Calling all hikers, campers and adventurers: Soon, Starlink’s emergency services on your existing phones will be free, eliminating “dead zones” (paywall link). AT&T and Verizon aren’t thrilled; they say the tech would disrupt their mobile networks. The timing is interesting … SpaceX is waiting for FCC approval to operate its direct-to-cellular Starlink tech commercially.
$200K liquid net worth
Would make 56% of Americans content, according to a poll of folks ages 18 to 43. Money doesn’t buy happiness, but a safety net sure doesn’t hurt.
This is a total power move: One solar energy company had the truly bright idea to rent 8.5 million square feet of roof space atop 1,000 self-storage facilities across the U.S. Collectively, they’ll generate at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity, creating discounted energy for nearby homes and businesses, as well. So smart.
💸 Golden handcuffs: Nvidia employees work seven days a week and until 2 a.m., but they aren’t leaving. The company’s shares have skyrocketed over 3,000% since 2019, turning many into millionaires (or close to it). The catch: The stocks vest over a four-year period, so it’s “lock in or miss out” on a fortune (paywall link).
Two families ruined forever: A Michigan teenager is facing second-degree murder charges after losing control of a BMW and killing his 18-year-old friend. His mom knew about his reckless driving habits, watching him on the Life360 app, and she even texted him, “I have screenshots of you doing 123 mph. Slow the f… down!” The victim’s family wants the mother charged with involuntary manslaughter.
🪆 They need to be Putin place: A network of undersea fiber-optic internet cables could be Russia’s next target. If disabled, the West (the USA, Canada, Mexico and Australia, to name a few) could go dark — everything from Wi-Fi to calls to financial transactions. Russia’s also interfering with GPS systems, causing chaos for commercial airlines. Why? Retaliation against countries that support Ukraine.
Zuck’s singing like a canary: The question is why? Mark Zuckerberg finally admitted Facebook censored conservative views during the pandemic, citing pressure from senior White House officials. Posts criticizing the COVID-19 vaccines, mask mandates or suggesting the virus was created in a Chinese laboratory were deleted.
$100M podcast deal
For football players Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason. “New Heights” recently hit No. 4 on the podcast charts. Hope they thanked Taylor Swift for the boost. Amazon’s podcast division, Wondery, will host the livestream and give paying subs early ad-free access. Jeff, call me. I’ll do it for $50 million.
I see fake people: Celebs like Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie and Kate Moss are endorsing $660 LED beauty masks. The light rays supposedly stimulate collagen production and blood circulation to make your skin look younger and firmer. Research shows they can’t even reach the dermis, which is the second layer of skin where regeneration takes place.