Mark Zuckerberg says ‘it’s time to move on’ from Elon Musk cage fight

Mark Zuckerberg says Elon Musk “isn’t serious” about a cage fight and “it’s time to move on” from their proposed showdown, the details of which were never nailed down.

“Elon won’t confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead,” the Meta chief executive wrote on social platform Threads Sunday.

“If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”

Zuckerberg, 39, had previously proposed August 26 for the fight, but said Musk, 52, hadn’t confirmed.

Last week, Musk wrote that the possible showdown would be streamed on X, formerly known as Twitter, which he owns. Musk said he was “lifting weights throughout the day, preparing for the fight,” adding “all proceeds will go to charity for veterans.”

Zuckerberg, a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, won gold and silver in two featherweight white belt categories at a California martial arts tournament in May.

In June, the two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to face each other in a cage fight. The stakes for the potential clash were raised last month when Meta launched Threads, seen as a direct competitor to Twitter.

On July 10, a few days after launch, Zuckerberg said more than 100 million people had signed up for the platform, making it one of the fastest-growing apps in history.

But weeks later, industry estimates showed that Threads was struggling to retain users and that engagement had fallen to new lows.

Explosion likely brought down aircraft purportedly carrying Wagner boss, flight data and video analysis suggest

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There is a puff of white and then a plane can be seen falling, a trail of smoke or vapor stretching behind it, descending rapidly against a bright blue sky. The person filming the video zooms in as the aircraft spirals downwards out of control, revealing that it is missing a wing.
The footage, published by Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti, appears to show the moments before a private plane purportedly carrying mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed in a field northwest of Moscow, while en route to St. Petersburg.
CNN has reviewed flight data and videos, and interviewed aviation and explosive experts, to piece together what happened in the minutes leading up to the crash. The analysis suggests that the private aircraft experienced at least one “catastrophic inflight incident” before it dropped out of the sky. Available video does not show that catastrophic event.
A passenger manifest released by Russia’s civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, on Wednesday showed that Prigozhin’s name and that of Wagner’s top commander, Dmitry Utkin, were among the seven passengers and three crew members, all of whom Russia’s emergency services ministry said were killed.
Russian authorities have yet to officially confirm Prigozhin’s death but, acknowledging the crash in public comments on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to him in the past tense.
Rosaviatsia said it had launched an investigation into “the circumstances and causes of the accident.” The Investigative Committee has also launched a criminal probe.
The crash came two months to the day after Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s military leadership, posing an unprecedented challenge to Putin’s authority.
The Pentagon said on Thursday that Prigozhin was “likely” killed in the crash. US and western intelligence officials that CNN has spoken to believe it was deliberate. Officials said that it was too early to determine what brought the plane down, but that one possibility being explored was an on-board explosion.
There’s been plenty of speculation. But no evidence has been presented pointing to the involvement of the Kremlin or Russian security services in the crash.
Experts interviewed by CNN say that available evidence indicates that the crash was unlikely to have been caused by a mechanical failure. The dramatic descent of the plane, the way that it broke apart in the air and the extent of the debris field point to an explosion, they said.
Flight data shows a ‘dramatic descent’
The private Embraer Legacy 600 (RA-02795) linked to Prigozhin, which took off from Moscow shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, showed no sign of any problems before a precipitous drop, flight-tracking data shows.
Flightradar24, a site that tracks real-time aircraft information, said in a report on Wednesday that the plane reached a cruising altitude of 28,000 feet at 6:11 p.m. Moscow time, moving at a speed of 590 miles per hour.
Then, at 6:19 p.m. local time, the plane made erratic climbs and descents, at one point soaring to over 30,000 feet before suddenly falling 8,000 feet in about 30 seconds. When the plane transmitted the last data, it had fallen to an altitude of 19,725 feet. According to CNN’s analysis of available flight data, the plane traveled another 30 miles before it crashed.
“Even though the aircraft was not transmitting position information, other data like altitude, speed, vertical rate, and autopilot settings were broadcast. It is this data that provides some insight into the final moments of the flight,” Flightradar24 said in the report, noting that the data showed a “dramatic descent.”
The flight’s final fluctuations in altitude are highly unusual, one aviation expert told CNN, and suggest that the pilot was trying to stabilize the plane before the crash.
“Explosive decompression, like if a door blew off or if they had the explosion underneath a wheeled carriage … They would need to be able to keep control of the plane sufficiently to keep that altitude and not just drop like a stone,” said Steffan Watkins, an open-source research consultant who tracks aircraft and ships.
The ill-fated luxury jet was identified by Flightradar24 with registration RA-02795, the same plane previously believed to have carried Prigozhin to Belarus after a deal brokered to end the mutiny required the Wagner chief and his fighters to relocate to the country. Over the last two months, Russia observers and aviation experts have tracked the Embraer jet flying back and forth between Russia and Belarus, often turning off its transponder to obscure its location.
CNN has previously reported that US and European intelligence officials had been tracking the plane’s movements but could not say for sure at the time whether Prigozhin was on board.
“He uses it as a deception tactic,” a US official told CNN then about why Prigozhin’s exact whereabouts were hard to track by plane.
Experts say videos point to explosion midair
Two videos, geolocated by CNN near the crash site, show the plane, with a distinctive blue tail, dropping out of the sky. Its fuselage – the aircraft’s main body section – appears to be in one piece, but it is missing a wing.
Footage from the crash site, shared on Telegram by an activist monitoring group, the Belarusian Hajun Project, showed the plane’s fuselage. In the clip, the last four digits of the plane’s registration number can be seen on what remained of the engine, as the wreckage burned: 2795.
Credit: Belarusian Hajun project
Other videos and photos shared on Telegram, a messaging app, show debris from the plane scattered in four locations across a roughly 2-mile radius just outside the village of Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region. The aircraft’s fuselage was found in a field, its tail section discovered nearby. Some smaller debris landed in a residential area, and the wing was found in a river, according to CNN’s analysis of the visual evidence and Planet Labs satellite imagery.
Markus Schiller, a Europe-based missile expert who has worked on analysis for NATO and the European Union, told CNN that the available videos and the fact that multiple debris fields were spread over a wide area point to a “forceful explosion.”
“The plane’s tail and wing can only have been separated from the plane by an explosion. It remains unclear whether this was a bomb on the plane or a missile, but the tail and wing can’t have fallen off any other way,” Schiller said.
CNN could not confirm how the plane was downed, but Schiller and several other experts suggested that the crash was caused by at least one cataclysmic event that occurred midair.
Robert Schmucker, a rocket expert who advises NATO and the United Nations, said that while the crash requires a thorough, on-the-ground investigation and analysis of the black box, or flight data recorders, to determine the cause, available evidence indicates that the plane was likely downed by an explosion rather than mechanical failure.
“Planes such as this one don’t just fall out of the sky. Neither bad servicing nor pilot error would have the effect we’ve seen, namely the wing falling off and there appearing to be an explosion in the sky. This plane definitely didn’t fall apart due to mechanical or weather issues,” Schmucker told CNN.
He added that, based on the footage and appearance of the debris, it didn’t appear that the plane was hit by a rocket or air defense missile.
The Embraer Legacy 600 model that crashed had, as of 2021, only recorded one accident in over two decades of service, and it was not a result of mechanical failure, according to the website International Aviation HQ. Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer said in a statement to CNN that it has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia, and suspended its support service, which includes maintenance, to the aircraft linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2019.
Several residents who lived near the crash site described hearing explosions before seeing the plane plummet to the ground.
A woman from Kuzhenkino told RIA Novosti that she heard an airplane near her house, which is located about 1,000 feet from the place where the tail part of the Embraer is now lying.
“Then came something like a bang, like a shot. Then suddenly an explosion, I look up and heard a sound above me - it was like pops, like several explosions,” she said. “The plane started to swerve. Then a plume of smoke emerged, and the plane began to descend, to dive.”
Given the safety record of the modern Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft, Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, an aviation expert, and professor at the University of North Dakota, said that there were only three realistic options for how the crash occurred: an explosive device on the plane, a missile, or an in-air collision.
But he indicated that the latter two were less likely, given the degree of damage that you would expect to see from a missile impact, and that air traffic control would have likely picked up a collision on its radar, unless it was with a drone.

“It is very difficult to understand what happened without a proper investigation,” he said, adding: “The aircraft has suffered serious catastrophic inflight break up.”

Ahsoka: An Ambitious Addition to the Star Wars Universe

In the realm of television shows, Star Wars finds itself in a familiar place, echoing the trajectory of Marvel superhero series – ardently embraced by dedicated fans, yet somewhat overwhelming for the more casual viewer. Enter "Ahsoka," the latest addition to the Star Wars saga. As it aims to carve its niche, the question arises: will it captivate a broader audience like "Andor" or "The Mandalorian," or will it become a fan-exclusive venture akin to "The Book of Boba Fett"?

Following a two-episode premiere introducing us to the new escapades of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), the verdict is still out. "Ahsoka" boasts glimmers of the energy that propelled "Andor" and early "Mandalorian," but it shares a common pitfall with the less successful Star Wars ventures: an excessive reverence for franchise lore that takes the viewer's interest for granted.
Our protagonist, Ahsoka, is a former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, who, as we know, eventually becomes Darth Vader. An enigmatic character, Ahsoka is a mentor, vigilante, and fixer rolled into one. While she carries a sense of serenity and determination, she navigates a time marked by fragile progress. The menacing Galactic Empire may have fallen, but concerns of its resurgence linger. Ahsoka's mission centers on finding and neutralizing Grand Admiral Thrawn, an exiled Empire stalwart. To locate him, she seeks an ancient map believed to unveil his whereabouts. A contest ensues as dark mercenaries with Jedi-like abilities show interest in the map, though the pace of this pursuit may leave viewers yearning for swifter progression.
Set in a galaxy distant enough to have missed the memo on the art of brevity in screenwriting, "Ahsoka" occasionally dwells longer than necessary on scenes. For instance, when Ahsoka explores an abandoned underground hub on a desolate planet, the meticulous attention to detail is evident. The scene, like the show itself, is exquisitely designed. Yet, the slow pace of events may lead uninitiated viewers to question why they're dedicating substantial time to watch a character uncover a map.
Eventually, a trio emerges, presenting the potential for nuanced character dynamics. Ahsoka, the maternal figure, teams up with her former protege Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), a talented yet unpredictable warrior. They're joined by Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a New Republic general who offers reliable assistance. While the premise is promising, Ahsoka's enigma and Hera's initial lack of depth can be distracting.
The show doesn't shy away from action, with Sabine's impulsiveness often leading to hoverbike duels and chase sequences. Ahsoka herself showcases her unique fighting style, wielding a lightsaber in a reverse grip. Amidst these thrilling moments, a visit to a bustling port provides insights reminiscent of "Andor," highlighting the perpetual battle against fascism.
With its foundation laid, "Ahsoka" could flourish by channeling the sprightly and entertaining essence of Star Wars at its best. Regrettably, the show misses the opportunity to fully leverage characters like Huyang, a droid voiced by David Tennant. Huyang's potential comedic flair is constrained by lines that lack punch, echoing a broader tendency in the series to overexplain.
"Ahsoka" resides on Disney+. While the show exhibits promise, it's evident there's room for improvement. A dash of spontaneity and a willingness to break free from constraints could elevate "Ahsoka" to the stellar heights of the Star Wars universe.

Safe Investment Strategies: A Guide to Secure Investing

Investing is a powerful tool for building wealth over time, but the potential risks can sometimes be daunting. For those seeking safety and stability in their investment journey, there are strategies that prioritize preserving capital while still offering reasonable returns. In this article, we'll explore some safe investment approaches that can help you navigate the investment landscape with confidence.

**1. Diversification: The Foundation of Safety

2. Bonds: Stability and Income

3. Dividend Stocks: Reliable Returns

4. Dollar-Cost Averaging: Smoothing Out Volatility

5. High-Yield Savings Accounts and CDs: Capital Protection

6. An Emergency Fund: Your Financial Safety Net

7. Seek Professional Advice: Expert Guidance

8. Stay Informed: Knowledge is Key

Conclusion

Investing with safety in mind requires thoughtful planning and a focus on protecting your capital. By diversifying your portfolio, considering stable assets like bonds and dividend stocks, and seeking advice from financial professionals, you can build a solid investment foundation. Remember, no investment is entirely without risk, but by employing these strategies, you can work towards your financial goals with a greater sense of security.

Best Investments: A Guide to Building a Strong and Diverse Portfolio

Investing is a smart way to grow your money over time. However, with a wide range of investment options available, how can you choose the best investments that align with your financial goals? In this article, we will discuss some of the best types of investments and provide tips for building a strong and diverse portfolio.

1. Stocks

Investing in stocks is one of the most common ways to participate in a company's growth. By owning shares of a company, you have the potential to profit from stock price appreciation and dividend payments. It's important to research the companies you're considering buying stocks in and understand the risks involved. You might also consider investing in stock index funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide broader exposure to the overall stock market.

2. Bonds

Bonds are debt securities issued by governments or corporations. In exchange for buying a bond, you lend money to the bond issuer with the promise of receiving interest payments over a specified period. Bonds are considered a more stable investment compared to stocks and can provide a regular income stream.

3. Real Estate Investment

Investing in real estate can involve owning physical properties like apartments, houses, or commercial spaces. Real estate can provide passive income through rent and also has the potential for property value appreciation over time. It's a good option for diversifying your portfolio, but it also requires careful research and management.

4. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from various investors to invest in a variety of assets such as stocks, bonds, or a combination of both. There are actively managed mutual funds overseen by investment managers and index funds that track the performance of market indices. This can be an efficient way to diversify your portfolio without having to manage investments directly.

5. Self-Investment

Education and self-improvement are also important investments. Taking opportunities to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, or undergo training can have a positive impact on your long-term earning potential.

Tips for Building a Strong and Diverse Portfolio:

• Diversification: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across various asset classes to reduce risk.
• Investment Goals: Set your short-term and long-term investment goals. Are you investing for retirement, your children's education, or other purposes?
• In-Depth Research: Conduct thorough research before investing in any asset. Understand the potential rewards and risks involved.
• Consistency: Successful investing requires discipline. Making regular contributions to your portfolio can help generate better results over time.
• Consultation with Professionals: If you're unsure, consider consulting a financial advisor or investment expert to receive advice tailored to your financial situation.

Investing is a long-term commitment and comes with risks. It's important to have a strong understanding of the investment instruments you choose and to plan carefully according to your financial goals. By building a diverse and intelligent portfolio, you can create opportunities to achieve financial security and growth in the long run.