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Hasnain says:

“And while anyone convicted of two or more murders is banned from Facebook, a single homicide won’t get someone exiled from the land of the “Like” button—unless the individual posts an update about it. (The reason: While people may commit a single homicide accidentally or in self-defense, it is easier to establish intent with a multiple murderer; meanwhile, no users are allowed to promote or publicize crime of any kind.)”

Whoa, today I learnt...

Posted on 2018-05-25T03:11:21+0000

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We Sat Down With the ‘Arrested Development’ Cast. It Got Raw.

In a wide-ranging conversation about the new season, cast members got emotional as they discussed accusations of sexual misconduct against Jeffrey Tambor.

Click to view the original at nytimes.com

Hasnain says:

"WALTER: But it’s hard because honestly — Jason says this happens all the time. In like almost 60 years of working, I’ve never had anybody yell at me like that on a set. And it’s hard to deal with, but I’m over it now. I just let it go right here, for The New York Times."

Posted on 2018-05-24T05:06:17+0000

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I.R.S. Warns States Not to Circumvent State and Local Tax Cap

The I.R.S. warned states like New York that efforts to circumvent the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction would not pass muster with the federal government.

Click to view the original at nytimes.com

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China's social credit system has blocked people from taking 11 million flights and 4 million train trips

The social credit system is made up of blacklists punishing citizens for bad behavior by preventing people from traveling, getting loans or jobs, or staying in hotels, and also by limiting internet access. A national system that scores citizens has been compared to "Black Mirror."

Click to view the original at businessinsider.com

Hasnain says:

This is scary.

"Some provinces play a recorded message when someone tries to call a blacklisted debtor, informing the caller that the person they want to speak with has outstanding debts. And in May, a short cartoon with the photographs of debtors' faces began playing at movie theatres, on buses, and on public noticeboards with a voiceover that said: "Come, come, look at these [debtors]. It's a person who borrows money and doesn't pay it back.""

Posted on 2018-05-23T23:43:15+0000

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FBI repeatedly overstated encryption threat figures to Congress, public

The bureau blames a software error for the testimony and speeches given by Director Christopher Wray that inflated the number of locked phones inhibiting investigations.

Click to view the original at washingtonpost.com

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Scientist reveals likely cause of childhood leukemia: Landmark paper sets out 'unified theory' for cause of childhood leukemia -- and finds it is likely to be preventable

A major new analysis reveals for the first time the likely cause of most cases of childhood leukemia, following more than a century of controversy about its origins.

Click to view the original at sciencedaily.com

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Saints and Charlatans

Saints and Charlatans’ by Sarim Baig is a collection of interlinked stories set in contemporary Pakistani Punjab. It explores how the increasing intolerance of society compels individuals to become either saints or charlatans, and how it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference. In t...

Click to view the original at amazon.com

Hasnain says:

I finally finished this book yesterday. It was really refreshing to read something set in Pakistan - and not only that, but a collection of short stories that are intriguing, deep, and thought provoking at the same time.

Not only that - the stories are in the same setting and are connected, which is a technical feat I’m impressed by.

Thanks for writing such a great set of stories, Sarim :)

Oh and it’s free if you’re on kindle unlimited. What are you waiting for?

Posted on 2018-05-22T04:28:05+0000

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Coming to Netflix: The Obamas Sign Deal to Produce Show

Mr. Obama has told associates that he does not intend to use the new platform to wage a public campaign against his successor in the Oval Office.

Click to view the original at nytimes.com

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