Author: sparta

claims that Starlink satellites could be harming the ozone layer, to alerts that solar storms might be damaging satellites akin to those utilized by Starlink. Nonetheless, the most recent reports regarding the internet firm and its satellite networks could indicate something significantly more alarming.

As per the information from the Associated Press, Russia may be developing a novel kind of anti-satellite system aimed at satellites similar to those found in Musk’s Starlink constellation. The focus on Starlink might be due to the internet company’s satellites offering satellite internet assistance to Ukraine.

The details revealed in the reports imply that the primary discussion centers around a scheme to deploy thousands of pellets into the same orbit currently occupied by Starlink’s satellites. This reflects a longstanding predicament that troubles numerous scientists, who have persistently raised concerns about the risks associated with excessive debris in Earth’s orbit.

Before Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, DC Gave Superman’s Cousin A Terrible ’80s Film Adaptation

Not all superhero films are of the same caliber. While there are critically lauded hits like Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight,” there are also utterly disastrous movies such as Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin.” Time, critics, and audiences will determine where the upcoming 2026 “Supergirl” film fits into this range, but some fans might find it noteworthy that this superhero has already appeared in a film that was despised by both critics and viewers alike.

In January 2024, we disclosed that Milly Alcock is set to lead DC’s upcoming “Supergirl” film, which is still aimed for a summer 2026 release. However, this marks not the maiden voyage of DC’s heroine onto the silver screen. Supergirl has featured in several “Superman”-related television series — including 2001’s “Justice League” and her own 2015 series on The CW, where she was portrayed by Melissa Benoist — but “Supergirl” also had a cinematic release in 1984, directed by Jeannot Szwarc and featuring Helen Slater.

Critically reviled, we can still inform you where it’s available for streaming if you wish to see it for yourself — just don’t be astonished if you find that the reviews were indeed accurate. For DC films and series, there remains a wealth of DC Universe release dates set for 2026, but Supergirl enthusiasts can enjoy a nostalgic treat with something campy before the 2026 edition premieres.

1984’s Supergirl may have been struck by Kryptonite

While the 2026 rendition of “Supergirl” is helmed by Craig Gillespie — who keen cinema buffs may know as the director of “I, Tonya,” a film about figure skating star Tonya Harding featuring Margot Robbie — the cast also includes Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenarts, and Emily Beecham alongside Milly Alcock. Yet, prior to the “House of the Dragon” actress wearing the cape, “City Slickers” star Helen Slater was the one embodying Supergirl.

The 1984 iteration of “Supergirl” features Slater as Kara, a denizen of Argo City operating under the name Linda Lee, the cousin of Clark Kent — aka Superman. Her objective is to retrieve the Omegahedron — a creation device — which has been stolen by a witch (Faye Dunaway). Besides Dunaway and Slater, the film includes Peter O’Toole, Peter Cook, and Brenda Vaccaro. Presently, the movie possesses a 19% Tomatometer score and a 26% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. In a 1984 critique for Globe and Mail, reviewer Jay Scott noted, “‘Supergirl’ is crafted by individuals who can make a woman fly halfway around the globe and can’t get a plot to stroll down the block.”

For those interested, “Supergirl” is now streaming on HBO Max, but it is also available for rent through Amazon Video and Apple TV. For the time being, you’ll need to await the June 26, 2026 release to see if Milly Alcock can successfully inhabit the role. However, if you feel that the absurdity of the 1984 “Supergirl” won’t satisfy your superhero cravings, perhaps Netflix’s darker version of “The Avengers” might pique your interest.

new, premium electronics, its Kirkland brand is typically linked with home products, like paper towels, pet goods, golf balls, apparel, and even batteries. If Costco stocks a brand, there’s a strong possibility a Kirkland Signature alternative reflects its quality at a reduced price.

Numerous individuals consider Kirkland Signature offerings to be on par with their branded equivalents – and for good cause. Many well-known brands produce Kirkland Signature products, including batteries. In a 2016 discussion with WSB-TV Atlanta, former Costco CEO Craig Jelinek revealed that Duracell manufactures the same Kirkland Signature batteries that you find alongside Duracell batteries on store shelves. Jelinek clarified that the Kirkland Signature brand helps consumers save money by eliminating advertising expenses and opting for straightforward, unadorned packaging. Amazon employs a similar strategy with its own Amazon Basics batteries, produced by Japanese firms.

The battery collaboration is merely the beginning. Starbucks once produced Kirkland Signature Coffee, and the warehouse club’s tuna is sourced from Bumble Bee. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters also serves as the brand behind Kirkland’s K-cups.

unexpectedly fascinating applications beyond gaming that often defy expectations for Valve’s proprietary handheld. A notable instance is the use of the Steam Deck as a portable remote controller for drones in Ukraine. While the Steam Deck does not directly power the drones, Ukrainian troops are utilizing it as an economical, battery-efficient handheld controller to manage ground turrets. 

This integrated system is termed Sablya (or Sable), as indicated by images released by the Ukrainian news outlet TPO Media in 2023. The account also disclosed how the operation functions, stating that the remote-operated turrets can be controlled from a distance of at least half a kilometer (500m) and can also be affixed to vehicles. It’s an unconventional application of the Steam Deck, but due to the open-source characteristics of the platform, there is little Valve can do to intervene. Nevertheless, it undeniably highlights the Steam Deck’s abilities as a remote Linux computer capable of running non-Steam games, even if the context of its application is somewhat more precarious than casual gaming.

necessary Android applications you must begin utilizing today to enhance your efficiency.

where manufacturers deliberately reduce a device’s lifespan to compel consumers to purchase a new one. This can be achieved by causing the device to malfunction or fail frequently, akin to lightbulbs from the 1920s, or through software updates and other gradual modifications. Is this relevant to Roku streaming devices, specifically the Roku Sticks, and what is their actual lifespan? The answer may catch you off guard.

Based on feedback from users and testers, Roku streaming devices do experience a decline in performance over time, but there is a legitimate explanation for this. The software is regularly updated to enhance performance and ensure consistency in media quality, providing upgrades for features like voice search, improvements in 4K performance, support for Bluetooth headphones, and more. As these updates necessitate more advanced hardware, the older hardware in previous models becomes less effective until it eventually requires an upgrade. This does result in a decrease in speed, but it isn’t meant to be intentional.

The typical lifespan for the Roku Express, Streaming Stick, Ultra, and Ultra LT is approximately four to five years, at a minimum. Nonetheless, some users have reported using devices like the Roku 3 for over 10 years without encountering significant performance problems. This does not apply to a Roku TV set, so consider that. This information pertains solely to the standalone Roku streaming devices, but the key point is that Roku streaming devices can feasibly last for over five years (and potentially reach a decade). If you notice any slowdowns, there’s an easy trick that can enhance performance, and it is effective for both Roku TVs and streaming players.