I have two teenagers and I have no idea how they grew up so quickly.They don't ask for toys for Christmas anymore, they want my time. They roll their eyes in disgust if I offer my time, and if I take too long to respond they move on. I was surrounded by boxes. Boxes of decorations that still needed to be unpacked, boxes of holiday cards that still needed to be written, boxes of gifts to be wrapped and mailed. And there was my 13-year-old son, nearly as tall as me, standing in the doorway while I surveyed the chaos and contemplated how many days there were until Christmas."Hey, Mama. Do you want to go to Starbucks, just the two of us?"There was so much still to be done and only a few weekend hours left to do it. But I looked at my son, whose face had started to look more like a young adult's than a little kid's, and I said, "Sure, baby, why not?"I didn't think time would go by so fastI don't know how it happened so fast, but I have two teenage sons. Thinking back on their little kid Christmases, filled with toys, games, and stuffed animals, I remember the whirlwind of excitement and exhaustion. I knew they wouldn't always believe in Santa Claus (or wake me up before dawn to open their presents), but it still felt like those magical years would stretch on forever. This Christmas, though, they're 13 and 15, and their gift requests have shifted from PAW Patrol and Transformers to clothes, tech, and most unexpectedly my time.They don't typically ask for my time outright. If I'm not paying attention or I hesitate too long, the moment will slip away, and they'll move on to something else usually something that involves a screen, a group chat, and a world to which I'm decidedly not invited.But every now and then, they let me in. For my 13-year-old, it might look like a quick trip to Starbucks, where we order our favorite drinks, and he fills me in on the latest eighth-grade drama. Or it might be him helping me bake a batch of my "famous" gingersnaps while rattling off information he's accumulated over the course of a school week: what car his friend's dad drives, trivia about the newest roller coaster at Walt Disney World, or how his English teacher knew Bruce Springsteen growing up. For the past two months, it's been an occasional request to run lines with him as he studies his role as Colonel Mustard. Last fall, it was getting up early on vacation to watch the sunrise with me.My 15-year-old is more low-key because he's an introvert like me. His requests for my time often sneak up on me and they don't always involve much talking. He might sit down unannounced to watch 20 minutes of an old "Grey's Anatomy" episode with me, tossing in a wry comment about the characters' questionable life choices or the episode's unlikely disaster. Or, like last weekend, he might surprise me by coming home from a friend's house and launching into a detailed account of their "Dungeons and Dragons" campaign, his face lighting up as he recounts every plot twist. On rare occasions, he'll call me into the office to show me what he's doing in 3D computer graphics a skill he's learned entirely on his own while I marvel at his creativity.They don't want it if I offer itGiving my time to my teens isn't something I can wrap in a bow and they'd absolutely roll their eyes in disgust if I offered them anything as cutesy as coupons for "Time With Mama." But it's the one gift they (sometimes) genuinely want. Not when it's convenient for me, but when they're ready: when they're stressed, excited, overwhelmed, or simply in the mood to share a moment, or an hour, of their life with me.Setting aside whatever I'm doing to give them my full attention is as much a gift for me as it is for them. These aren't big, shiny moments they're quiet, fleeting ones. But being able to give my teens my time is a reminder to myself to slow down and appreciate this life I get to share with them. They're memories I can savor as these teenage years fly by and moments I hope they'll hold on to when they head off to college and, eventually, into busy lives of their own.This year, there won't be a mountain of overpriced and unwanted presents under the tree, but there will be time. As much as they want, whenever I can give it. And while I sometimes miss those chaotic Christmases of early childhood, I know I will look back on these quieter days with my teens just as fondly.

Tricia Goh is a final year computer science student at the National University of Singapore.Unlike most of her peers, Goh says she is not gunning for a job at a FAANG company.Goh received a job offer after competing a six-month internship at a Norwegian software company.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tricia Goh, 22, a senior at the National University of Singapore studying computer science. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider has verified her education and employment history.Landing a job in the tech industry isn't as easy as it once was. It's scary to read news stories about how tough the job market is for computer science graduates these days.Computer science has also become more popular and competitive as a major. There are nearly a thousand students in my batch. This means that each of us could end up fighting with hundreds of people for the same number of roles.Interestingly, studying computer science wasn't always on the cards for me. Like most Singaporean youths, I had no idea what I wanted to study at university when I graduated from junior college.To get a better sense of what I wanted to do, I spent the nine months I had before college doing internships. I ended up doing two internships at a primary school where I taught English and mathematics and at a local IT company that focuses on enterprise software.Working at that IT company was a transformative experience.I had the benefit of getting one-to-one guidance from the company's founder, and got to learn more about the tech industry and ecosystem.The internship ended up sparking my interest in computer science.In fact, even when school started, I still found myself heading back to the company to help out and brush up on my understanding of areas like cybersecurity and software engineering.Interning my way to a full-time job Goh secured a full-time job at a Norwegian software company after completing a six-month internship with them. Tricia Goh It wasn't easy adapting to university life during my first few semesters.The curriculum was challenging, and I thought my grades didn't accurately reflect what I could contribute to a company if hired as a full-time employee. That drove me to do more internships to accrue hands-on experience.This year, I did a six-month internship at a Norwegian software company. The company recently set up its headquarters in Singapore, and I participated in its efforts to break into the Asian market.At the end of this internship, I was offered a full-time job.Rejecting the FAANG rat race to walk my own pathMany of my peers are gunning for top high-paying jobs at FAANG companies like Facebook and Google.People like me who don't aim for those positions often get asked questions like, "Why aren't you going for the best jobs out there? Why aren't you trying to get a job at Google?"However, I have no regrets about prioritizing my own growth by working at a smaller company.Working at a FAANG company may be something that many computer science students see themselves doing, but such a goal isn't in line with what I want out of my career.My long-term goal is to become an entrepreneur and start my own company. I know that I won't be happy earning lots of money if it means working long hours.I would rather do something more fulfilling that still allows me to support my family and live well. I don't mind opting out of the hustle of chasing big-name companies for smaller learning experiences instead.Do you have a story to tell about your tech or finance career? Reach out to this reporter at ktan@businessinsider.com.

The 8 best Christmas video game levels you can play in 2024Michael BeckwithPublished December 24, 2024 1:00am Tis the season (Nintendo)Gamers looking to celebrate the festive season will want to check out these video games for their special Christmas levels and set pieces.Christmas time is not only an opportunity to catch up on the latest video game releases of the year (something we recommend our Christmas shopping guide for, if youre in need of ideas), but also to revisit Christmas themed levels and missions from past games.Were not just talking snow or ice themed levels either, but experiences that are the gaming equivalent of classic Christmas films, explicitly designed to capture the spirit of the season.If youre in need of some inspiration for something festive to play this month, we recommend checking out what we believe are the best Christmas themed gaming moments out there, especially for modern games that are easy to play today.Winter Wonder in Astro Bot The celebratory atmosphere is even more fitting after Astro Bots Game of the Year win (Sony)While this is the most recent addition on this list, having only come out earlier this month, we foresee Astro Bots Winter Wonder update becoming an annual tradition for some players.Its essentially a playground of mini-challenges that make use of almost all of the games gimmicks, like the time stop power and size shifting mouse rucksack, wrapped up in an immaculate Christmas vibe. It also throws in extra cosmetics and more fun cameos from other PlayStation titles.Its a perfect match for a game thats already as charming as Astro Bot and getting more of the same at no extra cost makes for a delightful early Christmas present.Bayonetta 2s first level See, Father Christmas is here, so it must be a Christmas game (Sega)Bayonetta 2 may be a Christmas game in the same way Die Hard is a Christmas movie, but if that lets us mention one of the best action games ever made on this list, well take it.The game opens with the titular witch enjoying some Christmas shopping, with perennial sidekick Enzo forced to carry it all, before she comes under attack by angels and is forced to ditch her fancy attire as she fights her assailants atop fighter jets and trains.It perfectly sets expectations for the rest of the adventure, with its gorgeous set pieces, and you get to see tough as nails barman Rodin play Father Christmas, costume and all.New York in Spider-Man: Miles Morales The games pleasingly short length means you could beat the whole thing over Christmas too (Sony)Spider-Man: Miles Morales choice of a Christmas setting not only allows for warm and homely visuals as you swing through its snowy rendition of New York, but its also thematically appropriate considering you spend a good chunk of the game helping regular citizens with their own issues.Sometimes these side missions require Miles to beat up some mooks, but at their core these are fairly minor problems, like finding missing pets or helping a driver deliver meals to needy families.Aside from bolstering Miles reputation as the new Spider-Man in town, it all contributes to the feeling of community and pays off come the end of the game, when said community comes to support Miles.Merry Mountain in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe A magical flying train is much cooler than a sleigh (Nintendo)Technically, this racetrack debuted in the Mario Kart Tour mobile game, but it was added to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as part of the Booster Course Pass DLC, which is frankly the best way to experience it.Although it lacks any of the mid-race changes seen in some other courses (meaning every lap is identical), Merry Mountain still boasts a wonderful Christmas atmosphere as you race beneath a starlit sky while driving through a quant Christmas village and down a snowy mountain. All while a flying train carrying presents zooms overhead.If youre compelled to boot up Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for a play session with friends and family this Christmas, then this has to be your first choice.Turnabout Goodbyes in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney The best Christmas present ever is a not guilty verdict (Capcom)One of the Ace Attorney series most beloved and iconic cases is set during the week of Christmas, with prosecutor rival Miles Edgeworth arrested for shooting a man on Christmas Eve. Of course, its your job to prove his innocence and catch the true culprit.It may lose the Christmas atmosphere whenever it shifts to the courtroom scenes, but it remains an especially heartfelt case as Edgeworths steely demeanour drops to reveal a man haunted by his past and desperate for help, even if he feels he doesnt deserve it.Protagonist Phoenix Wright, despite the odds, strives to pull Edgeworth out of the darkness and pay back the kindness Edgeworth offered him so many years before. Is there anything more Christmassy than that?Toy Day in Animal Crossing New Horizons Be sure to send holiday greetings to your Animal Crossing villagers this year (Nintendo)Even if you dont play Animal Cross: New Horizons super regularly now, its always worth checking in on Christmas Eve to partake in Toy Day, the series own take on Christmas.From a gameplay standpoint, Toy Day is the only time of year you can acquire certain Christmas related items and clothes, as well as meet the reindeer Jingle.But the real reason to stop by is simply to celebrate the occasion with your fellow villagers and soak in the atmosphere. Plus, you can play as Father Christmas yourself and make your heart full by helping Jingle deliver presents to the villagers.The Santa Hunters from Yakuza 5 Nasty criminals will get worse than coal from this Father Christmas (Sega)For the most part, Yakuza 5 doesnt really have anything to do with Christmas, despite being set in December. However, one of the games most fondly remembered side quests sees the burly yakuza Saejima disguise himself as Father Christmas, to deal with a gang who are attacking anyone dressed as the holly jolly man in red.Compared to other Yakuza side quests, its not the most ridiculous thing ever, but it does give us the hilarious sight of Saejima forced to flee overly demanding kids who want their presents now, before delivering a satisfying and amusing beat down on the aforementioned gang.More TrendingHow can anyone not enjoy the sight of Father Christmas grappling thugs and throwing them into walls?A Christmas Gift from Elite Beat AgentsAlthough we much prefer Elite Beat Agents forebear, the Japanese-only Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, our hearts are not so cold and coal-like that we cant appreciate the formers Christmas themed mission.This might be the most well-known example on the list, since even gamers whove not played Elite Beat Agents will have seen this mentioned elsewhere whenever Christmas rolls around. Its certainly the saddest as the agents need to lend support to a heartbroken daughter whose father died before he could make it home for Christmas.You always want to perform well in Elite Beat Agents, to get a high score, but with A Christmas Gift its not a matter of points. Its a matter of helping a girl mourn her father and bring about a miracle so the two can see one another one final time. It may be tonally out of step with the rest of the game, but thats precisely what makes it so special and memorable. This a silly game about a glorified cheerleading squad; why is it so sad? (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Winter vacation is upon us, and if youre getting ready to head out to theme parks or other fan-tastical destinations, first read our guide to having the best experience possible. From packing those bags, to trip must-haves, to capturing the best memorieshere are our tips for what youll need to maximize your journey. Take a look at our curation inspired by pop culture merch from Star Wars, Barbie, Wicked, and more! Before you leave home Image: Heroes & Villains Pack those bags! And trust me, its time to use something other than the outdated luggage that was handed down to you when you went off to college. Learn from my mistake: Ive had the bottom of my packed roller, including one of the wheels, crumble off mid-airport sprint to the terminal. Lucky for me there was a Disney Store nearby to grab something within a manageable price pointand lucky for you, these days theres a whole new era of fandom-inspired luggage to pick from. From a subtle Wicked drop to a you-better-hope-theres-no-Imperial-Scout-about Star Wars cargo collection, here are some to consider ordering if your luggage is on its last leger, wheel. While Traveling Image: Casetify, Penguin Books, Loop, Sonos Getting to your chosen point of fun or relaxation can be anything but, especially if you get overstimulated easily in airport or even amid theme park crowds. Make sure youve got the right music, podcast, or book to read! Catch up with the latest volume of Lore Olympus or get meditative with the official coloring book Escape on your flight or other passenger journeys with the new Wicked soundtrack on the Sonos Ace Tone down ambient noise with Loops earplugs If you cannot travel with your pets, I highly recommend getting their likeness put on a travel blanket inspired by a galaxy far, far away or a comic-book superhero from Crown & Paw On-the-go ready Image: Disney Experiences Having the right things on hand is what can make or break a trip. With a number of theme parks operating their ride line queues online or offering pricey multi-attraction passes to make waiting a little shorter, a lot will depend on your phone and your levels of patience. Particularly at Disney Parks, always keep an eye on the time that virtual queue boarding passes and Lightning Lanes go up for availability. Theyre all based on first-come, first served basis, and with several attractions still a hot ticket, youll want to secure the free or pay as you go options as soon as you can.Either way its a drain on the battery. I cannot stress enough: get a separate camera and batteries for pictures and videos, do not put too much on one device. As far as planning your meals go, parks offer a lot of food optionsbut mobile orders can be your best bet, especially if you have littles in tow. Making sure you eat is just as important as feeding them. Its very much the same idea as putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, and remember: ABS. Always. Be. Snacking. (And hydrating!) For phone charging, Casetify has a number of fandom power banks to check out including Wicked and Disney Hydration is key, and theres a Liquid IV flavor for anyone. I prefer to shotgun lemon-lime at the start and end of long days spent at the theme park. For families with littles, I cannot stress enough how helpful a bottle warmer is, especially the Ember Baby. Its a hockey-puck-shaped base that heats up bottles on the go with little hassle and mess. Its a complete game changer, but make sure to have it in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag, because the TSA and any security point will ask questions. Getting around the parks with kids can be a lot. Companies like Cybex have lightweight strollers that can pack a good amount of gear and adapt to hectic small space environments; the Coya is even carry-on compatible. For road-trippers the companys car seat line includes options like the Callisto G 360 with full rotation and tech-savvy upgrades for extra protection. For a lightweight camera option with photo, vlogging compatibility, the ability to shoot vertically in frame, plus direct online social uploads, consider the Lumix S9 from Panasonic. They come in cute colors but the big win here is the weight; even with the lens its not an overwhelming camera to have on hand to make memories. Be sure to check out photo printing options from Vista Print to get those holiday vacation and Disney trip books together. The company has great end of the year promos to get those mementos in your hands. Say Hi, Barbie with the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camera, which allows wireless uploads to your phone as well as immediate prints for lower maintenance fun. Theres also the Barbie x Kodak Step Slim Wireless Instant Portable Photo Printer. If youre really chaotic and want to throw it back, Retrospekt has pre-loaded 35mm Barbie and Ken cameras too. You wont know how the pics come out until the film is developed. Mind-blowing! Happy holiday traveling! Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Tinh An House / STD Design ConsultantSave this picture! Quang TranHousesThnh ph Qung Ngi, VietnamArchitects: STD Design ConsultantAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:92 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Quang Tran Lead Architects: Pham Trung More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This house in Tinh An, Quang Ngai, Vietnam, exemplifies sustainable architecture and deep respect for the natural environment. The core of the design centers around a mature Barringtonia asiatica (fish poison tree), which is carefully preserved as the focal point of the home. Rather than removing the tree, it is integrated into the living space, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature. The tree's branches extend through a rectangular opening in the roof, drawing the outdoors into the home, enhancing the sense of openness, and allowing natural light and air to permeate the living areas.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The home's central design philosophy emphasizes harmony, tranquility, and sustainability. The layout fosters a seamless connection with nature, featuring a central courtyard garden that links the communal areas, bathroom, and bedrooms. This courtyard not only provides natural light and fresh air but also serves as a lively, safe play area for grandchildren, encouraging family interaction and bonding.Save this picture!The house is designed for accessibility, with a step-free interior and wide doorways, making it suitable for both elderly residents and young children. Its single-story configuration ensures that every room benefits from easy access to green space and continuous airflow. Large glass doors open to the garden, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors and creating a tranquil, nature-infused environment.Save this picture!The main entrance is positioned for privacy, with an unfinished concrete block wall and recessed glass doors that offer seclusion from the street while still maintaining visibility from the inside. The kitchen and dining areas, adjacent to the street, are vibrant and energetic, offering an active connection to the outside world. The use of unfinished concrete blocks for most walls enhances the rustic beauty of the home while being an environmentally conscious material choice that reduces the project's ecological footprint.Save this picture!Inside, reclaimed local wood is used for the furniture, adding warmth and texture to the minimalist interior. This use of reclaimed materials aligns with the sustainable approach of the design and fosters a peaceful, grounded atmosphere.Save this picture!The house not only serves as a sanctuary for its inhabitants but also embodies the architect's vision of peace, well-being, and a deep connection to nature. By integrating the Barringtonia asiatica tree and using simple, environmentally responsible materials, the design creates a home that feels as if it has naturally evolved from the land itself. It stands as a model of sustainable architecture, demonstrating how a thoughtful balance between nature and design can create a harmonious and serene living space.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePublished on December 24, 2024Cite: "Tinh An House / STD Design Consultant" 23 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025010/tinh-an-house-std-design-consultant&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

While playing Stalker 2, chances are you've gone on an artifact farming spree to acquire some particular ones with particular stat bonuses that will complement your playstyle. However, not all artifacts can be acquired in the same anomalous zone as each artifact is tied to a specific elemental anomaly. Since there's a huge list of artifacts to acquire in the game, this guide makes things easier by detailing the types of anomalous zone you can farm them in.

There has been a remarkable number of Dragon Ball games on nearly every platform available since the hit franchise first rose to prominence. While a lot of the earlier and handheld Dragon Ball games were short and sweet, a lot of the more recent ones are much longer and have tons of replayability.

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the greatest grand strategy games ever made. Paradox Interactive has truly knocked it out of the park in their medieval simulation series, with players finding themselves lost in this game for hours on end as they try to form massive dynasties, help rulers flourish, and rewrite the very flow of history itself. The sheer number of things players can accomplish in this game is mind-boggling.

OpenAI and Arizona State University deploy ChatGPT Edu to teaching, research, and more on campus.

Assassin's Creed Shadows director says Naoe is 'the fastest Assassin we ever made'.