• I let my teens plan family vacations by drawing destinations from a bowl. This has led us to some wild adventures.
    www.businessinsider.com
    2025-03-16T18:23:01Z Read in app The author and her family travel around the world together often. Courtesy of the author This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? My husband and I have loved a travel adventure even before we had kids. When they were born, it didn't slow us down, and we kept exploring new places while baby-wearing them.We now allow our kids to plan our next vacation, and it's led to great adventures. My husband and I are avid adventurers who love to hike, camp, and explore the world through off-the-beaten-path trips. Before we had kids, we backpacked extensively in the US and India (where we're originally from) and even spent our honeymoon on an 18-day off-grid RV road trip through New Zealand while being completely off-grid with no planned agenda.When our kids were born, our travels didn't slow down. In fact, some of my most vivid memories are of backcountry camping in Glacier National Park, and hiking 11 miles to Sperry Chalet with my son in a BabyBjrn carrier and my daughter in a Kelty kids' hiking carrier.Fast forward about a decade, and my teens started having their own opinions on where they wanted to go often inspired by books they read or movies they watched. We introduced a fun tradition to let them have a say: writing down destinations on chits and drawing a winner from a fishbowl. Each child submits four options they want to explore, and we draw two contenders, assess them for feasibility and cost, and then narrow them down to one. If one child's pick is chosen, the other takes the lead in planning the itinerary. If neither option works, we redraw until we find the perfect fit.This process has led to some incredible and sometimes unexpected escapades for us. Here are a few of the most memorable ones.Free diving in the Great Barrier ReefBoth of my kids are strong swimmers and have always loved the ocean. Before the pandemic, they wanted to spend a summer exploring a new country while learning to surf, so they chose Australia.While we traveled to cities like Sydney and Melbourne, the most unforgettable experience was our trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling through the vibrant underwater world, we spotted reef sharks, clownfish, and groupers. The true highlight, though, was free diving along a shallow section. Both kids ditched their snorkeling gear and swam among schools of fish, completely immersed in the serenity of the deep blue. To this day, they still talk about that moment and the sense of wonder it gave them.Staying in a bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, JordanInspired by "The Martian" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," one year, my 15-year-old daughter picked Jordan, which turned out to be one of the best trips. The sight of the soft pink hues of Petra's Treasury building and the surreal experience of floating in the Dead Sea were unforgettable but nothing compared to our time in a Bedouin camp in the heart of Wadi Rum.It felt like we had stepped into a different world, one where time slowed and the quiet of the desert took over. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the endless red dunes burst into shades of gold and crimson, leaving us in awe of its sheer beauty. And at night, the sky opened, revealing a million stars that seemed so close you could almost touch them.Our Bedouin host shared the ancient art of navigation through the stars, teaching us how they use the planets as their compass. My kids were mesmerized by the stories and the feeling of being so small yet deeply connected to something that ancient.Climbing an active volcano in ChileHaving two athletes in the family ensures that there's always one heart-pumping activity during our travels. While my 15-year-old son picked Chile, my 19-year-old daughter planned a hike to the summit of Villarica, South America's most active volcano. Standing at 9,340 feet, it offers breathtaking views of the Andes, but the hike is no walk in the park. The steep, icy slopes need crampons, an ice axe and a guide is mandatory for navigating the glacier crossings and loose volcanic scree. The family hiked a volcano in Chile. Courtesy of the author You only get about 10 minutes to take it all in, and if the volcano has been active recently, you might even need a gas mask to endure the sulfur fumes. But if conditions are right, you're treated to a rare, jaw-dropping view of the steaming, lava-filled crater.As we continue to draw our next adventure from the fishbowl, I cherish the thought that I'm not just instilling a sense of adventure in my teens but also teaching them to embrace the unknown and the unexpected whether in life or travel.
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  • 'Ted Lasso' will be returning for a 4th season after all. Here's everything we know.
    www.businessinsider.com
    2025-03-16T17:07:13Z Read in app Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham star in Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso." Apple TV+ This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Apple TV+ has officially renewed "Ted Lasso" for a fourth season.The show's future was uncertain after the season three finale, which aired in 2023.Jason Sudeikis will return to the show. The rest of the cast has yet to be announced.It's been almost two years since the season three finale of "Ted Lasso" aired.But AFC Richmond fans now have a reason to celebrate once again, as Apple TV+ announced earlier this week that the Emmy-winning comedy will be back for a fourth season, with star Jason Sudeikis returning in the titular role."'Ted Lasso' has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief," Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+, said in a statement announcing the show's return. "Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show."Here's everything we know about the upcoming series.Right now, only one returning cast member has been confirmed Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso on season three of "Ted Lasso." Apple TV+ Sudeikis, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, shared a rather Lasso-like statement while confirming his return."We all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap," Sudeikis said in a press release. "In Season 4, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to leap before they look, discovering that wherever they land, it's exactly where they're meant to be."Brendan Hunt and Brett Goldstein will return as executive producers with Goldstein also continuing to serve as a cowriter on the series but it's not been confirmed whether they will also be back as cast members Beard and Roy Kent.It's also not known whether the rest of the show's beloved ensemble, which includes Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Nick Mohammed, and Phil Dunster, will reprise their roles.However, one addition has been announced to the creative team. Jack Burditt, a TV producer who worked on the Netflix hit "Nobody Wants This," will join as an executive producer as part of a new overall deal with Apple TV+.Season four will shift focus to a women's football team, Sudeikis has saidSudeikis spoke about the new season on an episode of the "New Heights" podcast hosted by former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce and his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on Friday."We're writing season four now," Sudeikis said. "That's the official word. Ted's coaching a women's team."When pushed for more details, including whether the new season would see his character come back to the US, Sudeikis said: "That's too many questions," adding: "I don't know."The season three finale saw Ted return home to Kansas"Ted Lasso," which debuted in 2020, became one of AppleTV+'s most-streamed shows over its initial three-season run.The season three finale which many believed was the closing chapter aired in May 2023. While it was not officially billed as a show finale, it wrapped up many major storylines and saw Ted return home to Kansas to be closer to his son (Gus Turner).Apple TV+ has not yet announced a premiere date for the new season and did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
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  • 11 fascinating wildlife images from the Sony World Photography Awards
    www.popsci.com
    "The Whale Raft"The misfortune of some brings happiness to others, and for these polar bears, the death of a whale in east Greenland heralded a royal feast. Attracted by the smell, more than sixty bears were recorded in the area. However, their behaviour was almost benevolent, possibly due to the abundance of food.Copyright: Estebane Rezkallah, France, Winner, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards ShareA fox weathers the snow. A mother elephant tries to help her calf up a muddy riverbank. A gibbon seems calm with contemplation. The 2025 Sony World Photography Awards has announced its 10 category winners and shortlist honorees for the Open competition. The Open competition celebrates the ability of an individual photograph to capture and distill a singular moment, and to evoke a broader narrative a press release explains. In the Natural World and Wildlife category, top honors went to a riveting image (seen above) of a group of polar bears gnawing on the carcass of a whale in east Greenland. The photograph was shot by Estebane Rezkallah of France.FoxA wild fox photographed at Gran Paradiso, Italy.Copyright: Ilena Fasci, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards The Open Photographer of the Year will be announced in London on April 16, 2025. To view all the Open competition category winners and short list photographs, visit the World Photo Organisation. Fever Tree LeopardEncountering a leopard is a rare and breathtaking moment. This majestic feline was photographed at Lake Nakuru, Kenya, deep within a fever tree forest. It was initially perched on a branch but then strolled elegantly along its massive bough a true bucket-list experience for the photographer.Copyright: Peter Delaney, Ireland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards Patience!This juvenile polar bear had just swam across a sea inlet before breaking into a remote cabin along the shoreline of Longyearbyen, on the island of Svalbard. After breaking through the window, the bear spent some time exploring the inside, peering out of the window and throwing items out. The photograph was taken from a small boat at a distance.Copyright: Daniel Hannabuss, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards Dalmatian PelicanThis squadron of pelicans was photographed from a boat on Lake Kerkini, Greece.Copyright: Gianni Maitan, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards Well Find a WayThis pygmy elephant comforts her calf, which was unable to climb the steep riverbank to join the herd after they had crossed the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. A second elephant offers support from behind the baby. The herd returned to the river and continued downstream for an hour until they found a place where the calf could exit safely.Copyright: Tara Keane, Ireland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards RockstarIn a defensive pose, this thistle mantis looks like a rock singer performing on stage.Copyright: Hasan Balar, Cyprus, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards Splish SplashGreat blue herons like to fish at the base of a small spillway where larger fish gather in the churning water. Although the photographer has captured images of herons catching fish here on many occasions, in this instance the early morning sun was at just the right angle to light up the splashing water, which gave the scene a different look.Copyright: Christopher Baker, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards GibbonWith an absorbed gaze, this gibbon sits in quiet contemplation. Its focused expression reveals the depth of its intelligence and the sense of curiosity that defines this fascinating primate.Copyright: Pedro Jarque Krebs, Peru, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards The Weight of SurvivalThis lion was struggling to drag a half-eaten buffalo carcass to a nearby bush in Maasai Mara, Kenya. The carcass was far too heavy, forcing the lion to take frequent breaks to rest. This moment highlights the immense effort and determination of the predator.Copyright: Klara Zamourilova, Czechia, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards Rhino NightA mother rhino and calf come to drink at night in eastern South Africa, creating beautiful reflections in the still water.Copyright: Martin Steenhaut, Belgium, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards
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  • Most Underrated Assassins Creed Games
    gamerant.com
    Now that the Assassin's Creedfranchise is almost 20 years old, it's had enough entries where some have flown under the radar, or were unjustly slated upon release because of their context rather than the games themselves. On the bright side, that means there are plenty of underrated entries to check out.
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  • Helldivers 2 Has All the Ingredients to Cook Up a Starcraft Successor
    gamerant.com
    Real Time Strategy games have been having a difficult time for a while now, but Helldivers 2 has all the ingredients to reignite interest in the genre. Despite a dedicated player base sticking by, Blizzard seems reluctant to give any attention to Starcraft. Perhaps the neglect of this former strategy titan could open up space for Arrowhead to step in with a competitor set in the Helldivers 2 universe.
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  • Seagate reportedly sold two billion GBs worth of storage to two of the world's largest tech companies
    www.techradar.com
    Seagate recently sold one exabytes worth of HAMR HDDs to two of the world's largest tech companies.
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  • Argonaut custom DIY teardrop camper is most distinctive in appearance and capable in functionality
    www.yankodesign.com
    Not necessarily, but a teardrop trailer is the best way for an individual, or even a couple in some cases to head out on a private camping adventure. The desire to create unforgettable adventures in teardrop trailers has got many enthusiasts to set foot in the workshops and create custom trailers to explore the great outdoors. In our time, we have seen some interesting iterations from people building teardrop campers in their backyard, but a generous number of them are as barebones as a teardrop can get. Of course, they work they keep the inhabitant(s) warm, dry and comfortable but they are limited in functionality and do not stand a chance in the wilderness, if you desire to extend your stay by even a day.Besides these limitations, most DIY teardrop trailers are quite similar in their appearance as well. Argonaut Teardrop Camper enthusiastic custom trailer builders with only online appearance on YouTube have shared a construction video (from scratch to finish) on their channel, depicting how a teardrop can be distinctive in its appearance and functionality. With a full galley kitchen, a comfortable queen bed, and storage enough to carry sizable home supplies on an adventure, the Argonaut teardrop trailer is clearly a trendsetter.Designer: Argonaut Teardrop CamperI have really come to like how Argonaut team has managed to create all the storage compartments within the really small space (the actual measurements are not available but the apparent form factor is pretty small). Where it actually differs, and maybe is able to create more living space, is the height. The slanting shape achieved opens the interior for more headroom, while offering the custom teardrop camper a mini-tank-like appearance on the outside with a forward tilting shape. Not that we have any references to substantiate its off-roading ability, but we can speak for a fact that its metal accents on the wooden frame do provide it with durability and a timeless finish.The interior walls and custom-built storage cabinets are made from Baltic Birch and comprise a very roomy space. It features a queen bed in the center surrounded by lots of storage and a few cargo nets in the front and cabinets on the side with a TV set wall mounted in between at the back. Peeking windows allow in natural light and a max fan on the ceiling helps regulate the temperature internally.The rear of the Argonaut teardrop trailer is where the magic lies. Hidden under a hatch here is a handmade kitchen big enough to let you prepare a meal for a small gathering. To ensure you remain stocked up for longer on the road, it has plenty of storage space, electric points, and recessed cabinetry. You get a two-burner stove with sink, prep area and maybe stock up a fridge when touring during warmer months. The Argonaut makes provision for water storage, propane tank, solar panels and batteries on board, just to ensure off-grid living is possible with this little camper.The post Argonaut custom DIY teardrop camper is most distinctive in appearance and capable in functionality first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • House Judiciary Committee subpoenas Apple over AI censorship
    appleinsider.com
    The Republican chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has issued a subpoena to Apple, as part of an investigation into whether the Biden administration influenced Big Tech to censor artificial intelligence.US Capitol. Image Credit: Alejandro BarbaThe House Judiciary Committee has sent subpoenas to 16 tech companies working in AI, with Apple among the group. The list also includes Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI, among others.The subpoena from the Republican-led committee seeks information about the creation of their AI efforts, and how they could've been influenced by the Biden-Harris administration. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • How Stack Up is still saving lives of veterans through gaming after a decade
    venturebeat.com
    Stephen Machuga, CEO of charity Stack Up, believes video games can help veterans feel like they're part of society.Read More
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  • Inching towards AGI: How reasoning and deep research are expanding AI from statistical prediction to structured problem-solving
    venturebeat.com
    GUEST: AI has evolved at an astonishing pace. What seemed like science fiction just a few years ago is now an undeniable reality. Back in 2017, my firm launched an AI Center of Excellence. AI was certainly getting better at predictive analytics and many machine learning (ML) algorithms were being used for voice recognition, spam detection, spell chRead More
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