It was reported recently that Netflix is going to ditch its current star-based rating system in favor of something simpler. The new Netflix ratings system is now live. It’s called Thumbs and as the name suggests, it allows users to rate titles by giving them a thumbs up or down. Figuring it out is simple enough, you give a thumbs up for a title that you like and a thumbs down for the one that you don’t.
Netflix actually started testing its new ratings system last year but the test was limited to select group of users. It has properly been rolled out starting today. Netflix subscribers on the web, its mobile apps, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and set-top boxes will now find that the star-based ratings system has been replaced with Thumbs.
Netflix is also introducing new “percentage match scores” today which is an algorithm that will learn from the user’s viewing habits to suggest relevant titles that they may like. Users will see an icon on the title page of a movie or a TV show that lets them know what percentage match that particular title is to their overall perferences.
The online streaming giant is of the view that these new features will enable it to provide users with better recommendations and with an ever-growing library, it’s crucial to have an impeccable ratings system that serves only the most relevant content to users paying $9.99 per month.
If you’re obsessed with having a secure messaging service at your disposal, there are many services out there that you can choose from, and Telegram is one of them. It has recently been adding some great new features to its mobile apps and today it has finally followed through with an app that many have long been waiting for. The Telegram for PC app is live now and available for download from the Windows Store.
The Telegram for PC launch takes place after Telegram for Windows Phone was updated not too long ago. The new mobile app featured a refreshed user interface, Microsoft’s UWP design, and more.
All of the messages sent through Telegram are encrypted end-to-end so users can be assured of maximum security as far as the service is concerned. Telegram syncs across all devices seamlessly so users will never lose out on their conversations no matter which device they use.
Additional features include Group Chat and Sharing, the ability to send broadcasts to up to 100 contacts, and more. The app can even take advantage of Cortana integration and live tiles on Windows 10.
Telegram has always been free so Windows users can head over to the Windows Store right now and download it for free.
The Windows Store plays host to apps meant for the Xbox One. You’d think that it will be possible for users to install apps they find on Windows Store directly from their Windows 10 PC but that has so far not been possible. Microsoft recently made some changes to the Windows Store which brought an improved download progress bar and interactive notifications. It appears to have made a change for Windows 10 Insiders as well which allows them to install apps to the Xbox One straight from their PC.
This new option is listed on an Xbox One app page as a button titled “Install on Xbox One” which doesn’t really need an explanation. It goes without saying that this option is only going to be available for apps that work on both PC and Xbox One so expect to see this on apps like OneDrive and Hulu once it goes live for all users.
This option is only coming up for Windows 10 Insiders on the Fast ring so it may be a while before everyone gets it. It’s also not clear at this point in time whether this option is limited to just Insiders on the Fast ring or if it’s available to those on the Slow or Release Preview ring as well.
Reports suggest that this option isn’t available in the Mobile Store just yet so it can only be used via a Windows 10 PC.
This week it’s become clear that Niantic isn’t easily going to duck a number of lawsuits filed against them in courts in both the United States and abroad. In The Hague (in the Netherlands), authorities were successful in pressuring Niantic to remove virtual monsters from certain areas of their beloved city. Just before a court date set for October of … Continue reading
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Senior Democratic lawmakers are due to speak at a march on April 15 ― the day when Americans’ tax returns are typically due ― to demand that President Donald Trump release his tax returns.
“The Tax March,” as the progressive groups organizing it have dubbed it, will begin with a rally and speeches at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a parade that passes the Trump International Hotel, as well as the FBI and IRS buildings. Over 100 smaller marches are due to take place in cities across the country.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee; Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), ranking member on the House Financial Services Committee; and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) will join a host of faith, policy and grassroots leaders scheduled to speak on Trump’s continued lack of financial transparency.
“I am proud to join Americans across this country in holding Trump accountable for deceiving the American people and refusing to tell the truth about his financial entanglements and conflicts of interest,” Rep. Waters said in a statement announcing her participation. “He should have to face the consequences of trying to hide from the American public.”
A broad of array of liberal groups and labor unions are convening for the Tax March, including MoveOn.org, Public Citizen, Demos, Credo, the Working Families Party, the National Women’s Law Center and the American Federation of Teachers.
They also plan to address what they believe are the inequities of the current tax system.
“Donald Trump and his billionaire Cabinet are proposing even bigger tax cuts for the wealthy when what we need is a fairer system that allows our nation to meet the needs of its people,” Demos president Heather McGhee said in a statement.
Although the date of the march was chosen because it is usually Tax Day, this year individual tax returns are due on Tuesday, April 18. April 15 is a Saturday and the following Monday government workers have off for Emancipation Day, a federal holiday.
It is extremely unlikely that a liberal protest march will prompt Trump to release his tax returns. The day’s actions are instead aimed at reminding the public of Trump’s historic lack of transparency at a time when the president is struggling politically.
Trump is the first president in four decades who has not released his tax returns or comparable financial information. The practice became a tradition when former President Richard Nixon released his returns after he was audited.
Critics have wondered if Trump has something to hide by refusing to disclose information about his finances, such as whether he is violating the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause prohibiting a president from receiving foreign gifts or payments. The opacity of Trump’s finances also makes it impossible to know whether he has a financial stake in pursuing certain policies.
White House officials insist that Trump has no plans to release the returns. Senior adviser Kellyanne Conway claimed in January that Trump’s election showed that the public does not care.
Congressional Republicans have voted down Democrats’ efforts to use obscure legal provisions to compel their disclosure.
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White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has been removed from the National Security Council, White House sources told The Huffington Post Wednesday.
Bloomberg, which first reported the news, said the move was part of a larger shake-up within the NSC.
In January, President Donald Trump released a memo on the organization of his National Security Council, which listed Bannon as a member of the principals committee. A number of officials from previous Democratic and Republican administrations raised concerns that the unusual inclusion would blur the lines between political and national security work.
Trump initially also excluded the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the director of national intelligence from National Security Council meetings except when “issues pertaining to their responsibilities and expertise are to be discussed.”
In the new memo, Bannon’s role is no longer included in the principals committee, and the Joint Chiefs chair and the DNI are again regular attendees.
This story is developing. Please check back for more.
Amanda Terkel contributed to this report.
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I put on his shirt, I took it off. My mind wondered around his image more than usual.
May 2, 2013, the classroom was loud, cliquey, and unproductive. People began to find out rapidly about what had happened. Focused, unconcerned, I was about to experience heartbreaking devastation. A friend asked if I heard anything. I told her no. She announced to the classroom that my high school boyfriend had taken his life in the night.
The loud classroom was forced silent.
Frozen by my peers staring at me, I felt pure nothingness. I was quickly flooded with warmth and drained of my thoughts. My breathing reflected the slow pace of time. I could feel my heavy heart pounding in my hands and feet. For a moment, I was distracted by my loud heartbeat and breathing.
Emily was the first person I came out to. We stared blankly at each other for what seemed like forever. I locked eyes with her and only her. Our stare kept me calm. Still frozen, disbelief, fear, and shock began to flash through my body. This moment felt like forever.
With a supportive family, my mother rushed home from work. We cried endlessly with her knowing there was not much she could do. My mom learned to wait for me to mention his name as this would be followed by a whirlwind of emotions.
This was how I lived my summer before moving to college. Draining my wells at night and hoping that tomorrow would come just a little bit later. Hoping that my dreams were a reality and that this reality was a dream.
A time where most students find happiness in graduating, graduation parties, and moving to college, I found myself depressed and in a dark space. I spent my time being constantly angry and pushing those that cared about me away.
Two exceptions to all of this were my cheerleading teams.
While I was pushing people away, my teams were pulling me in. That summer, I was an athlete of both my local community program, Champion Force Athletics, and Michigan State University, where I would spend my next four years cheering for the Spartans in green and white.
My CFA coaches and teammates showed immense compassion. They made me feel like they cared. I was comforted and constantly reminded that they were there for me. These were the people that knew me best, having spent four years practicing, traveling and competing with them.
While the MSU program was something new at the time, my coach, Elyse, still found a way to create comfort. Elyse connected with me at our first collegiate practice of the summer. Barely knowing each other, she was able to establish a bond. She reached out to me saying that she saw a photo and caption I had posted about Zack’s passing. She opened her arms, ears, and heart, making sure that I was getting what I needed.
We had a connection with similar stories that she was able to share with me. That created protection. This was not something she was obligated to do. Joining this new family of athletes at college was more support for me.
Growing up with both of my parents being raised by lesbian mothers has created a unique upbringing. Little did I know, I would have support from all angles.
In February of 2010, when I was 14, I worked up the nerve to make an announcement to my family: I was gay.
The amount of love and acceptance that I received from them was indescribable. I could not have asked for a better experience.
Introducing my true self to the world and becoming a cheerleader are two of the most pivotal milestones in my life. I have gained happiness, confidence, a support system, and endless amounts of love for both of these things. Looking back on my experience, I see a brave, young boy who was in search of acceptance. I allowed people to meet the real me. I allowed myself to build a relationship with a sport and the people who were involved.
It’s hard to imagine going through Zack’s passing without coming out and being an athlete of a team. Coming out has eliminated my fears of having to keep secrets. A key component to my healing was the fact that I did not have to hide my feelings, emotions, and thoughts.
Zack was not a secret.
The dark space I found following his death was also not a secret. My sport provided me with comfort, support, and protection. My teammates and coaches were caring, compassionate and concerned. I am in a better place today because of this.
What I went through is something that no one should ever do alone. I wish everyone could find the strength to be true to themselves and come out. It’s an amazing life when you are able to be true to who you are.
There is a trickling effect of doors opening where your brain cannot even imagine doors opening. Support is endless within our community, and there is a lot of it in our world. This support would not exist in my life if I never took the steps of being vulnerable with those that meant the most to me.
Without being an out athlete, my struggles would have been harder, and maybe even impossible, to manage. I have gained the opportunity to allow support to enter my life.
Four years ago I felt like I was never going to stop crying, never going to be happy, and never have a zest for life.
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The United States women’s national soccer team have reached a deal with the U.S. Soccer Federation that could resolve a yearlong dispute over equality issues including pay.
The USWNT and the U.S. Soccer Federation, the sport’s American governing body, ratified a new collective bargaining agreement Tuesday night ― just over a year since five top women’s players filed a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that asked for an investigation into what they said were discriminatory pay practices from the federation. It isn’t yet clear whether the agreement will immediately put an end the case in front of the EEOC.
The agreement came on the night of Equal Pay Day ― the date that marks how far into the year women must work to earn the same amount of pay men in the same jobs made the year before.
“We are pleased to announce that U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement which will continue to build the women’s program in the U.S, grow the game of soccer worldwide, and improve the professional lives of players on and off the field,” the statement said. “We are proud of the hard work and commitment to thoughtful dialogue reflected through this process, and look forward to strengthening our partnership moving forward.”
The new agreement that will last five years won’t necessarily achieve full pay parity with U.S. Men’s National Team players, according to The New York Times. But it does make significant gains in compensation: Women’s players could soon make between $200,000 and $300,000 each year, roughly double what they made under the previous agreement, the Times reported. The team will receive per diems equal to those given to the men’s team and improvements in other areas, including travel and support for pregnant players, ESPNW reported.
The USWNT has been the world’s most successful women’s soccer team over the last two decades, winning three Women’s World Cup titles and four of the six Olympic gold medals since women’s soccer joined the games in 1996.
The team’s victory at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada helped draw worldwide attention to pay disparities between men and women at the international level, and sparked the dispute with their federation at home too. The complaint filed with the EEOC drew political support in the U.S. Senate, where their fight became a symbol of the pay disparities women face in the workplace across the country. Last May, the Senate unanimously passed a non-binding resolution calling for equal pay for the women’s players.
The new agreement also follows the resolution of a similar dispute in women’s hockey. Last week, USA Hockey and the U.S. women’s national hockey team reached a deal to improve pay and compensation for those players, who planned to boycott the women’s world championship tournament without improvements in pay and financial support.
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It was an exciting day for adoptable pets and animal advocates across the New York area.
On Tuesday, animal welfare group Best Friends Animal Society opened their first New York City adoption center, adding to adoption centers in Los Angeles and Kanab, Utah. The new shelter houses approximately 30 dogs and cats, and has a state-of-the-art kitten nursery and frosted glass kennel doors.
Best Friends hopes the adoption center will help educate potential pet owners and animal enthusiasts, as well as support the group’s efforts to make all animal shelters in the United States “no-kill” by 2025. Best Friends specifies that “no-kill” is “commonly defined as a ‘save rate’ of 90 percent of the dogs and cats entering shelters.”
Gregory Castle, Best Friends CEO and co-founder, wants the center to inspire visitors.
“Our new state-of-the-art Center in the heart of Manhattan will demonstrate to locals and visitors alike the problems and solutions facing our country’s homeless pet population,” he said in a news release. “We’ve planted a stake in the ground to take this country no-kill by 2025, but we can’t do it alone. Our hope is that visitors leave the Center with a new best friends and feeling inspired and equipped with the knowledge needed to achieve our mission.”
We had the pleasure of snuggling up to adoptable dogs Eleanor, Monya and Milo. If you’re interested in volunteering, donating, adopting or just want to have your heart melted head, you can learn more at the Best Friends NY website. And if you want to pay a visit in person, some adorable furry friends will be waiting for you.
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About one in 10 pregnant women with confirmed Zika infections had a fetus or baby with birth defects, offering the clearest picture yet of the risk of Zika infection during pregnancy, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the first to analyze a group of U.S. women with clear, confirmed test results of Zika infection during pregnancy.
Once considered a mild disease, a large outbreak of the virus that began in Brazil in 2015 and quickly spread through the Americas revealed that the mosquito-borne virus can cause severe brain damage and microcephaly, or small head size, when women are exposed during pregnancy.
“Zika continues to be a threat to pregnant women across the U.S.,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting director of the CDC, said in a statement. “With warm weather and a new mosquito season approaching, prevention is crucial to protect the health of mothers and babies.”
Babies affected by Zika can develop congenital Zika syndrome, which includes brain abnormalities, vision problems, hearing loss, and problems moving limbs.
The study comes from the CDC’s Zika pregnancy registry, which includes data from the continental United States and all U.S. territories except Puerto Rico.
The researchers analyzed data on nearly 1,000 completed pregnancies in 2016 among women who had some evidence of Zika infection. Most were infected through travel to a region where the virus was actively spreading.
Of the 1,000, 51 or about 5 percent had babies or a fetus with one or more Zika-related birth defect. Because of limitations of testing, only tests done within the first few weeks of Zika can test specifically for the Zika virus.
The team also analyzed 250 women with definitive test results for Zika. Among these, about one in 10 had a fetus or baby with birth defects. The risk was even higher among women infected in the first trimester of pregnancy, where 15 percent of pregnancies resulted in a fetus or baby with birth defects.
The study also showed that three out of four babies exposed to Zika had not received brain imaging after birth to diagnose birth defects.
“We know that some babies have underlying brain defects that are otherwise not evident at birth. Because we do not have brain imaging reports for most of the infants, our current data might significantly underestimate the impact of Zika,” CDC’s Peggy Honein told a news briefing.
(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
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This week it’s become clear that Niantic isn’t easily going to duck a number of lawsuits filed against them in courts in both the United States and abroad. In The Hague (in the Netherlands), authorities were successful in pressuring Niantic to remove virtual monsters from certain areas of their beloved city. Just before a court date set for October of … 
