Places and Things

Drought Threatens to Close California Hydropower Plant for First Time The Edward Hyatt power plant, an underground facility next to Oroville Dam in Butte County, is expected to close in August or September, said John Yarbrough, California Department of Water Resources assistant deputy director of the State Water Project. Continue Reading . . . https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drought-threatens-to-close-california-hydropower-plant-for-first-time/

Apple's AirPods Max hit record low of $449 at Adorama There's a lot to love about Apple's AirPods Max, but their high price tag isn't one of them. At $550, they're more expensive than even competitors from Bose and Sony, but you can get the cans for $100 less right now at Adorama. Continue Reading . . . https://www.engadget.com/apple-airpods-max-sale-100-off-adorama-184943075.html

Retail stores are packed with unchecked facial recognition, civil rights organizations say More than 35 organizations are demanding top US retailers cease using facial recognition to identify shoppers and employees in their stores, which companies have used to deter theft and identify shoplifters. Continue Reading . . . https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/14/22576236/retail-stores-facial-recognition-civil-rights-organizations-ban

Lightning Strike! Photographing lightning can be tricky and dangerous. Pro photographer Gary Hart shares how to photograph lightning successfully—and safely. Continue Reading . . . https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/tips-techniques/nature-landscapes/how-to-photograph-lightning/

Continue Reading . . . https://flipboard.com/video/newyorkpost/3d6fbe75cf

Cryptofarm with thousands of PS4 Pros raided in Ukraine The Security Service of Ukraine or SBU has discovered and raided a cryptocurrency mining farm that allegedly stole electricity from the country's power grid. But instead of findings computers, the agency found racks with thousands of PS4 Pros stacked vertically side-by-side. Continue Reading . . . https://www.engadget.com/cryptofarm-ps-4-pro-raided-ukraine-045118233.html

A New Era of Designer Babies May Be Based on Overhyped Science For better or worse, genetic testing of embryos offers a potential gateway into a new era of human control over reproduction. Continue Reading . . . https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-new-era-of-designer-babies-may-be-based-on-overhyped-science/