There's No Kadchgall Solution |
Kadchgall, as we all know, is a Pashtun hard cheese that originated in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is made by clotting sheep's milk with yogurt, but in some cases camel's milk is also used. Just like in the production of this newsletter. Meanwhile, there's no catch-all solution for the challenges of the modern world, but today's cheddlines offer some good news, and also some bad news. Let's get it! Wicked, dolls... —Matt Davis, Need2Know Chedditor |
|
|
"Car prices continued to depreciate more quickly while there's still some inflation across the rest of the economy." — Ernie Garcia |
|
|
1. Bitcoin Bounces Above $87,000, Bro |
Giving all the worst people in your life something to brag about, Bitcoin has reached unprecedented heights, breaking the $87,000 barrier. The rally is significantly driven by Donald Trump's reelection as [checks notes] president of the United States. The digital currency, known for its volatility and its importance to the illegal drug trade, has leapfrogged in value, seeing a surge of more than 25% since the election.
The cryptocurrency community—or, as we like to call them, the cryptocommies—is buzzing with optimism, interpreting Trump's election as a harbinger of a more crypto-friendly administration and legislative environment.
The industry's enthusiasm isn't baseless; during the election period, it invested over $100 million in supporting candidates perceived as allies of digital assets. They want a regulatory backdrop that encourages the growth and mainstream integration of cryptocurrencies. That's tech speak for being able to do whatever they want whenever they want. Read More |
|
|
2. Round 2 in the Trump-vs.-Mexico Matchup Looks Ominous for Mexico |
Mexico is preparing for a second Trump presidency, and it doesn't expect an easy ride thanks to Trump's past rhetoric and policies targeting the country obvious recent history. During his previous term, Trump threatened to close the border, impose tariffs, and even deploy U.S. forces to combat Mexican drug cartels. This time around, he wants to do all that again, only more so.
Trump's threats, coupled with potential mass deportations of undocumented migrants, could significantly impact Mexico's economy, particularly remittances, which are a crucial source of income for the country. The current political landscape also differs from Trump's first presidency. Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a leftist ideologue and former climate scientist who may not be as amenable to Trump's transactional approach to politics as her predecessor. Sheinbaum's background in activism and student movements suggests a more nationalistic and less compromising stance on issues like immigration and tariffs. Muchas gracias for nothing, Claudia!
Still, it's not all bad news. Cross-border trade has flourished, exceeding $800 billion annually, and U.S. companies are increasingly reliant on Mexican manufacturing. However, the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) and recent legal changes in Mexico could provide Trump with an opportunity to renegotiate aspects of the deal. #NotFinancialAdvice Read More |
|
|
| Volkswagen's new Emergency Assist feature could be a game changer in the game of saving lives.
If the system detects no steering input for 20 seconds, it sends a reminder for the driver to re-engage. If there's still no response, the car activates small jolts through the brakes and seatbelt to alert the driver. If that doesn't work, Emergency Assist completely takes over, pulling the car to the side, turning on hazard lights, and honking the horn. If you hit a truck in the first 19 seconds, of course, then you're all out of luck. |
|
|
3. Mattel 'Deeply' Regrets Misprint on 'Wicked' Dolls Linking Adult Site |
Mattel has expressed deep remorse over a misprint on the packaging of its Wicked movie-themed dolls. The error directed consumers to an adult website rather than to the official movie page, causing a stir on social media over the past weekend.
The special-edition dolls, which represent characters from the much-anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit musical, were supposed to link fans to Universal Pictures' official WickedMovie.com. Instead, the URL printed on the doll boxes mistakenly guided consumers to an inappropriate site requiring visitors to verify that they are over 18.
They were some wicked movies, though. Or so I've heard.
"We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this," the company told the AP. Mattel has advised those who have already purchased the Wicked collection dolls to dispose of the packaging or cover up the erroneous link and reach out to Mattel's customer service for further guidance. Or, you know, go check it out, if you're into that. #NotFinancialAdvice Read More |
|
|
4. Used Cars Set to Be More Affordable With Price Drops and Rate Cuts |
Good news for used car shoppers: Affordability is shifting gears. With prices dipping and finance rates cutting a smoother path, the once-steep climb to car ownership is leveling out. Carvana CEO and co-founder Ernie Garcia talked to us about falling prices. The Tempe, Arizona–based giant has bypassed conventional dealerships to sell approximately 2 million vehicles directly online, now at a staggering pace of 400,000 a year.
"There is no question car prices went up very significantly in 2021 and 2022 and then interest rates went up to 2023. That drove affordability down significantly and led to payments being significantly higher for most customers," he said. "More recently, car prices continued to depreciate more quickly while there's still some inflation across the rest of the economy."
Sounds like now is a great time to buy a used car! #NotFinancialAdvice Read More |
|
|
5. H-AI-l Mary, Full of Gr-AI-ce: The Vatican and Microsoft Made You a Virtual Saint Peter's Basilica |
Tech giant Microsoft and Catholicism giant the Vatican have created a unique digital representation of one of the world's most iconic religious sites: Saint Peter's Basilica.
Crafted using 400,000 high-resolution photographs captured by drones, cameras, and lasers during a four-week period when the basilica was empty, the meticulously created digital twin has just launched online.
Microsoft's president, Pope Brad Smith, lauded the project as one of the most technologically advanced of its kind at a Vatican press conference. With 22 petabytes of data — enough to fill 5 million DVDs — the model serves as an interactive tool for visitors and as a mechanism to manage the influx of pilgrims at the site, especially ahead of the anticipated 2025 Jubilee Year, which is expected to attract more than 30 million visitors.
Pope Francis, during an audience with Smith and the project teams, emphasized the inclusive nature of this project, highlighting that the basilica is a "house of prayer for all peoples." But most especially, we think he meant, for Catholics. And Japanese tourists.
The digital twin also aligns with the Pope's call for the ethical use of AI, reflecting his vision of technology augmented with human values. Visitors can now reserve entry times to the basilica through the digital platform. The AI twin has also identified structural damage, spotting issues such as missing mosaic tiles and small cracks before they become visible to the human eye. Also, unlike at Mattel, nobody at the Vatican wrote down the wrong URL on the box for this thing. Amen. Read More |
|
|
| So, What Do You Think of Cheddar?
|
We want to hear from you! From shows to site to this very newsletter, we'd love some feedback. |
|
|
|
