Frankreich: Sicherheitsstaat Nummer 1

Polizei schlägt Schwarzen krankenhausreif. Anlass für die Entladung aufgestauter Aggressionen war, dass der Musikproduzent ohne Gesichtsmaske auf der Straße unterwegs war. Dass es Filmaufnahmen gibt, ist seine Rettung vor weiterem Unglück

Polizei schlägt Schwarzen krankenhausreif. Anlass für die Entladung aufgestauter Aggressionen war, dass der Musikproduzent ohne Gesichtsmaske auf der Straße unterwegs war. Dass es Filmaufnahmen gibt, ist seine Rettung vor weiterem Unglück

How old, ambient Japanese music became a smash hit on YouTube

Exploring the comment-section emotion of music as served by a mysterious algorithm.

Record collector Mike Porwoll's selection of vinyl records, fueled largely by YouTubecore discoveries.

Enlarge / Record collector Mike Porwoll's selection of vinyl records, fueled largely by YouTubecore discoveries. (credit: Mike Porwoll)

One way to track the evolution of popular music is to examine its subgenres. Think of how "rock" begat "punk rock," which begat "post-punk," as a simple example. Electronic and ambient music include an even bigger universe of subgenres, with hyperspecific names like "UK bass," "chillwave," and "electroacoustic."

But what happens when a genre emerges not because of its artistry, but because of its discoverability?

This is the place "YouTubecore" finds itself in. YouTube famously hinges on an algorithm that guesses viewers' interests to keep them clicking and viewing, and we've seen how weirdly that algorithm can go, both in innocent and diabolical ways.

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Infracapital: BBV will in Deutschland ganze Landkreise mit FTTH ausbauen

Der Netzbetreiber BBV Deutschland hat einen neuen Besitzer und will mehr in den FTTH-Ausbau investieren. Doch im Raum Rhein-Neckar gibt es erhebliche Probleme. (Glasfaser, Internet)

Der Netzbetreiber BBV Deutschland hat einen neuen Besitzer und will mehr in den FTTH-Ausbau investieren. Doch im Raum Rhein-Neckar gibt es erhebliche Probleme. (Glasfaser, Internet)

What we’re binging: TV, films, and streams that bring comfort in a weird year

In 2020, the couch isn’t the same respite it used to be. But we’re still streaming.

A collage of our favorite binge-worthy series and streams in this weird locked-down year.

Enlarge / A collage of our favorite binge-worthy series and streams in this weird locked-down year. (credit: Aurich Lawson / Getty Images / Respective Shows)

As 2020 has dragged on, it has become harder to look at our living rooms as an escape. Ars Technica has long been a work-from-home enterprise, but even we no longer think of plopping on the couch after a long work day as the best way to unwind.

Still, more time at the house, whether alone or with families, has led us to different TV, film, and streaming options. Sometimes, we still use TV as a way to collapse at the end of the day. Other times, we sneak streams and videos into our workday, especially if we're juggling a full house from 9-5.

Hence, this is a different "favorite Ars binges" list than we've prepared in the past, and we invite you to share the series and streams that have proven comfortable or cozy during your own weird 2020.

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Kampf der Kulturen: Stoßlüften oder Luftfilter?

Der Präsenzunterricht an Schulen soll beibehalten werden. Manche setzen auf Technik zur Virenbekämpfung, andere auf das kostenlose Lüften alle 20 Minuten für 3-10 Minuten

Der Präsenzunterricht an Schulen soll beibehalten werden. Manche setzen auf Technik zur Virenbekämpfung, andere auf das kostenlose Lüften alle 20 Minuten für 3-10 Minuten