This January, Qatar Airways introduced the world to Sama, its new AI-powered flight attendant who works for the airline promoting destinations and events through Instagram posts of her virtual flight-attendant lifestyle. While Sama only exists in a virtual world, her hyper-realistic posts have helped her gain over 300, 000 followers on the social media platform, including many ardent admirers. “You Have A Beautiful Smile”: Sama’s Uncanny Valley Looks Get Lots Of Praise Many of Sama’s posts get comments expressing love and admiration for her AI-generated beauty. Her comments are overflowing with heart and fire emoticons. “You have a beautiful smile that makes you even more beautiful,” one commenter wrote on one of Sama’s earliest posts-a video of her dancing and ringing in the New Year. “Oh you’re killing me your face looking like a queen,” another commenter writes on a post showing Sama enjoying a virtual high-tea in London. On a video post promoting Sama’s virtual aircraft tours, a commenter writes, “For me you are the most beautiful young flight attendant in the whole world.” A commenter on an image of Sama sitting in a coffee shop ahead of the Formula 1 race, writes, “So beautiful nice picture.” He adds five red rose emoticons. On a short video Sama is sleeping on a Qatar Airways aircraft and awakened by a cabin call bell, then going right back to sleep with a smile because she’s flying as a passenger. The post explains, “I’m a Qatar Airways cabin crew, of course answering the call bell is second nature, even on my days off!” A fan replies, “I would suggest earplugs!! You are gorgeous!!!” These are only a few. Sama’s posts have many comments praising her beauty. “She is AIsian”: People Really Want To Get To Know Sama Better On a Valentine’s Day post, a curious admirer gets more personal, asking Sama, “What is your nationality?” To which a helpful commenter replies, “She is AIsian.” That confusion is at the heart of what makes Sama an ‘uncanny valley’ airline marketing tool. Qatar Airways clearly identifies Sama in her Instagram bio as “Virtual Cabin Crew” but the AI generates a charming, personable, casual tone in her writing that makes her sound authentic. Adding to the illusion, while some of her physical representations are clearly AI-generated, most images and videos posted by Sama could easily fool the eye. This combination lures many into thinking this is a genuine, living person having the best flight attendant life ever. That’s easy enough to believe as Sama gets to fly with no tired feet, no stressed-out passengers to keep happy, no in-flight turbulence and no emergency landings to manage. Qatar Airways’ Sama Goes From Social AI To Business While she has never actually been on an aircraft, or anywhere in the real world, Sama is also employed by Qatar Airways as a booking tool. Through her chat-function, travelers can share details of their plans and Sama will generate a tailored itinerary that meets their needs. To avoid the perils of other airline AI-powered chatbots, Qatar warns users: “Sama can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.” That is good advice as, cute or not, AI Sama can hallucinate. Her physical representation in the booking tool is less realistic than on her social media account. The fact that she’s floating on a black background also helps to break the spell. Still, Sama breathes, blinks and moves her head as she waits for a prompt to get her going. It’s the Instagram account that has some people truly enthralled. A cheeky commenter responds to Sama’s shot in a white coat during a visit to Milan, “Who gave you permission to break the internet with this picture?” Sama may not have broken the internet yet, but she is breaking down reality. The virtual flight attendant is an interesting experiment in AI airline applications, proving that AI can win hearts and possibly minds too.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/people-have-a-crush-on-this-airlines-ai-flight-attendant/
Category: general
OJ Simpson estate accepts $58M claim from Goldmans but payment would be a fraction
The father of Ron Goldman is closer to getting some money from O. J. Simpson, though it won’t be the millions awarded by a jury decades ago when the late football and movie star was found liable for the young man’s fatal stabbing. Simpson’s estate has accepted a $58 million claim from Fred Goldman, an amount that far exceeds its assets. “It won’t be $58 million plus interest, but it will be a voluntary payment. That’s the point,” the estate’s executor, Malcolm LaVergne, said Monday. LaVergne said he’s still hoping to round up $500,000 to $1 million in total assets. Simpson died of prostate cancer in 2024 at age 76. He was found not guilty in the 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman, her friend, in Los Angeles. But Simpson was taken to court again and found liable for the deaths in a separate civil case. He was ordered to pay the families $33. 5 million, an award that has grown with interest. Fred Goldman hounded Simpson for years and contended that he never willingly paid anything. LaVergne accepted a claim of $58 million, according to a court document filed Friday in Clark County, Nevada, but not $117 million, the figure that was sought. Accepting a claim signals there won’t be any time-consuming litigation over it. Fred Goldman’s attorney, Michaelle Rafferty, said the estate has accepted the claim as valid but “it does not constitute payment.” “We will continue to closely monitor the probate proceedings,” she said in an email.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/oj-simpsons-estate-accepts-58m-claim-goldman-family-127605142
Where to find Tusk Thumpers on the Plains of Eidolon – Warframe
The Tusk Thumpin’ Nightwave challenge will send Warframe players to the Plain of Eidolon on the hunt for Tusk Thumpers. If you have never hunted these metal monstrosities before, it can be a little awkward, but this guide will tell you everything you need to know. Where to find Tusk Thumpers on the Plains of Eidolon Tusk Thumpers will randomly spawn across a range of locations while players are out on the Plains of Eidolon. You can see all the potential spawn locations marked above. If you have a means of traveling quickly around the map, such as an Archwing, K-Drive, or Atomicycle, then quickly visiting all the spots seems like a good idea, but it won’t always guarantee that a Tusk Thumper will appear. I have found the most likely places to find them near Er-Phyrah’s Vigil, the Twin Horns, Seaside Ruin, Hillside Ruin, and Hek’s Stilleto. I suggest checking there in a circuit twice, then resetting the Plains to reload the map and the spawns. How to destroy a Tusk Thumper Killing a Tusk Thumper is not easy, especially if you are a newer player. Make sure you’re playing lower-level missions to get the easier variants of his vehicle to spawn. When you find one, shoot the plates off the knees on all four legs to be able to damage it. Most of the vehicle is immune to damage, but the weak spots under those plates will take damage. For damage, you will want to mod for Impact and Corrosive, and it is possible to strip the armor from the Tusk Thumper by using things like Pillage or a Shattering Impact gunblade. All Tusk Thumper loot Tusk Thumpers can drop a range of different mods and resources, listed below. Augur Secrets Augur Seeker Gladiator Finesse Gladiator Vice Stinging Thorn Target Acquisition Vigilante Offense Vigilante Supplies You can also get the following resources: Auron Azurite Charc Electroplax Corporite Alloy Crimzian Cuthol Tendrils Devar Ferros Goopolla Spleen Grokdrul Iradite Karkina Antenna Khut-Khut Venom Sac Maprico Mawfish Bones Mortus Horn Murkray Liver Nistlepod Norg Brain Pyrol Sharrrac Teeth Tralok Eyes Veridos Yogwun Stomach.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146850/tusk-thumper-locations-plains-of-eidolon-warframe
Fan who charged at Donovan Mitchell banned from Barclays Center indefinitely
A fan who went viral for charging at Donovan Mitchell during an Oct. 25 Cleveland Cavaliers-Brooklyn Nets matchup in Brooklyn received a harsh punishment. According to Cleveland. com’s Chris Fedor, the fan has been banned from attending any event at Barclays Center and all league-related events (NBA, WNBA, G League and 2K) that take place at an NBA arena or facility. During a stoppage in play midway through the fourth quarter of the Cavs-Nets matchup, the fan ran onto the court and approached Mitchell. He was holding his cell phone and appeared to be taking a photo or video. Barclays Center security swiftly removed him from the court and the arena. Fan who stormed court during Nets-Cavs matchup banned for life Mitchell was asked about the situation after the game. “Oh s***,” he told ClutchPoints’ Spencer Davies. “I took a few steps back and then I repositioned my feet, and I was ready to handle whatever was necessary. The kid wanted a selfie. I know he’s probably doing some jail time, but when he gets out, he’s probably got a great selfie. Sorry, I don’t think that’s a joke.” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson added that he was unsure what was happening during the “bizarre” situation. “I was kind of like, strange. You never see that in an NBA game. I think you see it in European soccer, right? When a fan runs out there. bizarre. Bizarre,” Atkinson said. The Cavaliers wound up winning the game 131-124, with Mitchell posting a game-high 35 points.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/nets-news-fan-who-charged-donovan-mitchell-banned
ABC’s Jonathan Karl hatches turkey trap for Kevin Hassett: Liberal Media Scream
Trump has touted the lower price, but Karl said, “Does he know that’s not true?” Boom, right? No. Hassett had his own list showing the prices are down on other items, such as gas and homes, and he fired back that it is unrealistic to expect Trump to “fix the hole that [former President] Joe Biden dug right away.” Our choice for the weekly Liberal Media Scream from Sunday’s This Week on ABC: JONATHAN KARL: So, the president claims that Thanksgiving costs are down 25%. I mean, does he know that’s not true? KEVIN HASSETT: Well, if you look at Walmart and the few places that put out their prices, Thanksgiving prices- KARL: Wait, wait a minute, I got to stop you because the Walmart comparison’s like not a thing I mean, Walmart had a Thanksgiving package last year. They’ve got a Thanksgiving package this year. The one this year contains much less than what the one last year it took. So that’s why the price is less. Look, we got a chart here. Last year, with 21 total products. This year, it’s 15. Total number of items in those products was . 29, now it’s 22. There’s more generic brand stuff. So, I mean, Thanksgiving if you’re going to the store to buy groceries for Thanksgiving, it’s going to be more expensive this year. HASSETT: You know, I really don’t understand where you’re going in the sense that Joe Biden gave us 20% inflation- KARL: He’s not president. Donald Trump’s president. HASSETT: No, and you’re- you want us to fix the hole that Joe Biden dug right away. KARL: No, I’m just saying, why does the president tell- HASSETT: I mean, the prices went up so much under Joe Biden, and inflation is way down. Inflation is about half what it was in December. This is something that’s being fixed fast, and real incomes are up after dropping about [$]3, 000 under Joe Biden. And so, sure, you could find a few things where the price is higher, but there’s a whole bunch of stuff where the price is lower, like gasoline, like mortgage rates. KARL: When are we going to get the Republican plan to- HASSETT: You understand that mortgage rates have gone way down, and it’s much cheaper to buy a home now than it was when President Trump took office? KARL: Because interest rates have come down, right. SEE THE LATEST POLITICAL NEWS AND BUZZ FROM WASHINGTON SECRETS Brent Baker, the Steven P. J. Wood senior fellow and vice president for research and publications at the Media Research Center, explained our pick: “Talk about missing the forest for the trees. Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal package this year is cheaper than the one last year, and the inflation rate for food is way down from the Biden years, but Karl chose to sandbag his guest, with an obviously pre-planned hit, in order to once again demonstrate his well-earned anti-Trump bona fides.”.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/washington-secrets/3889562/jonathan-karl-hatches-turkey-trap-kevin-hassett-liberal-media-scream/
The Intriguing Links and Future Exploration of Bitcoin’s Architect
A prominent figure in the evolution of digital currency, Nick Szabo, remains a pivotal contributor to Bitcoin‘s conceptual foundations. Notably associated with innovations preceding Bitcoin, Szabo unfolds valuable insights into current and past cryptocurrency realms. Continue Reading: The Intriguing Links and Future Exploration of Bitcoin’s Architect.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/the-intriguing-links-and-future-exploration-of-bitcoins-architect/
Alphabet shares rise 6%, hitting all-time high amid Warren Buffett’s $4.9B bet
Key Takeaways Alphabet shares surged over 6% to record highs after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $4. 9 billion stake. Berkshire reduced its Apple stake while pivoting toward AI and cloud infrastructure through Alphabet. Alphabet stock surged more than 6% today to a record high above $293, following news that Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway acquired 17. 85 million shares in the Google parent, according to a regulatory filing published on Friday. The $4. 9 billion investment marks Berkshire’s first major move into Big Tech and reflects a broader strategic shift toward AI and cloud infrastructure exposure. The position was revealed in a Friday filing and comes as Berkshire cuts its Apple stake by roughly 15%, along with smaller reductions in holdings like Bank of America, Verisign, DaVita, and Nucor. The reshuffling highlights growing influence from portfolio managers Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, with Buffett expected to step down as CEO by year-end. The move into Alphabet signals a rare endorsement of high-growth tech at a time when sentiment in the sector is cooling. Market watchers have raised concerns that the AI-driven rally has outpaced fundamentals, especially as data center costs mount and returns remain unclear.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/alphabet-shares-rise-6-hitting-all-time-high-amid-warren-buffetts-4-9b-bet/
Paso Robles City Hall and City Library impacted by power outage
The City of Paso Robles notified the public this morning that a portion of Paso Robles City Hall and the Paso Robles City Library are temporarily closed due to a power outage affecting both facilities. Pacific Gas and Electric is aware of the issue and is working to restore service. The latest update from the utility estimates that power will be restored by approximately 1: 15 p. m. Despite the closure of the main City Hall lobby, City Hall services currently operating from the City Council Chambers because of the upstairs remodel remain open. These services include utility billing services, development permitting and the City Clerk. Access to these services is available through the south-facing doors to the City Council Chambers. Posted signage directs residents to the correct entrance. The Paso Robles City Library remains closed until power is restored. The main City Hall lobby is also closed at this time. City staff will reopen all affected facilities as soon as power is restored and it is safe to resume normal operations. Residents are encouraged to check prcity. com and the city’s official social media channels for updates. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as PG&E crews work to resolve the issue,” the city stated.
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-city-hall-and-city-library-impacted-by-power-outage/216143/
Kristi Noem hands out $10K bonuses to many TSA officers who worked during shutdown
WASHINGTON Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, announced Nov. 13 that Transportation Security Administration workers who provided “exemplary” service during the shutdown would receive $10,000 bonuses. “Their unsung patriotism deserves recognition,” Noem said in recognizing two TSA officers Reiko Walker, who worked double shifts, and Ashley Richardson, who canceled a move at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Funding for the bonuses comes from $13. 2 billion Noem said Trump saved in cost-cutting since taking office. About 13, 000 air traffic controllers and 50, 000 TSA officers continued working during the shutdown as essential personnel. But many were absent as they searched for other income during the temporary halt in paychecks. Trump has proposed $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers with perfect attendance. The federal government continues to resume operations several days after the end of the longest shutdown in history, but advocates warn of potential continued delays getting back pay out the door, airline flights back on schedule and food benefits. President Donald Trump signed legislation Nov. 12 that ended the 43-day shutdown. For the record book, the White House clocked the shutdown at 42 days, 22 hours and 25 minutes. As the government gets back on its feet, workers expect to get back pay within the next few days, airlines are repositioning crews and planes after flight cancellations and states are scrambling to distribute food benefits heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. DOT Duffy calls air controllers ‘patriots’ who should get bonuses at White House Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy repeated Trump’s pledge to give air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the shutdown each a $10,000 bonus and said they should get it from the president personally at the White House. About 13, 000 controllers and 50, 000 Transportation Security Administration officers kept working temporarily without paychecks during the shutdown to keep passengers flying. The controllers will get back pay and received paychecks Nov. 14 with 70% of their pay, he said. The number of controllers eligible for bonuses is still being calculated, Duffy said. “Depending on how many we have, they should come to the White House and he should present them with their checks,” Duffy said. “They are patriots. We are grateful to them for the work that they have done.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said nearly 20, 000 flights were delayed during the shutdown due to short staffing. Vance calls out Senate Democrats over shutdown Vice President JD Vance says Democrats made a “huge political mistake” when they made demands to reopen the government that a group of moderates eventually caved on. “They caused a lot of stress for our troops, they made our air traffic controllers not get paid, and they caused a lot of flight cancellations. They had a lot of people thinking they were not going to get their food benefits, all for literally nothing,” Vance said “We could have struck this exact deal 45 days ago.” Most House and Senate Democrats voted against the GOP-backed bill to reopen the government. It passed with the support of six Democrats in the House and seven Democrats and an independent who caucuses with the party in the Senate. The White House Office of Management and Budget quickly put out guidance following the end of the shutdown that directs federal agencies to open, and furloughed workers to return “in a prompt and orderly manner” starting Nov. 13. OMB Director Russell Vought sent out the letter to department and agency heads Nov. 12 saying “employees we were on furlough due to the absence of appropriations should be directed to return to work on November 13.” An estimated 750, 000 workers were furloughed during the shutdown.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/kristi-noem-hands-10k-bonuses-171532957.html
NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY – November 17
NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY November 17 National Day Calendar ^ | November 17, 2025 | Staff Posted on by Red Badger NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY On November 17th, National Baklava Day fills the kitchen with an aroma of a sweet and flaky pastry. Baklava’s sweet layers of texture and flavor are created between sheets of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drizzled with syrup or honey. #NationalBaklavaDay Many believe Baklava to have originated with the Turkic people in Central Asian nations. However, many countries prepare the dessert in a variety of ways. The word “Baklava” first appeared in English in 1650. If you’ve never tried baklava, try sampling the many varieties. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds can be used. The filling can be composed of raisins, dates, prunes, and even figs. Most baklava recipes call for cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves sometimes all three spices. Preparing this dessert may be somewhat time-consuming. However, it is a treat worth the work and the wait. HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY Try your hand at this complex dessert. It will be a satisfying achievement for any home cook. We’ve even provided a couple of recipes for you to try. However, if you prefer, frequent your local bakery. They willl be happy to show you their specials. When you do, give them a shout-out. And be sure to share with a friend or two while using #NationalBaklavaDay on social media. Use #NationalBaklavaDay to post on social media. NATIONAL BAKLAVA DAY HISTORY National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. November 17th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History 1800 The Sixth United States Congress convenes in Washington D. C. for the first time. Even though many rooms remain incomplete, substantial progress allowed both the House of Representatives and the Senate to begin their sessions in the Nation’s Capital. 1857 The U. S. Patent Office issues H. N. Wadsworth patent No. 18, 653 for a new and improved Tooth-Brush. 1869 After more than 10 years of construction, the Suez Canal opens, creating a shipping lane between the Mediterranean and the Red seas. 1888 The U. S. Patent Office issues patent No. 388, 850 to George Eastman for his box camera. The inventor also registered the trademark name, Kodak, on the same day. 1896 The Western Pennsylvania Hockey League began to play at Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park Casino. November 17th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays Grace Abbott 1878 Abbott dedicated her career to child labor policies and relief programs for immigrants. She headed the Children’s Bureau under President Warren G. Harding and while she saw a constitutional amendment against child labor, the states did not ratify it. Soichiro Honda 1906 In 1948, the Japanese engineer founded the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. with Takeo Fujisawa. Their first product is the D-type motorcycle. Winson Hudson 1916 An early Civil Rights activist, Anger Winson Gates established the Leake County chapter of the NAACP in Mississippi. For 25 years, she attempted to register to vote. But persistent voter suppression prevented Gates from registering until 1962. William H. Hastie 1904 The American attorney and civil rights advocate became the first African American named to the federal magistrate in 1937. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hastie to judge of the Federal District Court in the Virgin Islands. Danny DeVito 1944 The award-winning actor, producer, and comedian gained his first critical attention in the role of Louie De Palma in the comedy series Taxi. Other credits include Big Fish, Get Shorty, Batman Returns, and Matilda. TOPICS: Food; Health/Medicine; History; Military/Veterans KEYWORDS: Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC PO Box 9771 Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. 1 posted on by Red Badger Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4353010/posts