Table of ContentsTable of ContentsFeeding the 5,000+ passengersThe infamous I-95 corridorInto the engine control roomUp to the bridgeBitten by the cruising bugHave you ever been on a cruise? I recently went on my first cruise, and it was on one of the biggest ships youll find. The Allure of the Seas the second in Royal Caribbeans Oasis class and formerly the biggest cruise ship in the world is effectively a floating town with a capacity for 5,400 passengers and 2,300 crew members.The experience aside, the cruise also offered an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a Royal Caribbean ship. Considering the logistical operation required to ensure smooth sailing, it was an opportunity I couldnt pas up.Recommended VideosFrom the galleys that provide thousands of meals in a single sailing to how the ship handles provisions to the engine control room and even a quick trip to the bridge, heres a behind-the-scenes tour of Allure Of The Seas, captured on the iPhone 16 Pro.RelatedNirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe tour kicked off in Main Dining Room 5, and a lack of clear instructions left Michael Fisher aka MrMobile scrambling to join the group before the tour began. Its worth noting that if you reserve this tour, the operators have pictures and cabin numbers for everyone booked on it.Below is the smallest of the three dining rooms (it takes over 1,000 staff members to ensure passengers are fed every evening).After signing a waiver form, it was time to kick things off with a tour of the kitchens, of which there are multiple across several levels. To say this is a commercial operation would be an understatement; the kitchens are essentially the heart of the ship and responsible for all of the food served across the Main Dining Rooms, specialty restaurants, and the various vendors on board.Its a mammoth effort involving hundreds of staff and a refined process where everything runs like clockwork. There are different grills for different types of meat to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that its cooked to a proper temperature. Meanwhile, the bakery delivers all the bread, rolls, baked goods, and cookies served on board. Its worth noting, however, that the pizza dough is sourced externally, although the bakery can provide dough when needed.Ive been in a few commercial kitchens, but nothing remotely comes close to this scale. Hundreds of assistants, cooks, and executive chefs prepare meals around the clock. There are giant vats containing thousands of liters of French onion soup and tomato sauce, and they have to make several more when its on the menu.Feeding 5,000-plus passengers let alone the thousands of crew onboard requires a lot of processes, a specific system, and many provisions. The latter is where our tour took us next.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsIf youve been on a cruise ship, youll know that passenger staircases are wide, carpeted, and comfortable. As we traverse the kitchens and make our way to the bottom of the ship, I notice that the crew staircases are the exact opposite. This theme continues throughout the tour: As you might expect, the passenger-facing areas are decorated well, while the crew-only areas are far less glamorous.Having made our way downstairs, were on the I-95. No, not the freeway youre used to, but something akin to a cruise equivalent. Like its land-based U.S. namesake, the I-95 is the main throughway and how provisions and crew move around the ship. As you can imagine, its somewhat chaotic if youre not used to it, and it was fairly busy in the middle of day three. Considering this was an inadvertent sea day due to 40-plus mph winds preventing us from docking in Nassau and the boat was almost at capacity, it felt far less chaotic than I would have expected.The loading doors for provisions and other supplies Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe I-95 is also where all provisions are stored. There are separate boxes for different types of meat, vegetables, fish, poultry, and other frozen goods. Each is temperature-controlled to ensure that the produce doesnt go bad. That seems to be a somewhat rare occurrence, as the ship usually only stocks enough produce for a weeks worth of cruising. As delightful as refrigerator boxes are, I quickly lost interest in the details in this section and instead marveled at the sheer size of the operation behind one of the biggest cruise ships in the world.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsDown the I-95 and to the left, we find ourselves at the Engine Control Room, the mechanical heart of the ship. At sea, there is always at least one engineer in this room, keeping an eye on the six engines that power this 200,000-plus-ton ship through the waters.As we slowly cruise back to Miami at a speed of 4 knots, were only using two of the six engines. An alarm goes off, but while some of us appear concerned, the engineers arent and quickly resolve it. There are technical drawings and diagrams across the various walls and on the conference table in the middle of the room, as well as an array of screens that display a variety of essential data metrics.Any engineer knows the value of accurate data, and the engine control room is set up to provide exactly that. Im not very nautical, but listening to my fellow tour members, its clear that its an impressive setup. I love numbers, and the engine control room has many vital ones, like ship speed, depth, and wind velocity.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsHave you ever wondered where the bridge is on a cruise ship? Its the place where the officers reside and drive the boat from, so youd think the bridge would be in a secluded part of the ship. Surprisingly, the opposite is true; its behind a crew-only door at one end of a passenger deck. The door looks no different from any other door in a corridor, except that behind this door lies a sacrosanct part of any ship. We had security with us who enabled access to the bridge, and there are likely many precautions to stop unwanted access.The bridge is beautiful and a key reason that I booked this tour. The captain referred to it as the worlds greatest office, and given the impressive bank of windows that provided a stunning view directly ahead, I can see why someone would love this career. Beneath us in front of the bridge, we can see the helipad, as well as the deck area thats only accessible by the crew.Captain Tobias Oster, who has traversed the seas for Royal Caribbean for more than 20 years. Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe bank of windows makes sense, as its crucial for visibility. At 1,181 feet long and weighing 225,000 tons, the Allure of the Seas is an enormous ship, so visibility is key. Turning it around isnt an easy feat, and at a rate of roughly 3 degrees per minute, it takes around two hours for the ship to perform a complete U-turn.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe bridge mostly made the tour worthwhile overall although its not something I would likely do again. But the icing on the cake was meeting the captain. Hes from Sweden and has been with Royal Caribbean for 20 years. The first and second officers have also been with the company for years.Beyond this tour, there are so many things to do on the 18-deck cruise ship. From the pools on Deck 15 to the casino on Deck 4 to the boardwalk on Deck 6 to Central Park on Deck 8, three days wasnt enough to truly experience everything.Im already planning my next cruise. The only question is, which ship will it be on, and which phone from our best smartphone list will I take next?Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of Contents5. On Call (January 9, 2025)4. Reacher season 3 (February 20, 2025)3. Invincible season 3 (February 6, 2025)2. We Were Liars (spring 2025)1. Gen V season 2 (TBA)Like several major streamers, Amazons primary business is not TV. Even though the company makes most of its money in other ways, though, Prime Video remains a pretty vibrant home for new and ongoing TV series. Theres an entire corner devoted almost exclusively to dad TV, but those arent the only shows on the service.If you have Prime Video and are looking for some shows to look forward to in the new year, weve got you covered. These are the Prime Video shows that are either new or returning in 2025 that were most excited for in the next 12 months.Recommended VideosWe also have guides to the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu,the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedThe cop show formula has endured for decades for a reason it fundamentally works.On Calldoesnt look like its going to reinvent the ideas at the heart of the genre, but nevertheless, it looks like a pretty good riff.The series will follows a rookie cop and his veteran partner as they patrol the streets of Long Beach, California, and reckon with the role they play as servants and enforcers within their own community. On Callmight not be radically anti-cop, but it seems like it might be a little more straightforward than just propaganda, which would definitely be a step in the right direction.You can watchOn Callon Amazon Prime Video.Reacher has been an unqualified success for Prime Video, and the streamer is going to keep that gravy train rolling for as long as possible. With its third season,Reacherwill follow its titular character as he goes into the heart of a vast criminal enterprise in order to rescue an undercover DEA agent whose time might be running short.Some of the shows core cast will be returning for the new season, but Alan Ritchson and team will be joined by a lineup of new faces, including a massive body builder who might make the shows lead actor look tiny.You can watchRecaheron Amazon Prime Video.After two seasons on the air, InvincibleAs he develops powers of his own, he begins to examine his fathers legacy, and learns that his father is not the uncomplicated hero he always believed him to be. Heading into its third season,Invinciblehas evolved into a complex portrait of people weighing the morality of every action they take.You can watchInvincibleon Amazon Prime Video.Adapted from a popular YA novel of the same name,We Were Liarstells the story of four teenagers who return to the summer home that they share in order to recount the events of two years prior.The novel, which received critical acclaim upon its release, has taken over a decade to come to the screen, and is decidedly more horror-forward than some of Prime Videos other teen series likeThe Summer I Turned Pretty. Its young ensemble cast is excellent, though, and should give you reason enough to be excited.You can watchWe Were Liarson Amazon Prime Video.If you were shocked to discover that the college-set spinoff of The BoysGen Vhas established itself as just as good as the show it shares a universe with, and perhaps even a little better, it can no longer be the surprise hit it was initially.The Boyseventually fell into a trap of returning to the same status quo at the end of every season, andGen Vhas to be careful not to fall into that trap as it enters its second season with higher expectations than ever.You can watchGen Von Amazon Prime Video.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWatch the 2025 Golden Globes: date, time, channelCan you stream the 2025 Golden Globes?2025 Golden Globes: presenters2025 Golden Globes: nomineesThe first major ceremony of the awards season kicks off Sunday night with the 2025 Golden Globes. This event marks the 82nd edition of the Golden Globes, which will be held inside the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. After last years disappointing outing from Jo Koy, comedian Nikki Glaser will try her hand at hosting. Glaser had a terrific year in comedy, highlighted by her performance at The Roast of Tom Brady.Emilia Prez is the most nominated film of the night with 10 nominations. After Emilia Prez,The Brutalistreceived seven nominations, while Conclave garnered six. In the television categories, The BearOnly Murders in the Building and Shgun with four apiece. Find out how to watch the 2025 Golden Globes below.Recommended VideosIt's officially 2025 which means awards season is about to kick off with the 82nd Annual #GoldenGlobes this Sunday The countdown is ON tune in this Sunday at 8 ET | 5 PT on @CBS and @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/dApsISXbc6 Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 3, 2025RelatedThe 2025 Golden Globes will air at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS. Download the CBS app or stream CBS.com on your mobile device or desktop. Sign in with your TV provider for full access.Watch CBSIt's happening! The #GoldenGlobes carpet has officially been rolled out at the @beverlyhilton. Tune in LIVE this Sunday on @CBS and @paramountplus at 8 ET | 5 PT. pic.twitter.com/bCivSuh9tm Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 3, 2025Yes. The 2025 Golden Globes will be available to stream live on Paramount+. Only Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers can stream the ceremony via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream the Golden Globes live. However, Essential subscribers can watch the special on demand the next day in the U.S. only.Paramount+ Essential costs $8 per month, or $60 per year. Paramount+ with Showtime costs $13 per month, or $120 per year. Paramount+ is currently offering afree seven-day trial,so new subscribers can try the service and enjoy the Golden Globes..@TheRock #GoldenGlobesCatch him presenting this Sunday at 8 ET | 5 PT on @CBS and @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/gWgy1cdrRd Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 2, 2025The list of presenters is an eclectic mix of Hollywoods biggest and brightest stars. Presenters include: Andrew Garfield, Anthony Mackie, Anthony Ramos, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ariana DeBose, Aubrey Plaza, Aulii Cravalho, Awkwafina, Brandi Carlile, Catherine OHara, Colin Farrell, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Dwayne Johnson, dgar Ramrez, Elton John, Gal Gadot, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Coolidge, Kaley Cuoco, Kate Hudson, Kathy Bates, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Washington, Margaret Qualley, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Keaton, Michelle Yeoh, Miles Teller, Mindy Kaling, Morris Chestnut, Nate Bargatze, Nicolas Cage, Rachel Brosnahan, Rob McElhenney, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sarah Paulson, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, Vin Diesel, Viola Davis, and Zo Kravitz.NetflixBest Motion Picture DramaThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoNickel BoysSeptember 5Best Motion Picture Musical or ComedyAnoraChallengersEmilia PrezA Real PainThe SubstanceWickedBest Television Series DramaThe Day Of The JackalThe DiplomatMr. and Mrs. SmithShgunSlow HorsesSquid GameBest Television Series Musical or ComedyAbbott ElementaryThe BearThe GentlemenHacksNobody Wants ThisOnly Murders in the BuildingBest Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionBaby ReindeerDisclaimerMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez StoryThe PenguinRipleyTrue Detective: Night CountryView the entire list of nominees.Editors Recommendations

1902: Ray Kroc was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on October 5.Ray Kroc was credited with launching McDonald's from a small restaurant to a global fast-food empire. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images Biography reported that Kroc showed early promise as an entrepreneur. As a child, he opened his own lemonade stand and worked at a soda fountain.He eventually found a job as a salesman and manager at a cup company, which connected him with Earl Prince, the owner of an ice cream shop.Prince had invented a mixer machine that could make five batches of milkshakes at once. By the 1940s, Kroc had left his job to sell these "multi-mixers" to soda fountains and restaurants across the country. 1940: Dick and Mac McDonald founded the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California.The price board inside the McDonald's USA First Store Museum in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 2005. Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis/Getty Images The original menu was long and included items like barbecue. However, by 1949, the McDonald brothers had reduced the restaurant's offerings to just nine items.The new menu included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips, and a slice of pie.By having a small menu, the brothers were able to focus on quality and efficiency. Their innovative self-service model eliminated the need for waitstaff, while pre-cooked, paper-wrapped burgers that were kept warm under heat lamps ensured customers got their food quickly and at the quality you could expect from a made-to-order restaurant.Britannica wrote that the McDonald's brothers alsoreduced the price of their burgers to just 15 cents, about half the cost of their local competitors' burgers. 1954: While working as a salesman, Kroc came across the small restaurant and saw great promise.Ray Kroc holding a hamburger outside a McDonald's restaurant. AP Photo Kroc wrote in his biography that multiple restaurants had been referred to Multimixer by the McDonald's brothers, who he was shocked to learn owned eight Multimixer milkshake machines most restaurants and soda fountains he worked with only needed one or two.When he visited the brothers' restaurant, he was amazed by their "Speedee Service" concept and saw promise in the restaurant, which had already become a success among locals who loved the 15-cent hamburgers.He imagined scores of McDonald's restaurants, all utilizing the Multimixer machines he sold, and took his plans for expansion back to the McDonald's brothers. He offered to be one of the restaurant's first franchisees. 1955: Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.The oldest operating McDonald's restaurant in the world is a drive-up hamburger stand in Downey, California. Allard Schager/Getty Images Kroc opened his first restaurant on April 15, 1955. The chain reported that first-day sales at the new location were $366.12, the equivalent of about $4,300 today.The restaurant differed slightly from the first burger joint opened by the McDonald brothers. For one, it had a new look created by architect Stanley Meson, who designed a modern-looking red-and-white exterior. Believing the roof appeared too flat, Dick McDonald introduced the idea of the now-iconic yellow "golden arches."The oldest operating restaurant still featuring the original red-and-white design is located in Downey, California. 1961: Kroc bought the McDonald brothers out for $2.7 million, kicking off a decade of massive growth for the brand.Ray Kroc, founder and former chairman of the board of McDonald's, seated in his office in Chicago in 1978. UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Kroc, envisioning a larger future for the newly established McDonald's System, Inc., the precursor to the McDonald's Corporation, secured the exclusive rights to the McDonald's brand name and control over all McDonald's locations.Kroc implemented strict standards for preparation, portion sizes, cooking techniques, and packaging to guarantee that McDonald's food would be consistent across the chain's many franchises.He also created a training program for employees that would later be known as Hamburger University.In 1965, the company's stock was publicly traded for the first time, and the number of restaurants reached 1,000 units. The brand's identity also changed a lot during the '60s, with the introduction of Ronald McDonald as the chain's mascot, the launch of the Filet-O-Fish, and the now-iconic double-arch "M" logo. 1968: The Big Mac was added to menus nationwide.Product shot of a McDonald's Big Mac hamburger in 1977. Henry Groskinsky/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images The iconic burger was created by franchisee Jim Delligatti of Pittsburgh in 1967.Fox News reported that Delligatti believed that McDonald's should sell a larger burger to compete with another local fast-food chain, Eat'n Park, which sold a "Big Boy" sandwich.In 1968, as the company planned to launch the burger nationwide, a 21-year-old secretary came up with its name.AP reported that multiple executives and other employees thought the "Big Mac" name sounded silly. However, it stuck.The burger was an immediate hit and remains one of the chain's most popular items. 1977: Kroc stepped down as CEO and took on the role of senior chairman.Ray Kroc is pictured in April 1979. AP Kroc held this role until January 14, 1984, when he died of heart failure at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego.At the time of Kroc's death, there were 7,500 McDonald's restaurants in nearly 30 countries around the world, and the company was worth $8 billion.

I loved visiting Mrida, Mexico, which feels more laid-back and less crowded than Cancn.Mrida has beautiful architecture and excellent cuisine for a range of budgets.There's nothing like exploring the area's cenotes, which are unique fresh-water chambers. Mexico is a really popular spot for tourists.One of its most-visited cities is Cancn, with its famous nightlife and beautiful beaches, which make it an especiallypopular spot for college spring-breakersfrom the US.I wished I could have afforded to go there in college with my friends. But now that I'm in my late 30s, I'm not looking to party hard when I visit Mexico I want history, adventure, and culinary delights.Luckily, I found all of the above in Mrida, which is about 200 miles inland from Cancn. With millions of fewer tourists annually, Mrida also feels less crowded and more relaxed than Cancn.I adore the city so much, and I think it's perfect for anyone looking for laid-back adventure in lieu of nonstop beach parties.I still dream of the city's historic architecture Mrida has many colorful buildings. eyetravelphotos/Shutterstock Located on the tip of the Yucatn Peninsula and founded on the site of an ancient Mayan city, Mrida is both historic and beautiful.With its distinct blend of Mayan design and 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture, the city's history can even be felt as you walk around it.It has an array of beautiful churches and arches that made me want to stop in my tracks and its brightly-colored homes in shades of blue, green, pink, and yellow look straight-up dreamy.In addition, the city has a range of impressive museums dedicated to topics such as Mayan culture and Mexican music.Mrida has culinary delights to accommodate a range of budgets and dietary preferencesNo matter your budget, you'll likely eat very well here. In my experience, Mrida's casual restaurants are just as fantastic as its higher-end contemporaries.Local watering hole The Negrita Cantina is not to be missed. It feels like the special kind of place where you'll know everyone's name by the end of the night.Its scrumptious food, like ceviche and aguachiles, and wide selection of tequila and mezcal always impresses me and it frequently has live music that keeps visitors dancing through the morning.La Chaya Maya is my go-to stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It serves some of the best chilaquiles and margaritas and many meals cost under $10.If you're willing to spend more, Museo de la Gastronoma Yucateca (also known as the Museum of Yucatecan Gastronomy or MUGY) is a solid choice.The restaurant offers a great selection of craft cocktails and local cuisine, as well as many options for people with a range of dietary restrictions.Lastly, the area has incredible cenotes Cenotes can look otherworldly. Carlos. Galvez/Shutterstock Mrida and the area around it are famous for its cenotes, which are sinkholes or pits filled with fresh water that's often swimmable. Seeing one of these unique chambers has long been on my bucket list.I especially enjoyed going on a cenote-seeing journey with Magic Cenotes + Hacienda Tour through Airbnb Experiences. My day trip included a visit to two separate cenotes, a well-rounded guided historical tour, and a homemade lunch in the home of a local resident. I had a fantastic time and made many international friends I still keep in touch with.The tour was definitely a highlight of my time in Mrida and I can't wait to go back to see even more of the wonderful city.

Miss USA and Miss America are often confused but the pageants are quite different.Women aged 18 to 28 can compete in Miss America. All women 18 and over can now compete at Miss USA.Miss USA has a swimsuit round, which Miss America got rid of in 2018.Do you know the difference between Miss USA and Miss America?They're the two biggest pageants in the country, and both involve a sash and crown. But that's where most of their similarities end.From eligibility requirements and prize packages to swimsuit versus talent competitions, here are all the differences between Miss America and Miss USA.How did the Miss America and Miss USA pageants begin?Miss America predates Miss USA by 31 years. The first pageant held in September 1921 was part of a strategy to bring tourists to Atlantic City after Labor Day, according to the Miss America website. It was won by a 16-year-old named Margaret Gorman, competing as Miss Washington, DC.The Miss America website states that the pageant also featured a "bathing beauty review," which was an "act of rebellion during a time when women weren't permitted to wear swimsuits in public." Jackie Loughery was crowned the first Miss USA in 1952. CBS via Getty Images Miss USA began because of a very different act of rebellion. In 1951, the new Miss America winner, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose for pictures in a swimsuit. Catalina, a swimwear company sponsoring the competition, was upset by her decision so it decided to create its own pageants.In 1952, Jackie Loughery was crowned the first Miss USA, and Armi Kuusela from Finland became the first Miss Universe. Every winner of Miss USA has continued to compete at the Miss Universe pageant. Nine American women have won Miss Universe since its inception the most of any country.What are Miss USA and Miss America's different eligibility requirements?To be eligible to compete in Miss America, contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 28. Women between 14 and 17 can compete in Miss America's Teen, its sister pageant.Miss America contestants cannot be married or have children. It's a rule that past winners, including Grace Stanke and Camille Schrier, have defended in interviews with Business Insider.The Miss America pageant also previously had a strict "anti-boyfriend" rule. However, current Miss America Madison Marsh, who is engaged, told BI in February 2024 that the policy has changed under CEO Robin Fleming."She has been saying it's a new day at Miss America, and she really meant that," Marsh said. "There are a lot of outdated rules that have gone away, one being that you can't be engaged and be Miss America."Miss USA has significantly changed its eligibility rules in the past two years. The pageant began allowing married women and mothers to compete in 2023, and 2024 was the first year that all women aged 18 and over were eligible (the previous cutoff age was 28). Women between 14 and 19 can compete at Miss Teen USA.How are Miss USA and Miss America judged?While many pageant queens compete at Miss USA and Miss America, the competitions consist of different rounds.Miss USA contestants are judged on three rounds: swimsuit, evening gown, and interview.All three rounds previously held equal weight in the contestants' final scores. But under the leadership of Laylah Rose, who became president and CEO in 2023, the interview now makes up 50% of the total score, while evening-gown and swimsuit are each 25%. Rose also decided to remove questions involving politics, sex, or religion from the interview round, which disappointed many past contestants.Unlike Miss USA, Miss America features a talent competition. It also has evening wear, interview, and fitness rounds. The pageant removed its swimsuit round in 2018, announcing that it would no longer judge contestants based on their "outward physical appearance." Kate Michael at the 2007 Miss America pageant. AP Photo/ Jae C. Hong What are the different prizes for Miss America and Miss USA?According to its website, Miss America was one of the first organizations in the country to offer college scholarships to women which it began doing in 1945.Instead of offering scholarships, the Miss USA Organization has typically paid the winner a salary for their yearlong reign. In past years, the prize package has included an apartment in New York or Los Angeles for their time as Miss USA.Why are Miss USA and Miss America controversial?The Miss USA and Miss America pageants have had their share of scandals.Sam Haskell ran the Miss America Organization for 12 years before he stepped down in 2017 after his vulgar and offensive internal emails about past Miss America winners were leaked to the press.In the 2023 A&E docuseries "Secrets of Miss America," Mallory Hagan, who won in 2013, said Haskell repeatedly spread false rumors about her sex life. Haskell said Hagan slept with more than 25 men in one of the emails, which were leaked to The Huffington Post.Haskell resigned from the organization days after the emails were published. He was replaced by former Fox News host and Miss America 1989 Gretchen Carlson, who took over at the beginning of 2018. Carlson resigned in June 2019 after Cara Mund, who was Miss America at the time, spoke out against her leadership. Mallory Hagan after being crowned Miss America 2013. Associated Press/Isaac Brekken The Miss America Organization is also currently embroiled in a legal battle between Robin Fleming and Glenn F. Straub.Fleming accused Straub of fraud, defamation, and trademark infringement over the Miss America brand in a 32-cause complaint that BI obtained. The lawsuit came after Straub filed for bankruptcy and told Miss America board members that Fleming was using the organization's scholarship fund to pay her legal fees.In the complaint, Fleming said Straub's bankruptcy filing was fraudulent because he does not own Miss America and the organization has no debt."I just feel very strongly that this is a case about standing up and having your voice heard," Fleming told BI in December.Miss USA made headlines in October 2022 when then-president Crystle Stewart was suspended after contestants said that year's pageant had been rigged. The Miss Universe Organization said it found no evidence of rigging during its investigation, though Stewart and the organization parted ways.The pageant was back in the headlines after Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava gave up their crowns in May 2024. It was the first time in the pageant's 72-year history that a woman had given up her title.Both pageant queens said they could not share details publicly due to nondisclosure agreements that Rose made every contestant sign before they competed at Miss USA 2023. But their mothers, Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava, told BI in an interview in May that their daughters experienced "eight months of torture and abuse" while working with Rose. UmaSofia Srivastava and Noelia Voigt both resigned their titles in May. Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Supermodels Unlimited After Voigt and Srivastava relinquished their titles, Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus resigned in solidarity and Miss Teen USA first runner-up Stephanie Skinner refused to assume Srivastava's title. Paula Miles and Kimberly Nicewonder who both ran state pageants for the Miss USA organization for over three decades also resigned in 2024 due to Rose's leadership, as they told BI. Rose did not respond to previous requests for comment on the resignations and Jackeline Voigt and Barbara Srivastava's statements.The Miss America 2025 competition will take place on January 5. It can be streamed on the Miss America YouTube channel.

In an ideal world, everyone who qualifies for an aid program ought to receive its benefits. But the reality is that this is often not the case. Before the pandemic, for example, nearly one-fifth of Americans who qualified for food stamps didnt receive them. In fact, millions of Americans who are eligible for existing social welfare programs dont receive all of the benefits they are entitled to.As I wrote in an earlier edition of this newsletter, a big part of the problem is the paperwork and the bureaucratic hoops people have to jump through in order to participate in certain programs. But whats often at the root of those hurdles is an all-too-common policy choice that lawmakers turn to: means testing that is, establishing eligibility requirements (like income or wealth thresholds) for social programs.Means testing a given social program can have good intentions: Target spending toward the people who need it most. After all, if middle- or high-income people who can afford their groceries or rent get federal assistance in paying for those things, then wouldnt there be less money to go around for the people who actually need it? The answer isnt so straightforward. How means testing can sabotage policy goalsImplementing strict eligibility requirements can be extremely tedious and have unintended consequences.For starters, lets look at one of the main reasons lawmakers advocate for means testing: saving taxpayers money. But thats not always what happens. Though theyre usually framed as ways of curbing government spending, means-tested benefits are often more expensive to provide, on average, than universal benefits, simply because of the administrative support needed to vet and process applicants, my colleague Li Zhou wrote in 2021.More than that, means testing reduces how effective antipoverty programs can be because a lot of people miss out on benefits. As Zhou points out, figuring out who qualifies for welfare takes a lot of work, both from the government and potential recipients who have to fill out onerous applications. The paperwork can be daunting and can discourage people from applying. It can also result in errors or delays that would easily be avoided if a program is universal.RelatedThe case against means testingTheres also the fact that creating an income threshold creates incentives for people to avoid advancing in their careers or take a higher-paying job. One woman I interviewed a few years ago, for example, told me that after she started a job as a medical assistant and lost access to benefits like food stamps, it became harder to make ends meet for her and her daughter. When lawmakers aggressively means test programs, people like her are often left behind, making it harder to transition out of poverty.As a result, means testing can seriously limit a welfare programs potential. According to a report by the Urban Institute, for example, the United States can reduce poverty by more than 30 percent just by ensuring that everyone who is eligible for an existing program receives its benefits. One way to do that is for lawmakers to make more welfare programs universal instead of means-tested.Why universal programs are a better choiceThere sometimes is an aversion to universal programs because theyre viewed as unnecessarily expensive. But universal programs are often the better choice because of one very simple fact: They are generally much easier and less expensive to administer. Two examples of this are some of the most popular social programs in the country: Social Security and Medicare.Universal programs might also create less division among taxpayers as to how their money ought to be spent. A lot of opposition to welfare programs comes from the fact that some people simply dont want to pay for programs they dont directly benefit from, so eliminating that as a factor can create more support for a given program.In 2023, following a handful of other states, Minnesota implemented a universal school meal program where all students get free meals. This was in response to the problems that arise when means testing goes too far. Across the country, students in public school pay for their meals depending on their familys income. But this system has stigmatized students who get a free meal. According to one study, 42 percent of eligible families reported that their kids are less likely to eat their school meal because of the stigma around it. Minnesotas program has proven popular so far: In September 2023, shortly after the program took off, the amount of school breakfasts and lunches served increased by 30 percent and 11 percent compared to the previous year, respectively. While it might not be politically feasible or, in some cases, necessary to get rid of means testing for all public subsidies, free school meals also offer an example of what a compromise might look like at the national level. Though Congress hasnt made school meals free to all, it passed a provision in 2010 that allows schools to provide free meals to all students in districts where at least 25 percent (originally 40 percent) are eligible. The program showed that providing free meals to all lowered food insecurity, even among poor students who already qualified for free meals, by removing stigma. (The community eligibility provision now serves nearly 20 million students.) As for how universal programs can be paid for, the answer is, yes, imposing higher taxes. It might seem inefficient to give people a benefit if youre going to essentially take it back from them in taxes, but what you actually end up with is a much more efficient program that is more easily administered and doesnt leave anyone out. This story was featured in the Within Our Means newsletter. Sign up here.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Vunvytis Studio / Hito.ltSave this picture! Lukas MykolaitisArchitects: Barilari ArchittetiAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:542 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Lukas Mykolaitis Lead Architects: Sigita Kundrotaite - Savicke More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Vynvytis Studio is an unusual space located in the former cultural center of a paper factory in the industrial district of Kaunas, Petrainai. This project is designed for various activities meetings, celebrations, creative workshops, and other events that require a flexible and adaptable environment. The two-story structure allows the spaces to be used together or separately, depending on the nature of the event or the needs. Functionality and flexibility were the key design principles, which are also reflected in the concept of the inner courtyard. The courtyard was created as a natural extension of the interior spaces, integrating the building's history into a radically different, modern use.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The facade design subtly emphasizes the building's layers of time: architectural adjustments from different periods are highlighted by using subtly different shades of color. The sentence is clear and well-structured, but you can make it slightly more concise and impactful. This not only reveals the building's history but also creates a harmonious and visually appealing aesthetic.Save this picture!Save this picture!The architectural concept of the courtyard is based on the principle of contrast: strict, clean forms harmoniously blend with the lushly planted environment. The textures of soft plants soften the strict, clean architectural character, adding warmth, naturalness, and life to the space. The landscaping architect, la Maria Studio, created an exceptional plant composition for the space. The courtyard became the core of this spatial composition.Save this picture!Stylistically, the ground floor space differs subtly from the first floor. The first floor features a large hall with high ceilings, intended for larger events. On the ground floor, there is a bright, somewhat industrial, unfinished architectural style, less formal. Concrete floors and a seemingly disrupted border a wall baseboard. On the first floor, the main feature is a massive wall, which, as an analogy to a canvas, was used by the artist Gintar Konde to create a sculptural bas-relief depicting a party, dance, and action symbolizing the function of the space. The space, with its preserved and restored wooden parquet, aims to create an unobtrusive backdrop for vibrant events.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Kaunas, LithuaniaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeBarilari ArchittetiOfficeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 05, 2025Cite: "Vunvytis Studio / Hito.lt" 05 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024727/vunvytis-studio-hitt&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

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Hoping to make a career change in 2025? We hear you. Even though it can feel intimidating at first, you truly have so many optionsespecially if youre considering something as in-demand as the world of IT.These CompTIA prep courses can set you up for success in a number of different careers, and you can get lifelong access for $39.99 with code HOLIDAY20 for a limited time:CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2: Prepare for roles like help desk technician or IT support specialist.CompTIA Network+: Ideal for aspiring network administrators, focusing on network setup and troubleshooting.CompTIA Security+: Step into cybersecurity as a security analyst or administrator, emphasizing threat management and network security.CompTIA CySA+: Train for a career as a cybersecurity analyst or threat intelligence specialist specializing in incident response.CompTIA Cloud+: Launch a career as a cloud systems administrator or engineer, managing and optimizing cloud-based solutions.Start working in IT with a little help from this CompTIA training bundle. Use code HOLIDAY20 to get it for $39.99 (reg. $493) through Jan. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.StackSocial prices subject to change.The Complete 2025 CompTIA Certification Training Super Bundle by IDUNOVASee Deal

AI is now firmly embedded in Meta's various apps. Screenshot: MetaShareYouve no doubt noticed artificial intelligence finding its way into every app, service, and hardware device. Its now unusual to see a tech product launch where AI isnt the main talking point. Meta is one of the companies pushing AI the hardest, with its own set of AI models, and a selection of AI bots and tools inside its own apps. (Experts and critics also say Meta may be taking their AI too far, which Meta responded to by removing multiple AI profile accounts.)If youve used Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram recently, then you may have spotted a new Meta AI bot, ready and waiting to be of assistance. Heres how you can make use of itand what your options are in terms of security and privacy.Youll find Meta AI front and center in Metas apps: In the Facebook Messenger app, for example, tap Chats and youll see a Meta AI input box right at the top, above your real life friends and family members. Tap inside that box, and you can start chatting about whatever topic you like. You can also tap Meta AI on the tab bar at the bottom.Its the same in the WhatsApp app (youll see the Meta AI logo on the Chats tab), and in the Instagram app (tap the message button, in the top right corner of the home tab, and Meta AI is at the top). The Meta AI logo is a glowing blue and purple circle, and its hard to miss as you use the apps.Meta AI is prominently displayed in your chats. Screenshot: Meta Theres another way to get Meta AI up, inside one-to-one or group chats with real people: Tag @MetaAI in your conversation, type out a prompt, and youll get the same response as you would if you were chatting to the AI bot directlyexcept, of course, the other chat participants will be able to see the message and response.The AI bot chats all use the same underlying model (called Llama), but your chats arent synced between the three apps. Unfortunately for AI skeptics, theres no way to hide or turn off Meta AI: You just have to ignore it if you dont want to use it. However, you can delete, mute, and archive Meta AI chats just like any other conversationjust long press on the AI chat in the main conversation list.If youve used an AI chatbot like Copilot, Gemini, or ChatGPT, then youll be familiar with the way these tools work: You can ask Meta AI to look up facts from the web, write poetry, or suggest ideas for something. You can get recommendations for podcasts, inspiration for a birthday party, or suggestions about how to fix a faucet leak.You can ask Meta AI for advice and instruction on just about any topicthough as usual with generative AI, be careful of putting too much trust in the answers. These AI bots are built to imagine new text, and that can lead to hallucinations. Sometimes Meta AI will reference the web (when looking up facts, for example)and when this happens youll see web links within the response. Tap on these links to check the facts.You can ask Meta AI questions about just about anything. Screenshot: Meta Image generation is included here: Just ask Meta AI to create or draw an image of whatever you like. It could be a cat sat on a wall, a cabin in the woods, or a person exploring the surface of Mars. The more detail you can add, the more closely the result is going to match your original visionand you can specify the style of the image too, whether its a photo, a painting, or something else.There are some interesting image-related tricks you can try: For example, you can use it to create a new profile picture for yourself. Two suggestions from Meta are imagine me as royalty or imagine me in a surrealist painting, so you can see whats possible. Youre also able to edit an AI-generated image by tapping and holding on it, then typing in your additional prompt.Meta AI can generate images for you as well. Screenshot: Meta Meta itself splits what you can do into three main sections: learn (summarize the history of the Universe), create (imagine dogs playing chess), and connect (plan a game night with friends). That gives you some idea of whats possible, and you can now interact with Meta AI with your voice if you wantjust tap the sound button to the right of the input box.One of the features recently added to Meta AI is the ability to use photos in your chatseither picked from your phones gallery or taken through the camera. You can identify objects and landmarks, create AI images based on existing photos, and more: Try snapping a picture of a cake and asking how to make it, for example.