If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Google has found itself yet another election to “support.” After the company made announcements to this effect related to the EU (European Parliament) June ballot, voters in the UK can now also look forward to – or dread, as the case may be – the tech giant’s role in their upcoming general election. A blog post by Google UK Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy Katie O’Donovan announced even more “moderation” and a flurry of other measures, most of which have become tried-and-tested instruments of Google’s censorship over the past years. They are divided in three categories – pushing (“surfacing”) content and sources of information picked by Google as authoritative and of high quality, along with YouTube information panels, investing in what it calls Trust & Safety operations, as well as “equipping campaigns with the best-in-class security tools and training.” Another common point is combating “misinformation” – together with what the blog post refers to as “the wider ecosystem.” That concerns Google News Initiative and PA Media, a private news agency, and their Election Check 24, which is supposed to safeguard the UK election from “mis- and dis-information.” Searches related to voting are “rigged” to return results manipulated to boost what Google considers authoritative sources – notably, the UK government’s site. As for AI, the promise is that users of Google platforms will receive “help navigating” that type of content. This includes the obligation for advertisers to reveal that ads “include synthetic content that inauthentically depicts real or realistic-looking people or events” (this definition can easily be stretched to cover parody, memes, and similar). “Disclosure” here, however, is still differentiated from Google’s outright ban on manipulated media that it decides “misleads people.” Such content is labeled, and banned if considered as having the ability to maybe pose “a serious risk of egregious harm.” And then there’s Google’s AI chatbot Gemini, which the giant has restricted in terms of what types of election-related queries it will respond to – once again, as a way to root out “misinformation” while promoting “fairness.” This falls under what the company considers to be “a responsible approach to generative AI products.” But as always, AI is also seen as a “tool for good” – for example, when it allows for building “faster and more adaptable enforcement systems.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Google Tightens Influence on UK Elections with New “Moderation” Tactics appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

Zelensky Accuses China of Tanking Peace Talks

The male passenger who jumped off the largest cruise ship on Sunday plunged to his death after falling 90 feet and hitting the water. The New York Post reported that the cruise ship's staff knew what transpired before the man hit the water.The passenger jumped from the fifth level of Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas on the first day of the week-long journey. The report mentioned that each deck on the ship is about 20 feet, which means the man fell approximately 90 feet into the water. The passenger has not yet been identified. 'We knew what had happened literally seconds after he hit the water.'After the man dropped into the water, the ship was stopped for around two hours so a recovery effort could be completed, according to WFLA. According to crew members, the man was soon transported in a van to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office.The police arrived on the scene and took statements from those who witnessed the tragic event. They also obtained surveillance footage of the incident.The man jumped from the ship on May 26, which set off the overboard detection system. The onboard staff immediately took action, according to a security team member.“We knew what had happened literally seconds after he hit the water," one source said. "The protocol is that we’re supposed to immediately make visual contact to see if we can spot him."“It’s the captain’s call whether to stop and turn around, and he did,” he added.After the security team was notified of the incident, they prepared a rescue boat and went out to retrieve the man.The ship includes what is called a Category 6, which Royal Caribbean notes as the "largest waterpark at sea." The ship can hold up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members, per WFLA. Following the incident, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean issued the following statement: “The ship’s crew immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard and launched a search and rescue operation. Our Care Team is actively providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”One source indicated that the man was likely not alive when the rescue team pulled him out of the water.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

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You only need a few ingredients to make this Taco Dip that is so creamy! It’s also a quick appetizer to make since it doesn’t need to be heated! A 5 MINUTE CHIP DIP Hosting a party, bbq, get together, or just need a fun and delicious cold chip dip? Try this easy Creamy Taco Dip to fill any of your dip needs. In the summertime, you don’t always want a warm dip. This gives you all those taco flavors but without being hot! This chip dip comes together in just 5 minutes and is perfect for entertaining or just when you want a delicious snack. I love the flavors and how simple this dip is to make and even easier to customize to your tastebuds! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  Can I make this into a warm dip instead? You bet! I think this can easily be a warm dip. Add everything to a skillet, sauce pan or even a little crock pot (like I do in my Crock Pot Queso Dip), over medium heat and stir until combined and warmed up. It just needs to be heated up slowly because you don’t want the sour cream to curdle. I think if this is done as a warm dip, it would be SO good with some cooked and crumbled ground beef added! What if I don’t want a spicy taco dip? Not a problem! If you want a more tame Creamy Taco Dip, try using a mild taco seasoning packet or make your own more mild seasoning and go for a mild can of Rotel or salsa instead. Can I make this spicier? Always! If you want that extra pop of spice or heat, make your taco seasoning spicier, add some cayenne pepper, toss in some of your favorite hot sauce, or even try adding in some chipotle powder to the creamy dip. Swap the cheddar out for pepper Jack cheese or add some diced hot peppers to the dip. Can I swap out the cheddar cheese? Yes. If you want something a bit different try any of these ideas: pepper jack, white cheddar, monterey jack, colby jack or even gouda! How to store leftover Taco Dip? Any leftover dip should be stored in an airtight container or in a bowl wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. It is not recommended to freeze this taco dip. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) sour cream – there’s not real substitute for this other than plain Greek yogurt. I suppose you could try mayonnaise. cream cheese– softened to room temperature. Don’t worry, if you forget to pull it out ahead of time, I can help you with my tips on How to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly. fire-roasted corn – regular corn can be used as well. Rotel – If you want, you can certainly use salsa as a substitute which is so good too! shredded cheddar cheese– if you want more of a kick to this dip, swap the shredded cheddar for some pepper Jack cheese instead. taco seasoning– you can use store-bought or my homemade Taco Seasoning salt, pepper and smoked paprika – if you don’t like the smoky flavor, just use plain paprika. fresh chopped cilantro – I know cilantro is a love/hate food so if you don’t like it, just leave it out. HOW TO MAKE CREAMY TACO DIP To a bowl, add the sour cream, cream cheese, corn, Rotel, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until combined. I found this easiest to do with an electric hand mixer. If serving immediately, add the cilantro and stir to combine. If you are making ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving, add the cilantro and mix it in well. Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips or rippled potato chips! CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Warm Taco Bean Dip Refried Bean Dip 7 Layer Dip Cups Queso Dip Million Dollar Dip Crock Pot Smoked Queso Dip Crock Pot Chorizo Queso Dip Crock Pot White Queso Dip White Pizza Dip Pineapple Dip Taco Pasta Salad Print Creamy Taco Dip You only need a few ingredients to make this Taco Dip that is so creamy! It's also a quick appetizer to make since it doesn't need to be heated! Course AppetizerCuisine American Prep Time 5 minutes minutesTotal Time 5 minutes minutes Servings 12 servings Calories 214kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients16 ounce container sour cream8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature14.75 ounce can fire-roasted corn, drained10 ounce can Rotel, drained8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese1 ounce packet taco seasoning¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon smoked paprika2 Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional) InstructionsTo a bowl, add 16 ounce container sour cream, 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 14.75 ounce can fire-roasted corn, drained, 10 ounce can Rotel, drained, 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, 1 ounce packet taco seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well until combined. I found this easiest to do with an electric hand mixer. If serving immediately, add 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro and stir to combine. If you are making ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving, add the cilantro and mix it in well.Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips or rippled potato chips! Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 510mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

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Sometimes, one creative team lays down the perfect foundation for another set of brilliant minds to add an exceptional twist. One of the strongest examples of this remains “Mandy” as sung by Barry Manilow, but that is just one part of thie track’s remarkable story. Before there was “Mandy” performed by Manilow, there was “Brandy,” written by Scott English and Richard Kerr. On top of having multiple hands shaping it, this song is also quite the globetrotter; the first recording was done all the way in New Zealand in 1972 by an artist named Bunny Walters. Two years later, we’d finally get the Manilow version that really put Mandy, Brandy—whoever they may be—on the map. “Brandy” transformed into “Mandy” in time to be sung by Barry Manilow Even the early origin stories of “Brandy” are as sensational as the rest of its journey to Manilow. Composer English enjoyed swift triumph when “Brandy” was released, with the song reaching number 12 in the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S., it made it to the Hot 100, but stayed near the bottom. But don’t worry, it’s time as an international hit was fast approaching. RELATED: Marvin Gaye Singing “What’s Going On” Live Is The Performance All The World Should Watch But first, a local reporter wanted to know more about this regional sensation, and so-called up English way before decent folk would be awake, all to ask about the inspiration behind the song. Irritated, English fibbed and said Brandy was his dog. This wasn’t the case but the story stuck around as a kind of urban myth for years to come. On the contrary, it ended up rooted in his own life, with the face in the window belonging to his father. The international hit wasn’t a favorite for everyone at first Scott English was initially less than thrilled about this version / Lisette M. Azar/©CBS/courtesy Everett Collection One early detractor of “Brandy” reimagined to “Mandy” by Manilow was none other than English himself. This came from some discontent with his original, meticulously-composed vision getting altered by Manilow, who took out part of a verse and turned it into a bridge. “In the beginning, I hated it,” admitted English, especially with how “real poppy” it made hte song sound. Barry Manilow reforged Brandy into Mandy and made an international sensation / YouTube screenshot Later, however, English ended up quite fond of it for a very relatable reason. The change of opinion happened around when the “checks started coming in.” That’s when English told Manilow, “I ended up loving you buying me houses.” Others were on board with that sentiment too, minus the property acquisition. Manilow’s rendition brought it to U.S. listeners and beyond. His first gold single, “Mandy” ended up also being Manilow’s very first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, if you’ve never realized how happy “Mandy” made you, be sure to relive the upbeat fun and put off getting caught up in a world of uphill climbing, if just for a while. Mandy by Barry Manilow / Wikipedia Click for next Article The post No Matter The Name, Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” Is One We’ll Always Remember appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Dana Daly