Chinese State Media’s AI News Anchor

Xinhua (China’s state media) in collaboration with Chinese search engine Sogou, has just unveiled its Chinese- and English-speaking AI news anchor. Its evening slot wasn’t just a test run, in fact, “the simulations can be used on its website and social media platforms” now, but there’s no word on whether any TV channels have picked it up. Created to deliver news in a 24-hour cycle, …

Ancient Bathroom Humor Discovered

Uncovered this week in Turkey, inside what was once a Roman latrine, are a bunch of dirty jokes that date back to the second century. Two mosaics depict well-known Greek and Roman characters, Narcissus and Ganymede—only the scenes are a little different than the myths we know. In one, Narcissus is staring at his penis, obsessed; in the other, Ganymede (who was kidnapped by the eagle of Zeus) …

What the Lobster Emoji Means to the Transgender Community

The recent iPhone update included several additions to the emoji keyboard, from ball of wool to an abacus and a pirate flag. Still conspicuously missing—despite it being requested over and over—is the transgender flag. In response, the trans community has decided to use the lobster claw emoji (which was part of the updated) until they get the representation they deserve. Activist and author Charlie Craggs, who …