Month: July 2025

Jul
14
2025
Avatar photo
By Lily Chang
How the Space Shuttles were given better names thanks to Star Trek

The Impact of Star Trek on Space Shuttle Naming Decisions

Science and Technology
On September 17, 1976, an expansive aircraft hangar in Palmdale, California, opened its doors to reveal something extraordinary—NASA’s very first space shuttle. The sleek, white vehicle that rolled into view wasn’t just a marvel of engineering. It was a cultural icon in the making. Its name? Enterprise. And while that title carried naval heritage and futuristic charm, its origin wasn’t NASA’s original plan. In fact, the name change was the result of an impassioned grassroots campaign—one led by fans of a certain science fiction television show with a mission “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”The space shuttle…
Read More
Jul
14
2025
Avatar photo
By Lily Chang
Comcast’s Peacock to raise streaming prices next week and introduce new streamlined tier

Comcast’s Peacock increases streaming prices next week, rolls out new streamlined tier

Investments and Business
Peacock, is adjusting its pricing and testing a fresh subscription option as it continues to evolve its offerings in a competitive digital entertainment landscape. Beginning July 23, the cost of its two primary plans will rise, while a more streamlined tier will be introduced to cater to a specific segment of viewers.The advertisement-supported Premium level of the platform will rise to $10.99 monthly, whereas the Premium Plus option—providing an ad-free experience along with extra benefits—will shift to $16.99 every month. This change is part of a larger plan to match pricing with content investment and perceived worth, particularly before the…
Read More
Jul
14
2025
Avatar photo
By Lily Chang
‘Crypto week’ is a turning point, for better or worse

‘Crypto week’ is a turning point, for better or worse

Investments and Business
In a pivotal week for cryptocurrency policy in the United States, lawmakers in Washington pushed forward a series of high-impact legislative proposals aimed at defining the regulatory landscape for digital assets. While supporters are hailing these moves as a long-overdue modernization of finance, critics are sounding the alarm over what they see as a gateway to deregulated markets and systemic financial risk.The attention-grabbing moment—unofficially dubbed “crypto week” on Capitol Hill—has seen three major bills pass the House of Representatives. Their passage marks a significant step forward for an industry that has spent years seeking legitimacy, formal oversight, and a stable…
Read More
Jul
14
2025
Avatar photo
By Lily Chang
Netflix uses AI effects for first time to cut costs

Netflix adopts AI effects for the first time to reduce costs

Culture and Entertainment
Netflix has quietly taken a step into the world of artificial intelligence by using AI-generated visual effects for the first time in one of its productions—a move that reflects a growing trend across the entertainment industry to adopt emerging technologies as a way to streamline costs and accelerate post-production.Although the company hasn’t formally publicized the initiative, industry insiders and keen-eyed viewers have noted subtle differences in certain scenes that suggest the integration of AI-assisted visuals. These enhancements, while not drastically altering the overall storytelling, indicate a shift in how streaming platforms like Netflix approach their production pipelines.Over the past decade,…
Read More