Independent healthcare providers are turning to innovative technology solutions to bridge critical ... More gaps, enhance patient relationships, and reshape the future of personalized care.gettyIndependent providers are increasingly essentialyet uniquely vulnerablein healthcare today. As patient demand grows and traditional healthcare institutions face significant pressures, independent providers serve as an alternative for patients seeking personalized care, flexibility, and innovation. Yet, many struggle to compete due to substantial technological disadvantages.Being independent, there are specific challenges these practitioners face, but there are also technological solutions helping them thrive.Technology Challenges Facing Independent ProvidersIndependent healthcare practices often battle against significant technological challenges. I recently spoke with Victor Zhou, CEO of Klarity Health. He highlighted a fundamental mismatch between available tools and the realities of smaller, patient-focused practices: Most healthcare technology is designed for large systems with dedicated IT teams and deep pockets, but they are not a good fit for private practice that values patient experiences.Consequently, outdated scheduling systems, poor online visibility, and ineffective communication systems create friction at every step, significantly impacting patient satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue.Key Technological SolutionsTo overcome these technological hurdles, independent providers can adopt targeted digital strategies, such as:Enhanced Online PresenceNearly 80% of patients research doctors online before booking, and 90% consult online reviews, underscoring the need for optimized digital listings and SEO-focused websites. Best practices involve directory optimization on platforms like Google, Healthline, and WebMD, along with AI-search-friendly websites and verified reviews, building credibility and trust among potential patients."Word-of-mouth used to be enough. Now, the competition is tough. If a patient cant find you online or book an appointment in a few clicks, they move on," said Ellen Wilson Tarpeh, DNP, FNP. "We need better tools to stay competitive, but we dont have time to become marketing or tech experts."Streamlined Scheduling SystemsSimplifying patient scheduling through technology dramatically reduces no-shows and administrative burdens. Zhou shared that one nurse practitioner significantly improved patient retention by adopting digital scheduling solutions. According to Zhou, Her practice has reduced no-shows by more than 65% compared to the average, while more than 95% of her patients now complete their full intake prior to their appointment.Integrated Patient Engagement PlatformsConsistent patient engagement is critical, yet independent providers often struggle to maintain ongoing communication. Integrated patient portals that comply with HIPAA standards ensure secure communication and facilitate continuity of care. Enhanced digital engagement fosters greater adherence to treatment plans and builds lasting patient-provider relationships.Real-World Impact of Integrated Technology SolutionsKlarity Health launched Kiwi Health, a new technology platform to enable independent healthcare providers to overcome technological barriers. Kiwi Health offers tools designed specifically for the operational realities of private practices, providing solutions for managing online presence, scheduling, and patient communication.According to Zhou, platforms tailored specifically to smaller practices are crucial because they address unique workflow needs often ignored by larger, legacy systems. Providers using such platforms report improvements in areas like appointment scheduling accuracy, patient retention, and online visibility, highlighting the potential impact of targeted digital solutions on independent healthcare.Broad Implications for Independent HealthcareBy strategically embracing digital solutions, independent providers can significantly enhance their competitive edge. Agility is a key advantage for small practices, especially as emerging technologies like AI reshape patient interactions and engagement online. Independent practices that proactively adopt these trends are positioned to thrive through precise, rapid innovation tailored specifically to patient needs.Providers should begin their technology integration journeys with clear, manageable goalsstarting effectively, for example, by tackling no-show issues and automating patient reminders and administrative processes.Charting the Future of Independent HealthcareTechnology is not merely a luxury for independent healthcare providersit's an essential driver of growth, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.By embracing innovative digital solutions, independent practices can surmount longstanding barriers, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future. Continued adaptation and innovation are crucial as healthcare evolves, empowering providers to deliver exceptional, patient-centric care in an increasingly competitive market.

The first three boxed sets detailing the massive Castle Zagyg setting written by Gary Gygax for ... [+] Castles & Crusades are currently crowdfunding.Troll Lord GamesDungeons and Dragons has been shaped by untold hands during its 51 year existence. One of the central figures, Gary Gygax, is revered by many as the father of not just D&D but of an entirely new form of storytelling. Without Gygax and this game, there are dozens of actors, writers and creators who might have never been inspired.Though he left TSR and D&D in the 1980s, Gygax never stopped creating. He built a massive fantasy setting called Castle Zagyg that he used for his own games over many, many decades. Troll Lord Games, in collaboration with Garys son Luke Gygax, is bringing a massive collection of this work to his fans via a crowdfunding project called Castle Zagyg: Galleries of the Arch Mage for Castles & Crusades, their flagship line.This is something I worked years and years for, said Luke Gygax, author on the currently funding project. Its something I promised my father I would help bring to the public. I made that promise in 2007 and here we are today."The current crowdfunding project focuses on the first three parts of a five volume series. These boxed sets detail the castle and the surrounding environs offering hundreds of pages of adventure inspiration. The more money raised by the crowdfunding efforts the more material will be included in each boxed set.Many people think Castle Zagyg is a megadungeon where you kick in the door and theres a dragon in the room and then you kick in the next door and its a room full of ogres," said Luke gygax. "Its not quite like that. There is a rhyme and reason. Its the castle of the mad archmage Zagyg. Its for his entertainment.While there are storylines and memorable characters, Castle Zagyg offers plenty of exploration. Gary Gygax preferred a style of game more akin to open world video games where players were free to roam an area and build the experience on their own terms. He also aimed to challenge the players as much as the twists of the story challenged the characters.Theres puzzles. Theres clues. Mapping the dungeon was part of the game in the 70s. You would draw the map on your graph paper. Then you look at the graph paper. Maybe you find some space where there could be a room or something and you decide to go check it out.Gygax partnered with Troll Lord Games to bring Castle Zagyg to life using Castles & Crusades. C&C is one of the most popular and well supported Old School Revival games on the market. It also allows fans who want to run the game using AD&D will find it easy to do so. Castles & Crusades we created back in 2004," said Stephen Chenault, CEO of Troll Lord Games. The company needed its own footprint, its own role playing game. Gary Gygax needed a home for his Castle Zagyg dungeons. I was a huge Advanced Dungeons & Dragons guy. Davis Chenault and Mac Golden delivered a game that really had that feel. Our CK, the Castle Keeper, has control of the narrative but its not very mechanically heavy. Combat and attribute checks and thats basically it. Once players realize this, that they can do anything and try anything, its just katy-bar-the-door and you can have a lot of fun with it."Troll Lord Games is finishing a project that it began in the 2000s with this collection of boxed sets. Fans will get a chance to see a setting evolve over decades and then get a chance to put their own spin on it. The crowdfunding campaign runs through April 4th, 2025."[Castle Zagyg] is my fathers magnum opus," said Luke Gygax. "So many greats played in it from my brother Ernie to Rob Kuntz, James Ward and dozens of creators who played and playtested these levels. This is his greatest work.

In brief: Ownership of Napster is changing hands once again. The company, which started life as a peer-to-peer file sharing service more than 25 years ago, is being purchased by Infinite Reality for $207 million. The immersive technology specialist plans to transform Napster from a legitimate streaming music service into a social and interactive music platform. Napster's claim to fame came near the turn of the century. The file sharing service made it trivially easy for the average Joe to share and download copyrighted music with others online, threatening the livelihood of artists and record labels. Legal issues proved to be Napster's undoing, with the service shutting down in 2001 before filing for bankruptcy a year later.Napster's story did not end there, however, as its assets and brand name would be passed around to multiple owners over subsequent years. Roxio, for example, purchased Napster's assets at auction and used them to rebrand its existing music service. Best Buy later acquired the brand's rights, and went on to work out a deal with Rhapsody for a branded streaming service.That brings us to present day, and Infinite Reality's $207 million acquisition of Napster.The new owner said it aims to differentiate Napster from rivals by prioritizing fan engagement over passive listening and allow artists to better connect with and monetize their relationship with listeners. Using its tools, artists will be able to create virtual concerts and social listening parties (think the Travis Scott Fortnite concert during the pandemic), sell digital content, leverage AI for customer service, sales, and community management, and more.Infinite Reality CEO John Acunto said the acquisition aligns with their vision of leading an internet industry shift from a flat 2D clickable web to a 3D conversational one. // Related StoriesExisting Napster CEO Jon Vlassopulos will stick around after the sale and continue his leadership role. Vlassopulos was appointed chief executive in 2022 and helped lead a restructuring effort. Before joining Napster, he served as head of global music for Roblox.

In brief: If you're wondering what Pat Gelsinger has been up to since he was ousted from Intel, the former CEO has just become executive chairman and head of technology at another company. He is a leader at Gloo, a Colorado firm that provides various tech to churches and other faith groups. Gelsinger rejoined Intel as CEO in February 2021 after previously spending 30 years at the company. He departed on December 1, 2024, and while Gelsinger said he was taking a surprise retirement, it's believed that he was pushed out by a board that had lost faith in its CEO as the company faced its worst struggles in decades.Lifelong Christian Gelsinger announced his new role at Gloo in a LinkedIn post. "For more than four decades, Linda and I have lived our lives at the intersection of technology and faith," he wrote. "Today, that intersection becomes even more profound as we begin a new chapter a chapter that starts with me taking an expanded role at Gloo."Gloo describes itself as a technology platform connecting the faith ecosystem. Founded in 2013, it offers resources and a centralized suite of AI-powered tools designed for communication, content organization and distribution, and outreach efforts among faith organizations and their members.Gelsinger writes that he has been involved with Gloo for ten years, both as a board member and an investor. He has served on Gloo's board as non-executive chairman since 2018. // Related StoriesLike many companies, Gloo has raised capital to finance its AI push, raising $110 million for this purpose in August 2024. The company has developed chatbots with "safe search" features and answers grounded in the Christian Bible. Gelsinger previously said that Gloo would use DeepSeek's AI models rather than OpenAI's for its AI chatbot service Kallm, as the Chinese firm's products are open source and easier to integrate. He also called the market's reaction to the R1 AI model "wrong."Gelsinger will lead Gloo's product and engineering efforts. One of his first projects will be the creation of one of the world's first vertical industry clouds for the faith ecosystem."Now more than ever, there is great need for faith-based communities to take an active role in ensuring we shape technology as a force for good," Gelsinger wrote. "As we have seen with social media, the impact of technology evolutions is swift, deep and long lasting. AI is an even more powerful yet nascent tool. It is imperative we ensure AI is used to enhance the human experience, not harm it."Earlier this month, Craig Barrett who ran Intel from 1998 to 2005, called for Team Blue's board to be fired and for Gelsinger to be rehired, though he seems very happy at Gloo.

The OnePlus 13 Mini (or 13T, depending on the naming scheme) could end up with a larger battery than its flagship cousin, according to leaker Digital Chat Station. According to the tipster, the OnePlus 13 Mini will have a 6,200mAh battery versus the OnePlus 13s 6,000mAh battery.Considering the smaller size of the OnePlus 13 Mini, a larger battery capacity is impressive enough. Throw in the fact that it will have a 6.3-inch display instead of the 6.8-inch display of the OnePlus 13, and its power demands should drop by a large margin.Recommended VideosThis isnt the first prediction Digital Chat Station has made regarding the OnePlus 13 Minis battery. In February, the tipster suggested it could have a capacity of at least 6,000mAh. OnePlus in this case, Oppo seems to be taking a battery-first approach to many of its devices, with even the Oppo Watch X2 Mini receiving a noteworthy battery capacity for a smartwatch.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsIn addition to increased capacity, the OnePlus 13 Mini is said to support 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Even if you heavily use your phone, these speeds will allow you to top off its charge in a much shorter time than comparable devices. And with just how good the OnePlus 13 is, we expect the 13 Mini to punch well above its weight class.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe 13 Mini is rumored to have a 50MP main and a 50MP telephoto camera, and possibly an 8MP ultrawide camera. Of course, OnePlus hasnt made any official announcements yet about the handset, so were going off information that has been leaked. Theres no set release date, either, although the OnePlus 13 Mini is expected to see its initial launch in April with the global launch to follow shortly thereafter.Editors Recommendations

Fortnite fans are returning to the nostalgic chaos of Fortnite OG as Season 3 officially begins, reviving one of the battle royales most legendary erasChapter 1, Season 3. This season, which started in February 2018, marks a watershed moment for the game, introducing its first major plot with a looming meteor while also consolidating its cultural climb with new cosmetics and gameplay innovations. Now a permanent fixture alongside Fortnites current modes, OG continues to delight OGs and newbies alike by cycling through the original Chapter 1 seasons, fusing retro aesthetics with modern mechanics. Season 3 begins with a boom, promising to rekindle the magic of a simpler, meteor-shadowed past, while Season 2 fades into memory with its Tilted Towers nostalgia.The Fortnite OG community is ecstatic, with gamers flocking to commemorate the return of this important season, called Meteor Strike, during its initial run. Epic Games has teased a precise reproduction of the 2018 experience, complete with the original islands charm and a loot pool reminiscent of double-pumping glory days. Season 3s release coincides with the v34.20 update, which arrived today following a brief server outage, ensuring a smooth transition into the past. Heres everything new that has arrived with Fortnite OG Season 3 and the 34.20 patch in the game.Lucky Landing and iconic Meteor returnsFortnite OG is crashing into Chapter 1 Season 3, complete with the return of Lucky Landing and a meteor thats on a seriously worrying collision course! Chapter 1 Season 3 brings back the Lucky Landing POI and the mysterious meteor in the skies!Epic GamesThis small town is a treasure trove of ornate architecture and abundant loot. Lucky Landings tight streets are perfect for up-close encounters just dont forget to take in the gorgeous cherry blossoms as you bask in the glow of victory! Later in OG Chapter 1 Season 3, the familiar meteor will emerge in the sky and get closer and closer as the Season goes on. Say hello to the giant rock that started Fortnite Battle Royales story!RelatedOG 50v50 LTM returnsThe much-requested 50v50 LTM is making its long-awaited return as OG 50v50. Pitting two 50-player teams against each other in an epic clash for victory, experience the thrills of large-scale battle as you fight, loot, and build alongside 49 teammates!Epic GamesOG 50v50 will be available until April 14 at 9 AM ET. Fun fact: 50v50 was the first-ever LTM to be added to Fortnite Battle Royale, all the way back in 2017. And ever since, there have been numerous Fortnite LTMs that players have loved over the years.OG Loot Pool and Guided Missile are back!Epic GamesThroughout the Season, look out for gear from the classic Chapter 1 Season 3 being added!Guided Missile(live now!) Shoot a rocket you can control remotely. This explosive weapon returns for the first time since 2018!Hand Cannon(live now!) Unleash your inner gunslinger with this powerful sidearm that rewards precision with devastating power!Hunting Rifle(live now!) A marksmans dream! With enough accuracy, you can even down opponents who have a whole buncha Effective Health.Remote Explosive The ultimate tool for explosion enthusiasts. Stick them to walls and detonate to your hearts content!Heavy Shotgun The go-to shotgun for mid-range encounters. Take advantage of its single precise slug to deal devastating damage to anyone brave enough to confront you.Port-A-Fort Your instant ticket to gaining the high ground. Throw this down to build a prefabricated metal fortress!Light Machine Gun Shred through enemy builds or lay down suppressing fire! Youll see the light after trying it out.Clingers Unlike what you may expect, these plungerscauseexplosive disasters.From day 1, youll notice Supply Llamas and vending machines around the Island! In Zero Build, youll be able to gather mats to use at vending machines. And speaking of Zero Build, start placing Traps on the landscape! Heres the loot being carried over from Season 2 to the beginning of Season 3:Assault RifleBurst Assault RifleScoped Assault RifleMinigunPistolRevolverSuppressed PistolSuppressed Submachine GunTactical Submachine GunPump ShotgunTactical ShotgunBolt-Action Sniper RifleSemi-Auto Sniper RifleCrossbowGrenade LauncherRocket LauncherBoogie BombBushesCozy CampfireGrenadeImpulse GrenadeSmoke GrenadePort-A-BunkerDamage TrapLaunch Pad (non-throwable version)BandagesMed KitsShield PotionsSmall Shield PotionsSlurp JuiceChug JugA brand new shiny OG Pass arrivesEpic GamesThe new OG Season brings a new OG Pass, offering 45 tiers of rewards inspired by the classic Chapter 1 Season 3! Unlock items that take inspiration from Power Chord, Raven, and Rex all Outfits that debuted in the Shop during that Season.Unlock free and premium rewards in the OG Pass by earning XP in any Fortnite experience. To claim the premium rewards as you earn XP, purchase the Pass for only 1,000 V-Bucks or get it throughFortnite Crew! Included as premium rewards, there are three Outfits in the Pass:Power Punk: Break all the rules.Power Punk is claimable right away upon purchasing the OG Pass!This Outfit has a helmet you can toggle on or off thats reminiscent of Mission Specialist and Dark Voyagers helmets! These are Outfits from the classic Chapter 1 Season 3s Battle Pass.Mecha R3X: Drive your foes to extinction.Sir Raven: A dark and stormy knight.This OG Pass also has Back Blings, Pickaxes, and other accessories that throw things back to the Season when all eyes were on the sky. Strike a chord with The Rebel Pickaxe, scope out your wild kingdom with the Horizon Rider Glider, and put on a cape of feathers with the Fowl Mantle Back Bling. As you earn XP, unlock an alternate Style for each Outfit and for many of the accessories!Editors Recommendations

Samsung TV owners, rejoice Netflix expands HDR support with HDR10+ Before, Netflix users could only stream HDR titles in Dolby Vision or HDR10. Scharon Harding Mar 25, 2025 12:17 pm | 7 A scene from the Netflix original movie The Electric State. Credit: Netflix A scene from the Netflix original movie The Electric State. Credit: Netflix Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreNetflix announced today that it has started offering HDR movies and shows in the HDR10+ format.Since December 2014, when season 1 of Marco Polo debuted, Netflix has supported the HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. Like Dolby Vision, HDR10+ is a more advanced form of HDR that uses dynamic metadata fine-tuned to specific content. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision let creatives set how each frame looks, enabling a final result that should have more detail and look closer to how the content's creators intended. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are especially impactful when watching HDR content on lower-priced HDR TVs that could suffer from poor black levels and other performance gaps.You have to subscribe to Netflix's Premium ad-free plan to stream content in HDR and 4K resolution. The plan is $25 per month, compared to $18 per month for the Standard ad-free plan that limits users to 1080p resolution.Netflix's blog post says:To enhance our offering, we have been adding HDR10+ streams to both new releases and existing popular HDR titles. AV1-HDR10+ now accounts for 50 percent of all eligible viewing hours. We will continue expanding our HDR10+ offerings with the goal of providing an HDR10+ experience for all HDR titles by the end of this year.The streaming service added that it has "over 11,000 hours of HDR titles."Dolby Vision came out in 2014, three years before HDR10+. The HDR10+ rival also offers more control over color through its support of 12-bit video. Combined, this has led to Dolby Vision enjoying wider adoption than HDR10+.However, HDR10+ is still important for Netflix to offer to stay competitive with other streaming services supporting the format, like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, and Disney+, which announced in January that it would start supporting HDR10+.HDR10+ is also important to HDR viewers who have devices that don't support Dolby Vision. That includes TVs from Samsung, which sells more TVs than any other brand. People who try to watch HDR content on Netflix on an HDR TV that doesn't support Dolby Vision have been streaming the lesser HDR10 base standard, which uses static metadata.HDR has also grown in popularity since 2020, with HDR streaming increasing "by more than 300 percent" and the number of devices streaming Netflix and supporting HDR more than doubling, per Netflix's blog.Netflix adding HDR10+ support to its service at no extra cost is a welcome change from other streaming announcements, which often include price hikes, pulled content, and removed features. However, this latest move comes about three months after Netflix raised its Premium subscription price from $23 per month to $25 per month.Scharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon HardingSenior Technology Reporter Scharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She's been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Toms Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK. 7 Comments

Kavkazskaya oil pumping station on January 2025, and March 23, 2025. Reuters 2025-03-25T16:27:23Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? A Russian oil pumping station was ablaze a week after a drone strike.The Caspian Pipeline Consortium accused Ukraine of a "terrorist" attack on it.It said oil transfer is halted and its shareholders are being impacted.An oil pumping station in Russia that was targeted by a suspected Ukrainian drone strike was still on fire a week later, with its parent company saying that the losses were hitting its shareholders.The Kavkazskaya pump station, in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, was struck in an overnight attackThe station is part of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which lists multiple oil producers among its partners, including Chevron-led Tengizchevroil.CPC said the site pumped about 1.5 million tons of crude oil in 2024.Authorities initially said that drone debris hit a pipeline, starting a 215-square-ft blaze that quickly spread. According to Russian reports, the fire expanded dramaticallyThe fire was finally extinguished on Tuesday after spreading up to 100,000 square feet, the region's governor, Veniamin Kondratiev, said.CPC accused Ukraine of a "terrorist" attack and said that, combined with an earlier strike on another pumping station, it's had a "destructive impact on the CPC financials," which will "impact all of its shareholders."The pipeline is a major oil export route for Kazakhstan, with state-owned KazMunaiGaz holding a 19% share. The Russian government, which holds 24%, is the consortium's largest shareholder.The station will not be transporting oil "in the foreseeable future," the company said.However, Sally Jones, a spokesperson for Chevron, told Business Insider in a statement that Tengizchevroil's production and export of crude oil via the CPC "remain uninterrupted." Kavkazskay is located at the center of this NASA fire-tracking image that marked three blazes as of early Tuesday. NASA/FIRMS Ukraine has used strikes on Russian oil and gas infrastructure as part of its response to Russia's full-scale invasion.The latest energy infrastructure damage came amid President Donald Trump's attempts to mediate a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.Russian reports said that the initial fire started a chain reaction involving an explosion and an oil spill that ignited, with more than 450 firefighters deployed to tackle it.NASA's satellite-powered FIRMS fire-tracking tool appeared to show that what had been a single hot spot at the site on March 19 had expanded out to three large areas as of earlyThe fire was the latest in a series of attacks on CPCMeanwhile, on February 17, CPC said

Airport transfers were a luxe experience.A table of snacks and drinks on safari. Monica Humphries/Business Insider I landed at the Seronera Airstrip in Central Serengeti and searched for my safari guide for the next two days.Shedrack Barnaba, a safari guide for Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp, was waiting for me with a smile.Before hopping in the open-air leather Toyota Land Cruiser, we first needed to snack. Barnaba had set up an entire table of food. A tablecloth displayed nuts, chips, and cookies in metal containers, along with tea, sodas, and water.I've had luxury airport transfers before. I felt spoiled in Belize when my driver pulled over to the side of the road to pour me a rum punch or when a luxury vehicle pulled up to bring me to Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City.However, my experience in Tanzania took transfers to a new level, and the welcome picnic was just the beginning. As we navigated the national park's bumpy dirt roads, Barnaba used his vast knowledge to point out different safari creatures. We stopped to watch a herd of elephants and spotted a lion rustling in the bush.It seemed impossible to top an airport transfer like that.It was easy to forget my accommodations were technically tents.The interior of the reporter's luxury tent. Monica Humphries/Business Insider All three lodges I visited in the Serengeti were canvas tents, but they still managed to create a luxury experience. (Business Insider received a media rate for each accommodation.)At TAASA Lodge, where a night stay ranges between $910 and $1,060 a person, my tent was large enough to have a living area where I sipped my hand-delivered latte each morning.At another lodge, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp, I sprawled in a king-size bed and took hot showers with running water each evening. Depending on the season, nights in this tent cost between $946 and $1,227 a person.Finally, my tent at Singita's Sabora Tented Camp was the most luxurious and had the highest costs, ranging between $2,125 and $3,095 a person per night. At Singita, I didn't spend a moment inconvenienced in the air-conditioned, three-partitioned space. There was a stocked kitchen, cozy bed, indoor and outdoor shower, freestanding tub, double vanity, floor-to-ceiling closet, and outdoor seating.Sure, it was technically a tent, but it was one of the nicest places I've ever slept and I've spent nights in hotels with celebrity and billionaire guest lists.Outside the tents, property perks continued.The infinity pool at TAASA Lodge. Monica Humphries/Business Insider Navigating my itinerary was the hardest part of my first safari trip.I wanted to spend as much time as possible in the bush, spotting animals and being in nature, but with some of the nicest accommodations I've experienced, it was tempting to never leave my tent.On top of that, the communal lodge spaces were equally enticing.All three properties had impressive infinity pools with views of the Serengeti. There were welcoming bars with similarly impressive sights. Some lodges had tents for spas and gyms, while others had shared lounge spaces with leather couches and comfy seating.I could've happily spent a week hopping between the national park, lodge, and tent without ever getting bored.The remoteness of each lodge didn't prevent the properties from serving lavish dinners.The reporter's lunch one afternoon at Singita. Monica Humphries/Business Insider When I think of camping, I think of dehydrated meals, PB&Js, oatmeal, and plenty of candy.When I think of glamping, it typically involves a camp stove where full dinners are cooked.Rarely do I associate sleeping in a tent with fine dining.Once again, Tanzania proved me wrong. Each lodge served multi-course dinners on white tablecloths.The food at Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp was some of the best I had. I'm still dreaming of dishes like the harissa roasted carrot soup or the chicken thighs and sundried tomatoes.At Singita's Sabora Tented Camp, dinner service included the perk of a sommelier who paired each course with a glass of wine.Of course, a meal wouldn't be complete without extravagant desserts like tartlets, homemade ice cream, and pastries.For the first time, I experienced perks like a butler, personal waiter, and safari guide.A safari guide points out animal tracks during a game drive. Monica Humphries/Business Insider As a solo traveler, I'm used to planning and making every decision on a trip. I pick where I want to go and when I want to do it, where to eat, what museums to visit, and which to skip. I navigate roads, airports, and unfamiliar cities.The choices are endless, and for the first trip of my life, I rarely had decisions to make which felt like the biggest luxury of the trip.Instead, staff members at each lodge made decisions for me. Peterlis Kibwana packed my itinerary each day at the Sigita Sabora Tented Camp. He suggested when we wake up for our game drives, what time my requested bush walk would take place, and when and where we would each lunch. There wasn't a single thing I had to stress about.Logolie Milya effortlessly navigated the area's roads. There were no Google Maps, and there was no need for me to backseat drive. Instead, I was a passenger enjoying the sights for the few days in the bush.My waiters and butlers at each lodge quickly learned my preferences. Once Micky learned I drink lattes in the morning, he made sure to have one waiting for me every day. When I wasn't sure what entre to pick, the staff were happy to make the call for me.I could've been more decisive, but I didn't have to be and that was a luxury.The most memorable part of the entire experience was the staff.The reporter's safari guide, Logolie Milya, and tracker Sam during her TAASA Lodge in Tanzania. Monica Humphries/Business Insider It was magical to see a baby elephant cross the road just a few feet from our safari vehicle, and it was thrilling to follow the sounds of roaring lions at night.The animal interactions I had in Tanzania were moments I will never forget. But so were the people.Learning about Milya's childhood growing up in a Maasai tribe and having someone receptive to answer every question I had was a reminder that humans around the world can connect and bond.Seeing photos of Micky's children and watching his eyes light up as he mentioned his wife was heartwarming.The people, their hospitality, their eagerness to showcase their country, and their warmth made sleeping in a tent one of the most abundant trips of my life.

Sabrina Carpenter looks likely to be Fortnite Festival's next headliner with the 'Please Please Please' singer's microphone appearing in game here's all we knowTech14:14, 25 Mar 2025Updated 14:14, 25 Mar 2025Sabrina's microphone has been spotted in Fortnite early(Image: Getty Images)Fortnite Chapter 6 Chapter 2 is still in full flow, but as the game expands to include other genres, Fortnite Festival has become one of the tentpole attractions.Since debuting the mode with an Eminem appearance, we've seen Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Metallica and Snoop Dogg hit the stage and the next headliner may have been revealed.Article continues belowEagle-eyed players have spotted that Sabrina Carpenter's distinct microphone has arrived in the game's latest update, seemingly teeing the 'Espresso' star up for a digital debut. Here's all we know about the next Fortnite Festival, and Sabrina's involvement.Content cannot be displayed without consentWhile the popstar's appearance was predicted last week, longtime Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that "Fortnite accidentally added some of her cosmetics to the files earlier than intended!".The cosmetic in question is unmistakably Sabrina Carpenter's heart-adorned microphone she's fond of, and it's appeared in-game, too.Carpenter has plenty of outfits that could be included(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)We're not expecting the next Fortnite Festival to arrive until next month, so her inclusion here is early but the evidence certainly adds up.As tends to be the case, players can expect a performance in-game from Carpenter, as well as some store items that will almost certainly include the superstar herself in playable form via an Icon Skin.Fortnite remains popular thanks to regular reinvention(Image: Epic)Given Carpenter's wide array of outfits, we're expecting to be dazzled whenever the update drops. Rest assured, we'll be across the latest Fortnite updates as always.In many ways, Fortnite Festival has become a spiritual successor to Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and is developed by the team behind both, Harmonix.Elsewhere, the game now includes user-created experiences, as well as curated titles like LEGO Brick Life and Rocket Racing.For more on Fortnite, check out the game's interesting way of dealing with cheaters going forward, as well as this awkward apology video from one who was caught.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.