Jan 29, 2025

Heads up: We're about to test a new email design, so don't be alarmed if things look a little different soon. Don't worry; this doesn't mean fewer stories or less of Matt's writing...even the eyeroll-inducing puns — Ed.

Mi Käse Es Su Käse

That's right, Cheddheads. Käse Mit Schweizer Trüffeln won two Super Gold, three Gold, one Silver and three Bronze Medals at the 2014 World Cheese Awards. Within the realm of Switzerland itself, the cheese is known as Affineur Walo von Mühlenen Mit Trüffeln after the cheesemakers who produce it. "Käse Mit Schweizer Trüffeln" translates directly to "Cheese with Swiss Truffles" but also, the Swiss word for cheese sounds a lot like the Spanish word for house. So today's cheese pun is a bilingual German/Spanish one, and yet, they say DEI is dead.

Schweizer Trüffeln!

—Matt Davis, Need2Know Chedditor

P.S. We've got a dancing, hopping robot dog on our 'gram.

1. Options Traders Buy the Dip on Nvidia Stock

Nvidia's shares sold off hard on Monday, plunging by about 17% or nearly $593 billion in market value. The drop — the biggest in a single day for a single company ever by market value — was related to concerns over DeepSeek. The low-cost Chinese AI model could undercut its U.S. rivals relying on cheaper chips.

Then yesterday we saw a strong rebound in Nvidia's stock of 7%. Options traders also exhibited a robust appetite for longer-term risk in the company, quickly returning to purchase bullish Nvidia contracts amid the recovery. The volume of call options, which indicate a bullish outlook, notably outnumbered put options at a ratio of 1.6-to-1. The rapid return to bullish options trading suggests a strong belief among investors in Nvidia's resilience and prospects, with about 5.4 million Nvidia options contracts traded by midday Tuesday — which is nearly double the usual volume, according to data.

While the selloff was a considerable jolt, traders were quick to exploit the dip as an opportunity, indicating sustained confidence in the company's long-term value.

Microsoft reports its quarterly results today and investors will be watching to see if DeepSeek's news has scaled back its AI investment plans. Most analysts say Monday's DeepSeek panic was overblown and expect a return to business as usual fairly quickly. #NotFinancialAdvice Read More

2. Oscars Won't Have Live Performances of Original Songs

The Oscars' original song category will forgo live performances of the nominated songs at the March 2 ceremony. Instead, the show will spotlight the songwriters through personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights from the creative teams behind the music.

This year's contenders are expected to include songs from the musical "Emilia Pérez," featuring numbers that would have been sung by Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez.

"We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year's nominees," wrote the Oscar bosses in a note to Academy members.

In part, it's a bad look to be singing in the wake of the L.A. fires. Read More

From @cheddar

This off-road robot dog takes on any terrain with ease.

Lynx, from Chinese company DEEP Robotics, combines agility and power—dancing on ice, leaping over obstacles, and gliding through snow with its unique wheeled-leg design.

Follow @cheddar on Instagram!

3. Google Will Rename Gulf of Mexico on Maps

Google announced it will be renaming two major geographical landmarks on its Maps service for U.S. users, as per an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The company plans to change the name of Alaska's Denali mountain back to Mt. McKinley and the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The update aligns with Google's practice of reflecting name changes based on official government sources, specifically referring to the U.S. Geological Survey's Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database.

Google also said that where official names differ between countries, Maps users will see their local official name, while those in other parts of the world will see both names. This decision follows President Trump's executive order, signed on Inauguration Day, to reinstate the name Mt. McKinley and rename the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump cited President McKinley's contributions to the country's wealth through tariffs and talent in his inaugural address. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed strong disagreement with the renaming of Denali, emphasizing the significance of the mountain's name, which has been used by Alaska's Koyukon Athabascans for thousands of years.

Under the previous administration Google was under fire for anti-trust violations, but by cozying up to Donald Trump now, there's a possibility the company could fend off efforts by the Department of Justice to force it to sell off its Chrome web browser. Read More

4. Trump Pausing All Federal Grants and Loans

President Donald Trump's administration has paused federal grants and loans. The move, which began yesterday, is part of an ideological review of spending to ensure compliance with Trump's executive orders geared towards rolling back progressive initiatives, including those related to transgender rights, environmental justice, and DEI efforts.

The halt, affecting potentially trillions of dollars and various sectors such as health care research and education, has caused considerable confusion and concern among dependent organizations. Despite assurances from the Trump administration that programs delivering critical benefits to Americans would not be affected, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said his office had confirmed that the portal doctors use to secure payments from Medicaid had been deactivated in all 50 states.

Administration officials said the freeze will not impact federal assistance to individuals, including Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans, and scholarships. However, the widespread pause has already sparked legal challenges, with Democratic attorneys general filing a lawsuit to block the president's actions, citing concerns over the legality and potential harm of the freeze on essential services and recovery efforts in areas such as wildfire damage.

Nonprofit groups have also sued, claiming the freeze lacks a legal or rational basis. To that, the White House said, "hold my beer." It argues that the review and subsequent funding pause aim to eliminate spending on what it deems as non-priority areas like "Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies." Read More

5. Central Park's $160M Transformation Is Hiding In Plain Sight

Central Park is undergoing a major transformation in its northern section. The $160 million project aims to revitalize the area and create a seamless connection between the park and the surrounding Harlem community. The northern end of Central Park, long overshadowed by the park's more popular attractions, has suffered from outdated infrastructure and a sense of disconnection.

The Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with a team of architects, is leading the charge to breathe new life into the area. Their vision is to create a space that is both modern and respectful of the park's original design.

The centerpiece of the transformation is the new Harlem Meer Center, a 3-in-1 facility that will adapt to the seasons. It will serve as a swimming pool in the summer, an ice rink in the winter, and a green space for community gatherings in the spring and fall. The innovative design maximizes the use of space and provides year-round recreational opportunities for the community.

A key goal of the project is to improve access between Harlem and the rest of the park. New pathways and sightlines will replace former barriers, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. The design also incorporates the restoration of natural waterways, enhancing the park's ecological health. The new facilities are designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards, incorporating locally sourced materials and innovative systems for water management.

The Central Park Conservancy has worked closely with the Harlem community throughout the design process, ensuring that the new facilities meet the needs and aspirations of residents. I'm looking forward to taking a stroll up there soon. Read More