTrumpSpam subreddit. Here’s an example that’s cropped up in a few threads:
Comment from discussion Trump suggests “Second Amendment people” might be able to stop Hillary Clinton from appointing judges at rally in NC today.
Sound familiar? The point is partially to hammer him into releasing his tax records, so that the world can see where his money is going, and if as much of it is going to charity as he claims. Every presidential candidate in the last four decades has done this, the Post points out.
But it’s also to show how ridiculous his shady attack strategy is. Now Trump’s name is linked with NAMBLA, a pro-contact pedophilia organization, in the national conversation (and in search results). Ideally, this gets everyone to wonder how a fake conspiracy could get this much attention — and then realize how similar it is to the baseless allegations spouted by the GOP candidate for the presidency. And perhaps people will sit up and finally hear what mainstream media has been saying about Trump for months: That he spouts baseless allegations that would get any other candidate booted, and the country lets him get away with it.
Via: The Washington Post
Source: The Daily Beast
Google Chrome will begin blocking Flash in favor of HTML5
Though it’s been a long time coming and the writing’s been on the wall for a while, Google Chrome is finally de-emphasizing Flash in favor of HTML5. Come September, Google Chrome 53 will begin blocking Flash, such as the kind that loads “behind the scenes,” as Google says, which can slow down casual web browsing. HTML5 is a lot less resource-heavy and when pages utilize it, it improves battery life, page loading and responsiveness across the web.
Following Chrome 53, in December Chrome 55 will go even further to make HTML5 the default browsing experience, excepting only sites with Flash-only support. You’ll be given the option to enable Flash when you visit, so it won’t change too much from the way you already browse the web. Last year, Chrome began blocking some Flash ads already, so you’ve likely already seen some of the effects trickling down during regular internet use if you use Chrome, after all.
What this means is you’ll likely see a lot fewer hang-ups when using previously Flash-heavy sites, and fewer crashes to have to worry about — that’s the hope, anyway. It’s part of a larger transition of the web to HTML5, and has been in the works for some time now.
Source: Google
ESPN to Launch Multi-Sport Subscription Streaming Service in Future
The Walt Disney Company has announced it is acquiring a minority 33 percent stake in BAMTech, a video streaming company previously formed by Major League Baseball, for $1 billion. Disney has the option to acquire majority ownership of BAMTech in the coming years.
Disney said it will collaborate with BAMTech to launch and distribute a new ESPN-branded multi-sport subscription streaming service in the future. The direct-to-consumer service will feature content provided by both BAMTech and ESPN, and include live regional, national, and international sporting events. The deal will also support streaming video and digital products from ABC and Disney, and future digital initiatives.
Disney currently offers a free video streaming service called WatchESPN, but a cable or satellite TV subscription is required for authentication. The new multi-sport service would presumably allow cord-cutters to watch live games and other sporting events on the web, smartphones, and tablets for a set cost per month. ESPN broadcasts MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NCAA sports, and more.
A big caveat: current content on ESPN’s networks such as SportsCenter and Monday Night Football will not be streamed. The service will feature sports content not appearing on ESPN channels, including a mixture of MLB and NHL games.
Apple’s much rumored streaming TV service was originally expected to include content from Disney properties, but the plans were postponed late last year. Apple has a close relationship with Disney, which made the late Steve Jobs its biggest shareholder upon acquiring Pixar in 2006. Disney CEO and chairman Bob Iger has also held a seat on Apple’s board of directors since 2011.
Tags: ESPN, Disney
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2017 BMW 3 Series review – Roadshow
Aug 2016
The Good With its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the 2017 BMW 330e achieves far better fuel economy than a standard 3-series. The navigation system communicates with the drive system to improve efficiency. Balanced weight makes for good handling.
The Bad The 330e only goes 14 miles under electric power, less than other plug-in hybrids, and the air conditioning does not feel very effective.
The Bottom Line The 2017 BMW 330e gives a taste of electric driving, with its associated efficiency, in a competent sport sedan, but its multiple combinations of drive modes will really appeal to number nerds.
Range at 14 miles. That’s what the 2017 BMW 330e’s display says after I leave it on the charger overnight. Combine that zero emission driving with the 330e’s gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, and you’ve got an EPA-rated 72 miles per gallon equivalent.
The 330e is a very economical BMW.
Then I switch the Driving Dynamics Control to Sport, and also pop the shifter into its Sport position, and suddenly the 330e feels like a BMW. The throttle becomes a sensitive instrument from which to dole out power and the car hangs its tail out in the turns.
It’s no M3, but the 330e holds up its sport sedan heritage.
While cruising down coastal Highway 1, approaching a hill, I feel the 330e’s eight-speed automatic transmission downshift, making a smooth transition on the grade. The navigation system told the transmission about the upcoming hill, so it could prepare with a lower gear.
This communication between navigation and transmission shows the 330e’s smarts.
The 330e only gets 14 miles of electric range, but that can take a chunk out of fuel use for the daily commute.
Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow
Consider the 330e a Jekyll-and-Hyde car, with a little Einstein thrown in. It looks like a typical BMW 3-series, a compact rear-wheel-drive sedan in a premium segment. But amid classic BMW design cues such as the kidney grille and Hofmeister kink, it sports a standard electric vehicle charging port on the left-front fender and e-Drive badges on the C-pillars.
An 87-horsepower electric motor complements a turbocharged two-liter engine, which by itself makes 180 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque. The total output from both sources comes to 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A 7.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack stores electricity from the grid and regenerative braking, giving the 330e its modest amount of pure electric range.
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Like other plug-in hybrids I’ve driven, the 330e operates as a fully electric car while its battery level holds up. The electric motor may be low on horsepower, but its 184 pound-feet of torque makes it quick enough for cruising along with traffic. When I floor it, however, the engine kicks in to maximize acceleration. And if I were to get above 75 mph the engine would also fire up to assist the electric drive.
With the 330e’s Driving Dynamics Control, that rocker switch you see in all BMW models these days, set to Eco Pro, I enjoy the quiet of the ride and the easy drivability. However, the climate control struggles against external temperatures of 80 degrees, and the occasional pothole or bump in the road jars the suspension uncomfortably, probably exacerbated by the low-profile run-flat tires.
BMW’s tendency to complicate its driving modes shows up in the 330e with the addition of an eDrive button to the Driving Dynamics Control modes.
BMW’s tendency to complicate its driving modes shows up in the 330e with the addition of an eDrive button to the Driving Dynamics Control modes. eDrive lets me toggle through three modes, which range from saving electric range for later use to maximizing electric drive. I mostly just leave it in automatic, where it decides when best to use the motor and engine.
The most remarkable thing about the 330e is how the navigation system and transmission communicate. I previously saw this technology on the Rolls-Royce Wraith, where it increases ride comfort, but the 330e uses terrain information more extensively to get the most out of its plug-in hybrid drive system.
ESPN will roll out a streaming service that bypasses cable
Today The Walt Disney Company released its quarterly earnings report, but the most interesting news has to do with ESPN. Disney confirmed reports it’s making a $1 billion investment in BAMTech, a spinoff from MLB’s Advanced Media business that, among other things, works on technology for streaming video services like HBO Now. The big news, however, is that BAMTech is working on ESPN with a “direct to consumer” (read: you won’t need cable or satellite to get it) “ESPN-branded multi-sport subscription streaming service.”
The only curious thing? Whatever that service ends up being, it apparently won’t feature current content from ESPN’s TV networks, so probably no Street Fighter V or drone racing. We’re not sure what’s left, but there is an earning call currently ongoing and we may learn a few more details shortly.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in an interview with CNBC (embedded above) that it will include products that BAMTech already has licenses for, including MLB, NHL and major college sports, it just won’t take content off of ESPN’s channels. Reading between the lines, it seems like there may be a bundled way to buy things that we’ve already seen in products like MLB At-Bat.
Developing…
Source: Disney Q3 Earnings, ESPN
5 cheap Bluetooth headphones that will work with the iPhone 7 – CNET
If the rumors and leaked product photos are to be believed, the iPhone 7 won’t have a headphone jack.
The horror!
This might require a little decision-making, either now or down the road. Obviously you can keep your current iPhone if you like (at least for a while), or you can call Apple’s bluff and switch to Android.
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A great option for the gym, the Sol Republic Shadow Wireless is a steal at $40 refurbished.
Sol Republic
But if you’re planning to buy the new iPhone and you’ve previously relied on wired earbuds or headphones, it’s time to consider a Bluetooth option. There are several advantages to cutting this particular cord, not the least of which is eliminating that forever-tangled, always-in-the-way cord.
Best for: The gym
If you’ve ever used wired headphones at the gym, you know how easy it is for cords to catch on equipment. That’s why a Bluetooth set makes a lot more sense anyway.
Needless to say, that set needs to be sweatproof, otherwise your 15-minute treadmill warmup might short-circuit the earbuds before you lift a single weight. I also recommend a noise-isolating headphone that can block out loud lifters and whatever radio or TV is blaring in the background. After all, you want to be able to hear your own music and podcasts, right?
There are countless inexpensive gym-friendly earbuds that fit the bill — most of them from brands you’ve never heard of. Hit up Amazon and you’ll literally find dozens of “sweatproof Bluetooth earbuds” priced at $40 or less.
However, I recommend the Sol Republic Shadow Wireless, a sweet-sounding in-ear Bluetooth headphone with a list price of $99.99. However, Amazon is currently selling them refurbished for as little as $39.99, depending on color. I’ve been using these at the gym for the past six months; they’ve been outstanding.
Best for: Running
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These Cambond earphones come with hooks so they won’t fall out of your ears.
Cambond
Runners don’t need high-fidelity headphones; they need earpieces that will stay put and resist sweat. My preferred pick: the Cambond Bluetooth 4.1 Earphone.
Available on Amazon for $29.99, these runner-friendly ‘phones have earhooks to help keep the earbuds from falling loose.
They run for close to 10 hours on a charge and include inline play/pause and volume controls along with a microphone.
The Cambonds also support Bluetooth 4.1, meaning you can keep two different devices paired (very handy) and even come with a zippered, hard-sided carrying case.
Best for: Around the house
When you’re just kicking back and enjoying some tunes, consider an on-ear pair that’s comfortable for long bouts of listening.
Comfortable means expensive, right? Not necessarily: CNET’s David Carnoy is a fan of the Creative Sound Blaster Jam, an on-ear headphone that lists for $49.99 and routinely sells for $36.99 on Amazon.
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Creative
Although you won’t mistake these for a set of Beats, either in style or comfort, you will enjoy a lightweight, head-friendly design for considerably less money. Perhaps most amazing, these Bluetooth ‘phones include NFC for one-tap pairing to devices that support it.
Best for: Planes and trains
Noisy environments demand noise-isolating earbuds, the kind that form a soundproof seal inside your ear canal. (That’s called passive noise cancellation; headphones with active noise cancellation — which rely on electronics rather than rubber — tend to cost quite a bit more.)
A great bet: Skullcandy’s new Ink’d Wireless, a collar-style earphone priced at around $50 and available in your choice of colors.
According to CNET’s David Carnoy, who reviewed the Ink’d Wireless, you can expect a very lightweight design, large controls on the neckband and nicely balanced sound.
Best for: Keeping your current ‘phones
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Jumbl
Don’t want to part with the awesome wired headphones you already own? Apple will almost certainly provide a Lightning-to-headphone adapter, but that’s a hassle on so many levels. Instead, consider an adapter that will add Bluetooth capabilities to any wired headphones.
Like this one from Jumbl. Priced under $20, the little gizmo (which features a handy belt-clip) lets you plug in any 3.5mm stereo plug, then pairs with your iPhone 7. It runs for 10 hours on a charge and includes handy transport/volume controls (something your wired headphones most likely lack).
And there you have it! Loads of Bluetooth headphone options priced under $50.
Money not an object? Check out CNET’s roundup of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for iPhone 7.
Google Chrome will finally stop loading Flash content by default at the end of 2016
Flash will effectively no longer be supported by default in Chrome.
With the forthcoming update to Chrome 53 in September, Google is finally taking its biggest step yet in the fight against using Flash on the internet. In that update, Chrome will move to block all non-essential Flash content on webpages by default, leaving only large essential Flash players run. This is a large step beyond the previous mandate of letting small or variably-sized Flash plugins — which are often used for behind-the-scenes functions like page analytics — run for fear that blocking them would break webpages’ functionality.
90% of Flash instances are small, behind-the-scenes performance drainers
While Google’s long-held hard stance on the use of Flash has transitioned much of its usage to the leaner, faster HTML5, the problem now is that 90% of all remaining Flash uses are these collection of small Flash instances, which you can’t see and can dramatically reduce webpage performance and device battery life. With Chrome 53, webpages, by default, will no longer be able to load these small Flash instances — the hope being that they’ll move to better HTML5 implementations instead.
Going yet another step further in Chrome 55, slated to launch in December, the browser will make HTML5 the default experience entirely, meaning that even larger Flash plugins will not load at all unless a page has no other way to display content.
Google’s goal is ostensibly to speed up the experience of using all webpages for a better end-user experience, and Flash has been one of the big culprits that gets in the way of that goal. Though Google says that it works closely with Adobe to make sure that the web transitions smoothly over to an HTML5 future, it’s clear at this point that the sooner we drop Flash altogether the better off we’ll be.
Best cheap cases for the Moto G4
Which inexpensive case is the best for the Moto G4? We’ve got you covered with a bunch of great options available right now!
Whether you are looking for a protective case or just something thin to prevent scratches, there are a bunch of options for you to consider. Cases come in various styles, colors and more, and everyone has a different preference. Odds are that with a new phone you will want a new case to keep it safe, so let’s take a look at some of the different options that are available and see which may work best for you.
Diztronic Slim Fit
If protection isn’t high on your list, but you don’t want your phone getting all scratched up, Diztronic’s Slim Fit case is a great option. The case offers a thin layer of protection for the back and four sides of the phone and is form-fit to the phone. It still provides easy access to your buttons and ports, but prevent scratches and dents to the rest.
The case is available in a number of different color options like black, blue, red and teal. Coming in at just $10, the case is very affordable and makes a great addition to your phone.
See at Amazon
Oeago Tough Rugged
Sometimes you need a protective case for your Moto G4 so you don’t have to worry about it breaking on the job site, and Oeago’s option won’t break the bank to keep you protected. Made up of two layers, it has a TPU inner sleeve and an impact-resistant hard plastic shell to provide maximum drop protection. The corners have extra protection, and the back has a built-in kickstand to keep your phone propped up when you aren’t using it. Priced at just $8 or less, you can’t beat the protection that this case offers for the money.
See at Amazon
Sparin Transparent Case
Sometimes you don’t want to hide your phone in a case and change the look of it, but a clear case gives you the best of both worlds. You not only get an additional layer of protection, but you also don’t have to worry about hiding the look of the phone under an ugly cover. Sparin’s transparent case is nice and thin, so you don’t bulk up the phone, and it has a nice precise fit. Two cases come in the pack, so if you get it dirty or scratch it up you can swap on the extra.
The case comes with a lifetime warranty as well, so you don’t have to worry once you make the purchase you are pretty set. With two cases coming in at around $8, you can’t beat the value here.
See at Amazon
Microseven Case and Holster
Putting your phone in your pocket is not always ideal, and sometimes it is easier to keep it safe on your hip. This case and holster combo gives you a protective layer on the phone with a nice hard case, and a secure holster for your belt to keep it safe during travel. The case will prevent scratches, dings and even help a bit during falls without adding a ton of bulk to the phone. The holster is lined with a felt layer that prevents the screen from getting messed up while sliding it in and out. Coming in at around $10, this two-piece set is quite a great deal for those who need protection and an easy way to carry their phone.
See at Amazon
Innovaa Leather Wallet
Cases don’t have to only protect your phone or make it look good, but they can also provide additional functionality as well. Cases like this leather wallet one give you a space to keep your cash, credit cards, ID and more with you easily. You won’t need to carry around a wallet and a phone, and instead you’ll be able to combine both of them into one place. This is perfect for when you are going out for the evening, or don’t want to have a lot with you to bog you down. At just $10, this is a really inexpensive way to protect your phone and add a wallet to it.
See at Amazon
Your favorites?
Do you have a favorite inexpensive case for the Moto G4 that isn’t listed above? If so, be sure to drop a line in the comments letting us know which case and why you like it, along with a link of where to grab one.
This Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger can be yours for just $5
Right now you can score Aukey’s Quick Charge 2.0 wall charger for just $5 at Amazon with coupon code C398PPH5. The charger comes in both black and white, and the box includes a microUSB cable to get started. It features a single USB output, so if you need a different charging cable you can swap in the one that you need to use. Being Quick Charge 2.0 compliant, the charger will offer faster speeds to get your battery juiced up in a short amount of time.
This deal has been extremely popular, so it may not last too long. If interested, you’ll want to grab one soon, and remember you need coupon code C398PPH5 for the savings.
See at Amazon
MacBook Pro (2016): What’s the story so far?
Everyone thought Apple was going to update its MacBook Pro line at WWDC 2016, but it didn’t.
And now the world is expecting refreshed models to come out this autumn, especially because the MacBook and MacBook Air were updated in March. Keep in mind there are two sizes of MacBook Pro: a 13-inch model that was last updated in March 2015, and a 15-inch model that was last updated in May 2015. So, nobody can imagine Apple going two full years without rolling out MacBook Pro models with all new specs.
But what’s more interesting is that the upcoming models won’t just simply have faster processors and thinner bodies, which we all pretty much expect, as they are rumoured to feature an OLED touch panel and a Touch ID sensor embedded in their keyboards, among other things. Here’s everything we know so far – and keep checking back, because we plan to update this piece with the latest details.
MacBook Pro (2016): Release date
Ming-Chi Kuo, a trusted analyst at KGI Securities, said Apple plans to introduce redesigned 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models in the fourth quarter of 2016, which ends in September.
MacBook Pro (2016): Price
We don’t expect Apple’s current pricing for the MacBook Pro line to change. The cheapest, 13-inch model now costs £999, while the 15-inch model comes in two variants: a 2.2GHz £1,599 version, and a 2.5GHz £1,999 variant.
MacBook Pro (2016): Design
‘Thinner and lighter’
Both models are said to have a thinner and lighter form factors, and according to a report from China’s Commercial Times, they’ll feature the metal injection mold-made (MiM) hinges and the butterfly-mechanism keyboards that were introduced with the 12-inch MacBook Component photos allegedly for the upcoming 13-inch Retina Macbook Pro leaked in late May, revealing the thinner body of the device.
Cult of Mac
OLED touch panel
Kuo also said the 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro models will feature the “most significant upgrade ever undertaken by Apple”, largely thanks to their new OLED display touch panel that replaces the row of physical function keys at the top of the keyboard. This panel might also be contextual, according to rumours, with virtual buttons that change based on app currently in use, etc.
In the leaked component photos from May, we can see not only the thinner body of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but also the missing cutouts for the row of function keyboards, therefore suggesting that a single OLED touch panel will indeed replace physical function keys.
Cult of Mac
Touch ID sensor
Currently, the function key row houses a power button on the far-right, and in the upcoming MacBook Pro models, the Power button will likely maintain its position but will also incorporate a Touch ID sensor, allowing you to securely log-in with a simple finger press, according to Kuo.
USB Type-C
Rumours have long claimed Apple will bring USB Type-C to the MacBook Pro line, and wouldn’t you know it, the leaked component photos from May show four USB Type-C ports and one headphone jack on the sides of the device. Support for Thunderbolt 3 is expected to be included, too, Kuo has claimed, with the MagSafe gone. We can also see thin speaker grilles next to the keyboard in those leaked component photos.
MacBook Pro (2016): Specs
Display
There’s not much news on this spec at the moment, though we assume the new Macbook Pro models will sport displays with a 2304×1440-pixel resolution, the same resolution as the current 12-inch MacBook models. One rumour even claimed the 2016 models will be touchscreen.
Processors
The new MacBook Pro models will likely feature Skylake processors. These are the new, sixth generation chips by Intel, and they will bring significant performance improvements to the new MacBook Pro, resulting in a much faster machine with battery life gains to boot.
There’s also a series of new mobile Xeon E3 chips that could potentially be used in the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro, but pricing constraints at the high end make the standard Core i7 Skylake chips more likely.
Graphics
Both AMD and Nvidia might introduce new GPU products in 2016 – just in time for the 2016 MacBook Pro. AMD will have GPUs based on Global Foundries 14 nm FinFET processor node, while Nvidia’s GPUs will based on 16 nm FinFET Plus processor node. Both should bring gains in graphics performance either way. They are set to launch later this year, however, so it’s unclear if they’ll be ready for the 2016 MacBook Pro.
MacBook Pro (2016): Patents
Apple Pencil trackpad
There’s only so many ways you can use Apple Pencil in its current form. Luckily for us, Apple has plenty more grand ideas for the gadget. The company has been granted a patent that allows Apple Pencil to work with the Magic Trackpad, which means you could use the stylus to draw on a Mac. In other words, if this functionality comes to fruition, Wacom’s days are numbered, as you’d no longer need tablet peripherals.
Apple applied for the patent in 2014. It describes other powerful features, too, including in-air gestures so that you can change between slides in Keynote or pages in Pages, for instance. You could even use Pencil as a joystick for games. Just keep in mind none of this may ever come to Apple Pencil, but it’s still cool to see what the Cupertino company is considering behind the scenes.
Also, this isn’t the only Apple Pencil patent we’ve seen granted recently. Another one detailed a stylus that uses swappable tips. These tips can be standard ones like a felt-tip pen, or they can be fancy ones such as a force-sensing bristle brush tip, motion-tracking camera, and a flashlight. Fingerprint recognition – similar to Touch ID – is further mentioned for authentication.
4G connectivity
Patently Apple published a patent filed by Apple that shows a MacBook with cellular capabilities, suggesting Apple want to introduce a 4G-enabled MacBook Pro. A 4G MacBook Pro would most probably be an optional hardware cost with a similar pricing structure as the iPads.
MacBook Pro (2016): Concepts
Designer Martin Hajek made the mockup at the top and the one below of a Retina MacBook Pro with an OLED touch panel.
Martin Hajek
Want to know more?
Check out Apple’s MacBook Pro hub for the latest news.
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