2025-03-16T23:35:01Z Read in app Oliva Purba and Dirkjan Tijs were drawn to tiny houses because they liked the idea of living minimally. Olivia Purba. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Oliva Purba and Dirkjan Tijs wanted to live a simpler and more sustainable life in Bali, Indonesia.So, they swapped their three-bedroom villa near Canggu for tiny living in Ubud.Instead of one tiny house, the couple built two for $30,000.After two years of living in a three-bedroom villa near Bali's popular Canggu tourist district, Olivia Purba and her husband, Dirkjan Tijs,decided it was time to downsize.Purba, originally fromNorth Sumatra, moved south from Indonesia's northern province in 2017 to work for a non-governmental organization in Bali as a partnerships officer, where she worked closely with small farmers in the coffee, cacao, rice, cinnamon, and seaweed sectors.Tijs, a software engineer from the Netherlands, arrived in Bali in 2018 as a digital nomad. His original plan was to stay on the island for a month but then he met Purba and they fell in love.Although the couple traveled extensively, both for work and leisure, Bali always felt like home. Olivia Purba and Dirkjan Tijs met and fell in love in Bali, Indonesia. Olivia Purba. The"We thought that maybe our friends or family could come over. We also ended up renting out the extra rooms to our friends," Purba, 36, now a sustainability consultant who also runs a travel business with her husband, told Business Insider.But over time, they realized that they wanted more privacy. The couple decided to leave the Canggu area and move to Ubud, where they could live in a tiny house. Olivia Purtaba. Without kids, it didn't make sense for them to live in such a big house either. Moreover, their neighborhood was getting crowded, and all those factors got them thinking about a move."We thought, 'Let's go to Ubud because it's less crowded than Canggu and Pererenan, and build something that's simple, sustainable, and just enough for the two of us,'" she said.Ubud is near the center of the Indonesian island and is known for its rainforest and terraced rice paddies.From tourist-central Canggu to the lush forests of UbudThey were drawn to tiny houses because they liked the idea of living minimally, but they also wanted enough space to start a permaculture farm where they could grow their own food. They also wanted to have space to start their own permaculture garden. Olivia Purba. "I have a background in sustainability, so I always thought I needed to walk my talk, too," Purba said.In February 2024, they found the perfect plot of land in Ubud to build on.The property measured about 3,230 square feet and was situated in a great location: It was surrounded by trees and rice fields, yet stores and restaurants were less than 10 minutes away.And unlike in Canggu, the traffic there isn't as bad, Purba said. They worked with contractors to bring Purba's designs to life. Olivia Purtaba. While Purba is Indonesian which means she can buy land in Bali the couple chose to lease the plot for 25 years instead. They paid 325 million Indonesian rupiah, or about $19,800 for it.It's cheaper to lease the land instead of buying it, Tijs, 36, told BI. Even though Purba is Indonesian and, therefore, able to own land in Bali, they decided to lease their plot instead. Olivia Purtaba. "It also means that my name can also be on the property as well, and the lease aligns with the time that it'll probably take for a wooden house to stay good," he said.There's also an ethical reason behind their decision, Purba said: "A lot of land in Bali is being taken from the Balinese. This way, after 25 years, they can have their land back." The couple decided to build two tiny houses on their plot. Olivia Purtaba. Instead of building one tiny house, the couple opted for two.It felt economical to build two on the same plot of land since the cost of transporting materials, building resources, and tools could be shared between both houses, Tijs said.The contractors were also able to work on the houses almost simultaneously, he said.Although the couple had decided not to continue sharing their house, they still wanted space to host guests."If we have friends or family visiting, they can still stay with us on the same land. Otherwise, we can rent it out," he said. Purba drew up the designs for both tiny houses. Olivia Purba. Despite having no formal architecture experience, Purba sketched the designs she had in mind for both houses on paper. The couple then worked with local builders to bring those ideas to life.Save for some furniture assembly, the rest of the building work was done by their contractors.In early October, the first tiny house which is also the couple's primary residence was completed.It was an L-shaped wooden structure inspired by a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics. They live in one of the tiny houses. The other tiny house is sometimes rented out, or used to house family and friends when they come to visit. Olivia Purtaba. A month later, the second tiny house, which featured a loft-style design, was done.Both tiny houses cost 492.5 million Indonesian rupiah, or about $30,000, to build. The two tiny houses were completed within a month of each other. Olivia Purtaba. One of the biggest challenges during construction was transporting raw materials to the site. There was only one tiny road just over three feet wide that led to the plot."You can only access it by bike. Even with a bike, sometimes, if your bike is big, you'll need to stop to let people pass," Purba said.The couple had to rent a smaller plot of land nearby to store their building materials before the builders they hired transported everything to the site using bikes and three-wheeled carts, she said. It was difficult to transport raw materials to the site. Olivia Purtaba. Living authentically close to naturePurba and Tijs are part of a growing trend of people who are interested in living tiny.As housing costs continue to rise globally, tiny houses offer a much more affordable alternative to traditional real estate.Six people who live in tiny houses previously told BI it was a way for them to reduce their housing expenses and be more conscious about the things they buy. Living tiny has allowed the couple to fully embrace minimalism. Olivia Purtaba. Likewise, being in a tiny house has enabled the couple to live a more simple life."Considering the size of the place, it's not super cluttered. We try to limit our stuff," Tijs said.They've always been interested in minimalism, and living in a tiny house has only further motivated them to get rid of unnecessary things and declutter."You realize that if there are things you don't need, you shouldn't just keep it," Purba said. They are trying to grow their own food. Olivia Purtaba. These days, the couple has been tending to their permaculture garden, where they've been growing mostly herbs, such as lemongrass and parsley, as well as fruit, like pineapples and bananas.Although eating out is quite affordable in Bali, they are hoping to grow more of their own food."I also have fish in my fish pond, but let's see if I want to eat my fish," Purba said with a laugh.Looking back, Purba says their tiny house journey has been fulfilling because she feels she's able to live more authentically.Being close to nature has made a huge difference to her mental health. They even fall asleep to the sounds of nature at night, like the frogs croaking in the field and the water flowing in their pond, she said."Every day I'll go check on my plants. I'm kind of like, earthing. My feet touch the earth, and it makes me feel peaceful," she added.Do you have a story to share about living in tiny houses? Contact this reporter at agoh@businessinsider.com.

2025-03-16T23:17:01Z Read in app From left to right: Taliesin Jaffe, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Travis Willingham, Ashley Johnson, Sam Riegel, Laura Bailey, and Matthew Mercer. Robyn von Swank This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Critical Role's cofounders sat down with BI and answered one big question: Are you stepping down?Critical Role's CEO, Travis Willingham, said the answer to that is a hard no.But the cofounders do want to bring on "new faces" and ink new partnerships.Critical Role's cofounders are answering one big question about their business and putting some speculation to bed. The eight-member team has streamed their long-runningTwitch hit show into a business venture with multiple arms spanning gaming, Amazon-backed animated series, and publishing. They've sold out stadiums for their live shows, and are embarking on a multi-city tour between April and October: Chicago, Fishers (just outside Indianapolis), Sydney, Melbourne, and New York.BI asked four of the company's cofounders who are now mostly in their 40s about fan speculation that they'd step down from broadcasting to focus on behind-the-scenes work.The answer was a hard no."We've had 10 amazing years and it should be clear and known and declared that we're not going anywhere. We've got tons more to do," Travis Willingham, Critical Role's CEO, said.Not done with telling storiesLiam O'Brien, one of CR's cofounders and the face of its literary and publishing business, told BI he already has character ideas for their next streaming project.The crew also isn't done with the world of Exandria the sprawling gameplay sandbox that Matthew Mercer, CR's chief creative officer, created over a decade ago.Willingham says he wants to explore the Shattered Teeth, a string of mysterious islands in Exandria, and see what the game world looks like under the sea.O'Brien, meanwhile, wants to take a big leap forward in time."Someday in some manner, in some medium, I want to visit Exandria in a science fiction far future," he said.Ray also told BI that she's figuring The cast of "Critical Role" wrapped up their third long-running 'D&D' campaign in February. Critical Role "Between Campaign Two and Campaign Three, we built a new set," Ray told BI. "We're talking about merch, and we're talking new ways that we can continue to elevate our content and how we tell this story. We are very much in the thick of that right now as we're building everything out."New faces, new partnershipsCR is also interested in having new talent on board."We're very dedicated to introducing these new faces to our audience. And that's not going to stop anytime soon," Ray said."I don't think we could hang up the towel even if we wanted to. I think we're all addicted, so you're not going to see any of the founders go anywhere," she said.The CR team also wants to bring new crews and their projects on board.There's already precedent for this. CR expanded its reach in the podcasting business by acquiring shows like "Midst" and "Tales from the Stinky Dragon." The latter streamed at the Texas-based Rooster Teeth Productions until that company shut down in 2024.Willingham told BI that the crew wants to find creatives who make "cool and nerdy" things and he hopes CR's streaming platform, Beacon, can help give such people a platform."After 10 years, one of the most exciting things is the opportunity to give storytellers a new spotlight," Willingham said.

Diablo 4 is still one of the games I find myself playing multiple times a week, and now we know to expect a second expansion next year, here's everything I wantTech22:00, 16 Mar 2025The demon's of Hell won't vanquish themselvesDiablo 4 has been a fantastic experience since the Vessel of Hatred expansion dropped last year, adding a whole new class, region, and endgame activities.Even for someone already enjoying the base game, it elevated it significantly. Now in the midst of its seventh season, the ARPG that Elon Musk (apparently) plays is approaching its next update next month but fans were already curious about whether we'll get another expansion.Article continues belowWith Blizzard confirming the return of Blizzcon earlier this week, it seems highly likely that we'll get something Diablo 4 related in 2026. Indeed, as Diablo General Manager Rod Fergusson revealed at DICE in Las Vegas last month, the game's next expansion is coming next year.While that means we've got a little while to wait, it also means Blizzard can read this very article and find out what we want in Diablo 4 Expansion 2, right? Well maybe not, but here's our wishlist anyway.Vessel of Hatred bolted a whole new region (or at least, new for Diablo 4) onto Sanctuary when it arrived, and Nahantu's temples and jungles provided a nice change of pace from the doom and gloom of the base game.I mean, it was still dreary in true Diablo fashion, but a little greenery never hurt anyone. Fans have suggested that the next expansion could bring back some more classic locations like Tristram or Westmarch, but I'd like to see Xiansai make an appearance.It's the birthplace of Akarat, who was a core part of Vessel of Hatred's story, and the 'Great Isle' is packed with mountain ranges and magic-wielders a far cry from Nahantu.We're ready for fresh faces around the campfireA new region will be lovely, but the reason that people are likely to jump in is to see the amount of chaos they can cause with a fresh class.After all, the Spiritborn from Vessel of Hatred was fantastic, with a more modular design that meant it often felt a little like multiple classes in one.Xiansai's exports include poison and magic, suggesting there could be something to tie a fresh class to there, but I'm feeling nostalgic and would love a returning class or something from Diablo Immortal.I've been missing the Paladin personally, but I'd be just as happy with a Blood Knight or quick-hitting Monk. With Path of Exile 2, Diablo 4's chief rival, offering six classes and six more to come, here's hoping whoever joins the roster is fun to play as.Give us even more combat options, BlizzardOK, this is a little nebulous I know, but the seasonal abilities (especially the Witch Powers from Season 7) have been a revelation.My Rogue can deal damage and inflict poison without even touching an enemy, and I'm really enjoying mixing and matching abilities as I go.While I appreciate the fun of these game-breaking abilities can be how they move in and out of the game to stop anything getting stale, I'm hopeful Blizzard can find a way to tie these in as a secondary progression track even beyond Paragon Boards, which often feel a little too number-focused for my liking.Here's hoping for more challenging combat encountersVessel of Hatred's approach to endgame was, in my opinion, very close to perfect. Epilogue quests, Kurast Undercity time trials, Nightmare Dungeons, and the Dark Citadel were all great, and more casual players could farm Helltides for fresh gear and XP.In all honesty, my main request for Expansion 2 would just be more. Another co-op challenge like the Dark Citadel would be great, potentially increasing the player count to make it closer to a Raid.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Did you know there's a world under the water? If this is the first time you're hearing this, hold on tight... We're going to Denizonya now. To meet Poli and her grandmother Lupi! Taken to the surface by a diver to investigate, Grandma Lupi is the only fish who has seen the human world and returned - and she has so much to tell. How will Poli find a solution so that every fish can listen and learn these amazing stories?

The 32-bit era was a bit of a strange one for many video game genres, particularly those industry staples that established themselves in the 16-bit era, like JRPGs. As the industry was quickly turning towards 3D graphics, the march of progress would ensure it would soon become absorbed into an encroaching 64-bit era, creating a muddled yet enduring legacy.

While progressing through the Hotland region of Undertale, the player will eventually enter the lab of Dr. Alphys. This is where the supercomputer and celebrity among monsters, Mettaton, will make his first appearance. This blocky, electronic performer has his sights set on capturing the soul of the human protagonist, and he's not the type to stop under any circumstances.

An iPad without a great case is like a sports car without tiressleek, powerful, but not reaching its full potential. A tablet this versatile isnt just for one thing. Its a sketchpad in the morning, a work machine by noon, and a theater screen by night, flipping effortlessly between portrait and landscape, depending on the task. With so many ways to use it, the real challenge isnt what the iPad can doits how to support it in every scenario.Thats where a great case makes all the difference. Not just for protection, but for unlocking the iPads full potential with stable docking angles that keep up with how you actually use it. ESRs latest lineup, including the Flip and Shift Magnetic Cases, is designed with this in mind, offering flexibility that transforms the iPad into something even more capable. Sure, you could slap on any $20 silicon or polycarbonate case onto an iPad, but these cases from ESR go above and beyond, supporting your tablet through all its functions, in both landscape and portrait, and in up to 6 different angles enabling practically every activity youd need the iPad for.Click Here to Buy Now.ESR Flip Magnetic CaseThe newest case on the block, the ESR Flip Magnetic Case takes a straightforward approach to iPad protection while adding a level of functionality that enhances everyday use. Designed with a built-in foldable stand, it offers multiple viewing and writing angles45 and 60 for media consumption, and a stable 25 incline for sketching or note-taking. The magnetic support stand ensures stability on any surface, so whether its propped up on a desk or balanced on a couch, the iPad stays secure and wobble-free.The name Flip comes from its ability to flip between landscape and portrait modes, giving you a case that does it all, whether you want a horizontal or vertical tablet. A fold-out leg on the cases protective flap gives you vertical docking, making it perfect for Facetime calls, browsing TikTok, or doing anything that requires propping your iPad vertically. The Flip Magnetic Case comes in two variants with or without Apple Pencil docking (although we prefer the former). Durability isnt compromised in either casethanks to a PU exterior with reinforced fiberglass layers, ensuring long-lasting protection against daily wear. With support for multiple iPad models, including the iPad 10 and 11 (not the Air, Mini, or Pro variants), its a reliable option for those who want a case thats both practical and stylish.Why We Recommend ItFor users who want a lightweight, travel-friendly case that keeps things simple without sacrificing functionality, the Flip Magnetic Case is a great fit. Its slim design makes it easy to carry, while the reinforced magnetic stand provides stable viewing and writing angles for everyday use. The built-in Apple Pencil slot ensures your stylus stays secure and charged, making it a convenient choice for students, casual creatives, or anyone who primarily browses, sketches, or watches content on their iPad. If portability and ease of use matter more than an extensive range of angles, the Flip is a solid choice for iPad users.Click Here to Buy Now: $19.54 $22.99 (15% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!ESR Shift Magnetic CaseESRs Red Dot Award-winning Shift Magnetic Case takes versatility to another level, rethinking how an iPad stand should work. With six unique use modes and up to nine ultra-stable angles, it transforms the tablet into whatever you need at the momentwhether thats a raised screen for better posture, a comfortable incline for sketching, or even a fridge-mounted display for following recipes hands-free. The dual support brackets and strong magnetic grooves ensure a wobble-free experience, no matter the setup. And when its time to switch gears, the detachable back case keeps the iPad protected while staying lightweight enough for easy handling.Flexibility aside, the Shift Magnetic Case is built for practicality. Unlike rigid folio designs that lock you into limited angles, this case adapts on the fly, making it ideal for anyone who juggles work, entertainment, and creative projects. The secure magnetic attachment means snapping the iPad in and out of its stand is seamless, offering the kind of effortless usability that enhances daily productivity. With compatibility spanning multiple iPad modelsincluding the M3 iPad Air, iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch), and recent iPad Air and iPad modelsits a future-proof investment for those who rely on their tablet across different tasks and environments.Why We Recommend ItThis case stands out for anyone who values adaptability. The ability to transition between so many angles means youre never stuck forcing your workflow around a limited stand design. If youve ever propped your iPad up at an awkward angle or wished for a more ergonomic setup, the Shift Case solves those problems with a design that moves with you. Its also a solid pick for those who use their iPad in multiple spaceswhether at a desk, on a couch, or even in the kitchen. The added benefit of a detachable back case makes it even more practical, ensuring the iPad stays protected without adding unnecessary bulk when used handheld.Click Here to Buy Now: $37.99 $39.99 (5% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The post Turn Your iPad Into The Ultimate Productivity Powerhouse With These Smart Cases first appeared on Yanko Design.

Long before modern convenience dulled our instincts, blades were the difference between survival and disaster. Bushcraft knives, in particular, carry that primal DNA. They arent flashy, they arent delicate, and they sure as hell arent meant to be babied. These are knives that thrive in the dirt, the rain, and the raw brutality of the outdoors. A good one will baton wood, carve traps, skin game, and still be sharp enough to shave the hair off your arm. The best ones, though? They dont just workthey feel like an extension of you. Thats the magic of a truly well-designed blade.Weve covered Buhovs work beforehis previous bushcraft knife was a brutal yet refined masterpiece, built for both survivalists and collectors. Now, hes back with a new design, one that pushes even further into rugged territory. This new fixed blade strips away the unnecessary, leaving behind a weaponized workhorse of steel and G-10. Aggressive yet utilitarian, it carries the DNA of bushcraft tradition while embracing modern tactical elements. A knife built to get dirty, take abuse, and come back for more.Designer: Nikolai BuhovThe blade commands attention with its savage, hammered texture along the spine, almost reminiscent of chipped flint or the teeth of a serrated predator. The full-tang construction speaks of durability, while the sweeping curve of the blade suggests versatilityperfect for carving, slicing, or handling heavy-duty survival tasks. This isnt a knife thats made to be caged indoors and relegated to merely opening Amazon boxes. Its designed to be used, abused, and trusted when things get tough.Ergonomically shaped and textured for a secure grip, the green G-10 scales offer both comfort and control. The sculpted surface almost mimics reptilian armor, adding a layer of visual intrigue that pairs seamlessly with the blades raw, weathered finish. It feels like something forged for the elements, a knife that thrives in the untamed wild. Whether youre setting up camp, processing game, or tackling a worst-case scenario, this handle wont let you down when grip strength matters most.Paired with a custom-molded Kydex sheath, the knife is as practical in carry as it is in use. A Ulticlip attachment ensures secure retention, whether youre clipping it to a belt, pack, or pocket. The minimalist sheath design keeps things streamlined, allowing for quick deployment without unnecessary bulk. This is exactly the kind of carry system that tactical enthusiasts and survivalists dream aboutsimple, effective, and built for real-world application.All of Buhovs knives are designed from scratch and made by hand. The knives you see are limited to one-off units that Buhov sells to patrons looking to commission a blade. You can contact him on Facebook for more information.The post Meet the Brutal Yet Elegant Handmade Fixed Blade Knife Designed for Survivalists first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Molly Maguires, or the Mollies, were members of a 19th-century Irish secret society active in Ireland and internationally. The movement originated in Ireland as part of agrarian rebellion movements relating to land usage and enclosure. The Mollies were first reported in the British and Irish press in the mid-19th century, noting that they had been formed in Ballinamuck following Lord Lorton's ejection of tenants there. The movement spread internationally to areas with significant Irish immigrant populations, including Liverpool and the United States. Their activism in favour of coal miners in Pennsylvania was particularly noteworthy. After a series of often violent conflicts, twenty suspected Mollies were convicted of murder and other crimes and were executed by hanging in 1877 and 1878. This history remains part of local Pennsylvania lore and the actual facts are much debated among historians. This 1874 illustration from Harper's Weekly, drawn by Paul Frenzeny and Jules Tavernier, depicts a group of Mollies meeting to discuss strikes in the Pennsylvania coal mines.Illustration credit: Paul Frenzeny and Jules Tavernier; restored by Adam CuerdenRecently featured: Phaistos DiscXysticus cristatusAmlie of LeuchtenbergArchiveMore featured pictures

Mini CrosswordNYTIn case you missed Sundays NYT Mini, you can find the answers here:The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app. However, youll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives.The NYT Mini is a fun daily distraction that usually takes no time at all. I try to beat the standard weekday grid in less than a minute. But sometimes I can't quite figure out one or two clues and need to reveal the answer.To help you avoid doing that, here are the NYT Mini Crossword answers (spoilers lie ahead, of course):NYT Mini Crossword Clues And AnswersACROSS1) Signature health legislation of the Obama era, for short - ACA 4) Pitt of "Moneyball" - BRAD 5) With 2-Down, U.S. national park thats larger than the entirety of Rhode Island - GRAND 6) Saharan country whose capital is Tripoli - LIBYA 7) Figure of speech - IDIOM 8) Baked ___ (barbecue side dish) - BEANSDOWN1) Oil-rich peninsula - ARABIA 2) See 5-Across - CANYON 3) It comes after Wednesday - ADDAMS 4) People traditionally stand for her entrance - BRIDE 5) Insincere - GLIBMiniNYTKind of a medium puzzle today in terms of difficulty and cleverness. I enjoyed the Wednesday Addams clue, which was a fun way of going about that. I was thinking of US peninsulas for oil, but that was too small minded. Had to remind myself about my Saharan capitals to get Libya, which was a stretch for my brain. Which one of these did you struggle with the most?Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and