The Internet is Disappearing (and It's Not Just Your Wi-Fi)

China's Internet is Vanishing: What Happens When History Disappears?

Ever feel like the internet forgets things faster than a goldfish? Well, in China, it's not just a feeling, it's reality. A chilling new report reveals that vast swaths of China's internet, particularly content from the 1990s and 2000s, have vanished.

Here's the TL;DR:

• Digital Amnesia: Searches for early information on Chinese internet giants like Alibaba and Tencent, even on figures like Xi Jinping, are coming up empty. The Great Sichuan earthquake? Barely a blip in the search results.

• Shrinking Web: The number of websites in China has plummeted, and the use of the Chinese language online has drastically declined.

• Censorship on Steroids: Under Xi Jinping, internet censorship has intensified, with companies incentivized to over-censor and erase the past.

• Lost Memories: Journalists, filmmakers, and everyday citizens are discovering their online presence wiped clean, a chilling reminder of how easily history can be rewritten.

Why it matters: China's internet blackout is more than just missing cat videos; it's a calculated attempt to control the narrative and erase dissent. This digital disappearing act is a stark warning about the fragility of online information and the importance of fighting for a free and open internet.

Source: NYTimes

Hedge Fund Hacking Scandal? 🕵️‍♂️

The TL;DR: Remember that epic battle where hedge fund Elliott Management forced Argentina to pay up billions in defaulted debt? Well, things just got juicy. US prosecutors are investigating whether Elliott hired a private investigator to hack Argentine officials to gain leverage in the negotiations.

Here's the deal:

• Hacking for hire? The feds are trying to extradite an Israeli private investigator, Amit Forlit, from London for allegedly hacking on behalf of a Washington lobbying firm, DCI Group.

• Big names, big accusations: DCI's clients include (drumroll please)... Elliott Management and ExxonMobil. While neither company has been charged, prosecutors are digging into whether Elliott used hacking to gain an advantage in its years-long fight with Argentina.

• Dirty tricks campaign? Argentina's former economy minister claims the country faced intense pressure through a "dirty" media campaign orchestrated by Elliott.

• Exxon's climate critics targeted? Prosecutors are also investigating whether DCI, while working for Exxon, hacked climate activists, including members of the Rockefeller family. Apparently, Exxon wasn't too happy about their campaign against the oil giant.

Bottom line: This story has it all – high-stakes finance, international intrigue, and powerful players potentially playing dirty. Stay tuned... this could get messy. 🍿

Source: WSJ

🧠 The Future of Feeling Good: Hope Emerges for Mental Health

Feeling overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom surrounding the mental health crisis? This article gives us a reason to be optimistic! 🙌

Here's the gist: While the pandemic certainly exacerbated mental health challenges (1 in 4 US adults experienced mental illness in the past year!), there's a wave of groundbreaking research and innovative treatments on the horizon. Think:

• Cutting-edge imaging tech that gives us a clearer picture of the brain than ever before. 🤯

• Lab-grown brain tissue (organoids!) used to study the impact of genetics on autism. 🔬

• AI algorithms that can predict the onset of depression and anxiety. 🤖

But it gets even better: Researchers are collaborating closely with clinicians, meaning these discoveries are being rapidly translated into real-world treatments. Plus, the stigma surrounding mental health is finally starting to fade.

Key takeaway: The future of mental health is looking brighter, with more funding, increased awareness, and a commitment to making treatment accessible to everyone. 💪

Source: Stanford Medicine

Your CV: It's Not About You (But It Kinda Is)

Think of your CV like a 7-second first impression at a party – you need to stand out without being obnoxious. Today, we're diving into the art of crafting the perfect CV that will make recruiters want to keep the conversation going (aka invite you for an interview).

Here's the deal:

• Ditch the gimmicks: No fancy fonts, colors, or watermarks. Keep it clean, simple, and easy to read.

• Cut the fluff: Avoid clichés and irrelevant experiences. Your CV isn't your autobiography – prioritize recent and relevant work experience.

• Quantify your achievements: Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of saying you're a "hard worker," tell them how many deals you closed or projects you spearheaded.

• Tailor, tailor, tailor: Just like you wouldn't tell the same story at a party to everyone you meet, customize your CV for each job application.

• Don't sweat the small stuff (too much): Reasonable career gaps happen – no need to over-explain.

Bottom line: Your CV is your chance to show employers you understand their needs and how you can contribute. Make it about them, not just a list of your accomplishments. And remember, just like in any social situation, being genuine and authentic is key.

Source: The Economist

🇲🇽 Mexico's New President, Same Old Problems (and Then Some)

Mexico has its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. But don't break out the confetti just yet.

This historic moment might actually be the start of something much darker for our southern neighbor: a full-blown slide into authoritarianism. 😨

Here's the deal:

• Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador spent his term systematically dismantling Mexican democracy, weakening institutions and consolidating power.

• Sheinbaum, his handpicked successor, is basically his protégé, lacking any real independent support or vision.

• This means López Obrador, despite leaving office, will likely continue pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

Adding fuel to the fire:

• Mexico is facing an unprecedented surge in violence and cartel activity. Think tens of thousands of homicides a year, with the government seemingly powerless to stop it.

• López Obrador himself has questionable ties to cartels, even publicly defending a general arrested on drug trafficking charges. 😬

Why this matters to you:

A failing Mexico on our border means more instability, more violence spilling over, and more headaches for the U.S. to deal with.

Bottom line: Don't be fooled by the headlines. This isn't a triumph for democracy – it's a dangerous new chapter in Mexico's story.

Source: The Atlantic