No, this isn’t a new cinematic universe.

Editor’s Warning: mentions of sexual harassment

Happening in the World: Founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Facebook will change its company name to Meta, demoting its namesake service to fall within the company subsidiaries such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus. Fully embracing the transition, the company has announced that it will begin trading under the ticker “MVRS” beginning December 1. The name alludes to the company’s focus to combine virtual and augmented realities in the growing online realm now referred to as the ‘metaverse’ (CNN).

Happening in the US: Executives of major oil companies such as Shell, BP, Exxon, and Chevron have appeared before Congress to discuss the environmental toll of fossil fuels. The historic hearing marked the first time oil executives publicly answered questions under oath. During opening remarks, it was revealed that most companies in attendance had refused to hand over internal documents that would reveal any misinformation that Big Oil had spread in regard to their role in the climate crisis. Exchanging heated remarks, senior oil executives stood by their claims that they were not responsible for the spread of misinformation and emphasized that oil would continue to be a necessary energy source for the foreseeable future. It has been announced that the investigation into oil companies’ involvement in global warming will continue (BBC).

Happening in NYC: Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has been charged with forcible touching, according to a criminal complaint filed in Albany City Court. Yet Mr. Cuomo, who resigned in August, continues his attempt to discredit these allegations of sexual assault. Forcible touching is a misdemeanor that could land Mr. Cuomo in jail for up to one year. However, even if convicted, Mr. Cuomo would not have his name added to the sex offender registry. Mr. Cuomo is expected to appear in court in Albany on November 17 (NYT).

Happening in Our Community: The Columbia University Asian Faculty Association will hold its first leadership seminar titled “Breaking through the Bamboo Ceiling: Asian Americans as Leaders in U.S. Academia” today at 1:30 pm. Speakers include The Forsyth Institute president Wenyuan Shi, dean of Cornell Medicine Augustine M.K. Choi, Columbia executive vice president of research Jeannette Wing, and many more. Interested in attending? Click here to learn more.

the metaverse? i think? via Flickr