BlueLightning

Sounds like (as expected):  If Apple and others build a better mouse/RAT trap, they will build a better KandyKorn RAT.  Seriously, North Korea appears to be targeting crypto investors, and more generally investors in more traditional assets.  Makes sense for them to target macOS, since mac users tend to be more affluent.  

Looking forward to a detailed explanation of issue's root cause.  Not sure we will be told full details.  

Found the following warning, but may not be related:  "If you're over your storage quota for 2 years, your content across Gmail, Drive, and Photos may be deleted."  

Wondering if Google Cloud sets a file expiration date?  Problem sounds vaguely similar to problems on several OS's, but those probably were 40 to 50 years ago, and I cannot remember what caused the issue.  Suppose it could also be due to triggering some kind or roll-back of a journal or reversion to an older incremental backup (by Google, assuming they do whole disk image backups).  If they mirror disks. maybe one of the drives failed and the other mirrored drive had not received updates for months.  Then, when the up to date drive failed, data was rebuilt from the out of date mirrored disk.  

Bet Google will be examining any code changes on their side, followed by any code changes on the client side.  Also, any code changes by equipment vendors (bet there are many layers to investigate).  

Various groups and companies have been working on new versions of batteries and solar cells.  

One group is working on a multi-layer solar cell.  The bottom layer is traditional silicon, covered with a clear coat of germanium, then a protective coat for the germanium.  These are effective under normal interior home light levels.  Believe Bill Gates is involved in this project, and it may incorporate patents from former General Electric research (among others).  IBM was issued a patent maybe 10 years or so ago for combining a specific type of lens with a solar cell to increase the output by about 10x.  

Suspect we will see some type of solid state battery in the next 5 years, but will likely take a few more years to ramp up production.  There are certainly many folks working on solid state batteries.  Both Toyota and VW expect to be using them in the next few years.  Looks like a LOT of money is being spent on traditional Lithium (liquid electrolyte) battery plants.  GE and Samsung are ramping up a big plant in Indiana.  Big plants in Ohio and elsewhere.  GE, Samsung, Panasonic and others will want to protect their investments in plants, training and equipment before investing more money into new processes.  Others may force their hands before they can fully depreciate their recent investments.  

Reminds me of the story that Wilber Wright said man was unlikely to achieve (engine) powered flight anytime soon (around 1900).  Then the Wilber and Orville did just that a few years later.  Gliders and hot air balloons existed a long time before engine powered flight.  

Suspect "nanotunes" should read (carbon) nanotubes, also being researched in many other areas, including computer chip production and very high strength materials.  Several/many chip manufacturers have investigated using nanotubes in chip development, but silicon rules for now.  Some high power chips use silicon carbide.  Some specialty chips use gallium arsenide.  Cost of processes is always a major concern, as well as costs associated with new plants, equipment and training.  

Ebay has a bunch of converters similar to this.  Neither Black Box nor Cables to Go has these anymore.  Never been happier all of my displays and apple machines have HDMI.  Doubt there is much demand for these anymore.  Probably like DVRs, you can only get them refurbished or used (maybe a few never used on a shelf somewhere).  Might want to try hitting a few surplus electronic stores, Goodwill stores...  Looks like (used) price at eBay is closer to $45.  

Ebay link (be careful):  
https://www.ebay.com/b/Apple-Dvi-To-Adc/158840/bn_7023396339  

Seems as if wealthy firms and individuals think white collar crime (including evading tax) is good, but they hate it when they experience blue collar crime, such as shoplifting, theft from employees, or smash and grabs.  I see no difference between the two, except the former is usually MUCH larger theft.  If they don't want blue collar crime, then pay the taxes and don't cheat customers.