Merry Christmas!Following Sega's removal of certain digital titles earlier this month, multiple Cartoon Network Games under the Warner Bros. Discovery label have now been removed from digital stores including Nintendo's Switch eShop.There's no word if they'll ever return but according to reports, "at least five games" under the Warner Bros. label have been delisted.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Screws | Dan Cristian Padure via UnsplashFasteners might not be the first thing you think about when considering durable construction or DIY projects, but they play a vital role in the longevity and stability of your work. Among the various types of screws available, galvanized screws stand out for their superior resistance to corrosion and their versatility in a wide range of applications. In this comprehensive guide, well explore what makes these screws special, their key advantages, common uses, and tips for selecting the perfect type for your needs.What Are Galvanized Screws?Galvanized screws are fasteners treated with a protective zinc coating that shields them from rust and corrosion. This unique property makes them an excellent choice for projects exposed to harsh weather conditions, high humidity, or chemically aggressive environments.There are two primary methods for galvanizing screws, each providing specific advantages depending on the intended use:Hot-Dip Galvanizing: The screw is dipped into molten zinc, creating a thick and rugged coating. This method is commonly used for heavy-duty applications that require maximum durability.Electro-Galvanizing: Zinc is applied using an electrochemical process, resulting in a thinner but smoother finish. These screws are often used for light-duty tasks where aesthetics and precision are important.Zinc is a highly effective material for preventing corrosion. It acts as a sacrificial layer, meaning it corrodes in place of the steel or iron beneath, prolonging the lifespan of the screw.Benefits of Galvanized ScrewsGalvanized screws offer a range of advantages that make them a preferred choice for both professional builders and DIY enthusiasts.Exceptional Corrosion ResistanceOne of the standout benefits of galvanized screws is their ability to resist rust. The zinc coating forms a barrier against moisture, oxygen, and other elements that accelerate corrosion. This makes them ideal for outdoor and marine environments.Extended LongevityGalvanized screws are built to last. The zinc coating not only prevents rust but also ensures the screw retains its structural integrity for years, even under challenging conditions. This reduces maintenance and replacement costs over time.Cost-EffectivenessWhile stainless steel screws offer similar rust resistance, they are significantly more expensive. Galvanized screws provide a budget-friendly alternative without compromising durability, making them a popular choice for both large-scale and small-scale projects.Versatility Across ApplicationsFrom carpentry to industrial construction, galvanized screws can be used with wood, metal, concrete, and plastic. Their versatility means you can rely on them for almost any project that requires fastening.Environmentally FriendlyZinc is a recyclable material, and galvanized screws can often be reused. By choosing these screws, you contribute to sustainability efforts while still getting a high-performing product.Common Uses of Galvanized Screws Chris Yates via Unsplash Haupes via UnsplashGalvanized screws are a cornerstone of outdoor projects such as:Deck Building: Their rust resistance makes them perfect for securing decking boards, ensuring the structure remains strong and visually appealing.Fencing and Gates: They provide a durable connection that withstands exposure to rain, wind, and UV rays.Roofing: Often used to attach metal or shingle roofing, they help protect homes from leaks and structural damage.Marine ApplicationsIn coastal or marine environments, where saltwater accelerates rust, galvanized screws are a go-to choice. They are used in:Building docks and piers.Securing boat components.Constructing seawalls and other waterfront structures.Furniture and CarpentryCrafting outdoor furniture or assembling wooden structures exposed to the elements? Galvanized screws ensure your creations maintain their stability and appearance over time.Industrial and Commercial ProjectsIn industrial applications, galvanized screws are essential for fastening machinery, metal frameworks, and HVAC systems. Their strength and resistance to harsh conditions make them indispensable in high-stakes environments.Landscaping and GardeningGalvanized screws are commonly used in the construction of:Raised garden beds.Trellises and pergolas.Retaining walls.How to Choose the Right Galvanized ScrewsConsider the conditions where the screws will be used. For outdoor or marine environments, hot-dip galvanized screws are more suitable due to their thicker zinc coating.Match the Screw to the MaterialUse wood screws for timber projects.Choose sheet metal screws for thin metals or plastics.Opt for lag screws when structural integrity is critical.Ensure the screw length is appropriate for the materials being fastened. Too short, and the connection may fail; too long, and it may damage the material.Choose coarse threads for soft materials like wood and fine threads for harder materials like metal.When using galvanized screws with other metals, ensure compatibility to prevent galvanic corrosion, which can occur when different metals react with each other.Maintenance and Installation TipsRegularly check for signs of wear, especially in structures exposed to extreme conditions. Replace any screws showing visible damage or rust to maintain safety and stability.Use screwdrivers or drills that match the screw head to prevent stripping. A properly seated screw not only looks better but also performs better over time.Over-tightening can strip the threads or damage the zinc coating, reducing the screws effectiveness. Tighten just enough to secure the materials without compromising the coating.Store galvanized screws in a dry, cool place to prevent premature corrosion or damage to the zinc coating before use.ConclusionGalvanized screws are a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective solution for projects that demand durability and resistance to the elements. Whether youre constructing a deck, building furniture, or working on an industrial installation, these screws offer the performance and longevity needed to ensure your project stands the test of time.By understanding their benefits, applications, and the criteria for choosing the right type, you can confidently select galvanized screws for your next project. Theyre more than just fastenerstheyre an investment in the strength and durability of your work.Construction Leave a comment

Mini CrosswordNYTIn case you missed Mondays NYT Mini, you can find the answers here:The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app. However, youll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives.The NYT Mini is a fun daily distraction that usually takes no time at all. I try to beat the standard weekday grid in less than a minute. But sometimes I can't quite figure out one or two clues and need to reveal the answer.To help you avoid doing that, here are the NYT Mini Crossword answers (spoilers lie ahead, of course):MORE FOR YOUNYT Mini Crossword Clues And AnswersACROSS1) Christmas ___ - EVE4) Hanker for, as Christmas cookies - CRAVE6) Instrument heard in many a Christmas hymn - ORGAN7) Rounded heap - MOUND8) Vintner's device - PRESSDOWN1) Proofreader's catch - ERROR2) Like a Christmas wish list that just says "toys" - VAGUE3) Chris of "Knives Out" - EVANS4) Provide free of charge - COMP5) Comes to a close - ENDSNYT MiniNYTWell, in the Chris clue it was either going to be Evans, Pine or Hemsworth, and only one fit that spot. They also tried to jam in a bunch of Christmas-related items in here including what day it is. I imagine the entire puzzle was based around that starter word. I am not sure if they are going to have one of these for Christmas Day, but I suppose you do need something to do on your phone after you open presents.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Robotics specialist Boston Dynamics has posted a holiday message wishing everyone a season full of light and laughter as we flip over into the new year!The flip reference becomes apparent when you watch the accompanying video featuring its Atlas robot performing a flawless back somersault dressed in a Santa suit.You can watch it below:Happy Holidays | 2024 | Boston DynamicsNow, assuming that its not a human dressed as Santa, then youll surely agree that its a pretty amazing move for a robot. But truth be told, Atlas or a much earlier version of it has been performing backflips since at least 2017.Recommended VideosBoston Dynamics unveiled its bipedal Atlas robot in 2013 and over the years its engineers have brought a slew of remarkable improvements to its stability and range of movements. A major update to the robot came last spring when Boston Dynamics announced it was retiring the hydraulic-powered version of Atlas and replacing it with a fully electric version. The Massachussetts-based robotics company proudly described it as one of the most advanced humanoid robots ever built, adding that it was now stronger, more dexterous, and more agile, and able to move in ways that exceed human capabilities.Its also added new AI and machine learning tools, such as reinforcement learning and computer vision, to ensure they can operate and adapt efficiently to complex real-world situations.Just a couple of months ago, Boston Dynamics posted a video showing Atlas in a workplace environment, performing tasks that utilized its new, more advanced capabilities. The Hyundai-owned company also revealed that it wants to commercialize Atlas in a similar way to Spot, its impressive dog-like robot thats long been tested in a range of industrial settings.Its certainly a fascinating time for everyone whos working on Atlas as well as those of us following its progress and were already looking forward to seeing how the robot advances in 2025.Editors Recommendations

DEAR PATIENT: WE GOT HACKED Health care giant Ascension says 5.6 million patients affected in cyberattack Intrusion caused medical errors and diversion of emergency services. Dan Goodin Dec 23, 2024 12:21 pm | 33 Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreHealth care company Ascension lost sensitive data for nearly 5.6 million individuals in a cyberattack that was attributed to a notorious ransomware gang, according to documents filed with the attorney general of Maine.Ascension owns 140 hospitals and scores of assisted living facilities. In May, the organization was hit with an attack that caused mass disruptions as staff was forced to move to manual processes that caused errors, delayed or lost lab results, and diversions of ambulances to other hospitals. Ascension managed to restore most services by mid-June. At the time, the company said the attackers had stolen protected health information and personally identifiable information for an undisclosed number of people.Investigation concludedA filing Ascension made earlier in December revealed that nearly 5.6 million people were affected by the breach. Data stolen depended on the particular person but included individuals' names and medical information (e.g., medical record numbers, dates of service, types of lab tests, or procedure codes), payment information (e.g., credit card information or bank account numbers), insurance information (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare ID, policy number, or insurance claim), governmentidentification (e.g., Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, drivers license numbers, or passport numbers), and other personal information (such as date of birth or address).Ascension is now in the process of notifying affected individuals. The organization is also offering two years of credit and fraud monitoring, a $1 million insurance reimbursement policy, and managed ID theft recovery services. The services became effective last Thursday.According to CNN, the attack on Ascension was the work of Black Basta. The ransomware group never took credit for the breach, and neither did any other group, an indication Ascension may have paid a ransom in exchange for the attackers not releasing stolen data publicly. The US Department of Health and Human Services has ranked the breach as the third-largest health care-related breach of this year."Since the May ransomware attack, we have been working with third-party experts to investigate what individuals data may have been involved in this incident," Ascension said in a post on its website. "That review of the data is now complete, and starting today Ascension will begin the process of notifying individuals whose personal information was involved in this incident and providing them with complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services."Dan GoodinSenior Security EditorDan GoodinSenior Security Editor Dan Goodin is Senior Security Editor at Ars Technica, where he oversees coverage of malware, computer espionage, botnets, hardware hacking, encryption, and passwords. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, cooking, and following the independent music scene. Dan is based in San Francisco. Follow him at here on Mastodon and here on Bluesky. Contact him on Signal at DanArs.82. 33 Comments

The UK said it has live-fired its new anti-drone radio weapon that costs only about 10 pence to fire.It's been heralding such weapons as a cheap alternative to missile-based systems for killing drones.This weapon, the RFDEW, is said to kill drones from 1,000 meters away in land, air, and sea environments.The UK Defense Ministry said on Monday that it's successfully live-tested its new radio frequency weapon that can take down drone swarms for "less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.""A live firing trial was recently completed by the Army's Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and 7 Air Defence Group at a range in West Wales," it said in a statement. "Where they successfully targeted and engaged Uncrewed Aerial Systems, in a first for the British Armed Forces."The system is called the Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon, or RFDEW. The UK says it has a range of up to 1,000 meters, or about 1,093 yards, at an estimated cost of 10 pence, or about $0.13, per shot.The RFDEW uses high-frequency radio waves to detect, track, and then disable critical electronic components in the drones so that they become immobilized or fall out of the sky.It's meant to be versatile. The UK says the RFDEW can be deployed in land, air, and sea environments.Development of the weapon was announced in May, when officials described it as a cheaper alternative to traditional missile-based systems for fighting drones. The defense ministry said at the time that tests would be carried out over the summer.The UK said the RFDEW is mostly automated, meaning it can be operated by a single person and mounted onto a military vehicle.It's one of London's answers to the growing prominence of drone warfare, brought to the fore by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where cheap drones have become a primary killing tool in the protracted conflict.The UK is also developing a vehicle-mounted laser beam weapon that fires shots costing 10 pence each, which it said has a range of 1,000 meters as well.That weapon was successfully tested too, the ministry said on December 11.Both systems were developed under a government program that partners with private firms such as Raytheon and Teledyne e2v.The UK also spent about $126 million developing DragonFire, another laser weapon system that uses high-concentrated energy beams to kill drones at less than $13 a shot.If these systems can be deployed at scale, their advertised low per-shot cost could be a major advantage for the UK. Traditional anti-drone tech that's already considered to be in the lower-cost range, such as the expendable Raytheon Coyote, can be priced at about $100,000 per munition.Militaries want to go far cheaper, amid a heightened awareness that any armed force from Russian and Ukrainian troops to Yemeni rebels can deliver deadly payloads at less than $1,000 through commercial drone parts.The US is developing a weapon similar to the RFDEW that uses microwaves to fry drone parts and disable swarms. It looks like a container with a satellite dish and is called the Tactical High-power Operational Responder, or THOR.In April 2023, the US Air Force said it had successfully tested THOR against a drone swarm.Such technologies are also becoming more mainstream in Ukraine. Kvertus, a company based in Kyiv, sells a handheld "anti-drone gun" that it says can knock out drones with radio frequencies.

Careers play a big role in Candywriters BitLife. They not only allow you to pursue your dream profession in the game but also help you earn a good amount of in-game money. Some careers even help you complete specific steps in weekly challenges. One of the most rewarding options is becoming a Brain Surgeon.

Donghua has grown significantly in recent years and has gained recognition for its stunning visuals and storytelling. While it has secured a solid place in the animation industry, there is still room for growth in the horror genre. That said, the horror donghua that do exist are very different and remarkably inventive. They usually draw inspiration from Chinese myths, supernatural elements, and traditional martial arts to come up with some very unique premises.

A new Zenless Zone Zero leak has revealed that players could receive 30 free pulls in Version 1.5. The rewards would come in handy as Zenless Zone Zero is adding two highly-awaited playable characters in the next update.

Delibird, the delivery Pokmon from Johto, can be found in the wild in Pokmon Go. Yes, Delibird with its holiday ribbon accessory can be shiny in Pokmon Go!Delibird doesnt see any use in PvP or PvE content, but who can say no to a cute little delivery penguin, especially when it has a ribbon on its head?What is the shiny rate for Delibird in Pokmon Go?As per old research by the now-defunct website The Silph Road (via Wayback Machine), the shiny rate for Pokmon on a regular day is approximately one in 500. Delibird is not a confirmed Pokmon that gets a permaboost (meaning that its a rare spawn and thus gets a boosted shiny rate).It is possible that with some events, the holiday ribbon Delibird may have a higher shiny rate depending on how you get it. However, were unable to confirm if its rates are higher for any specific event as of writing this.What can I do to attract more shiny Pokmon?Not much, unfortunately. It appears to be random chance. Shiny Pokmon catch rates are set by developer Niantic, and they are typically only boosted during special events like Community Days or Safari Zones, or in Legendary Raids. There are no consumable items that boost shiny Pokmon rates.Where can I find a list of available shiny Pokmon?LeekDuck keeps a list of currently available shiny Pokmon. Its a helpful visual guide that illustrates what all of the existing shiny Pokmon look like.For more tips, check out Polygons Pokmon Go guides.