Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt's only February, but it feels like we've already seen the best Android phones of 2025. With theSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultraand OnePlus 13, you're looking at two of the most complete handsets on the market right now, with both devices featuring the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, enough RAM to power various AI tools, and other key advances that we'll likely see and hear more of later this year.Also: I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the Galaxy S25 Ultra - and there's a clear winnerEven so, the latest from Samsung and OnePlus aren't perfect, and their most notable shortcomings are the reason why this comparison exists in the first place. To help you decide which of the two devices to upgrade to, you'll want to consider factors like software experience, battery and charging, and the features that make each one unique. I break down the list of key buying reasons below. Specifications Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraOnePlus 13Display 6.9-inch QHD LTPO AMOLED with 120Hz6.82-inch QHD LTPO OLED with 120HzProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM/Storage12GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB16GB with 256GB, 512GBBattery5,000mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging6,000mAh with 80W wired and 50W wireless chargingCamera200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x), 12MP selfie50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (3x), 32MP selfieDurabilityIP68 with Corning Gorilla Armor 2IP69 with Crystal Shield super-ceramic glassWeight218 grams210 - 213 grams (depending on color)PriceStarting at $1,299Starting at $899 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if... Kerry Wan/ZDNET 1. You want the more capable camera systemWhile the S25 Ultra doesn't necessarily push the envelope this year with its upgraded camera system, it's still one of, if not the most versatile options on the market. You're getting a 200-megapixel wide lens that pulls in more detail than most phones, the same 50MP and 10MP telephoto lenses from last year's S24 Ultra, and a new 50MP ultrawide that, from our testing, can capture crisp and sharp-looking landscape and macro photos. (With close-up shots, you just have to be extra patient as the phone adjusts its focus.)Also: 4 useful Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features that power users will drool overThe larger camera enhancements with the S25 Ultra come in the form of software, from computing photo details to editing subjects with generative AI tools. For example, there's a new Audio Eraser feature that lets you adjust the volume of various sound profiles in videos (both newly and previously recorded ones). The ability to capture footage in Galaxy Log mode also means that creatives and video professionals have better control of lighting, contrast levels, and overall colors when editing. 2. You want the best of AI experiences right nowIf you told me years ago that Google Pixel users are consideringswitching to Samsung because of software, I would've thought you were crazy. But here we are, with the S25 Ultra taking the lead this year in AI capabilities and updates, and Google is helping to add fuel to the tank. The newest Galaxy phones feature a swath of AI features, but the standout for me is cross-app integrations with Gemini.By linking services from Samsung, Google, and other third-party applications, users can now ask Gemini to fulfill a chain of tasks with a single command. For example, you can long-press the power button -- which can be configured to activate Gemini instead of Bixby now -- and ask the assistant to search for a local Mexican restaurant that's pet-friendly and send the address to a contact. Such a feature is currently exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and Google Pixel 9 series.3. The Samsung-exclusive benefits entice youBuying a flagshipSamsung phone entitles you to several benefits, including a longer-than-average software update policy -- with the S25 Ultra supporting up to seven years of OS and security patches, wider access to repair services and parts, and more options for cases, screen protectors, and other third-party accessories.Also:I've used every Samsung Galaxy S25 model - and the one I love most isn't the UltraWith the Galaxy S Ultra model in particular, there's the benefit of having a built-in S Pen stylus, which gives you precision inputs for notetaking, sketching, and other creative tasks. Just know that this year's S Pen no longer has a rechargeable battery and, therefore, loses the ability to control the phone wirelessly. You should buy the OnePlus 13 if... Kerry Wan/ZDNET 1. You want the best phone for the moneyFlagship phones can cost a pretty penny, so if bang for your buck is what you're after, the OnePlus 13, which starts at $799 when you trade in any phone in any condition to OnePlus, is a far better deal than the $1,299 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. In ways, you're getting more and better specs on the OnePlus than the Samsung, even though the former costs $500 less. For example, while the OnePlus 13 features a non-overclocked variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, tests have shown that the difference in performance is negligible.Review:OnePlus 13: This flagship costs hundreds less than S25 Ultra - but wins in key waysAt the time of writing, the OnePlus 13 also comes with a free storage upgrade, which nets you a 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage configuration for the same price as the base tier. That's compared to the S25 Ultra, which starts at 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (if you take advantage of Samsung's free upgrade offer). 2. You'd rather not have to sit by the outletOne of the key reasons to buy a OnePlus phone is its fast charging speeds. This year's model features the same 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging as its predecessor, but even then, those numbers outpace what Samsung is offering with the S25 Ultra. With 80W wired charging (via the SuperVooc charger included in the box), the OnePlus 13 can charge from 0% to 100% in less than 40 minutes. To put things into perspective, even the 50W wireless charging is faster than the S25 Ultra's wired charging, which caps out at 45W.Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025The OnePlus 13 also features a larger 6,000mAh silicon-based battery, compared to the S25 Ultra's 5,000mAh lithium-ion battery. Choosing this material over the traditional lithium-ion allows the phone maker to embed a denser battery capacity without adding bulk. From our tests, there's a noticeable difference in battery life that favors the OnePlus. 3. Water damage traumatizes youTo protect the tech within, the OnePlus 13 is one of the first phones in the US market to feature an IP69 rating. Compared to the IP68 rating typically found on flagship phones like the S25 Ultra, the higher water resistance allows the OnePlus 13 to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and steam cleaning. So, if you happen to leave the handset in your pants as they're in the washer, or the device slips through your fingers and falls into a pot of boiling water or soup, it should be able to still function properly after a wipe.Alternatives to considerSamsung Unpacked

Odishas carrier pigeon service still maintains a fleet of around 150 birds, though their purpose ... [+] has grown increasingly ceremonial.gettyThe image of a pigeon soaring across the sky with a message tucked securely in its leg may seem like a scene from history. Yet, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, carrier pigeons still play a role in police operations, serving as a poignant reminder of their once-critical role in communication.This enduring service is a testament to the resilience and reliability of these remarkable birds who have repeatedly proven their worth, particularly during catastrophic events in the previous century when modern communication systems faltered.The Last Of Its KindOdishas carrier pigeon service is a unique institutionthe only operational government-run pigeon messaging system in the world today.Established in 1946, the service has since dwindled in scale but remains functional. The Odisha police currently maintains a fleet of about 150 Belgian homing pigeons, primarily housed at the Police Pigeon Service Center in Cuttack. The pigeons are trained to cover distances of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) and maintain an impressive accuracy rate.While often dismissed as relics of the past, the pigeons still demonstrated their utility during large-scale disasters in the state in the late 20th century.When Odisha was inundated by the devastating floods of 1982, and again when it was battered by the super cyclone of 1999, communication networks crumbled under natures fury. In these desperate times, the state police turned to their trusted feathered messengers to carry critical information.MORE FOR YOUFlying through the chaos, these pigeons carried life-saving messages between remote areas and emergency response teams, ensuring timely coordination of relief efforts.A Slow March Toward ObsolescenceCarrier pigeons were heroes in some of Odishas darkest hours, though that has not stopped the future of their service from hanging by a thread.Once the backbone of military and civil communication, these birds began to lose relevance with the advent of the telegraph in the 19th century. The development of radio, telephone and eventually, the internet further marginalized their role.By the mid-20th century, most countries had retired their carrier pigeon services. However, their contributions during both World Wars, where they delivered important, sensitive information across enemy lines, remain legendary.Despite their obsolescence in most parts of the world, Odishas police have clung to pigeons as a backup communication, a nod to tradition and practicality. But thats not to say they have escaped clutches of progress.Advances in technology over the last quarter centurycellphone towers have now made their way to even the most remote regions of Indiahave rendered these carrier pigeons largely obsolete even in Odisha, with younger generations seeing little value in preserving this practice.The state government spends around $6,000 annually for the upkeep of the pigeons and the salaries of the staff who train them and look after them daily. Its a cost theyre finding increasingly harder to justify, especially since the pigeons are now used only for ceremonial purposes like Independence Day and Republic Day parades.A Tale Of Two Pigeons: Passenger vs. CarrierCarrier pigeons are a general term for various varieties of domestic pigeons. Belonging to the subspecies Columba livia domestica, a domesticated variant of the rock pigeon, they have been selectively bred for their homing ability.These pigeons can find their way back to their lofts from unfamiliar locations with astonishing precision. Its an ability linked to their use of visual landmarks, the Earths magnetic fields and even olfactory cuesa combination of biological adaptations that makes them unparalleled navigators.On the other hand, their more famous cousins, passenger pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius) tell a tragic story of extinction. Passenger pigeons once numbered in the billions in North America, forming some of the largest flocks ever recorded. However, relentless hunting and habitat destruction wiped them out, with the last known individual, Martha, dying in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.Passenger pigeons were built for long-distance migration and speed but lacked the navigational ... [+] instincts of carrier pigeons. Tragically, they were driven to extinction by overhunting and habitat destruction, with the last known individual, Martha, dying in 1914.gettyUnlike passenger pigeons, which were wild and relied on safety in numbers, carrier pigeons are highly trained and disciplined. While they are losing relevance, they are not threatened or endangered.A Symbol of ResilienceBudgetary constraints and a lack of interest have threatened to clip the wings of Odishas once-thriving carrier pigeon service. Yet, as history has shown, we cannot underestimate the utility of these birds in emergencies.These birds have proven they are more than just a communication tool; they are symbols of an enduring bond between humans and animals.They remain a living legacy of communication methods that, though archaic, hold lessons in resilience and adaptability. As the world hurtles toward an increasingly digital future, preserving such traditions will serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of generations past.Ever wondered how deeply you connect with animals? As carrier pigeons fade into history, our bond with pets remains stronger than ever. Take the Pet Personality Scale to uncover your pet's unique traitsand understand your own connection with them.

Stranger ThingsNetflixWhile it was unfortunate to learn that Stranger Things season 5 was going to be chopped up into two parts, like so many other Netflix series these days, now we have new information that it could misse its advertised release year.A new interview with the Duffer Brothers from Variety indicates that despite 2025 being advertised for the series since this year began, it is still possible that it misses that entire year. In terms of the release date:A lot of it hasnt been decided, in terms of exactly the release dates and cadence, Matt Duffer says. Thats one reason Im not allowed to talk about it. Were getting on a call in about a couple weeks about it. I just know it was very important for us and Netflix that we get it out this year. But even that is quite the push.That sounds like things are not set in stone yet, and Im sure that even though the goal is to get it out in 2025, if that comes at the cost of quality, that may not be worth the sprint to the end here. As we remember, Stranger Things season 4 was originally cut into parts because the final two episodes still were not finished with post-production. That ended up being okay, but if getting things out in 2025 is quite the push, that may be a problem.Stranger ThingsNetflixMORE FOR YOUWhy is it so important? Other than the fact that the show has already been advertised as being out in 2025 and Netflix does not want to announce a delay, I think theyre aware of fans not wanting to wait well over three years for the show to return. Stranger Things season 4 aired in May of 2022. Spring 2025 would be three years. Thats not happening. So scraping by and getting it out by say, December of 2025 would be three and a half years. And 2026, youre pushing four years, which even for Netflix or the modern streaming era, is kind of ridiculous. That would be an entire decade to get through five seasons and 42 episodes of a show. We used to do that in 2-3 years with TV series.Netflix may in fact put enough pressure on here to make sure it hits the 2025 date, but again, if its the very end of the year, thats still a huge 3.5 year gap. Through all this, theres also the question of when another big Netflix show will arrive in 2025, Wednesday season 2, though we have not heard any reports that it could be pushed back from there. That too will be around a three year gap between seasons. Not loving this era of TV, Ill be honest.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and

Hype Money: SoftBank is a Japanese investment holding company primarily focused on technology ventures. In the past, the financial giant has backed some of the world's most influential companies, ranging from unprofitable "unicorns" to high-growth tech firms that have delivered substantial returns. More recently, the group has shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence, with a particular interest in U.S.-based OpenAI. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, SoftBank is planning to significantly increase its investment in OpenAI. The AI company, which transitioned from an open-source research initiative to a for-profit business, is now seeking new investors beyond Microsoft's influence. The investment firm led by Masayoshi Son could emerge as the major partner OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been looking for.SoftBank could invest as much as $25 billion in OpenAI, sources say, in addition to its recent involvement in the Stargate project, an initiative focused on building data centers and computing infrastructure in the United States. SoftBank has already announced a $15 billion investment in Donald Trump's ambitious AI project, in which OpenAI is also a participant. Taking all these investments into account, SoftBank's total commitment to AI related ventures could reach approximately $40 billion.Discussions between the two companies are still in the early stages, according to FT, and no formal agreement has been reached yet. If SoftBank commits $15 billion or more, it would become OpenAI's largest single investor. Currently, Microsoft holds the biggest stake in OpenAI, but Altman is actively seeking to reduce the company's dependence on the Redmond-based tech giant. As part of the Stargate initiative, Microsoft has already agreed to relinquish any exclusivity rights to OpenAI's technology.SoftBank's ambitions in the AI sector have been known for years, and CEO Masayoshi Son is a firm believer that AI will revolutionize nearly every industry. Son has been quoted saying that artificial general intelligence (AGI) AI capable of outperforming humans in nearly all intellectual tasks could be developed by 2030. Son believes AGI will fundamentally reshape society, however achieving AGI and other cutting-edge AI advancements will require substantial financial investment.Meanwhile, the most recent GenAI development this year has come from China's DeepSeek which could potentially disrupt current industry expectations, alongside Wall Street's most ambitious profit projections. DeepSeek's accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the company's claim to have trained a model with 671 billion parameters using just 2,048 Nvidia H800 GPUs and $5.6 million, a small fraction of the resources typically required by industry giants like OpenAI and Google. // Related StoriesWhile awaiting SoftBank's potential investment, OpenAI has already secured significant funding in recent years, raising approximately $20 billion. Microsoft has contributed about $13 billion, and SoftBank got its slice of the AI cake by spending $2 billion. Meanwhile, Sam Altman continues working to transition OpenAI into a fully for-profit business an effort that has drawn criticism, particularly from early backer Elon Musk, who has positioned himself as a challenger to OpenAI's evolving business model.

If youre looking for laptop deals with a nice balance between a reasonable price and reliable performance, you should set your sights on the HP Envy 17t. Its on sale with a 39% discount from HP, slashing its price from $1,150 to only $700. Thats $450 in savings that youll be able to spend on accessories and software, but if you want it, you should hurry up with your purchase. The offer may expire at any moment in fact, it may be gone as soon as tomorrow so stop hesitating and push through with your transaction immediately.The HP Envy 17t is a dependable device for your everyday needs, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor and Intel Arc Graphics, alongside 16GB of RAM thats on the same level as top-tier machines, according to our guide on how much RAM do you need. With these specifications, the laptop is capable of smoothly running Microsoft Copilot, which is a powerful AI assistant, and it wont have trouble multitasking between several apps as you go through your daily workload. The HP Envy 17t ships with Windows 11 Home, pre-installed in its 512GB SSD that should provide enough storage space for your documents.The 17.3-inch Full HD screen of the HP Envy 17t is one of its major selling points, if youre willing to trade a bit of portability for a large display that will give you a great view of whatever youre working on or watching. The laptop also has three USB-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 with USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack, so youll be able to connect your other devices and hook up additional monitors.RelatedHeres one of the most interesting HP laptop deals weve seen recently the HP Envy 17t at 39% off, which brings its price down from $1,150 to just $700. Were not sure how much time is remaining for the $450 discount though, but we think its about to disappear as this is a very attractive offer. To make sure that you get the HP Envy 17t laptop for a much lower price than usual, we highly recommend adding it to your cart and finishing the checkout process quickly.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of Contents7. Dune (2021)6. Prey (2022)5. Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time (2021)4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)2. Dune: Part Two (2024)1. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)Science fiction continues to be a popular and profitable film genre in the 2020s. The decade is only half over, and the cinema industry has delivered several successful and groundbreaking sci-fi blockbusters in theaters and streaming. Fans of the sci-fi genre have seen many new and inventive stories like Everything Everywhere All At Once presented on film.Audiences have also seen prequels and sequels from franchises like Marvel, DC, and more, creating an enjoyable balance of familiar and original stories. While the world has just begun its run through 2025, these seven sci-fi movies have staked their claim as the best of the 2020s so far.Recommended VideosWarner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. PicturesDirector Denis Villeneuve introduced a new generation to author Frank Herberts sci-fi epic war between House Atreides, the Fremen, and the Harkonnens on the planet Arrakis. Duneintroduced the franchises layered universe, characters, and story to audiences as the first part of an overarching saga.RelatedThe 7 best sci-fi movies of 2024, rankedThe movie spends more time on world-building than on developing its characters, depriving it of the emotion it couldve had. Despite this, Dune is a beautifully made sci-fi adventure thats exciting to watch, making for a noteworthy preview of the story that follows it.20th Century Studios / 20th Century StudiosIts not often that a prequel surpasses the original story, especially when the latter is a revered film like Predator. However, Preydefied expectations and raised the Predator franchise to greater heights. Set in the distant past, Prey forgoes the hypermasculine nature of its predecessors in favor of exploring the horrors of colonialism through the eyes of a young Comanche woman defending her tribe from human and alien hunters.While this prequel presents an incredible new take on a beloved sci-fi property, this suspenseful, action-packed film stays true to its roots, presenting another primal battle to determine who is predator and prey.5. Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time (2021)Studio Khara / Studio KharaAfter several years of waiting, writer/director Hideaki Anno finally shared the jaw-dropping conclusion to the Rebuild of Evangelion film franchise. The movie delivers plenty of beautifully animated action courtesy of the giant robot EVAs. However, as a psychological epic, this story takes its time as it shows the characters rebuilding themselves and their lives in their post-apocalyptic world.Shinji Ikari, in particular, displays an extraordinary amount of growth as he overcomes his depression and becomes a true hero. Though there have been several endings to Evangelion, Thrice Upon A Time undoubtedly presented the best finale to this iconic anime.Image via Marvel Studios / Image via Marvel StudiosWriter/director James Gunn left the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a high note with this superhero masterpiece. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3features a massive, explosive adventure across the cosmos, rife with action, comedy, and emotional drama.However, this threequel goes against the MCUs filmmaking formula by having the heroes try to save one of their friends instead of the entire galaxy from the wrath of the High Evolutionary. This certainly wont be the last audiences see of the MCUs Guardians, but the teams third film made for an epic and satisfying conclusion to their journeys together on the big screen.Sony Pictures Releasing / Sony Pictures ReleasingAcross the Spider-Verse took Sonys animated Spider-Verse franchise to a new level as it continued the story of Miles Morales as Spider-Man. With such breathtaking animation, Across the Spider-Verse shows Miles and his allies traveling through several vibrant universes as the comic book transforms into cinema.At the same time, this sequel enters darker and more daring territory as the heroes clash with each other over their conflicting ideas. In the end, the movie presents a deep meta-commentary about Spider-Man and what it means to be a hero as the webslingers struggle to find belonging and be who they are.Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. PicturesAfter the first Dune movie started director Denis Villeneuves franchise, Dune: Part Two got to the real good stuff as it shows Paul Atreides rising up as the Fremens reluctant leader and fighting back against the evil Harkonnens and Emperor Corrino.This dark sequel from Villeneuve delivered the epic climax to the second half of Frank Herberts novel with fantastic performances, visuals, music, costumes, and cinematography. With that, the Dune franchise should be held in as high regard as Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings.A24 / A24Directed by The Daniels, this Oscar-winning A24 film set a high bar for movies about parallel universes as it showed a simple laundromat owner and her family getting swept up in a bizarre battle against infinity. Heres hoping Marvel and DC have been taking notes.While Everything Everywhere All At Oncepresents several different realities with wacky gimmicks and unique versions of each character, it does so to raise questions about ones own significance in an endless and chaotic multiverse. Such a daring and mind-boggling indie film had a true underdog story in Hollywood, succeeding at the box office and winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.Editors Recommendations7 best horror movies of the 2020s so far, ranked

Power demand from data centers is soaring as artificial intelligence grows more advanced. Heres how to make sense of it all.

More than two years after the public debut of ChatGPT, software companies still havent found a compelling way of charging for AI tools, chief information officers say. Now theyre trying new strategies.

I try not to be a helicopter parent at home, but there are times when my children need supervision.On a recent vacation, however, we felt safe enough to let them have almost total independence.We were on a private island, and the independence they had gave them immediate confidence.These days, many parents favor a hands-on, highly supervised, and tightly scheduled parenting style. However, unlike some of my peers, I'm not much of a helicopter parent. My twins, now 10 years old, have been lucky to grow up in our flat, friendly area of urban Los Angeles, where they enjoy the freedom to pop into neighbors' houses unannounced and unsupervised.Still, at their age, their freedom is limited by the realities of our big-city environment and their parents' enforcement of rules meant to protect them from it. So they can't ride their bikes out of sight or walk alone from their school bus stop a few blocks from home; the dangers (vehicular and human) associated with our traffic-packed cross streets are just too risky. And that creates a ceiling for their development and independence.But the calculus changed for all of us on our recent family vacation when we spent a week at The Brando, a resort built upon a private island in French Polynesia. (Yes, my kids enjoy a posh travel life thanks to my job.) Completely inaccessible to unauthorized visitors just a speck in the Pacific Ocean 30 miles north of Tahiti there are no cars on this island, or even on the greater atoll. The author and her family vacationed on a private island in French Polynesia. Courtesy of Alesandra Dubin We let our kids roam free during our vacationThere are just 35 villas (only a few of which were occupied at the time of our stay), and a staff village, tucked into a paradisical coconut palm jungle reminiscent of Gilligan's Island. That's it. And protected as it is by a lagoon, the waters surrounding the island are completely placid at all times.For all those reasons, the greatest risk I saw to my kids on the island was sunburn and my husband and I made sure they were well-slathered with sunscreen to protect against the tropical rays. Beyond that, they were free to explore as they wished alongside their sibling or, in fact, entirely alone, as they preferred at a given moment.So with their own keys around their wrists in the form of rubber bracelets, off my kids went. They hopped on their bikes, provided by the resort during our stay, and hit the paved path around the island. As long as they remained on this path, there was no real way to get lost, so they were free to explore among the palm jungles and deserted beaches at will. By the water, they found and named hermit crabs and watched fish swim in the lagoon. On land, they identified plants, swung in hammocks, and got soaked by warm rain.All this time, they were away from their otherwise omnipresent screens and also away from their parents and the level of oversight they get at home. The whole vibe was more of a 1970s approach to hands-off parenting, and I watched it pay off quickly. The siblings explored the island together and experienced greater independence than they have at home. Courtesy of Alesandra Dubin We saw a change in themIn just a week, without the close supervision they get at home, I saw a change in my kids. They exuded greater independence, curiosity, courage, and confidence. Their problem-solving skills improved in this short time, as did their sense of direction and navigational prowess.Because they were on their own out there, and they didn't have us feet away at all times to lean on for assistance instinctively, they tended to solve their own small problems like dusting off a scraped knee after toppling on a bike, and making sure to bring along the stuff they felt they needed (such as swim goggles and water bottles, which I'd normally take responsibility for stashing in my beach bag and divvying out when needed, mom style). It was a refreshing change for all of us.I also distinctly noticed a particular joy a carefree affect I don't see from them as frequently in their highly scheduled and supervised normal lives.Back home after our trip, we snapped back into our typical patterns the standard buzzkill associated with post-vacation reentry. Resuming my typical level of parental oversight seemed necessary and appropriate given their still-young age, and amid the real and varied risks of our densely populated county, home to nearly 10 million people and a host of social, political, economic, and climate-related problems. (Soon after, widespread wildfires would decimate the city and close their school for nearly two weeks.)But I like to think the independence and confidence they gained during their free-range week in paradise will continue to serve them well back in the real world. At any rate, it sure was fun for all of us while it lasted.

Jimmy Carter won three Grammys for best spoken-word album and is posthumously nominated again this year.Jimmy Carter. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images Jimmy Carter has been nominated 10 times for best spoken-word album, according to the Grammys' official website. He won for the recordings of his books "Faith A Journey For All" in 2019, "A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety" in 2016, and "Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis" in 2007.This year, the former president is nominated in the best spoken-word album category for "Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration."Michelle Obama has won two spoken-word Grammy awards.Michelle Obama (center) at the 2019 Grammy Awards with Alicia Keys (left) and Jennifer Lopez (right). Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy The former first lady's audiobook for her memoir "Becoming" won best spoken-word album in 2020. In 2024, she won again for the recording of her latest book, "The Light We Carry."Barack Obama also has two Grammys.Barack Obama. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/File/AP The recordings of Obama's books "Dreams From My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" won best spoken-word album in 2006 and 2008, respectively. His presidential memoir audiobook, "A Promised Land," was also nominated in 2022.Sen. Bernie Sanders received his second Grammy nomination in 2024.Bernie Sanders. Susan Walsh/AP In 2018, Sanders was nominated for best spoken-word album for "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In" along with actor Mark Ruffalo, who narrated parts of the audiobook. The pair lost to Carrie Fisher, who won a posthumous award for her memoir "The Princess Diarist."In 2024, Sanders was nominated in the same category for his audiobook, "It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism."Sen. Elizabeth Warren's audiobook for her memoir, "A Fighting Chance," was nominated for best spoken-word album at the 2015 Grammys.Elizabeth Warren. Robert F. Bukaty/AP Images Warren lost the award to "Diary of a Mad Diva" by Joan Rivers.Bill Clinton has two spoken-word Grammys, one for a children's book and one for his memoir.Bill Clinton. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Clinton's narration of the children's book "Peter and the Wolf: Wolf Tracks" earned him his first Grammy in 2004. The following year, he won best spoken-word album for the audiobook of his presidential memoir, "My Life."He received two other Grammy nominations for his recordings of "Giving: How Each Of Us Can Change The World" and "Back To Work: Why We Need Smart Government For A Strong Economy."Hillary Clinton attended the Grammys in 1997 to accept her award for best spoken-word album.Hillary Clinton at the Grammys. Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images The then-first lady won a Grammy for the recording of her nonfiction book, "It Takes A Village." She was nominated again in 2004 for the audiobook of her memoir, "Living History."Al Gore's audiobook for "An Inconvenient Truth" won best spoken-word album in 2009.Al Gore and Queen Latifah at the Grammys. Kevin Winter/Getty Images The former vice president's audiobook was read by actors Beau Bridges, Cynthia Nixon, and Blair Underwood, according to its listing on Audible.Al Franken has won two Grammys: one for best comedy album and one for best spoken-word album.Al Franken. Paul Morigi/WireImage for NARAS The former Minnesota senator, who rose to fame as a comedian before entering politics, won best comedy album in 1997 and best spoken-word album in 2004. He has been nominated seven times.Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, who represented the District of Columbia in the Senate, won a Grammy for best spoken-word recording.Jesse Jackson. Thomson Reuters Jackson advocated for DC statehood in an unpaid Senate position known as a "shadow senator" from 1991 to 1997. He was also appointed as a special envoy to Africa by President Bill Clinton in 1997.In 1989, Jackson won a spoken-word Grammy for a recorded address entitled "Speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson." He was nominated in the same category in 1985 for "Our Time Has Come."His musical talents were also recognized at the 22nd Grammy Awards in 1980, when his gospel album "Push For Excellence" was nominated for best contemporary soul gospel performance.Richard Nixon was nominated for best spoken-word recording in 1979 for his televised interviews with journalist David Frost.Richard Nixon. AP Images In what became known as "Frost/Nixon" or "the Nixon interviews," the former president sat down with Frost to discuss his presidency and role in the Watergate scandal. The Grammy-nominated interviews were watched by 45 million people, the BBC reported.Former Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen won a Grammy for a recording of his poem "Gallant Men."Everett Dirksen. Bettmann/Getty Images A Republican senator from Illinois, Dirksen took home the Grammy for best spoken word, drama, or documentary recording in 1968. He was also nominated in 1971 for his spoken-word album "Everett Dirksen's America."Harry Truman was nominated for a Grammy in 1978.Harry Truman. MPI/Getty "The Truman Tapes," a series of recorded interviews with Ben Gradus, was nominated for best spoken-word recording at the 20th Grammy Awards.Former Sen. Sam Ervin recorded a Grammy-nominated album, "Senator Sam at Home."Sam Ervin. Marion S. Trikosko/PhotoQuest/Getty Images The album, a mix of stories, jokes, and pop music covers, was nominated for best spoken-word recording at the 17th Grammy Awards in 1975.In 1965, John F. Kennedy received a posthumous Grammy nomination.John F. Kennedy. National Archive/Getty Images Editor Bill Adler's book "The Kennedy Wit," a compilation of the former president's quotes and humorous quips, became a bestseller in 1964, the year after his assassination, according to Goodreads.On the recorded version, Kennedy was listed as an artist along with narrator David Brinkley and Adlai Stevenson, who provided an introduction. The album was nominated for best documentary, spoken word, or drama recording.Ultimately, the cast of the BBC show "That Was The Week That Was" won the category for its tribute to Kennedy.Former presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson received two Grammy nominations.Adlai Stevenson. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images Stevenson served as governor of Illinois and ran twice for president as the Democratic nominee in 1952 and 1956.He was nominated for his first Grammy in 1965 for his contribution to "The Kennedy Wit." He was nominated again in 1967 for "The Stevenson Wit," a similar album featuring selections from his "speeches, press conferences, and off-the-cuff remarks," according to the album cover.