Hyundai and Boston Dynamics unveiled the production-ready humanoid robot Atlas at CES 2025, announcing it will begin assembling cars at Hyundai's new electric vehicle plant near Savannah, Georgia by 2028. The robot represents a major leap from lab prototype to factory floor, with Boston Dynamics confirming that Atlas is already in production and will handle complex automotive assembly tasks alongside human workers. The deployment marks one of the first large-scale commercial applications of humanoid robotics in U.S. manufacturing.

The Breakdown:

• Production timeline: Atlas robots will be operational in Hyundai's EV facility by 2028
• Manufacturing shift: Humanoid robots designed to work in human-oriented factory environments without extensive retrofitting
• Commercial reality: Boston Dynamics transitions from viral robot videos to actual industrial deployment

The Angle: For years, Boston Dynamics amazed us with dancing robots and parkour stunts—now they're building workers. The factory floor is where robotics either proves its economic value or remains an expensive novelty. If Atlas succeeds at Hyundai, it opens the floodgates for humanoid automation across manufacturing. If it struggles, it validates skeptics who argue purpose-built machines beat generalist humanoids every time.

Hong Kong Thrill Ride Strands 15 Riders Mid-Air in 2nd Malfunction

The Wild Twister attraction in Hong Kong left 15 riders suspended for about 20 minutes on January 3. It's the second malfunction in five months for the spinning thrill ride, raising fresh safety concerns.

McDonald's Hit with Class Action Over McRib 'Deceptive Marketing'

Four consumers filed suit in federal court claiming McDonald's falsely markets the McRib as containing pork rib meat when it allegedly contains none. The complaint filed December 23 alleges deceptive advertising across multiple states.

China's Robot Sports Boom Could Accelerate Home Humanoid Adoption

Growing enthusiasm for robotic competitions in China is driving rapid development of consumer-ready humanoid robots. Industry watchers say the sports craze could bridge the gap between entertainment bots and practical household applications within years.

While Stranger Things officially ended after five seasons on December 31, 2025, the franchise is far from over. Creators Matt and Ross Duffer are already developing multiple spinoffs, including an animated series, a new live-action show, and a Broadway prequel expanding the Upside Down universe.

In publishing news, acclaimed author Amy Bloom announced her new mystery novel Blunt Instrument. Known for her emotionally complex storytelling, Bloom's pivot to the mystery genre has fans eager to see how her literary sensibility translates to crime fiction.

The mind-muscle connection is real—and research backs it. Focusing your attention on the target muscle during a lift increases muscle activation by 10–20% and improves hypertrophy over time. But it works best for isolation movements, not heavy compound lifts where performance matters more than internal focus.

Use external focus (bar path, explosiveness) for big lifts like squats and deadlifts. Use internal focus (squeezing the muscle) for curls, lateral raises, and other isolation work. Mastering both approaches leads to better growth and better technique.

Top performers don't rely on a single mentor—they build a personal board of directors. This group includes advisors who specialize in different areas: career, finance, relationships, creativity, emotional health. Having multiple perspectives prevents blind spots and accelerates growth.

Identify people you admire and approach them with specific questions. Keep interactions light and respectful of their time. Share progress updates to strengthen the relationship. A strong personal board becomes an incredible advantage during major career decisions.

Budgeting becomes simple when every dollar has a job. A paycheck system keeps your spending clear, controlled, and predictable.

Pro Tip: Budget the day you get paid—don't wait.

For luxury immersed in nature, Furnas Boutique Hotel on São Miguel puts you steps from volcanic hot springs and botanical gardens, with thermal pools on property. Rooms run $150-250/night. Azor Hotel in Ponta Delgada offers modern design on the marina with rooftop infinity pool and city access at similar rates.

Budget travelers love hostels in Ponta Delgada (under $40/night for dorms, $70 for privates) or rural guesthouses across islands offering authentic experiences. Airbnbs on Flores or São Jorge provide isolation and nature for $60-100/night. Many accommodations are family-run quintas—traditional farms converted to lodging. Pro tip: Book São Miguel as your base for 3-4 nights, then ferry to an outer island for 2-3 nights of true escape. Summer (June-September) books 6+ months ahead; shoulder seasons offer availability and lower prices.

Tomorrow: Your complete planning guide...