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The Sickening Marriage of Silicon Valley and Health Care: Arianna Huffington and Sam Altman Join Forces to Create the Next AI-Driven Health Scourge

In a move that is equal parts alarming and predictable, self-proclaimed wellness guru Arianna Huffington and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are teaming up to launch Thrive AI Health, a venture that promises to "democratize" health coaching using AI-powered assistant tech. But is this really a blessing for the ailing health care industry, or just a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

The project, backed by Huffington’s Thrive Global and the OpenAI Startup Fund, will reportedly develop an "AI health coach" that gives personalized advice on sleep, food, fitness, stress management, and "connection" – whatever that means. Because what could possibly go wrong with a system that analyzes our every move and whispers health tips in our ears?

Thrive AI Health has appointed DeCarlos Love, a former Google executive, as CEO. Because who better to guide this venture than someone who’s already sold his soul to the tech giant?

But the real question is, how will Thrive AI Health navigate the treacherous waters of patient privacy and data security? The company’s early days have already been marred by controversy, with allegations of biased AI models and potential data breaches. And don’t even get me started on the "strategic investors" – Walmart co-founder Helen Walton’s Alice L. Walton Foundation – and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, which will apparently be one of the initial health partners. The connections are getting juicier by the minute.

Huffington and Altman claim that Thrive AI Health will be different, that it will "make possible very precise recommendations tailored to each person." But let’s not forget the catastrophic failures of IBM’s Watson Health and Babylon Health, two AI-driven health apps that promised the world and delivered nothing but heartache.

And then there’s the issue of bias – because let’s face it, AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on, and the data is often plagued by unconscious biases. A recent study found that OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot often answers questions in a way that reinforces false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white people. You think this won’t happen with Thrive AI Health? Think again.

To placate critics, Thrive AI Health has named Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, director of NYU Langone’s Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, as an advisor. But will that be enough to stave off the inevitable controversy? I think not.

So here’s the question: can we trust these Silicon Valley insiders to truly care about our health, or are they just using their latest toy to line their pockets with even more cash? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – we’ll be keeping a close eye on Thrive AI Health.

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BREAKING: Google Maps’ New "Invasive" Feature May Drive You Mad

In a shocking move, Google Maps has been spotted testing a new feature that could be the most aggressive ad format yet. And we’re not just talking about the usual sponsored pins and ads that pop up on your screen. No, this is something much more sinister.

According to reports, the new feature allows Google Maps to launch a sponsored pop-up ad for a nearby business without being prompted, with the buttons "Cancel" and "Add Stop." Yes, you read that right – without being prompted. It’s like Google Maps is trying to manipulate your route and get you to visit a specific business.

But that’s not all. This feature is not just limited to a specific location or type of business. It seems that Google Maps is using its vast array of data to target users with ads that are tailored to their interests and preferences. And if you’re like most people, you’re probably already tired of seeing ads on your phone.

So, what does this mean for you? Well, for starters, it means that you’ll be seeing more ads on your Google Maps app. And not just any ads, but ads that are specifically designed to get you to visit a specific business. It’s like Google Maps is trying to turn your phone into a personal shopping assistant.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some users are saying about the new feature:

"I was driving to work and suddenly a pop-up ad appeared on my screen. It was for a nearby coffee shop and it had the buttons ‘Cancel’ and ‘Add Stop.’ I was like, ‘What the heck is going on?’"

"I was trying to navigate to a specific location and suddenly a pop-up ad appeared on my screen. It was for a nearby restaurant and it had the buttons ‘Cancel’ and ‘Add Stop.’ I was like, ‘This is ridiculous.’"

"I was driving to a meeting and suddenly a pop-up ad appeared on my screen. It was for a nearby gas station and it had the buttons ‘Cancel’ and ‘Add Stop.’ I was like, ‘This is insane.’"

So, what do you think about this new feature? Are you excited to see more ads on your Google Maps app? Or are you like most people and just want to get rid of them? Let us know in the comments below.

UPDATE: Google has responded to our inquiry about the new feature, saying that it’s not new and that it’s just a way to help users find relevant businesses along their route. But we’re not buying it. This is a clear attempt to manipulate users and get them to visit specific businesses. And we’re not going to stand for it.

SEE ALSO: Your Google Maps’ ‘Timeline’ data may soon be deleted on the web. Here’s how to save it.

FOLLOW US: For more news and updates, follow us on social media.

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BOMBSHELL: Philips Hue Smart Lights Spying on You, Randomly Blasting Full Brightness

In a shocking revelation, Philips Hue smart light bulbs have been caught red-handed, secretly turning themselves up to full brightness without your consent. And it’s not just a minor glitch – it’s a full-blown invasion of your privacy.

The culprit behind this eerie phenomenon? A mysterious "interoperability issue" with the Matter smart home standard, which is somehow causing your lights to malfunction and blast full brightness, even if you’ve set them to dimmer. And get this – it’s not just a Philips Hue problem, but a systemic issue that affects "a small percentage of users" (code for "it’s happening to you too, but don’t worry, it’s just a small percentage").

But here’s the kicker: Signify, the parent company of Philips Hue, knows all about this issue and has been covering it up. They’ve been aware of the problem for who-knows-how-long, and only recently admitted to it after being caught by The Verge.

And what’s the solution to this digital espionage? Disconnect your Hue Bridge from Matter, of course. But don’t worry, it’s easy! Just navigate to your phone settings and the Matter controller app, and voilà! Your lights will no longer be spying on you… or will they?

But don’t just take our word for it. Ask the Connectivity Standards Alliance behind Matter for comment, and you’ll get a deafening silence. It’s clear that someone is hiding something.

So, the next time your lights suddenly blast full brightness, don’t be surprised. It’s not just a glitch – it’s a full-blown conspiracy to control your home, your privacy, and your sanity. Wake up, sheeple!

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“The Venture Capital Bubble is About to Burst Again

After two years of brutal fundraising conditions, some naïve investors are claiming that the worst is behind us and startups can finally start spending money on growth again. But don’t be fooled—the party is far from over.

According to PitchBook data, valuations for early- and late-stage startups have recovered, but only for the elite few who managed to survive the drought. The majority of startups are still stuck in cash preservation mode, and those that can’t deliver growth are being left behind.

Fintech, in particular, has been a disaster for investors since the start of the downturn, but a few lucky companies like Monzo have managed to snag higher valuations. But don’t think for a second that this is a sign of a broad-based recovery; it’s just a few isolated exceptions.

The real story is that many startups are still struggling to raise capital at all, let alone at higher valuations. Deal volume is still sluggish, and the number of companies that can raise funding is dwindling. The “all-time” high valuations touted by PitchBook are a myth, and the real story is that only the strongest companies are getting funded.

And even for those companies, the funding environment is still treacherous. As one analyst put it, “if you’re struggling to hit growth targets you had set out before the pandemic, it’s a really hard market.” In other words, if you’re not a unicorn, you’re out of luck.

The reasons for this are clear: inflation is still a major concern, the Fed is still tightening, and the stock market is due for a correction. And don’t even get me started on the absurd valuations being given to AI startups—it’s a bubble waiting to burst.

So, to all the startups out there thinking they can finally start spending money on growth, think again. The venture capital bubble is about to burst again, and only the strongest companies will survive.”

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The Gift-Giving Lie: How to Waste Your Money on Crappy Presents

Are you tired of being a gift-giving failure? Do you feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of disappointment and regret every time you try to impress someone with a thoughtful gift? Well, congratulations, you’re in luck! Because we’re about to blow the lid off the biggest secret in gift-giving: it’s all just a facade.

Let’s be real, the art of gift-giving is a myth perpetuated by the selfish and the status-quo. It’s a way for us to feel good about ourselves while pretending to care about others. And the best part? It’s all a waste of time and money.

But, if you insist on continuing this charade, we’ve compiled a list of the most overpriced, underwhelming gift ideas under $50. Because who needs to spend more than $50 on a gift, right? These "unique" and "budget-friendly" gifts are sure to be met with a resounding "meh" from the recipient, and you’ll be left feeling like you’ve wasted your money on a cheap thrill.

So, go ahead and indulge in this exercise in futility. Treat your loved ones to a mediocre gift that they’ll quickly forget about. And who knows, you might even get away with it.

Gift Ideas for the Gift-Giving Chumps

• A tacky keychain for your anniversary (because who doesn’t love a good keychain?)
• A cheap, poorly-made mug for Valentine’s Day (because your significant other deserves a reminder that you’re not actually trying)
• A gift card to a mediocre restaurant for Mother’s Day (because your mom probably doesn’t actually care about your feelings)
• A bland, uninspired accessory for your wife (because she’s probably just going to return it anyway)
• A lame, overpriced gadget for your teenager (because they’re probably just going to break it or lose it anyway)

And don’t even get us started on the in-laws. They’re the worst.

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Adobe’s Worst Nightmare: Affinity’s Six-Month Free Trial Exposes the Flaws of the Design Industry

In a bold move that’s sure to send shockwaves through the design community, Serif’s Affinity creative suite is offering a six-month free trial for its flagship apps, Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and Affinity Publisher. But is this a genuine attempt to disrupt the status quo or a desperate attempt to cling to relevance in a market dominated by Adobe’s Creative Cloud?

The Subversive Power of One-Time Purchases

Affinity’s decision to stick with a one-time purchase model has earned it a loyal following among creatives who are fed up with the never-ending cycle of subscription fees. But will this approach ultimately be its downfall or a beacon of hope for those seeking a more sustainable alternative?

Canva’s Acquisition of Affinity: A Recipe for Disaster?

The acquisition of Affinity by Canva earlier this year has raised concerns about the future of the design industry. Will Canva’s influence water down Affinity’s commitment to a one-time purchase model, or will it accelerate the company’s descent into irrelevance?

The Verdict: Affinity’s Free Trial is a Desperate Attempt to Stay Relevant

In a recent interview, Canva CEO Melanie Perkins dodged questions about whether her company’s offering is a full alternative to Adobe’s Creative Cloud. But will Affinity’s free trial be enough to convince designers to make the switch, or is it a desperate attempt to cling to relevance in a market that’s rapidly shifting towards subscription-based models?

The Battle for Dominance in the Design Industry

The design industry is on the brink of a revolution, and Affinity’s six-month free trial is just the latest salvo in the battle for dominance. Will Adobe’s Creative Cloud remain the industry standard, or will Affinity’s one-time purchase model prove to be the key to unlocking a more sustainable future for designers? Only time will tell.

“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.”