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Grand Theft Auto VI leaks: Here’s what we know

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Unruly Folk
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Grand Theft Auto
(Source: Rockstar Games)

In what is perhaps one of the most significant gaming leaks in recent memory, images and videos from the long-awaited follow-up to 2013’s Grand Theft Auto V have surfaced online. Here’s everything we know about the leaked footage so far.

Close to 100 photos and videos of the unfinished game were posted on GTAForums by a user who claimed to have obtained the content by hacking Rockstar’s Slack channel and gaining access to their servers.

The leak confirms a long-awaited playable female protagonist and that it’s again set in the infamous fictional Vice City.

The post was quickly removed; however, the images and videos had already been shared across social media by that point, with many questioning its legitimacy. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games‘ parent company, has been issuing copyright takedowns to remove the footage from YouTube and Twitter.

To add insult to injury, the hacker has threatened to publish the source code for Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto VI, as well as the in-development version of GTA VI, if Rockstar doesn’t negotiate a deal with them.

Sources close to Rockstar Games have confirmed that the footage is over a year old and is an early-stage game build.

The developer confirmed the leak in the following official statement.

The game has no set release date yet, but many are predicting 2024-2025.

The divisive nature of AI art

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Unruly Folk
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AI Generated Funko-Not
AI Generated Funko-Not

In the art world, there is always debate surrounding what is and isn’t “true art.” This debate has existed for centuries and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of art has emerged—and it’s already causing quite a stir.

Some believe that AI art is a valid form of expression. After all, AI is created by humans, so there is a level of creativity involved. Moreover, AI art can be quite beautiful and thought-provoking. On the other hand, some believe AI art is not genuinely creative because computers follow pre-determined rules. Instead, they argue that true creativity comes from organic human thought and tactile touch.

So, what’s the verdict? Is AI art worthy of being called “art”? First, let’s look at the arguments for and against AI art.

For AI

1) Humans create AI art using prompts and specific parameters, so there is a level of creativity involved.
2) AI art can be quite beautiful and thought-provoking.
3) AI art can be used as inspiration.
4) AI art provides a new perspective on familiar subjects.
5) AI art challenges our notions of what art can be.
6) AI art is accessible to people who can’t physically create using specific mediums.

Against AI

1) AI art is not genuinely creative because computers follow pre-determined rules.
2) AI art lacks the emotional connection we often find in human-created art.
3) Some believe that AI art will eventually lead to the decline of traditional art forms.
4) Some believe that AI art will threaten human artists’ incomes.
5) Some believe the physical ability to create a piece of work is what makes something art.
6) Some believe AI art rips off other artists and is ethically questionable.

The verdict on AI art is still very much up in the air. There are solid arguments for and against its validity as art. However, one thing is sure: AI art is here to stay. Whether or not you believe it qualifies as art, there’s no denying that it’s a significant new development in the art world that will cause plenty of debate. In the end, it may come down to personal opinion. Are you for or against it? Is AI art genuinely creative? Would you use it or support artists who do? Or is it a threat to “true” creativity? Only time will tell.

The economic aftermath of a pandemic

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Unruly Folk
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woman in yellow tshirt and beige jacket holding a fruit stand
Source: Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

We are still sailing in uncharted waters. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down and inside out. It took only weeks for the global economy to reach a standstill, and we still haven’t gotten to the other side. As a result, millions of people lost their jobs. Businesses have permanently closed their doors. And the stock market has plummeted.

But this is only the beginning. The actual test of the economy will come in the months and years ahead as we grapple with the fallout from this pandemic. But, again, this is an unprecedented situation, and no historical precedent can guide us. So, what can we expect? How will this pandemic affect the economy in the long term?

Two problems at once

The first thing to understand is that this pandemic is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s not just the health crisis that makes it unique; it’s also the economic crisis. So we’re dealing with two problems at once—a public health crisis and a financial crisis—and they inevitably interact with each other.

Corona-Lisa
Corona-Lisa by Yaroslav Danylchenko on Pexels.com

The economic shutdown is already having a profound impact on businesses and workers around the world. We lost jobs, our incomes have shrunk, and consumer spending is, understandably, plunging. These factors, alongside the cost of living crisis, put enormous pressure on companies and small businesses struggling to keep their doors open. And it’s only going to get worse in the months ahead as we deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

Reason for optimism

In the long term, however, there is a reason for optimism. The actual economy—the underlying productive capacity of our society—is still there. This pandemic hasn’t destroyed it; it only temporarily suppressed it. Once we get past this immediate crisis, there is potential for a strong recovery as businesses reopen and people return to work.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world economy to a standstill that we have never seen before. But while this crisis is unprecedented, it doesn’t mean we face an entirely unknown future. We can look to past problems—such as 9/11 or the 2008 financial crisis—for guidance on how this pandemic might affect the economy in the months and years ahead. In particular, we can focus on three key factors: job losses, business closures, and consumer spending. By understanding how these factors have affected economies in the past, we can gain insight into what might happen in the months and years ahead.

Stock market tips for tumultuous times

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Unruly Folk
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Stock Market Chart
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

The stock market is in a tailspin, and there’s no end in sight. So, if you’re thinking of selling all your stocks, think again. Here are a few tips on weathering the storm and coming ahead when the dust finally settles.

In recent months, the stock market has taken a nosedive not seen since the Great Depression. As the plunge continues, many wonder what to do with their stocks. Should I sell? Hold on? Buy more?

The answer, as with most things in life, is it depends. It depends on your goals, your timeframe, and your risk tolerance. However, some general principles can help guide you through these turbulent times.

Have a plan

The first step is to have a plan. Yes, it may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t have a concrete investment plan. What are your investment goals? Are you saving for retirement? A child’s education? A rainy day fund? Once you know your goals, you can start developing a strategy for achieving them best.

Know your timeline

Next, you need to know your timeline. Are you investing for the long term or the short term? Your time horizon will dictate what types of investments are suitable for you. For example, if you’re investing for retirement, you can afford to take on more risk because you have time to ride out the ups and downs of the market. Conversely, if you need the money in the next year or two, you’ll want to be more conservative with your investments. You don’t want to lose everything if the market takes another dip.

Know your risk tolerance

Finally, you need to know your risk tolerance; this is probably the most crucial factor in deciding what to do with your stocks during a market crash. Some people are natural risk-takers and are comfortable with their portfolio taking some hits to potentially earn higher returns down the road. Others are more risk-averse and prefer to preserve their capital, even if it means making lower returns. But, again, there’s no right or wrong answer here; it’s simply a matter of preference. Plenty of online quizzes can help give you a better idea of your risk profile if you’re unsure where you fall on the spectrum.

No one knows what will happen in the stock market from one day to the next, let alone for several weeks or months. However, by having a plan, knowing your timeline, and understanding your risk tolerance, you can make intelligent decisions about what to do with your stocks during periods of turbulence. Soak up as much information as you can from trusted sources (like CNBC or Motley Fool), and then make decisions based on what’s best for YOU and YOUR goals. Finally, stay calm and remember that this, too, shall pass!

A glowing fireball illuminates Britain’s skies

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Unruly Folk
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Meteorite Flying Across the UK - Source: UKMON
(Source: UKMON)

At around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the UK Meteor Network received more than 200 reports of a “fireball” in the night sky.

The lucky witnesses wowed by the mysterious object blazing through the skies above parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland flooded social media sites with eyewitness accounts and astonishing video footage, creating quite the buzz.  

After reviewing videos of the occurrence, the organisation concluded that “this was space debris.”

According to the preliminary trajectory predicted by the International Meteor Organization, the debris would have crashed in the Atlantic south of the Hebrides.

Poliovirus is spreading in New York

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Unruly Folk
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A young Indian girl receiving a dose of oral polio vaccine by a trained healthcare worker. Original image sourced from US Government department: Public Health Image Library, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under US law this image is copyright free, please credit the government department whenever you can”.
A young Indian girl receives a dose of oral polio vaccine from a trained healthcare worker.

A type of poliovirus is circulating in the United States. It has been identified in wastewater in three counties: Rockland, Orange and Sullivan. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of disaster in response. 

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that the nation has joined a group of around 30 other countries where the virus’s spread has been detected.

The CDC was first notified of a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated adult in Rockland County, New York, in July. The CDC is currently investigating the extent of the virus’s spread and working with state and local health departments to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken. 

What is Poliovirus?

Poliovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death. The virus primarily affects children under the age of five. 

How is Poliovirus Spread?

The virus is typically spread through contaminated water or food. However, it can also spread through contact with an infected person, such as coughing or sneezing. 

What are the Symptoms of Poliovirus?

Symptoms of poliovirus usually appear three to 21 days after infection. The most common symptoms include fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain. The virus can sometimes cause paralysis, which is often permanent. 

How Can I Prevent Poliovirus?

The best way to prevent poliovirus is to get vaccinated. Vaccination rates in the United States are high but have been waning recently. According to the CDC, around 60 per cent of people in the affected counties have been vaccinated against poliovirus. 

If you have not been vaccinated against poliovirus, it is vital to do so as soon as possible. The virus is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection, so you should check with your local health department to see if any clinics in your area offer them.

Netflix’s Tudum returns, featuring Stranger Things, Squid Game and The Witcher 

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Unruly Folk
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Netflix Tudum Fan Event

For movie and television fans, Netflix’s virtual fan event, Tudum, is not to be missed. The streaming giant promises a full day of reveals and trailers for some of the world’s most popular titles. Yes, we’re talking Stranger Things, Squid Game and The Witcher, to name a few. 

In past years, Tudum has been where Netflix unveiled the first trailers for their highly anticipated original shows. This year is sure to be no different. Plus, with over 200 Netflix stars in attendance, there are bound to be plenty of surprise appearances and exciting announcements. 

We expect Netflix stars like Henry Cavill, Charlize Theron, Gal Gadot, and Lee Jung-Jae to make special guest appearances, too. So clear your schedule for September 24 and get ready for some fun. Tudum. 

David Harbour to star in ‘Gran Turismo’ movie

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Unruly Folk
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David Harbour to Star in Gran Turismo Movie
David Harbour attends Netflix's "Stranger Things" season 4 premiere at Netflix Brooklyn on May 14, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, David Harbour is confirmed to star in the movie adaptation of the popular racing video game Gran Turismo for Sony and PlayStation. The movie is directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9).

With Jason Hall (American Sniper) and Zach Baylin (King Richard) leading the true story-inspired script, the film’s plot follows a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won him a series of competitions to become a professional race car driver.

Sony has announced the movie’s August 11, 2023, release date, but we’ll keep you updated with the latest developments!

Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ first look

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Unruly Folk
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Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid
(Source: Disney)

Last weekend, at the D23 Expo, Disney gave fans a first look at Halle Bailey’s live-action “The Little Mermaid.” The clip generated over 104 million global views, according to Variety. 

In the clip, viewers are taken on a journey through the undersea world before being introduced to Ariel (Bailey). The teaser has generated more views than any of Disney’s recent live-action titles, including “Cruella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Alladin“, and “Maleficent 2“.

Shortly after its release, parents began posting beautifully touching scenes of their young black children’s reactions to the trailer, which have gone viral on social media, showing how important representation is.

Twitter user @normanination4 made an excellent thread compiling these videos, and we urge you to take a peek, but only if you’re ready to shed a few joyous tears.

Jacob Lofland Snags A Role In Joker: Folie à Deux

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Unruly Folk
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If you’re a fan of the Joker, you’re in for a treat. The team that brought you the 11-time Academy Award-winning 2019 ‘Joker’ is back, and they’ve added some new talent to the mix. Rising actor Jacob Lofland has nabbed a key role in Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the billion-dollar grossing film. 

Jacob Lofland

The sequel promises to shake things up with a musical twist, with music icon Lady Gaga, who’s rumoured to be playing Harley Quinn. While details of the project are being kept under lock and key, it is believed to be partially set in the infamous Arkham Asylum. 

We don’t know much about Joker: Folie à Deux yet, but we’re excited to see what Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Todd Phillips, and Jacob Lofland have in store. The film is currently in pre-production and is expected to be released sometime in 2024.

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