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Instagram’s New Features Allows You To Poll Your Friends

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Last month, Polly became a hit on Snapchat with over 20 million answerers. The feature allowed for users to add multiple-choice polls onto their Snapchat. Instagram is following in their footsteps with their polling feature within Stories. Now just like adding a sticker, users can add a two-answer poll on top of their stories that friends can answer.

“Whether you’re trying to plan tomorrow’s outfit, choosing which class to take or figuring out where to go for dinner, now it’s easy to share a two-option poll right in your story,” Instagram explains in a  blog posting. “After you’ve taken a photo or video for your story, select the “poll” sticker and place it anywhere you’d like — you can write out your own question and even customize the poll choices.”

Instagram Polls
via Instagram

Instagram Stories currently lets you write your questions and defaults the answers to Yes or No, even though you can edit those answers to whatever you want. Friends will see the results as soon as they answer, and you will find out who voted for what in your Stories view count page.

Instagram explains, “After you’ve shared your poll, your friends and followers can immediately start voting and see real-time results. Once someone has voted on your poll, they’ll see which choice is in the lead at any given moment. And if they watch your story again later, they’ll see the latest results. “

Instagram Polls
via Instagram

Polls are the most recent interactive feature and may spread to multiple-choice answers while also providing something you can engage with instead of swiping.

Instagram’s commitment to follow in Snapchat’s footsteps is abundantly clear, and this is just the latest feature Instagram has essentially replicated. The app’s decision to launch not only Snapchat’s features but those built by smaller startups show how the social network’s commitment to staying relevant by seeing what is popular and adding that feature to their platform, but when you have millions of monthly active users it does not even matter.

Instagram Polls
Via Instagram

Ultimately, it should give any entrepreneur second thoughts about building something in the same business landscape as Instagram.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren To Wells Fargo CEO: “You Tried To Cover It Up”

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Senator Elizabeth Warren said it is time for the Wells Fargo & Co. CEO to get fired.

The Wells Fargo account fraud scandal is an ongoing controversy surrounding the creation of millions of fraudulent accounts on behalf of Wells Fargo clients without their consent. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined the company a combined $185 million dollars as a result of the illegal activity. In addition, the company faces several civil and criminal lawsuits.

Wells Fargo customers noticed the fraud after being charged for fees and receiving unexpected credit or debit cards. Initially, Wells Fargo branch managers were blamed for the fraudulent accounts, as well as sales incentives associated with selling financial products. The blame later shifted to higher-level executives who reportedly pushed as many financial products as possible. The result led the resignation of CEO John Stumpf, and an investigation led by U.S. Elizabeth Warren.

Wells Fargo Banking Scandal
(Roman Tiraspolsky / Shutterstock.com)

CEO Timothy Sloan told lawmakers during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday that the recent scandal surrounding millions of potentially wronged customers has ended. That said, Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat representative, argued that the senior executive is either dumb or involved with the scandal.

“Either way, you should be fired,” Warren told him. “You enabled this fake account scam, you got rich off it, and you tried to cover it up.”

Warren, who argued for the termination for his predecessor, John Stumpf, pointed out statements Sloan made to investors that defended the bank’s methods after he and other company executives were made aware of problems with their company’s sales practices. Sloan argued that those words were “taken out of context.” Sloan continued by arguing that he has not been “perfect” but, he continues to be the right person for the job.

Warren also asked how he could tell employees that they are the priority while also telling investors that the bank will cut billions in costs that would involve laying employees off.  “I couldn’t disagree more with almost everything Senator Warren said.”

Wells Fargo
(Peppinuzzo / Shutterstock.com)

He went on to claim she was scaring people by claiming his remarks would mean thousands of people would lose their jobs.

“We care about our team members,” he said. “But at the same time, I have an obligation as the CEO of this company that we keep other stakeholders happy.”

Wells Fargo customers noticed the fraud after being charged for fees and receiving unexpected credit or debit cards. Initially, Wells Fargo branch managers were blamed for the fraudulent accounts, as well as sales incentives associated withs selling financial products. The blame later shifted to higher-level executives who reportedly pushed as many financial products as possible. The result led the resignation of CEO John Stumpf, and an investigation led by U.S. Elizabeth Warren.

Facebook Gives Up Russian-Linked Ads to Congress

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On Monday, Facebook announced it had given Congress thousands of advertisements linked to Russian influence operations in the United States. Facebook also announced their tightening of ad policies to make sure election impact is harder to achieve on the social network.

Facebook confirmed that it discovered the ad sales earlier this year and gave copies of the ads to the Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, who is currently investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Facebook had reportedly shown the ads to congressional investigators but had not turned the ads over to them. Following complaints by the leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee, the company decided to give up the ads to the government.

Facebook Live Arrest
Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock.com

“We are sharing these ads with Congress because we want to do our part to help investigators gain a deeper understanding of Russian interference in the US political system and explain those activities to the public,” said a statement by Joel Kaplan, Facebook’s vice president for global public policy.

The House Intelligence Committee’s ranking member Adam Schiff confirmed the ads on Monday but said there are still important questions that need to be answered about the social media campaigns.

“As we fully examine these ads in the coming days, we will be particularly interested in understanding their full reach, in particular to determine what groups and individuals were most heavily targeted and why,” Schiff said.

Schiff added he hopes to release a sampling of the ads Facebook has turned over as soon as possible, NPR reports.

Last week, Twitter representatives visited Capital hill briefed investigators on their findings, but the Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner called the session “inadequate.”

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that his company would make changes to the social network that will make it difficult for people to influence elections.

On Wednesday, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman and Warner are scheduled to hold a joint news conference on the issue in Washington, D.C.

Facebook is Now Testing a Facial Recognition

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Facebook is reportedly testing facial recognition as a way of securing accounts more efficiently.

Facebook confirmed the testing to TechCrunch saying, “We are testing a new feature for people who want to quickly and easily verify account ownership during the account recovery process. This optional feature is available only on devices you’ve already used to log in. It is another step, alongside two-factor authentication via SMS, that we’re taking to make sure account owners can confirm their identity.”

That said, Facebook is limiting the use of facial recognition to account recovery as opposed to Apple’s various applications of the technology towards unlocking iPhone X devices, among other purposes. The feature is optional.

Facebook - social media
Man using a Facebook application on his smartphone, the background is an image from the projector – photography from social media meeting in the city of Lodz, Poland 07.11. 2014 (Michal Ludwiczak / Shutterstock.com)

It is important to note that while biometric identification is a convenient way of securing a device without having to remember a password if the biometric data is compromised, it can not be changed the same way passwords can.

Overall, Facebook explains if the feature is helpful to users and hackers are unable to crack their codes, Facebook could potentially expand the program.

Facebook has tried different ways to help you unlock an account. Previously, the company would ask you to identify photos of your friends, or allowing you to designated several “trusted friends” who receive a code that you can ask them for to unlock. But, facial recognition puts Facebook into unknown waters as a major privacy concern. It begs the question about how many people are likely to be comfortable to use their face to Facebook.

McDonald’s is Bringing Back Szechuan Sauce

McDonald’s is bringing back Szechuan sauce for one day and one day only.

Following the release of the season finale of Rick and Morty, McDonald’s has announced they are bringing back its Szechuan Sauce for one day on October 7th.

Recently made famous by a joke in the season 3 premiere of Rick and Morty, McDonald’s is making it clear that the sauce will not last for a long time and it will go fast.

McDonald’s broke the news in a press release; a representative explained, ”limited quantities for a limited run available in [the] restaurant for one day only.”

“On Oct 7, together with the collectible sauce-themed posters, we’re also giving away a one-time only, limited-edition, run of Szechuan Sauce in select restaurants. And when we say limited, we mean really, really limited! Click below to find out which restaurants will be giving away* the posters, and the select few of those that will also have the Szechuan Sauce on Oct 7,” McDonald’s explains the press release.

This news comes after an increasing demand for the sauce following the Rick and Morty episode debuted on Adult Swim, with the restaurant chain releasing three jars of the rare Mulan sauce in a Twitter contest. One fan ended up selling his jar of Szechuan sauce to DJ Deadmau5 for an undisclosed amount after an auction for more than $4,000 fell through.

While the move may seem unexpected for those who do not watch Rick and Morty, a joke about the sauce was included in the season three premiere that aired on April Fool’s Day. The sauce went viral with demands for McDonald’s to bring the sauce back.

McDonald’s first issued Szechuan sauce as part of a marketing campaign with Disney’s 1998 movie, Mulan. 

McDonald’s is releasing a series of posters to commemorate the reboot of the Szechuan sauce and its other sauces. Each of the posters will depict a different sauce that McDonald’s offers, which ties into the launch of McDonald’s new buttermilk chicken tenders.

“Ready to celebrate? We’re giving away 1,000 limited-edition, hand numbered, screen-printed posters for all 10 sauces in our legendary lineup—including Szechuan Sauce. That’s right, collectible art, worthy of the pop-culture status fans have given their favorite sauces,” the press release explains.

As the show’s main character, Rick, says, ““If it takes nine seasons, I want my McNugget dipping sauce!””

Are you going to binge watch Rick and Morty on October 7th when the sauce returns?

‘The Walking Dead’s Laurie Holden Bashes Her Character’s Death

Laurie Holden reveals that she is still upset with how Andrea, the character she played for three seasons of AMC’s The Walking Dead, was killed off the show.

Holden, who commits suicide after being bitten by a walker, said she ““got the call at 10 o’ clock the night before, while I was shooting, from the showrunner who is no longer a part of The Walking Dead [Glen Mazzara], saying that they couldn’t write the episode and that he was killing my character… I felt like I got shot. None of it was supposed to happen the way it did.”

During a recent fan convention, Holden again brought up her departure from the show, which called it a “mistake.” Holden explained, “I mean, it’s not like I couldn’t pull it off. I think the whole stuff that they wrote about Andrea and the Governor was complete and utter nonsense. I did the best that I could to tell that narrative and to justify it where Andrea kept her heart.”

I guess if I was Holden, I would be upset too. She no longer ha a role on the biggest show on television and she no longer gets a chance to work alongside Norman Reedus. That has to be tough.

Uber, Lfyt Offer Free Rides After Las Vegas Shooting

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Following the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history, Uber and Lyft have changed their prices in Las Vegas so people can exit the area without being charged outrageous fees.

The news comes after ride services have been criticized in the past for price gouging following a disaster.

According to a statement, Uber waived all fares “around the affected area” on Sunday night and continued to offer free rides for some shooting associated rides.

“Our hearts ache for everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. We stand ready to support the victims and the Las Vegas community as they recover from this devastating act,” Uber explained in a statement. “Shortly after hearing about the incident, we worked to ensure all rides from around the affected area were free of charge. Additionally, we are providing free rides to and from area hospitals, the family reunification center, and United Blood Services donor centers for those who wish to donate blood.”

Lyft also announced the company had shut down their “Prime Time” surge function in Las Vegas. “We’re heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We suspended Prime Time immediately after we understood what was happening. We also communicated to drivers about the developing situation.”

Also, Lyft announced on Monday the company would be offering free rides of up to $40 with the code “VEGASHOPE” to several blood donation centers, relief centers, and hospitals in Las Vegas. Here’s the full list:

Blood Donation

Labor Health & Welfare Clinic: 7135 W Sahara Ave #100, Las Vegas, NV 89117

United Blood Services: 6930 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89117

United Blood Services: 4950 W. Craig Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89310

United Blood Services, Henderson:  601 Whitney Ranch Dr. Bldg. D, Ste 20, Henderson, NV 89014

Hospitals

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: 3186 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89109

University Medical Center: 1800 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Desert Springs Hospital: 2075 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Valley Hospital: 620 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89106

Relief Centers

UNLV Thomas & Mac Center: 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154

Family Reunification Center: Metro Headquarters, 400 S. MLK BLVD Building B

This news comes after Uber was criticized for increasing their prices following the June 2017 and September 2016 terror attacks. Eventually, the company issued refunds to all victims who were affected by surge pricing, attempting to send a message that victims should feel good about choosing Uber in times of an emergency. Then in January, both Uber and Lyft were criticized for high prices after travel ban protests at JFK left travelers without an affordable way to get home, even though many of the public’s backlash was focused on Uber with the hashtag campaign #DeleteUber going viral.

Las Vegas Shooting: Stephen Paddock Reportedly Gambled More Than $10,000/Day

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As the investigation continues on the Las Vegas attack, journalists covering the incident are uncovering details surrounding the mass shooting. This includes a breaking news discovery that police were able to discover Paddock’s exact location on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay thanks in part to the hotel’s smoke detectors, and not because of his muzzle flashes. As NBC News points out, one hour and 12 minutes passed before that happened.

“We’ve been trying to figure out how long this ordeal lasted,” said Pete Williams, a justice correspondent for NBC News. “Now we know that the first phone call to the police of a shooting was at 10:08 last night.” 

Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told reporters previously that local 9-1-1 call centers first received reports from concertgoers at 10:08 pm PT. According to a timeline created by several ABC News affiliates, however, the first news report did not go out until 10:40 nearly half an hour later, police shut down the Las Vegas strip at 11:08 pm.

In Williams’ report, the justice correspondent notes authorities did not reach Paddock’s hotel room until 11:20 pm.

“So it’s one hour and 12 minutes from the time of the phone call until the police finally went in and found that Stephen Paddock had shot himself dead,” he said. “What we don’t know from this timeline, what we can’t tell — and that’s going to be a long time, reconstructing the timeline — is when did the shots stop? We don’t know that.”

Ultimately, the hour and 12 minutes that passed between the first 9-1-1 call and the door breach only reveals how difficult it will be to investigate Sunday’s tragic event.

Paddock’s hotel room is located on the Las Vegas Strip, at an angle from the concert grounds. Some witnesses did claim to have seen muzzle flashes, although it would have been difficult to determine the exact floor and room alone by eye-sight alone.

Who is Stephen Paddock?

The gunman who checked into a suite at a Las Vegas hotel and massacre dozens of concertgoers lived in a retirement community in Mesquite, Nevada, about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

According to the New York Times, Paddock, 64, was described as a retiree who loved to gamble and lived with his girlfriend Marilou Danley, 62. Other than that, relatives explained Paddock had not expressed “displayed strong political or ideological beliefs”. In fact, the NY Times reports, Eric Paddock said he and his family were “shocked, horrified” by the news and he was “not an avid gun guy.”

“Where the hell did he get automatic weapons? He has no military background or anything like that,” the brother said. “When you find out about him, like I said, he’s a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite and drove down and gambled in Las Vegas.”

Paddock was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in his room on the 32nd floor of the hotel. At least 10 guns were found in the hotel room, including several rifles.

A motive for the horrific attack is currently unclear. “I can’t get into the mind of a psychopath at this point,” Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said.

NBC News reports the suspected gunman had made several large gambling transactions recently. Multiple senior law enforcement officials told NBC News, Stephen Paddock gambled more than $10,000 per day and in some cases $20,000 and $30,000 a day at Las Vegas Casinos. That said, it was not clear if those transactions were losses or wins.

France Now Requires Labels on Photoshopped Ads

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As of Sunday, October 1, a new French law is in place. It states any models in commercial photography who have been made to appear thinner or thicker by image processing software has to include a statement declaring the image was retouched. Anyone who opts out of this law can face a fine of $44,000 or more, or 30% the cost of advertising.

It is important to note that this is not the first time France has taken a stand against unhealthy depictions of the human body. Two years ago, France responded to the criticism of thin models by requiring every model who wanted to work in the country to provide proof from a physician they are of a healthy body weight. Since then, other countries including Israel, Spain, and Italy have passed similar laws.

French Model Photoshop
A model poses for photographers backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. (Photo by Flaunter .com on Unsplash)

Getty Images is refusing to accept any creative content “depicting models whose body shapes have been retouched to make them look thinner or larger,” representative Anne Flanagan told NPR. The decision to do so came after France’s latest piece of legislation and will begin labeling images with that were previously photoshopped.

A study published in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications found humans have trouble spotting retouched images. In fact, researchers found people identified altered photos 60% of the time.

Ultimately, it is the photoshopping you don’t spot that creates unhealthy expectations, and France’s legislation is an attempt to alert people of retouching. Maybe, warning people that changes have been made will help people have a more rational expectation for what the human body looks like.

Life on Earth Began After Meteorites Crashed into Warm Ponds, Study Finds

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Between 3.7 to 4.5 billion years ago, life on Earth began. Now, researchers argue meteorites splashed down and leaked essential elements into warm ponds.

Scientists at McMaster University and the Max Planck Institute in Germany report wet and dry cycles bonded basic molecular chemicals int he pounds producing a nutrient-rich solution, which in turn created self-replicating RNA molecules that formed the first genetic code of life on Earth.

The researchers reached this conclusion after researching geology, chemistry, biology, astrophysics and other fields of science. While the “warm little ponds” theory is not new, researchers have proven its plausibility with evidence-based calculations.

The study’s lead authors, Ben K.D. Pearce and Ralph Pudritz say evidence suggests that life began when the Earth was still being formed, which continents emerging from the ocean and meteorites hammering down into the planet.

“No one’s actually run the calculation before,” says Pearce. “This is a pretty big beginning. It’s pretty exciting.”

“Because there are so many inputs from so many different fields, it’s kind of amazing that it all hangs together,” Pudritz says. “Each step led very naturally to the next. To have them all lead to a clear picture, in the end, is saying there’s something right about this.”

The study was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.

“In order to understand the origin of life, we need to understand Earth as it was billions of years ago. As our study shows, astronomy provides a vital part of the answer. The details of how our solar system formed have direct consequences for the origin of life on Earth,” says Thomas Henning explained.

Researchers say the combination of wet and dry conditions allowed for RNA to be produced and form chemical bonds.

“That’s the Holy Grail of experimental origins-of-life chemistry,” says Pearce.

The basic form of life, RNA, would eventually give rise to DNA, the blueprint of higher forms of life. But, it will take time for this to take place. Essentially, the world only existed with RNA-based life forms until DNA was created.

“DNA is too complex to have been the first aspect of life to emerge,” Pudritz says. “It had to start with something else, and that is RNA.”