Thursday, March 20
In The NEWS
Sports, Entertainment, & Culture
> Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Luke Combs, and Tyler, the Creator among headliners tapped to perform at 2025 Lollapalooza in Chicago (July 31-Aug. 3); see full festival lineup (More)
> "Fire & Rain" stage musical using James Taylor's music in development (More) | "Happy Gilmore" sequel sets July 25 release date on Netflix (More)
> NCAA men's basketball tournament kicks off with "First Four" matchups; see latest bracket (More) | ... and women's tournament begins tonight; see "First Four" schedule (More) | NCAA to allow athletes to negotiate name, image, and likeness deals with schools before their enrollment (More)
Science & Technology
> Meta reports global downloads of its open-source Llama AI model tops 1 billion (More) | How generative AI works (1440 Topics)
> China's BYD says it has developed electric vehicle charging platform capable of recharging cars as quickly as filling a gas tank (More) | How EVs work (1440 Topics)
> New study finds cells lining organs and skin generate electricity when injured; discovery may lead to new wound-healing therapies (More)
Business & Markets
> US stock markets resume sell-off (S&P 500 -1.1%, Dow -0.6%, Nasdaq -1.7%) following two days of gains (More) | Tesla shares drop 5.3%, down 53% since all-time peak in December (More)
> Google to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32B, the largest acquisition in company history; also marks the largest-ever cybersecurity acquisition (More) | Google 101 (1440 Topics)
> Pharma giant Pfizer sells remaining stake in British healthcare group Haleon, maker of brands including Advil, Sensodyne, and more (More)
Politics & World Affairs
> President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin hold hourlong call; Putin agrees to 30-day suspension of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure (More) | Chief Justice John Roberts makes rare public statement rebuking Trump for calls to impeach federal judge who paused deportations (More)
> Paris police remove hundreds of migrants from downtown theater following monthslong occupation of venue (More)
> Family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student who disappeared while on spring break in the Dominican Republic, acknowledge she likely drowned (More) | Development of story captured public attention; see overview here (More)
SOURCE: 1440 NEWS
DOGE
Trump's Department of Government Efficiency is locating and recommending to Congress that waste and redundancy be removed from government spending. On the surface, no one should object, however, that is exactly what is happening.
The Democratic Party is using Democratic Appointed Judges to issue injunctions to slow down and possibly stop what DOGE is doing.
Why?
The Democrats claim that:
- DOGE is using a chainsaw rather than a scalpel
- DOGE has no plan of attack
On the other side of the coin, DOGE is finding billions of dollars of wasted spending and thousands of employees that are simply not needed and are removing them.
Can you imagine our government spending 50% less of what they are currently spending and what that would do to the taxes we are currently paying?
Additionally, let suppose we save 50% in spending but keep our same level of taxes, then our government should be able to offer FREE HEALTHCARE TO EVERYONE or come damn close to doing that.
I don't waste my money, and I don't want our government to waste my tax dollars either.
Square waves: The deadly chessboard pattern threatening sailors
People on a fishing boat in the Aegean Sea had an unsettling experience when they noticed square waves creating a chessboard-like pattern all around them. This phenomenon, which quickly drew concern, is an unusual sight in the ocean.
Square waves, also known as a cross sea, are caused by two interacting wave systems traveling at different speeds and trajectories.
This activity was examined by Dr. Silvio Davison from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR) in Venice, Italy.
Understanding waves – the basics
Ocean waves are nature’s way of keeping the sea in constant motion. Wind blows across the surface, transferring its energy to the water and creating waves that can travel thousands of miles.
The size and strength of a wave depend on three things: wind speed, how long the wind blows, and the distance it travels over open water (also called fetch). The longer and stronger these forces act, the bigger the waves get.
Wednesday, March 19
Solar System Facts
Our solar system includes the Sun, eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, and thousands of asteroids and comets. Our solar system is located in the Milky Way, a barred spiral galaxy with two major arms, and two minor arms. Our Sun is in a small, partial arm of the Milky Way called the Orion Arm, or Orion Spur, between the Sagittarius and Perseus arms. Our solar system orbits the center of the galaxy at about 515,000 mph (828,000 kph). It takes about 230 million years to complete one orbit around the galactic center.
Spring Vacations for Retirees
Here are some specific ideas for spring vacations in the US, catering to different interests:
For Culture and History Buffs:
Charleston, South Carolina:
Explore the historic streets, visit antebellum mansions, and enjoy the city's vibrant culinary scene.
Savannah, Georgia:
Wander through the charming squares, take a ghost tour, and relax on the beaches.
New Orleans, Louisiana:
Immerse yourself in the city's unique culture, enjoy the music, and sample the delicious cuisine.
Washington D.C.:
Visit museums, monuments, and explore the city's rich history.
For Nature Lovers:
Sedona, Arizona: Experience the stunning red rock formations and enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Witness the geothermal wonders, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
Yosemite National Park, California: Explore the granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Marvel at the vast canyon and enjoy scenic drives and hikes.
For Beach Lovers:
Florida:
Savannah, Georgia:
Wander through the charming squares, take a ghost tour, and relax on the beaches.
New Orleans, Louisiana:
Immerse yourself in the city's unique culture, enjoy the music, and sample the delicious cuisine.
Washington D.C.:
Visit museums, monuments, and explore the city's rich history.
For Nature Lovers:
Sedona, Arizona: Experience the stunning red rock formations and enjoy hiking and outdoor activities.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Witness the geothermal wonders, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
Yosemite National Park, California: Explore the granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Marvel at the vast canyon and enjoy scenic drives and hikes.
For Beach Lovers:
Florida:
Enjoy the warm weather, beaches, and water activities in cities like Miami, Key West, or Myrtle Beach.
San Diego, California:
San Diego, California:
Relax on the beaches, explore the city's attractions, and enjoy the mild climate.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Experience the rugged coastline, lighthouses, and charming towns.
For a Relaxing Getaway:
Palm Springs, California: Enjoy the desert landscape, golf courses, and spas.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Relax on the beach, stroll along the boardwalk, and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.
Asheville, North Carolina: Explore the mountains, visit art galleries, and enjoy the city's craft brewery scene.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Discover the unique art scene, cultural attractions, and the city's Spanish colonial architecture.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Enjoy the beaches, lighthouses, and charming towns.
San Antonio, Texas: Explore the historic River Walk, visit the Alamo, and enjoy the city's Tex-Mex cuisine.
Other Ideas:
Road Trips: Explore national parks and scenic routes across the country.
Cruises: Consider a cruise to a warm destination or explore the coastline.
Tours: Join a guided tour to explore a specific region or theme.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Experience the rugged coastline, lighthouses, and charming towns.
For a Relaxing Getaway:
Palm Springs, California: Enjoy the desert landscape, golf courses, and spas.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Relax on the beach, stroll along the boardwalk, and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.
Asheville, North Carolina: Explore the mountains, visit art galleries, and enjoy the city's craft brewery scene.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Discover the unique art scene, cultural attractions, and the city's Spanish colonial architecture.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Enjoy the beaches, lighthouses, and charming towns.
San Antonio, Texas: Explore the historic River Walk, visit the Alamo, and enjoy the city's Tex-Mex cuisine.
Other Ideas:
Road Trips: Explore national parks and scenic routes across the country.
Cruises: Consider a cruise to a warm destination or explore the coastline.
Tours: Join a guided tour to explore a specific region or theme.
Robert Reich: More of Trump’s descent into dictatorship
I would not impose on you for a third time today unless it was particularly urgent.
This afternoon, Trump illegally fired the two Democratic commissioners on the five-member Federal Trade Commission — Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya.
Commissioner Slaughter had this to say:
“Today, the President illegally fired me from my position as a Federal Trade Commissioner, violating the plain language of a statute and clear Supreme Court precedent. Why? Because I have a voice, and he is afraid of what I’ll tell the American people. …
The administration clearly fears the accountability that opposition voices would provide if the president orders Chairman Ferguson to treat the most powerful corporations and their executives – like those that flanked the President at his inauguration – with kid gloves.”
Commissioner Bedoya said this:
“I’m a commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission. The president just illegally fired me.
The FTC is an independent agency founded 111 years ago to fight fraudsters and monopolists. Our staff is unafraid of the Martin Shkrelis and Jeff Bezos of the world. They take them to court and they win.
Now, the president wants the FTC to be a lapdog for his golfing buddies.
Together with Chair Lina Khan and Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, I spent my time at the FTC fighting for small town grocers and pharmacists and for people in Indian country going hungry because food was too expensive. I fought for workers getting screwed on pay and benefits and overtime. I fought for their right to organize. I fought tech companies who think they can track you and your kids every hour of every day so they can pocket their next billion.
Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or someone who’s so disgusted with Washington you can barely watch the news, the FTC has worked for you.
Who will Trump’s FTC work for? Will it work for the billionaires? Or will it work for you?
It was an honor to serve my country at the FTC. It was an honor to work alongside its staff.
And to everyone who is watching all of this unfold, don’t be scared. Fight back.”
At A Glance
Where the original March Madness bracket came from.
The secret beginnings of Disney World. (via YouTube)
... plus, 1440's Society & Culture newsletter launches this weekend, beginning with the history of Disney. Sign up here!
Take a virtual trip to the Galápagos Islands.
Photographers capture the lunar eclipse amid an aurora.
Mapping European locations with ridiculously long names.
The physics of popping a beer.
Screen-limiting app makes you literally touch grass.
Clickbait: Volkswagen sees record-high sausage sales.
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