Money buys you this.Bait and SwitchThe fine print of a sweeping executive order seemingly grants Elon Musk the wealthiest and arguably most powerful unelected figure in the world and his associates at the somehow-still-real Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to all unclassified data held by US government agencies, according to Wired.Since the evening of his inauguration, president Donald Trump has been busy signing a still-growing wave of sweeping executive actions. Among them was the establishment of the unfortunately-named DOGE, which per the order will be tasked with "modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity."When DOGE was announced late last year, it was widely believed that the "department" would operate as a federal advisory committee, a type of consultative group subject to fairly strict transparency rules.But as flagged by Wired, under the executive order, the Trump Administration didn't create a new federal advisory committee. It instead repurposed the United States Digital Service (USDS), an existing government organization with sweeping access to vast caches of data across government agencies, including the sensitive information of US citizens, as the "United States DOGE Service" a move that seemingly opens the door for Musk and his operatives to access a massive amount of data without much transparency oversight."It's quite a clever way of integrating DOGE into the federal government that I think will work," George Washington University law professor Richard Pierce toldWired, "in the sense of giving it a platform for surveillance and recommendations."Inside OutA former USDS employee toldWiredthat the rebranding of the organization was an "A+ bureaucratic jiu-jitsu move" and warned of dystopian, surveillance-driven outcomes that access to USDS-held data could foster."Is this technical talent going to be pointed toward using data from the federal government to track down opponents?" they told Wired. "To track down particular populations of interest to this administration for the purposes of either targeting them or singling them out or whatever it might end up being?" (That in mind: reporting from NextGovthis week revealed that USDS workers are already being re-interviewed for their jobs, in part to gauge their perceived loyalty to the new president.)AsWirednotes, DOGE could still face some headaches regarding the complexities of inter-agency information sharing and the accessing of certain sensitive data, particularly in cases where department members lack certain clearances. Even so, according to experts, our federal government is wading into muddy, unknown waters."It could be a bipartisan effort to make government technology work better. It could be an oligarch extracting resources from the government," University of Michigan public policy Don Moynihan told Wired. "We just really don't know."More on DOGE: DOGE.gov Website Launches With Mangled, AI-Generated American FlagShare This Article

The basicsThe stack: Postgres, Node.js/Express.js, React. Currently running on Heroku, eventually AWSThe product: We're building the ultimate suite for Finance teams to manage everything from billing to revenue recognition to subscription metrics, and much moreThe way we work:This is a remote job - work anywhere you want, and in any timezone on earth (or outside earth, whatever).We are an asynchronous team - we don't do scheduled meetings, and rely on each team member to pick their own schedule and to communicate clearly in writing and with recorded videos. Hear from our co-founder Michelle Lee on what it's like to work asynchronously (click here).We operate completely autonomously - no one will tell you what to do, we'll just tell you the goals and you will figure out how to work towards them with the rest of the team.The role you'll play on our team:You'd be one of the first ten engineers on the team.You'll work onBackend: database design and implementation, complex data management problems, API design and implementation, writing testsFrontend: building features in our react app, HTML/CSS + styled components, building amazing user experiences, writing testsFrontend and backend: building and iterating on our product, collaborating with designers and founders, and making a product that users will love.Like all start-ups we're scrappy, but not scrappy on compensation: Subscript is committed to paying our awesome team members at market-rate, including benefits.Our interview processOur interview process is designed to focus on your skills as a software engineer, and your ability to communicate clearly. We're a fully asynchronous company, so that's how we will communicate in this interview process too .We'll ask you to work on a small code challengeAfter reviewing the short code challenge, we'll ask you to work on a ~90 minute exercise while recording a loom (or other screen recording) video.If the video interview above goes well, we'll want to learn a bit more about how you communicate in writing - we will ask you to put together a technical design document. This is one of the biggest ways we communicate at Subscript, so we want to see that you can work well with that!And finally, hopefully we'll send you an offer. And hopefully you'll accept!RequirementsYou're an excellent engineer (you write high quality code, you write great tests, you ship quickly)You're a great communicator via writing, and via recorded videos.You're excited about working on a globally-distributed and diverse team, in an incredibly unique culture where autonomy, accountability, and ownership are equally as valued as your skillset.That's it!BenefitsUnlimited vacationCompletely flexible work schedule - work literally anytime (and anywhere) you want!Benefits appropriate to your location (health/dental/vision in the USA)Company wide retreats multiple times per yearLike all start-ups we're scrappy, but not scrappy on compensation: Subscript is committed to paying our awesome team members at market-rate, including benefits.

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Our Experts Written by Jessica Rendall Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Health of your mouth Teeth whitening is mostly a cosmetic concern, meaning brightening your smile won't fix underlying oral health issues like cavities, gingivitis or pain in or around your teeth. As you look for a home-whitening product, check your books to make sure you're on top of your regular teeth cleanings. Also, take note of whether you practice habits that can prevent staining, like swishing with water after drinking coffee. How fast you want your teeth to be white If you're looking into whitening products for a specific reason or event coming soon, whitening toothpaste will most likely not cut it. If you can swing the price, consider an in-office whitening procedure with your dentist for effective results. You can also consider buying whitening strips or other at-home products. Whether your toothpaste is safe for long-term use Toothpastes have different levels of relative dentin abrasion (RDA), which can give you an idea of how abrasive your toothpaste is or how safely you can use it regularly without risking damage to your enamel. In general, it's also good to look for products that contain fluoride or hydroxyapatite to help prevent your teeth from weakening. Table of Contents Our Picks Best whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide Colgate Optic White Pro Series View details $8 at Amazon View details Most affordable whitening toothpaste Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening toothpaste View details $4 at Walgreens View details Best whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening View details $34 at Walmart View details Best whitening toothpaste with essential oils Lumineux Whitening toothpaste View details $7 at Walmart View details Best natural whitening toothpaste Boka Ela Mint n-Ha toothpaste View details $12 at Amazon View details Table of Contents Everyone wants sparkling white teeth, especially with how common it has become with celebrities. For those looking to whiten their teeth, it's common for dentists to offer whitening procedures. However, these can be extremely pricey and often leave your wallet aching something awful. But there is another way: teeth-whitening toothpaste. Not only is this easier to access, but it's far more affordable too.While a quality toothpaste marketed for teeth-whitening can help you achieve a brighter smile, its important to understand its limitations.Teeth-whitening toothpaste can be helpful, but if you use it too much, it might do more harm than good. The best bet is to focus on keeping your teeth healthy overall, as that can actually help keep stains from happening in the first place.It's totally normal for teeth to get a little discolored, so it's important to keep your expectations in check when it comes to how your smile looks. If you're thinking about whitening your teeth, here are some things to keep in mind when picking out the right whitening toothpaste.Does whitening toothpaste work? Is it safe?Most whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from teeth by using abrasives. While all toothpaste can be abrasive, too much scrubbing can harm your enamel, a protective outer coating that shields your teeth. Dr. Sarah Tavares, a dentist at Bentway Dental in Toronto, Canada, says whitening ingredients like silica and calcium carbonate can be especially rough. Other abrasives, such as baking soda and charcoal, can be more damaging.Other whitening agents in some toothpastes or whitening strips contain chemical agents that bleach the teeth, such as hydrogen peroxide. These may be "generally safer" for your teeth than more abrasive ingredients, but Tavares said, "they can still cause gum irritation or sensitivity if overused or used improperly. "To reduce the risk of enamel damage, limit the frequency of whitening treatments to a week at a time with good intervals in between," she said. What is the best whitening toothpaste overall?We did not choose a single best whitening toothpaste because the ideal option depends on individual preferences and needs. Below, we have listed various types of whitening toothpaste based on dentist recommendations. However, if you have any questions, it's best to consult your dental provider for personalized advice.Best whitening toothpaste of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $8 at Amazon Pros Contains 5% hydrogen peroxide, which whitens intrinsically and extrinsically Cons Formula may be too strong or cause irritation for some Main whitening agent Hydrogen peroxide, 5% Contains sodium lauryl sulfate YesContains fluoride Yes $8 at Amazon Colgate Optic White Pro Series toothpaste is one whitening toothpaste that Dr. Fatima Khan, a dentist in Houston, Texas, recommends.Some of her reasons for recommending it include its trusted brand name and its 5% hydrogen peroxide whitening agent. Unlike other whitening agents that work by removing stains on the surface of the tooth, hydrogen peroxide can get inside the tooth so it whitens intrinsically as well as extrinsically.According to Khan, one downside to this toothpaste is that it contains sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, which may cause irritation, such as canker sores. Other popular whitening toothpastes may also contain SLS, so it's important to look at the ingredients before you buy a product if you're sensitive to it. $4 at Walgreens Crest Pro-Health Advanced Extra Whitening toothpaste is recommended by Dr. Elizabeth Himel, owner of Aspen Dental. This toothpaste whitens through hydrated silica, a mild abrasive. Crest is also a well-known brand with many products (quite a few of them marketed toward whitening), making this an approachable choice for many.

Avowed shows off its character creator and the backgrounds that "will shape how the world responds to you"Awowed.Image credit: Obsidian News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 25, 2025 Avowed will not only let you customise your character's appearance but also the background "that will shape how the world perceives and responds to you", too.In a series of posts on X/Twitter, Obsidian let fans in for an early peek at the fantasy RPG's Character Creation menu, where players can choose between an Arcade Scholar, Court Augur, Vanguard Scout, War Hero, and Noble Scion, all of which determine what dialogue options and starting weapons you'll have available to you when you kick off your adventure.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Avowed is NOTHING Like Skyrim, and That's a Good Thing - Hands on preview, new gameplay.Watch on YouTube"You hail from the Aedyran Empir, but who exactly are you, Envoy?" Obsidian teased on social media (thanks, TheGamer). "Stranger still, you have never learned which god touched your soul."In the Character Creation menu, you'll have the opportunity to customize your Godlike character and choose a background that will shape how the world perceives and responds to you." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.For Noble Scion, we got to see exactly what's special about this background, too."You were born to a noble house of great influence, middling wealth, and questionable morals," the description said. "When scandals and succession disputes saw your family cast down, you threw yourself on the emperor's mercy, and he shielded you."Canny yet refined, you have become a formidable force at court and an invaluable ally to the emperor."Don't worry about the character creation locking out any equipment and abilities you find in-game, though - Obsidian reassures us that "all equipment and abilities are available to you regardless of your background.Avowed will released next month, 18th February, on PC (Steam and Battle.net) and Xbox Series X/S, with day-one access for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. Those who pay 90 (or $90) for the game's Premium Edition, however, can play five days early."'Your worlds, your way' isn't just a motto for Obsidian - it's how they design quests, regions, combat, and more," Xbox teased after this week's Developer Direct. "Learn how player freedom is at the heart of Avowed, making it a quintessential 'Obsidian RPG'." To see this content please enable targeting cookies."Avowed does a lot of things that I like, and I enjoyed my time with it, more than I ever enjoyed The Outer Worlds," we wrote in Eurogamer's Avowed preview. "That said, nothing I saw stood out as wildly original, or that Avowed could entirely call its own."That isnt to say such an element doesnt exist, or even that Avowed necessarily needs it. But for better or worse, there is still some mystery at the heart of Avowed. The question for when it launches is: will there be a solution?"

Four studios are battling it out to once again reboot Capcom's Resident Evil movie franchise, only this time, PlayStation Productions is also on board. Read more

SOUTH PASADENA, CA - APRIL 23: 11-year-old Ansel, the photographers son, plays Fortnite featuring ... [+] Travis Scott Presents: Astronomical on April 23, 2020 in South Pasadena, California. Travis Scott + Cactus Jack have partnered with Fortnite to produce Astronomical, a one of a kind in-game experiential performance and the world premiere of a new song. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)Getty ImagesEpic Games has positioned Fortnite as more than just a gameit's becoming a platform where independent creators can build sustainable businesses.The Fortnite Ecosystem Year in Review 2024 report reveals Fortnite's creator community grew from 24,000 in 2023 to 70,000 creators in 2024. Published islands doubled to 198,000, with 137,000 created using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), Epic's development tool.These creators are driving substantial engagement. Players spent 5.23 billion hours playing creator-made games in 2024, accounting for 36.5% of total Fortnite playtime. This represents a 5% increase from 4.98 billion hours in 2023, indicating that user-generated content is becoming an integral part of the Fortnite experience.The data shows the company paid $352 million to creators in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023, as user-generated content continues to shape the platform's future.The payouts to creators indicate a shift in how gaming platforms can support content creators. Unlike traditional models where creators rely on advertising revenue or direct sales, Fortnite's ecosystem offers an alternative path for gaming content creators.The types of content being created are expanding with growth in non-combat genres, including social roleplay, party games, deathruns, and horror experiences. As of January 2025, these variety content formats make up more than 30% of time spent in creator-made experiences - a 50% increase from the previous year.MORE FOR YOUThis diversification suggests that Fortnite is developing beyond its battle royale origins into a broader gaming platform. Games like "Fort Knight Legend" and "Havoc Hotel 2" show creators exploring new possibilities within the platform.Epic Games' investment in creator tools and infrastructure, including features like First Person Camera devices, UI tools, and Custom NPCs, shows a commitment to this creator-first approach. The company's partnership with IPs like LEGO and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles expands the creative options for developers.This evolution may represent a new direction for gaming platforms, where the distinction between professional game development and user-generated content becomes less defined.For creators, Fortnite's model presents a new opportunity. The platform shows that user-generated content can be both creatively and financially viable. With appropriate tools and support, creators can build businesses around their gaming content.For the gaming industry, this model offers an alternative to traditional game development and distribution. It suggests that gaming platforms might increasingly serve as enablers for creator-driven content rather than just publishers of their own games.Looking ahead to 2025, Epic Games plans to introduce more tools and features for creators, including custom items and enhanced development capabilities.

Science splits the iconic king cobra into four distinct species, reshaping our understanding of ... [+] venomous snake diversity and toppling long-standing records in herpetology.Fayrer, 1872. From Biodiversity Heritage Library.Venomous snakes, in general, tend to be sleeker and smaller, with their evolution favoring agility and precision over brute strength. But in the forests of southern Asia, stretching from Indias Western Ghats to the mangroves of the Philippines, you might run into a terrifying exceptionthe worlds largest venomous snake, the king cobra.Known for its immense size and unmatched prowess, this apex predator defies the norms of venomous snakes (which rely on their potent venom rather than physical power to subdue prey), growing up to an extraordinary 1819 feet and commanding both awe and fear in equal measure.Now, with the king cobra no longer classified as a single species, the rankings of the worlds longest venomous snakes are undergoing a dramatic shake-up. Snakes like the black mamba and bushmaster, once considered to be the second and third longest venomous snakes, respectively, appear to have slipped further down the list as herpetologists recognize four distinct species within the king cobra population.What Makes The King Cobra Stand Out In The Herpetology World?The king cobra has long held a unique and almost mythical status among snakes, captivating scientists and snake enthusiasts alike. Found across a vast rangefrom the forests of India and Southeast Asia to the mangroves of the Philippinesit is the worlds longest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths of up to 18 to 19 feet.But its claim to fame is not just its size. The king cobra is also known for its remarkable intelligence, fierce territoriality and potent venom.Unlike most venomous snakes, the king cobra pairs its venom with a dramatic defensive displayrearing up, flaring its hood, and even letting out a deep growl-like hiss.When threatened, it can deliver a massive dose of potent venom capable of incapacitating large predators or other snakes, making it one of the most intimidating reptiles in the wild.In fact, one of its most fascinating traits is its dietary preference: the king cobra primarily preys on other snakes, including venomous ones, giving rise to its scientific name, Ophiophagussnake-eater. This specialized diet, along with its unique adaptations, has made it an iconic, albeit terrifying, member of the reptile class.The king cobras ability to hunt and consume other venomous snakes, such as kraits and smaller ... [+] cobras, demonstrates its physical strength and exceptional intelligence. King cobras are known for their calculated and precise hunting strategies, which allow them to take down dangerous prey with minimal risk to themselves.gettyWhy Split The King Cobra Into Four Species?The king cobra has long been recognized as the worlds longest venomous snake, a single species with a vast geographic range across southern Asia. However, recent genetic and morphological studies revealed that what was thought to be one species is actually a species complexa group of closely related but genetically distinct species.The split was based on years of careful research that revealed key differences among king cobra populations. DNA studies showed that these populations had evolved separately over time, while scientists also observed physical variations in size, scale pattern and color between groups. Natural barriers like mountains, rivers and oceans kept these populations isolated, allowing them to develop into distinct species.The Four Species That Form The King Cobra Species ComplexScientists analyzed 148 preserved king cobra specimens and utilized advanced genetic tools to uncover the evolutionary differences within this species. Their findings revealed that the king cobra, long thought to be one species, is actually a group of four distinct species that each occupy different geographic regions.The Northern king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the most widely distributed species, ranging from eastern Pakistan and northern India to Myanmar, Thailand and parts of Southeast Asia, including the Andaman Islands. This species is characterized by prominent dark-edged yellow bands along its body and the highest count of pterygoid teeth among its relatives, which enhances its ability to grip prey.The Western Ghats king cobra (Ophiophagus kaalinga) is found exclusively in the lush, mountainous forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. This species is smaller in size compared to its counterparts and has unique pale bands that lack darker edges. It inhabits a variety of altitudes, from lowland forests to high montane plateaus, showcasing its adaptability to diverse environments within its limited range.The Sunda king cobra (Ophiophagus bungarus) is native to the Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sunda Islands and parts of the southern Philippines. This species displays distinct coloration and scalation, which help it blend into the dense rainforests of Sundaland. Its evolutionary history includes adaptations to a tropical island environment, making it distinct from its mainland relatives.The Luzon king cobra (Ophiophagus salvatana) is found only on Luzon Island in the Philippines. This species is particularly striking due to its lack of pale body bands in adults and its angular, well-defined body bands in juveniles. Its isolation on Luzon has led to unique genetic and physical traits, making it one of the most regionally specialized species within the complex.The Lengths Of These Four Species Need To Be Studied FurtherOphiophagus hannah, now officially known as the Northern king cobra, was renowned for its size, pushing 18 feet, but we now lack precise measurements for the maximum lengths of each of the newly classified species.It is the most widespread of the four. However, without comprehensive studies on the sizes of the newly defined species, its unclear how the Northern species compares to its cousins in the Western Ghats, Sundaland and Luzon.The Western Ghats king cobra, for instance, is noted for being smaller, but whether this applies across all populations remains to be seen. The Sunda and Luzon king cobras, with their island-adapted traits, may also vary significantly in length due to the unique pressures of their environments.What we do know is that the king cobra species complex as a group dominates the rankings for the worlds longest venomous snakes. Its safe to assume that the four longest venomous snake species on Earth are likely members of this complexmeaning that the black mamba and bushmaster are off the list of top threebut further research will be required to confirm this.Measuring these newly identified species in the wild and captivity will be crucial in determining whether one species surpasses the others or if they all share similar maximum lengths.This reclassification not only reshapes our understanding of the king cobras place in the natural world but also opens the door to new discoveries about its biology, behavior and role as one of Earths most iconic predators. For now, the crown for the longest venomous snake remains firmly within the king cobra family, even as scientists work to untangle its many mysteries.Reclassifications like the king cobras remind us how much we still have to learn about the world we live in. Take this quick, science-backed test to learn how you connect to the natural world around you.

Star Wars: New Jedi Order was first announced almost two years ago, and now,The Hollywood Reporterhas reported that the project has a new screenwriter. George Nolfi, who is best known for writing the screenplays forThe Bourne UltimatumandOceans 12, has been tapped to write the project, which is expected to be a film focused on Daisy Ridleys Rey from the sequel trilogy.Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a documentary director, is set to make her narrative debut on the project, which is set 15 years after the events of the sequel trilogy and focuses on Rey as she trains a new cohort of young Jedi. Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were the projects initial writers, but that was before Obaid-Chinoy came on board. When Ridley was confirmed to be returning for the film,Peaky Blinderscreator Steven Knight was brought in to take a pass at the script.Recommended VideosThe delays in getting to a final script have meant that the movie itself has also been delayed.The Mandalorian and Groguis currently slated for a May 2026 release, and the next Star Wars movie to shoot will now be Shawn Levys project, which reporting suggests may star Ryan Gosling.Please enable Javascript to view this contentIf Nolfi ultimately pens the final script for this film, it will be a departure from the thrillers that he has spent most of his career writing. Given the revolving door of writers on the project, though, it seems like Disney is working hard to make sure the final script is one worth moving forward with.Editors Recommendations

Although restored to service shortly after the TikTok debacle first took it down, Marvel Snap still hasnt returned to US app stores. Developer Second Dinner said it began the process of restoring the game to the Google Play Store yesterday, and expects the game to come back to the iOS App Store early next week. In addition to bringing the game back, the developers also have a welcome back package for players.Second Dinner shared a long post on X detailing what players can expect, along with the words We cant thank you all enough for being so patient with us through this downtime ordeal. Your outpouring of support to all of us at Second Dinner was heart and greatly appreciated.Recommended Videoshttps://t.co/tdxcUBBXp7 Second Dinner (@seconddinner) January 25, 2025Please enable Javascript to view this contentMarvel Snap was an unfortunate and unintended victim of the TikTok ban. Its original publisher is owned by ByteDance, and now Second Dinner says the team is seeking a new publisher for the game.The reward packages are meant as a thank you to all players, not just those in the United States. While the compensation packages are slightly higher for those in the US, non-US players are also set to receive a ton of items.Heres the full list of rewards.Package OverviewsFor US-based players US Downtime Package:Over Collection Level 500 2 Spotlight Keys 5000 Season Pass XP 4150 Credits 6200 Collectors Tokens 1000 Gold 5 Gold Conquest Ticket 3 Infinite Conquest Ticket 4000 Conquest Medals 1 Mystery Variant 6 Premium Mystery Variants 1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare) 3 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare) 155 x5 Random BoostersUnder Collection Level 5006 Mystery Series 3 Cards5000 Season Pass XP7150 Credits1000 Gold1 Mystery Variant6 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)3 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)155 x5 Random BoostersFor non-US-based players Global Gratitude Package:Over Collection Level 5002 Spotlight Key3000 Collectors Tokens1500 Credits1 Mystery Variant1 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare)1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)155 x3 Random BoostersUnder Collection Level 5006 Mystery Series 3 Cards3000 Credits1 Mystery Variant1 Premium Mystery Variant1 Cosmic Gold Border (Super Rare) 1 Cosmic Red Border (Super Rare)155 x3 Random BoostersSecond Dance says players can expect these items to be delivered to their inboxes sometime next week.Editors Recommendations