SpaceX Starship Rocket Explodes in Texas

In Texas, a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded. It ignited right on the ground half an hour after fueling, and the firefighters who arrived at the scene battled the flames for several hours. There were no injuries, and the cause of the explosion is described as a 'serious anomaly.' The exact issue is still being investigated, and the damage is being assessed. If the site has sustained significant damage, tests of the spacecraft, which Elon Musk plans to send to Mars as early as 2026, could be delayed by several months. 'Just a scratch,' Elon Musk jokingly commented.

Goliath Becomes a Father at the Age of 135

The Galapagos tortoise from the Miami Zoo has become a father for the first time at the age of 135. The long-lived tortoise named Goliath was born on the island of Santa Cruz sometime between 1885 and 1890, was brought to the Bronx Zoo in 1929, and moved to Miami in 1981, where he mated with several females but produced no offspring. Now fortune has smiled, and Goliath has managed to become a father with a female named Sweet Pea, who is about 85-100 years old.

Graduate Admits to Using ChatGPT for Thesis

A video went viral showing a University of California graduate admitting during the graduation ceremony that he wrote his thesis using ChatGPT. He displayed a laptop with an open chat with the AI during a live broadcast, and other graduates in the hall started clapping. It is unknown what the young man studied, but now people on social media are worried that he might be someone's future doctor.

Sony Officially Confirms Development of PlayStation 6

Sony has officially confirmed the development of the PlayStation 6. Hideaki Nishino, head of Sony Interactive, stated that the sixth console is currently the company's 'top priority'. No major details were disclosed, but Hideaki hinted at the addition of 'new types of interaction between people and games'. Rumors suggest the release is set for 2027.

Netflix to Open Netflix House Entertainment Centers

Netflix will open its own entertainment centers called Netflix House, featuring attractions and quests inspired by its series. The first two will open in Philadelphia and Dallas later this year: they will feature challenges from 'Squid Game' and One Piece, an escape from Hawkins, carousels styled after 'Wednesday', as well as arcade halls, a cinema, cafes, and more. The zones are promised to be regularly updated with new releases, and in 2027, a third Netflix House will be built in Las Vegas.

Tom Cruise to Receive Honorary Oscar

Tom Cruise will receive an honorary Oscar for his contribution to the development of cinema and 'dedication to stunt work' - this will be the first statue in the career of the 62-year-old actor. Despite his age, the artist still performs all the stunts himself, and not long ago he was even included in the Guinness Book of Records for jumping with a burning parachute 16 times in a row. Similar awards have been given in the past to Jackie Chan, David Lynch, Samuel L. Jackson, and others.

IT Specialists Suggested to Become Plumbers

IT specialists were suggested to become plumbers. One of the fathers of AI, Geoffrey Hinton, a scientist who accelerated the self-learning of neural networks, stated that technology threatens layoffs for lawyers, office workers, and call centers. To stay afloat, he proposed taking up jobs as builders, repairmen, and plumbers - as these roles will definitely not be replaced by neural networks.

World's First Humanoid Robot Store to Open in Beijing

The world's first store for selling humanoid robots will open in Beijing. There will be a demo area where customers can test everything themselves, and in addition to sales, maintenance is also promised. Reports indicate that more than 30 manufacturers, including UBTech, which makes humanoids for Zeekr, have already joined the project. The opening is planned for August.

Salina Turda: From Salt Mine to Entertainment Center

The Romanian salt mine Salina Turda has been transformed into an underground entertainment center. Salt extraction began in this location as early as the 11th century and ceased in 1932 due to economic non-feasibility, after which the mine was used as warehouses and a bomb shelter. A tourist complex was established there in the 2010s: since then, it features a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, bowling, billiards, table tennis, and boat rentals.

The Most Dangerous Toy in History: Atomic Energy Lab

The most dangerous toy in history is the 'Atomic Energy Lab for Kids' with radioactive Uranium-238. The set was sold in the USA in the 1950s: inside were test tubes with real uranium ore (the authors assured there was no radiation risk if the instructions were followed), a Geiger counter, and other tools for 'exciting experiments'. This item was released due to the lack of strict safety standards for toys at the time, but it failed spectacularly due to radiation fears and a very high selling price.

China builds its Hyperloop project

In China, a Hyperloop project is being developed, where the train will reach speeds up to 1000 km/h. Planned routes include Shanghai–Hangzhou, which would cover 200 km in 9 minutes, and Beijing–Shanghai.

Tourist Breaks Swarovski Crystal 'Van Gogh's Chair'

A tourist broke the 'Van Gogh's Chair' sculpture made of Swarovski crystals at the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona. It is an interpretation of the chair from Vincent van Gogh's painting 'Bedroom'. Surveillance footage shows that the visitors waited for the staff to leave the room to take photos on Nicola Bolla's exhibit. Fortunately, the sculpture was restored. Information about the extent of damage and holding the tourists accountable has not been disclosed.

Matthew McConaughey and Nic Pizzolatto: Reunited for a Movie

Matthew McConaughey and screenwriter Nic Pizzolatto ('True Detective') are together again - this time for a feature film about private detective Mike Hammer. The new picture will be a reimagining of the classic detective: modern setting, tough style, and, judging by the cast, a lot of characteristic male angst - primarily, of course, from McConaughey.

Micron Halts DDR4 Memory Module Production

Micron is halting the production of DDR4 memory modules. Previously, Samsung and SK Hynix made the same decision. Now, all three giants will produce modern and promising DDR5, LPDDR5, and HBM. Gamers are advised to forget about budget builds as the price of DDR4 has already begun to rise due to the shortage.

Quentin Tarantino Becomes the Highest-Paid Screenwriter in History

Quentin Tarantino has become the highest-paid screenwriter in history. Insider Jeff Sneider discovered that Netflix paid the master $20 million for an unused script. The film, which tells the story of Cliff Booth (a sequel to 'Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood'), was supposed to be the tenth in Tarantino's list, but he decided not to direct it. The film will be directed by David Fincher.

Quentin Tarantino Becomes the Highest-Paid Screenwriter in History

Quentin Tarantino has become the highest-paid screenwriter in history. Insider Jeff Sneider discovered that Netflix paid the master $20 million for an unused script. The film, which tells the story of Cliff Booth (a sequel to 'Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood'), was supposed to be the tenth in Tarantino's list, but he decided not to direct it. The film will be directed by David Fincher.

New 'Blue' Metro Line Under Construction in Dubai

A new 'blue' metro line is being built in Dubai, featuring the world's highest station (74 meters) and a viaduct over the Dubai Creek Bay. Promised are stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, waterfronts, and other attractions directly from the windows of the wagons, with a total length of 30 km and 14 stations in nine districts, including the international airport. The opening is planned for September 2029.

Astronomers Capture First Image of Sun's South Pole

Astronomers have captured the first-ever image of the Sun's south pole. Prior to this, all photos and videos were taken from the equator level, but this time, the Solar Orbiter probe was successfully positioned at a 17-degree angle after performing gravitational maneuvers near Venus. According to scientists, the new data will allow for a better study of the star, and in October, they will also obtain images of the north pole.

The Safest Places on a Plane

The safest places on a plane are now officially at the tail and near the wings. Experts conducted an analysis of aviation incidents and acknowledged that the rear part of the aircraft is the safest. During emergency landings, collisions, or runway overruns, the main impact is on the front part of the plane, while the tail section is less susceptible to damage. Another relatively safe zone is near the wings. The wing is one of the most robust parts of the aircraft structure, and seats located near it receive additional protection. Additionally, emergency exits are typically located in this area, allowing for rapid evacuation if necessary.

New BMW Cars Learn to Turn On Indicators Automatically

The new BMW vehicles are learning to turn on indicators automatically - this feature is already being tested in the prototype of the new iX3. It will work through cameras and sensors inside the cabin: the car will know if you look in the mirror with the intent to change lanes, and it will activate the appropriate indicator. They also promise up to 800 km of range and other AI features (such as automatic braking to avoid hitting pedestrians). Prices and design will be shown at the presentation in September.