Month: July 2024
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2, episode 7: Did Rhaenyra know Vermithor would do that?
In “House of the Dragon” Season 2, episode 7, does Rhaenyra know what’s going to happen with Vermithor?
Nobody hosts a barbecue quite like Vermithor.
In House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 7, after finding out that Seasmoke’s new rider is Addam of Hull, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) decides to double down on her dragonrider recruitment strategy and gather as many lowborn Targaryens as she can for her cause.
What happens next could probably be best described as a mixed result, but an undeniable win for Team Black’s war effort.
The question is, did Rhaenyra know how it was going to all go down when she led those would-be dragonriders down into the cave to face Vermithor?
What happens with Vermithor at the end of episode 7?
After sending out a call for anyone with possible Targaryen heritage to descend on Dragonstone for a chance at claiming a dragon, Rhaenyra gathers the respondees and makes a speech stressing the importance and danger of the task they’ll undertake.
“Each of you has left behind a life to answer this call, a life to which you might never return,” she says.
“If you survive, you will be transformed. No man or woman can face a dragon and be otherwise. Some of you may welcome the prospect of change — even death — given the alternatives. Privation, starvation, war. This is our purpose. To end those hardships. For you, for your kin, for all the realm. With these two dragons added to our number, the enemy will have no choice but to give way.”
Once they get down into the cave, though, Vermithor quickly chooses violence. The large dragon torches and munches his way through most of the braised Targaryen bastards until Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) finally manages to claim, while Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) runs away and accidentally befriends Silverwing.
Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO
At this point the bloodshed stops, but Vermithor leaves a lot of dead and eaten lowfolk in his wake. So the question is, did Rhaenyra know that was going to happen? And is there any chance Rhaenyra wanted it to happen, so that she could dispatch any other Targaryen bastards who might try to threaten her son Jacaerys Velaryon’s (Harry Collett) claim to the Iron Throne further down the line?
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Does Rhaenyra know what’s going to happen?
Well, it’s difficult to imagine she didn’t at least consider it might be a possibility. Rhaenyra witnessed firsthand what happened when Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan) tried to recruit Seasmoke, after all, so she presumably realised Vermithor would likely kill anyone who tried to tame him that he didn’t like.
Rhaenyra’s speech, too — while kind of underselling the danger — still suggests that death might be on the cards for anyone unsuccessful in dragon recruitment.
Our best guess? Rhaenyra knows that some — maybe even most — of the people she gathered before Vermithor might die, but she’s simply seeing it as a necessary sacrifice; her number one goal is the war effort and bolstering dragon numbers. Does she actually want to kill off the Targaryen bastards, though? We won’t be able to say for sure until we see what’s happened to survivors in the next episode, but this feels like a step too far to us. Rhaenyra can be firm, but so far she’s always been a ruler who favours peace over cruelty, following her father Viserys’ values. It seems unlikely she’d risk angering any smallfolk with unnecessary death.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Apple Is Reportedly a Step Closer to Ads for Apple TV Plus
Apple may be gearing up to offer a lower-cost ad-supported TV service like Netflix, Disney and Max have done.
Apple may be gearing up to offer a lower-cost ad-supported TV service like Netflix, Disney and Max have done.
Olympics 100 Meters: How to Watch the Men’s and Women’s Finals
Americans Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson are favorites to win gold.
Americans Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson are favorites to win gold.
All new EA FC 25 skill moves and how to do them
EA FC 25 brings with it a plethora of new additions to the franchise that only enhance the experience further.… Continue reading All new EA FC 25 skill moves and how to do them
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EA FC 25 brings with it a plethora of new additions to the franchise that only enhance the experience further.
While some of these are updates to systems or added features to modes, there have also been some additions to one particular area you will be able to control – Skill Moves.
Here, we’ll reveal what each of the new EA FC 25 Skill Moves are as well as how to perform them so you can dazzle your opponents, hopefully gaining that half a yard to get a pass or shot off.
New EA FC 25 Skill Moves
There are four new Skill Moves added in EA FC 25 – Big Feint, Stop and Go, Step Over Ball, and Toe Drag Stepover.
As with all Skill Moves though, you will only be able to do these with certain players who have the required stars, otherwise you’ll be left with egg on your face.
Here is how to perform each of the new EA FC 25 Skill Moves and the star requirements:
Big Feint (2-star)
Hold L2/LT + Flick RS Left/Right (+ LS Direction to Exit)
Stop and Go (2-star)
Hold L2/LT + RS Back, Forward
This Skill Move is cancelable
Step Over Ball (4-star)
Hold L1/LB + Flick RS Forward, Left/Right
This Skill Move is cancelable
Toe Drag Stepover (5-star)
Hold L1/LB + Rotate RS Right, Back, Left / Rotate RS Left, Back, Right
Current Skill Move changes in EA FC 25
Alongside the new Skill Moves, there have also been some slight tweaks to some older ones you’re likely accustomed to.
Here is what you need to know on the changes:
Drag Turn (4-star) – updated animation to be more responsive and effective in correct situations
Drag Back Spin (4 Star) – Has been moved to Hold L2/LT + Flick RS Forward, Flick Left/Right
Added new 180° Flair nutmeg (4-star) animation – Hold L1/LB + R1/RB + Flick RS Direction
Other EA FC 25 articles you may like
How to do the Jude Bellingham celebration in EA FC 25
All new and returning licensed leagues and competitions in EA FC 25
How to play EA FC 25 before launch: Early Access explained
EA FC 25 pre-order bonuses: What do you get for securing your copy early?
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Trump fights for the crypto vote at Bitcoin conference
At the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, former President Donald Trump delivered a keynote speech. Trump, the Republican presidential… Continue reading Trump fights for the crypto vote at Bitcoin conference
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At the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, former President Donald Trump delivered a keynote speech.
Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, used the platform to appeal to the tech community and solicit campaign donations. During the conference, he said:
I pledge to the Bitcoin community that the day I take the oath of office, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s anti-crypto crusade will be over … If we don’t embrace crypto and Bitcoin technology, China will, other countries will. They’ll dominate, and we cannot let China dominate. They are making too much progress as it is.
Trump’s address focused heavily on cryptocurrency policy, positioning it as a partisan issue. He claimed that if re-elected, he would dismiss SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on his first day in office, a statement that drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience. This declaration marks a stark contrast to Gensler’s tenure, which has been characterized by stringent oversight of the crypto industry.
The former president outlined several pro-crypto initiatives he would pursue if elected. These included making the US the global cryptocurrency hub, retaining all government-held Bitcoin as a “national Bitcoin stockpile,” establishing a presidential advisory council on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, and developing power plants to support crypto mining, emphasizing the use of fossil fuels.
Trump’s current embrace of cryptocurrency represents a reversal from his 2021 stance, when he described Bitcoin as a “scam against the dollar.” He also highlighted that his campaign has received $25 million in donations since accepting cryptocurrency payments two months ago.
The event featured appearances by other political figures, including Republican Senators Tim Scott and Tommy Tuberville, as well as Democratic Representatives Wiley Nickel and Ro Khanna. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the conference.
Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024 reflects growing support for his campaign among some tech leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and crypto entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
While Trump portrayed the current administration as “anti-crypto,” Democratic congressman Wiley Nickel asserted that Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a “forward-looking approach to digital assets and blockchain technology.”
This event underscores the increasing political significance of cryptocurrency policy in the upcoming presidential election.
Kamala Harris and Democrats respond on crypto
In a strategic move to repair strained relationships, Vice President Kamala Harris’s team has initiated dialogue with major players in the cryptocurrency sector. This outreach aims to reset the Democratic Party’s stance on digital assets and foster a more collaborative approach.
The Financial Times reports that Harris’s advisers have contacted representatives from industry leaders such as Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple Labs. This initiative comes as the crypto community increasingly backs Republican candidate Donald Trump, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s crypto policies.
The outreach follows a letter from Democratic lawmakers and 2024 candidates urging the party to reassess its approach to digital assets. Harris’s team emphasizes that this effort is not primarily about securing campaign contributions, but rather about establishing a constructive dialogue to develop sensible regulations.
This move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the Democratic Party’s image among business leaders, countering perceptions of an anti-business stance. The Harris campaign aims to project a “pro-business, responsible business” message.
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Bangladesh social media censorship sees VPN use skyrocket
After peaks of over 7000% in VPN signups last week, VPN usage remains high in the region. Here’s how a VPN can help against social media blocks.
People in Bangladesh have turned en masse to the best VPN apps to bypass ongoing internet restrictions in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests.
The first spike in VPN usage was recorded on July 23, 2024, when authorities began to ease fixed-line internet restrictions after five days of complete internet shutdown.
Mobile connectivity was restored on Sunday, July 28. Yet, access to the likes of Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube is still restricted at the time of writing. This explains why data shows VPN downloads and signups continue to be high across the region.
Bangladesh VPNs – over 7000% rise in usage
Let’s look at some data.
As the graph below shows, the Swiss-based provider Proton VPN alone recorded a significant increase in usage in Bangladesh starting from July 23. The company confirmed TechRadar a staggering 3500% spike in signups above normal levels.
Other reports corroborate such a trend across the region. Experts at Top10VPN, for example, saw VPN downloads surging by 7043% compared to before the internet disruptions on July 24.
Despite registering a slow decrease starting from July 25, data coming from vpnMentor shows that VPN usage is still over 2500% higher than the weeks previous to the protests.
Via Proton VPN Observatory, the provider monitor VPN usage spikes to act as an alarm bell when sudden censorship takes place. (Image credit: Proton)
How a VPN can help against internet restrictions
“This episode of internet censorship speaks to the importance of maintaining an open and unfiltered internet,” a Proton spokesperson told me. But, how can a VPN exactly help with that?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a security software that encrypts your internet connections and spoofs your real IP address. While privacy-conscious users have been using such software for a long time to boost their anonymity online, it’s precisely due to their IP-spoofing skills that VPNs are becoming mainstream.
Elections are another big trigger of internet disruptions worldwide. With 2024 the biggest election year in modern history, VPNs are now especially crucial. This is why since March Proton VPN has been offering a free network of local anti-censorship servers to all users logging in from at-risk countries. Read more on Proton VPN election support here.
Every time you switch on your VPN app, you’re asked to connect to one of its international servers – most providers boast a huge network across many countries worldwide.
Simply by choosing a server located outside your country, you will be able to trick your ISP (internet service provider) into granting you access to otherwise geo-restricted content.
This is the main reason, for instance, that people are using streaming VPN services to keep watching their favorite shows when traveling abroad. Likewise, VPN usage keeps rising everywhere as authorities increasingly restrict access to social media platforms, news outlets, and other popular websites – especially during times of political turmoil.
Proton recorded VPN usage spikes in 11 countries since January alone. Similarly to the Bangladesh case, most of them were linked with social unrest including Kenya at the end of June, New Caledonia in May, and Senegal in February.
With social media platforms being blocked in Bangladesh at the time of writing, VPNs remain a crucial tool if you’re inside the country.
In case you’re on the lookout for a reliable VPN service, I recommend heading to our dedicated best free VPN services page to get one of the most secure and reliable freebies. If you’re willing to pay for a subscription, NordVPN is our top recommendation right now.
Millions more victims exposed in debt collection agency data breach
The data breach at Financial Business and Consumer Solutions is a lot bigger than we thought, the company confirms in new filing
It seems that the data breach at the debt collection agency Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS) was a lot bigger than initially thought.
After first reporting some 1.9 million victims, the company now says that more than 4.2 million were actually affected.
In late April, it was reported that FBCS suffered a cyberattack two months prior, losing sensitive customer data.
Using the stolen files
In a breach notification letter sent to affected customers in February 2024, FBCS said that an unnamed threat actor dwelled in its IT systems for two weeks, harvesting people’s full names, social security numbers (SSN), birth dates, account information, driver’s license numbers, and ID card numbers. All affected individuals are U.S. citizens.
Now, last week the company issued a new supplemental notice with the Office of the Maine Attorney General, BleepingComputer reports. This new notice increases the number of affected people to 4,253,394 individuals. The company started notifying the additional people, warning them of potential risks of phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. Furthermore, FBCS is offering two years of free credit and identity theft monitoring via CyEx. The same type of information was stolen on all individuals.
It is still unknown who pulled off the heist, since no hacking collectives assumed responsibility for the attack, nor did anyone find the database leaking anywhere on the dark web. Usually, threat actors would reach out to victim organizations and try to extort money, in exchange for deleting the archives.
If that fails, they would turn to the dark web, in an attempt to sell the archive to the highest bidder. Actively used email addresses, as well as personally identifiable information (PII), is valuable data that can be used in phishing, or even ransomware attacks.
Ultimately, if no other options bear fruit, the hackers can always leak it online to improve their credibility in the cybercriminal community.
More from TechRadar Pro
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Learn-to-Earn Token Presale Ends Soon – Invest Now Before the IEO
It is predicted by some experts that many new investors will enter the market in the coming months, and they… Continue reading Learn-to-Earn Token Presale Ends Soon – Invest Now Before the IEO
The post Learn-to-Earn Token Presale Ends Soon – Invest Now Before the IEO appeared first on ReadWrite.
It is predicted by some experts that many new investors will enter the market in the coming months, and they will definitely seek education or knowledge about Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
One of the most engaging ways for new investors to learn about cryptocurrencies is through platforms that incentivize learning, like 99Bitcoins with its innovative Learn-to-Earn model.
The project is currently in its presale phase and continues to excel in this space, even if it doesn’t sell out as quickly as some meme coins or AI coins.
In this article, we’ll explore what 99Bitcoins offers and provide an update on its presale, which will end soon.
99Bitcoins: Transforming crypto education into a rewarding experience
Before launching its presale, 99Bitcoins has been a leader in crypto education since 2013. They provide comprehensive coverage of cryptocurrencies, industry news, and tutorials. Their YouTube channel has 802 videos and courses totaling 79 hours, with over 100,000 students.
With such a wealth of educational resources, they’ve built a large community, including over 2.8 million email subscribers, 706k YouTube subscribers, and more than 21,000 followers on X. Now, they’ve launched their native token, turning their Web3 education platform into a Learn-to-Earn system.
17% of the token supply is allocated for community rewards, offering many perks for token holders and loyal members. For example, learners can earn free $99BTC tokens by completing educational materials on the platform.
The 99Bitcoins platform has always aimed to help users maximize gains during a bull market, and their new native token enhances this effort. Token holders can access exclusive learning materials, VIP groups, and alpha trading setups and strategies, which could be a game-changer in the upcoming bull market.
The team behind the 99Bitcoins Token isn’t stopping at crypto education. They’re also exploring the new BRC-20 standard on Bitcoin, an experimental token standard that brings Ethereum-style fungible tokens to the Bitcoin blockchain.
This new functionality has excited investors, and the possibility of $99BTC becoming a BRC-20 token is significant as it opens up new opportunities for holders.
$99BTC is expected to follow the success of popular BRC-20 tokens like ORDI, SATS, LEVER, and WZRD this year. The real appeal of $99BTC lies in its potential as a long-term investment.
Staking and airdrops drive strong presale interest
99Bitcoins (99BTC) is getting a lot of attention after announcing its presale closing date. The $99BTC ICO ends on August 6th at 2 PM UTC. The presale will enter its final stage tomorrow, with the token price going up. Investors have less than 24 hours to buy $99BTC at its current discounted price of $0.00115.
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We’ve raised over $2.5 MILLION in the $99BTC presale! 🚀
The presale ends on August 6th, 2024. Secure your spot now!
Join here! 👉 https://t.co/NXD7DAamqr#99Bitcoins #BTC #Crypto #L2E pic.twitter.com/XMevJZHygh
— 99Bitcoins (@99BitcoinsHQ) July 29, 2024
The token will launch on August 8th at 11 AM UTC. That’s when investors can start claiming their tokens and $99BTC will appear on a DEX. Although the exchange names aren’t revealed yet, excitement is growing as investors get ready for $99BTC’s debut in the crypto market.
You can explore the potential future of 99Bitcoins through our 99Bitcoins price prediction. This ICO has already raised over $2.5 million, showing strong potential for gains after launch. Many popular traders and crypto influencers are also supporting it as a top presale investment.
99Bitcoins also has a staking protocol for $99BTC with a yearly return of about 674%. Since it started, investors have staked over 1.6 billion $99BTC tokens. People are joining the presale early to get the best deals on both the presale and staking. Discounts and staking returns drop as the presale continues.
To boost interest in the presale, 99Bitcoins is holding an airdrop campaign. They will give away $99,999 in BTC to 99 community members. Presale buyers can sign up for the airdrop on the 99Bitcoins website by following a few simple steps. They have less than 9 days to register, as the airdrop ends on August 6th.
It’s no surprise that the mix of crypto education, BRC-20 goals, and staking rewards has boosted 99Bitcoins Token’s social media presence. The project’s X account now has over 21,800 followers, and their official Telegram channel has nearly 4,800 members.
Overall, 99Bitcoins Token seems to be in a great spot right now. If BRC-20 tokens keep gaining popularity later this year, $99BTC might benefit from it.
To participate in the $99BTC token presale, visit 99Bitcoins.com.
Related
New Learn-to-Earn Crypto ICO Ending in 10 Days – Invest in 99BTC Before It Sells Out
The 99Bitcoins ICO Ends on August 6th – Top Crypto to Watch in 2024?
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