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Time Is Money

Dec 31, 2023 • 6 min read

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Houthi Red Sea Attacks
Google Tracking Lawsuit

Week Recap:

Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the United States have achieved a significant progress in nuclear fusion, successfully attaining fusion ignition multiple times. This advancement, first accomplished last December, represents a significant step towards harnessing an abundant and clean energy source. By utilizing the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the LLNL team directed 192 laser beams at a target containing isotopes within a diamond capsule housed in a gold cylinder.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted a construction permit for a new nuclear test reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This reactor, developed by Kairos Power, a California-based company, represents a significant innovation in nuclear technology, being the first non-water-cooled reactor approved in the U.S. in over 50 years. Named the Hermes demonstration reactor, it will use molten salt to cool its core, a novel approach compared to traditional water-cooled reactors.
Microsoft has introduced a new standalone Copilot AI chatbot application for Android users, expanding its accessibility beyond the Bing mobile app. This move comes after Microsoft discreetly launched the app. Copilot allows users to interact with AI on their smartphones, offering functionalities like asking questions, generating images, and creating content. It stands out by providing access to the latest GPT-4 models, a feature usually reserved for ChatGPT Plus subscribers from OpenAI. Previously known as Bing Chat, Microsoft rebranded the service to Copilot last month.
Apple Watch models, including the Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, are back in U.S. stores and online after a federal appeals court temporarily halted an import ban. The dispute, involving a patent infringement claim by Masimo and Cercacor Laboratories over blood oxygen tracking technology, led to an initial ban by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is collaborating with Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell Textron, Northrop Grumman, and Piasecki Aircraft Corp. on the SPRINT program (Speed and Runway Independent Technologies). The aim is to create a vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of speeds far exceeding the V-22 Osprey, mainly for use in areas lacking traditional runways.
Maine has removed Donald Trump from its primary ballot, citing his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows follows a similar action in Colorado and is based on the 14th Amendment, which bars those involved in insurrection from holding office. Both states are temporarily pausing their decisions to allow Trump's appeals. The challenges to Trump's candidacy hinge on his alleged incitement of the Capitol attack.
The New York Times has initiated legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright violations in their AI chatbot developments. The lawsuit centers around the accusation that these AI programs, like ChatGPT, have been trained on substantial amounts of data sourced from the internet, which includes copyrighted content. Prior to the lawsuit, The New York Times had engaged in negotiations with OpenAI for a potential licensing agreement for its news content, but these discussions did not result in an agreement.
The United States has indicated that the recent $250 million military aid package to Ukraine could be the last of its kind, pending further Congressional approval. Since the onset of the Russian invasion, the U.S. has provided substantial support to Ukraine, with Congress sanctioning a total of $113 billion in aid, of which $44.2 billion has been allocated specifically for military assistance.
Amazon is taking a step towards sustainability by producing hydrogen fuel at its fulfillment centers, starting with an installation in Aurora, Colorado. Partnering with Plug Power, Amazon has introduced an electrolyzer, a device that generates hydrogen by splitting water molecules. This equipment will initially produce fuel for about 225 forklift trucks but has the capacity to serve up to 400.

Houthi Red Sea Attacks:

In yesterday's statement from U.S. Central Command, it was announced that the USS GRAVELY engaged in defensive actions by intercepting two anti-ship ballistic missiles during a Houthi assault on a commercial ship. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Sanaa time, as the MAERSK HANGZHOU, a container ship under Singaporean flag and operated by Denmark, was navigating the Southern Red Sea.
The ship, hit by a missile, called for aid, which was promptly provided by the USS GRAVELY and USS LABOON. Despite the attack, the MAERSK HANGZHOU remains navigable and no injuries were reported. The strike on the merchant vessel marks the 23rd unauthorized action by the Houthi forces against international maritime traffic since November 19.
These incidents are the latest in a series of aggressive actions by Houthi militants, indicating escalating tensions in the region. Houthis are targeting both commercial and military vessels, posing significant threats to these vital international waterways. The U.S. Navy's involvement, especially through Operation Prosperity Guardian, emphasizes their commitment to ensuring safety and stability in these critical maritime areas.

Google Tracking Lawsuit

Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit that accused it of secretly tracking the internet activity of users who thought they were browsing privately in incognito mode. The 2020 lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, involved millions of users and demanded damages of $5,000 per person or triple the actual damages.
Allegations centered on Google collecting data on users online activities and locations through applications and plugins like Google Analytics. Although a trial was set for February 2024, it was paused when Google and the plaintiffs reached a preliminary settlement. The settlement's specifics weren't disclosed, but it resulted from mediation, with a formal agreement expected by late February 2024. Google has not commented on the settlement details.

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