As the geographic center of Indianapolis, Monument Circle is in many ways the heart of the city. The 284-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument towering in the middle is a beloved local landmark, and the plaza and fountain around its base has been a gathering place since it opened in 1902.But the way most people experience it is through the window of a car. Monument Circle is technically a traffic circle, which means the center of the city is little more than a place for cars to drive. The past couple of years, however, have shown another possibility. Since 2023, from June through November, part of the traffic circle has been closed to cars and converted into Spark on the Circle, a pop-up park that has activated the space and brought tens of thousands of pedestrians downtown.Created by the nonprofit art and design organization Big Car Collaborative in partnership with several local agencies, Spark on the Circle turns a quarter of the circle into an activated public space, with Astroturf covering the roadway, shade structures, games, vendors, and stages for performances.Now the landscape architects who designed the park are working on a plan that could make the pop-up permanent. Merritt Chase, a firm based in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, has been involved in shaping Monument Circle for several years through its work on the downtown resiliency strategy launched by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in 2022. One plan arising from the strategy calls for a renewed focus on improving walkability downtown and creating more public space for an emerging residential population. Spark on the Circle, and Merritt Chases design for it, was created to turn Monument Circle into a destination rather than something most people simply drive past.Historic Monument Circle: Soldiers and Sailors Monument, circa 1950 [Photo: W.H. Bass Photo Co., Indiana Historical Society]Theres been so much history there, protests and demonstrations, parades, festivals, and just the everyday life of the city that passed through that space. There have always been questions around the identity of the circle, the use of the circle, the future potential of the circle, says Chris Merritt, cofounder of Merritt Chase. Over the last couple of years, the temporary park weve put out there has definitely been a successful case study of new ways to reimagine and use the circle. So were building on that to continue to think about what a future permanent plan might be for the circle.[Rendering: courtesy Merritt Chase]Merritt Chase has just been awarded an 18-month fellowship to further explore ideas for redesigning or reusing Monument Circle. The firm is one of 10 fellows supported by Emerson Collective, a philanthropy started by Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apples Steve Jobs. The 2025 cohort of fellows, announced this week, is focused on local leadership and community-centered place-based work, according to Patrick DArcy, senior director of fellowships at Emerson Collective.We really respect [Merritt Chases] community-centered approach. They believe that successful public projects require more than just really beautiful design; they also require community trust and collaboration and relationship building, says DArcy. Their vision for a more utilized and joyful Monument Circle is really inspiring.[Photo: courtesy Merritt Chase]A circle for the cityPreparations for this summers iteration of Spark on the Circle are still underway, but its expected to open in June. Megan Vukusich is director of the citys Department of Metropolitan Development, and though she says there is currently no funding or official plan in place to make the pop-up park a permanent one, the visitation numbers suggest strong community interest. According to a report from Big Car Collective, the 2024 iteration of the park saw more than 71,000 visitors, with more than 400 on an average day. More than 80% of visitors spent 30 minutes or more at the park, and 30% went to a restaurant or did shopping downtown after leaving.[Photo: courtesy Merritt Chase]We dont want people to come and snap a quick photo. Wed like them to stay, maybe check out some of the local shops. These metrics are showing us that it is having an impact on the larger community, Vukusich says. Having activations such as Spark gives us a little bit more insight into what the community is looking for.Its also a reflection of the changing shape of downtown Indianapolis. Like many city centers, it was deeply affected by the pandemic, with many companies shuttering offices or allowing employees to work remotely. But downtown development is coming back, and officials estimate more than $9 billion worth of projects are in the pipeline, including a convention center expansion and a new 40-story hotel tower. This is happening as downtowns residential population has grown to more than 29,000, more than a 46% increase since 2010.[Photo: courtesy Merritt Chase]Merritt Chase has two other ongoing projects that feed into this growth. One is a pedestrian conversion of three blocks leading up to the convention center; the other will add a new park to the site of a historic downtown food hall, with construction beginning this summer.Spark on the Circle is the pop-up version of these larger projects. This is a way of leveraging a lot of that private investment and connecting it all across the city to create better everyday livable experiences, Merritt says. Projects like these and the way they connect will give more of a reason to not just visit but hopefully encourage more people to live downtown. Though some local commenters have bemoaned any street closures, downtown Indianapolis has a very tight downtown grid with city blocks that are smaller than those in other big cities. The closure of part of the circle, or even the entire circle, would require only a short driving detour. [Photo: courtesy Merritt Chase]Merritt Chase will use its 18-month Emerson Collective fellowship to expand its community outreach, research, and planning for the future of downtown centered around Monument Circle, using Spark on the Circle as one of the primary use cases. Chase Merritt cofounder Nina Chase says the 2024 visitation numbers show theres a big appetite for this kind of unconventional public space in the city.Thats been really lovely to see, she says. We as landscape architects, we think yes thats what you should do, but sometimes you never know. So its good to see it in action. Merritt says turning the pop-up park into something more permanent is one option, but its not the predetermined goal of the plan Merritt Chase will produce. Theyre more interested in finding out how people in the city want to use the space and then designing around that. Whether its parklike and still open for cars or completely closed to cars, I think thats still to be determined through lots of conversations with folks downtown and residents.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Apple continues to set the pace with innovative products that enhance user experience. Complementing these technological marvels are a plethora of accessories designed to elevate functionality and style. In February 2025, we came across multiple excellent accessories, each offering unique features and benefits that make them indispensable for Apple enthusiasts.These 10 best accessories of February 2025 offer a blend of innovation, style, and functionality, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Whether youre a photography enthusiast, a music lover, or a productivity powerhouse, these accessories provide unique ways to enhance your Apple experience. Dive in and make your pick!1. Fotorgears Modular Retro Photography KitThe Fotorgear Modular Retro Photography Kit is a must-have for photography enthusiasts who own the iPhone 16 Pro. This kit transforms your smartphone into a vintage camera, complete with lens mounts, cold shoe mounts, and leather grips. Designed for those who appreciate the classic camera experience, this kit offers the aesthetics and functionality of a retro camera without the hassle of handling film.The thin case wraps tightly around the iPhone 16 Pro, providing a textured surface reminiscent of professional cameras, while metal frames on the sides enhance its vintage appeal. The Retro Bar, equipped with physical knobs, a dial, and a shutter button, completes the nostalgic look and feel. It enriches your photography experience by offering a tactile interface that many photographers miss in the digital age.What we likeProvides a classic camera feel with modern smartphone convenience.Offers a unique and stylish look that stands out.What we dislikeOnly compatible with the iPhone 16 Pro, limiting its use to owners of this model.The added components may make the phone heavier and less pocket-friendly.2. Miatone MagBoom MiniThe Miatone MagBoom Mini is a revolutionary MagSafe-compatible speaker that attaches seamlessly to the back of your iPhone. This compact speaker is slightly larger than a coffee pod and provides powerful audio output, turning your smartphone into an entertainment powerhouse. With a 3W output, it significantly enhances the audio experience for movies, videos, podcasts, and music, outperforming the built-in speakers of most smartphones.The MagBoom Mini was showcased at MWC 2025, highlighting its potential to transform your phone into a high-resolution audio dock. Its design also serves as a convenient prop-stand, making it ideal for viewing content hands-free.What we likeOffers significantly better sound quality than most smartphone speakers.Serves as both a speaker and a stand, adding convenience for media consumption.What we dislikeWhile improved, the 3W output may not satisfy audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound.Its size, although compact, adds bulk to the back of the phone.3. MagMirrorSay hello to the MagMirror a revolutionary accessory that redefines smartphone content creation. This cutting-edge tool enables users to utilize their phones superior rear cameras for self-portraits, vlogs, and live streams, bringing professional quality to personal media. MagMirror ingeniously mirrors your phones display onto a secondary screen attached to the back, allowing you to frame shots perfectly while maximizing camera capabilities. Its 3-in-1 design seamlessly marries functionality and portability, employing MagSafe technology for a secure, fuss-free attachment to compatible devices. Whether you have the latest iPhone or an Android device, MagMirrors magnetic ring ensures flawless integration without additional equipment or complex setups.One of MagMirrors excellent features is its built-in LED frame, which serves as a versatile lighting solution. This feature mimics professional ring lights, offering four distinct lighting modes to enhance your content in various environments: crisp white for professional settings, bright illumination for low-light clarity, warm tones for a flattering glow, and party mode for dynamic visual effects.Click Here to Buy Now: $109$165(35% off). Hurry, only 87/100 left! Raised over $52,000.What we likeLeverages superior rear cameras for high-quality content creation.The built-in LED frame provides multiple lighting options, enhancing visual appeal.What we dislikeMay not be compatible with all smartphones without additional accessories.Extensive use of the LED frame might drain the phones battery quickly.4. Leica LUX GripLeicas Lux Grip is designed for iPhone photographers who crave the tactile feel of a DSLR camera. This premium accessory attaches via MagSafe, transforming your smartphone into a more intuitive shooting tool. The Lux Grip is crafted with precision, featuring mechanical controls like a two-stage shutter button for half-press focusing and full-press image capture.It also includes a dedicated dial for quick adjustments to exposure settings, zoom, and other functions, mimicking the manual controls of Leicas flagship cameras. Customizable function buttons further enhance the user experience, allowing photographers to tailor the grip to their shooting preferences.What we likeOffers a DSLR-like experience with mechanical controls and ergonomic design.Allows users to personalize controls for a tailored photography experience.What we dislikePremium build and features may come at a higher cost.Designed specifically for iPhones, limiting its applicability to other smartphones.5. ColorWaves AirPods RetroThe ColorWave AirPods Retro edition offers a delightful homage to Apples iconic computers from the past. These special edition AirPods feature the classic beige color reminiscent of vintage Macs, with machined grooves and a rainbow hinge design that echoes the original Apple logo. While they lack the screens of modern smart earbuds cases, these AirPods capture the essence of Apples design heritage.They are intended to be a collectors item for fans of the brand. This isnt just a simple aesthetic upgrade; its a thoughtful design that pays tribute to Apples legacy while delivering the high-quality audio experience users expect from AirPods. They will give your AirPods a fun and unique makeover or transformation!What we likeOffers a distinctive, nostalgic design that appeals to Apple enthusiasts.A must-have for collectors and fans of vintage Apple products.What we dislikeFocuses more on design than on new technological features.The light-colored design may show wear and tear more easily.6. Nomad Universal CableNomad elevates charging convenience with its innovative multi-functional USB-C charging cable. This cable is thoughtfully crafted with an integrated Apple Watch charger, catering to users who aim to reduce clutter while maintaining full functionality. It provides the capability to charge an Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad simultaneously, making it a versatile solution for those with multiple Apple devices.Designed to be compact and space-efficient, this cable is perfect for both home and travel use. It combines the ability to charge multiple devices with the sleek elegance expected from Apple-compatible accessories, making it an essential item for anyone seeking reliable, clutter-free charging on the go.What we likeVersatile charging capabilities for multiple Apple devices.Space-saving design, perfect for travel.What we dislikeLimited to wireless charging only for the Apple Watch.Relies on USB-C, which may necessitate adapters for non-compatible ports.7. Xiaomis Modular Optical SystemXiaomi has introduced an innovative 35mm lens that attaches to your iPhone like a MagSafe accessory, enhancing its photography capabilities. Featuring a 100MP Light Fusion X Type 4/3 sensor, this lens is perfect for low-light photography, offering natural bokeh effects without relying on artificial algorithms.The lens connects magnetically using small pogo pins for power transfer, while Xiaomis proprietary LaserLink technology ensures rapid data transfer at speeds up to 10 Gbps. This seamless integration allows for real-time photo capture, video recording, and computational enhancements, elevating your smartphones camera performance to rival that of traditional DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.What we likeProvides superior low-light performance and natural bokeh effects.Offers real-time data transfer and computational enhancements.What we dislikeMay require additional steps to attach and configure compared to simpler accessories.Primarily designed for iPhones, potentially limiting use with other brands.8. FlexbarFlexbar revolutionizes the way you interact with technology by bringing the MacBook Pros Touch Bar convenience to a wider audience. This versatile 10-inch touchscreen strip is designed for power users, streamers, gamers, and content creators, offering a fully customizable interface for managing complex workflows.Whether youre editing videos in Adobe Premiere or controlling OBS layouts while streaming, Flexbar adapts to your needs, ensuring you stay focused and in control. Its compact, portable design makes it a seamless plug-and-play addition to desktops, laptops, iPads, iPhones, and even MacBook Pros, making it an indispensable tool across various platforms.What we likeOffers a customizable interface for a wide range of applications and users.Works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac systems.What we dislikeMay require time to customize and learn to use effectively.Adds another component to your setup, which may not appeal to those seeking simplicity.9. AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck StrapIntroducing the AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap, an accessory that combines sturdiness, functionality, and style. With this accessory, youll never have to worry about losing your cherished AirPods again. The woven ropes transform your AirPods into a chic necklace, allowing you to wear them around your neck for easy access.The strap features a patented magnetic lock that securely holds the earbuds in place, eliminating concerns about losing them. Available in a range of colors including Panther Black, Daisy Yellow, and Midnight Blue, you can select the shade that best suits your style. The neck strap is stylish and functional, giving you the best of both worlds!Click Here to Buy Now: $39.What we likeFashionable design with multiple color options to suit your style.A patented magnetic lock ensures your AirPods stay secure, preventing loss.What we dislikeMay not appeal to those who prefer a minimalist design.10. The HubThe Holme & Hadfield The Hub is a minimalist docking station expertly crafted to organize your Apple devices and accessories. This sleek desk organizer is ideal for tidying up your workspace or nightstand, offering specific spots for your iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, and more. Its understated yet elegant design fits seamlessly into any modern decor, while its practical functionality ensures that your essentials are always within easy reach.With its quick assembly and clutter-free design, The Hub provides an efficient solution for maintaining a tidy space. Available in two stylish color finishes, it serves a practical purpose and also adds a touch of sophistication to any setting. Whether you aim to streamline your morning routine or keep your desk orderly, The Hub is a perfect choice for Apple enthusiasts.What we likeEffectively organizes multiple Apple devices, helping to reduce clutter.Stylish design enhances the look of any workspace or bedroom decor.What we dislikeLimited to organizing smaller accessories, not suitable for larger devices.May not accommodate all types of accessories, which could limit its versatility.The post 10 Best Apple Accessories of February 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Character artist Oliver Schmann brings a creepy bust to life in ZBrush, plus Substance 3D Painter, RizomUV, KeyShot and Photoshop

AI-powered agents need to be connected all the time to be truly effective. Sounds like a job for satellite internet providers.

Chinese ecommerce giants like Temu and AliExpress sell drone accessories like those used by soldiers in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Steve Davis, a longtime Musk loyalist, is effectively the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency. Mr. Musk has likened him to chemotherapy.

I live in the future, at least as far as language translation technology is concerned.During the past couple of months, Ive spent most of my time in Italy and Mexico. During all that time, I understood Italian and Spanish thanks to theLive Translation feature of my Ray-Ban Meta glasses.Announced in September, Live Translation is based on MetasLlama 3.2 AI modeland is currently limited to US and Canada users enrolled in Metas Early Access Program.The feature translates audible French, Spanish, and Italian into audible English in the glasses and typed English on the app and shows the wearers English translated into the selected language.When I first arrived at the Catania airport in Sicily, I turned on Live Translation by saying, Hey, Meta: Start Live Translation.The first thing I heard using this feature was airport employees directing travelers. They spoke in Sicilian-accented Italian, but I heard: European passport holders please enter this line; all others go here.From that point on, I turned on Live Translation from time to time and was able to understand simple things people might be telling me. In a few cases, I translated my own words into Italian (first speaking in English, then reading the translation in the app in Italian).Its not perfect. It also translates English into English (and sometimes mistranslates English to English). It can fail to translate words spoken nearby. At other times, it will translate words spoken across the room when people are talking to each other, not to me.Ray-Ban Meta glasses also do another neat translation trick. While using Live AI, another Early Access feature, you can look at a sign in a foreign language and ask what it means in English, and it will speak the English translation.Despite the language glitches, this is a clear glimpse of the future for all of us the very near future.Apple AirPodsBloomberg reportedon March 13 that Apple will add live language translation to iOS 19 for AirPod users.According to the report, the users AirPods capture foreign language speech and speak the English translation into the ears of the AirPod wearer. Then, when the user speaks English, the iPhone speaker plays the translation into the foreign language via Apples Translate app.The feature is expected to be announced at Apples Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June and released in the fall.The languages to be supported have not been reported, but Apples Translate app supports 20.And Apple is by no means first to market with language translation earbuds.Google Pixel BudsGoogle has includedlive translation through itsPixel Buds and Pixel Buds Proearbudssince October 2017.The feature does what I described for the Apple AirPods: It delivers translated foreign-language speech through the Pixel Buds while outputting translated English words through the phone speaker. Thats what happens in Conversation Mode. When users switch to Transcribe Mode, they can get a live transcription of the translated foreign language, which is useful for listening to business presentations, attending speeches, or watching movies.The Pixel Buds language translation feature works via the excellent Google Translate app. In Conversation Mode, it supports more than 100 languages; Transcribe Mode, however, only supports four languages: French, German, Italian, and Spanish.Language translation requires an Android device running Android 6.0 or later thats Google Assistant-enabled, including non-Pixel phones. However, if you do have an advanced Pixel phone, the translation gets much better.Compatible Pixel phones (especially models with a Tensor processor) offer Live Translate with text messages, through the camera, in videos, and even during phone calls.A world of translation productsLanguage translation features that go in the ears come in many varieties.The TimeKettle WT2 Edge/W3 is highly rated. It supports 40 online languages and 13 pairs of offline languages, enabling two-way simultaneous translation that eliminates the need for alternating speech patterns. The system achieves up to 95% translation accuracy through its AI platform, according to the company.The Vasco Translator E1 supports an impressive 51 languages and uses 10 different AI-powered translation engines. The system allows up to 10 people to join conversations using the mobile app.The Pilot by Waverly Labs translates the wearers words to others and also translates replies back to the wearers language.Smart glasses that translate are also available.The Solos AirGo 3 Smart Glasses perform real-time language translation via the SolosTranslate platform and OpenAIs ChatGPT.Brilliant Labs Frame AI Glasses are open-source AR glasses that can translate languages seen in the environment, recognize images and provide information about them, and search the internet for results. The glasses use augmented reality to display translations directly in the users field of vision. They integrate with OpenAI, Whisper, and Perplexity technologies.TCL AR Glasses can live-translate conversations, offering an integrated heads-up display for showing the translation.Other form-factors exist, too, including the TimeKettle X1, K&F Concept Language Translator Device, ili Wearable Translator, Vasco Translator E1, TimeKettle WT2 Edge, and Timekettle ZERO Language Translator.All these products demonstrate that the technology for traveling the world and being able to hold conversations, read signs and understand people in foreign languages is already here, and has been for a while.Going mainstreamWhats about to change is the arrival of this feature in totally mainstream products. Something like 100 million people use their Apple AirPods almost every day. Meta expects to sell more than 10 millionRay-Ban Meta glassesby the end of 2026, by which time Live Translation and Live AI will be offered to all users globally.Whats really happening is that were heading for a world in which every wearable speaker earbuds, headphones, smart glasses, and more will give us live language translation on command or even automatically.The worst thing about this emerging trend is that, in the future, far fewer people will bother to learn foreign languages, relying instead on AI.But the upside is that language barriers between people on our planet will be essentially erased, and people will more easily understand one another. Thats got to be a good thing.In the meantime, live translation tech has been a radical and welcome game-changer for me as I travel the world as a digital nomad. Partnering with AI, I can speak foreign languages I never learned.

At a conference dedicated to energy technology that I attended this week, I noticed an outward attitude of optimism and excitement. But its hard to miss the current of uncertainty just underneath.The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, held this year just outside Washington, DC, gathers some of the most cutting-edge innovators working on everything from next-generation batteries to plants that can mine for metals. Researchers whose projects have received funding from ARPA-Epart of the US Department of Energy that gives money to high-risk research in energygather to show their results and mingle with each other, investors, and nosy journalists like yours truly. (For more on a few of the coolest things I saw, check out this story.)This year, though, there was an elephant in the room, and its the current state of the US federal government. Or maybe its climate change? In any case, the vibes were weird.The last time I was at this conference, two years ago, climate change was a constant refrain on stage and in conversations. The central question was undoubtedly: How do we decarbonize, generate energy, and run our lives without relying on polluting fossil fuels?This time around, I didnt hear the phrase climate change once during the opening session, including in speeches from US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and acting ARPA-E Director Daniel Cunningham. The focus was on American energy dominance, on how we can get our hands on more, more, more energy to meet growing demand.Last week, Wright spoke at an energy conference in Houston and had a lot to say about climate, calling climate change a side effect of building the modern world and climate policies irrational and quasi-religious, and he said that when it came to climate action, the cure had become worse than the disease.I was anticipating similar talking points at the summit, but this week, climate change hardly got a mention.What I noticed in Wrights speech and in the choice of programming throughout the conference is that some technologies appear to be among the favored, and others are decidedly less prominent. Nuclear power and fusion were definitely on the in list. There was a nuclear panel in the opening session, and in his remarks Wright called out companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Zap Energy. He also praised small modular reactors.Renewables, including wind and solar, were mentioned only in the context of their inconsistencyWright dwelled on that, rather than on other facts Id argue are just as important, like that they are among the cheapest methods of generating electricity today.In any case, Wright seemed appropriately hyped about energy, given his role in the administration. Call me biased, but I think theres no more impactful place to work in than energy, Wright said during his opening remarks on the first morning of the summit. He sang the praises of energy innovation, calling it a tool to drive progress, and outlined his long career in the field.This all comes after a chaotic couple of months for the federal government that are undoubtedly affecting the industry. Mass layoffs have hit federal agencies, including the Department of Energy. President Donald Trump very quickly tried to freeze spending from the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes tax credits and other support for EVs and power plants.As I walked around the showcase and chatted with experts over coffee, I heard a range of reactions to the opening session and feelings about this moment for the energy sector.People working in industries the Trump administration seems to favor, like nuclear energy, tended to be more positive. Some in academia who rely on federal grants to fund their work were particularly nervous about what comes next. One researcher refused to talk to me when I said I was a journalist. In response to my questions about why they werent able to discuss the technology on display at their booth, another member on the same project said only that its a wild time.Making progress on energy technology doesnt require that we all agree on exactly why were doing it. But in a moment when we need all the low-carbon technologies we can get to address climate changea problem scientists overwhelmingly agree is a threat to our planetI find it frustrating that politics can create such a chilling effect in some sectors.At the conference, I listened to smart researchers talk about their work. I saw fascinating products and demonstrations, and Im still optimistic about where energy can go. But I also worry that uncertainty about the future of research and government support for emerging technologies will leave some valuable innovations in the dust.This article is from The Spark, MIT Technology Reviews weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here.

Lessons from reading 100 books on world history in a yearPublished inThe Medium BlogSent as aNewsletter2 min readJust now-- Today is the spring equinox, aka the first day of spring here in the Northern Hemisphere (and the first day of fall for our friends below the equator). The sun hovers directly above the equator, meaning equal parts day and night for all of us.When TV shows jump the shark + cleaning your windows (Issue #292)Pierz Newton-John writer, coder, former psychotherapist, and (incidentally) Olivia Newton-Johns nephew realized a few years back that he had a gigantic knowledge gap. In school, hed been taught history as a dreary, black-and-white world populated mostly by dates and facts; this static view of history tends to be how its often taught, because history is actually really complex, interconnected, and ever-changing. Dustin Arand, a lawyer who was getting his history-teacher certification a few years back, defines it not as a record of the past, but a reflection on it and as we change, that reflection evolves, too.To correct gaps in his historical understanding, Newton-John embarked on a project to read 100 history books in a year. After making his way through Yuval Noah Hararis Sapiens, Susan Wise Bauers The History of the Medieval World, and 98 others, he came away with some perspective. I could suddenly see that the island of peace and prosperity I inhabited in my privileged life was just that, he writes, an island surrounded on all sides by an abyss of violence, turmoil and cruelty Also: Newton-John was surprised by how often we ignore history, fixating on the most immediate causes of problems rather than seeing how the momentum of the past continues to drive the current moment towards its future.If youre interested in taking on a challenge like Newton-Johns, youll find a few of the books that stood out to him during his 100-book project here. Harris Sockel Good quotesA top highlight on Medium this week, via psychologist Singh Bhai: The ones who still show basic respect even when theres no social benefit, those are the real ones.Data analyst Daniel Parris, who conducted an absurdly in-depth study of TV viewing habits: I analyzed IMDb ratings to determine when the average show jumps the shark [] typically, this inflection point occurs around seasons five and six.Food and wine expert Charlie Brown: Food and travel writers have a responsibility to go deeper than we often do. A little more Bourdain, a little less TikTok and everyone wins. Your daily dose of practical wisdomIf cleaning every window in your house feels too intense, just clean the inside and outside (if possible) of the one you look out most.

Monster Hunter Wilds is US' best-selling game of 2025 so far | US Monthly ChartsCapcom's action RPG sold more than double than that of its predecessor Monster Hunter RiseImage credit: Capcom News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on March 20, 2025 Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds topped Circana's US charts for February, and is the best-selling game of 2025 so far.The action RPG secured the top spot on PlayStation and Xbox's individual platform charts, with more than half of its sales being accounted for on Steam.According to Circana, launch month sales of Monster Hunter Wilds were more than double than the total Monster Hunter Rise generated in March 2021. Monster Hunter Wilds sold 8 million units in three days, becoming the fastest-selling title in Capcom's history.Warhorse Studios' Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 came in second, ranking at the same spot on the PS and Xbox charts.As reported by Circana, the launch month sales of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 were "more than five times higher" than Kingdom Come: Deliverance's launch revenue in February 2018.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 generated 1 million sales in just 24 hours following its release on February 4, 2025. It then went on to sell 2 million units in less than two weeks.The Top Ten included four more new releases, including Civilization 7 at No.3 and PGA Tour 2K25 at No.4 followed by Avowed at No.7 and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii at No.8. Avowed also ranked No.6 on the Xbox engagement charts.As for mobile content, Monopoly Go remained in the top spot followed by Last War: Survival which moved up two spaces which overtook Roblox for the first time in monthly US mobile spending as highlighted by Sensor Tower's Samuel Aune."Last War: Survival saw a 17% increase in in-app purchase revenue month over month, while both Royal Match and Roblox saw declines of around 9%," said Aune. "If this trend continues, Last War: Survival will be the No.2 game by US mobile gaming in-app purchase revenue."He added: "Also of note are the two Pokmon games: Pokmon TCG Pocket and Pokmon Go. This is the first time that two games with the same IP (though different publishers) have made [the Top Ten] at the same time, an impressive feat."Looking at US consumer spending for February, it fell by 6% year-over-year to $4.5 billion. Circana notes that "spending so far this year is 11% lower than at the same point in 2024 at $9 billion." Video game content spending also fell by 4% YoY to $4 billion.Elsewhere, hardware revenue dropped by 25% to $256 million compared to the same period last year. This marks the lowest February total since 2020, when hardware revenue was $184 million.The report also notes that after the first 52 months in market, PlayStation 5 unit sales are 7% ahead of PlayStation 4 while Xbox Series X|S is behind Xbox One at 19%.Here are the top 20 selling games from the period February 2 to March 1, 2025, data courtesy of Circana:RankLast month rankTitle1NEWMonster Hunter Wilds2NEWKingdom Come: Deliverance 23NEWCivilization 74NEWPGA Tour 2K2552NBA 2K2561Call of Duty: Black Ops 67NEWAvowed8NEWLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii94Grand Theft Auto 5103Madden NFL 25118Minecraft^^126EA Sports FC 25139Marvel's Spider-Man 2147Red Dead Redemption 21512Hogwarts Legacy1610EA College Football 251714Helldivers 21818Elden Ring1916Dragonball: Sparking! Zero2015Astro Bot^^Digital sales on Nintendo platforms not included.