As a camping and outdoor enthusiast, Im always on the hunt for gear that makes my adventures more efficient without weighing me down. We all know the struggle of trying to pack light for a backpacking trip into the wilderness. Inevitably, something gets left behind, and more often than not, its the cutlery. Sound familiar? Of course, it does. While many brands focus on folding cookware and flat-pack fire pits, it was only a matter of time before someone innovated a way to keep the essential spoon, fork, and knife together, making them easy to carry.Enter the EATi Maga 12-in-1 titanium travel dining solution that aligns perfectly with other compact gear designed for lightweight travel. Ever struggled with too much gear on your outdoor trips? EATi Mag might just be your new best mate. Whether youre scaling cliffs, chilling by a campfire, or having a relaxed picnic, this ingenious all-in-one utensil promises to simplify your meals while keeping your backpack light and tidy. Imagine youre deep in the wilderness, your adventurous day winding down, and hunger sets in. Instead of struggling with random, bulky utensils, you reach for EATi Mag, the ultimate adventurers dining solution.Designer: Septem StudioClick Here to Buy Now: $61 $74 ($13 off). Hurry, less than 7 days left! Raised over $200,000.This smartly designed set includes all the tools you need for eating outdoors, ensuring youre never left with just a knife and no spoon halfway through your hike. The EATi Mag combines a spoon, fork, and knife, each held together with magnets to snap securely, minimizing space and reducing the risk of losing them. These arent just your average utensils. The spoon and fork can be combined using a tong adaptor to form tongs, while the knife transforms into a multitool.This knife isnt just for cutting; it also serves as a serrated knife, can opener, bottle opener, screwdriver, peeler, and even a pry bar. The utensil trio locks together seamlessly, creating a compact tool that fits neatly into its carry pouch, which cleverly doubles as a makeshift cutting board when you need to prep food. Everything locks together seamlessly, giving you a tool that is compact, organized, and genuinely useful.Lets be realkeeping track of all your utensils while out and about can be a pain. Its pieces stick together like magic, forming a tight bundle that saves space in your bag, cuts down on noise (goodbye clanging forks), and ensures youre not stuck halfway up a mountain with only a spoon. Its simple but effective, and if youve ever lost gear mid-adventure, youll appreciate it even more.EATi Mags titanium construction isnt just fancyits functional. Crafted from pure titanium, EATi is not only durable but also incredibly lightweight and resistant to bacteria. Its robust design stands up to rough usage without a scratch, and its easy to clean, making it a joy to use repeatedly. Heres why this is important: the durability means you can bash it around in the wild, and itll still work like new.Being lightweight means you can forget about lugging heavy gear; EATi Mag barely adds to your load. Its rust-proof and non-reactive, unlike steel, so it wont mess with the taste of your food or corrode over time. The hygienic nature of titanium, which naturally resists bacteria, is a major win for outdoor dining. Basically, its tough, easy to clean, and feels great to useeverything you want in gear designed for the outdoors.Plus, by choosing EATi over disposable cutlery, youre helping reduce plastic waste, making it a sustainable choice that can last a lifetime. This travel-friendly gear, designed to keep your backpack light and organized, is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. It has already surpassed its funding goal and continues to gain support with less than a week remaining. For as little as 49, you can pledge and secure your own EATi Mag, with shipping expected to begin in April 2025.In the world of outdoor adventures, where every ounce counts and efficiency is key, the EATi Mag stands out as a testament to thoughtful design and practical functionality. Its more than just a utensil set; its a reliable companion for every journey, ready to tackle whatever meal you have in mind. Say goodbye to the clatter of mismatched cutlery and hello to the sleek, efficient design of the EATi Mag. Your future adventures just got a whole lot simpler and more enjoyable.Click Here to Buy Now: $61 $74 ($13 off). Hurry, less than 7 days left! Raised over $200,000.The post Titanium Multi Utensil Snaps Together To Elevate and Streamline Your EDC Camping Gear first appeared on Yanko Design.

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg said his decision to reduce his teams weekly hours working on WordPress by 99% , from 4,000 hours to 45 hours, was designed to pressure WP Engine to drop its lawsuit against Mullenweg and AutomatticThey dont actually make WordPress. They just resell it, Mullenweg told Computerworld Friday evening. If what they are reselling is no longer getting all of the free updates, they have less stuff to sell.It doesnt make sense for Automattic to pay people to work on all of these things, he said. We are under attack and we are circling the wagons. Our number one goal is for WP Engine to drop their expensive lawsuits against me and Automattic.WP Engine was asked for comment, but did not respond.Asked whether the move would also hurt users of WordPress, which is behind about 60% of the worlds web sites, Mullenweg said that he didnt think it would.WordPress is great software. It doesnt change anything that WordPress already does, Mullenweg said. How does this affect the timeline? For new stuff, it might slow it down, it might not. It depends on who shows up and commits code. In terms of new functionality, the scope will be smaller.He added, I love WordPress and will continue to put in hours, nights, and weekends to help however possible.Mullenweg also stressed that the 45 hours his team will continue to work on WordPress will make sure that security updates/patches are maintained.Security is never going to be an issue. We will always maintain security, he said. No one would ever stop a security update.Automattic controls WordPress.com, while the project site, WordPress.org, is controlled solely by Mullenweg.The cutback in hours had been considered last month when Automattic announced a holiday shutdown of some WordPress services and Mullenweg later said that the shutdown might last all of 2025. Instead, Automattic management opted to implement this severe development hours cutback.On Thursday, Automattic announced, weve observed an imbalance in how contributions to WordPress are distributed across the ecosystem, and its time to address this. Additionally, were having to spend significant time and money to defend ourselves against the legal attacks started by WP Engine and funded by Silver Lake, a large private equity firm.Automatticians who contributed to core will instead focus on for-profit projects within Automattic, such as WordPress.com, Pressable, WPVIP, Jetpack, and WooCommerce, the statement said. As part of this reset, Automattic will match its volunteering pledge to those made by WP Engine and other players in the ecosystem, or about 45 hours a week that qualify under the Five For the Future program as benefitting the entire community and not just a single company. These hours will likely go towards security and critical updates.The implication is that the labor reallocations would be reversed were WP Engine to drop its lawsuit. Mullenweg said recent changes that WP Engine has made has altered his demands. He is no longer asking for money, for example.His original demand had been for payment; in late October, Mullenweg said WP Engine could have avoided all of this for $32 million. This should have been very easy, and he then accused WP Engine of having engaged in 18 months of gaslighting and said, thats why I got so crazy.But on Friday, Mullenweg said he is no longer seeking money because WP Engine made extensive changes to its web site and is no longer violating Automattic trademarks, which was apparently what the payment was for.They have stopped violating the trademark. They have cleaned up, Mullenweg said. To use someone elses trademark, you typically license it. For more than 18 months, we were trying to do a deal there. They obviously never did one. I realized that they were just stringing me along.Analysts and members of the WordPress user community, who made their comments to Computerworld prior to Mullenwegs interview, were mixed. Some said they were worried that these latest WordPress changes might exacerbate enterprise IT worries about sticking with WordPress.This is a massive number of hours that they are planning on cutting back. The community is not likely to make up those hours. They are going to direct their resources to a legal battle and the platform will not be stable, said Melody Brue, VP/principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. Users have to plan for the likelihood that they cannot take up the slack. WordPress users are already panicking. They cant trust him now. They will turn off automatic [WordPress] updates.Brue said that Mullenwegs tactics have yet to work.This has become a spiteful game that he is playing. Part of his whole game is that he makes these big tantrums and threats to get attention, Brue said. So far, that hasnt worked.Michelle Rosen, an IDC research manager, said that she was not sure whether this move would ultimately hurt WordPress.Automattic has been the largest contributor to WordPress by far, so this decision has to hurt the projects ability to evolve and improve, Rosen said. That said, WordPress has been around for a long time and many users rely on it only as the core of their CMS solution, with other components built on top. In this context, the impact may be lower, especially if Automattic continues to handle security issues.Users reactions were also mixed.Jack Prenter, the CEO at WordPress site Dollarwise, said he was somewhat concerned.There is a general loss of confidence. I dont know if theres a lot you can do. Thats why the situation is so painful, Prenter said. There is such a large ecosystem built around it that people are not going to let it fall apart. It can technically continue to function, but you can cancel all of the future roadmap. Nothing new is going to happen.Another WordPress user, Ben May, managing director of The Code Co in Australia, is less concerned. I suspect this latest statement is ratcheting up the WPE campaign, I guess in an effort to change the hearts and minds of people sympathetic to WPE. I dont see it as an existential threat to WordPress and am not losing any sleep over it for the time being, May said. From what Ive seen online already, the community is big enough and willing enough to step in and fill in the gaps that would be left with the reduced contributions.

At CES 2025, Intel let journalists into its private Innovation Showcase, where we saw things like prototype next-gen laptops and giant stereo 3D handheld gaming PCs.While I was there, I also spotted a heavy metal handheld on a table that didnt seem... fully attached... to its screen. When I lifted the screen, it came away easily. It felt suspiciously light to be a real tablet, so I flipped it over and saw three connectors underneath:Above it, on a shelf, was a laptop with a suspiciously sized chunk of plastic on the bottom that looked like a perfect match. A minute later, Intel gaming evangelist Colin Helms confirmed: I was looking at a concept modular PC. That module contains a complete Intel Lunar Lake computer, the entire guts you'd need to make one work outside of peripherals and screen. Its basically a reboot of Intels abandoned Compute Card idea, except it's not all Intels doing and you probably shouldn't ever expect it to ship.Its a concept from Quanta, a company whose name you dont typically see on the laptops and tablets they create, because Quanta is an ODM (like Compal, Pegatron, Wistron, and Apples better known iPhone supplier Foxconn) that designs and manufactures hardware on behalf of brand names. Quantas calling the whole modular system the AI8A, and the aforementioned module at its heart is the Detachable AI Core. Helms told me it plugs into other concept computers as well, including an all-in-one desktop that Intel didnt have to show off. And presumably, like the Compute Card idea, you could upgrade your computer just by putting a new new module into it.The modular laptop has lots of concept-y bells and whistles too, so many that Intels CES staff hadnt even worked them all out yet. For starts, the laptop has a motorized hinge, so you can tell it to open and close its own lid; it also claims to offer eye-tracking that lets you sling around multitasking windows just by looking at where youd like them to be. It apparently comes with a mouse integrated into a ring that you could wear.The most mundane: a built-in Qi wireless charging pad in the palmrest, with indicator lights to show your batterys remaining capacity. I couldnt try any of it working, unfortunately, nor did I manage to ask what AI8A means, because I mistakenly thought it said Aiba until I checked my photos closely just now. Nor could we hotswap the module between the handheld and laptop, since the module apparently doesn't have a battery inside.Again, this is a cool computing concept car: its not likely that this computer will ever ship, even in a more practical / less gadgety form. Thankfully, we have begun to see some real, practical modularity in the laptop space since the death of Intel's Compute Card. Framework just celebrated its fifth anniversary this week, and Dell took a smaller step forward at CES with its first modular repairable USB-C port.Photos by Sean Hollister / The Verge

Managing datasets effectively has become a pressing challenge as machine learning (ML) continues to grow in scale and complexity. As datasets expand, researchers and engineers often struggle with maintaining consistency, scalability, and interoperability. Without standardized workflows, errors and inefficiencies creep in, slowing progress and increasing costs. These challenges are particularly acute in large-scale ML projects, where proper data curation and version control are essential to ensure reliable results. Finding tools that simplify dataset management while maintaining accuracy and flexibility has become a top priority.Meta AI has introduced LeanUniverse, an open-source library designed to streamline dataset management. Built on the Lean4 theorem prover, LeanUniverse offers a structured approach that emphasizes consistency, scalability, and correctness. Lean4 provides the foundation for this library, combining logical reasoning with practical dataset management tools. The result is a system that ensures datasets are organized and adhere to strict verification standards.LeanUniverse addresses the common pain points of dataset management by offering a unified, scalable framework. With features like dataset versioning and dependency tracking, the library simplifies processes and ensures correctness, making it a valuable resource for modern ML pipelines.Technical Details and Benefits of LeanUniverseLeanUniverse leverages Lean4 to create a robust and formalized environment for managing datasets. Its key features include:Consistency and Formal Verification: By following predefined logical rules, LeanUniverse reduces inconsistencies and errors in datasets and their transformations.Scalability: It is designed to handle complex datasets with intricate interdependencies, making it suitable for large-scale projects.Modularity and Reusability: LeanUniverse structures datasets as modular components, encouraging reuse across projects and reducing redundancy.Interoperability: The library integrates smoothly with existing ML tools and frameworks, enabling easy adoption without major changes to current workflows.This combination of logical rigor and practical functionality ensures datasets remain accurate, adaptable, and easy to manage. Additionally, as an open-source tool, LeanUniverse benefits from community input and ongoing improvements.ConclusionLeanUniverse by Meta AI offers a thoughtful solution to the challenges of dataset management, combining practical tools with a strong emphasis on formal verification. Its open-source nature and adaptable design make it a useful resource for researchers and engineers seeking to improve efficiency and collaboration.Check out the GitHub Page. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. FREE UPCOMING AI WEBINAR (JAN 15, 2025): Boost LLM Accuracy with Synthetic Data and Evaluation IntelligenceJoin this webinar to gain actionable insights into boosting LLM model performance and accuracy while safeguarding data privacy.The post Meta AI Open-Sources LeanUniverse: A Machine Learning Library for Consistent and Scalable Lean4 Dataset Management appeared first on MarkTechPost.

See at ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming ExpressVPN See at ExpressVPN See more details See at ESPN Watch the FA Cup in the US from $12 per month ESPN Plus See at ESPN See more details See at ITV Watch the FA Cup final in the UK for free ITV See at ITV See more details See at SN Now Watch the FA Cup in Canada for CA$15 a month Sportsnet See at SN Now See more details See at Optus Watch the FA Cup in Australia from AU$7 a month Optus Sport See at Optus See more details Table of Contents Liverpool will look to maintain their quest for an unprecedented quadruple on Saturday, as they get their FA Cup campaign underway at Anfield against fourth-tier outfit Accrington Stanley.Currently sitting pretty at the top of the English Premier League and still very much in contention in both the UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup, Arne Slot's men will be hoping to win a tournament that they last won back in 2022.They face an Accrington side that are a mere 86 places places below their hosts in the English football league system, with the visitors currently struggling in 19th position in EFL League Two.Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live, wherever you are in the world. Shaun Whalley is Accrington Stanley's top scorer and a lifelong Liverpool supporter. MI News/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesLiverpool vs. Accrington Stanley: When and where?Liverpool take on Accrington Stanley in this FA Cup third-round match at Anfield onFriday, Jan. 10. Kickoff is set for 12:15 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is7:15 a.m. ET or 4:15 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and11:15 p.m. AEDT in Australia. How to watch the Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley game online from anywhere using a VPNIf you find yourself unable to view EPL matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. James Martin/CNET 2024 Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months) See at ExpressVPN Livestream the Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley game in the USThis clash is streaming exclusively live in the US on ESPN Plus. Kickoff is at 7:15 a.m. ET on Saturday for viewers in the States. ESPN's standalone streaming service costs $12 a month or $120 for an annual subscription. With it, you'll be able to watch all of this season's FA Cup fixtures.Read our ESPN Plus review. See at ESPN Can I livestream the Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley game in the UK?The great news for footy fans in the UK is that free-to-air broadcasters the BBC and ITV are once again sharing live duties for this season's FA Cup, with this game being shown on ITV.Coverage begins on ITV1 at 11:30 a.m. GMT ahead of the 12:15 p.m. kickoff. ITV As the match is being broadcast on ITV1, that means you'll also have the option of watching the game online for free via the network's on-demand streaming service, ITVX.The service has an updated app that's available for Android and Apple mobile devices, as well as a vast array of smart TVs. See at ITV Livestream Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley in CanadaCanadian soccer fans looking to watch this FA Cup fixture can watch all the action live via Sportsnet. Sportsnet is available via most cable operators, but cord-cutters can subscribe to the network's standalone streaming service Sportsnet Plus instead, with prices starting at CA$25 per month or CA$200 per year. See at SN Now Livestream the Liverpool vs. Accrington Stanley game in AustraliaFootball fans Down Under can watch FA Cup matches live on streaming service Optus Sport. Optus With exclusive rights to stream select FA Cup and all Premier League matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.If you're already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you're not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25. See at Optus Quick tips for streaming the FA Cup using a VPNWith four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming FA Cup matches may vary.If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommendBrave.

Our Picks Best LED outdoor string lights Enbrighten classic LED cafe lights View details $60 at Amazon View details Best smart outdoor string lights Nanoleaf Outdoor String Lights View details $120 at Best Buy View details Best solar-powered outdoor string lights Hampton Bay Outdoor 10-socket solar string lights View details $60 at The Home Depot View details Best value for outdoor string lights Magitec Shatterproof outdoor string lights (commercial grade with 15 sockets) View details $70 at Amazon View details Best value smart outdoor string lights Govee RGBIC Smart Outdoor String Lights View details $24 at Amazon View details Best outdoor string lights for camping Anpro Solar Camping String Lights View details $30 at Walmart View details Best outdoor string lights for brightness Brightech ambience pro LED string lights View details $45 at Amazon View details Best color-changing outdoor string lights Patriot Lighting 18-light color-changing outdoor string lights (Update: currently unavailable) View details $47 at Menards View details Table of Contents No matter the season, we can all agree that there's nothing better than an outdoor area that looks magical. There are many ways to do that, but you can't go wrong with a selection of outdoor string lights. They not only brighten up the area but also add a cozy vibe to your outdoor space. From small patios to large party-sized yards, outdoor string lights let you showcase your style while highlighting the best features of your garden or outdoor space.If you aren't in the know, you might not be aware that outdoor electric lights come in all kinds of fun shapes and sizes, from smart lights to those trendy Edison-style bulbs. In this handy little guide, we'll check out the best outdoor string lights you can find -- all tested by CNET experts.Of course, if you're not 100% on the string lights train, there are other ways to spruce up your outdoor area with additional light sources. Consider getting a fire pit or a patio heater, particularly if you're more concerned about staying warm on those cooler nights.What are the best outdoor string lights overall?Out of all the options we tested, our favorite outdoor string light is the Enbrighten classic LED cafe light. The bulbs themselves feel robust and when bought on at a discount, these bulbs offer great value.But if you're looking for something else, as we hinted earlier, our list includes both smart and traditional string light options -- including solar powered lights. While most non-smart string lights are going to offer a single color and require you to manually power them on, if you like the look of a "dumb" outdoor string light don't forget you can always plug it into a smart outlet or plug. This will let you schedule times for the lights to turn on and allow you to shut them down from your phone or voice with a smart speaker.Best outdoor string lights of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $60 at Amazon Pros Heavy duty Quality brightness Cons Pricey Power source Plug-in ACLight source LEDOutput color(s) Warm white (2700K)Smart light No $60 at Amazon This set has the most attractive bulb of the bunch, in my opinion. The bulbs feel heavier duty than the other options because, rather than being a thin clear plastic shell of a bulb, they're partially filled in to create a visual with inset air bubbles. This added to the look and the feel of the light set and immediately made me feel like they were of superior quality when compared to most of the other units.Enbrighten also ended up with the third brightest light output per bulb, according to our testing. They were initially the most expensive set I picked up, but they often drop to $30 on Amazon, making them a great value for someone looking for great quality.The Amazon page lists several models, including smart plugs and dimmers. Enbrighten says these lights have a linkable length of up to 750 feet (about 20 strands total) and a warm, soft light output at 2,700K.

Meta is just one tech company that has moved quickly to build ties with Trump and his incoming administration, recently appointing Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White (a close friend of Trumps) to its board. Zuckerberg also met with Trump over Thanksgiving in November after which he set out to implement the changes announced this week.I have a much greater command now of what I think the policy should be, and this is how its going to be going forward, Zuckerberg told podcaster Joe Rogan in an interview that aired on Friday.

Image: NintendoIf you pre-ordered Metroid Prime 4 on Amazon multiple years ago, you might want to check the status of your order.Amazon customers have been receiving emails recently, confirming the cancellation of this item "due to a lack of availability" and providing refunds. A user on the Metroid subreddit, who ordered the title in 2017 (alongside the original announcement), shared the message they received:Metroid Prime 4 - Nintendo Switch, Sold by Amazon.com Services, IncHello, due to a lack of availability, we will not be able to obtain the following item from your order. We've canceled the item and apologize for the inconvenience. If you see a charge for the canceled item, we will refund you within 1-2 business days. If you are still interested in purchasing this item, it may be available from other sellers. Please visit the detail page for this item.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube791kWatch on YouTube Fortunately, there are no real concerns here about the state of the game or development - as it seems Amazon is only cancelling original orders. In other words, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond purchases shouldn't be a problem going forward.In an update during a Nintendo Direct last June, it was confirmed the game would be called Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and announced it would launch on the Switch in 2025. FINALLY!Have you received one of those emails by any chance? Have you pre-ordered Metroid Prime 4 yet? Let us know.Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed yearSwitch's First 'Rebootless Update' Of 2025 Is Now Live, Here Are The DetailsFollowing Version 19.0.1's rollout last OctoberBest Nintendo Switch RPGsThe finest traditional-style Switch RPGs available to humanityRandom: Let's Be Thankful The 'Switch 2' Won't Be As Big As Acer's Ridiculous New HandheldC'mon, what is that?Talking Point: Everyone Else Is Busy Revealing Switch 2 - What Gives, Nintendo?It's the notes you don't play

Vincent Premel, Concert in the Forest. All images the photographers, courtesy of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, shared with permissionHelp Choose the Winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Peoples Choice AwardJanuary 10, 2025NaturePhotographyGrace EbertThe Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest received nearly 60,000 from 117 countries for its 2024 competition, an immense pool from which judges choose just 100 finalists. To bring the public into the selection process, the Natural History Museum, which develops and produces the annual event, has launched the Peoples Choice Award.Twenty-five stunning images are eligible for votes and capture a wide range of biological happenings around the globe. In Botswana, David Northall came upon an overly tenacious honey badger determined to snack on a porcupine despite the spiny creatures pointed attack. And in Bhigwan, India, Arvind Ramamurthy stumbled upon five wolvesa species with dwindling numbers given human encroachmentplaying in a lush meadow.The contest is open through January 29, so check out all 25 photos and cast your vote on the museums website.David Northall, SpikedPiotr Naskrecki, Snuffling SengiNora Milligan, Curious Connection Ian Wood, No AccessFrancisco Negroni, Earth and SkyArvind Ramamurthy, Wolf Pack Bence Mt, Annoying NeighbourNoam Kortler, Drifting DinnerWillie Burger van Schalkwyk, The Brave GeckoNext article

The Los Angeles area wildfires are producing large amount of smoke as can be seen on January 10, ... [+] 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAs wildfires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area, it should be obvious that the flames themselves are major threats, leaving devastation in their trails. So is the intense heat generated. But remember, where theres fire, theres smoke, which may be a reversal of the standard proverb but is highly relevant here. The wildfires are creating large amounts of smoke that are themselves major threats. And these huge billows of wildfire smoke will remain huge problems for a while and could end up traveling huge distances from the flames.Wildfire Smoke Contains Particulate MatterThats because wildfire smoke can have all sorts of harmful stuff in them. Any kind of smoke contains particulate matter, which is a more cultured way of saying bits and pieces of stuff floating in the air. This particulate matter can range from clearly visible chunks of junk floating in the air to smaller and smaller particles.Now particulate matter is clearly a situation where size does matter as the smaller the particles the more likely they are to get into your respiratory tract and potentially down to your lungs. Particularly concerning are the fine inhalable particles or PM2.5 which are particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These particles certainly arent fine for your health because they are tiny enough to get into the smallest airways of your lungs to cause irritation and damage. This can be taxing on not only your lungs but also your cardiovascular system. Thats why inhaling such particles can not only cause breathing problems, trigger asthma attacks or exacerbate existing lung problems, it can also increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially in those with other risk factors for such medical problems.The other more than tiny problem with these fine inhalable particles is that they can be too small to see. So what appears to be clear air can actually be packed with PM2.5 stuff. Therefore, dont rely on just your eyes to determine how clear the air really is.Speaking of eyes, particulate matter can get in your eyes as well, leading to significant irritation. Therefore, if you find your eyes burning and tearing up, theres a decent change that the air around you is polluted with particulate matter.MORE FOR YOUWildfire Smoke Can Contain Toxic GasesBurnt material can continue to emit toxic fumes and particulate matter long after the flames have ... [+] gone down. Seen here are burnt structures at Topanga Beach during the Palisades wildfire in Topanga, Los Angeles, California, United States on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesThe other dangerous components of wildfire smoke are the various toxic gases that result from the burning of plants, other organic material, rubber, and who knows what else may be on the grounds of the Los Angeles area. Naturally, the closer you are to the flames the greater the concentration of such gases. Even after the flames are long gone though, charred debris can continue to emit toxic fumes and spray particulate matter into the air.The health effects of toxic fumes depend on the specific types of chemicals in those fumes. But the potential impact can range from skin, eye or respiratory tract irritation to cancer.Stay Indoors With Wildfire Smoke OutsideIf you are around the Los Angeles area right now, its best to stay indoors as much as possible and limit your time outdoors. Again, dont trust your eyes to determine how clear the air may be. Keep your windows and doors closed. Seal any other opening that may allow wildfire smoke to seep into your living quarters or consider using thick wet cloths to block such openings.Naturally, you dont want to stay inside your house if it is on fire. Therefore, staying indoors doesnt mean remaining oblivious as to what is happening outside. Keep track of where the wildfires and smoke are traveling through the news or tracking websites and apps. Also, pay attention to whats happening right outside where you live.Air Purifiers With HEPA Filters Can Protect Against Wildfire SmokeIf possible use air purifiers that have high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to keep the indoor air around you clean. In theory, such filters are supposed to remove at least 99.97% of the particles that are 0.3 microns (m) in size from the air. This includes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and, yes, fine particulate matter. Pay attention to the HEPA filters Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which represents the filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (m) in size. The higher MERV rating the better that filter is at trapping such sized particles. Also, clean and replace the filter regularly. As Maroon 5 sang, nothing lasts forever.Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity While Outdoors With Wildfire SmokeThis is not the time to start training for the marathon outside. More vigorous physical activity will increase your breathing rate and, thus, the amount of stuff in the air that you inhale. This doesnt mean completely stop exercising, because exercise is good for you. Just try to do it indoors in locations that have clean filtered air.N95 Or P100 Face Masks Can Protect You Against Wildfire SmokeUnfortunately, some politicians have politicized the heck out of face masks as I have written previously for Forbes. But the bottom line is face masks like N95 and P100 respirators are specially designed to filter very small particles out of the air so that you dont inhale them. In other words, such face masks work.Now, this doesnt mean just any face mask will work. A bandana, surgical mask or Deadpool mask wont do a whole lot. When it comes to choosing the right face mask, its important to know not only your alphabet but also your numbers. Look first for the letter that tells you the class of the respirator:N stands for Non-Oil meaning that the respirator is not resistant to oil.R stands for Resistant to Oil for 8 hoursP means that the respirator is oil proofUnless you are planning on seasoning your face mask with olive oil or something like that, you probably do not need to choose a P or R face mask over an N one. Thats assuming that you wont be in an area with lots of oily fumes.So as long as you have one of these lettered respirators, the next thing to check for the number right after it. The number stands for the respirators efficiency at filtering out particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. So, a N95 mask can filter 95 percent of such particles. A mask with a name that ends with a 99 would be 99 percent efficient. A P100 respirator is not 100 efficient because nothing is 100 percent in life. But such a mask does get close with a 99.97 percent efficiency.Now, its not enough to simply see N95 or P100 on the face mask or its packaging. There are lots of face masks out there falsely advertised as such. Look for masks that have been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The face mask and packaging should have the word NIOSH along with either N95 or P100 printed on them. If it says something else like NASH, KIBOSH or KNISH, dont trust the N95 or P100 rating. A Knish mask could be something totally different.Face masks with NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 ratings are composed of interlacing propylene fibers that make it physically difficult for small particles to get past. Additionally, these fibers are imbued with electrostatic charges that will cause such particles to stick to the fibers.Also, youve got to wear the N95 or P100 respirator properly for it to really protect you. Forming a tight seal around your mouth and nose is key. The respirator should have two straps that go around your head and hold your mask tightly to your face. Masks that have ear loops instead will not form tight enough seals. Also, dont wear such face masks as you would a pair of Hailey Bieber Trouser Pants or skinny jeans. It has to be the appropriate size that will fit over your nose and under your chin without bunching up in any way so that the edges lift off your face.Try to replace your N95 or P100 face masks frequently. They lose effectiveness over use and time for three reasons. One reason is the loss of electrostatic charge. Another is that bending and distorting the face mask may separate the lattices of fibers. A third reason is that dirt and oil can degrade the face mask, especially if it is not oil resistant. And regardless of what you may think about yourself, you are a very oily person. Simply touching the face mask with your hands will leave oil on the mask.Check Air Quality Reports Each Day To Follow The Wildfire SmokeThis aerial photo shows smoke hovering over smoldering rubble left by the Palisades Fire in the ... [+] Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 10, 2025. (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesFinally, remember what happened to the smoke generated by the wildfires in Central Canada in 2023. They spread all the way across the Northeast U.S., as I reported for Forbes at the time. Yep, wildfire smoke can and will travel. And such smoke can linger for a while. The resulting path and distance all depends on how much smoke is generated and what the winds and weather end up doing.Therefore, regardless of where you live in the U.S., its a good idea to keep monitoring the air quality indices around you. Again, while theres always going to be smoke with fire, in the case of wildfire smoke, there can be smoke without the fire.