Rockstar Games has revealed the price of Grand Theft Auto VI to be $79.99, and confirmed that the physical versions of the game won't include a disc. Instead, they'll contain a one-time download code when it launches November 19. "Not only is that a disappointing decision for people who like to own physical games, but given the scale of the next GTA, it also sets a bad precedent for the rest of the industry," reports The Verge. From the report: There are a lot of advantages to buying digital. You can start a download from your couch. You can store multiple games on one hard drive so you don't have to get up to play something else. Storefronts like Steam or the PlayStation Store don't run out of inventory of the newest game you're interested in, and you can often get games at a cheaper price thanks to frequent sales.

But it's becoming increasingly clear that digital ownership has significant disadvantages, too. If a game you don't own digitally is removed from a storefront, whether that's for things like licensing, artificially limited availability, or even the store eventually closing down, your only option is to hope you can find a physical version. If your account on a platform is banned, even if that ban isn't warranted, you might be locked out of your digital library with no way to play those games unless you buy them again or hope your account gets restored. You can't sell or trade digital games you've purchased, and while there are ways to share digital games, they require some work and are usually intended just for families.

It's also much harder to preserve digital games because they only "exist" on the hard drive of a console, PC, or device they were downloaded to. This is an issue across many industries, not just console games; there are multiple examples of things like mobile games and streaming shows becoming lost for good when they don't have a physical version. Without physical versions, you also can't find a used version of a game at a garage sale or a local game shop. It's unclear whether Rockstar will ever release a physical version of the game. As for why, The Verge suspects the decision was made in part to prevent leaks; "by only being available digitally, Rockstar can ensure that GTA VI unlocks at the same exact time for everyone."

"The digital-only choice might also indicate that the game has a massive file size that's too big for PlayStation and Xbox game discs."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

OpenAI and Broadcom have unveiled Jalapeno, OpenAI's first custom AI chip, designed primarily to handle inference for ChatGPT and other services. It's a major step in OpenAI's plan to "build the full stack behind its models and products," says OpenAI. "By designing more of the stack ourselves, we can serve more intelligence with greater efficiency and keep pushing advanced AI toward broader access." CNBC reports: The chip with Broadcom is an ASIC, which industry experts say is less flexible than Nvidia's GPU, but is also less expensive and can be designed for specific AI tasks. OpenAI said that it designed the chip in nine months, and that it also crafted large parts of the computer system where it will be used.

The companies are calling the chip an "Intelligence Processor" and describe it as the first "AI accelerator" in a platform they're building "to make advanced AI faster, more reliable, and more accessible to more people." [...] A physical sample of the new chip will be delivered to OpenAI on Wednesday. The companies said they're aiming for initial deployment of the Jalapeno chips by the end of 2026, "expanding in the years ahead."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Barron's: Walmart is signing a long-term contract to buy nuclear power for the first time ever, a promising sign that the industry's future is supported by more than just the AI data center boom. The retail giant agreed on Tuesday to buy power from a nuclear plant in Illinois owned by Constellation Energy for its operations in the area, including its stores and a high-tech warehouse in Illinois that stores and sorts perishable food.

Walmart will buy 176 megawatts of power from the plant over a 15-year period, or enough power to serve around 150,000 homes. The Walmart deal will allow Constellation to expand the capacity of the Illinois plant by 30 megawatts, a process known as an uprate, which can involve replacing older equipment and improving efficiency. Walmart, which has pledged to eliminate net carbon emissions from its U.S. operations by 2040, will also receive the environmental attributes associated with the nuclear energy, which generates electricity without carbon emissions. Further reading: Trump Admin Announces $17.5 Billion In Loans For 10 New Large Nuclear Reactors

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

In an exit interview with The Financial Times (paywalled), former Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company seriously considered buying Twitter, explored a potential merger with Apple, and pursued the James Bond franchise during his tenure. The Verge reports: According to Iger, Disney came close to buying Twitter from co-founder Jack Dorsey "at a very attractive price," sometime prior to Elon Musk buying the social media platform in 2022 and changing its name to X. Iger had plans to turn Twitter into a global distribution platform for Disney, but walked away on the morning of the deal over concerns that it would be "a horrible distraction."

Disney was also at one point involved in early conversations regarding a potential merger with Apple, something Iger thinks would have been "truly transformational." In the end, Iger says these conversations "never went anywhere," and that "Apple didn't show that much interest." The two companies have a mixed history -- Iger was an Apple board member from 2011 to 2019, and notably a driving force behind Disney acquiring Pixar in 2006, which was led by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs at the time. According to Iger, his first call with Jobs resulted in an almost immediate deal to put Disney content on the first video iPod. "All of a sudden, I'm now someone Steve likes and respects," Iger told The Financial Times. "The old Disney that he knew was lumbering in terms of bureaucracy. And so he thought, this is a new day."

The Pixar acquisition spurred Iger to find more companies to bring under Disney's wing, though not every attempt was successful. "We felt unstoppable. We put together a list of acquisition targets," said Iger. "Marvel was one, Star Wars was another, James Bond was one. We had a list and I figured let's just tick them off and buy them all." Iger provides no details about Disney's attempt to buy the James Bond franchise, but we know it obviously failed -- Amazon bought the 007 distribution rights when it acquired MGM in 2022, and later paid more than $1 billion to take full creative control of the franchise in February 2025.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Our expert betting writers have picked a four-leg early Bet Builder, including a podium finish, top-six finish, points finish and Safety Car appearance.

Thomas Hawk posted a photo:

Thomas Hawk posted a photo:

Scary Mommy blog started in 2008 when Jill Smokler was a mother of three. " Back when "mommy blogs" were just a novelty, she shared both the joys and the pitfalls of parenting. She said the things we weren't supposed to say out loud, and because she said them first, millions of women finally felt allowed to say them too."

Transcript of congressional testimony shows Microsoft founder spoke of ‘veiled’ threats made by late sex offender

The Microsoft founder Bill Gates told US members of Congress that the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had sought to “blackmail” him over his extramarital affairs, according to a transcript of the testimony.

The tech pioneer testified behind closed doors before the House oversight committee on 10 June regarding his friendship with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 as he awaited trial for sex crimes.

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Canada’s home World Cup is over. Jesse Marsch and his men are now a road team, despite the spectacular efforts of the substitute Promise David.

A 12-minute burst of clinical finishing early in the second half, after a dogfight of a first, earned Switzerland the right to call Vancouver home through the first week of the knockout stages. Murat Yakin’s lineup changes paid off handsomely with Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi rewarding his faith. Next up will be a round of 32 date back here on 2 July when ending a run of seven-straight defeats in World Cup knockout games will be the Nati’s aim.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina always knew boosting their goals-scored column would enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stage for the first time. It was no wonder, then, that thousands of their supporters went berserk when Ermin Mahmic added a potentially crucial third goal in a victory that eliminated Qatar. The goal of the game undoubtedly belonged to the exciting 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, but Mahmic’s sealed a win that means a last-32 date with the USA in Santa Clara, at the home of the San Francisco 49ers, is the most likely scenario from here.

It was impossible to ignore the sense that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s head coach, Sergej Barbarez, was keeping his powder dry by keeping Alajbegovic on a leash of sorts after declining to start the teenager in their opener against Canada. After all, Alajbegovic was instrumental in Bosnia and Herzegovina arriving to this point, entering as a gamechanging substitute in playoff wins over Wales and then Italy, scoring penalties in both shootout victories, including the decisive spot-kick in Cardiff.

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Josue Baires Alfaro, 22, identified as victim in Nevada Fall incident that nearly claimed life of woman who tried to help

A 22-year-old visitor to Yosemite national park in California died after he was swept over a 594ft-high waterfall on Saturday, officials confirmed this week.

A fellow parkgoer, Freesia Gaul, was capturing a photo when she noticed the man, reportedly identified by local authorities as Josue Baires Alfaro, in the Merced River.

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⚽ Match kicks off at 6pm ET/11pm BST/8am AEST

⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Group tables | Mail Ella

Morocco (poss 4-2-3-1): Bounou; Hakimi, Halhal, Riad, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Díaz, Saibari, El Khannous; El Kaabi

Subs: Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Belammari, Bouaddi, Diop, El Mourabet, El Ouahdi, Mazraoui, El Kajoui, Ounahi, Rahimi, Saadane, Sbaï, Tagnaouti, Talbi, Yassine

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⚽ Kick-off: 11pm BST/6pm EDT/8am AEST
⚽ Player guide | Bracketology | Group tables | Mail Scott

Neymar – who gave everyone a big thumbs-up as he disembarked from the Brazil team bus – doesn’t start. But Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he is “available” to come on. There’s one change from the 3-0 win over Haiti: the injured Raphinha is replaced by Rayan … another young Bournemouth star! Quite the evening for the Cherries. He’s one of several present or former Premier League players in the Brazil starting line-up tonight: Alisson (Liverpool), Gabriel (Arsenal), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), and Danilo (once of Manchester City) are all present and correct.

As earlier reported by Ewan Murray, the exciting young Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak starts for Scotland. There’s a first start in this World Cup up front for Lawrence Shankland, Scott McKenna is named in the centre of defence, and Kenny McLean comes into the midfield. Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Ryan Christie and Ché Adams are the players replaced. A more adventurous, front-foot selection by Steve Clarke than many were expecting.

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BOISE (ANP) - Chipfabrikant Micron heeft het afgelopen kwartaal een vijftien keer zo hoge winst geboekt als een jaar eerder. Het Amerikaanse bedrijf is een belangrijke producent van geavanceerde geheugenchips. Doordat grote techbedrijven massaal investeren in de bouw van datacenters voor kunstmatige intelligentie, is de vraag naar dat soort halfgeleiders hard gestegen.

Die grote vraag, die gepaard gaat met flinke prijsstijgingen voor geheugenchips, zorgde ervoor dat de omzet op jaarbasis ruim verviervoudigde tot 41,5 miljard dollar. Daarop boekte het bedrijf een nettowinst van 28,24 miljard euro. In een prognose voor het vierde kwartaal voorspelde het bedrijf een verdere stijging van de omzet en winst.

De resultaten overtroffen de verwachtingen van analisten. Het zorgde ervoor dat het aandeel Micron in de handel nabeurs hard steeg.

Illustrations for Naver Map (?????)

Flickr: Can you introduce yourself and share a little bit about your background as a  photographer? 

Julia: I’m an African-American visual storyteller working across film and photography, with a background in both undergraduate and graduate studies in film. My creative foundation is rooted in cinematic imagery—directors like Akira Kurosawa have deeply influenced my sense of composition, movement, and visual emotion.

Before I began taking my own photographs, I was already drawn to images—I spent years collecting and organizing magazine photography, building personal archives of visuals that spoke to me. That instinct to notice and curate eventually evolved into creating my own work.

My photography journey grew out of my project Teeshirt Tales, where I photograph individuals whose T-shirts catch my eye and invite them to share the story behind what they’re wearing. That process—of noticing, engaging, and documenting—expanded into a broader practice. I began capturing everyday moments in my Brooklyn community: portraits, street scenes, flowers, cultural events, and quiet details that might otherwise go unseen.

Whether through film or photography, my work is about presence—being open to what unfolds in front of me and honoring it through the frame.

Flickr: How would you describe your style or preferred genre as a photographer? 

Julia: I would describe my style as intuitive, observational, and community-centered. I move fluidly between portraiture, street photography, and everyday still life, guided less by category and more by what draws my eye in the moment.

Color plays a central role in my work—I’m especially drawn to rich, saturated tones that bring energy and emotional depth to an image. I’m also deeply interested in people: their expressions, their presence, and the quiet or bold ways they show up in the world.

At its core, my photography is about noticing—finding beauty, story, and meaning in both the ordinary and the unexpected.

Flickr: What inspires you to shoot at a specific location? 

Julia: I’m inspired by movement, energy, and human presence. Cultural events, parades, and community gatherings naturally draw me in because they’re full of life, expression, and connection.

At the same time, I’m just as inspired by everyday moments—walking through my neighborhood and noticing how light hits a tree, the color of flowers in bloom, or an unexpected detail in the street.

Often, it’s not the location itself but the feeling it holds. If something makes me pause, that’s usually where the photograph begins.

Flickr: What gear or tools are essential to your workflow, and do you have a favorite  camera setup?

Julia: My most essential tool is whatever allows me to stay ready and responsive in the moment—which is why I primarily use my iPhone. Its accessibility allows me to capture images as they happen, without interruption or hesitation.

While I’ve worked with cameras like the Canon Rebel in my film and photography practice, the iPhone has become central to my workflow because it supports the way I see and move through the world—quickly, intuitively, and always observing.

For me, photography is less about the complexity of the equipment and more about the eye behind it—composition, timing, and the ability to recognize a meaningful moment when it appears.

At the same time, I’m interested in continuing to grow technically. As I evolve, I do plan to expand my use of cameras and additional equipment to have more control over elements like lighting, depth, and overall image-making. For me, it’s about balancing intuition with technical development—honoring how I naturally see, while building new tools to shape that vision more intentionally.

 

Flickr: What message or feeling do you want viewers to take away from your work?

Julia: I want viewers to feel a sense of connection—whether to the person in the image, the moment being captured, or something within themselves.

Much of my work centers on presence and visibility, especially within Black and diasporic communities.  I’m interested in capturing people as they are—joyful, reflective, expressive, everyday—without over-staging or interruption.

If there’s a takeaway, it’s that there is beauty, story, and significance all around us, often in places we might overlook.

Flickr: Is there a body of work, project, or specific photo that feels especially  meaningful to you right now? Can you share the story behind this? 

Julia: While my Teeshirt Tales project continues to be deeply meaningful to me, I’ve recently been drawn to a growing body of portrait work shaped by spontaneous encounters. These images come from moments where conversation, curiosity, and openness lead to connection. One photograph in particular—taken in a subway station of a trans woman who carried herself with confidence and ease—has stayed with me. “Be Bold/Be Proud” What began as a simple exchange became something memorable and affirming. That image, along with others in this series, reflects my commitment to documenting people as they are: expressive, complex, and worthy of being seen on their own terms.

Flickr: You’re also a member of Black Women Photographers, can you share your  experience being part of the community? Have you connected with other photographers through BWP in a way that’s influenced your work or perspective?

Julia: While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to connect with other photographers in person, I’ve really valued being able to experience their work through this platform. Seeing the range of perspectives, styles, and stories being shared has been inspiring and affirming. I would love the opportunity to participate in an in-person meet-up in the future, as I believe those kinds of connections can deepen both community and creative growth.

Flickr: What does it mean to you to contribute to the visual landscape as a Black woman photographer today?

Julia: It means being part of something larger than myself—contributing to the visibility, presence, and documentation of our experiences in a way that feels honest and intentional. As a Black woman photographer, I’m aware of how important it is that we are not only seen, but seen through our own lens. My work is rooted in capturing people as they are—expressive, complex, and grounded in their environments. Being able to add to that visual landscape feels both meaningful and necessary.

Flickr: What would you want emerging Black women photographers to know as they build their path?

Julia: I would encourage them to trust their eye and their instincts. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect” equipment or the right moment to begin—what matters most is how you see. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to engage with people and spaces that speak to you. Your perspective is valid, and your voice will develop the more you use it. Also, don’t feel limited by expectations—your path can evolve, just like your work.

I’d also say not to feel limited by the gear you have. I’ve done much of my work using my iPhone because it allows me to stay open and responsive to the moment. What matters most is your eye—what you notice, how you frame it, and how you connect with your subject. At the same time, it’s okay to want to grow technically. As you develop, you can explore different tools and equipment that give you more control, but that should support your vision, not define it.

Flickr: Besides photography, what are some other passions of yours? 

Julia: Recently, I’ve been enjoying karaoke. I’ve always loved music and dance, and I have a deep respect for musicians and singers. Karaoke has given me another outlet for expression—one that allows me to step into a different kind of presence and confidence. It’s been both fun and freeing in a way that complements my creative work.

Flickr: What is the best way for people to reach out to you? 

Email: ofarrowjulia@gmail.com
Instagram:  @Teeshirttales9, @Jaygeeoh
YouTube: Tee-Shirt Tales

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