David Lidsky's Blog, page 174

Shipping is terrible for the environment—but it could be headed for a reckoning

The International Maritime Organization, which regulates international shipping, set a target for the sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by about 2050.

Nations are trying to reach an agreement to charge commercial vessels a fee for their emissions in what would effectively be the world’s first global carbon tax.

Jack Black’s SNL Cheetos sketch is brand spoof brilliance

Flamin’ Hot x Preparation H? A match made in comedy heaven.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen Cheetos and its Flamin’ Hot flavor brand pop up in some fun and unexpected places. There was the Spotted Cheetah pop-up NYC restaurant in 2017. The Hollywood pop-up with chef Roy Choi in 2018 called the Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Spot. A taco at Taco Bell. There was a Forever 21 apparel collection in 2019. A nail polish with Dipwell. A Dr. Squatch soap. And, of course, a pair of Crocs. Parent company Frito-Lay has sprinkled Flamin’ Hot across products like Doritos, Ruffles, Lay’s, Funyuns, Smartfood, and even in a limited edition of Mountain Dew.

‘Teaching people how to avoid scams is better than helping someone who’s lost a ton of money’: Scambaiters are going viral on YouTube

Meet the creators racking up millions of views by wasting scammers’ time and exposing their tricks.

Chances are, you or someone you know has been the target of a scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported scams cost Americans more than $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year. But as scams grow more sophisticated, so do their opponents.

Inside the top-secret area of Disney World that theme park visitors and cast members never see

In Disney World’s Central Shops, electricians, carpenters, and painters construct parts of character costumes and tweak theme-park rides.

Roughly half a mile behind the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Ariel’s Grotto in Walt Disney World sits a nondescript cement warehouse with the words “the can-do people” written on the outside. Should tourists somehow get lost in that corner, located just outside the Magic Kingdom, it’s a place they would never pay attention to. What they might never imagine, however, is that generic building is the lynchpin of the Disney experience.

Why this iconic San Francisco pizza shop is going all in on QR codes—despite the skepticism

Chef Thomas McNaughton’s latest restaurant location needs to pump out pies fast, and it’s using the polarizing tech to help.

To San Francisco chef and restaurateur Thomas McNaughton, QR codes are an efficient way to serve a crowd. Sure, the codes—and restaurants that use them—have endured much loathing. And, yes, people still love to criticize them. But at the newest location of McNaughton’s Flour + Water Pizzeria, set to open later this month, QR codes are the star.

As tornados and flooding hit the U.S., Trump is ending a program that helps cities prepare for disasters

In an internal FEMA memo, the Trump administration announced its plans to dismantle the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is known for responding to extreme weather like hurricanes and wildfires—the kinds of disasters that are becoming more intense and more common as climate change gets worse. The agency also has a program that sends billions of dollars proactively to communities, municipalities, and states so that they can prepare for these events before they hit. 

Here’s how to get the automatic tax return extension if you need more time to file

Two out of every five American taxpayers have not yet filed their 2024 taxes—but it’s not too late to get an extension, as long as you pay what you owe by April 15.

If you’re finding yourself contemplating whether you can get an extension on this year’s tax return, you’re not alone. Forty percent of Americans still haven’t filed.

The legendary Abbey Road Studios reopens after renovation

Six to seven out of every 10 Hollywood films are scored at Abbey Road Studios.

In Abbey Road’s Studio One, even a lick of paint could ruin everything.

A psychologist describes the benefits of being alone

For some people, the shift toward aloneness represents a desire for ‘positive solitude,’ a state that is associated with well-being, not loneliness.

Over the past few years, experts have been sounding the alarm over how much time Americans spend alone.

This ‘White Lotus’ actor isn’t pranking you with Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses

Walton Goggins and GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani talk about their partnership to promote the company’s AI tools—and the ‘White Lotus’ finale.

Walton Goggins has had an incredible run recently. Last year, he anchored Amazon’s Fallout TV show and this year is starring in Season 3 of The White Lotus and the 4th and final season of The Righteous Gemstones. These roles are feathers in the cap of the character actor who’s had star turns in The Shield, Justified, and Vice Principals.