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Shopping scams are getting nastier: One victim in Maryland was tricked into paying a fake $0.99 “redelivery fee” and ended up losing $400. USPS and other shipping companies won’t add a shipping charge after the fact. These scams usually come via text, so watch out.
Attn., Windows Insiders: Microsoft’s Recall feature is a privacy nightmare. Even after a backlash forced changes, Recall still captures info like credit cards and Social Security numbers. That’s with the “sensitive info filter” on. Microsoft says they’re fixing it. Again.
🎓 Hit or MIS: It’s a tough job market for computer science grads. The tech hiring boom has gone bust, with mass layoffs and fewer openings. Some opt for a Master of Management Information Systems (MIS) degree to ride out the downturn. These jobs pay roughly $112,000 a year for master’s grads, compared to $72,000 annually with only a bachelor’s degree. I’d rather see you get a cybersecurity or AI degree.
Winning over Americans one check at a time: An Indiana mom raked in $95,000 in five months promoting fashion, beauty and kids’ products on TikTok. Unlike other social platforms with steeper entry requirements, TikTok Shop lets folks with just 1,000 followers start monetizing. Is it worth it for how much data they collect? Up to you. Here’s the signup link.
It kills your brain cells: Glyphosate, the most used weed killer in the world, has been linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s in Roundup and so many other brands. A new study from Arizona State University (my alma mater!) says the chemical leads to long-term damage, even with brief exposures. The EPA’s stance? Low levels are safe.
🤑 New year, new (higher) prices: YouTube TV subscriptions are getting a $10 price hike to $82.99 per month starting in January. It’s the second increase in less than a year. At launch in 2017, YouTube TV was just $34.99 monthly. Oof, that’s a 137% jump. They say the decision wasn’t made “lightly” (with dollar signs in their eyes). It’s time to decide if you really need it.
💸 Another flop for Harry and Meghan: Their $100 million Netflix deal is on shaky ground. “Polo,” their new series focusing on the world of elite equestrian sports, has been ridiculed by critics as “unintentionally hilarious.” I tried to watch it, but it was so bad. The couple never did the animated series Netflix signed for, either. Meghan’s reputation as being extremely difficult to work with isn’t helping matters, and her cooking show is going up in smoke, too. PSA: Working for a living takes up your whole day.