EXCLUSIVE Life on 'tyrannical' millionaires' island: Exclusive club where pampered elite are too terrified to speak out... until now
Accessible only by helicopter or boat, and with an average price tag of $7.2 million a home, when residents step onto the rarified sands of Fisher Island, they do so safe in the satisfying knowledge that they just entered the wealthiest zip code in America.
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Telegraph
37 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Maga's plot to restore Cold War era patriotism to ‘woke' Hollywood
In her 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand expounds her individualist philosophy by portraying a dystopian society in which titans of industry fight back against burdensome bureaucracy. Though widely panned by critics, the book has remained a cult favourite of the libertarian Right. Paul Ryan, the former Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, gave out copies to staff members as Christmas presents. Donald Trump, not widely known as a reader, has named Rand as his favourite author. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that an adaptation of Atlas Shrugged is among a handful of projects proposed by Founders Films, a new Right-wing production company aimed at restoring patriotism to Hollywood. The planned venture, which is being pitched to potential investors, comes amid a broader shift to the Right across the US media industry as the return of Trumpian politics triggers a war on 'woke'. '[Founders Films] goes against everything that we know about Hollywood, which is that traditionally it is quite Left-liberal, it is quite compassionate, it is rarely associated with blood and thunder narratives,' says media analyst Alex DeGroote. 'It's a real punch in the face for woke.' Founders Films is being launched by a handful of figures linked to the Silicon Valley data giant Palantir, including chief technology officer Shyam Sankar, early employee Ryan Podolsky and investor Christian Garrett. The company's name is a play on Founders Fund, the tech-focused venture capital fund launched by Palantir founder Peter Thiel. Documents seen by the US news website Semafor outline the tech executives' vision for the project, with the ethos described as: 'Say yes to projects about American exceptionalism, name America's enemies, back artists unconditionally, take risk on novel IP [intellectual property].' In a post on Substack late last year, Sankar wrote nostalgically about all-American blockbusters of yesteryear including Red Dawn, Top Gun, Rocky IV, and The Hunt for Red October. He argued that the US had lost the ability to leverage its film industry as soft power and called for the resurrection of the 'American Cinematic Universe' largely, it seems, by portraying Chinese communists as baddies on screen. 'Breaking out of our cultural malaise will require the studios to wake up and choose America,' he added. Cultural warfare In many ways, it is a rekindling of cinema as cultural warfare in a way not seen since the Cold War. Alongside Atlas Shrugged, other slated projects include films about the evacuation of the World Trade Center on 9/11 and the assassination of Iran's Gen Qasem Soleimani, as well as The Greatest Game, a thriller spy series that 'lays bare China's plans to replace the United States as the dominant global power'. Sankar points to examples of Chinese-ordered censorship and the fact that Disney's Mulan was filmed in Xinjiang as evidence of Beijing's growing sway over Hollywood. 'The statement is that Hollywood's been captured by a foreign adversary and there's some good evidence there,' says Dr Dominic Lees, associate professor of film-making at Reading University. Another strain of the Founders Films philosophy is rooted in the culture wars. The new studio wants to bring an injection of unashamedly conservative thinking to an industry that has long been dominated by liberals. 'What they are taking a punt on is that there is a movie-going market for films that counter what they're calling a Left-wing agenda,' adds Lees. It builds on growing criticism of Hollywood from the Right, with criticism levelled at studios for introducing heavy-handed progressive politics into films or removing anything deemed offensive. Disney has found itself at the centre of this controversy, with critics blaming the House of Mouse's political leanings for a string of recent flops, including this year's live-action reboot of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler. Disney itself has admitted that there might be a potential 'misalignment' between the films it is making and what consumers want after splurging almost $1bn (£740m) on a string of box office failures in 2023, while boss Bob Iger has outlined plans to cut the studio's output and refocus on quality. Meanwhile, Gina Carano, the actress who was dropped from Star Wars series The Mandalorian in 2021 over her political posts on social media, is suing Disney and Lucasfilm for wrongful termination and discrimination in a lawsuit backed by Elon Musk. Carano was sacked for a post on Instagram that equated the persecution of Jews by the Nazis to the persecution of Republicans in the US. Tinsel Town takeover There are already signs that conservative ideology is gaining commercial traction in Hollywood. Am I Racist?, a Borat-style mockumentary lampooning the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) movement, became the highest-grossing documentary of 2024 after pulling in more than $12m at the box office on a budget of just $3m. Reagan, a biopic starring Dennis Quaid as the former US president, grossed $30m last year despite scathing reviews from critics. The streaming era has also opened up an opportunity for what once would have been niche sub-genres to break out and find their audience. Christian cinema, for example, has made something of a resurgence at the US box office in recent years thanks to hits such as The King of Kings and The Chosen, a multi-series drama about the life of Jesus. In one week earlier this year, three of the top 10 US box office spots were faith-based titles. Tinsel Town's rightward shift is just one part of a broader assault on the US media heralded by Trump, who earlier this year appointed Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as 'special ambassadors' to Hollywood, tasked with reversing what he deems to have been a period of decline. Meanwhile, controversy is growing around an $8bn takeover of Hollywood giant Paramount by Skydance, the US media group run by David Ellison, which was approved this week. Paramount's recent decision to reach a $16m settlement with Trump for a lawsuit filed against its broadcaster CBS has been widely condemned as an effort to make concessions to the president. This disquiet was fuelled by CBS's shock decision last week to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, just days after the long-serving host branded the settlement a 'big, fat bribe'. Trump has since poured more fuel on the fire after claiming Skydance had promised to give him $20m worth of free advertising and programming in a side deal. Democrat senators have opened an investigation into potential corruption. The president's sway over the Paramount deal suggests he could exert pressure over the studio's output too. It is fuelling concerns about the threat to freedom of expression across the Atlantic. DeGroote describes Trump as 'lacerating the bit of the media universe which he doesn't like', adding: 'It's a dual pincer movement. You're going after the politicians, but you're also going after the media platforms.' Patrick Spence, the TV producer behind Mr Bates vs The Post Office and The Hack, an upcoming drama about the phone hacking scandal, says: 'It feels like we're living in a Batman movie because the villains are so cartoon-like. But the trouble is it's real. It's actually happening in front of us.' Ultimately, however, a Right-wing takeover of Hollywood will depend on making hits. Lees casts doubt on whether the gun-toting style of propaganda film-making proposed by Founders Films will be effective. 'My sense is that these guys at the moment are not very culturally sophisticated,' Lees says. 'If they want to really make an impact it's going to be how they subvert the different existing genres.'
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Everyone's Using AI Wrong : Hugging Face CSO Explains
What if the way you're using AI is holding you back? Despite the buzz around artificial intelligence, many people are stuck in a cycle of shallow experimentation—dabbling with tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney without truly understanding how to use AI for meaningful impact. The truth is, AI isn't just a novelty; it's a fantastic force reshaping industries, redefining creativity, and altering the job market at breakneck speed. Yet, most of us are missing the mark. Platforms like Hugging Face, for instance, offer powerful tools that could transform how you work, create, and innovate, but they remain underutilized or misunderstood. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the hype or unsure where to start, you're not alone—and that's exactly why this how-to exists. In this guide, Silicon Valley Girl uncover how to move beyond surface-level AI usage and tap into its full potential. You'll learn how to harness open source platforms like Hugging Face to create, automate, and innovate—whether you're a developer, marketer, educator, or artist. We'll explore how AI can amplify your creativity, streamline your workflows, and even future-proof your career in an era of rapid technological change. Along the way, you'll discover actionable strategies and insights that bridge the gap between AI's possibilities and your goals. The key isn't just using AI—it's using it right. Ready to rethink what's possible? Let's explore how to truly win with AI. Unlocking AI's Full Potential The Fantastic Impact of AI on Jobs AI is set to disrupt millions of jobs within the next five years, fundamentally altering the employment landscape. Automation is taking over repetitive tasks, while AI tools are enhancing productivity in creative and technical fields. To remain competitive, you must adapt by mastering AI tools and focusing on areas where human creativity and strategic thinking are indispensable. For example: Marketing professionals are using AI to analyze consumer behavior, predict trends, and optimize campaigns for better engagement. are using AI to analyze consumer behavior, predict trends, and optimize campaigns for better engagement. Designers are using AI to generate innovative concepts, streamline workflows, and enhance visual storytelling. are using AI to generate innovative concepts, streamline workflows, and enhance visual storytelling. Software developers are integrating AI to automate coding, debugging, and testing processes, accelerating project timelines. By embracing these advancements, you can position yourself as a leader in your field, making sure you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving job market. Hugging Face: Providing widespread access to AI for All Hugging Face, a prominent open source AI platform, is transforming access to AI tools and resources. Initially designed for developers, it now offers pre-trained models, datasets, and tools that simplify the creation of AI applications. Its 'Spaces' feature, which enables low-code AI application development, is particularly noteworthy for non-technical users. This accessibility enables individuals and small businesses to innovate without requiring extensive technical expertise. By lowering the barriers to entry, Hugging Face fosters a more inclusive AI ecosystem, allowing you to actively participate in and benefit from the AI revolution. Whether you are a developer or a business owner, platforms like Hugging Face provide the tools to turn ideas into reality. How to Use AI Effectively Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by reading more of our detailed content. Open source AI and Licensing: A Collaborative Future Open source AI platforms are transforming how AI is developed and deployed. These platforms allow you to download, modify, and run AI models locally, offering greater privacy, control, and customization. Licensing frameworks, such as MIT and Apache, encourage collaboration while protecting intellectual property. This open approach accelerates innovation and ensures that AI remains accessible to a broader audience. By engaging with open source communities, you can contribute to innovative advancements while benefiting from shared knowledge and resources. Open source AI not only provide widespread access tos technology but also fosters a culture of collaboration and transparency, which is essential for sustainable progress. AI's Role in Education and Creativity AI is transforming education and creativity, making it easier for you to acquire technical skills and explore new creative possibilities. Tools like AI-assisted coding platforms and generative design software enable non-technical individuals to tackle complex projects with ease. For instance: Educators are using AI to personalize learning experiences, tailoring content to individual needs and improving student outcomes. are using AI to personalize learning experiences, tailoring content to individual needs and improving student outcomes. Artists are using AI to experiment with new forms of expression, pushing creative boundaries and redefining artistic possibilities. By fostering adaptability and innovative thinking, these tools prepare you and future generations for an AI-driven future. The integration of AI into education and creative fields highlights its potential to empower individuals and unlock new opportunities. Robotics and AI: A Synergistic Integration The integration of robotics and AI is advancing rapidly, with household robots expected to become mainstream in the near future. Open source robotics platforms are making these technologies more accessible, allowing you to customize robots for specific tasks. Whether automating household chores or enhancing industrial processes, robotics powered by AI is set to transform how we interact with machines. By understanding and using these technologies, you can improve efficiency and quality of life. Robotics and AI together represent a powerful combination that has the potential to transform industries and redefine daily living. Emerging Trends in AI AI models are becoming smaller, more efficient, and increasingly embedded in everyday devices—a trend known as embedded AI. This development enables seamless integration into smartphones, appliances, and other technologies you use daily. Beyond convenience, AI is driving breakthroughs in critical fields such as: Material science: AI-powered simulations are accelerating the discovery of new materials with unique properties. AI-powered simulations are accelerating the discovery of new materials with unique properties. Energy: Predictive models are optimizing energy usage, reducing waste, and advancing renewable energy solutions. Predictive models are optimizing energy usage, reducing waste, and advancing renewable energy solutions. Healthcare: AI is improving patient outcomes through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and drug discovery. These advancements highlight AI's potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. By staying informed and engaged, you can contribute to meaningful progress in these fantastic areas. Societal Implications and the Human Element As automation reshapes industries, society must adapt to new realities. Governments and organizations face the challenge of addressing job displacement, ethical concerns, and the need for reskilling while fostering innovation. For you, this means focusing on areas where human skills—such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking—remain irreplaceable. The rise of automation may also lead to a greater emphasis on creativity and entertainment, opening doors to new forms of expression and connection. By cultivating these uniquely human abilities, you can ensure your relevance in an increasingly automated world. Balancing the use of AI with the cultivation of your unique skills and perspectives ensures that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a replacement for human ingenuity. Thriving in an AI-Driven Future The insights shared by industry leaders, such as Thomas Wolf of Hugging Face, emphasize the importance of embracing AI responsibly while fostering innovation, creativity, and adaptability. By using open source platforms, mastering AI tools, and focusing on areas where human skills excel, you can navigate the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future. As AI continues to evolve, its impact will extend far beyond automation, shaping industries, education, and society in profound ways. Understanding these changes and positioning yourself to thrive in this dynamic landscape will be key to success. By combining the power of AI with the enduring value of human connection, you can harness technology to create a future that is both innovative and inclusive. Media Credit: Silicon Valley Girl Filed Under: AI, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Hawaii becomes latest tourist spot to tackle effect of holiday rentals
Lawmakers on Maui passed legislation on Thursday aimed at eliminating a large percentage of the Hawaiian island's vacation rentals to address a housing shortage exacerbated by the wildfire that destroyed most of Lahaina two years ago. It's the latest action by a top global tourist destination to push back against the infiltration of vacationers into residential neighborhoods and tourism overwhelming their communities. In May, Spain ordered Airbnb to block more than 65,000 holiday listings on its platform for having violated rules. Last month, thousands of protesters in European cities like Barcelona and Venice, Italy, marched against the ills of overtourism. The Maui County Council's housing committee voted 6-3 to pass the bill, which would close a loophole that has allowed owners of condos in apartment zones to rent their units for days or weeks at a time instead of a minimum of 180 days. The mandate would take effect in the West Maui district that includes Lahaina in 2028. The rest of the county would have until 2030 to comply. The council still needs to vote on the bill, but the committee's result is a strong indication of the final outcome because all nine council members sit on the housing panel. The mayor is expected to sign the bill, which he proposed. "Bill 9 is a critical first step in restoring our commitment to prioritize housing for local residents — and securing a future where our keiki can live, grow, and thrive in the place they call home,' Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement, using the Hawaiian word for children. Vacation rentals currently account for 21% of all housing in the county, which has a population of about 165,000 people. An analysis by University of Hawaii economists predicted the measure would add 6,127 units to Maui's long-term housing stock, increasing supply by 13%. Opponents questioned whether local residents could afford the condos in question, noting that many of the buildings they are in are aging and their units come with high mortgages, insurance payments, maintenance and special assessment costs. Alicia Humiston said her condo is in a hotel zone so it won't be affected. But she predicted the measure will will hurt housekeepers, plumbers, electricians and other small business owners who help maintain vacation rentals. 'It's not what's best for the the community,' said Humiston, who is president of the Rentals by Owner Awareness Association. Bissen proposed the legislation last year after wildfire survivors and activists camped out on a beach popular with tourists to demand change. The University of Hawaii study said because only about 600 new housing units are built in the county each year, converting the vacation rentals would be equivalent to a decade's worth of new housing development. Condo prices would drop 20-40%, the study estimated. The report also predicted one-quarter of Maui County's visitor accommodations would disappear and visitor spending would sink 15%. It estimated gross domestic product would contract by 4%. The mayor said such economic analysis failed to tell a full story, noting families are torn apart when high housing costs drive out relatives and that cultural knowledge disappears when generations leave Maui. The mayor told the council the bill was one part of a broader housing strategy that would include building new housing, investing in infrastructure and stopping illegally operated vacation rentals. He said there were limits to how much new housing could be built because of constraints on water supplies and sewer infrastructure. Tourism would continue on Maui but must do so in a way 'that doesn't hollow out our neighborhoods,' the mayor said. The mayor's staff told council members that visitor spending would decline with the measure but most of the drop would be on lodging. Because 94% of those who own vacation rentals in apartment zones don't live on Maui, they said much of this income already flows off-island. They predicted the county budget could withstand an estimated $61 million decline in annual tax revenue resulting from the measure.
