A new report has revealed concerning levels of lead and cadmium in protein powders, particularly those that are plant-based, organic, or chocolate-flavored. The Clean Label Project found organic powders had up to three times more lead and twice as much cadmium as non-organic alternatives. Chocolate-flavored products were especially contaminated, containing four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla varieties. The presence of these heavy metals is linked to the natural absorption by plants from soil contaminated by industrial waste and fertilizers.Â
Joe Rogan’s Spooky LA Fire Warning
Podcaster Joe Rogan’s warning about a catastrophic wildfire in Los Angeles resurfaced as the city faces devastating fires. Rogan had spoken about a firefighter’s prediction that a massive fire could burn through the city under the right conditions. The current wildfires have already claimed lives, destroyed homes, and forced evacuations. Rogan’s comments underscore concerns about the unpredictable nature of wildfires, particularly with high winds in the area.
Musk: We Probably Can’t Cut $2 Trillion from Govt AfterAll
Elon Musk is downplaying the potential for $2 trillion in federal spending cuts through the newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which he co-leads. Musk emphasized the need to reduce government waste to promote economic growth without causing inflation. Despite skepticism, he believes that even a partial success could lead to significant improvements in government spending.
World’s Most Powerful Passport. Do You Have It?
Singapore claimed the top spot for the world’s most powerful passport, tied with Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Singaporean citizens can visit 195 destinations without a visa, while Japan offers access to 193. The Henley Passport Index revealed that the U.S. dropped from second to ninth place over the past decade, while the UAE made significant strides by gaining visa-free access to 72 destinations in the past 10 years.
Avoid These Glitchy, Unsecure New Gadgets
At CES 2024, several products were criticized for being the “Worst in Show.” Among them, the Ultrahuman Rare Luxury Smart Ring was deemed the least repairable, with a battery life of only 500 charges, making it essentially disposable after two years. The Bosch Revol crib, equipped with AI and surveillance features, was criticized for excessive data collection, while TP-Link’s Archer BE900 router was called the “least secure.” These products highlight ongoing concerns about technology’s impact on privacy, sustainability, and security.
