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Mickey is Procrastinating

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💬👾Stream of Consciousness Scrapbook Curated by a Geek Father

Safari, the web browser developed by Apple for its Mac operating system, is turning 20 years old this year.

Since its initial release in 2003, Safari has come a long way in terms of features and performance. It was one of the first browsers to adopt the WebKit rendering engine, which helped it to load pages faster and more efficiently. Safari has also been at the forefront of browser security, implementing features such as Sandboxing and anti-phishing protections to keep users safe while browsing the web.

Over the years, Safari has continued to evolve and improve, adding support for new web standards and technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. It has also introduced convenient features like Reader Mode, which allows users to view articles in a clean, easy-to-read format, and iCloud Keychain, which stores and auto-fills passwords and credit card information for easy online shopping.

Safari has come to be known for its sleek design and intuitive user interface, making it a popular choice for Mac users. It is also available for iOS, allowing users to sync their browsing history and bookmarks across devices.

As Safari celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains a top choice for Mac users and a formidable player in the web browser market. Here's to many more years of fast, secure, and convenient browsing

Sony Announces Project Leonardo: A New Accessibility Controller Kit for PlayStation 5

Sony has revealed its newest innovation in gaming accessibility, the Project Leonardo controller kit. This kit, which is currently in development, will offer players the ability to customize their controllers in a variety of ways to fit their specific physical needs and capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Project Leonardo kit is its ability to swap out the face and trigger buttons on the PlayStation 5 controller, allowing for a more comfortable and intuitive gameplay experience. The kit also includes a joystick that can be repositioned relative to the gamepad, as well as a range of accessories in different shapes and sizes for players to find the perfect configuration.

In addition to these customization options, the Project Leonardo kit also features four 3.5mm aux jacks that can be used to plug in third-party accessibility accessories, similar to Microsoft's Adaptive Controller. This will allow players to further tailor their controller setup to their individual needs and preferences.

Overall, the Project Leonardo controller kit looks to be a promising addition to the world of gaming accessibility, giving players the opportunity to create a controller that works for them and their specific physical abilities. We look forward to seeing the final product and how it will benefit players in the future.

Tragic News: Ken Block, Iconic Rally Driver, Passes Away in Snowmobile Accident

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Block, a renowned rally driver and pioneer in the motorsports industry. Block, who was also a devoted husband and father, passed away today in a tragic snowmobile accident.

The Hoonigans, an organization founded by Block, shared the news on their Instagram account, stating: "It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family's privacy at this time while they grieve."

Block was known for his impressive driving skills and innovative approaches to rally racing, and his influence on the industry will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Here are the top 5 Ken Block Gymkhana series videos:

Gymkhana TEN: The Ultimate Tire Slaying Tour

This video, released in 2018, features Block behind the wheel of a specially modified Ford F-150 Hoonitruck, as he takes on a tour of iconic locations around the world. From the streets of downtown Los Angeles to the snow-covered mountains of Colorado, Block's tire-slaying skills are on full display.

Gymkhana NINE: Raw Industrial Playground

In this 2016 video, Block takes on the abandoned industrial playground of Buffalo, New York in his Ford Escort Cosworth Group A rally car. The raw, gritty setting provides the perfect backdrop for Block's impressive drifting and handling skills.

Gymkhana EIGHT: Ultimate Exotic Playground; Dubai

In this 2015 video, Block takes on the glitz and glamour of Dubai in his custom Ford Mustang Hoonicorn V2. From drifting through the city's streets to tearing up the sand dunes of the desert, this video showcases Block's impressive driving skills in an exotic setting.

Gymkhana SEVEN: Wild in the Streets of L.A.

This 2014 video sees Block taking on the streets of Los Angeles in his Ford Fiesta ST RX43 rallycross car. The high-energy setting and impressive driving skills make this video a must-watch for fans of the Gymkhana series.

Gymkhana SIX: The Ultimate Gymkhana Grid Course

Released in 2013, this video features Block behind the wheel of his custom Ford Fiesta ST, as he takes on a challenging gymkhana grid course. With a variety of obstacles and tight turns, this video showcases Block's impressive driving skills and precision control.

Baymax! , the right fun for both kids and parents

I recently watched the Disney+ short series "Baymax!" and I was blown away by the quality of the animation and the heartwarming storytelling. The show follows the adventures of Baymax, the lovable robot from the film "Big Hero 6," as he helps his human companions solve problems and navigate everyday life.

One of the things that sets "Baymax!" apart from other animated shows is its attention to detail and its commitment to maintaining the character development and relationships established in the original film. The voice acting is also top-notch, with all of the actors reprising their roles from "Big Hero 6" and bringing their beloved characters to life once again.

In addition to its top-notch production values, "Baymax!" also has a strong message about the importance of friendship and the power of working together to overcome challenges. The show is suitable for all ages and is a must-watch for fans of "Big Hero 6" and anyone who loves a good animated series.

Jeremy Renner Injured in Snow Plowing Accident: Actor in 'Critical but Stable Condition'

On Sunday, a spokesperson for actor Jeremy Renner confirmed that he had been seriously injured in an accident while plowing snow on the weekend. According to the spokesperson, Renner is currently in "critical but stable condition" following the incident. The spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter that the accident was weather-related and occurred earlier on Sunday. Renner is best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Hawkeye and in the Academy Award-winning film "The Hurt Locker."

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed an invisible sweater that is able to trick artificial intelligence (AI) cameras and prevent them from recognizing people.

Adversarial learning involves training an AI system to recognize certain patterns or features, and then introducing input that is specifically designed to fool the system. In the case of the invisible sweater, the researchers trained the AI cameras to recognize human faces and bodies, and then created a pattern on the sweater that confused the system when it was worn.

The result is a sweater that appears invisible to AI cameras, making it difficult for them to identify the person wearing it. While the technology is still in its early stages, the researchers hope that it could eventually be used to protect privacy and help prevent the misuse of AI for surveillance.

The team is also working on a version of the sweater that can be worn by multiple people at the same time, which would further enhance its ability to confuse AI cameras.

The development of the invisible sweater is just one example of the ways in which researchers are using adversarial learning to improve AI systems and protect against their potential misuse. As AI continues to advance and become more prevalent in our daily lives, it is important to ensure that it is used ethically and responsibly."

Dino-Riders , a mix of dinosaurs and laser guns from the 80s

As a child of the 80s, I have fond memories of many of the cartoons that aired during that decade. One that particularly stands out in my mind is "Dino Riders." Recently, I decided to revisit this old favorite and watched the first episode again. After just one episode, I was hooked and decided to watch all 14 episodes in one sitting.

"Dino Riders" follows the story of a group of humans from the future who have been sent back in time to the prehistoric era. There, they encounter a group of intelligent dinosaurs who are being used as weapons by the evil alien, Rasp. The humans, led by Captain Kerium, team up with the dinosaurs to stop Rasp and his army of mutants from taking over the earth.

One of the things that I love about "Dino Riders" is the unique premise. The idea of intelligent dinosaurs and humans teaming up to fight against an alien invasion is something that I had never seen before in a cartoon. The animation is also top-notch, with the dinosaurs being depicted in a way that is both realistic and impressive.

But "Dino Riders" is not just about the action and adventure. The characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their stories. The relationship between the humans and the dinosaurs is also heartwarming and adds a level of depth to the show.

Overall, "Dino Riders" is a fantastic cartoon that is sure to please fans of all ages. After watching the first episode, I knew that I had to see the rest of the series. And I am glad that I did, as it was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. If you have not yet seen "Dino Riders," I highly recommend giving it a watch. You won't be disappointed.

Pelé's 5 Greatest Matches

Pelé is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His skill, finesse, and unmatched scoring ability have earned him a place in the hearts of fans around the world. Here are five of Pelé's greatest matches that showcase his talents and cement his legacy as a soccer icon.

Brazil vs. Sweden (1958 World Cup Final)

Pelé was just 17 years old when he helped lead Brazil to victory in the 1958 World Cup. In the final against Sweden, Pelé scored two goals, including the game-winning goal in the final minutes of the match. His performance earned him the title of the youngest player to score in a World Cup final and solidified his place as a rising star in the world of soccer.

Santos vs. New York Cosmos (1977 NASL Final)

In 1977, Pelé joined the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL). In the NASL final that year, the Cosmos faced off against Pelé's former team, Santos. Despite being in his late 30s, Pelé put on a stunning performance, scoring a hat-trick to lead the Cosmos to a 5-3 victory.

Brazil vs. Italy (1970 World Cup Final)

The 1970 World Cup is often considered one of the greatest World Cups of all time, and Pelé was a key part of Brazil's success. In the final against Italy, Pelé scored a beautiful goal off a free kick to help lead Brazil to a 4-1 victory. This win solidified Brazil's place as the dominant force in international soccer and cemented Pelé's place as one of the greatest players in the world.

Brazil vs. Czechoslovakia (1962 World Cup)

In the 1962 World Cup, Pelé led Brazil to victory in a match against Czechoslovakia that has gone down in history as one of the greatest matches of all time. Pelé scored twice in the match, including a beautiful goal from outside the box that is still remembered by fans today.

Santos vs. Benfica (1962 Intercontinental Cup)

The Intercontinental Cup was a prestigious club competition that pitted the winners of the European Cup against the winners of the South American Copa Libertadores. In 1962, Pelé's team, Santos, faced off against Benfica in the final. Pelé scored once in the first leg and a hat trick in the second, helping Santos secure a 5-2 victory and earn the Intercontinental Cup title.

Pelé's career was filled with incredible moments and stunning performances, but these five matches stand out as some of his greatest achievements. From scoring in a World Cup final at just 17 years old to leading his team to victory in prestigious club competitions, Pelé left a lasting impact on the world of soccer and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all

Cyber City Oedo 808, a must watch classic

Cyber City Oedo 808 is a classic anime series that was released in the 1990s and has since gained a cult following. Set in the year 2808 in the city of Oedo, the series follows three criminals who are given the chance to reduce their sentences by serving as cybercops in the city's Cyber Police force.

The main characters of the series are Gogul, Benten, and Sengoku, each of whom have their own unique backgrounds and personalities. Gogul is a former soldier who was sentenced to life in prison after disobeying orders and causing the deaths of his comrades. Benten is a former assassin who was caught after a job went wrong, and Sengoku is a former hacker who was caught after stealing from the wrong person.

As cybercops, the three men are tasked with fighting crime in Oedo, which has become a haven for cybercriminals and other unsavory characters. They use their unique skills and abilities to track down and capture these criminals, often finding themselves in dangerous situations as they try to bring justice to the city.

One of the standout features of Cyber City Oedo 808 is its futuristic setting, which is filled with advanced technology and cybernetic enhancements. The city is filled with holographic advertisements, flying cars, and cybernetic implants that give people superhuman abilities.

In addition to its action-packed plot and unique setting, the series is also known for its mature themes and complex characters. Each of the main characters has their own tragic past and inner demons to deal with, and the series explores the consequences of their actions and the difficulty of redemption.

Overall, Cyber City Oedo 808 is a must-watch for fans of classic anime and science fiction. With its well-developed characters, action-packed plot, and unique setting, it's a timeless series that continues to be enjoyed by fans to this day.

Zagor, The Spirit with the Hatchet

Italian comic Zagor, also known as The Spirit-With-the-Hatchet, is a popular and enduring character in Italian comics and has been a beloved part of the industry for over 50 years.

Created by writer Sergio Bonelli and artist Gallieno Ferri, Zagor made his debut in 1961 and has since appeared in over 1,000 issues and countless spin-off series. The character is set in the late 18th century and follows the adventures of Zagor, a Native American who has been adopted and raised by European settlers. Zagor uses his skills as a tracker and fighter to protect the innocent and bring justice to the frontier.

One of the standout elements of Zagor is the rich and immersive world that Bonelli and Ferri have created for the character. The series is set in a fictional version of the United States, and the stories often explore the conflicts and tensions between European settlers and Native Americans. Zagor serves as a bridge between these two worlds, and his adventures often involve him navigating the complex political and cultural dynamics of the time period.

In addition to the engaging storylines and well-developed characters, Zagor is also known for its beautiful artwork. Ferri's stunning and detailed illustrations bring the world of the series to life and help to immerse the reader in the stories.

Overall, Zagor is a classic and enduring character in the world of Italian comics. Its rich and immersive world, engaging storylines, and beautiful artwork have made it a fan favorite for over 50 years and it continues to be a beloved part of the industry.

Netflix’s Wednesday is a must watch

Netflix's Wednesday is a delightful and heartwarming comedy that manages to balance a clever premise with relatable and lovable characters. The film follows a group of young adults as they navigate their way through the struggles of growing up and finding their place in the world.

One of the standout elements of Wednesday is the strong cast of characters. Each member of the ensemble brings their own unique personality and quirks to the table, and their dynamic is both funny and genuine. The lead character, Jisoo, is particularly charming and likable, and her journey of self-discovery is both relatable and inspiring.

The film's narrative is well-paced and engaging, with plenty of hilarious moments and heartfelt moments to keep the audience invested. The plot takes some unexpected turns and manages to subvert some typical coming-of-age tropes in a fresh and enjoyable way.

The film's visuals are also a highlight, with beautiful cinematography and lush, colorful sets and costumes that really help to transport the viewer into the world of the film. The music is also catchy and memorable, and really helps to enhance the overall atmosphere of the film.

Overall, Wednesday is a truly delightful and charming film that is sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired. It's a great watch for anyone looking for a feel-good comedy that manages to balance humor with heartfelt emotion. Netflix should be commended for bringing such a unique and entertaining film to its platform, and I have no doubt that Wednesday will become a beloved classic for years to come.

Qatar 2022, the Fake Supporters fact

The controversy about the World Cup continues. This time it is linked to fake fans who are allegedly paid by Qatar itself to stage the cheering of the various national teams. In a week it will be World Cup, it will be played in the European autumn-winter, a season that invites little to departures also because of work commitments for everyone on the agenda

Who will cheer for the national teams on the field? Over the last few days, images of some supporters already celebrating in anticipation of the 2022 World Cup have caused debate. Qatar, however, denied that they were fake fans. Qatar is not new to situations like this, the same happened in 2014 for the "Qatar Open" beach volleyball, where several migrants from Nepal, Pakistan and India were paid to stage cheers in the stands and watch the matches.

The Supreme Committee has sent back all the accusations with a statement: "Many journalists and commentators on social networks have questioned whether these were real fans. We categorically reject these disappointing claims against us."

The organization denies having paid local fans to support the national teams and create the party atmosphere: "Expectations and enthusiasm are growing, we are ready to welcome the World Cup".

The Sims 5: first images leaked online!

The screenshots of The Sims 5 have started leaking online. EA is working on its next version of The Sims after a long wait since The Sims 4 . The game has been a huge success and the publisher has been releasing lots of expansion packs for many years. Very few people seemed to worry about the end of this chapter because it was a very active game that managed to sustain EA for many years. EA has confirmed the development of a new chapter of The Sims, with playtests starting in October.

Some images from those playtests leaked online due to a user on Reddit. The user probably managed to obtain these images through the hacking attack a few weeks ago. The user has since deleted their account, so we don't know who actually posted them. The images in question show some of the decorating menus and some shots of a decorated house. The images aren't that stunning in terms of quality, but they do show great attention to detail and freedom in decorating our homes.

You can see the The Sims 5 images in question below:

The Fantastic 4 movie of the 90s that was never released

"You see, that film was meant to be seen by no one."

It was Stan Lee, interviewed by Los Angels Magazine in 2005, upon the release of the Tim Story-signed Fantastic Four movie, who sadly repeated those words. And he was referring to a tragically funny project, a film productively damned, that was never released theatrically. Roger Corman's Fantastic Four.

By the 1980s, the film market had come to terms with the first superhero movies to come from the pages of comic books.

It's 1983 and it all starts with Bernd Eichinger talking to Stan Lee. Eichinger's proposal is the making of a movie inspired by the Fantastic 4, but the exploitation rights will be available only 3 years later, and that's when Eichinger's company buys them, for just $250,000.

For the next few years, Eichinger is desperate to find backers for the project, but for a film with similar characters, a substantial budget is needed, due to the cost of the effects. The expiration of the rights is approaching (December 1992) and in order to preserve the rights Eichinger should start shooting the film in time.

Out of necessity comes enlightenment. Eichinger contacts Roger Corman. Going to the master B-movie producer meant only one thing: the goal was no longer to make a big movie, but to shoot something low-budget that could at least have a semblance of success.

December 1992 filming can begin. It lasts less than a month, while the following months will be dedicated to the production of visual effects. The budget was so low that David and Eric Wurst, authors of the music, partly financed the recording of the soundtrack out of their own pockets.

The film finally screened at the 1994 Comic-Con but shortly afterwards Eichinger updated the crew, explaining that the film would not be released. It was a total failure. Now the film can be seen by those brave enough on youtube at this link

Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli has made a short film featuring Baby Yoda.

The collaboration between Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli has already materialized with the release of Zen - Grogu and Dust Bunnies, an animated short film distributed on Disney+ starring "Baby Yoda".

The short is in fact centered on the iconic character introduced in the TV series The Mandalorian and since then become the audience's favorite, here struggling with the Susuwatari (also known as Makkuro kurosuke), dust sprites who befriend Baby Yoda by giving him a flower, while soothing music accompanies the scene. The release date of Zen is not accidental: it's the same day in which, three years ago, The Mandalorian debuted.

The Susuwatari are little creatures that have already appeared in Studio Ghibli's movies, first in My Neighbor Totoro and then in The Enchanted City.

Zen - Grogu and Dust Bunnies is directed by Katsuya Kondo, animator, designer and historical figure of Studio Ghibli, whose style has characterized the most important Ghibli productions - in fact, he was responsible for the animation and design of Laputa, My Neighbor Totoro, Porco Rosso, Ponyo on the Cliff and many other feature films. The music is instead by Ludwig Göransson, composer of The Mandalorian and Oscar winner for the music of Black Panther.

For now, Lucasfilm and Ghibli have not announced if the collaboration will continue with other productions.

All you need to know about Gran Turismo the Movie

The Gran Turismo movie continues to expand its star-studded cast with more surprising names, including a member of the Spice Girls. Over the past year or so, Sony has begun to significantly increase the development of adaptations of its biggest video game franchises. Earlier this year Uncharted got a movie starring Tom Holland, The Last of Us has an HBO series on the way, God of War is getting an Amazon series, and Gran Turismo will have a movie very soon. This is all part of PlayStation's plan to get audiences interested in its franchises outside of gaming, both to create more opportunities for the IP and to get people to buy the games.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, District 9 director Neill Blomkamp's Gran Turismo film is joined by Black Adam and Shazam actor Djimon Hounsou, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, Daniel Puig, Josha Stradowski and Thomas Kretschman. Hounsou and Halliwell-Horner will play the protagonist's parents, while Stradowski will play the role of a rival pilot and Kretschman that of his father. Needless to say, there will be a lot of interesting family dynamics in the film. While casting a Spice Girl may seem odd, Geri Halliwell-Horner is a former racer and now helps lead the Red Bull Formula 1 team, so she knows the racing scene well.

The Gran Turismo movie is based on true events and seems to adapt the story of a young racer who won a PlayStation sponsored contest centered around the video game. The movie seems to adapt the story of Jann Mardenborough, a man who became a real racer. This is a pretty interesting way to bring one of Sony's most important franchises to the big screen, without having to reverse engineer the games to make them compelling enough for a movie, since the games don't really have a plot.m

Gran Turismo will be released in theaters on August 11, 2023.

BEER OF THE WEEKEND: Celebration Fresh Hop IPA (6.8%ABV 65IBU)

Sierra Nevada Brewing

The long, cold nights of winter are a little brighter with Celebration Ale. Wonderfully robust and rich, Celebration Ale is dry-hopped for a lively, intense aroma. Brewed especially for the holidays, it is perfect for a festive gathering or for a quiet evening at home.

The start of the Celebration season is a festive event. Sierra Nevada doesn't start brewing until the first fresh hops arrive, and once the season arrives, it's officially on! First brewed in 1981, Celebration Ale is one of the earliest examples of an American-style IPA and one of the few hop-forward holiday beers. Famous for its intense citrus and pine aromas, Celebration is bold and intense, with Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops.

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