Dax Shepard's $80M Amazon Deal (2024)

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Dax Shepard's $80M Amazon Deal

Dax Shepard has struck gold with a whopping $80 million deal with Amazon's podcast network, Wondery, for his "Armchair Expert" podcast. Previously exclusive to Spotify, "Armchair Expert" will now be distributed by Wondery for at least two years. This lucrative agreement includes co-production of two new podcasts, annual live streams, and video episodes, alongside translating the show into multiple languages for global reach.

This move marks a significant shift in the podcasting landscape, underscoring Amazon's ambition to rival industry leaders like Spotify. Shepard's show, known for featuring high-profile guests like Bill Gates and Barack Obama, is set to expand its influence further under this new partnership​ (Celebrity Net Worth)​.

Consumer Prices Dip for the First Time in Four Years

In a surprising turn of events, consumer prices fell in June for the first time in four years. This unexpected decrease, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marks a significant shift from the inflationary pressures that have been a hallmark of recent years. The drop in prices is attributed to a combination of factors, including easing supply chain issues and a decrease in the cost of energy.

The decline in consumer prices could signal a potential shift in the economic landscape, providing some relief to consumers who have faced rising costs in essentials. Analysts suggest that this development might influence future economic policies and consumer spending patterns, potentially easing concerns about ongoing inflation​

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Microsoft Designer App Brings AI-Powered Creativity to Windows, iOS, and Android devices

Microsoft has launched its AI-powered Designer app, now available on iOS, Android, and Windows platforms. This new release aims to make advanced design capabilities accessible to everyone, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Photos. With features powered by OpenAI's DALL-E 3, the app allows users to create stunning visuals simply by describing what they envision. From social media graphics to personalized invitations, Designer provides a variety of templates and styles to jumpstart the creative process​ (Microsoft Cloud)​​.

Highlights:

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Outsell Previous Version in Record Time

The new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, launched last October, have significantly outperformed their predecessors, selling more in just a few months than the previous model did in two years. These glasses, a collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, feature built-in Meta AI and allow users to livestream directly to Facebook and Instagram. The success is attributed to clearer consumer expectations and improvements over the initial Ray-Ban Stories​.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Sets Record with Unprecedented Speed and Closest Sun Approach

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has once again made history by breaking its own record to become the fastest human-made object ever. On September 27, 2023, the probe reached an incredible speed of 394,736 mph (635,266 km/h) as it made a close approach to the sun. This achievement was facilitated by a gravity assist from Venus during a flyby on August 21, enabling the probe to move even closer to the sun's surface​.

This event marked the midpoint of Parker Solar Probe's 20th solar encounter, a mission phase that began on June 25 and ended on July 5, 2024. During this period, the probe achieved another milestone by coming within 4.51 million miles (7.26 million km) of the sun, breaking its previous record for proximity. The primary objective of the Parker Solar Probe mission is to study the sun's corona, focusing on the behavior of plasma and magnetic fields and their impact on solar wind and space weather​.

Looking ahead, the probe is gearing up for its final close approaches, with the next one scheduled for December 24, 2024. During this phase, it is expected to achieve even higher speeds and approach as close as 3.8 million miles from the sun. This groundbreaking mission not only underscores human innovation in space exploration but also promises to deliver vital data to enhance our understanding and prediction of solar activities​ (Space.com)​​.

Moon Cave: NASA's New Astronaut Haven

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found a vast underground cave on the Moon that could serve as a future base for astronauts. The cave, located beneath the Mare Tranquillitatis region, was identified using radar data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). This natural formation is expected to provide significant protection against the Moon's harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, solar radiation, and micrometeorite impacts.

The cave, opening from a pit over 400 feet deep, offers a stable environment with temperatures around 63°F. This is a stark contrast to the Moon’s surface, which swings from 250°F during the day to -200°F at night. Scientists believe this discovery could revolutionize lunar exploration by providing a safe habitat for astronauts and potentially housing essential resources like water ice​.

Spinning Out of Control: Ice Sheets and Earth's Wobble

Recent research reveals that melting ice sheets are causing a noticeable shift in Earth’s spin, affecting the planet's rotation. The study highlights that the rapid loss of ice in polar regions is not only contributing to rising sea levels but also altering the distribution of Earth's mass. This shift is causing changes in the planet's rotation axis, which could have far-reaching implications for climate patterns and global weather systems.

The study underscores the intricate connection between ice loss and planetary dynamics, emphasizing that the impacts of climate change are more profound than previously understood.

Rare Daylight Meteor Fireball Over NYC: A rare daylight fireball meteor exploded over New York City, causing a loud boom near the Statue of Liberty. The phenomenon, known as a daylight fireball, is extremely uncommon and occurs when a large meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and explodes. This event captured the attention of residents and scientists alike, offering a spectacular display and valuable data for meteor researchers.

Study Reveals Night Owls Have Superior Cognitive Function: A new study suggests that night owls may have superior cognitive function compared to early risers. Researchers found that individuals who stay up late tend to perform better on tests of memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility. This challenges the common belief that early risers are more productive, highlighting the potential cognitive benefits of a night-oriented schedule.

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