Monthly Archives: August 2022

Intel is working on a new type of processor you’ve never heard of

Intel has let slip the existence of a new type of processor – the “versatile processing unit” (VPU) – built to accelerate AI inference workloads. Although no formal announcement has been made, Intel recently published a new Linux driver complete with written materials that refer explicitly to the specialist chip.  According to the documentation, the…

Oil prices dip as traders weigh China’s downbeat economic data and new lockdowns

People commute in the central business district in Beijing, China. JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images Oil prices declined Monday as Chinese factory data raised concerns about energy demand. New COVID-19 lockdowns in China also dampened the outlook for crude prices.  WTI crude dropped 3.44%, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, slipped 2.77%. Oil prices dropped…

Google’s CEO said there are ‘real concerns’ over productivity at the company amid a ‘challenging macro environment,’ reports say

Google CEO Sundar Pichai speaking during a Google event in California in 2016. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai has raised concerns about the company’s productivity, CNBC reported. Pichai told staff that Google’s productivity and focus isn’t where it needs to be, per CNBC.  He made the comments in an all-hands meeting. Productivity and…

Europe’s natural gas crisis is going from ‘bad’ to ‘ugly’, according to Bank of America

Europe is facing a major energy crisis as Russia chokes off gas supply to the region. Andrew Cullen/Reuters Europe’s natural gas crisis is moving from a “bad” to “ugly” scenario, according to BofA.  A shortage of gas as Russia slashes flows could mean winter stockpiles could be insufficient.  Natural gas prices are likely to rise…

The US’s ‘lightning carrier’ concept may have lessons for China’s growing navy

US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli demonstrates the US Marine Corps’ lightning carrier concept, April 7, 2022. US Marine Corps/Sgt. Samuel Ruiz The US Navy and Marine Corps recently demonstrated the “lightning carrier” concept on an amphibious assault ship for the first time. During the exercise this spring, sailors and Marines operated 20 F-35B…

Rick Santorum wants the states to throw a ‘live piece of ammo’ at Washington with a constitutional convention

Former Republican presidential candidate and ex-US Sen. Rick Santorum points to his target during a 2016 campaign stop at Impact Shooting Range in Boone, Iowa. AP Photo/Chris Carlson Rick Santorum is a face of a conservative movement to call a constitutional convention.  Audio recordings obtained by Insider show how the ex-senator pitches a convention to…