New numbers released on Thursday showed college enrollment in the United States increased in the fall of 2024, for the first time surpassing pre-pandemic levels.Total postsecondary enrollment was up 4.5%, to about 19 million students, which is above pre-pandemic levels. Undergraduate enrollment neared 16 million, only 1% below 2019 levels, while graduate enrollment grew to about 3 million, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC).The research center incorrectly noted in last falls data that the number of 18-year-old freshmen saw a large decline. This was mainly due to a methodological error that mislabeled freshmen as dual-enrolled students, or high school students taking college courses. This led to a number of freshmen not being counted in the data. NSCRC said it has addressed this methodology to avoid future errors.This fall, the data showed overall freshmen had an enrollment increase of 5.5%, with the most growth coming from community colleges, and 18-year-old freshmen saw enrollment gains of 3.4%.Public four-year institutions have risen above pre-pandemic levels after a 3.2% growth in fall 2024. Private nonprofit four-year institutions increased by 4.5% and remain above the 2019 level, the data showed.The enrollment numbers for Black and Hispanic students continued to increase for the third consecutive year. After four years of decline, white students also showed a small increase in enrollment. The research center also mentioned that there was an increase in freshmen who chose not to disclose their race.That means that the remaining details about how many freshmen were seeing in each of these specific categories among students for whom we do have a race or ethnicity, we need to take those with a certain amount of caution, noted Doug Shapiro, executive director of the NSCRC.At a time when many Americans are questioning the worth of college, this data comes as a welcome surprise.In a report by the Gallup and the Lumina Foundation released in July 2024, 67% of Americans said they think college is headed in the wrong direction, compared with just 31% who felt its going in the right direction.And there have been other reports suggesting that fewer people believe that college is worth the money; the job uncertainty that may follow graduation, and the burden of student loans, supposedly causing a decrease in college enrollment.However, the NSCRCs data showing a positive trend refutes that narrative, as it shows that students are increasingly going to college, which may ease concerns over the future of postsecondary schooling. This comes at a time when the economy is expected to create more jobs requiring higher education, and the hope is that an increase in college enrollment means that more people will be prepared to take those jobs.

The worlds biggest iceberg a wall of ice the size of Rhode Island is lumbering toward a remote island off Antarctica thats home to millions of penguins and seals.The trillion-ton slab of ice called a megaberg could slam into South Georgia Island and get stuck or be guided around it by currents. If it gets stuck it could make it hard for penguin parents to feed their babies and some young could even starve. Overall, however, researchers arent too worried about major harm from the iceberg, named A23a.Whats happening is more spectacular than dangerous, scientists said.Its also a natural process happening more frequently because of human-causedclimate change, said British Antarctic Survey physical oceanographer Andrew Meijers, who examined the iceberg up close in December 2023 when it drifted past the research shipRRS Sir David Attenborough.The iceberg itself is colossal and it stretches from horizon to horizon, Meijers said Thursday of the 130-foot (40-meter) tall mass. Its a huge wall, a Game of Thrones style wall of ice that towers above the ship. With some waves breaking against it and if you get a bit of sunshine coming through, its really dramatic.For every bit of the iceberg above the waters surface, theres ten times more below, Meijers said.Its not exactly high-speed action. The iceberg is making its way at a glacial pace of one meter every three to seven seconds, much slower than one mile per hour, Meijers said.In the next two to four weeks the iceberg will approach South Georgia where the water gets shallow, so it could wedge itself in, Meijers said. Or it could slide past.Large icebergs bump into the shoals around South Georgia more or less every year its a kind of highway for the major icebergs, University of Colorado ice scientist Ted Scambos wrote in an email. This ocean current path has been known since Shackletons time, he said, referring to Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton who led British expeditions to the southern continent. Shackleton made the trip to the island in just three weeks. Usually the icebergs take a bit longer (he had sails), he said.Eventually, this big iceberg will break up into smaller ones and melt as icebergs do, Meijers said.At full size, it doesnt represent much of a hazard for fishermen in the area, because they can see it. The bigger concern is penguins which are in their summer breeding cycle, Meijers said.South Georgia is an amazingly ecologically rich island. Its a breeding ground for a huge number of penguins, millions of penguins and seals, Meijers said. Theres lots of pups and chicks and theyre all still dependent on their parents.The parents go out quite a way into the water and forage. Icebergs can block pathways to their food, making the adults swim farther, burning more energy, bringing back less to the babies. That unfortunately can dramatically increase mortality rates. And it has happened in the past, Meijers said.Thats bad for that colony, but it doesnt amount to a problem for overall penguin populations, Scambos said.The whole ecosystem in the Southern Ocean is very resilient to these events, he wrote. It has evolved with these icebergs being a factor for hundreds of thousands of years.This iceberg first broke off in 1986 but has been penned in a crowded patch of sea ice for decades until a few years ago, Meijers said.Calving icebergs are normal, but they are happening more frequently as the climate warms and more fresh water flows into the ocean, Meijers said.Seth Borenstein, AP science writer

Benedict Radcliffe has a knack for creating automotive sculptures that can vary in scale from as small as a fifteenth of a size to a real-life version. The London-based artist has been crafting detailed wireframe models of iconic cars for years now, and his craftsmanship has elevated with every build. These car sculptures are focused on the outlines and the core structure of iconic cars, capturing their essence without being bound by the usual conventions of realism. His work often feels like its in motion, like the sculptures could jump off their frames at any moment. No wonder my love for Porsche has grown even more after seeing this life-sized creation of Benedict. Last spotted on the streets of Milan, the drive-by-wire sculpture is all set to be a passionate collectors prized possession for the garage.The 1:1 scaled version of the widebody Porsche 934 is made out of a 32mm mild steel tube and rides on center-lock BBS wheels with Avon tires. Although the barebones car cant zip off the starting line, it still leaves an impression on anyone who looks at the thing with its beautiful rear wing. Just like you would transport any sports car in a safe semi-truck, this one too has to be hauled with utmost care. I wish Benedict comes up with the idea of fitting one of these creations with a functional engine and gearbox someday. Of course, for that, hell need assistance from some of the acclaimed automotive tuner shop or a creative automotive DIYer!Designer: Benedict RadcliffeThis wire mesh sculpture is special since the Porsche 934 was a rare racing version of the iconic Porsche 911. The powerful racer based on the Porsche 911 Turbo was prepared specially to comply with the FIA Group 4 rules. Later the lineup was extended with the Porsche 935 which adhered to the Group 5 rules. No doubt, the papaya orange skeletal of this 935 replica is hard to miss in bright sunlight with those split-rim spoked wheels and aerodynamic shape.Just like his other wireframe sculptures, this one is crafted by bending, shaping, and cutting steel tubes. Each piece of the Porsche 935 sculpture is welded together by hand, making us appreciate the amount of effort put into the build. The iconic rear wing and the aerodynamic proportions of the car are well-emulated in this detailed version. Interestingly the sculpture car is up for auction with the current bid standing at 7,500 at the time of writing. A passionate collector will want this one as a centerpiece of the expansive car collection.The post Life-sized Porsche 934 sculpture by Benedict Radcliffe is worthy of a passionate collectors garage first appeared on Yanko Design.

Jobs talked about how the iPod could store thousands of songs in your pocket this wallet can now store (potentially) thousands of dollars.Meet the MP3 Wallet, a fun EDC made using two iPod 2G backplates stitched together. Youve got space on the inside for up to 4 cards, allowing you to store a combination of payment cards, access cards, and business cards. The iPod backplates, on the other hand, add a fun nostalgic touch to what would otherwise just be a regular everyday wallet. Its also a cute way to recycle something that would otherwise just be collecting dust in your drawer.Designer: 2001amourFirst off, these arent functional iPods theyre merely the metal backplates of older iPods that got retired from service. The folks at 2001amour pulled the gizmos apart, cleaned and polished the backplates, and repurposed them into trifold wallets. Technically this still classifies as a bifold, but the MP3 Wallet comes with a third flap in the middle that gives you an extra set of compartments.The wallet measures 100mm x 60mm x 17mm its fairly thick for a regular wallet, but the wallet isnt trying to be sleek its trying to make a statement. The insides are high-quality leather, featuring slots that store a combination of cards and cash, and heres the kicker, the outer metal backplate just inadvertently turns out to be the perfect RFID-blocking material so your wallet gets some level of protection from digital theft. A metal clasp on the inside also locks your wallet, preventing it from accidentally opening.The wallets cost an eye-watering $110, although for people looking to make a haute fashion statement, the price really shouldnt be a deterrent. The cost is, in part, because sourcing iPod 2Gs isnt really easy and can significantly add to the price of the wallet. But hey, you also get a pair of EarPods with each purchase. You can technically plug them into your wallet, since it still has 2 headphone jacks, but dont expect to hear Benjamin Franklin singing! They say money talks, but not literally.The post This Wallet made out of Recycled iPods is the Ultimate Nostalgic EDC first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pocketpair, creators of the game fans dubbed Pokmon with guns, is partnering with the studio behind Tales of Kenzera: Zau as it aims to publish more indie games.

Famehungry, a show thats performed simultaneously for in-person and online crowds, comes to New York in the wake of the apps brief ban in the United States.

The order signaled that the president intends to promote an industry that faced scrutiny during the Biden administration and that he has a personal stake in.

Having reliable internet access is essential for businesses. When connectivity is lost, it can lead to decreased productivity, lost revenue, and even harm to your reputation. To avoid these challenges, a backup internet connection is a practical solution that ensures business continuity and peace of mind.In this guide, well explain why a backup connection is so important and provide clear, actionable advice on choosing the right option for your business needs. With the proper setup, you can stay connected and keep your critical operations running smoothly, no matter what.What is connection backup?A backup internet connection for business is a secondary internet service designed to step in automatically if your primary connection goes down. This ensures you maintain continuous internet access, allowing critical business operations to run smoothly. Its a simple yet effective way to safeguard your business against unexpected connectivity issues.Why do businesses need backup internet connection for business?Downtime can be a significant challenge for any business. Beyond lost revenue, it can lead to reputational damage, frustrated customers, and missed deadlines. Outages can have even more serious consequences for industries like healthcare and finance.A backup business internet connection is a practical solution beyond addressing major disasters. It can also help mitigate minor disruptions. If your primary connection faces frequent issues, a secondary connection ensures operations run smoothly while a long-term fix is arranged. This consistency keeps your critical workflows on track and boosts team morale and productivity by reducing interruptions.By planning ahead with a backup connection, you can safeguard your business against unexpected challenges and maintain reliable connectivitykeeping your team focused and your customers satisfied.How does a backup internet connection for business actually work?Several technologies can provide backup internet connectivity. Here are some popular options:Wireless Backup (4G/5G)Wireless backup relies on cellular networks to provide internet connectivity when your primary connection goes down. When this happens, a wireless modem automatically activates to ensure uninterrupted access to the internet. This setup is often quicker to implement and may involve lower upfront costs, especially if you already have a business account with a service provider.Typically, wireless backup operates over LTE networks, which use wireless data. However, speeds can vary depending on your carrier, network congestion, and the time of day. To ensure the best performance, consider consulting with your service provider to discuss coverage and network reliability in your area.SatelliteSatellite internet can be a reliable backup when other connectivity options are unavailable, especially in remote locations with limited access. Still, its latency can pose challenges for real-time activities, such as video conferencing. Understanding these limitations can help you plan accordingly and explore solutions to minimize potential disruptions.Backup internet connection for business benefitsA backup business internet connection is essential for maintaining reliability and minimizing financial losses during unexpected outages. It also helps protect your brands reputation and supports employee morale by ensuring uninterrupted critical workflows. To help you stay prepared, weve outlined some backup internet features to consider:BenefitDescriptionCost savingsReduces lost revenue during outages.ProductivityEnables continued work despite primary connection loss.Customer SatisfactionProvides uninterrupted service, building customer trust.Brand ReputationMinimizes damage from connectivity issues. Who should invest in a backup internet connection for business?While all businesses can benefit from reliable internet connectivity, some industries depend on it to ensure seamless operations. For these organizations, a fixed wireless internet backup or similar solution is not just a recommendationits a necessity. Their needs go beyond the capabilities of a standard internet plan. Heres why backup connectivity is critical for these key sectors:Healthcare: Hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers rely on real-time data and uninterrupted communication to deliver effective patient care. A backup internet connection is essential to avoid disruptions impacting critical services.Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial organizations depend on consistent internet access to process transactions and maintain market operations. Downtime can halt these activities, leading to significant disruptions. A secondary connection ensures critical operations continue smoothly.Online Retailers: E-commerce businesses require constant connectivity to process orders, manage inventory, secure payments, and coordinate shipping. Backup internet ensures operations are not interrupted, protecting revenue and customer trust. Additionally, POS systems depend on a stable internet to function effectively.Government Agencies: Whether managing routine workflows or responding to emergencies, government agencies require reliable communication and access to real-time information. Backup internet solutions are vital to maintain public safety and operational efficiency, particularly for emergency and security services.By implementing a reliable backup internet solution, businesses in these industries can safeguard critical operations, maintain productivity, and ensure theyre prepared to overcome unexpected connectivity challenges.Choosing the right backup solutionUnderstanding your business needs is the first step to making informed decisions about backup internet. Analyze how daily operations rely on internet access and identify the speed required to maintain critical functions during an outage. Consider how disruptions affect employee productivity and ensure clear communication to minimize internal challenges and maintain team cohesion.Key considerations for backup internet:Budget: Balance cost and reliability. Avoid overspending while ensuring your business has the necessary level of protection.Speed: Select a backup internet service with speeds that support essential operations during outages. Ensure the service can handle your critical online needs without disruption.Reliability: Research providers uptime records to choose one with a consistent track record. Look into their service plans to ensure they meet your reliability requirements.Scalability: Plan for growth by selecting a solution that can adapt to your businesss evolution. As businesses increasingly rely on online services, a scalable backup internet solution is crucial to staying ahead of future demands.Carrier Diversity: Opt for a backup connection using a technology different from your primary service. This ensures redundant connectivity, creating resilience against single points of failure. A diverse setup can also help prevent disruptions to systems like VoIP phone services, ensuring seamless communication even during outages.Stay connected, stay productive with optimum businessAt Optimum Business, we understand that uninterrupted connectivity is vital to your success. A backup internet solution isnt just a safeguardits a business necessity. From protecting revenue and ensuring smooth operations to supporting your teams productivity and maintaining customer satisfaction, a reliable connection backup makes all the difference.Let us help you implement the right backup solution tailored to your needs. With Optimum Business, you can trust our expertise, reliable technology, and commitment to your success. Stay connected, stay productive, and stay ahead with Optimum Business.Are you getting everything you need from your business Internet? Explore all of Optimums Business Internet plans.FAQsWhat are the key differences between connection backup and other redundancy measures?Connection backup refers to having an alternate internet connection ready in case of service disruptions. Other redundancy measures include hardware and power sources, which can help prevent downtime during system failures.How much does a connection backup system cost, and what factors influence the cost?The cost of a connection backup system can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and size of your business, the location of your business, and the level of redundancy required. Its best to consult with our experts at Optimum Business for a personalized quote tailored to your specific needs. Our team can also provide recommendations on cost-effective solutions that meet your budget while ensuring reliable connectivity.What should businesses consider when choosing a connection backup provider?When choosing a connection backup provider, businesses should consider factors such as the reliability and availability of their network, the level of customer support provided, and any additional features, resources, or services offered. Choosing a provider with a proven track record of delivering reliable connectivity solutions and excellent customer service is essential.How can Optimum Business help organizations implement and maintain connection backup systems?Optimum Business offers a range of connection backup solutions, including redundant internet connections and failover systems. Our team of experts can work with businesses to assess their needs and recommend the most suitable solution for their specific requirements. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your connection backup system always remains functional and up-to-date.To learn more, visit us here.

Epic Games is launching an additional 19 games for its third-party app store in the EU, once some bugs are worked out, and it has also promised to pay the Core Technology Fee for apps on its store.Epic Games hopes to bring new developers to its app store by paying Apple's feesAfter the European Union Digital Markets Act mandated that Apple allow third-party app stores, Epic Games jumped on the bandwagon. It launched the store with Fortnite and a slim selection of other titles in July 2024.According to The Verge, Epic Games is making moves to make its alternative app store more appealing with 19 new third-party titles and some financial incentives for developers. The announcement arrives after it failed to meet a goal of 100 million alternative app store users, reaching only 29 million. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Despite widespread adoption, Walmart has doubled down and gone on record saying it will not accept NFC-based payments like Apple Pay in the U.S., at least.Walmart would much rather you use Walmart PayWalmart has more than 4,500 stores in the United States, and exactly zero of them accept Apple Pay. Or Google Pay. Or even tap-to-pay with your credit or debit card.This is because the big box retailer has decided to eschew NFC-based payments altogether. And it looks like it's going to stay that way, too. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums