Valve confirms Steam data leak but denies it’s a serious problem GameCentral Published May 15, 2025 12:07pm Updated May 15, 2025 12:07pm Valve says there’s nothing to worry about (Valve) Steam users are in a panic about a supposed data breach, but according to Valve nothing significant has actually happened. Data breaches at big companies are hardly a rarity, in the video game world or elsewhere, so when talk of a ‘massive’ breach at Steam started to appear online it wasn’t necessarily that surprising. Warnings spread that customers should immediately change their passwords, phone numbers, and payment details, with reports that personal data had been stolen by hackers. However, according to Steam owner Valve, the whole story is overblown and only ‘older text messages’ have been accessed, that are no help in breaking into Steam accounts. As such, they insist that this is ‘NOT a breach of Steam systems’ and nothing is at risk. The rumours of a breach started with a LinkedIn post which, for some reason, everyone decided to believe, even though the talk of a ‘dark web forum’ and the hacker demanding only $5,000 (£3,700) for ‘89 million user records’ sounded extremely made-up. Valve’s explanation of the situation is confusingly written but it does seem to confirm that text messages were acquired illegally, even if they’re of no use to anyone. The breach was supposedly achieved by getting access to two-factor authentication SMS logs, but as Valve points out those messages are only good for 15 minutes and according to them all the ones that have been leaked are old. ‘We’re still digging into the source of the leak, which is compounded by the fact that any SMS messages are unencrypted in transit and routed through multiple providers on the way to your phone,’ reads the statement on Steam. More Trending ‘The leaked data did not associate the phone numbers with a Steam account, password information, payment information or other personal data. Old text messages cannot be used to breach the security of your Steam account, and whenever a code is used to change your Steam email or password using SMS, you will receive a confirmation via email and/or Steam secure messages.’ Importantly, they insist that: ‘You do not need to change your passwords or phone numbers as a result of this event.’ Given the extreme bad publicity that would result if Valve were found to be underplaying the leak there doesn’t seem any reason not to take their comments at face value, especially given the more absurd elements of the initial LinkedIn post. As they point out though, you should always treat any security messages you have not requested as extremely suspicious. They also recommend the Steam Mobile Authenticator app for added security. It sounds like Dr Evil made the ransom demands (Valve) Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here.Welcome to The Logoff: The Supreme Court heard arguments about a birthright citizenship case today that are really about two questions: Does President Donald Trump have the power to end a core American ideal? And how much power do lower court judges have to block Trump’s agenda?What’s going on with birthright citizenship? On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, the principle that people born in the US (almost always) immediately become US citizens. Trump’s order is an obvious violation of the 14th Amendment, and states successfully sued in multiple lower courts to block it, starting a process that brought it to the Supreme Court today.Is the Supreme Court going to uphold birthright citizenship? None of the justices defended Trump’s anti-birthright order during arguments, and several of them suggested it was blatantly unconstitutional.So what’s the issue? The hearing was less about whether the order was constitutional than about whether lower court judges had overstepped their authority when they blocked the policy nationwide. Multiple Supreme Court justices today seemed sympathetic to that argument, suggesting some limits on these nationwide injunctions could be coming. But we won’t know for sure until the ruling comes down, which could take weeks.What’s the big picture? Long-term, birthright citizenship appears almost certain to survive. That’s important, because birthright citizenship is critical to the concept that America is held together by a shared commitment to our democratic system, rather than by genetic inheritance.But if the Supreme Court limits the scope of the judges’ order, it may mean that some of Trump’s policies — even ones that are eventually found unconstitutional — get to go into effect while they work their way through the legal system.And with that, it’s time to log off…Yesterday I wrote about how we can make life better and are doing so all the time. Today I’m excited to surface another example: a new “gene-editing therapy” treatment that has given this baby a second chance at life in what the New York Times describes as “medical history.” As one doctor put it: “It really is sort of limitless in terms of what the possibilities are.” And that’s something worth celebrating. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow.You’ve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you — threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you — join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

The British automaker and US-based iPhone maker are collaborating on the new generation of CarPlay. Apple 2025-05-15T22:03:22Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Apple partnered with Aston Martin to launch CarPlay Ultra for its luxury vehicles. CarPlay Ultra integrates iPhone functions into the dashboard with customizable features and Siri. Available in Aston Martin's Vantage sports car, starting at $194,000, and additional models. Apple's CarPlay just got a James Bond-esque makeover.The tech giant partnered with luxury car brand Aston Martin for the initial rollout of CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of the program that allows iPhone owners to bring the Apple ecosystem to their car.Unlike its older sibling, which is restricted to the infotainment system in the center console, CarPlay Ultra gives your full dashboard the Apple treatment, including customizable features. The new program is like putting Siri in the passenger seat: It allows the voice-controlled assistant to manage functions like the radio, climate, and performance settings depending on the vehicle. Drivers can tailor what they see on their screens in the car using their iPhone, mixing information from the vehicle itself with widgets powered by Apple. CarPlay Ultra will span multiple screens, Apple said. Apple "With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent," Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of worldwide product marketing, said in a press release.CarPlay Ultra is available with US or Canada-based orders for Aston Martin's DBX SUV, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish as of Thursday, with plans to expand to more of its lineup through a software update on compatible vehicles. If you're hoping for instant access to the new program, it'll likely be a six-figure splurge.A 2025 Aston Martin Vantage starts at $194,000, and the "Supercar of SUV's" DBX retails for $256,000 to start, according to Car and Driver magazine.company's first quarter earnings report.Apple first announced its plan for a second generation of CarPlay in 2022. In January, it amended the CarPlay webpage to remove its 2024 timeline without an updated launch date, according to MacRumors.Eventually, Apple said, CarPlay Ultra will roll out to other automakers, like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, which have already committed to launching the new program. Recommended video

Shane Snider, Senior Writer, InformationWeekMay 15, 20252 Min ReadBYphoto via Alamy StockMicrosoft on Tuesday started layoffs of almost 3% of its global workforce, or about 6,000 employees across various departments. Many were shocked that the layoffs included the company’s director of artificial intelligence, Gabriela de Queiroz.De Queiroz took to LinkedIn to share the news in a lengthy post. “Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs. Was I expecting it? Maybe. These days no matter how hard you work, how much you advocate for your company, or how much visibility to bring -- none of that makes you immune to restructuring,” she wrote.Such a high-level impact in the AI department shocked many commenters -- considering Microsoft has poured billions of dollars into its AI ambitions, including $80 billion earmarked for AI initiatives in 2025 alone. “If they are willing to cut the director of AI, what hope do any of us have?” one Reddit commenter asked.Microsoft posted strong financial results in its most recent quarter, with its revenue up 13% at $70.1 billion. But even as revenues rise, companies are looking to offset huge capital outlays for emerging technologies like GenAI. Macroeconomic uncertainty is fueling the cost-cutting effort as well.Tuesday’s layoffs marked the largest Microsoft cuts since 2023, when the company cut 10,000 workers.Related:Bloomberg reports that the layoffs targeted layers of management. About 17% of the cut personnel were classified as managers. Product management and technical program management roles accounted for about 600 of the cuts at Microsoft’s Washington workforce, or about 30% of layoffs, according to the report.What CIOs Should KnowPradeep Sanyal, AI and data leader for IT consultancy Capgemini and a former CIO, says IT leaders should pay close attention and recognize the shifts in market-wide AI strategies.“CIOs should take note, though not necessarily panic,” he tells InformationWeek in an e-mail interview. “Micosoft’s layoff of a high-profile AI leader, even amid massive AI investment, signals a few things …”Sanyal says the companies are restructuring as they shift from experimentation to “operationalization.” The companies are cutting costs by reducing layers and chopping roles not directly tied to revenue generation, he says.Such a change in leadership at a top vendor will likely have implications for customers. “Even if Microsoft’s commitment to AI is strong, sudden leadership exits can disrupt both internal continuity and external partnerships. CIOs betting big on Microsoft AI should press for visibility into roadmap ownership and product stewardship.”Related:The high-profile job cut paints a picture of AI volatility, Sanyal says.“This is a canary moment. When even top-tier AI leaders are not immune, it highlights how volatile the AI labor market is, both inside and outside vendor walls. Enterprises need strong internal AI capability, not just reliance on hyperscalers.”He adds, “In short … Yes, be concerned, but as a strategic signal rather than a tactical red flag. It is a reminder to diversify partnerships, own your AIU vision, and stay nimble as the industry reshapes around the next wave of transformation.About the AuthorShane SniderSenior Writer, InformationWeekShane Snider is a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of industry experience. He started his career as a general assignment reporter and has covered government, business, education, technology and much more. He was a reporter for the Triangle Business Journal, Raleigh News and Observer and most recently a tech reporter for CRN. He was also a top wedding photographer for many years, traveling across the country and around the world. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and two children.See more from Shane SniderWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

IS IT REAL OR IS IT AI-GENERATED? FBI warns of ongoing scam that uses deepfake audio to impersonate government officials Warning comes as the use of deepfakes in the wild are rising. Dan Goodin – May 15, 2025 5:06 pm | 18 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more The FBI is warning people to be vigilant of an ongoing malicious messaging campaign that uses AI-generated voice audio to impersonate government officials in an attempt to trick recipients into clicking on links that can infect their computers. “Since April 2025, malicious actors have impersonated senior US officials to target individuals, many of whom are current or former senior US federal or state government officials and their contacts,” Thursday’s advisory from the bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said. “If you receive a message claiming to be from a senior US official, do not assume it is authentic.” Think you can’t be fooled? Think again. The campaign's creators are sending AI-generated voice messages—better known as deepfakes—along with text messages “in an effort to establish rapport before gaining access to personal accounts,” FBI officials said. Deepfakes use AI to mimic the voice and speaking characteristics of a specific individual. The differences between the authentic and simulated speakers are often indistinguishable without trained analysis. Deepfake videos work similarly. One way to gain access to targets' devices is for the attacker to ask if the conversation can be continued on a separate messaging platform and then successfully convince the target to click on a malicious link under the guise that it will enable the alternate platform. The advisory provided no additional details about the campaign. The advisory comes amid a rise in reports of deepfaked audio and sometimes video used in fraud and espionage campaigns. Last year, password manager LastPass warned that it had been targeted in a sophisticated phishing campaign that used a combination of email, text messages, and voice calls to trick targets into divulging their master passwords. One part of the campaign included targeting a LastPass employee with a deepfake audio call that impersonated company CEO Karim Toubba. In a separate incident last year, a robocall campaign that encouraged New Hampshire Democrats to sit out the coming election used a deepfake of then-President Joe Biden’s voice. A Democratic consultant was later indicted in connection with the calls. The telco that transmitted the spoofed robocalls also agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty for not authenticating the caller as required by FCC rules. Thursday’s advisory provided steps people can take to better detect these sorts of malicious messaging campaigns. They include: Verify the identity of the person calling you or sending text or voice messages. Before responding, research the originating number, organization, and/or person purporting to contact you. Then independently identify a phone number for the person and call to verify their authenticity. Carefully examine the email address; messaging contact information, including phone numbers; URLs; and spelling used in any correspondence or communications. Scammers often use slight differences to deceive you and gain your trust. For instance, actors can incorporate publicly available photographs in text messages, use minor alterations in names and contact information, or use AI-generated voices to masquerade as a known contact. Look for subtle imperfections in images and videos, such as distorted hands or feet, unrealistic facial features, indistinct or irregular faces, unrealistic accessories such as glasses or jewelry, inaccurate shadows, watermarks, voice call lag time, voice matching, and unnatural movements. Listen closely to the tone and word choice to distinguish between a legitimate phone call or voice message from a known contact and AI-generated voice cloning, as they can sound nearly identical. AI-generated content has advanced to the point that it is often difficult to identify. When in doubt about the authenticity of someone wishing to communicate with you, contact your relevant security officials or the FBI for help. The guidance is helpful, but it doesn't take into account some of the challenges targets of such scams face. Often, the senders create a sense of urgency by claiming there is some sort of ongoing emergency that requires an immediate response. It's also not clear how people can reliably confirm that phone numbers, email addresses, or URLs are authentic. The bottom line is that there is no magic bullet to ward off these sorts of scams. Admitting that no one is immune to being fooled is key to defending against them. Dan Goodin Senior Security Editor Dan Goodin Senior 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. 18 Comments

Applied Materials reported higher profit and revenue in the latest quarter as demand for its semiconductor equipment remains stable.

Reviewers Liked Improved sound Class-leading noise cancellation Highly intuitive touch controls Supremely comfy Return of folding design improves portability Can finally charge during use Replaceable earpads Reviewers Didn't Like Price increase over previous model Speak-to-Chat still needs work Spatial audio upmixing is a useless gimmick Still no audio over USB-C Fragile-feeling articulating hinges The headband could use a bit more padding No aptX HD support Feature-rich app may be overwhelming for casual users Competitors and Related Products Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets. Expert reviews and ratings 94 The crown is safe once again. Sony has managed to overhaul its flagship headphones in all the right ways that keep the 1000X line atop our best headphones list. By Engadget on May 15, 2025 80 Although they’re not the radical upgrade I was hoping for, the Sony WH-1000XM6 make some minor improvements to Sony’s flagship noise-cancelling headphones. They lack a wide soundstage, but they deliver crystal-clear vocals for close to 30 hours without fail. By Tom's Guide on May 15, 2025 90 These sound better than the latest Bose model, offer better noise canceling, and are generally better to use. Compared to the equivalently priced AirPods Max, all those things are also true, except that you might be enough of an iOS stan that the AirPods integrate better into your ecosystem. In any case, I’d strongly recommend you check out a pair of Sony’s new flagship headphones before you make a purchasing decision. They’re one of the finest wireless pairs of headphones ever made. By Wired on May 15, 2025 100 Sony’s wireless headphones deliver a performance more than befitting a flagship pair of wireless headphones. Comfort levels are great, they’re nice to use, ANC is excellent, call quality is class-leading, and sound quality can match anything at this level. Simply sensational. By What Hi Fi? on May 15, 2025 90 The Sony WH-1000XM6 are a fantastic pair of over-ear headphones that combine the best design elements of their predecessors, while levelling up the sonic and ANC capabilities of what came before. With super-clean touch controls, an ultra-comfy fit and a ton of features at your disposal, there’s a lot to love about these headphones, even if they do come at quite the cost. By TechRadar on May 15, 2025 90 Sony's high-end WH-1000XM6 headphones feature foldable earcups, new driver tuning, and noise cancellation that rivals the best from Bose. By PCMag on May 15, 2025 100 Sony’s legendary noise-cancelling headphones get even better, with the return of foldability, superb sound, and jaw-dropping ANC performance. By Stuff on May 15, 2025 93 Sony upgraded the design and performance of its flagship noise-canceling headphones, pushing them slightly ahead of the competition. But not surprisingly, their price has also increased. By cnet on May 15, 2025 Their higher-than-ever price might push Sony loyalists to explore what else is out there, and 1000XM5 owners shouldn’t feel any rush to spend the $450. But if your older Sony earbuds are on their last legs, these could be worth saving up for. By The Verge on May 15, 2025 Hands on: The WH-1000XM6 are amazing. They’re probably the new champs as far as wireless headphones go. But if you’re a happy WH-1000XM5 owner, I wouldn’t feel any pressure to upgrade. And if you’re looking to buy, it’s hard to ignore that Sony’s current discount on the XM5 brings them in at $100 less than the XM6. By DigitalTrends on May 15, 2025 Load More Reviews…

As the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill continues its progress through the Wetsminster system, NHS digital leaders have called for their suppliers to sign up to a voluntary cyber security charter as it works to build up its resilience against threats such as ransomware, and better secure its supply chain. The NHS has a long and sorry history of cyber breaches, perhaps most famously its systems came under sustained fire during the 2017 WannaCry incident. More recently, health services across south London were impacted by a cyber attack on Synnovis, a supplier of pathology lab services to various NHS trusts in the region. In light of the growing and ever-changing threat landscape, and the growing frequency and severity of incidents, the NHS said there has been a step change in recent months In an open letter to suppliers, Phil Huggins, national CISO for health and care at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Mike Fell, director of cyber operations at NHS England, and Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said: “As valued partners to the NHS, it is important to us that we work together and defend as one.” The NHS is asking suppliers that where reasonably necessary – such as in the case of organisations that support clinical systems or process confidential patient data – they commit to keeping their IT systems in support and patched, to achieve and maintain at least ‘Standards Met’ under the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPOT), apply multifactor authentication alongside NHS England’s existing MFA policies, deploy always-on cyber monitoring and logging of critical infrastructure, and put in place immutable backups of critical data alongside appropriate business continuity and recovery plans. The charter also requires suppliers to conduct board level exercising on incident response, report cyber attacks affecting NHS customers in a timely manner and work with them to resolve, and only supply software produced in adherence to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) software code of practice. Huggins, Fell and Diwakar asked suppliers to commit to being an “outstanding and trusted partner” by agreeing to sign the charter. “This voluntary charter will contain the asks outlined above and show your commitment to being a trusted and secure partner to the health and care system. We will be launching a self-assessment form in the autumn, whereby suppliers can sign the charter. This will allow time for suppliers to work through the eight statements and be ready to commit,” they said. In recognition that making continuous improvements in cyber resilience in the present threat environment is a significant challenge, the NHS leaders also said they were ready and willing to ensure the health service plays its own part through, for example, developing bespoke tools that suppliers can use to audit their own supply chains in accordance with NHS needs, and defining requirements for a national supplier management platform and risk assurance model. The NHS will also review the contractual frameworks that its own organisations use to enter contracts to ensure appropriate security schedules and expectations. This piece is part of a wider government initiative in this regard. The health service plans to run a series of webinars in the coming months, and hopes to launch a supplier cyber security forum in the autumn. “For threat actors, sensitive data is the ultimate target and NHS suppliers are custodians of vast volumes of highly confidential information. In Q1 alone, healthcare was the most targeted sector by ransomware attacks globally, with 57 recorded incidents,” said BlackFog founder and CEO Darren Williams. “It’s no surprise, then, that the NHS is urging its suppliers to step up their cyber security practices in response to escalating threats across the supply chain.  “Given the spate of ransomware attacks that has impacted both public and private sector, initiatives which incentivise providers are a necessary step. It’s not only about safeguarding patient data but also ensuring the continuity of critical services.” Read more about NHS cyber incidents The ICO has issued a £3m fine to software provider Advanced in the wake of security failings that led to significant disruption to NHS customers in a ransomware attack. T and security teams at Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust continue to work around the clock following a major cyber incident, with services disrupted and no timeline for resolution. Clinicians warn that the NHS England Outcome Registries Platform has poor security and is vulnerable to cyber attack, putting critical patient data at risk of being exposed.

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has voted unanimously to designate the Modulightor Building Apartment Duplex—Paul Rudolph’s former Manhattan home at 246 East 58th Street—an interior landmark. The landmarked residential duplex is sited on the third and fourth floors of the Modulightor Building. Notable interior design features are the staircase and built-in shelving units that house books, and other collected items. This news comes two years after the Modulightor Building itself was declared a New York City individual landmark in 2023. Now, both the exterior and the apartment duplex are protected under the Landmarks Law. The Modulightor Building itself was declared a New York City individual landmark in 2023. (Courtesy Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture) “We are enthusiastic for this designation not only for its spatially rich and light-filled Modern design but also because of the intimacy of the space and how Rudolph’s hand and belongings can be found nearly at every turn,” Docomomo US executive director Liz Waytkus said in a statement. “It is so meaningful that Modulightor, which houses the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture, continues to host open house events, encourages dialogue and offers a unique New York experience,” Waytkus added. New York City Councilmember Keith Powers supported the decision, crediting the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture with hosting “regular open houses accessible to our community to learn about its unique design, and to explore the amazing world of architecture.” The apartment duplex takes up the third and fourth floors. (Courtesy NYC Landmarks Preservation Commmison) The Modulightor Building takes its name from a lighting fixture company Rudolph cofounded. It was designed in 1989 and completed in two phases. It originally had only four floors, with the apartment duplex taking up the upper half. Between 2010 and 2016, architect Mark Squeo added two more floors to the top, and a roof deck. Sarah Carroll, LPC chair, credited the apartment duplex as a “remarkable example of late 20th century interior design.” “Its spatial complexity, innovative use of light, and carefully crafted architectural details reflect Rudolph’s unique vision and enduring influence,” Carroll said. “With today’s designation, we preserve a vital example of New York City’s rich design heritage, and ensure this special space will continue to inspire architects, designers, and visitors alike for generations to come.”

Achieving peace is a team effort. And there is no I in Team.  DC Studios has dropped the official teaser for Peacemaker Season 2, which streams August 21 on Max. Eagly returns... and hope springs eternal. In Season 1 of the R-rated action-adventure-comedy series, which explores the origins of The Suicide Squad character played by John Cena, mercenary Christopher Smith returns home after recovering from his encounter with Bloodsport. Per the logline, the upcoming season follows the vigilante “as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.” Hopefully, his incredibly animated friend Eagly can keep him grounded in his ongoing search for purpose. Returning cast includes Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick. New Season 2 cast members include Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows. James Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 and directed three, including the first episode. Gunn, Peter Safran, and Cena serve as executive producers. Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones also direct. Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company produce in association with Warner Bros. Television. VFX for Season 1 were crafted by Clear Angle Studios, Crafty Apes, Mr. Wolf, Peerless, Proof Inc, Rodeo FX, and Wētā FX. For Season 2, we know Wētā FX is involved, we’re guessing at least for the work on Eagly. You can read about their incredible first season raptor work here. Check out the teaser now: Source: DC Studios Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.