Autonomous Self Driving VehiclegettyAs vehicles increasingly integrate advanced technology and internet connectivity, they are becoming more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. A recent vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink system highlights the risks consumers face. This incident is part of a broader issue affecting the automotive industry, where connected car systems can be exploited, leading to privacy breaches, financial loss, and even physical danger.The Subaru Starlink VulnerabilitySecurity researchers recently discovered a major vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink service that could have allowed hackers to take control of vehicles and access sensitive customer data.Using just a license plate and basic details like the owner's last name or email address, attackers could exploit the system in several alarming ways. They could remotely start or stop the car, lock and unlock its doors, and track the vehicle's real-time location. Additionally, they could extract personally identifiable information (PII), including emergency contacts, billing details, and the vehicle's PIN. Perhaps most concerning, hackers could access precise location data spanning over a year, with accuracy within five meters, enabling them to build a detailed profile of the victim's movements.The vulnerability stemmed from weaknesses in the Starlink admin portal, such as an insecure password reset API endpoint and insufficient protection against two-factor authentication (2FA) bypass. Although Subaru quickly patched the flaw within 24 hours of its discovery, the incident highlights a critical failure in securing connected car systems.The Broader Implications For Automotive CybersecuritySubaru's case is not isolated. Other automakers have faced similar vulnerabilities, such as a flaw in Kia's dealer portal that allowed hackers to locate and steal vehicles using their license plates. These examples reveal systemic issues in the design and deployment of connected car systems, including:MORE FOR YOUWeak authentication makes it easier for attackers to break into sensitive systems.Centralized systems store large amounts of sensitive user and vehicle data, making breaches more likely.Many connected car platforms do not encrypt data properly, leaving it vulnerable during transmission.Poor integration with third-party apps and portals creates security gaps.Automakers often take too long to find and fix vulnerabilities, leaving vehicles exposed for longer than necessary.Beyond the Subaru and Kia incidents, connected cars face a host of cybersecurity challenges. Hackers can remotely hijack vehicle functions, posing serious safety risks, or steal personal and financial data stored in onboard systems. Ransomware attacks could render vehicles unusable, while GPS spoofing might mislead drivers or aid in theft. Even compromised infotainment systems can leak sensitive information or spread malware to connected devices.How Consumers Can Protect ThemselvesAlthough automakers bear the primary responsibility for securing their systems, consumers can take proactive steps to protect themselves from vehicle cybersecurity threats: Regularly check for and apply updates to the car's firmware or connected apps. Automakers often release patches to address vulnerabilities. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for connected car accounts and associated apps. Avoid default or weak passwords. Only share necessary information when using connected car services. Avoid linking excessive personal data to vehicle systems. Turn off unnecessary connectivity features like remote start or location sharing if they are not actively used. Protect SIM card and phone accounts associated with the car. Avoid accessing connected car systems over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a virtual private network (VPN) if needed. Vet third-party apps for security and only download from trusted sources. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions. Employ traditional security measures like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers as a backup against cyber threats.

PSA: Asus and other PC hardware vendors have spent the last few years exploring ways to make installing and removing motherboard components easier and safer. Asus' latest method aims to eliminate release buttons and latches from PCIe slots, but recent reports indicate that the procedure risks chipping the gold fingers. Owners of Asus' AMD X800 and Intel Z800 motherboards should exercise caution when removing their graphics cards. Multiple reports show that the company's recently introduced Q-Release Slim system can scratch the GPU's connection pins.A recently uploaded Bilibili video showed how the mechanism can chip the end of a graphics card's short gold finger, which faces the long gold finger. Hardware Luxx's Andreas Schilling later shared a photo of his GeForce RTX 5090 exhibiting similar damage. Schilling reported that the pins frequently became caught in the PCIe slot during benchmarks involving repeated GPU removal and swapping.Asus introduced Q-Release Slim to simplify the process of detaching graphics cards and other PCIe add-in boards. Traditional mechanisms require pressing a latch at the end of the slot to release the gold finger, which often proves difficult because large GPUs can completely obscure the latch.The company began using an alternative method in 2021 involving pressing a release button placed in a more accessible position. MSI demonstrated a similar system at Gamescom last year, suggesting that the trend is catching on. However, Asus's Q-Release Slim mechanism aims to simplify things further. // Related StoriesWith Q-Release Slim, users simply hold the motherboard down with one hand, slightly tilt the card upward, and remove it by pulling toward the I/O bracket. The design prevents the gold fingers from shifting in any other direction.Asus is working to address the recent reports of chipped connectors, but hasn't yet provided details on a remedy. It remains unclear if the company might revert to an earlier system or try something new with future motherboards.The PCIe slot isn't the only port motherboard manufacturers are trying to improve. MSI also introduced a Q-Release system for the M.2 slot for Z800 boards. Installing and removing NVMe SSDs normally involves screws that can sometimes become frustrating due to their small size. With MSI's new system, pressing a lock button behind the drive secures the SSD without the need for screws. Asus uses a similar system with a release latch and a sliding gate that supports 2280 and 2230 drives. Unlike Asus's GPU slot method, SSD Q-Release mechanisms haven't encountered widespread problems thus far.

In context: Nvidia is preparing to transition its Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPU architectures to a legacy driver branch, signaling the end of an era for these iconic products. This transition reflects the company's focus on supporting more recent hardware capabilities, particularly in areas such as AI and ray tracing. Nvidia's CUDA 12.8 release notes indicate that support for the older architectures is now considered "feature-complete" and will be frozen in an upcoming release.This move marks a significant shift for Nvidia as it begins to phase out support for the remaining GTX-era architectures. While CUDA support will continue for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs, they will no longer receive new features in future updates. It's important to note that this change does not immediately affect GeForce gaming driver support, as Maxwell and Pascal GPUs are still included in the support list for the GeForce RTX series driver.Nvidia has not provided a specific date for the end of full support for these three GPU architectures, but the transition is expected to occur soon. Once this change takes effect, the GTX 16-series, based on the Turing architecture of the RTX 20-series, will be the only remaining GTX-series GPUs with full support.The Maxwell architecture, introduced 11 years ago, represents the oldest of the outgoing GPU architectures still supported by Nvidia on the consumer side. It debuted with the GeForce GTX 750 series and was followed by the GTX 900 series. Maxwell brought significant performance-per-watt improvements over its predecessor, Kepler, and was particularly notable for its efficiency in mobile GPUs.Pascal, introduced in 2016 with the GeForce GTX 1000 series, marked one of Nvidia's most significant architectural advancements in the 2010s. It utilized TSMC's 16nm finFET plus technology, doubling the density of Maxwell's 28nm node and delivering substantial performance gains. The GTX 1080, for instance, offered 60-65 percent higher performance than its predecessor, the GTX 980. // Related StoriesVolta, released in 2017, was primarily focused on AI applications and enterprise use. It introduced Tensor cores, specialized units designed for AI workloads, which provided nine times the performance of Pascal in AI-specific tasks. Volta was largely confined to the enterprise sector, with the Titan V being the only desktop GPU to feature this architecture.For Linux users, most distributions will continue to support legacy versions of the Nvidia driver, ensuring that affected cards will remain functional for the foreseeable future. However, users should be aware that they will not receive new features or optimizations moving forward.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe times, they are a-Some simple fixesThe Steam Deck Verified program was a good start, but its time to move on.Valve separates compatibility with the Steam Deck into four buckets. You have Verified games, which have a green check mark for Valves seal of approval, and you have Playable games, which would normally get a Verified badge had it not been for some small issues (i.e. small text or invoking the on-screen keyboard). Those are the two categories you gravitate toward.Recommended VideosThen, there are Unsupported games, which have what Valve sees as a game-breaking issue, such as the use of anti-cheat software that doesnt work properly on Linux. And finally, Unknown games, which Valve just doesnt know anything about there are a lot of games on Steam. Valve lays out four criteria to earn a Verified badge, which you can see below.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsSomething that isnt included here butdoesshow up on Verified games is this line: This games default graphics configuration performs well on Steam Deck. Valve has taken some flack for that, particularly with problematic games on the Steam Deck likeThe Last of Us Part OneandNo Rest for the Wicked.But overall, this has been a good system.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming Its not perfect, but its a good shorthand for quickly knowing if a game will work or not. If you want to go deeper, websites like ProtonDB are fantastic, but the Deck Verified program still has its place. I know, at a glance, that I can playMarvel Rivalson my Steam Deck, but I cant playApex Legends.Thats helpful, albeit far from perfect.But handhelds are changing, as are games, and its time for the Deck Verified program to change along with them.Luke Larsen / Digital TrendsThe most obvious sign of that is the Lenovo Legion Go S that comes with SteamOS installed. This handheld is set to launch in a few short months, its officially licensed by Valve, and it shows the same Deck Verified badges that the Steam Deck does. That doesnt make a lot of sense. The Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go S have two different chips in them, and presumably with a decently large performance gap between them read my Steam Deck versus ROG Ally comparison for more on that. The idea of something being verified for the Steam Deck kind of falls apart when were not talking about the Steam Deck.Thats just one device, but Valve says it plans to release SteamOS more broadly into betabeforeLenovos handheld releases. Its just a beta release, so bugs, performance issues, and other problems are expected. But Valve clearly has ambitions for SteamOS beyond one device, and third-party versions of Valves open-source operating system, such as Bazzite, are becoming increasingly popular. Im all for that expansion, but the more devices that use SteamOS, the less helpful the Deck Verified program becomes.The expansion of SteamOS is so exciting because there are handhelds that are more powerful than the Steam Deck. I dont really want to spend $800 on an ROG Ally X if I can get the same experience on a Steam Deck OLED for $650. But the ROG Ally X is more powerful, and capable of running more demanding games, which justifies the extra cost. Hardware is meeting the demands of games, but the Deck Verified program cant come along for the ride.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsMaybe you can squeeze anotherFinal Fantasy VII RebirthorCyberpunk 2077under the Deck Verified badge, but anyone whos played these games on the Steam Deck can tell you that the system is at its limit. As time goes on, well see more games likeStalker 2, Warhammer 40K: Darktide,andSilent Hill 2that are Unsupported simply because theyre too demanding to run on the Steam Deck. Valve was able to use this system for three years, but I dont think it can survive another three.If youre not onboard yet, think about the Steam Deck 2. Valve says itll release a sequel to the Steam Deck when it feels theres a generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life. When that happens, will we have a system where some games are Verified but others, like Silent Hill 2,are only Verified for the Steam Deck 2? I dont want to deal with that. I already went through the whole New Nintendo 3DS fiasco Valve can do better.Im not here to just complain. I have some ideas, too. And thankfully, they wouldnt drastically change the Deck Verified program all while making it a lot more useful as SteamOS (and handhelds more broadly) scale up.First, performance cant be part of the equation. Valves official criteria dont specifically call out performance, but performance is still a part of the program. Games that are too demanding wont be Verified. Its time for Valve to draw a line in the sand on performance as we see different handhelds that are using different screens and different hardware configurations. The program should tackle if the game works on SteamOS, or if it doesnt; thats the only long-term solution without chasing new performance targets every few years.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsIn its place, Valve should use its strongest asset: the Steam community. There are a lot of ways Valve could go about this. Maybe there are some dropdowns in game reviews that show if the player used a handheld or not, and what handheld they used. And, maybe you can filter those reviews so you can easily find them instead of scanning the first few that pop up and hoping for something helpful. That helps players, and it even helps developers, as you can filter out performance-related issues on handhelds I remember quite a bit of vitriol about No Rest for the Wickedat launch related to Steam Deck performance issues.Valve could also have them in a separate area, maybe with suggestions from users on how to get the best performance. Thats one of the draws of ProtonDB, after all. If Valve wanted to maintain its open-source approach to software, it might even be able to integrate ProtonDB into the Deck Verified program there are already ways to do that through the Deck Tools software.Beyond filtering out performance, the Deck Verified program needs more specifics about what constitutes an Unsupported game. Right now, the range is fairly large, from games that flat-out wont work to titles thatwillwork and work well with some inconvenient setup. For example,Batman: Arkham Asylumis Unsupported, but it works fine. You need to manually tap the launcher, and sleeping your handheld during gameplay can boot you back to the main menu if youre connected to Wi-Fi. Thats significantly different than something like Apex Legends which wont work due to its anti-cheat software.I dont want Valve to endlessly add more badges to the Deck Verified program, but one additional segment of games that work with significant workarounds would be welcome, particularly for older games like Arkham Asylumthat arent likely to see an update. Once again, Valve could leverage its community or point users toward ProtonDB if they want more information on the workarounds.Valve wont ever make the Deck Verified program perfect. Trying to create a simple program to tackle support thats inherently complex is bound to have contradictions and oversights. However, the Deck Verified program can still be significantly better than it is now. And with the rising tide of SteamOS, its time to make those changes.Editors Recommendations

The New York Times has plenty of word games on its roster today with Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the Mini Crossword, theres something for everyone but the newspapers standard crossword puzzle still reigns supreme. The daily crossword is full of interesting trivia, helps improve mental flexibility and, of course, gives you some bragging rights if you manage to finish it every day.While the NYT puzzle might feel like an impossible task some days, solving a crossword is a skill and it takes practice dont get discouraged if you cant get every single word in a puzzle.Recommended VideosIf youre having trouble completing todays NYT Crossword, were here to help. Weve got all the answers for todays clues down below.Please enable Javascript to view this contentNew York TimesAcross1 Undesirable airplane seatmate : ARMRESTHOG11 Sound from a hedge clipper : SNIP15 This is a waste of my time : WHYAMIHERE16 Strike one! : POSE17 Body shops? : MORTUARIES18 Combats ___ tes dfenseurs! (La Marseillaise line) : AVEC19 Poet Bradstreet : ANNE20 Abbr. in some job titles : ASST21 Coward of the theater world : NOEL22 Largest U.S. union, with about three million members, in brief : NEA23 Funding source for the Great Wall of China : SALTTAX26 Org. in 2015s Bridge of Spies : CIA27 Brass : GALL28 Felt in the Christmas spirit? : ELFHATS30 The Way, in Islam : SHARIA33 A, B, and C, but not T and V : VITAMINS34 Under control : TAMED35 One working on a column? : CPA36 Sight in Monets Boating on the River Epte : CANOE37 Current events : RIPTIDES39 Spreads : STREWS40 Novel technology? : EREADER41 Jam : SPOT42 Old atlas inits. : SSR43 In the 80s or 90s, say : OVERPAR45 Take another direction : ZIG48 Its fit for a king : SASH50 Classic novel of the South Seas : OMOO51 Some photomontage art : DADA52 ___ Mountains, Kyrgyz/Tajik border range : ALAI53 Theyll show you a thing or two : TOURGUIDES56 Weight of an adult elephant, very imprecisely : TONS57 Initiative : ENTERPRISE58 Segments of curling matches : ENDS59 Holders of orbs : EYESOCKETSDown1 Ugh, thats the worst! : AWMAN2 It passes through many Swiss banks : RHONE3 Loy of filmdom : MYRNA4 Thing of interest? : RATE5 Foe in a 1932 Australian war : EMU6 Cheap Thrills pop star : SIA7 Clutches : THRALL8 Job that might require a fence : HEIST9 Aeschylus trilogy of tragedies : ORESTEIA10 The forest, in a metaphor : GESTALT11 Extend across : SPAN12 Number at filling stations? : NOVOCAINE13 Oh-h-h-h, that makes sense : ISEEITNOW14 They support many student movements : PECLASSES23 Joined a union : SAIDIDO24 ___ nage (cooked in a broth) : ALA25 Certain something : XFACTOR27 Barbie director Gerwig : GRETA29 Asian grocery chain : HMART30 Consumed with grief? : STRESSATE31 Where locks are picked? : HAIRSALON32 S&P 500 part : AMPERSAND33 Some corp. execs : VPS35 Confirmation, e.g. : CEREMONY38 Ardent supporter : DEVOTEE39 Place whose name has an appropriate final vowel sound : SPA41 Reproductive cells : SPORES44 Dispatch (toward) : ROUTE45 ___ Smith, The Autograph Man novelist : ZADIE46 Namely : IDEST47 Sublimation products : GASES49 Indicator of deflation : HISS51 Long-bladed thrusting dagger : DIRK54 Miracle-___ : GRO55 Lines at a grocery store : UPCEditors Recommendations

Business Insider asked bartenders for their best nonalcoholic drink recipes.All the bartenders were inspired by nostalgic childhood ingredients, like tamarind and juma.Sherbert, juice, and nonalcoholic vermouth come together to make a booze-free punch.Nonalcoholic beverages have the highly alluring benefit of being hangover-free.However, it can sometimes be hard to capture the vibe of a specialty cocktail without the liquor.If you're looking for inspiration, Business Insider spoke with three international bartenders about their favorite recipes for nonalcoholic drinks to make at home.Bring some Afro-Caribbean flavors to your kitchen with a tamarind-forward mocktailErika Flowers, the lead bartender at Compre Lapin in New Orleans, wants to celebrate a fruit that's plentiful in her home country of Belize: tamarind.The sweet-and-sour fruit, also known as tambran, is popular in many tropical countries' cuisines, from Asia and Africa to the Caribbean. Flowers grew up watching her mother and aunt enjoy tamarind candies while she sipped on tamarind juice, so it's also a personal ingredient for her.The award-wearing bartender calls her tamarind mocktail a Tambran Caye in honor of the small collection of islands off the coast of Belize. Erika Flowers suggested making a tamarind-based drink. Wayne Jones Ingredients1 ounces of tamarind syrup1 ounce of pineapple juice an ounce of fresh lime juice4 ounces of club sodaIf you can't find tamarind syrup at the store, look for a can of tamarind pulp (Goya sells one).MethodMake the tamarind syrup by combining an equal amount of tamarind pulp and cane sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.Once cooled, add 1 ounces of the tamarind syrup to the pineapple and lime juices in a cocktail shaker with ice.Shake until the tin frosts over, and then attach the strainer to the opening.Pour the mixture into a Collins glass and top it with the club soda, ice, and a lime wedge.Liven up a party with a sparkling nonalcoholic punchMarie Amelie Fabre, head bartender at Punch Room Barcelona, loves nonalcoholic twists on classic drinks like Negronis, martinis, and punches.She has her own take on a Garibaldi punch, which she calls Il Risorgimento punch.It's a tribute to her Italian grandmother, who served her sparkling water with fruits as a child. However, the spiced punch also holds some local significance in her region of Catalonia since Barcelona is a major port city connected to ancient spice-trade routes. The bartender calls her take on a Garibaldi punch Il Risorgimento. The Barcelona EDITION IngredientsNonalcoholic red vermouth (like Martini Vibrante)Orange juiceGrapefruit sherbetSoda waterThe quantities of each ingredient depend on how many people you're serving, but you can play around with ratios until you find something you like.MethodCombine the Martini Vibrante, orange juice, and grapefruit sherbet.Add ice and shake well to chill.Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice before topping it with soda water and stirring gently.Garnish with an orange slice or a twist of grapefruit peel.Some mocktails may even have added health benefitsBina Nuraga, the beverage R&D manager at Desa Potato Head in Indonesia, likes to honor the long-standing cultural and holistic traditions around low-to-no-alcohol beverages."Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from roots and spices like turmeric, ginger, and galangal," Nuraga said.At its base, the drink can be as simple as turmeric and water, but there are ways to add more medicinal herbs and flair. The bartender's take on the beverage called a Jamu Sling, pays tribute to his childhood in Bali.He grew up drinking lolo (a Balinese version of jamu), which his mother mixed with things like cemcem leaves and tamarind for a before-school drink or cinnamon, water, and salt to aid with stomach aches. Jamu is a traditional Indonesian drink. Desa Potato Head Ingredients15 milliliters of jamu60 milliliters of coconut water10 milliliters of coconut nectar50 milliliters of tonic waterThere are a number of places to buy jamu in the US, including DJAMU, an Indonesian-owned business based in NYC that ships nationally. Alternatively, you can make your own with things like turmeric, ginger, tamarind, lemon, honey, and water.MethodShake the jamu, coconut water, and coconut nectar together.Top the mixture off with tonic water.Serve in a wine glass with a garnish of edible flowers or cinnamon sticks.

Universal had cool themed restaurants, but I found I preferred Disney's food optionsWe loved the pink doughnut with sprinkles from Lard Lad Donuts. Timothy Moore When it came to food, Universal let me down a little bit.We ordered food from Toadstool Cafe, Hog's Head Pub, and multiple restaurants in the Simpson area and I found a lot of it felt overpriced and a bit lackluster.For example, the decent fish and chips at Hog's Head cost me $19. I'd much rather grab a tastier fish-and-chips platter for just $13.50 while walking around Disney's Epcot World Showcase.Although the restaurants and dishes we tried had excellent theming, the only food we really enjoyed was the giant pink doughnut with sprinkles from Lard Lad Donuts.In this category, I felt Universal was overshadowed by Disney parks, which are great for foodies with fantastic sit-down restaurants, creative snacks, and festivals throughout the year that celebrate food.In general, I felt some of Universal's prices were a bit high.Disney isn't cheap, but neither was Universal. Timothy Moore Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland have comparable ticket prices that both start at just over $100 a day.However, Universal felt more expensive than even nearby Disneyland. Although neither park is cheap, I found myself quickly blowing through my budget at Universal.For example, the interactive wristbands for Universal's Super Nintendo World which are considered essential to truly experience the land felt expensive at over $42 each.Worse, some of the wristband-related technology didn't seem to be working correctly both times I rode the Mario Kart ride. My group also encountered tech issues with a few games around the land. Disney isn't perfect, either, and I know issues and glitches can happen with any attraction, but I still felt let down, especially because I'd paid so much for my wristband.The band felt especially pricey compared to Disney's MagicBand+, which starts at $35. These bands allow visitors to interact with special elements throughout all Disney parks not just one land and aren't essential to fully enjoying a visit. There are too many screen-based attractions at Universal for my liking.We found the Krustyland area had a dizzying screen-heavy ride. Timothy Moore Friends had warned me that Universal was packed with screen-based rides and that my husband, who gets severe motion sickness, would have little to do.They were right. Of Universal Studios Hollywood's 13 attractions, roughly half rely heavily on screens. Even the World-Famous Studio Tour inserts screens into a few portions of the experience.Although I absolutely loved some of these attractions, I wish there had been more variety.Disneyland also has screen rides, but the park is also packed with coasters, dark rides, and more traditional screen-free attractions, like carousels, Ferris wheels, and trains.I was disappointed by Universal's lack of parades, but the park had great character experiences.Some of the character encounters in Universal blew me away. Timothy Moore Although Universal had some performances and shows on offer, I was sad not to find a single parade during my visit. At Disney parks, there are usually multiple parades each day.However, I must give Universal kudos for its random character encounters. I felt like I experienced more here than I usually do at Disney.I especially loved the raptor encounter in the Jurassic Park area, where guests interact with a giant dinosaur accompanied by a cast member who teaches them about the creature.I also liked the wand experience at Universal, which felt accessible and fun.Any guest can participate in buying a wand at Ollivanders. Timothy Moore Another highlight of visiting Universal was going to the Ollivanders wand experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Although the interactive show is short, it's free for all guests, and no appointment is required.You have to pay if you want to purchase a wand (and they're expensive at $65 a pop), but the actual wand-selecting experience is cool in its own right.It kind of reminded me of the lightsaber-building experience at Savi's Workshop at Disney. Although the experience is more immersive and includes a saber, it also requires a $250 reservation and you can't simply watch the process for free. In my opinion, Universal has a better security experience.We didn't spend long going through security at Universal, but it felt quite thorough. Timothy Moore Disneyland's security process makes me feel fairly safe, but Universal Studios Hollywood's felt like it was on a whole other level.The bag and body scanners at the entrance reminded me of what I might find at the TSA at an airport.Although Universal's process felt more thorough, it was also faster. We spent less time going through security here than we usually do at Disney.Universal's Express Pass is an incredible value especially compared to line-skipping options at Disney parks.Universal's Express Pass is an incredible value. Timothy Moore When it comes to add-on line-skipping services, Universal's blows Disney's out of the park.Universal's Express Pass is expensive but absolutely worth the cost. They vary in price but start as low as $199, which includes the cost of admission to the park.With our passes, we were able to ride everything in the park without waiting for even a second seriously, we walked right onto each attraction and we didn't have to plan our day around specific entry times.On the other hand, Disney's comparable skip-the-line program, Lighting Lane, is expensive and has multiple tiers that can be confusing to navigate.The most expensive option, the Premier Pass, starts at about $300 per person per day at Disneyland, which doesn't even include park admission.Although there are cheaper options for the skip-the-line service at Disney, I don't find they're of great value: You'll still wait in several lines and probably spend the day on your phone trying to plan your next steps while inefficiently walking around the park.I had fun, but I wasn't completely sold on Universal by the time I'd left.Universal Studios Hollywood had some cool experiences and games, but I wasn't 100% impressed. Timothy Moore There are things I love about Universal, and being immersed in two of my favorite franchises (Mario and Harry Potter) was a dream come true.However, Disney parks feel even more immersive and two days at Universal was more than enough time for me.In my opinion, nearby Disneyland is an overall better value than Universal Studios Hollywood, especially when looking at food choices and the variety of attractions. Still, I look forward to someday checking out Universal Studios Orlando as it's much bigger, and I've heard it's even better than the Hollywood park.Until then, though, I'll get my magic at Disney.

Earlier this week, Samsung announced a refresh to its flagship lineup of smartphones at its Unpacked event, introducing consumers to the new Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25. Pre-orders are now available on Samsungs website and the tech company is offering a generous trade-in deal. Customers can get up to $900 when trading in their old phone, knocking off a considerable percentage from the upfront price.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comSee Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.comSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraThe premium Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in a handful on options with varying storage capacities. Samsung has dropped the 128 GB model of the previous generation, now breaking down the phone into a 256 GB option ($1,300), a 512 GB option (1,420), and full 1 TB option. However, right now Samsung has reduced the price of the 512 GB model and the 1 TB model down to the price of the version preceding it, essentially offering customers a free storage upgrade.Additionally, youll receive between $60 and $100 in Samsung credit which can then be put toward accessories such as the Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watches, which are also up to 40% off when pre-ordering the new phone. So yeah, its discounts and free credits out the wazoo.Now pair all of those savings with trading in your old phone which can get you as much as $900 toward the new Samsung S25 Ultra. That brings the price down to as low as $300 and up to $100 toward a Samsung accessory.See Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.comSamsung Galaxy S25+ & S25Similar offerings are being made on the Galaxy S25+ and S25 series of Samsung smartphones.The S25+ is available with storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, going for $1,000 and $1,120 respectively, with the latter discounted for the time being down to just $1,020. So youll only be paying $20 more to double your storage, though the 256 GB version comes with a $100 credit that can be put toward a selection of Samsung accessories.The S25 has options for 128 GB or 256 GB, priced at $800 and $860 respectively, though the 256 GB is $50 offmaking it only $10 more than the 128 GB version. Like the S25+, this smaller storage option comes with a Samsung credit ($50) while the 256 GB model does not.The Galaxy S25+ and S25 each have a lucrative trade-in bonus when handing over your old phone. You can save up to $700 when trading in your old phone toward the S25+ or up to $500 when putting it toward the S25.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comAcross the whole family of Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 smartphones are a set of color variants exclusive to pre-ordering from Samsungs website. You can secure the S25 Ultra in Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Black, or Titanium Pinkgold, or the S25+ or S25 in Blueback, Coralred, or Pinkgold only at Samsung.See Galaxy S25 at Samsung.comSee Galaxy S25 Ultra at Samsung.com

Frida Garza, Grist Published January 25, 2025 | Comments (0) | Food waste continues to be a problem in the United States. Kmpzzz/Shutterstock In September 2015, the U.S. set an ambitious target of reducing its food loss and waste by 50 percent. The idea was to reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills, where it emits Researchers at UC Davis looked at state policies across the country and estimated how much food waste each state was likely reducing in 2022. They found that, without more work being done at the federal level, no state is on track to achieve the national waste reduction goal. Researchers calculated that, even when taking reduction measures into account, the U.S. still generates about 328 pounds of food waste per person annually which is also how much waste was being generated per person in 2016, shortly after the EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the waste-cutting goal. These figures indicate that even our best strategies for eliminating waste arent enough to meet our goals, said Sarah Kakadellis, lead author of the study published in Nature this month. In order to assess how the U.S. is doing to meet its food waste reduction goals, Kakadellis and her team used both publicly available data (from ReFED, a nonprofit that monitors food waste in the U.S.) and estimates based on the current policy landscape. The studys findings were not surprising given the absence of federal policy governing food waste, said Lori Leonard, chair of the Department of Global Development at Cornell University. People are trying to do what they can at state and municipal levels, she said. But we really need national leadership on this issue. Kakadellis suggests that a path forward will also necessitate shifting the way consumers think about certain waste management strategies like composting. Composting turns organic material, like food scraps, into a nutrient-rich mixture that can be used to fertilize new plants and crops. It can be considered a form of recycling food, although its end product technically cannot be eaten. This important detail means consumers must learn to view composting, despite its potential environmental benefits, as a form of food waste, says Kakadellis. Its really thinking about the best use of food, which is to eat it, she said. Although its been touted as a great alternative to chucking your moldy bananas in the trash, composting is indeed classified as a form of food waste by the United Nations and the European Union. In 2021, the EPA updated its definition of food waste to include composting and anaerobic digestion both of which can take inputs like uneaten food and turn them into fertilizer or biogas, respectively. In updating its guidance, the EPA published a food waste hierarchy which shows the best way to reduce food waste is to prevent it. This includes things like adding accurate date-labels to food products, so consumers arent confused about when something theyve purchased has gone bad or is no longer safe to eat. Its also preferable to find another use for unsold or uneaten food like donating it to food banks or integrating into animal feed, where it can be used to raise livestock (assuming that livestock will also eventually feed humans). Composting will always have a role to play in diverting food waste from landfills because those operations can accept spoiled or rotten food, which food banks, for example, cannot. Its not an either/or. They have to go hand in hand, said Kakadellis. But were skipping all these other steps and were going straight to the recycling too often. Leonard agrees, pointing out the high costs associated with ensuring the nations sprawling, complex food system runs smoothly: from the farm where crops are harvested to the trucks and cold storage that handle packaged goods. Theres a tremendous amount of energy thats gone into producing that food, she said. We dont do that to create compost. You know, we do that to feed people. Composting, of course, serves more than one purpose and has environmental benefits beyond lowering food loss and waste. For example, it replenishes soils. But Leonard notes that if more work were done on the prevention side like, making sure farms arent overproducing food then soils wouldnt be so depleted in the first place and wouldnt need so much remediation. Both Leonard and Kakadellis emphasize that no one tool for avoiding sending food to landfills should be off the table. Leonard, who previously worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, once did research on organics bans in other states. I asked them if they were encouraging businesses or households to move up the EPA hierarchy and find other, better uses for their food scraps? And they said, no, no. What were really trying to do is just get people to do anything on the hierarchy. That includes composting. Until there are more options for both pre- and post-consumer food waste, composting may be the best, most accessible option for many people. It is the easiest thing to do, said Leonard. And its probably the safest thing to do until we have better protocols in place. This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/the-us-wants-cut-food-waste-in-half-were-not-even-close/.Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. 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Seluk House / Dolmus AGSave this picture! Egemen KarakayaHousesTurkeyArchitects: Dolmus AGAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:600 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Egemen Karakaya Lead Architects: Cdric von Dniken, Gani Turunc More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Selcuk Haus, completed in 2024 by Dolmus, is a residential project located in the town of Selcuk on Turkey's Aegean coast. Comprising two identical buildings separated by a shared garden, the project is set on a hillside in a residential neighborhood, offering views of Selcuk, Ayasuluk Castle, and the surrounding nature. The two volumes are positioned to balance intimacy and views, creating a thoughtful balance between private and shared spaces.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Entrances to the houses are located on the top floor, with openings that create loggias and terraces, introducing indirect natural light to the interior. South facades are kept closed and shaded with canopies to respond to the climate, while north facades feature large openings to capture light and views. Hardscape outdoor spaces reflect vernacular traditions, serving as multifunctional spaces that connect the interior and exterior.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The design is context-sensitive, employing local materials, traditional construction techniques, and craftsmanship. Interiors prioritize functionality and adaptability, featuring built-in furniture and spaces accommodating diverse living arrangements. Through its thoughtful design, Selcuk House offers a way of living that appreciates the local context while introducing a contemporary approach to everyday life.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeDolmus AGOfficePublished on January 25, 2025Cite: "Seluk House / Dolmus AG" 25 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026138/selcuk-house-dolmus-ag&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