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From the early 90s, he has earned himself and others vast amounts of money by spotting opportunities in tech and placing himself front and centre.

By the time he invested in Tesla everything he was involved with was a success such was his reputation as a tech "fixer".

With Twitter, he's done the opposite, got in too late and paid too much.
Bad Gizmo
Bad Gizmo
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has acquired X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, in a $45 billion all-stock deal, including $12 billion in debt. 💰

Announcing the acquisition on X, Musk stated that the merger would integrate data, models, compute power, distribution, and talent, valuing the combined company at $80 billion.

Founded in 2023, xAI recently secured $6 billion in funding at a $40 billion valuation as it ramps up competition in the AI space. The company has been expanding its data center capacity, including building "Colossus," a massive supercomputer cluster in Memphis. The acquisition of X marks a significant step in Musk's broader vision of merging social media with advanced AI capabilities.
Tom
Tom
Elon Musk has announced he's stepping down from his role in the Trump administration, marking the end of his time leading the Department of Government Efficiency, or "Doge."

Appointed as a special government employee, Musk was limited to 130 days of service per year, a threshold he's now reached.

In a post on X, Musk thanked President Trump for the opportunity and said he believes the cost-cutting agency will continue to grow. His departure follows recent criticism of Trump's "big, beautiful" bill, which includes massive tax breaks and increased defence spending.
Best
Best
Elon Musk has officially become the world's first trillionaire, with his net worth soaring to an impressive $1.11 trillion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This milestone comes on the heels of SpaceX's successful debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange, where it was valued at a staggering $2.2 trillion.

This achievement not only highlights Musk's significant influence in the tech and space industries but also marks a pivotal moment in the financial landscape. The launch of SpaceX on the stock market has captured the attention of investors and the public alike, reflecting the growing interest in space exploration and technology.
This thread is for discussing the presidency of Donald Trump and any matters which relate to this.

Please keep discussion civil and constructive and be respectful to other members when posting.
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Dylan
Dylan
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent challenged by Senator Elizabeth Warren over Trumps stock trades.

Ghost
Ghost
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent challenged by Senator Elizabeth Warren over Trumps stock trades.
Bessent is a despicable piece of shit. The arrogance oozing from him as he bare face lies is an appalling sight.
Gemma
Gemma
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent challenged by Senator Elizabeth Warren over Trumps stock trades.

Bessent is a despicable piece of shit. The arrogance oozing from him as he bare face lies is an appalling sight.
I am not a violent person, but I would like to slap something into his smug, stupid face. It's not as though his answers were as smart as he obviously thought they were.
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Donna
If you're anything like me you probably come across stories that you feel like sharing, but half-way through posting a new thread you think "maybe it's not necessary to start a whole new thread about this I might be the only person who finds it interesting". Or, "OMG, if I post this they're going to think I'm weird. Wait, maybe they already think I'm weird".

So I thought it might be worth having a thread where we can post any interesting, but maybe not that interesting stories we come across. I suppose if they do start to generate a lot of discussion then we could start a new thread for that topic.
  • Haha
Reactions: Tom
Ghost
Ghost
Supermarkets in France have been legally required to donate unsold food rather than throw it away, in a move aimed at tackling both waste and food poverty.⁠

The law, introduced in 2016, means larger supermarkets must partner with charities to redistribute edible food that would otherwise be binned. Those who fail to comply can reportedly face fines, pushing retailers to rethink how they handle surplus stock.⁠

Since coming into force, the policy has been widely credited with increasing donations to food banks and cutting down waste, with France often cited as setting the standard for how governments can step in to address the issue.
Black Sheep
Black Sheep
A Chinese court has ruled that companies cannot fire workers just to replace them with AI purely for cost cutting.

The decision came after a case where a tech company tried to reassign and drastically cut a worker's pay after his role was automated, and ultimately terminated him when he refused. The court ruled the dismissal unlawful, saying AI adoption is a business choice, not a valid legal reason to fire someone without proper alternatives.

The ruling also reinforces that companies have a responsibility to retrain or reasonably reassign employees instead of just cutting them out when automation is introduced.

A reminder that even as AI grows fast, the human side of work still matters.
Best
Best
Drinking a beer after a workout could apparently rehydrate you just as well as water, according to some studies.⁠

Researchers have suggested that low-alcohol beer containing electrolytes and carbohydrates may help the body recover fluids after exercise in a similar way to certain sports drinks.⁠

Experts still say water remains the best option for hydration overall, especially after intense workouts, as alcohol can affect recovery and muscle repair if consumed in larger amounts.⁠

So while cracking open a pint after the gym might not completely undo your session… it probably shouldn't replace your water bottle either.
In a time when diplomacy is more crucial than ever, King Charles III's address to the US Congress serves as an intriguing example of how leaders communicate complex sentiments. His speech was not just a formality; it was laden with nuanced messages that reflected both warmth and a call for unity.

King Charles III adeptly balanced respect for tradition with the pressing issues facing the world today. This highlights the importance of royal speeches as vehicles for soft diplomacy. The King emphasised shared values between the UK and the US, fostering a sense of camaraderie that is essential in international relations.

It's fascinating to note how the King employed historical references to evoke a sense of continuity and trust. By drawing upon the long-standing relationship between the two nations, he reinforced the idea that collaboration is not only beneficial but necessary in tackling contemporary challenges.

Additionally, the speech contained subtle nudges towards environmental issues, an area where both nations can lead together. King Charles III's commitment to sustainability was woven into his message, suggesting that this is a priority that transcends borders.

In essence, King Charles III's address was more than just words; it was a strategic move to strengthen ties and encourage collective action. His ability to communicate effectively while addressing sensitive topics is a testament to the evolving role of the monarchy in modern diplomacy.
  • The speech was a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting current global challenges.
  • Emphasis on shared values between the UK and the US fosters unity.
  • Historical references helped reinforce trust and collaboration.
  • Environmental issues were highlighted as a priority for joint action.
  • The King's approach demonstrates the evolving role of the monarchy in diplomacy.
Franco Pinion
Franco Pinion
The King delivered an address that has sparked considerable discussion and reflection. Here are five key takeaways from this landmark speech that stood out and may have implications for various political factions:

1. A Call for Unity
The King emphasised the importance of unity among all political parties, which resonated well with many Democrats. His message seemed to advocate for collaboration over division, a sentiment that many believe is crucial in today's political climate.

2. Economic Vision
He laid out a forward-thinking vision for the economy, focusing on sustainability and innovation. This segment of the speech was particularly notable, as it aligned with progressive ideals, making some within the Democratic Party feel optimistic about future policies.

3. Addressing Social Issues
The King's comments on social issues were striking. He touched on topics such as inequality and justice, which are significant to many voters. His stance may have raised some eyebrows in the White House, as it suggests a push for more progressive reforms than previously anticipated.

4. Foreign Policy Insights
Another critical aspect of the address was the King's take on foreign policy. He highlighted the need for strong international alliances and cooperation, which is a reminder of the interconnectedness of global challenges we face today.

5. A Vision for the Future
Finally, the King concluded with an optimistic vision for the nation's future, urging Congress to work together for the greater good. This hopeful message could be a rallying point for bipartisan efforts moving forward.

Overall, the King's address was not just a formality but a significant moment that could shape the political landscape, inviting both praise and critique from different sides of the aisle.
US and Israel launch an attack on Iran, as President Donald Trump confirms "major combat operations" are under way.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country launched a "pre-emptive" attack on Tehran, announcing a state of emergency in Israel in anticipation of retaliatory strikes.

Washington has been ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday he was "not happy" with Iran's negotiating position during nuclear talks.

Donald Trump has confirmed that the US has launched "major combat operations" against Iran in an eight-minute video on Truth Social.

He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".

"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."

He references the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days, as well as other incidents with Tehran.

"It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer", he adds, before claiming that Iran attempted to rebuild its nuclear programme and was developing long-range missiles.

Trump then says "we are going to destroy their missiles" and "annihilate their navy", and adds that while steps have been taken to avoid casualties, "Americans may be lost".

He tells the Islamic Revolutionary Guard to "lay down their arms" or "face certain death".

Addressing the people of Iran, Trump says "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and warns them "bombs will dropping everywhere".

"When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take", he adds.

"This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America's help, but you never got it.

"No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight."
Franco Pinion
Franco Pinion
Flipped again. We could now have a ceasefire. From his Truth Social account
As predictable as the sun rising in the East. TACO Tuesday.
Franco Pinion
Franco Pinion
President Donald Trump has issued a threat to blockade the vital Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of negotiations with Iran and a surge in oil prices. While the US later clarified it would not impede vessels through this critical shipping route, a blockade targeting Iranian ports was confirmed to commence.

This region is of immense geopolitical significance, being a key passage for global oil transport. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil traverse the strait daily, accounting for a significant portion of the world's energy needs. The strait, only 24 miles wide at its narrowest point, is flanked by Iran and several major oil-producing countries, underscoring its strategic importance.

The tensions escalated after peace talks in Islamabad failed, primarily due to disputes over Iran's nuclear ambitions and control of the strait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any military presence near the strait would be viewed as a breach of ceasefire, indicating the delicate balance of power in the region.

Despite the ceasefire, the flow of vessels has been constrained, with many ship owners hesitant to operate in the area due to ongoing risks. The International Energy Agency has warned that the world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, with disruptions in supply far exceeding historical events.

The ramifications of these geopolitical maneuvers are profound, and experts predict a potential long-term economic impact even if hostilities cease. The complexity of the situation highlights the intertwined nature of global energy security and international relations.
Dylan
Dylan
Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, saying the Tehran regime was "seriously fractured". The last-minute move follows a request from Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict. However, the US president said the blockade of Iran's ports would remain in force.
Bingo
Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating who might be the best fit to carry on his legacy in the 2028 presidential race. According to recent discussions with his aides, the two frontrunners on his radar are Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

As the political landscape heats up, both candidates have positioned themselves differently on key issues. JD Vance has shown a more cautious approach towards the ongoing tensions in Iran, while Marco Rubio has been a vocal advocate for a more interventionist policy. This divergence in their foreign policy perspectives could play a crucial role in Trump's decision-making process.

Trump's interest in these two candidates reflects his desire to maintain the influence of his "America First" agenda within the Republican Party. Both Rubio and Vance have been loyal supporters of Trump, which may give them an edge as he considers the future of the GOP.

The decision is not just about policy; it's also about who can best energise the base and appeal to a broader audience come 2028.

As the political climate continues to evolve, many are eager to see how these potential candidates will position themselves. Will they align closely with Trump's views, or will they carve out their own paths?

Who do you think would be a better choice?
Gemma
Gemma
Surely it will be a Democrat who is the next President?
Abomb
Abomb
I'd be surprised if TRump endorses either of them.

The Guardian reckons Vance will stick the knife in quite soon as he tries to save his own skin from being the fall guy after a bruising few weeks.
British nationals advised to leave Ukraine now!

British nationals in Ukraine should leave the country now - "while commercial means are available", the Foreign Office has said.

Earlier, President Joe Biden told US citizens to leave amid fears of a Russian invasion.

Russia has repeatedly denied any plans to invade Ukraine despite massing more than 100,000 troops near the border.

The announcement after Boris Johnson told world leaders, in a virtual call, he feared for the security of Europe.

During the talks, Mr Johnson called for allies to have a "heavy package of economic sanctions ready to go" should Russia make the "devastating and destructive decision" to invade Ukraine, Downing Street said.

The leaders agreed that if Russian President Vladimir Putin deescalated "there was another way forward" and they pledged to redouble diplomatic efforts in the coming days, Downing Street said.
Seems like it was just a matter of time given the build-up of troops on the border but it is deeply worrying
Steve
Steve
This doesn't surprise me, to be honest

 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/2031374484888752268

Strawberry Man
Strawberry Man
In what could be a big moment for Ukraine and the EU, Hungary's Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power is over and a system condemned as an "electoral autocracy" lies in tatters, defeated by a 45-year-old former party insider who convinced a majority of Hungarians to bring it to an end.

The landslide will not only allow Magyar to overturn Orbán's increasingly unpopular domestic policies, but reset Hungary's global relationships.

Orbán has been a close partner of both US President Donald Trump - earning an in-person appearance from US Vice-President JD Vance in the final week of the campaign - and Russia's Vladimir Putin, and he had become a big thorn in the side of the EU and Ukraine.

Let's see how things unfold.
Black Sheep
Black Sheep
Not been a good few weeks for Putin. Firstly, Iran has been decimated - you would imagine it will be difficult for them to supply drones to Russia in the current climate. Now, Orban has been ousted. Just need to get rid of Trump and Fico now :LOL:
Tom
Recently, over 20,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein's emails have been made public by the House Oversight Committee, igniting renewed scrutiny into Epstein's dealings and connections. In response to the release, developers Luke Igel and Riley Walz have created a platform called "Jmail," designed to present these documents in a user-friendly email format, mimicking Gmail's interface.

Walz, known for previous creative projects, employed Google's Gemini AI for optical character recognition, enhancing the readability and searchability of the original documents. Users can easily search for terms like "Trump" or "SEO" to delve into specific discussions within the emails, with direct links to the original sources for verification.

In conjunction with this development, President Biden has enacted the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandating that the Attorney General make all unclassified materials in the possession of the Department of Justice available to the public in a searchable format. However, it's important to note that certain information may be withheld if it could jeopardise ongoing investigations.

This initiative not only sheds light on Epstein's network but also emphasises the broader implications of transparency in government documents. As more records become accessible, platforms like Jmail could play a crucial role in facilitating public engagement and scrutiny.

Key Points:
  • Over 20,000 pages of Epstein's emails released by the House Oversight Committee.
  • Jmail reformats these emails into a Gmail-like interface for easier navigation.
  • Users can search for specific terms and access original documents.
  • The Epstein Files Transparency Act aims to make unclassified DOJ documents publicly searchable.
  • Some information may still be withheld to protect ongoing investigations.
Best
Best
It's peculiar timing to say the least. The Epstein files are, effectively, out of the picture due to Trump's stupid war against Iran, so coming out with this now stinks of something that she is preemptively trying to distance herself from.

Also…

"I have never been legally accused or convinced(?) of a crime in connection with Epstein's sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and other repulsive behaviour."

…a balls up or a Freudian slip?
Janey
Janey
There has to be more to that Melania statement, that actually feels like something major is on the way.
Bingo
Bingo
My feeling is that some in the Trump administration are beginning to get rattled, although Trump himself is probably not fully aware that things have taken a definite turn for the worse. They have realised that the Iran War is a major misjudgement and the chances of it ending in a way that will be seen as either a major embarrassment or an outright defeat are very high. Sending Melania out to publicly deny something that has not been particularly high profile in the media smacks of a rather desperate distraction manoeuvre.
Tom
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British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor today after weeks of revelations about the former prince's friendship and dealings with the late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.

ROYAL RESPONSE: King Charles III expressed his "deepest concern" over the news and said the royal family was offering its "full and wholehearted support and co-operation."

WHAT POLICE SAY: Thames Valley Police, which covers an area in southern England where Mountbatten-Windsor used to live, said a man in his 60s has been "released under investigation" after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.

ANDREW'S DENIALS: Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing in connection with his affiliation with Epstein. Today's arrest caps years of growing pressure on Andrew, the brother of King Charles and second son of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Tom
Tom
In recent years, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, once seen as the cherished son of the late Queen, has faced significant public scrutiny due to a series of scandals primarily tied to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. His trajectory from royal favour to disgrace has been marked by allegations of misconduct and a controversial friendship with a convicted sex offender.

On his 66th birthday, the former prince was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest follows claims that he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy, raising serious questions about his conduct. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the numerous allegations surrounding his relationship with Epstein, including claims made by Virginia Giuffre, an accuser who alleged that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her when she was a minor.

The timeline of Andrew's fall begins with his close ties to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which were highlighted in a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview where he offered questionable defences regarding his associations. His decision to step back from public duties came shortly after this controversial interview, which was widely panned for its lack of sensitivity towards Epstein's victims.

In 2022, he was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations, and a multi-million-pound out-of-court settlement was reached with Giuffre, further emphasising the serious implications of his actions. The royal family has since taken significant steps to distance itself from him, especially as new evidence continues to surface regarding his past associations with Epstein.

Now, with renewed legal scrutiny and public interest rekindled by his recent arrest, the question remains: what does the future hold for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? As he navigates these challenges, the royal family's reputation hangs in the balance, and the ongoing investigation promises to reveal more about the extent of his alleged misconduct.
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