Google Play Store: number of apps 2023
Meta AI Introduces AI-Generated Photos To All Platforms
Meta just released multiple updates to Meta AI which brings advanced image generation and editing capabilities directly to Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp feeds, plus availability in more countries and languages.
New Meta AI Creative ToolsMeta AI is bringing AI generated and AI Edited photography that can be generated at the moment a user is making a post or sending a message with a new tool called Imagine Me.
Imagine Me is a prompt that can be used to transform an uploaded image that can be shared. This new feature is first rolling out as a beta in the United States.
Meta explains:
"Imagine yourself creates images based on a photo of you and a prompt like 'Imagine me surfing' or 'Imagine me on a beach vacation' using our new state-of-the-art personalization model. Simply type "Imagine me" in your Meta AI chat to get started, and then you can add a prompt like "Imagine me as royalty" or "Imagine me in a surrealist painting." From there, you can share the images with friends and family, giving you the perfect response or funny sidebar to entertain your group chat."
Meta products like Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram now have advanced editing capabilities that allow users to add or remove objects from images, to change them in virtually any manner, such as their example of turning a cat in an image into a dog. A new Edit With AI button is forthcoming in a month that will unlock even more AI editing power.
Adding AI generated images to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp within feed, posts, stories, comments and messages is rolling out this week in English and coming later to other languages.
Meta AI is now available in seven additional countries, bringing the total countries to to 22. It is also available in seven more languages.
List of Seven Additional Countries:Meta AI is now also available in the following seven additional languages:
Meta AI is making their most advanced model, Llama 405B, available for users to take advantage of its advanced reasoning abilities that can answer complex answers and excells at math and coding.
Meta AI writes:
"You can get help on your math homework with step-by-step explanations and feedback, write code faster with debugging support and optimization suggestions, and master complex technical and scientific concepts with expert instruction."
Read the official announcement:
Meta AI Is Now Multilingual, More Creative and Smarter
Featured Image by Shutterstock/QubixStudio
Hochman: The Cardinals Have 5 Starters, Sure, But Should Trade For A Starting Pitcher
White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde throws against the Cardinals during the first inning of a game Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Busch Stadium.
Jeff Le, Associated PressFor the Cardinals, getting a new starting pitcher creates as many questions as it answers.
But with Tony La Russa coming to town for Friday's 2004 reunion, this situation hearkens back to one of his classic quotes: "Worry about tomorrow tomorrow."
In other words, go get the guy — and then figure out how everything else, such as the roles of Lance Lynn and Andre Pallante or maybe Miles Mikolas, falls into place.
The 4.40 ERA by Cardinals starters ranks 22nd in Major League Baseball. They've thrown the ninth-most pitches in baseball — and allowed the ninth-most home runs. Now, for sure, the starting pitching has been strong in stretches. And they've currently got five healthy guys. But a trade for a starter would likely bolster the rotation, which will make many critical starts in the final two months.
With the trade deadline coming Tuesday, the Cards (53-49) are right in the wild-card mix. Could come down to a game or two. And St. Louis sits six back from first-place Milwaukee, which awaits news about the severity of Christian Yelich's back injury. He's hitting .315 with a .909 on-base plus slugging percentage. If he's out for a while, that could sway the National League Central Division.
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Now, the Cardinals also need help in two other areas more glaring than the rotation. They need another reliable reliever. And they need a guy who can hit left-handed pitching. As for the starting pitcher, you can debate whether it leans more toward "necessity" or "luxury," but the fact is, these guys must make the playoffs (because you can't go two years in a row of missing an expanded playoff field). So control what you can control and acquire quality guys.
Who are the guys? Well, the Post-Dispatch and other media outlets have linked the Cardinals to names such as Erick Fedde of the White Sox and Tyler Anderson of the Angels. Either hurler would help.
Fedde, 31, is having a career rejuvenation in his first season back pitching in the U.S. After a season in South Korea. He turned a 2.00 ERA into 22 wins — 20 on the mound, pus two more when he took home the KBO's equivalent of Cy Young and MVP honors. Prior to his stint in Korea, he'd never had an MLB ERA lower than 4.29 — and this year it's 2.98, buoyed by his success with a new sweeper (opponents hit just .195 against it) and a new change-up grip he picked up in the KBO.
The former Nationals right-hander is in a new organization with Chicago and has found winning ways (7-3), while his team, overall, has not. He's under contract for 2025, as is Anderson, so that answers a Cardinals need immediately.
And if anything, Fedde's nickname should inspire some cleverly named pastas on The Hill ("Feddeccini").
The left-hander Anderson handles opponents with his off-speed stuff. He draws weak contact and gobbles up innings (fifth-most in the American League). An All-Star this year and in 2022, he currently sports the league's seventh-best ERA (2.91). And he's 34, so he'd fit right in with the staff of his contemporaries.
Next comes minor details such as who will the Cardinals offer, who will the other teams want — and who else are the other teams negotiating with? I sometimes find fans flabbergasted that the Cardinals didn't get this guy or that guy, as if the guy's team should've felt it an honor to upgrade the St. Louis Cardinals and not some other team.
As for who to trade, the Cards have an enticing young catcher in Ivan Herrera (except for when he actually plays catcher) and a talented-but-lost switch-hitter in Dylan Carlson. A healthy Tommy Edman makes things very interesting if he returns soon — I wouldn't be afraid to trade him, though teams might be skeptical considering they haven't seen him play in 2024.
No, for the record, you don't trade Jordan Walker.
But as for other minor leaguers, there are a couple of enticing Class AAA names such as Gordon Graceffo and Thomas Saggese, who's hitting well in July.
And the Cards do have some intriguing guys pitching in Class AA and below, but one has to think that the Tink Hences of the world are off limits as they're the starters of the future.
OK, so what about the starters of the present? Sonny Gray and Kyle Gibson are your Nos. 1 and 2. After that, someone would have to go to the bullpen, in some capacity, unless the Cardinals can work out a six-man rotation, but that can cause problems with routines.
The easy answer to all of this would be to move Pallante, previously a reliever, back to the bullpen. Pallante's the one without the big starter contract. But man, Pallante has a 3.42 ERA in his nine starts, and lately, he's pitching longer into games.
Lynn has a 4.17 ERA, which is better than I thought he'd have. And four of his past five starts have been really good. Overall, right-handed hitters have a .625 OPS against the righty Lynn, while left-handed hitters have an .825 OPS. Something to consider if he is to become a reliever — though I just can't see the Cardinals doing that.
And really, it's quite hard to see them putting Mikolas in the bullpen too. In June and July, Mikolas has been either awesome or awful, one or the other. But this man has always been a starter. He's paid to start.
Go get Fedde or Anderson and figure out tomorrow tomorrow.
Maybe that means Pallante to the 'pen for the short-term?
Whatever the move, the reality is: The 2024 season is pivotal for this franchise, so they might as well bolster everywhere they can at the trade deadline.
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Best Outdoor Grills From Sam's Club: Top 5 Charcoal, Propane And Gas Grills
Photo provided by Member's MarkLee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
Grilling season has arrived, and if you've been searching for the best outdoor grill for your summer entertaining, you're not alone. A great grill is more than a tool to cook meals for your family. It can be the centerpiece of a truly enjoyable backyard and a feature that transforms your parties into memorable events. Whether you're looking for a gas grill or a charcoal grill, consider shopping at Sam's Club.
For decades, shoppers have relied on Sam's Club for high-quality products, affordable prices, and a streamlined shopping experience. This rings true whether you're shopping for burgers or a grill to cook your burgers on! Sam's Club offers a vast selection of grills. Reviewers for this article found these to be the best.
Summary of the Best Outdoor Grills from Sam's Club
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What Is Sam's Club?
Sam's Club is a wholesale club that offers a wide variety of goods, including bulk packages of food and household supplies, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and outdoor living items. There are nearly 600 Sam's Club locations throughout the United States, and the store also has an innovative aTone shopping.
In order to shop at Sam's Club, you do have to become a member. There are two tiers of membership currently offered. As a basic Club member, you gain access to all of Sam's Club's top-quality goods at low prices. You also get to enjoy Scan & Go service, same-day delivery, bonus offers, and members-only fuel savings. Sam's Plus members get all the same benefits, plus free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping access, and additional savings in the pharmacy and vision center.
Best Outdoor Grills from Sam's Club Photo provided by Member's Mark
Member's Mark, Sam's Club's proprietary brand, is known for producing innovative products that fit a busy lifestyle. The Member's Mark Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Thermostatic Control is no exception. This grill is the perfect size for everyday family grilling but still large enough to cook for the occasional backyard party.
Members love this grill's Thermostatic Control System, which makes it easy to toggle between BBQ Mode and precise temperature control. This propane gas grill also maintains a nice, even temperature throughout the cooking process, which results in juicy burgers and tender chicken breasts.
The firebox on this grill is specifically designed for optimal heat retention. It has a double-walled exterior and is made from corrosion-resistant, die-cast aluminum. The heavy-duty porcelain and cast-iron cooking grates withstand daily use and deliver an excellent sear.
The Member's Mark Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Thermostatic Control also comes with an all-weather grill cover, so you won't have to drag it inside every time it rains. The ignition system fires the grill up instantly and only requires a single AA battery.
Sam's Club Plus members qualify for free shipping on this grill. Same-day pickup is also available at some locations.
For precise temperature control, a spacious cooking surface, and the perfect sear, the Member's Mark Pro Series 4-Burner Gas Grill with Thermostatic Control is tough to beat.
Photo provided by Member's MarkDo you like to cook pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast items? If so, check out the Member's Mark SS304 Deluxe Stacked Stone 4-Burner Propane Grill Island with Griddle. The grill's grate surface can be used to cook traditionally grilled foods like burgers and sausages. The griddle surface is perfect for cooking almost anything you'd usually cook in a skillet, such as eggs, bacon, hash browns, and even pancakes.
With its stacked stone exterior and weather-resistant counter this gas grill is also extremely stylish and looks great on a patio or in a larger outdoor kitchen. There's even a pull-out trash bin, which makes it easier to stay tidy when cooking. The infrared rear burner makes it easy to heat sauces and other liquids.
The Member's Mark SS304 Deluxe Stacked Stone 4-Burner Propane Grill Island with Griddle is also built with safety in mind. The gas source is cut off whenever the flame goes out, which helps prevent gas leaks and uncontrolled fires. This grill also comes with a cover to protect it between uses. Full-width drip trays help ensure cleanliness, and the storage drawer gives you a convenient place to stash tongs and spatulas.
Sam's Club Plus members enjoy free shipping on these gas grills and many other items.
For versatile cooking and a stylish appearance, try the Member's Mark SS304 Deluxe Stacked Stone 4-Burner Propane Grill Island with Griddle.
Photo provided by NapoleonThe Napoleon Freestyle 365 Propane reviews from members rave about its compact size, easy-to-use ignition, precision-control burners, and useful accessories. This grill features stainless steel burners, which are easy to control with the three ergonomic adjustment knobs. The exterior thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature without opening it.
Another top-notch feature of this grill is its porcelainized cast iron cooking grid. Members say this grid gives them the perfect sear every time, which makes for juicy steaks and burgers. With the instant JETFIRE ignition system, you'll have this grill going in no time.
This compact grill is a great choice for anyone who likes to move their grill around the yard. The rugged wheels will travel over uneven, grassy ground. You can also fold in the side shelves and hang your utensils from the hooks for easier transport.
Sam's Club Plus members can qualify for free shipping on this grill. Additional discounts may be available on holidays.
This compact grill stands out thanks to premium features like the JETFIRE Ignition System, tool hangers, and porcelainized cooking grids.
Photo provided by Backyard DiscoveryIf you prefer a charcoal grill, the Premium Argentine/Santa Maria BBQ Grill with Wood Fire and Charcoal Grill is a great option to explore. Members love this grill for cooking ribs, chicken, and sausages. The open-fire range also makes cooking feel more natural and outdoorsy. You can adjust the grill grate up or down to bring your food as close to the fire as desired.
Whether you use this grill with charcoal or wood, you can count on it to maintain a consistent temperature. This is because of the fire brick lining and ceramic fire insulation inserted in the walls. The Premium Argentine/Santa Maria BBQ Grill with Wood Fire and Charcoal Grill is also incredibly 304-grade, thanks to its 304-grade stainless steel design.
This grill includes specialized S-hooks, perfect for hanging meats such as chicken quarters or sausages. You'll also receive a coal shovel, which makes it easy to load fuel into the grill, plus a premium cover to protect your charcoal grill from the elements. The included acacia wood side table gives you a very usable prep surface, especially when cooking for a crowd.
Sam's Club Plus members can earn Sam's Cash with the purchase of this grill.
The Premium Argentine/Santa Maria BBQ Grill with Wood Fire and Charcoal Grill is a stylish, versatile choice for those who prefer charcoal grills.
If you love hosting parties and grilling for large groups of people, the Thor 5-Burner Gas Grill may be a good fit. This large grill has an ample 660 square inches of cooking space with four main burners and an additional rear burner. It also comes with a rotisserie, which makes it easy to cook larger pieces of meat, such as roasts or whole chickens.
Members also find this gas grill enjoyable and easy to use. The knobs feature blue LED lights, so you can easily see them when the sun is going down. The knobs can be adjusted with precision, giving you close control over your grilling temperature throughout the cooking process.
When cooking for a crowd, you may produce a lot of grease. Thankfully, this grill has a large, easily accessible grease catch across the front. The magnetic tool holder also ensures you don't misplace your spatula or tongs during a busy party.
This grill has an all-weather cover for ample protection. The Big Handling Table provides a large working surface, and the bottle opener makes it easy to enjoy your favorite beverage while you flip.
The Thor 5 Burner Gas Grill is available with free shipping for Sam's Club Plus members.
If you plan on cooking for a crowd, the Thor 5 Burner Gas Grill has lots of features you'll enjoy, including a large cooking surface and rotisserie.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Grill
Your outdoor grill should fit your space, grilling commitment, and ultimate food grilling desire. If you want to cook most meals on a grill, you may need something different than someone who only wants the occasional steak or burger. So, you may prefer a different grill than your friend, neighbor, or family member. Shop around and weigh your options before choosing a grill. Here are the key features to consider as you shop.
Fuel Type
The first decision you should make is what type of fuel you want your grill to use. The most common grill types are propane gas grills, natural gas grills, charcoal grills, an electric grill, and pellet grills. Each option has its pros and cons.
Propane Gas Grills
Propane gas grills are the easiest to use for beginners. They usually have a compartment at the bottom where you can store a portable propane tank. When your tank is empty, you can take it to a nearby store to be refilled.
Propane grills don't take long to heat up, and it's easy to control the temperature by turning the control knobs. They tend to burn hotter than a natural gas grill, which can give you a better sear.
On the downside, when you choose a propane gas grill, you do need to keep a full tank on hand. These grills also tend to give food less of that classic, grilled flavor than charcoal and pellet grills.
Natural Gas Grills
If you want to install your grill more permanently, a natural gas grill can be a good choice. You can have it connected to your natural gas lines. Then, you don't have to worry about filling a fuel tank. Natural gas grills tend to be less expensive to operate than propane gas grills and charcoal grills. They give you lots of control over the temperature, too.
Natural gas grills don't burn as hot as propane grills, so you'll want to give the grill plenty of time to heat up before searing meat. If you don't have a natural gas line near the area where you plan to install a gas line, having a gas line added can add to the expense.
Charcoal Grills
Many people think that charcoal grills give food the best flavor. Cooking with charcoal does take some skill, and people often enjoy developing and honing that skill. You don't have to worry about gas leaks with a charcoal grill, either. With most charcoal grills, you can use either lump charcoal or briquettes.
The downside to charcoal grills is that they tend to take a long time to heat up. Plus, you'll need to get rid of ashes at the end of each cooking session, which can add to the cleanup time.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills are awesome when you want your food to have a deep, delicious, smoky flavor. You can use your preferred type of wood pellets to customize the flavor of your food. For example, wood pellets give the meat a sweeter, smoky flavor, whereas pecan wood imparts a unique nuttiness.
There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using a pellet grill. You need to figure out how many pellets to use, how long to let them burn down before adding the food, and how to best position the pellets in the burn chamber. There's also more cleanup with a pellet grill than with a natural gas or propane gas grill.
Grill Size
You'll find some grills that are small and compact, others that have enormous cooking surfaces, and still others that are somewhere in between. If you normally grill for a crowd, then bigger is definitely better. On the other hand, if you usually only grill for two or three people, a smaller grill will use less fuel and be easier to move around.
There are also plenty of portable grills on the market. If you plan on moving around a lot or taking your grill camping, a portable grill may be the best option.
Included Accessories
What accessories come with each grill, and are they accessories you'll actually use? It's normally best to choose a grill that comes with a cover. This way, you know the included cover will fit, and you don't have to shop around for an aftermarket cover that may not fit as snugly as you'd like.
Another nice accessory to have is a side table. This side table can hold buns, a plate for cooked food, tongs, and more. Make sure the side table is made from a sturdy and heat-resistant material.
If you plan on cooking larger cuts of meat, such as whole chickens or beef roasts, look for a gas or charcoal grill with a rotisserie. With a rotisserie, you can easily turn the meat over the fire, resulting in more even cooking.
Grill hooks can also be handy, especially if you like to cook sausages. If you enjoy grilling breakfast, look for a grill with a griddle area, which is perfect for making pancakes, French toast, and eggs.
Material Quality
Most of the best grills are made from durable, stainless steel. Read some reviews, preferably those written by members who have owned their grills for a while, to get a sense of how well each grill holds up. Does the material show any signs of pitting or corrosion? Is it easy to keep clean?
Pay particular attention to the material used to make the grill grates. Look for grill grates that have some sort of porcelain or enamel coating. This will keep the sticking and will also make the grates much easier to clean.
Brand Reputation
Take a few minutes to research the brands that make the top grills you're considering. Does the brand tend to make high-quality items? Do they use sustainable materials and packaging when possible? Sam's Club is known for its proprietary brand, Member's Mark, which tends to make very well-designed and intuitive products. However, the store also carries several other exceptional grill brands.
Benefits of Buying an Outdoor Grill Through Sam's Club
Sam's Club is a great place to buy a grill, not just because it offers its members many benefits. Here are some of the top benefits you can look forward to when you purchase a Sam's Club membership.
Sam's Club is known for offering affordable wholesale prices on a variety of items, from food to clothing. When you purchase something big, like a grill, the savings can be substantial. Whether you opt for the basic Club membership or the Plus membership, you'll gain access to Sam's Club's low wholesale prices.
Do you hate waiting in long checkout lines? You're not alone. This can be the most miserable part of the shopping experience, but as a Sam's Club member, you won't have to endure it again. Sam's Club members can use the app to scan items as they add them to the cart. Just pay in the app when you're done shopping. An attendant will check the digital receipt on your phone before you leave the store.
Scan & Go can be a lifesaver if you decide to buy a grill in person at a physical Sam's Club location. You won't have to lug that big grill box through a checkout line.
Curbside pickup is available to both Sam's Club members and Sam's Club Plus members, although Plus members pay a reduced fee for this service. With curbside pickup, you place your order online, then drive to your local Sam's Club store when the order is ready. Check-in via the Sam's app, and an employee will bring your items straight to your car. This perk is a favorite among busy members with kids.
On a busy day, you may not have time to stop for a meal and also shop for groceries or other essentials. Sam's Club understands how busy life can get, which is one reason why they include cafes in their stores. You can grab a slice of pizza, a sandwich, or just a cool beverage before or after your shopping trip. And since you're in Sam's Club, you can count on the prices to be very affordable.
If you join Sam's Club as a Plus member, you'll earn Sam's Cash on most purchases, including purchasing a grill. Members can earn up to $500 in Sam's Cash per year. If you don't need a grill right away, you could even let your Sam's Cash accumulate over the course of the year and then put it towards your new grill when you're ready to purchase one.
FAQs
Which fuel type is best for an outdoor grill?
It all depends on your preferences! If you want food with a more classic, grilled flavor and you prefer to take your time cooking over coals, then a charcoal or pellet grill may be perfect for you. On the other hand, a gas grill tends to heat up faster, make less mess, and cook at more even temperatures.
Outdoor grills can be safe as long as you use them responsibly. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of burns, injuries, and other accidents:
Can you use natural gas with a propane gas grill?
No, it is not advisable to use natural gas with a propane gas grill without proper conversion. Propane and natural gas have different chemical compositions and pressures, requiring specific burner jets and regulators. Using natural gas without conversion can lead to inefficient combustion, potential damage to the grill, and safety hazards. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use the appropriate fuel type to ensure safe and effective operation of your grill.
How long does a grill need to heat up?
If you're using a charcoal grill, you'll need to let the coals burn down for at least 20-30 minutes before you put food on the grill. You want the coals to be mostly gray before you start searing steak or burgers.
Typically, a pellet grill also takes about 20 minutes to heat up. You want the wood pellets to start smoking and breaking down and the grates to get hot enough to leave gorgeous grill marks.
A propane or natural gas grill also needs to heat up before you use it. The grill needs to be hot in order to sear your food properly. Most gas grills only need about 15 minutes to heat up, and smaller, portable grills may heat up even faster.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer to cook over charcoal, propane, or a natural gas flame, you'll find a grill you love at Sam's Club. Each one of these five grills has something unique to offer, but they are all available to Sam's Club members at affordable prices. Happy grilling season. Here's hoping you get that perfect sear!
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