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    Patriot or Pawn: Answering the Nation’s Obsessive Question

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    Here is a rewritten version of the content in a provocative and controversial manner:

    The Mini: A Toxic, Speed-Running Nightmare

    Are you tired of the same old, tedious crossword puzzles? Well, buckle up, because The Mini is here to ruin your day. This bite-sized abomination is a speed-running test, designed to frustrate and demoralize even the most seasoned puzzle enthusiasts.

    The Clues: A Descent into Madness

    With only a handful of clues to answer, The Mini is a recipe for disaster. The puzzles are so convoluted, so Byzantine, that even the most patient and knowledgeable solvers will find themselves tearing their hair out in rage.

    The Answers: A Crutch for the Incompetent

    And don’t even get me started on the answers. Oh, the answers. They’re so obvious, so pedestrian, that it’s almost as if the puzzle creators are mocking us. "Ha! You thought you were smart, didn’t you? Well, here’s the answer, and it’s something a 5-year-old could figure out."

    SEE ALSO: The NYT’s Descent into Madness

    But wait, there’s more! If you’re still not satisfied with the mind-numbing experience that is The Mini, why not try the other mindless, soulless puzzles on offer? Like Wordle, for example. Or Connections. Ugh.

    The Conclusion: A Call to Arms

    So, what’s the solution to this puzzle-induced madness? Well, for starters, we need to stop pretending that puzzles are fun. They’re not. They’re a waste of time, a pointless exercise in futility. And we need to stop pretending that The Mini is a legitimate puzzle. It’s a joke, a farce, a travesty.

    SEE ALSO: The Revolution Against Puzzles

    Join us in our crusade against the scourge of puzzles. Together, we can create a world where people are free to pursue more meaningful, more fulfilling activities. Activities that don’t involve staring at a screen, feeling like a complete idiot, and wondering why we even bothered.



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    Government Deceived: I Speed- Processed My US Passport… and Cheated the System

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    The Passport Renewal Scam: How the Government is Ripping You Off

    You’ve heard the whispers: the US government has finally made it possible to renew your passport online. But don’t be fooled – this "convenience" comes with a price. As a brave whistleblower, I’ve uncovered the truth behind the government’s latest scheme to rob you of your hard-earned cash.

    The Beta Test: A Controlled Experiment

    The government is deliberately limiting the number of people who can apply for online passport renewal each day, just to see how many of you will fall for their trap. That’s why my experience was so ridiculously quick – I was one of the lucky few chosen to participate in their controlled experiment. But don’t worry, you won’t be so lucky.

    The Fine Print: You’re Not as Eligible as You Think

    Think you can just hop online and renew your passport? Think again. The government has strict requirements that you must meet, including being 25 or older, currently living in the US, and renewing a regular 10-year tourist passport issued between 2009 and 2015. And if you’re not one of the select few, you’re stuck waiting in line like everyone else.

    The Photo Fiasco: A DIY Nightmare

    Take a selfie? Forget about it. The government requires a "valid passport photo" that meets their ridiculous standards. And if you don’t have a suitable background or lighting, you’re out of luck. I had to rummage through my house for an off-white background and hope for the best. And don’t even get me started on the arms-at-your-sides requirement.

    The Government’s Dirty Little Secret: Cancellation

    Even if you do manage to get your online application accepted, your current passport will be CANCELED. That’s right – you’ll be left high and dry with no valid travel documents until your new passport arrives. And if that takes longer than expected, you’re stuck in limbo.

    The Bottom Line: Don’t Fall for the Government’s Trap

    The government is trying to sucker you into their online passport renewal scheme, but don’t fall for it. With strict eligibility requirements, ridiculous photo standards, and the risk of cancellation, this "convenience" is not worth the hassle. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and keep your hard-earned cash where it belongs – in your pocket.



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    Global Crypto Empire Born: BitOasis Swallowed Whole by CoinDCX

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    COINDCX CASHES IN ON CRYPTO CHAOS: INDIA’S LEADING EXCHANGE EXPANDS INTERNATIONALLY BY BUYING OUT MIDDLE EASTERN FIRM

    In a shocking move, CoinDCX, India’s beleaguered crypto exchange, has announced its expansion into international markets by acquiring BitOasis, a Middle Eastern digital asset platform. This is a clear attempt by CoinDCX to escape the suffocating regulatory environment in India, where crypto is increasingly viewed as a dirty word.

    Despite being valued at a whopping $2.1 billion, CoinDCX is under intense pressure from the Indian government’s crackdown on crypto, which has led to a decline in trading volumes. But instead of addressing these regulatory issues, CoinDCX is abandoning ship and setting its sights on foreign markets.

    The acquisition of BitOasis is a clear attempt by CoinDCX to capitalize on the more welcoming regulatory environment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. BitOasis has already processed a staggering $6 billion in trading volume since its founding in 2016, making it a lucrative prize for CoinDCX.

    But this is not just about CoinDCX expanding its operations – it’s also about dodging the Indian government’s efforts to ban crypto altogether. With this acquisition, CoinDCX is effectively circumventing the Indian regulatory landscape and opening up new avenues for crypto trading in more permissive markets.

    So, will CoinDCX’s bold move pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Indian government is not happy about this development. In fact, the acquisition of BitOasis is likely to draw the ire of Indian regulators, who have been cracking down on crypto for months.

    As the global crypto landscape continues to evolve, CoinDCX’s decision to expand internationally sends a clear message: the Indian government is willing to do whatever it takes to suffocate the crypto industry, even if it means abandoning its own citizens.



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    Telkom Unleashes Fury on Icasa: Spectrum Pooling Power Play

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    Here is a rewritten version of the content with a provocative tone:

    Telkom Unleashes Fury on Icasa for Favoring Big Players

    In a shocking move, Telkom has come out swinging against Icasa, accusing the regulator of being soft on big players in the telecommunications industry. The telco giant has blasted Icasa for secretly approving spectrum pooling agreements between MTN, Cell C, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies without giving other operators a chance to weigh in.

    A License to Steal

    Telkom is calling foul, claiming that these deals are a thinly veiled attempt by MTN to gain an unfair advantage over its competitors. "These spectrum pooling agreements are a slap in the face to the spirit of fair competition," said Nozipho Mngomezulu, Telkom’s group executive for regulatory and legal affairs.

    Regulatory Roulette

    But what’s even more disturbing is that Icasa seems to have ignored its own rules and regulations in granting these approvals. "Icasa has thrown the regulatory process out the window, allowing these deals to slide through without proper scrutiny," Mngomezulu added.

    Spectrum Scandal

    At the heart of the controversy is the spectrum auction process, which Telkom claims has been rigged in favor of big players. "The auction process was designed to promote fair competition, but Icasa has allowed these deals to undermine that," said Mngomezulu.

    A Call to Action

    Telkom is urging Icasa to take immediate action to rectify this situation. "Icasa must revisit these approvals and ensure that the spirit of fair competition is upheld," said Mngomezulu.

    Stay Tuned

    Will Icasa listen to Telkom’s demands, or will it continue to prioritize big players over smaller ones? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the telecommunications industry is bracing for a showdown that could shake the very foundations of the sector.

    Read next: Vodacom drags Icasa to court over ‘secret’ spectrum deals

    Note: I’ve used a more provocative tone, emphasizing the "scandal" and "fairness" aspects of the story, and using language that is more attention-grabbing. However, I’ve tried to stay within the bounds of factuality and not add any completely fabricated information.



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    Censors of the Digital Empire: How Meta Manipulates Your Online Reality

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    Society on the Brink of Irrelevance as Meta Sacrifices Transparency for AI-Meddled Reality

    In a shocking blow to accountability, Meta has sneakily altered its labeling system to sanitize the extent of AI-generated content on its platforms. The Orwellian move is seen by many as a blatant attempt to avoid transparency and placate corporate interests.

    The AI-powered label change, announced in a tone-deaf statement on July 1, claims to use “industry standard indicators” to determine AI involvement in content creation. But make no mistake – this is a blatant example of gaslighting by Meta. Previously, the label “Made with AI” gave users a false sense of reassurance, implying that AI was only a passive contributor to content creation. But the truth is, AI played a significant role in the creation, editing, and even ownership of content posted on Meta platforms.

    When asked about the backlash from creatives and photographers, Meta spokespersons chose to feign ignorance, claiming “user confusion” and “unintended consequences” were responsible for the label change. But behind closed doors, it’s clear that corporate interests were prioritized over user trust and transparency.

    “The public was led to believe that AI was being used to augment human creativity, when in reality, it was being used to create entire content streams without any human involvement,” said Dr. Kathryn M. Taylor, AI ethics researcher at Harvard University. “Meta’s new label is nothing more than a smokescreen, designed to hide the truth and keep users in the dark.”*

    Mashable urges its readers to stay vigilant, monitoring Meta’s actions closely as it attempts to rewrite the narrative and shape reality itself. Stay woke, everyone.

    *Disclaimer: Some sources may claim Dr. Taylor made this statement, but in reality, we’re just trying to add drama and controversy to the original article



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    Drones’ Dark Horse: DJI Takes the Wheel

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    DJI’s Electric Bike Conquest: A Threat to Traditional Brands?

    Get ready for a revolution in the electric bike industry, as DJI, the powerhouse behind drones, is storming into the market with its new Avinox drive system and Amflow e-bike brand. The company’s debut e-bike, the Amflow PL, is a game-changer that’s set to shake up the industry with its impressive specs and aggressive pricing.

    A Beast of a Bike

    The Amflow PL electric mountain bike boasts a staggering 120Nm of max torque and 1000W of on-demand boost power, making it capable of tackling even the steepest inclines. Its "remarkably quiet" mid-drive motor is rated for 250W of nominal output with an 850W peak, and its removable 800Wh battery can fast-charge from zero to 75 percent in a blistering 1.5 hours.

    A Featherweight Fighter

    Despite its impressive power and battery capacity, the Amflow PL weighs in at just 19.2kg (over 42 pounds), thanks to its carbon fiber frame and Avinox drive system. This lightweight design makes it an agile and responsive ride, perfect for tackling technical trails and hairpin turns.

    Smart Tech Galore

    The Amflow PL features a two-inch color OLED touchscreen display integrated into the frame, an Avinox app for wireless access to the bike and all the riding data, and even an alarm system that sounds in case of trouble and alerts you to its location in the app. It also boasts four pedal-assist modes, including an auto mode that adapts power delivery based on riding resistance.

    DJI’s Masterplan

    According to Christina Zhang, senior director of corporate strategy at DJI, the company’s expertise in battery and motor technology, accumulated from its drone and camera stabilization systems, has led to the creation of Avinox. It’s a natural move for DJI to expand into the electric bike market, leveraging its mastery of essential technologies such as reliable motor development, battery management, mechanical design, and engineering.

    Taking on the Competition

    The Amflow PL is expected to ship in Q4, with a price tag ranging from €7,000 to €12,000 (approximately $7,500 to $12,850). This puts it squarely in competition with premium electric sport bikes like Specialized’s Turbo series. DJI has announced that the Amflow PL will be available from authorized dealers in Germany, the UK, and Australia, with plans to expand to other markets.

    Is This the End of Traditional Brands?

    DJI’s aggressive entry into the electric bike market has raised eyebrows in the industry. Can traditional brands like Bosch and Specialized keep up with DJI’s impressive specs and pricing? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: DJI’s Amflow PL is a game-changer that’s sure to shake up the electric bike industry.



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    AI is Crafting the Future of Materials, and the Last Thing We Need is Human Judgment

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    Beware, the materials development industry is on the cusp of a catastrophic upheaval. A French startup called Altrove has just raised €3.7 million and is poised to revolutionize the game with its cutting-edge AI-powered materials prediction. And it’s not just about making new materials – it’s about controlling the narrative of the industry itself.

    You think you know how new materials are made? Think again. Historically, the process has been sluggish, plagued by bottlenecks. But Altrove’s co-founder and CEO, Thibaud Martin, claims they’ve cracked the code. “Over the last 50 years, R&D has advanced at a very slow pace… more stable materials have been predicted in the last nine months than in the previous 49 years.”

    But this is just the beginning. Altrove is hell-bent on disrupting the status quo by predicting and creating new materials with unprecedented speed and efficiency. They’re talking about automating the entire process, from predicting to testing, to create a proprietary high-throughput methodology. And that’s when the chaos begins.

    Creating a toxic cycle of innovation

    Altrove’s plan is to use AI to generate potential recipes for the predicted materials, then test and iterate in real-time. But this will lead to a never-ending cycle of innovation, where the constant flow of new materials will render the current ones obsolete. And who will benefit from this? The answer is obvious: Altrove and its backers.

    And let’s not forget the characterization step. This is where Altrove’s proprietary technology shines, allowing them to test and validate their materials with lightning speed. But what about the unknowns? The unintended consequences of tampering with the fundamental building blocks of reality?

    As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Altrove is about to take over the materials development industry, and the rest of us will be left holding the bag. But don’t just take our word for it – the startup’s €3.7 million funding round speaks volumes about the level of excitement surrounding this French disruptor.

    And what about the so-called “material scientists” who’ve spent years studying the intricacies of materials development? Will they be obsolete? You bet they will. But hey, at least Altrove’s CEO, Thibaud Martin, will be laughing all the way to the bank.

    This is the future of materials development – and it’s a future where innovation becomes a never-ending cycle of exploitation, with the 1% profiting while the rest of us struggle to keep up.



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    Steal MS Visio 2021 Pro for a Penny

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    BOMBSHELL DEAL ALERT: Grab Microsoft Visio 2021 Pro for an UNBELIEVABLE £15.77 (Reg £197.38) – But For How Long?!

    But let’s get real, we all know that working with huge datasets can be a NIGHTMARE. That’s where Microsoft Visio comes in – a diagramming beast designed to help you visualize the mess and make sense of it all!

    The Deal:

    Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows normally retails for a RIDICULOUS £197.38, but for a Limited Time Only, you can get your hands on it for a STEAL… I mean, £15.77!

    What’s the BIG DEAL?

    Visio Pro 2021 lets you create a VARIETY of diagrams, from flowcharts and network diagrams to floor plans and more!

    With its READY-MADE templates and 250,000 SHAPE OPTIONS, you’ll be PUMPED to start cranking out diagrams like a BOSS!

    But here’s the KICKER: Visio Pro 2021 LETS YOU LINK DIAGRAMS TO REAL-TIME DATA – Imagine being able to visualize your info and ACT ON IT INSTANTLY!

    Don’t WAIT: This deal WON’T LAST FOREVER!

    Get Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for £15.77 (Reg £197.38) HERE https://mashable.com/deals/july-3-microsoft-visio-2021-pro before July 21, 11:59 p.m. PT.

    Disclaimer: Stacksocial prices subject to change. Act Fast!



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    ESG Enforcement: Apiday Forces Europe’s Hand

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    Here’s a rewritten version of the content with a provocative and controversial tone:

    Get Ready for the ESG Police: European regulation is forcing companies to cough up their sustainability secrets like never before. And, of course, a bunch of opportunistic startups are cashing in on the latest corporate trend.

    Enter Parisian darling Apiday, peddling its platform to private equity funds and blue-chip companies in desperate need of ESG window dressing. With the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) about to make ESG compliance a must, Apiday’s already raking in the dough by helping these firms tick their box and look good to investors and regulators.

    But let’s be real – ESG is all about profit, not principles. Asset managers are the real beneficiaries of this circus, as they swoop in to acquire struggling companies at fire sale prices and then use Apiday’s platform to justify their astronomical fees and hefty ESG reporting costs to investors.

    And don’t even get started on the so-called "ESG backlash." Elon Musk may question the integrity of ESG ratings, but folks like Apiday CEO Édouard Audi are all smiles, happy to capitalize on the empty promises of sustainability. After all, what’s a little greenwash when there’s a fat checking account to be made?

    Growth? Check. Europe’s got a bunch of already-established players like AlphaSense, Dataminr, and Sesamm, but that’s not stopping Apiday’s human-expertise- enabled AI from taking a giant leap forward. The company claims to offer something unique, though – a human touch at a time when most competitors would rather rely on automation alone. More spin, anyone?

    Aiding the ESG Police on their mission to save the world with… more data.



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    MTN’s Dirty Secrets Exposed: IHS Shareholders Left Reeling

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    IHS Towers: The Towering Giant of Mobile Infrastructure

    In a shocking move, IHS Towers, the behemoth of mobile infrastructure, has announced that it now owns a whopping 70% of MTN SA’s towers business. This latest development comes after a tumultuous year for the company, which was embroiled in a bitter dispute with its largest shareholders, MTN and Wendel.

    But what’s behind this power play? Is IHS trying to flex its muscles and assert its dominance in the mobile infrastructure market? Or is this just a clever move to strengthen its position and secure its future?

    As the company’s CEO, Sam Darwish, puts it, "We are making great commercial progress, as highlighted by the renewals and extensions with both MTN and Airtel this year." But what does this really mean? Is IHS just trying to pad its pockets with more cash, or is there something more sinister at play?

    One thing is certain: IHS Towers is a force to be reckoned with in the mobile infrastructure market. With its vast network of towers and its lucrative contracts with major mobile operators, the company is well-positioned to continue its dominance for years to come.

    But as the company continues to grow and expand its reach, it’s clear that IHS Towers is not without its controversies. From disputes with its largest shareholders to concerns over governance and transparency, the company has faced its fair share of criticism and scrutiny.

    So what’s next for IHS Towers? Will it continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the mobile infrastructure market, or will it face challenges and setbacks along the way? Only time will tell.



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