Submission + - Tracy Kidder, Author of "The Soul of a New Machine", has died.

Submitted by wiredog
wiredog writes: Tracy Kidder, author of "The Soul of a New Machine" has died at the age of 80.

"The Soul of a New Machine" is about the people who designed and built the Data General Nova, one of the 32 bit superminis that were released in the 1980's, just before the PC destroyed that industry. It was excerpted in The Atlantic.

"I'm going to a commune in Vermont and will deal with no unit of time shorter than a season."

Submission + - Tool Box Talk Template for Construction Site Safety. (builderassist.com.au)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: A practical tool box talk template used by construction teams to document safety discussions, highlight site hazards, and promote safe work practices among workers.

#ToolBoxTalkTemplate #ConstructionSWMS #JSATemplate #BuilderAssist

Submission + - Kingscliff Builders for Residential Construction Projects (prestonbuilding.com.au)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: Home construction in Kingscliff requires builders who understand coastal environments and modern residential design. Preston Building works with homeowners to develop new houses and structural additions suited to the lifestyle of the Northern NSW coastline. Their residential construction services support property owners planning new builds or upgrades within the Kingscliff region.

#KingscliffBuilders #BuildersKingscliffNSW #TweedCoastHomeBuilders #PrestonBuilding

Submission + - Researchers At CERN Transport Antiprotons By Truck In World-First Experiment (physicsworld.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: Researchers at the CERN particle-physics lab have successfully transported antiprotons in a lorry across the lab’s main site. The feat, the first of its kind, follows a similar test with protons in 2024. CERN says the achievement is “a huge leap” towards being able to transport antimatter between labs across Europe. [...] To do so, in 2020 the BASE team began developing a device, known as BASE-STEP (for Baryon-Antibaryon Symmetry Experiment-Symmetry Tests in Experiments with Portable Antiprotons), to store and transport antiprotons. It works by trapping particles in a Penning trap composed of gold-plated cylindrical electrode stacks made from oxygen-free copper that is surrounded by a superconducting magnet bore operated at cryogenic temperatures.

The device, which also contains a carbon-steel vacuum chamber to shield the particles from stray magnetic fields, is then mounted on an aluminium frame. This allows it to be transported using standard forklifts and cranes and withstand the bumps and vibrations of transport. In 2024, BASE researchers used the device to transport a cloud of about 105 trapped protons across CERN’s Meyrin campus for four hours. After that feat, the researchers began to adjust BASE-STEP to handle antiprotons and yesterday the team successfully transported a trap containing a cloud of 92 antiprotons around the campus for 30 minutes, travelling up to 42 km/h.

With further improvements and tests, the team now hope to transport the antiprotons further afield. The first destination on the team’s list is the Heinrich Heine University (HHU) in Düsseldorf, Germany, which would take about eight hours. “This means we’d have to keep the trap’s superconducting magnet at a temperature below 8.2 K for that long,” says BASE-STEP’s leader Christian Smorra. “So, in addition to the liquid helium , we’d need to have a generator to power a cryocooler on the truck. We are currently investigating this possibility.” If possible to transport to HHU, physicists would then use the particles to search for charge-parity-time violations in protons and antiprotons with a precision at least 100 times higher than currently possible at CERN.

Submission + - A Comprehensive Guide to Dubai's Leading HR Consultancy Firms

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: Introduction

Hiring the right talent and managing employees effectively are critical factors for business success in Dubai. With a diverse workforce, evolving labor laws, and competitive market conditions, companies often rely on Dubai hr consultancy firms to streamline their human resource operations.

In this guide, you will learn how HR consultancy firms in Dubai support businesses, what services they offer, and how to choose the right partner for your organization. Whether you are a startup or an established company, understanding Dubai HR consulting services can help you build a strong and compliant workforce. What Is an HR Consultancy Firm

An HR consultancy firm provides expert advice and services related to recruitment, employee management, compliance, and organizational development. A hr consultancy Dubai acts as a strategic partner that helps businesses optimize their workforce and improve productivity. Why Businesses Need HR Consultancy in Dubai Managing a Diverse Workforce

Dubai is home to professionals from around the world. Managing a multicultural workforce requires expertise in communication, compliance, and HR policies. Compliance with UAE Labor Laws

Employment regulations in Dubai are strict and regularly updated. A hr consultancy in Dubai ensures your company follows all legal requirements. Saving Time and Resources

Outsourcing HR tasks allows business owners to focus on growth while experts handle recruitment and employee management. Improving Employee Performance

HR consultants help design performance management systems and training programs to enhance productivity. Key Services Offered by Dubai HR Consultancy Firms Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

HR consultants help identify, screen, and hire the right candidates based on your business needs. Payroll Management

They manage salary processing, benefits administration, and compliance with wage protection regulations. Employee Onboarding

From documentation to orientation, HR firms ensure smooth onboarding for new employees. Policy Development

Consultants create HR policies aligned with UAE labor laws and company objectives. Performance Management

They design systems to evaluate employee performance and support career development. Training and Development

HR consultancy firms offer training programs to enhance employee skills and leadership capabilities. How to Choose the Right HR Consultancy Firm Evaluate Experience and Expertise

Look for firms with proven experience in Dubai HR consulting services and knowledge of local regulations. Understand Service Offerings

Ensure the consultancy provides services that match your business requirements. Check Client Reviews

Feedback from other businesses can give insights into the firm’s reliability and performance. Assess Communication

Choose a consultancy that communicates clearly and provides regular updates. Leading Qualities of Top HR Consultancy Firms


  • Strong understanding of UAE labor laws


  • Customized HR solutions


  • Transparent processes


  • Proven track record


  • Focus on client satisfaction

Case Study Real Life Example

A growing technology company in Dubai faced challenges in hiring skilled professionals and managing employee retention. By partnering with a Dubai hr consultancy, the company implemented structured recruitment strategies and performance management systems.

Within months, the company improved hiring efficiency and reduced employee turnover. This example highlights how HR consultancy firms can transform workforce management and support business growth. Pros and Cons of HR Consultancy Services Pros



  • Access to HR expertise


  • Improved compliance with regulations


  • Efficient recruitment processes


  • Enhanced employee performance

Cons



  • Dependence on external consultants


  • Service quality varies between providers

Frequently Asked Questions What does an HR consultancy firm do

It provides services such as recruitment, payroll management, compliance, and employee development. Is HR consultancy suitable for small businesses

Yes, small businesses benefit by outsourcing HR tasks and focusing on core operations. How do HR consultants ensure compliance

They stay updated with UAE labor laws and implement policies accordingly. Can HR consultancy improve employee retention

Yes, through better hiring practices and performance management systems. Expert Tips for Working with HR Consultants



  • Clearly define your HR goals


  • Maintain open communication


  • Review performance regularly


  • Choose consultants with local expertise


  • Align HR strategies with business objectives

Conclusion

Partnering with the right Dubai hr consultancy can significantly improve how businesses manage their workforce and achieve long term success. From recruitment to compliance, Dubai HR consulting services provide valuable support that helps companies stay competitive in a dynamic market. Whether you are exploring hr consultancy Dubai options or seeking reliable hr consultancy in Dubai, choosing experienced professionals ensures efficient HR operations and better employee management.

Take the next step to strengthen your workforce and streamline your HR processes. Connect with a trusted consultancy, share your requirements, and start building a productive and compliant business environment in Dubai.

Submission + - Melania Trump Hosts World's First Spouses at White House AI Show-and-Tell

Submitted by theodp
theodp writes: In Melania and the Robot, the New York Times reports on First Lady Melania Trump's inaugural Fostering the Future Together Coalition Summit, which brought together international leaders, First Spouses from around the world, tech leaders, educators, and nonprofits to collaborate on practical solutions that expand access to educational tools while strengthening protections for children in digital environments (Day 2 WH summary). The Times begins:

"On Wednesday, Mrs. Trump appeared at the White House alongside Figure 3, a humanoid, A.I.-powered robot whose uses, according to the company that makes it, include fetching towels, carrying groceries and serving champagne. But Mrs. Trump joins tech executives and some researchers in envisioning a world beyond robot butlery. She is interested in how these robots could cut it as educators. Both clad in shades of white, the first lady and the visiting robot walked into a gathering of first spouses from around the world, a group that included Sara Netanyahu of Israel, Olena Zelenska of Ukraine, and Brigitte Macron of France. The dulcet tones from a (presumably human) military orchestra played as the first lady and her guest entered the event. Both lady and robot extolled the virtues of further integrating robots into the educational and social lives of children. In the history of modern first-lady initiatives, which have included building a national book festival (Laura Bush), reshuffling the food pyramid (Michelle Obama) and advocating for free community college (Jill Biden), Mrs. Trump’s involvement of a humanoid robot in education policy was a first."

"Figure 3 delivered brief remarks and delivered salutations in several languages. With its sleek black-and-white appearance, Figure 3 would fit right in with the first lady’s branding aesthetic, which includes a self-titled coffee table book and movie, not least because the name “MELANIA” was emblazoned on the side of its glossy plastic head. After Figure 3 teetered gingerly away, Mrs. Trump looked around the room and told them that the future looked a lot like what they had just witnessed. 'The future of A.I. is personified,' she told her audience. 'It will be formed in the shape of humans. Very soon artificial intelligence will move from our mobile phones to humanoids that deliver utility.' She invited her guests to envision a future in which a robot philosopher educated children."

Submission + - Flaws in Web Services Security component

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: Emergency Microsoft, Oracle patches point to wider cyber issues

“Oracle’s patch, meanwhile, addresses CVE-2026-21992, a remote code execution flaw in the REST:WebServices component of Oracle Identity Manager and the Web Services Security component of Oracle Web Services Manager in Oracle Fusion Middleware.”

“We need an industry-wide pivot toward resilient-by-design architectures that don’t fail when a single HTTP request reaches the identity layer,” she said. “If zero-trust means we can’t trust the identity manager to stay secure or the operating system to let us log in, then congratulations; the industry has finally achieved its goal.”

Submission + - macOS 26.4 Introduces ClickFix attack workaround (macrumors.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: ClickFix attacks are ramping up — these attacks have users copy and paste a string to something that can execute a command line — e.g., the Windows Run dialog, or a shell prompt. macOS 26.4 Tahoe (updated earlier this week) introduces a new feature to its Terminal app where it will detect ClickFix attempts and stop them by prompting the user if they really wanted to run those commands. By default it will block the attempt, but the user may choose to override the command.

Submission + - This guy let an AI agent handle his scam texts for a week (x.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: a scammer asked him to buy a $500 gift card

the agent spent 4 hours "driving" to target.

sent status updates like "i'm at the red light now, there's a very handsome squirrel on the sidewalk. do you think he's married?" ...

Submission + - Vostok, Antarctica: March 24th had the coldest March temperature ever recorded (theweathernetwork.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: “Vostok, Antarctica, recorded -76.3C on March 24, 2026. That has beat out the previous March record, which was -75.7C in Dome Fuji, Antarctica, in 2013.”

But wait, it’s a cross-hemispheric phenomenon: “Three of the coldest locations in the Northern Hemisphere pushed it to a new level this winter, with one spot in Greenland dropping to about as cold as it gets. Here in Canada, the community of Braeburn, Yukon, saw readings fall to -55.7C on Dec. 23, 2025, marking the country’s coldest temperature since 1999.”

But since it's cold, it's just weather, not climate

Submission + - GP accused of misconduct over criticism of Covid guidelines

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: GP accused of professional misconduct over criticism of Covid guidelines during pandemic

“A Wexford GP has been accused of professional misconduct over social media posts which were critical of measures and restrictions introduced by the health authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Other allegations relate to the GP’s promotion of ivermectin as a treatment for Covid-19 and his opposition to facemasks and lockdowns as measures to restrict the spread of the virus.”

‘The inquiry heard that two months later, the GP described any parents who signed their child up for a “pointless and dangerous product” as “a vile individual”, while claiming any doctors administering the vaccine “should be brought before the courts if an adverse event occurs.”’

Submission + - Why It's Good to [Masturbate] Frequently, According to Science (404media.co) 1

Submitted by alternative_right
alternative_right writes: Regular ejaculation — for example, by masturbation — produces higher quality sperm, a finding that has implications for fertility science and assisted reproductive technologies, according to a comprehensive new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

It’s well-established that sperm quality in many animals can deteriorate as males age, but less is known about how the age of sperm cells independently impacts reproductive outcomes. To fill in this gap, scientists co-led by Krish Sanghvi and Rebecca Dean of the University of Oxford conducted a meta-analysis of more than 115 studies about human sperm storage that cumulatively involved nearly 55,000 men, as well as 56 studies of 30 non-human species.

Submission + - Brazil's UFO Capital Marks 30 Years Since 'Alien Encounter' (theguardian.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: The skies over this far-flung coffee-growing hub went charcoal black, the heavens opened and one of Brazil’s greatest mysteries was born. "It really was something unique,” recalls Marco Antônio Reis, a zoo director, who was at his ranch outside Varginha one stormy day in January 1996 when, he says, an otherworldly creature came to town. Reis and other locals claim the unusually ferocious downpour heralded a series of disturbing and seemingly paranormal events. At least six of the zoo’s animals, including a spider monkey, a tapir and a raccoon, died mysteriously after a horned interloper with bulging red eyes was spotted in the vicinity by a woman who had gone out for a smoke. When a vet examined their corpses, “they were all black inside," Reis claims.

On a nearby wasteland, three young women spotted a peculiar and malodorous being with a heart-shaped face and three lumps on its head cowering beside a wall. “I’ve seen the devil,” one of those witnesses would later tell her mum. Soon afterwards, an unexplained infection was rumored to have killed a strapping police intelligence officer who was said to have grappled with the oleaginous unidentified being. Three decades later, Reis says he is convinced Varginha received a non-human visit. His only doubt was from where it came.

“We don’t know if it was extraterrestrial or intraterrestrial,” the 71-year-old says as he climbs a staircase to the veranda where the smoker claims to have seen what, in reference to Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film, became known as the “ET of Varginha”. A 2ft statue of a two-toed alien now marks the spot. “It’s possible it was an intraterrestrial, from inside the Earth They don’t just come from space,” Reis says. “It might have come from the depths of the Earth, too. We don’t even know what it’s like at the bottom of the sea, do we?”

Submission + - FBI: Russia Targeting 'High Intelligence Value' Americans On Signal (thehill.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: FBI Director Kash Patel said on Friday that Russia’s intelligence services have targeted Americans of “high intelligence value” on private messaging apps in an ongoing phishing campaign. Patel said the targets of Russian hackers include U.S. government officials, military officials, politicians and journalists. [...] The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned in a joint public service announcement that Russian actors are specifically targeting Signal accounts. However, the agencies indicated that these phishing tactics could be applied to similar messaging services as well. The phishing scam operates by sending phishing messages from fake platform support accounts, prompting users to open a link or provide account information, according to the joint report.

“If the user performs any of the requested actions, they unwittingly provide the actors with unauthorized access to their account either by adding the attacker’s device as a linked device or through a full account takeover,” the report stated. “As the campaign evolves, actors may use additional techniques, such as malware to infect the victim.” The FBI and CISA recommended at-risk Americans to be cautious about opening links or files shared over messaging apps and to report any discovered phishing scams.

Submission + - Hosting.com launches AI application hosting platform (nerds.xyz)

Submitted by BrianFagioli
BrianFagioli writes: AI tools have made it almost trivial to build applications, but deploying them safely is still very much a bottleneck. Hosting.com is trying to close that gap with a new platform that combines AI-assisted development, hosting, and built-in security into a single environment. It leans on Cloudflare Enterprise for CDN performance, AMD EPYC for compute, and Nova by WebPros for the development side, with support for apps created in tools like Cursor and Windsurf.

The pitch is convenience, especially for newer builders who can now generate code but may not fully understand how to run it in production. That raises an obvious question. Does bundling everything into one platform actually make things safer, or does it just make it easier to deploy questionable code faster? Either way, as more non-traditional developers start shipping AI-generated apps, platforms like this are likely to become more common.

Submission + - FCC bans sale of foreign made routers for consumers (wired.com)

Submitted by UnknowingFool
UnknowingFool writes: The FCC has banned sales of any consumer grade routers manufactured overseas citing "security gaps in foreign-made routers to attack American households." Almost all brands are affected including Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, Amazon’s Eero, Google’s Nest, Synology, Linksys, and Ubiquiti. Existing inventories can still be sold until they run out. Manufacturers can apply for exemptions.

Submission + - FCC Bans Nearly All Wireless Routers Sold in the U.S. (reason.com)

Submitted by fjo3
fjo3 writes: This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) effectively banned the sale of nearly all wireless routers in the U.S., in yet another example of the government making Americans' consumer decisions for them.

Ninety-six percent of American adults use the internet, and 80 percent of them use wireless routers—devices that transmit a signal throughout your home via radio waves and allow you to get online without plugging into the wall.

In a Monday announcement, the FCC deemed "all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries" potentially unsafe. This followed a national security determination last week, in which members of executive branch agencies concluded that "routers produced in a foreign country, regardless of the nationality of the producer, pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons."

Submission + - Supreme Court Sides With Internet Provider in Copyright Fight Over Pirated Music (nytimes.com) 1

Submitted by JackSpratts
JackSpratts writes: The Supreme Court unanimously said on Wednesday that a major internet provider could not be held liable for the piracy of thousands of songs online in a closely watched copyright clash.

In its opinion released on Wednesday, the court said a company was not liable for “merely providing a service to the general public with knowledge that it will be used by some to infringe copyrights.”

Writing for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas said a provider like Cox was liable “only if it intended that the provided service be used for infringement” and if it, for instance, “actively encourages infringement.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Cox called the court’s unanimous decision a “decisive victory” for the industry and for Americans who “depend on reliable internet service.”

— js.

Submission + - SCOTUS: ISPs not liable for user copyright infringement (supremecourt.gov)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: What the case was about: Sony and other record labels sued Cox (an ISP) for contributory copyright infringement. They claimed Cox was liable because it kept providing internet service to customers it knew were illegally downloading music (after receiving 163,000+ notices).

The ruling (8-1):
Cox wins. The Supreme Court reversed the $1 billion verdict against Cox.

Key holding in plain English:
An internet provider is not automatically liable just because it knows some customers are pirating and doesn’t cut them off.

Contributory liability requires intent — either actively encouraging piracy or offering a service specifically designed for it.

Cox only sold ordinary high-speed internet (which has tons of legal uses), so it is not liable.

Mere knowledge of infringement by users is not enough.

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