Cody C. Platt, Author at Adoption Links

Goldman Sachs releases new font you’re not allowed to criticize Goldman Sachs with

Investment bank Goldman Sachs has released its very own typeface: an inoffensive set of sans-serif fonts dubbed Goldman Sans. But in the spirit of bankers everywhere, these fonts come with a catch in the contract. As their license states, you’re free to use Goldman Sans for just about anything you like so long as you don’t use it to criticize Goldman Sachs.

Just by downloading the package of fonts, you agree to these terms and conditions. And although Goldman Sans is nominally a free font, Goldman Sachs retains complete control over the license, allowing it terminate usage for any reason it likes.

Here are the relevant passages from the license:

C.c. The User may not use the Licensed Font Software to disparage or suggest any affiliation with or endorsement by Goldman Sachs.

D.2 This License shall terminate and become null and void for any use that does not comply with any of the conditions in this License. Further, Goldman Sachs may terminate this License, without notice to the User, for any reason or no reason at all and at any time, completely at Goldman Sachs’s sole discretion

*For the pedants in the comments: Goldman Sans is a typeface with 10 fonts of differing weights and styles.*

It’s a fitting bit of low-grade legal shithousing from a company that was most memorably described as “a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money.” This little contractual clause was spotted by Twitter user Matt Round and picked up by BoingBoing, where The Verge saw it.

Of course, no one should be particularly surprised that a bit of marketing fluff to bolster Goldman Sachs’ brand doesn’t actually mean the company is engaging with egalitarian design principles. But the license raises an interesting question: how much disparagement will Goldman Sachs allow before it terminates the font’s use?

What if you took, for example, the noticeably lengthy “Controversies and legal issues” section of Goldman Sachs’ Wikipedia page and rendered that in Goldman Sans? Is that disparagement? I mean, I would personally have my feelings hurt if you talked about how I defrauded customers for profit during the 2008 financial crisis or about my involvement in a “brazen scheme to loot billions of dollars from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.” Then again, I’m not one of the world’s most powerful, long-lived, criticized and maligned but seemingly bulletproof financial institutions. I don’t even have my own font.

8 of the Best Stand-Up Comedians to Watch as a Family

We could all use a few extra laughs right now, but our kids, in particular, have had a rough go of it this year. With a long (boring?) summer still stretching out ahead of us, now is a good time to lighten the mood in the home—with some good old-fashioned stand-up comedy.

Stand-up comedians as a group are not exactly known for being family-friendly. However, there are a few out there who steer clear of profanity and topics that are too mature or inappropriate for kids. One member of our Offspring Facebook Group recently asked for suggestions and the answers came pouring in. Alyssa says:

I’m looking for some recommendations for appropriate stand-up comedians [for an 8- or 9-year-old]. We watched a Jim Gaffigan special with our son and he loved it and has been asking to watch more stand-up, but everything I can think of is totally inappropriate! I figured this group would be the best place to ask!

Here are some of our top picks. Keep in mind that just because a comic’s language is mostly clean doesn’t mean they’re not mature or never offensive. So, as with any new media you introduce your kids to, it’s best to preview it first to make sure it falls in line with your comfort level—and then watch it together as a family so you can explain and discuss anything that might need some extra context.

Brian Regan

Brian Regan was probably the most suggested comic in our Facebook group. Regan is well-known as a sort of sarcastic everyman whose humor appeals to people of all ages. Blake Harper writes this about Regan for Fatherly:

Kids will love especially love Regan because a lot of his best material focuses on him looking back on his childhood. Regan is expert at recontextualizing all the weird stuff kids experience growing up. After all, who can forget Regan musing on trying to survive little league when you’re more focused on snow cones than playing the actual game?

Regan has two specials on Netflix: Nunchucks and Flamethrowers and Stand Up and Away.

Kellen Erskine

Kellen Erskine is a great option for kids just getting into stand-up comedy with topics like high school mascots, shopping carts and penguins. You can find some of his work on the Dry Bar Comedy channel on YouTube, and you can watch Erskine’s 40-minute special on Amazon, recommended for kids ages 7 and older.

Preacher Lawson

Preacher Lawson is best known for his time on America’s Got Talent (he was a finalist in season 12 and came in fifth in America’s Got Talent; The Champions); he’s also had a comedy special, called Get to Know Me, released on BET+ and has a YouTube channel.

Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze has a special on Netflix called The Tennessee Kid that was recommended by a couple of members in our Facebook group. The Tennessee Kid is rated PG and hits on topics that include air travel, cheap weddings, college football and chocolate milk.

Anjelah Johnson

Anjelah Johnson is another brilliant, creative comedian to check out. Harper writes this about her for Fatherly:

She may not be a household name like most of the others on the list but early YouTube fans or anyone who watched MadTV will most likely recognize Johnson as the infamous Bon Qui Qui. These days, Johnson mostly does stand-up, which, unsurprisingly features a lot of spot-on character work and goofy voices. Kids probably won’t get all of her jokes but are sure to be cracking up anytime she busts out one of her phenomenal impressions.

Her one-hour special on Netflix, Not Fancy, is rated TV-14.

Ryan Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton is known for his observational, self-deprecating humor—plus the fact that he sounds a LOT like Jerry Seinfeld. Hamilton’s Happy Face special on Netflix, in particular, got a couple of thumbs-up from the Facebook group. The one-hour special is rated TV-14 for “substances,” though, so give it a watch on your own before you let the kids tune in.

Michael Jr.

Comedian Michael Jr. calls his work “comedy that inspires,” with a focus on making sure it’s good for the whole family. He has a podcast, an upcoming movie, his comedy special called Laughing on Purpose, and a YouTube channel stocked with his stand-up work.

Jim Gaffigan

As Alyssa in our group pointed out, Jim Gaffigan is also a good place to start. He’s known as the “King of Clean Comedy,” so you won’t get much more tame in terms of language and topics (largely fatherhood, laziness and food) in a true stand-up comedian. You can find lots of Gaffigan clips on his YouTube Channel, and his Mr. Universe special is available on Netflix.

The Dry Bar channel on YouTube

I mentioned Dry Bar on YouTube earlier as a good place to find Kellen Erskine’s work, and it’s a great spot to find other short stand-up routines or clips from a variety of comedians. If you find a particular comedian there that you and your kids like, Dry Bar has playlists or full specials you can watch, too.

U.S. economy improving; rising COVID-19 cases a threat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales of new U.S. single-family homes increased more than expected in May and business activity contracted moderately this month, suggesting the economy was on the cusp of recovering from the recession caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

FILE PHOTO: Real estate signs advertise new homes for sale in multiple new developments in York County, South Carolina, U.S., February 29, 2020. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

But a resurgence in confirmed coronavirus cases across the country threatens the nascent signs of improvement evident in Tuesday’s economic data. Many states have reported record daily increases in COVID-19 infections, which health experts have blamed on local governments reopening their economies too soon. The economy has stabilized as businesses reopened after closing in mid-March to control the spread of the respiratory illness.

“The renewed upsurge in COVID-19 cases across the South and the West poses a clear downside risk over the coming months but, with a second wave of state-wide lockdowns appearing unlikely for now, we are assuming this will act as a modest drag on the economic recovery, rather than resulting in a renewed downturn,” said Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics.

New home sales jumped 16.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 units last month, the Commerce Department said. New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading housing market indicator. Last month’s increase left sales just shy of their pre-COVID-19 level.

Sales dropped 5.2% in April to a pace of 580,000 units. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new home sales, which account for about 14.7% of housing market sales, rising 2.9% to a pace of 640,000 in May.

New home sales are drawn from building permits. Sales surged 12.7% from a year ago in May. The report followed on the heels of data last week showing home purchase applications at an 11-year high in mid-June and permits rebounding strongly in May.

The broader economy slipped into recession in February, leaving nearly 20 million people unemployed as of May.

In a separate report on Tuesday, data firm IHS Markit said its flash U.S. Composite Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, rose to a reading of 46.8 in June from 37 in May. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in private sector output.

The improvement was led by an ebb in the manufacturing sector downturn, with the flash Purchasing Managers Index climbing to 49.6 from 39.8 in May. The survey’s services sector flash PMI rose to 46.7 from 37.5 in May.

Activity is also picking up around the globe. The IHS Markit’s euro zone Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index recovered to 47.5 from May’s 31.9.

Stocks on Wall Street extended gains on the data and hopes of more fiscal stimulus. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury prices were lower.

UNEMPLOYMENT HURDLE

The market for new homes is being supported by historic low interest rates and a preference among buyers for single-family homes away from city centers as companies allow employees more flexibility to work from home amid the coronavirus crisis.

But with record unemployment and companies freezing hiring to deal with weak demand and keep costs under control, a sharp rebound in the housing market is unlikely.

“If the overall economy seems to be slowing, the public may not be quite as confident about putting a down payment on an expensive new home,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. “Many businesses are insolvent and there will be less spending from unemployed Americans as well that could keep this economic recovery in the slow lane for some time.”

Last month’s increase in new home sales did little to offset a plunge in sales of existing homes in April and May, leaving intact economists’ expectations for a record tumble in residential investment in the second quarter. Homebuilding also rebounded moderately in May after slumping in April.

Last month, new home sales shot up 45.5% in the Northeast and advanced 29% in the West. They rose 15.2% in the South, which accounts for the bulk of transactions, but fell 6.4% in the Midwest.

The median new house price rose 1.7% to $317,900 in May from a year ago. New home sales last month were concentrated in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range.

New homes priced below $200,000, the most sought after, accounted for about 15% of sales.

There were 318,000 new homes on the market in May, down from 325,000 in April. At May’s sales pace it would take 5.6 months to clear the supply of houses on the market, down from 6.7 months in April. Nearly two-thirds of the homes sold last month were either under construction or yet to be built.

Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Andrea Ricci

Trump says he met with families of victims of recent police violence

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing an executive order on police reform at a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he met with the relatives of victims of recent police and other violence, including the family of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed black Georgia man who was killed while jogging in February.

Trump, speaking at a White House event on policing, offered his condolences to the families and vowed to pursue justice before preparing to sign an executive order, reiterating his emphasis on “law and order” amid protests against racism and police brutality.

Reporting by Jeff Mason; writing by Susan Heavey

Nova Scotia researchers to study potential treatments for COVID-19

Led by Dr. Lisa Barrett, the CO-VIC study tests potential therapies and monitors impact on COVID-19 symptoms

NEWS RELEASE

NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY

CO-VIC, the COVID-19 treatment and immunity study, will evaluate effectiveness of treatments for hospitalized patients suffering moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, while helping researchers discover more about immunity to the virus.

CO-VIC is a Nova Scotia-designed study combining both treatment and laboratory science. It is led by Dr. Lisa Barrett, Clinician Scientist, Infectious Diseases, Nova Scotia Health Authority and Dalhousie University. The study is partially funded by the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition.

The CO-VIC study tests potential therapies, and monitors impact on COVID-19 symptoms. When additional cutting-edge therapies become available, they will also be assessed. Personalized measurements of immune response will help develop future therapies and predict when and how severe COVID-19 happens. While the global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is well underway, the discovery science component of the study will advance our understanding of how the immune system responds to the disease and inform development of future treatments and second-wave vaccines.

“As COVID-19 related deaths increase in the older population, in the young who didn’t ever expect to be ill, and in health care workers, our research community feels the overwhelming urgency to protect Nova Scotians with research that tests treatments, predicts disease, and promotes understanding of immunity,” said Dr. Barrett. “We need the best knowledge of treatments and immunity, to save lives now and in the future as we continue to fight COVID-19.”

The treatment study is an integral part of Nova Scotia’s pandemic response. Compared with other provinces, Nova Scotia’s population includes a high proportion of vulnerable individuals who are older, have underlying respiratory conditions, or are immune suppressed. These are all people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease and this work may aid in protecting our population.

Approximately 600 patients located at NSHA sites across the province will participate. Most Nova Scotians will be eligible to take part at hospitals outside traditional research facilities to ensure fair access to research and potential therapies. While data will be gathered from Nova Scotians, for Nova Scotians, the study is designed to mirror larger international trials to promote the comparison of global data. This will allow the research team to leverage international information so it can be applied here in Nova Scotia.

For more information on the study, please visit https://co-vic.ca

Nova Scotia court ruling orders province to better protect endangered species

Justice Christa Brothers says in a ruling issued Friday there has been a ‘chronic and systemic failure’ to take action required under the Endangered Species Act

HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia Supreme Court says the province failed to meet its duty to protect species at risk, and it is ordering the minister of lands and forestry to fulfil his obligations.

Justice Christa Brothers says in a ruling issued Friday there has been a “chronic and systemic failure” to take action required under the Endangered Species Act.

Brothers cites a 2016 report by the provincial auditor general, a followup report by the department on the auditor’s recommendations in 2018 and the 2018 Lahey Report on forestry practices to back her conclusion.

The ruling is the result of a judicial review application by the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists, the Blomidon Naturalists Society, the Halifax Field Naturalists and wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft that was heard last fall.

The groups argued that Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin has failed to meet requirements under the act, including requirements to devise and implement recovery plans for species at risk, create recovery teams and identify core habitats.

They cited six animal and plant species as examples — the mainland moose, Canada warbler, eastern wood pewee, wood turtle, ram’s head lady’s slipper and black ash.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2020.

The Canadian Press

Dropbox announces family plan, password manager, and other security tools

Dropbox has announced a handful of new features for consumers and business users as the cloud storage and productivity platform seeks to capitalize on the remote working boom. The company also announced that a new family plan is in the works that will cover up to six members of a household and allocate individual accounts and logins under a single subscription.

With work and home life blurring for millions of people during lockdown, Dropbox is targeting users across the spectrum with today’s updates. The company is also doubling down on efforts to lure free users onto its paid plans.

First up, the San Francisco-based company is launching a new password management service called Dropbox Passwords, the result of an acquisition it made last year with little fanfare. Last November, Dropbox snapped up Massachusetts-based Valt, which sunsetted its apps ahead of integration with Dropbox.

Similar to other password managers, Dropbox Passwords stores and encrypts users’ online passwords, and it syncs them across all devices to make it easier to log into websites and apps. This requires a separate Dropbox Passwords app, which was quietly launched a couple of weeks back, but it will be available to paid subscribers who log in with their Dropbox credentials.

Above: Dropbox Passwords

A new feature called Dropbox Vault promises to help users securely share access to specific files. The Vault folder sits alongside other files and folders on Dropbox, but it can be protected behind a dedicated PIN code and can only be opened from Dropbox.com and the Dropbox mobile app — the files contained within Dropbox Vault are not stored locally on a user’s desktop.

Above: Dropbox Vault

Finally, Dropbox is also rolling out a new computer backup feature that automatically creates backups of PC or Mac files stored on the desktop, as downloads, or in document folders. These are continuously synced, so if you lose your laptop you will always have a backup stored in the cloud.

Above: Dropbox computer backup tool

All three of these consumer-focused features are available in beta for new Dropbox Plus users on mobile today, and they will be coming to all Dropbox Plus subscribers “in the coming weeks.” The computer backup feature is also available to Dropbox Basic and Professional users from today.

Arguably, one of the most long-awaited Dropbox features for consumers is the Family Plan — this will be made available to Dropbox Plus users in the coming weeks before coming to all Dropbox users later in the year. Essentially, it allows families to share 2 terabytes of storage between individual profiles, with all members able to create “shared spaces” for content such as photos, videos, and documents.

Dropbox confirmed that its Family Plan will cost $17 per month when billed annually or $20 when billed on a month-to-month basis.

Above: Dropbox Family

In the enterprise realm, Dropbox announced it would also embed HelloSign’s e-signature technology as a native feature within Dropbox, more than year after acquiring the company for $230 million. In effect, this makes HelloSign the default e-signature tool for Dropbox.

Finally, Dropbox is introducing a new Dropbox App Center, which serves as a centralized hub for all the tools and integrations from partner organizations, including Slack, Google, and Zoom. The App Center is currently available to a “subset of users” in beta, with more than 40 app partners featured for the inaugural rollout.

It’s Official: The Mac Is Transitioning to Apple-Made Silicon

Apple officially announced that it will move away using Intel processors in its computers and to its own custom-designed chips, and it says those processors will be faster than Intel’s and consume less power. The company is designing a family of SoCs for their Mac product line, so there will now be a common architecture across all product lines, from iOS to Mac.

All of Apple’s apps on Big Sur will run natively on Apple’s custom chips, too. Microsoft will make Office work natively on Apple’s custom ARM processors, and Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro will also run natively on Apple silicon. “Most apps will just work with no changes from developers,” said Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering at Apple Inc.

Big Sur will also include Rosetta 2, which will automatically translate existing Mac apps that haven’t been updated for Apple’s ARM chip. It will also be able to translate games, like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, to run on MacOS Big Sur. It won’t look as nice as on a dedicated GPU, but the demo showcased still looked pretty nice on an integrated GPU at 1080p—certainly better than a similar Windows machine with integrated Intel graphics. The demo Apple showed during the keynote was running on Apple’s Metal API, so technically it was already optimized to work on macOS. However, it would have to still be coded with Intel’s x86 architecture in mind, and that’s where Rosetta 2 comes in: it needs to translate that x86 code to ARM code.

Besides Shadow of the Tomb Raider Apple also showed off three 4K clips running side by side in Final Cut Pro—an impressive feat. However, beyond those two examples, the performance showcases amounted to little more than “it just looks and feels snappier.” Apple will be sending development kits to lucky developers, so hopefully we’ll have a better sense of just how fast these A12Z chips are in the coming months. Which is good because Apple expects to ship its first ARM-powered devices later this year and complete the transition to ARM by 2022.

If you’re a recent adopted of the MacPro that’s definitely a cause for concern—though Apple says it will support Intel-based computers for “years to come.”

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