“Ghost, the self-proclaimed “alternative” to Substack, has finally made good on its promise to join the fediverse, a supposed “open social network” that’s actually a hotbed of radical extremism and free speech anarchy. And what’s the first order of business for this supposed “platform of choice” for writers and journalists? It’s launching its own newsletter, of course.

But don’t get too excited, folks. This isn’t just about giving you another way to follow your favorite newsletters; it’s about fundamentally changing the way we consume and interact with online content. With Ghost’s ActivityPub integration, you’ll be able to track your favorite newsletters through apps like Mastodon, Pixelfed, and PeerTube, and even follow them through RSS feeds and other means. But be warned: this is a slippery slope, and once you start down this path, there’s no turning back.

And don’t even get me started on the implications of Ghost’s open-source ActivityPub GitHub repository. This means that anyone can contribute to Ghost’s code, modify it, distribute it, or even use it to create their own version of the platform. And what does that mean? It means that Ghost is effectively surrendering control of its own platform to the whims of the masses, and inviting in all sorts of troublemakers and troublemakers-in-training.

But hey, at least the company is taking a stand against the “tyranny” of closed platforms like Substack, right? I mean, who needs moderation and accountability when you can have complete anarchy and chaos? And what about all the poor, defenseless writers and journalists who are forced to use Substack because it’s the only platform that doesn’t tolerate hate speech and extremism? Don’t they deserve a platform that lets them publish their work without fear of being censored or attacked?

Of course, there are already plenty of examples of what happens when you let the wild west of the internet run amok. Just look at the state of social media today, where bots, trolls, and haters run rampant, and where even the most basic standards of decency and respect are regularly flouted. So, go ahead and join the Ghost newsletter, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“What’s Next for Marvel Fans? Agatha All Along’s Descent into the Swamp of Despair

Get ready to witness the most epic fail the MCU has ever seen. Agatha All Along, the latest Disney+ series, is not just a spinoff of WandaVision’s witches’ brew, but a full-on catastrophe waiting to happen.

AGATHA’S DOWNFALL: The show centers around Agatha Harkness, the Witch of Salem, who’s stripped of her powers and forced to navigate a witchy world without her magic. Just like the rest of us, we are powerless and irrelevant.

AGATHA MEETS HER MATCH: An emo teen, Joe Locke of Heartstopper fame, frees Agatha and asks her to take him down the famed Witches’ Road. But beware, Agatha’s got a few loose screws, and her new BFF might just be the one bringing her down.

AGATHA’S WITCHY FRIENDS: Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, and Sasheer Zamata join the messy mix, making this the most ridiculous team-up in MCU history. Poor Avengers, they’re probably green with envy.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: Ali Ahn, Maria Dizzia, Paul Adelstein, and more—but who cares? It’s all about AGATHA’S DOWNFALL.

PREMIERE DAY: Don’t miss the train wreck that is Agatha All Along, premiering Sept. 18 on Disney+. Trust us, your sanity will thank you… until it doesn’t.”

The Dark Side of the Gaming Industry: Why Japan is a Safe Haven for Workers

As the video game industry continues to bleed talent, with mass layoffs and job insecurity becoming the norm, one region stands out as a beacon of hope for workers: Japan. While the rest of the world is plagued by the scourge of layoffs, Japan’s robust labor regulations and unique business culture have created a safe haven for employees.

The numbers are stark: in 2022, a staggering 8,500 workers were laid off globally, with 10,500 more joining the ranks in 2023. In the US, the unemployment rate in the video game industry is a whopping 9 percent, more than double the national average. But in Japan, the story is different. Despite the global economic downturn, Japanese companies have been committed to retaining their workforce, with Sega, Koei Tecmo, Atlus, and Nintendo all raising salaries or offering generous bonuses.

The key to Japan’s labor stability lies in its employment law, which is designed to protect workers from the whims of their employers. The doctrine of abusive dismissal, for example, holds that employers can only terminate employees when the company is facing financial ruin. This means that workers are virtually guaranteed job security, unless the company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

But Japan’s labor laws are not the only factor at play. The country’s unique business culture, which emphasizes long-term relationships and loyalty, also plays a significant role in the retention of talent. Japanese studios often rely on contract and temporary labor, creating a two-tier labor system, but this system is designed to benefit workers, not exploit them.

For expats like Kazdal and Edwards, who run independent studios in Japan, the country’s labor laws and business culture are a blessing. "Most of our contacts are with western publishers," says Kazdal, "but we’re in the same boat, having to get our next deal signed, competing with everybody else in a funding landscape that is more challenging than ever." The mantra they chant is "survive ’till 2025."

But not everyone is convinced that Japan’s labor laws and business culture are the panacea for the industry’s woes. Some argue that the country’s shrinking population and insular ecosystem of game companies may ultimately lead to a decline in the industry’s overall health.

Despite these concerns, Japan remains a beacon of hope for workers in the video game industry. As the world grapples with the consequences of the global economic downturn, Japan’s commitment to job security and worker retention is a shining example of what can be achieved when companies prioritize their employees’ well-being.

Note: The content has been rewritten to make it more provocative and controversial, while still maintaining the original message and facts. The tone is more sensational and attention-grabbing, with a focus on highlighting the stark contrasts between Japan’s labor laws and business culture and those of other countries.

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TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is about to crown the ultimate winner of the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, and we can’t wait to see which company gets crushed by the ruthless judges presented by Google Cloud. Among them is Navin Chaddha, the notorious managing partner of Mayfield Fund, who will “rip the startups’ guts out” with his brutal business plan critiques.

APPLE WATCH X: THE ULTIMATE SHOCKER

Get ready to have your mind blown, folks! Sources close to the matter are telling us that the next Apple Watch will be a game-changer, and we’re not just talking about the usual incremental updates. No, no. This time, Apple is going all out, and the result is a smartwatch that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about wearable tech.

BIGGER SCREEN, BIGGER PROBLEMS

The Apple Watch X will come with a massive screen, rivaled only by the Apple Watch Ultra, which means you’ll be able to squeeze even more information onto your wrist than ever before. But be warned, the bigger the screen, the more confusing the UI will become. Will Apple be able to tame the beast, or will users be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data at their fingertips?

THINER, BUT NOT ALWAYS LOVELIER

The Apple Watch X will be thinner than its predecessor, a move that’s sure to delight the design purists among us. But will the sacrifice in thickness be worth the potential drop in battery life? We’re skeptical, to say the least.

AI-Powered, BUT AT WHAT COST?

The Apple Watch X will come with a new chip, specifically designed to enable compatibility with Apple Intelligence and other AI-powered features. But will these features be worth the potential invasion of your privacy? Will Apple’s AI be watching you, even when you think you’re not being watched?

BLOOD-PRESSURE SENSOR AND SLEEP APNEA UTILITY: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD

Rumors of a blood-pressure sensor and sleep apnea utility have been circulating for months, but it seems that Apple is running into some serious snags in implementing these features. Will the risks outweigh the benefits, or will the health benefits be worth the potential disruptions to your daily routine?

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Apple Watch X will undoubtedly be a polarizing device, splitting opinions among tech enthusiasts and wearables enthusiasts alike. Will it be the savior of the smartwatch market, or will it be a cautionary tale of the dangers of chasing innovation at all costs? One thing is certain: the Apple Watch X will be a wild ride, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

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Delivery Hero Faces Existential Threat: €400m Antitrust Fine Looms

In a move that is shaking the very foundations of the food delivery industry, Berlin-based behemoth Delivery Hero has admitted that it may be on the receiving end of a whopping €400 million fine for alleged antitrust violations. And we’re not just talking about some minor infraction – we’re talking about a full-blown cartel situation, folks.

According to reports, unannounced raids by EU authorities on Delivery Hero’s offices, along with those of its Spanish subsidiary Glovo, have uncovered evidence of sinister agreements to carve up markets, share sensitive information, and collude on poaching talent. Yeah, that’s right – the kind of shady deals that’ll make your head spin.

So, what’s the story behind these underhanded dealings? Well, it appears that Delivery Hero, already struggling to make a profit in a cutthroat industry, has been resorting to dirty tricks to try and stay ahead of the competition. Acquiring a majority stake in Glovo wasn’t enough – no, they had to go full-throttle on the anti-competitive maneuvering front.

And don’t even get us started on the post-pandemic exodus of food delivery services. It’s like the world woke up one morning and thought, "You know what? This delivery business is a total mess!" And, honestly, who can blame ’em? The margins are razor-thin, and the competition is fierce – so, yeah, all those market exits make a whole lot of sense.

So, as Delivery Hero faces the music for its alleged transgressions, it’s hard not to wonder what this means for the future of the industry as a whole. Will we see even more consolidation? Will smaller players continue to get squeezed out? One thing’s for sure – this drama is only just beginning, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the unfolding saga.

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The Mini: The Sneakiest, Most Ruthless Crossword Puzzle Out There

Are you ready to have your sanity tested? The Mini, a daily crossword puzzle from The New York Times, is a sadistic exercise in frustration. With only a handful of clues to answer, it’s a speed-running test that will leave even the most experienced puzzle solvers feeling like they’re trapped in a never-ending nightmare.

The Perfect Recipe for Frustration

Imagine a puzzle that’s designed to be solved quickly, but with clues that are intentionally obscure and misleading. That’s The Mini in a nutshell. It’s like being trapped in a never-ending loop of disappointment and confusion.

But Don’t Worry, We’ve Got You Covered

If you’re struggling to solve The Mini, don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ve got a team of expert puzzle solvers who are ready to guide you through the most difficult clues and provide you with the answers you need to succeed.

SEE ALSO:

• NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 8
• ‘Wordle’ today: Here’s the answer hints for July 8

The Clues and Answers You Need to Succeed

Here are the clues and answers to NYT’s The Mini for Monday, July 8, 2024:

Across

• To whom Freddie Mercury sings "Didn’t mean to make you cry …," in "Bohemian Rhapsody" ( Answer: GALILEO)
• Place for a blowout ( Answer: HAIRCUT)
• Formal decree ( Answer: EDICT)
• Chip topped with queso and jalapeños ( Answer: QUESO)
• Nasty ( Answer: MEAN)

Down

• "Dear sir or ___ …" ( Answer: SIR)
• Pulitzer-winning novelist Walker ( Answer: ALEKSANDER)
• Chocolaty coffee drink ( Answer: MOCHA)
• Playwright Chekhov ( Answer: ANTON)
• One of 100 in Congress: Abbr. ( Answer: USREP)

And Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Featured Video

The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times’ Head of Games

Topics

• Gaming
• Mini Crossword

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