News July 15, 2024
How ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 is different from George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire and Blood’
The article provides a detailed comparison between the first four episodes of the HBO series “House of the Dragon” and the book “Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin, which serves as the basis for the show’s story. The author highlights several key differences between the two, including changes to character motivations, plot developments, and historical events.
Some notable differences mentioned in the article include:
- Alicent’s storyline: In the book, Alicent is a strong supporter of Aegon II and helps him claim the Iron Throne. However, in the show, she begins to doubt his legitimacy and may be open to working against him.
- The Battle of Rook’s Rest: While the outcome of the battle remains the same in both the book and the show, the route taken to get there is different. In the book, Aegon and Aemond attack Rhaenys together, while in the show, Aegon’s arrival interferes with Criston and Aemond’s original plan.
- Alicent’s pitch for rule: In the book, Criston simply chooses Aemond to be Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm. However, in the show, Alicent puts herself forward as an option, only to be rejected by the Small Council.
- Daemon’s storyline: While the Taking of Stone Hedge is mentioned in both the book and the show, the details surrounding it are different. In the book, Daemon encourages a violent assault against innocent residents of Bracken land, while in the show, he faces infighting and emotional turmoil.
The article also notes that some changes may be intentional, as the show’s creators aim to add new depth and complexity to the characters and storylines. Overall, the comparison highlights the differences between the book and the show, while also acknowledging the creative liberties taken by the writers of “House of the Dragon”.
Decoding the ABB Nascar EV Prototype
The all-electric race cars currently struggle with running flat-out on high-speed ovals, as regenerative braking doesn’t work well when drivers keep the accelerator pinned to the floor lap after lap. This is why Nascar rolled out an EV prototype at the Chicago Street Race, a unique event that takes place on closed-off public roads in Grant Park. The event drew new fans to Nascar and showcased the potential of electric propulsion in racing. While Nascar remains noncommittal about the EV’s future, some see it as a strategic move to keep manufacturers involved in the sport as they transition to hybrid and all-electric vehicles. A secondary championship featuring the EV prototype could open up new possibilities for manufacturers and sponsors, particularly those in the SUV and luxury markets. For now, Nascar is keeping its options open, but if they want to embrace electric propulsion, a series built around the EV prototype could be a game-changer in North American racing.
The Hidden Ties Between Google and Amazon’s Project Nimbus and Israel’s Military
On April 16, police stormed into Google offices in New York and California, detaining several employees who were protesting a $1.2 billion cloud contract with Israel’s government called Project Nimbus. The deal has been met with growing opposition from some employees at both Google and Amazon since its inception in 2021, particularly after Israel’s renewed conflict with Hamas following the October 7 attacks of 2023. Protesters claim that the project makes the companies complicit in Israel’s armed conflicts and its government’s treatment of civilian Palestinians, which they deem illegal and inhumane. Despite Google’s insistence that the contract is not aimed at military work, a review of public documents and statements reveals that the Israeli Defense Forces have been central to Project Nimbus since its inception, shaping the project’s design and serving as some of its most important users. Top Israeli officials appear to view the Google and Amazon contract as providing crucial infrastructure for the country’s military operations.
Why ‘College Football ‘25’ means so much to its long-suffering fans
The article discusses the highly anticipated release of College Football ‘25, a new video game that revives the beloved NCAA Football series. The game is being developed by EA Sports and promises to bring back the excitement and nostalgia of the original games.
The article quotes two individuals who were heavily involved with the original NCAA Football series: Clark, a University of Miami alumnus, and Sherman, a Northwestern University graduate. Both share their passion for the game and how it allowed them to create their own stories and experiences within the world of college football.
Clark mentions that he’s been waiting for this moment for years, as the previous versions of the game were discontinued in 2013. He’s excited to dive back into Dynasty Mode, where players can control every aspect of a university’s football program, including recruiting, coaching, and playing games.
Sherman shares his own story of building Northwestern University’s football team from scratch using computer-generated recruits. He recalls running plays with a fullback named Steve Lovelady, who won the Heisman Trophy in his game.
The article highlights the excitement surrounding the release of College Football ‘25, with many fans eagerly anticipating its arrival on July 19. The game will be available only on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
The nostalgia for this game is palpable, with fans sharing their own stories and memories of playing NCAA Football in the past. The article concludes by quoting Sherman, who says that people feel a strong connection to their favorite college football teams and traditions, making this game a special experience for those who loved it.
Overall, the article provides an inside look at the excitement surrounding College Football ‘25 and its potential to bring back the magic of the original NCAA Football series.
X is flirting with dislike and downvote features (again)
As Twitter continues to evolve, whispers of a dislike and downvote button have resurfaced. The removal of public likes and integration of AI chatbot Grok are just a few of the changes brewing for the platform. A researcher stumbled upon code references to a downvote button in an iOS app update, sparking speculation about its potential implementation. Icons of broken hearts were also discovered, hinting at an upcoming ability to dislike posts. While details on how these features would work remain scarce, Twitter’s history with flirting with dislike and downvote options suggests that the idea may not be entirely dead.