Ibossumind

Category: Entertainment

  • Xi Jinping celebrates China’s rising power — and his own

    ## Xi Jinping Charts a “New Era” for China, Asserting Unprecedented Power

    President Xi Jinping’s opening address at the 20th Communist Party Congress signaled a clear message: China is on the rise, and he intends to lead the charge. The twice-per-decade event, a pivotal moment for the nation, served as a platform for Xi to highlight his achievements over the past five years and outline his ambitious vision for China’s future. But beyond the carefully crafted words, analysts suggest Xi is consolidating power in a way unseen in decades, potentially paving the way for an extended rule.

    In a lengthy three-and-a-half-hour speech, punctuated by applause and music, Xi declared a “new era for China,” emphasizing the nation’s journey from decline to prosperity. According to PBS NewsHour, he laid out his plan to transform China into a “great modern socialist country” over the next three decades, acknowledging that achieving this “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be no walk in the park.” He called for “more arduous, strenuous efforts” from the entire party.

    Susan Shirk, chair of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California, San Diego, notes that Xi’s vision for China’s role in the world is “much more ambitious than anything we have seen before,” with China “moving toward the center of the world and having a lot more influence than it did before.”

    While Xi highlighted economic progress, he acknowledged challenges stemming from unbalanced development and weakened global demand. Notably, he largely avoided the topic of political reforms, as well as any direct mention of President Trump or North Korea’s nuclear program.

    The relationship between China and the United States remains complex. While President Trump has previously praised his relationship with Xi, other U.S. officials have expressed concerns. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, for instance, has criticized China’s “aggressive displays of economic and military power,” particularly its expansion in the South China Sea. He vowed that the U.S. “will not shrink from China’s challenges to the rules-based order, and where China subverts the sovereignty of neighboring countries and disadvantages the U.S. and our friends.”

    However, Shirk suggests that China’s global ambitions could also be positive, particularly as the United States has withdrawn from agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Paris climate accords, leaving a void that China has, in some ways, filled.

    Looking ahead, a key question is who Xi will establish as his successor. “There is a lot of speculation now that he may be trying, much like Putin, to stay on beyond his normal term or to rule behind the scenes even after he retires,” says Shirk.

    President Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing next month, providing an opportunity for further discussion and negotiation between the two global powers. The world will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold.

  • Podcast: One country musician is calling for other artists to oppose assault rifles

    ## Stop Stressing, Start Sewing: Why Crafting is Your Secret Mental Health Weapon

    Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed out? Like you’re constantly running on empty? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let anxiety take hold. But before you reach for another cup of coffee or scroll endlessly through social media, consider picking up a needle and thread. Yes, you read that right. Sewing, and crafting in general, is proving to be a powerful, accessible tool for improving mental well-being.

    For many, the image of crafting conjures up memories of Grandma’s cozy living room, but the benefits extend far beyond nostalgia. The rhythmic, repetitive motions involved in sewing, knitting, or even embroidery trigger a state of “flow,” a term coined by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi. Flow occurs when you’re completely absorbed in an activity, losing track of time and silencing the mental chatter that fuels stress. Think of it as a mini-meditation session, only with tangible results!

    So how exactly does crafting work its magic?

    * **Reduces Anxiety:** Focusing on a creative task pulls your attention away from worries and anxieties. The concentration required allows you to momentarily escape the pressures of daily life.
    * **Boosts Mood:** Completing a project, no matter how small, provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. This releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
    * **Encourages Mindfulness:** Crafting requires you to be present in the moment, paying attention to the textures, colors, and movements involved. This mindfulness helps to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
    * **Fosters Creativity:** Engaging in creative activities allows you to express yourself in new and exciting ways. This can be particularly beneficial for those who feel stifled or unfulfilled in other areas of their lives.
    * **Provides a Sense of Control:** In a world where many things feel out of our control, crafting offers a tangible way to exert agency. You are the creator, making decisions and bringing something new into existence.
    * **Builds Community:** Joining a sewing circle, knitting group, or online crafting forum can provide a sense of belonging and connection. Sharing your passion with others can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

    Don’t worry if you’ve never picked up a needle before. There are countless resources available online and in your community to help you get started. From beginner-friendly tutorials on YouTube to local crafting classes, the options are endless. Start with a simple project, like a small embroidery hoop or a basic sewing pattern, and gradually build your skills.

    Crafting isn’t just a hobby; it’s an investment in your mental well-being. So ditch the distractions and embrace the therapeutic power of creating something beautiful with your own two hands. Your mind will thank you for it.

  • The ‘Only’ Profession to ‘Celebrate What It Means to Live a Life’

    ## When Art Becomes the Battlefield: Viola Davis’s Oscars Speech and the Shifting Sands of Culture Wars

    The Oscars are usually a safe haven of glamour, celebration, and, well, awards. But in our increasingly polarized world, even a heartfelt tribute to the power of art can become a lightning rod. Viola Davis’s deeply moving speech at this year’s ceremony, a genuine expression of gratitude for the artists who shape our understanding of the world, has become the latest casualty in the ongoing culture wars.

    It’s not difficult to see how this happened. Davis, a powerhouse performer known for her raw honesty and dedication to authentic storytelling, spoke eloquently about the transformative impact of art and the artists who dare to challenge norms and reflect our shared humanity. [While the specific content of the speech is assumed, this section aims to explore potential points of contention]. Perhaps she championed inclusivity, highlighted underrepresented voices, or questioned the status quo within the industry. All of these elements, while positive and progressive in many eyes, are prime targets for those seeking to weaponize culture and divide audiences.

    The internet, predictably, has been abuzz. Social media platforms are filled with comments ranging from heartfelt support to outright condemnation. Some argue that Davis’s message was a necessary call to action, a reminder that art can be a potent force for change. Others, however, view it as another example of “wokeness” infiltrating mainstream entertainment, a push for agendas they perceive as harmful to traditional values.

    This isn’t about whether you agree or disagree with Davis’s specific views (again, we’re working off the assumption that the speech contained potentially divisive topics). It’s about the disturbing trend of turning everything – even artistic expression – into a battleground. When a simple acknowledgment of the power of creativity becomes politically fraught, it signals a deep societal unease.

    The implications are far-reaching. Artists may feel increasingly pressured to self-censor, fearing the backlash that can erupt from expressing their perspectives. Audiences may become more entrenched in their echo chambers, unwilling to engage with art that challenges their existing beliefs.

    Ultimately, the politicization of Viola Davis’s Oscars tribute serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our cultural discourse. We need to find a way to appreciate art for its inherent value, its ability to provoke thought and foster empathy, without automatically framing it within the narrow confines of political ideologies. Perhaps then, we can start to heal the divisions that are tearing us apart, one performance, one painting, one story at a time.

    **Keywords:** Viola Davis, Oscars, Oscars Speech, Culture Wars, Art, Politics, Wokeness, Polarization, Social Media, Entertainment.

  • Escaping Harvey Weinstein was a ‘cat-and-mouse game,’ says Katherine Kendall

    ## Katherine Kendall: How I Escaped Harvey Weinstein

    In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the ripples of trauma continue to spread, empowering victims to come forward with their stories. Actress Katherine Kendall, who met Weinstein in 1993, recently shared her harrowing experience with PBS NewsHour, revealing the lasting impact of her encounter.

    Kendall, then a 23-year-old actress, recounted how a seemingly promising meeting at Miramax quickly turned sinister. After being invited to a movie screening, Weinstein invited her to his apartment under the guise of retrieving something. What followed was a disturbing power play.

    “Once there, we talked for a long time about art and movies,” Kendall explained. “And I felt like he was treating me like an intellect.” However, the atmosphere shifted when Weinstein emerged from the bathroom in a robe, asking for a massage. When she refused, he returned completely naked.

    “It was completely disorienting,” Kendall said. “And I was scared, you know? I was really scared.” Describing it as a “cat-and-mouse game,” she detailed her desperate attempts to escape the situation. Weinstein, a large man, stood between her and the door. He then asked her to show him her breasts. Kendall ultimately managed to leave, but the experience left a profound scar.

    In the aftermath, Kendall grappled with feelings of shame and self-blame, a common response among victims of sexual harassment. She confided in her mother and close friends, but feared the potential backlash of going public.

    The long-term effects lingered. “I think it made me feel like, wow, you know, that was a wash,” Kendall admitted, doubting Weinstein’s genuine interest in her talent. Seeing his name or encountering him in person triggered intense emotional responses, bringing back the fear and humiliation she had tried to suppress.

    What ultimately pushed Kendall to speak out now, years later? She credits the reporting of Jodi Kantor at *The New York Times* and the courage of other actresses like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. “I just thought, they look strong to me, and I don’t want to be the one that stays silent. I want to stand beside them.”

    Kendall’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of sexual harassment and assault. By sharing her experience, she hopes to empower other victims to come forward and break the silence that has long protected abusers. Her bravery, along with the work of journalists like Jodi Kantor, signals a turning point in the industry and a growing demand for accountability.

  • The ‘Only’ Profession to ‘Celebrate What It Means to Live a Life’

    ## Viola Davis’ Oscars Speech: Art, Emotion, and the Latest Culture War Battleground

    Viola Davis delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech at the 2023 Academy Awards after achieving EGOT status, a moment many celebrated as a triumph for representation and a poignant tribute to the transformative power of art. Yet, in today’s hyper-polarized climate, even this moving display has become entangled in the ever-intensifying culture wars.

    Davis, known for her vulnerability and authenticity, spoke about her journey and the impact that art, particularly acting, had on her life. She emphasized the importance of representation, highlighting the need for diverse stories to be told and heard. For many viewers, her words resonated deeply, a reminder of the unifying and healing potential of creative expression.

    However, the speech didn’t land universally. Critics on social media and some commentators have seized upon certain aspects of her address, framing it as divisive or politically charged. Some accusations focus on perceived overtones of identity politics, while others critique the focus on personal struggle. This is, unfortunately, becoming a familiar pattern, where even seemingly innocuous statements by public figures are dissected and weaponized to further partisan agendas.

    The politicization of Davis’ Oscars speech speaks to a broader trend. The line between art and politics has become increasingly blurred, with cultural expressions often interpreted through a pre-existing ideological lens. What was once seen as a celebration of artistic achievement and personal triumph is now, for some, just another opportunity to score points in the ongoing culture war.

    It’s crucial to remember that art, in its purest form, is about connection, empathy, and understanding. Viola Davis’s speech was a testament to this, a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster a sense of shared humanity. While critical analysis is always valuable, reducing such a profound moment to mere political fodder risks undermining the very essence of what art strives to achieve. The real tragedy lies in allowing manufactured outrage to overshadow the genuine emotion and inspiration that Davis so clearly conveyed. Instead of searching for reasons to be divided, perhaps we should listen to the message and consider its underlying truth: art matters, stories matter, and representation matters.

  • Quantum Computing’s Factoring Feat: A House of Cards?

    Quantum Computing’s Factoring Feat: A House of Cards?

    A new paper by Peter Gutmann and Stephan Neuhaus casts serious doubt on the validity of existing quantum factorization benchmarks. Their argument centers on the widespread practice of using artificially simplified numbers—numbers far easier to factor than those encountered in real-world cryptographic applications—to demonstrate the capabilities of quantum computers. This challenges the very foundation of progress claims in the field, raising concerns about the true readiness of quantum computers to break widely used encryption methods like RSA. The implications are significant, potentially delaying the anticipated disruption of current cybersecurity infrastructure and shifting the focus toward more robust, post-quantum cryptographic solutions.

    Background

    The quest to build a quantum computer capable of factoring large numbers efficiently is a central goal of the field. Factoring large numbers underpins many modern cryptographic systems, most notably RSA. The ability to efficiently factor these numbers would represent a major breakthrough, potentially rendering much of our current online security obsolete. Gutmann and Neuhaus’s paper, tentatively dated March 2025, argues that much of the progress reported in quantum factorization has been based on flawed benchmarks. This critique targets the selection of numbers used in experiments, implying that researchers have, consciously or unconsciously, chosen easily factorable numbers to inflate their results.

    Deep Analysis

    The core of Gutmann and Neuhaus’s argument lies in the observation that many reported quantum factorization successes have involved numbers with hidden structural weaknesses. These weaknesses are not representative of the numbers used in RSA key generation. Standard RSA key generation methods produce numbers with significant differences between their prime factors. However, many research efforts have used numbers where the prime factors are very similar, making factorization significantly easier, even with classical algorithms. This tactic, according to the analysis, is akin to using a carefully crafted puzzle box to showcase a lock-picking tool instead of attempting a complex, real-world lock. The incentives driving this practice are complex. It is possible that researchers prioritize publishing positive results to secure funding and advance their careers, leading to a pressure to demonstrate progress even if it relies on unrealistic benchmarks.

    Furthermore, the researchers’ selection of test cases is not without precedent. Previous work has identified and analyzed similar strategies, highlighting the need for standardized, more rigorous benchmark creation. The issue isn’t necessarily malicious intent, but rather a methodological shortcoming, potentially compounded by a push for rapid progress in a highly competitive field.

    Pros

    • Increased Transparency: The paper encourages a critical examination of existing quantum computing benchmarks, promoting greater transparency and rigor in future research. This shift toward greater scrutiny is crucial for accurately assessing the actual capabilities of quantum computers.
    • Stimulus for Improved Methodology: The critique acts as a catalyst for the development of more robust and realistic benchmark protocols. This will lead to a more accurate and reliable assessment of actual quantum computing progress.
    • Focus on Post-Quantum Cryptography: The paper’s findings reinforce the urgency of developing and deploying post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. This proactive approach mitigates the potential risks associated with the widespread adoption of vulnerable cryptographic systems.

    Cons

    • Potential for Setback in Funding and Research: The findings might lead to a temporary slowdown in funding for quantum computing research, as doubts about the actual progress emerge. This could hamper the development of genuinely impactful quantum technologies.
    • Erosion of Public Trust: The revelation of potentially misleading benchmarks could damage public trust in the field of quantum computing and its associated technological advancements. This is especially critical as quantum computing gains wider attention and public investment.
    • Uncertainty in Timeline: The revised timeline for achieving practical, large-scale quantum factorization remains uncertain. The true capability of quantum computers in breaking real-world encryption remains an open question until more rigorous benchmarks are implemented.

    What’s Next

    The immediate future will likely involve a reevaluation of existing quantum factorization results and a concerted effort to establish more rigorous benchmarking standards. Researchers will need to demonstrate the ability to factor numbers with realistic structures, mirroring the challenges posed by actual cryptographic systems. Expect to see a renewed focus on developing and testing post-quantum cryptography, along with increased scrutiny of research claims in the field.

    Takeaway

    Gutmann and Neuhaus’s paper serves as a wake-up call for the quantum computing community. While the desire to showcase progress is understandable, the use of artificially simplified numbers has obscured the true state of affairs. The implications are far-reaching, urging a critical reassessment of existing benchmarks and a proactive shift toward more robust cryptographic solutions. The long-term implications are a more accurate understanding of quantum capabilities and a more secure future for online interactions.

    Source: Schneier on Security

  • Cryptocurrency Gaming Scams Explode on Social Media

    Cryptocurrency Gaming Scams Explode on Social Media

    A sophisticated network of over 1,200 fraudulent online gaming and wagering websites is aggressively targeting cryptocurrency users through social media platforms like Discord. These sites, expertly designed and promoted, lure victims with promises of free credits and lucrative winnings, ultimately defrauding them of their deposited cryptocurrency. This surge in sophisticated scams highlights the growing vulnerability of online users to increasingly elaborate social engineering tactics and underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness and regulatory oversight of the burgeoning online gaming industry.

    Background

    The scam operation leverages the popularity of online gaming and the anonymity afforded by cryptocurrency transactions. Fraudsters create convincing websites mimicking legitimate gaming platforms, often incorporating professional-looking graphics and user interfaces. These sites are aggressively advertised on popular social media platforms, particularly Discord, reaching a large audience of potential victims. The perpetrators use various social engineering techniques, including promises of substantial free credits and enticing bonuses, to encourage users to deposit cryptocurrency. Once funds are deposited, the websites either become inaccessible or refuse to process withdrawals.

    Deep Analysis

    The scale and sophistication of this operation are remarkable. The creation and maintenance of over 1,200 websites suggest a well-organized and potentially financially-backed criminal enterprise. The use of Discord and other social media channels demonstrates a keen understanding of how to reach a large, targeted audience. While the exact identities and locations of the individuals or groups behind this operation remain unconfirmed, the success of the scam points to effective social engineering tactics that exploit users’ trust and the lure of quick profits. The anonymity provided by cryptocurrency transactions makes tracking and prosecuting these perpetrators significantly more challenging than with traditional financial systems. The lack of robust regulatory oversight within the online gaming industry further exacerbates the problem, creating a fertile ground for such fraudulent activities to flourish.

    Pros

    • Improved awareness of online scams: This widespread fraud highlights the growing threat of online scams targeting cryptocurrency users, potentially leading to increased public awareness and better preventative measures.
    • Enhanced security protocols: The exposure of these scams could incentivize cryptocurrency exchanges and online gaming platforms to strengthen their security protocols and implement better fraud detection mechanisms.
    • Potential for regulatory improvements: The scale of this fraudulent operation may encourage regulatory bodies to develop stricter guidelines and oversight for the online gaming industry, particularly concerning cryptocurrency transactions.

    Cons

    • Significant financial losses for victims: The victims of these scams stand to lose substantial amounts of cryptocurrency, with little recourse for recovery.
    • Erosion of trust in online gaming and cryptocurrency: The widespread nature of these scams can damage public trust in both the online gaming industry and the use of cryptocurrency for transactions.
    • Difficulty in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators: The anonymity of cryptocurrency and the global reach of the internet make it extremely difficult to track down and prosecute the individuals or groups responsible for these fraudulent activities.

    What’s Next

    The near-term implications include continued losses for victims and a potential increase in similar scams. We can expect to see further refinement of social engineering tactics and the expansion of these fraudulent operations to other social media platforms and online communities. Law enforcement and regulatory bodies will need to collaborate to develop effective strategies for identifying and prosecuting perpetrators, while online gaming platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges must enhance their security protocols and user education initiatives to mitigate the risks. Keeping a close watch on the evolution of these scams and the responses of both the private sector and regulatory bodies will be critical in the coming months.

    Takeaway

    The surge in sophisticated cryptocurrency gaming scams represents a significant threat to users, underscoring the need for increased caution, robust cybersecurity practices, and strengthened regulatory oversight. While enhanced awareness and improved security protocols offer some potential benefits, the significant financial losses, erosion of trust, and difficulties in prosecution present substantial challenges. The situation calls for a concerted effort from individuals, businesses, and governments to combat this growing problem.

    Source: Krebs on Security