Here are today’s Nerd News! headlines:
“F9” finally hit theaters this past weekend, and it wasn’t much of a race to the top of the box office. The latest installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise earned the biggest opening of the pandemic, making $70-million at domestic theaters.
Star Vin Diesel has reacted to the record-breaking box office debut. He’s declared that “cinema is back!” He’s also shouted out Universal for being “bold” and opting for a theatrical release instead of pushing “F9” straight to streaming.
As for the rest of the top 10, “A Quiet Place Part II” is in the second spot after five weeks in theaters, making another $6-point-two-million this weekend. Rounding out the top five is “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” “Peter Rabbit 2,” and “Cruella”… and in the 10th spot is “Nobody” still going strong after 14 weeks out.”
The days of the average schmo getting into space might be closer than you think, assuming the “average schmo” is willing to spend $125K to get there. Space Perspective plans to give those willing to pay the price a balloon ride into space. The six-hour experience will reportedly float eight passengers up for the adventure of a lifetime…and, yes, there’s a bathroom on the balloon. Launched from Kennedy Space Center, the balloon will travel 100K-feet in the air. From there, it’s all about drifting until you, hopefully, land safely in the ocean at the end of your six-hour space experience. Currently, reservations are being taken whether it’s a research expedition or a high-end wedding party.
As the old saying suggests: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Now come reports of hackers using the allure of free games to pilfer the finances of those rich in cryptocurrency. We’re talking games like “Grand Theft Audio,” “NBA 2K,” and “Pro Evolution Soccer” being offered up as freebies…and those who take advantage, are unaware that those same games are loaded with “potentially devastating malware.” Yup, the nasty stuff designed to “infect your computer,” “access your personal data,” and harvest crypto currency. To date, this malware has heisted a reported $2-million in a crypto currency known as Monero. Remember…very little in this life is free, and this one could cost you dearly