A forest in Staffordshire, UK, where an experiment is testing how trees respond to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the airShomari Healy, used by kind permissionTucked away down a quiet country lane in the UKs West Midlands region lies one of the most studied patches of forest in the world.This fragment of woodland, populated mainly by 180-year-old English oak trees (Quercus robur), is at the heart of a major global project to understand how the worlds forests will cope as levels of carbon dioxide rise in the atmosphere.

I tried value meals at Chili's and Applebee's to see which one was a better deal.Chili's 3-For-Me included bottomless chips and salsa and could be upgraded with a classic margarita.Applebee's chicken sandwich was heartier, but the lunchtime deal didn't feel like a better value.Casual dining chains like Chili's and Applebee's are trying to lure customers in with deals as the"value wars"continue.I tried Chili's 3-For-Me which included an appetizer, a drink, and an entre and Applebee's $12.99 lunch deal, which included the choice of a burger or chicken sandwich and a bottomless soda, to see which chain offered the best value combo meal.John Peyton, the CEO of Dine Brands, which owns Applebee's, told Business Insider in February that the chain will be thinking a lot about value in 2025."It's important that we don't lose sight of the fact that value's got a very specific definition for us, which is great food, a really generous portion, and great service at an accessible price," he said.George Felix, the chief marketing officer at Chili's, had a similar outlook when he spoke with BI in January."You're seeing a lot of competitors throwing different combo meals and meal deals out there at different price points, but I think what's really hard to replicate is we're delivering all of that, combined with a really excellent experience," he said."I think a lot of brands mistake the lowest price point for being [the best] value, and I don't think that's giving consumers enough credit," Felix continued. "So for us, we believe value is the entire holistic experience of what you pay for what you get."When I tried meals from the two chains, I thought both delivered on flavor, but Chili's edged out Applebee's with its portion size, option to upgrade the deal, and its addition of bottomless chips and salsa.Here's what you get in both chains' value meals.I visited my local Applebee's in Brooklyn, New York, to try one of the chain's value meals.A sign on the window of the restaurant advertised the chain's lunch deals. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Before I visited, I expected to be able to order the chain's Really Big Meal Deal, which costs $9.99 and includes the choice of a classic bacon cheeseburger or chicken sandwich, a drink, and bottomless fries.However, the deal wasn't advertised or available at the location I visited when I went in early March. My server, however, did tell me about the chain's lunch deal, which was similar.For $12.99, plus tax, I got the choice of a cheeseburger or the chain's bacon ranch chicken sandwich, fries, and a refillable drink. The deal is available at participating locations Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and is only available with dine-in service.I ordered a soda to start my meal.I ordered a diet soda to start. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The Diet Coke was crisp and complemented the rest of my meal.I ordered the bacon ranch chicken sandwich as my entre.I ordered the bacon ranch chicken sandwich, which came with fries. Erin McDowell/Business Insider At the same location, the chicken sandwich typically costs $16.99, excluding tax. The deal cost $12.99 and also included a drink, which I thought made this meal good value.The chicken sandwich came topped with two strips of crispy bacon and ranch dressing.The chicken sandwich came topped with two strips of bacon. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken sandwich also included pickles and shredded lettuce on a brioche bun.The chicken sandwich was juicy and flavorful but could have been crispier.I wished the breading on the chicken was crispier. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken's breading lacked the crunch I typically look for in a chicken sandwich, though the pickles and ranch dressing did increase the moisture and flavor.The chicken breast itself was thick and moist, though the bacon strips were just slightly overdone for me. Some people love their crispy bacon, but I like my bacon to have just a touch of chewiness.I thought the fries could have used a touch more seasoning.The meal came with fries. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Overall, this meal didn't taste bad and was a decent value I'd even order it again the next time I'm at Applebee's.However, I thought it didn't compare to the meal I received from Chili's.I tried Chili's 3-For-Me meal deal, which came with a lot more options.The Chili's 3-For-Me had a wide selection of menu items to choose from. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The meal deal starts at $10.99 and includes the choice of a beverage, a starter, and a variety of entres.The chain's crispy chicken sandwich was included in the cheapest tier of the meal deal, so I opted for that. Other options at the $10.99 price point included the chain's OldTimer burger with cheese or the chain's Big Smasher burger.I appreciated the ability to upgrade my meal with a different appetizer, like the chain's Dip Trio, or choose an upgraded entre for a few dollars more.I was also able to upgrade my drink choice.I ordered a margarita with my meal deal. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The $10.99 meal deal came with a fountain drink, lemonade, or iced tea.However, for $3.99 more, I could upgrade my drink to a classic or frozen margarita or opt for the "margarita of the month" for $6 more.I decided to upgrade my drink choice to a classic margarita to see if it was worth the extra few dollars. The margarita was perfectly sweet and salty and enhanced my dining experience overall.The meal deal also came with bottomless chips and salsa.The meal deal came with bottomless chips and salsa. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chips were thin and crispy and paired well with the chain's salsa. Before my entre even came, I was nearly full thanks to the bottomless appetizer.I could have easily shared this with other people, which made the meal deal feel like even better value if you're dining out with friends or family.The star of the show, however, was Chili's crispy chicken sandwich.The chicken sandwich came with seasoned fries. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken sandwich typically cost $14.49 at my local Chili's in Brooklyn, New York.By ordering through the meal deal, I saved nearly $4 and also received an appetizer and drink."The amount of food that you get is unbeatable, especially with the bottomless chips and salsa and bottomless drink," George Felix told Business Insider of the chain's signature meal deal, adding that the chain is also focused on providing great service and food quality."When you take all of that in totality, we're really confident that it's the best value in the industry," he said.The crispy chicken sandwich came topped with mayonnaise and pickles on a brioche bun.There was a hearty serving of mayonnaise on the sandwich. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken breast was fried to crunchy perfection, and bits of fried goodness practically spilled out of the sandwich. Judging by its appearance alone, I couldn't wait to bite in.The chicken sandwich's breading was crispy and flavorful.The chicken sandwich was crunchy and flavorful. Erin McDowell/Business Insider After biting in, waves of salty, briny flavor hit my tastebuds. The chicken sandwich was perfectly crunchy and crispy but still moist, thanks to the chicken breast and generous serving of mayonnaise on both buns.The fries were also well-seasoned and paired well with the sandwich, though after the bottomless chips and salsa, they weren't even necessary.I had to give the win to Chili's in this small battle of the "value wars."Chili's impressed me the most with its chicken sandwich and bottomless appetizer. Erin McDowell/Business Insider For the price point, I couldn't believe the amount of food I received at Chili's. I also liked the ability to expand and upgrade my meal I simply had way more options at Chili's.However, in my opinion, the actual taste of the food clinched Chili's win.While I did enjoy the bacon and ranch chicken sandwich from Applebee's, I personally preferred the taste of the classic crispy chicken sandwich from Chili's, which crunched with every bite.The winner was clear: For a few dollars more, I could upgrade my drink to a salty margarita, and fill up on bottomless chips and salsa before my meal even arrived, making Chili's 3-For-Me the better value.

2025-03-11T18:02:39Z Read in app CEOs are thinking about the best way to leverage AI. Dataiku This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Dataiku published a survey Tuesday that reveals that CEOs fear losing their jobs from AI.Of the 500 CEOs surveyed, 94% said an AI agent could provide better advice than a board member.Dataiku's CEO told BI that companies need to differentiate themselves through their AI strategy.For the past six years, enterprise AI unicorn Dataiku has hosted an annual "field trip" for the executives of its customer base.Last September, several CEOs who attended the gathering at the Four Seasons in Boston seemed a bit unnerved. AI was gaining traction across the corporate world, and many were concerned about whether they had the right strategies to leverage it.Dataiku's CEO Florian Douetteau shared with Business Insider the notes he took during the field trip."OpenAI is our brain, but tomorrow Google may come up with something or another company," Douetteau noted one of the attending CEOs saying in conversation. "If we go all-in with GPT enterprise, or go with Co-pilot, we'll be locked into one ecosystem. DON'T WANT THIS!" Another executive said: "If we can't fully customize or govern the AI to fit our needs, it feels like we're letting someone else decide how our business should run. That's a level of risk I'm not comfortable with," according to Douetteau.Douetteau told Business Insider that among the more than 120 executives in attendance, he noticed a bit of stress" over how to translate the "potentially broad topic of AI" into tangible business gains.Dataiku, which itself helps companies handle data, build no-code AI applications, and deploy machine learning models, began to further investigate how insecure CEOs were becoming in the age of AI. On Tuesday, the company published the results of a survey conducted by Harris Poll of more than 500 CEOs across the UK, US, Germany, and France. The respondents lead companies with over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 500 employees one quarter are tech companies and the remaining are what Dataiku calls "non-technical." Dataiku was especially interested in understanding how "non-technical" companies are thinking about AI, since they make up the majority of its customer base.According to the survey, 74% CEOs admitted that they could be out of a job in two years if they fail to deliver meaningful AI-driven gains. And 94% believe that an AI agent could provide better business advice than a human board member.AI has heightened concerns CEOs have about competitors, too. More than 70% of CEOs think a fellow CEO will be ousted before the end of 2025 due to a failed AI strategy. While 54% of CEOs think a competitor has already employed a better AI strategy than them.One blind spot that Dataiku identified in its report is the "commodity trap" in which CEOs believe pre-built "off the shelf" AI agents are as effective as custom-built agents for a company's core business operations and verticals.Executives expressed anxiety in the survey about AI governance, with 94% of CEOs saying they suspect employees are secretly using generative AI tools without official approval. Dataiku, which was valued at $3.7 billion in 2022 and counts companies like Moderna, Sephora, Deloitte, and LVMH among its clients, has expanded governance tools on its platform to help companies properly manage the technology, Douetteau said.For years companies have sought to differentiate themselves through talent, culture, operations, or marketing. Yet the reality of the next technological era is that "part of what makes a company different will be the type of AI system they have," Douetteau said.

Civil rights advocates are accusing the Trump administration of trampling the First Amendment following the arrest of an immigrant who was involved with pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.US Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly showed up at Mahmoud Khalils university-owned apartment in Manhattan on Saturday and arrested him without telling him or his pregnant US citizen wife why. They later informed his attorney that they were revoking his green card, claiming that Khalil had led activities aligned to Hamas but not charging him with a crime. On Monday, a federal judge in New York temporarily blocked Khalils deportation amid a legal battle over his future.The case may test First Amendment protections, especially for noncitizen legal residents. But it could also have broad implications for every American.Unless the government has evidence that Khalil committed a crime that it has not yet disclosed, this appears an attempt at punitive action on the basis of political expression, a hallmark of authoritarian regimes. The Free Press reported Monday that, according to an unnamed White House official, the administration sees Khalil as a national security threat but the allegation here is not that he was breaking the law.If the government has got anything other than just somebody who is saying things they dont like, they need to show it now, because otherwise, the harm to First Amendment freedoms will be serious, said Will Creeley, legal director for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.What rights does Mahmoud Khalil have?Khalils arrest raises legal questions about whether the Trump administration can revoke his green card based on his role in the protests at Columbia.Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X on Sunday that the administration will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported. The government has not offered evidence to back Rubios accusation that Khalil is a Hamas supporter.However, the governments authority to do so is limited, and civil rights attorneys think that the Trump administration has overstepped in Khalils case.This arrest is unprecedented, illegal, and un-American, Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said in a statement. Immigrants living in the US, including those on visas and green cards, have the same right to free expression as any American under the First Amendment. However, the government can still detain and deport them if they are found to be inadmissible on grounds of associating with or offering material support to terrorism, according to Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and director of the think tanks office at New York University School of Law. (The United States designates Hamas the Palestinian militant group behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel as a terrorist organization.)Under federal immigration law, the bar for engaging in terrorist activity is high: It can involve hijacking transportation vehicles, assassination, kidnapping and threatening physical harm to those held hostage if the government does not comply with their demands, or threats or conspiracy to commit those acts. Notably, the first Trump administration believed that rhetoric alone was not enough to meet that bar. In a 2018 internal memo, Justice Department lawyers wrote that lawful permanent residents very likely could not be excluded or removed for expressing mere philosophical support for terrorism or for endorsing the activities of groups whose activities do not implicate the foreign policy interests of the United States.In Khalils case, its not clear if the government is detaining him on the basis of just his speech supporting Palestinians. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on the specific grounds for taking Khalil into custody.He was one of the lead negotiators with the Columbia administration on behalf of pro-Palestine protesters at the universitys Gaza solidarity encampment in spring 2024. He was not involved in the occupation of a university building where protesters were ultimately removed by police. What is obvious is that the Trump administration is making an example of Khalil. The White House posted on X on Monday calling him Radical and promising that his arrest is the first of many to come.Khalils arrest came just after the Trump administration cut $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia because of what it described as the universitys failure to respond to antisemitism on its campus, despite the fact the university cracked down harshly on protesters last spring.A chilling effect on free speechThe fallout at Columbia from Khalils arrest has been swift. Students and faculty fear that they, too, could be targeted by the Trump administration and that the university, concerned about further funding cuts, wont even come to their defense.Many of our faculty are, like Mr. Khalil, permanent residents of the United States, and many of them have said things in the course of their scholarship that the Trump administration finds noxious, said Michael Thaddeus, a mathematics professor at Columbia and executive committee member of Columbias chapter of the American Association of University Professors. The attack on Mahmoud Khalil is intended to make them quake in their boots and to make all of us quake in our boots. But the implications of the arrest stretch far beyond the universitys campus. Expressing opposition to the war in Gaza is protected by the First Amendment so long as it does not involve criminal conduct. And even if the speaker is accused of criminal conduct, they have the right to a fair hearing and due process.You cant be snatched off the street and arrested without knowing what youre being arrested for, Creeley said.So far, Khalil does not appear to have been afforded those legal protections. And if he is being punished for merely expressing support for Palestinians alone, then there is no telling where the Trump administration will draw the line in targeting political dissent especially among immigrants, but also among American citizens.It just seems like were entering a dangerous new stage where the government is interpreting its power extremely expansively in ways that sure look like they extend past the limits of the Bill of Rights, Creeley said.See More:

Blizzard has revealed that BlizzCon, the company's huge event that's been on hiatus since 2023, will return next year with promises of hands-on gameplay and much, much moreTech16:00, 11 Mar 2025Blizzcon is back, and it's sure to be memorable(Image: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)There are few studios in the games industry with the ability to pull tens of thousands of players to a venue for a celebration of ifs franchises, but Blizzard is certainly one of them.The developer behind World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and much, much more has traditionally held its BlizzCon event most years, but it's been on hiatus since 2023.Article continues belowNow, Activision Blizzard has confirmed that the event will return in 2026, running from September 12 - 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Here's all we know so far about the next event, including how to get updates on tickets.Expect plenty of photo opps(Image: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)"One of our favorite traditions, BlizzCon brings us together over our shared passion for Blizzards universes, but at its heart, BlizzCon has always been about so much more. Its about you, the communities you are a part of, and gives us the chance to connect, build friendships, and create unforgettable memories together," Blizzard said via a press release."Weve come a long way since our first event in 2005. Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments."As for what will be there, fans can expect all the hits, with Blizzard saying "Its important that we put on an event worthy of our community.""For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it.""We are building this event just like we build our games: with a deep commitment to our players, with respect for your connections to our universes, and as a celebration of the strength of the bonds formed through shared adventure."Blizzcon is a huge celebration of every one of the studio's franchises(Image: Blizzard)Given Blizzard hasn't got any further games slated for release between now and then, there's a good chance those "hands-on gameplay" opportunities will be tied to its tentpole franchises.The last BlizzCon was 2023's edition, which was streamed free to all but its digital ticket included in-game goodies. It revealed the next trio of World of Warcraft expansions dubbed 'The Worldsoul Saga', with the War Within launching last year. The next expansion, Midnight, is currently without a release window.The studio also announced World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic, as well as seasonal information for Diablo 4 as well as the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred.Elsewhere, new Overwatch hero Mauga was revealed, fresh Hearthstone sets, and the first raid for Warcraft Rumble which launched that weekend.Article continues belowKeen to make the trip? You can sign up for updates at BlizzCon.com. I'm off to price up flights...For more of the latest news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up for one of our newsletters here.

Nintendo is still running a sale on Mario games for Switch so be sure to check those out (Nintendo)An artist specialised in GPS drawings made it his mission to recreate Nintendos beloved mascot for Mario Day, by journeying around Paris.Monday marked Mario Day and aside from a fancy new Lego Mario Kart set, Nintendo didnt have much to share on the occasion. No doubt because its saving any big surprises for the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase in April.On social media though, youll find no shortage of fans celebrating the franchise, either by sharing memories of their favourite Mario games or with fan art.One standout example comes from a French artist who chose to demonstrate his love for the series by undertaking an unenviable workout throughout the streets of Paris, to draw Marios face.The artist in question is one Guillaume Lazert, who specialises in GPS art, where he uses a tracking app called Strava to follow a specific route to draw lines on a map and create a recognisable shape or pattern.For Mario Day, Lazert plotted out a route that, according to French outlet Le Figaro, saw him travel 110km (approximately 68 miles), which took him almost 11 hours to complete.Lazert wisely didnt attempt to walk that far in a single day, covering 50km on March 9 by foot, before finishing the rest of the journey on March 10 by bike.As an anecdote, my very first video game was Super Mario 64, on the Nintendo 64, Lazert told Le Figaro. It brought back a lot of memories during these 110 km. I would never have thought that one day I would trace him in the streets of Paris. This time, it was him who played with me and not the other way around. How far would you walk to demonstrate your love for Mario? (Lazert/Lefigaro)Lazerts piece has already made the rounds on X, where several people have jokingly suggested Nintendo will issue a copyright takedown in response.In the past, Lazert has done such artwork for Homer Simpson, Pac-Man, and the Eiffel Tower, but none of those required as much legwork as his Mario piece.By comparison, Homer took 10.5km (about 6.5 miles), Pac-Man took 21.5km (between 13 to 14 miles), and the Eiffel Tower took 55km (about 34 miles).More TrendingIts not the furthest Lazert has trekked for the sake of his art, though. A pair of more complex pieces he did in 2023 saw him travel a collective 630.1km (nearly 392 miles). He must have impressive ankles.With any luck, Lazert will be rewarded with the announcement of a new 3D Mario for the Switch 2 at the April showcase.While there arent any rumours for what games could be shown, a new Mario seems like a safe bet for one of the showcases big reveals although it wont necessarily be a launch title.One Mario title that is (almost) guaranteed to make an appearance is the new Mario Kart that was teased during the Switch 2 reveal. Despite only sharing brief snippets of gameplay, common fan theories suggest it could feature 24 player races and an open world environment. The new Mario Karts a given, but could we see a new 3D platformer as well? (YouTube)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

The first time I went to Japan, I was in the air longer than I was on the ground. It was for a press event and while I walked around a bit, between sleep and work I didnt really get to see anything. So when Lucasfilm announced that Star Wars Celebration was going to be in Japan in April 2025, I took it as a sign. Im turning 45 in April and a trip to Japan for a Star Wars convention sounded like a fun way to celebrate. But I wasnt gonna make the same mistake againno quick trip in and out. This time, Im staying longer, giving me a chance to visit the number one place on my Japan bucket list: the Studio Ghibli Museum. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (not to be confused with the park in Nagoya) is somewhere Ive wanted to go for as long as Ive known it existed. Not many of my favorite film studios (Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, Amblin, Aardman) have dedicated tourist locations you can visit without knowing someone on the inside, so this was something I wasnt going to miss. As soon as the decision was made to actually travel to Japan, I started saving upand doing my research. I found out that museum tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Tokyo time on the 10th of the month before. So, probably back in August 2024 or so, I put the words GHIBLI MUSEUM TICKETS MARCH 10 as the only thing to do on my calendar this past weekend. As the date got closer, I dug a bit deeper. I found the website. Signed up for something where I had to S P A C E M Y N A M E like that before realizing it was the incorrect website (possibly the one for local sales) and didnt need to do all that. I watched a few YouTube videos (this one in particular was good), found the right site for international sales (this is the right site), and waited for the day in question. But what day was I looking for? I soon realized that 10 a.m. in Tokyo is the day before in the United States. Plus, my specific weekend was the first day of daylight savings time. It wasnt until the morning of March 9 that I could confidently say that the tickets would be available at 6 p.m. local time in Los Angeles, California. I was ready. The image at the top of the museum page. Studio Ghibli Now, before I break this down in more detail, a few important things. You have to know what days you are available to attend. The tickets are sold in specific time and day blocks and some of the more popular days/times sell out quickly. Also, its usually closed at least one day a week. So look at your trip and figure out at least one or two days that are flexible enough that you can get tickets at any time and still be happy. Thats one.The other thing is practice. If you can, try and go through the process in the month or two before your days become available, just so you are familiar with it all. I did not do this and it added to my stress, which is crazy because Ive been buying limited-edition posters, toys, all that kind of stuff for basically 20 years. Im also something of an expert on San Diego Comic-Con hotel reservations, a notoriously difficult task. Buying two tickets to a museum that accommodates thousands in any window over two full days didnt feel like an impossible task. I have experience. The issue was if I didnt get them, there wasnt any good second option. The Ghibli site is pretty clear about secondary market tickets not being ideal and the names on the tickets have to match your name. Surely, if I spent more, I could figure it out. There are always ways. But I didnt want to deal with that. In my mind, I had one shot at this and I wish I had practiced. The day arrived. A few hours before the tickets went on sale, the site added the April dates and gave you a look at what specifically you had to click. You can select dates, times, and even see the types of tickets before the site stops you. So I did that a few times as anxiety continued to build. The key moment, however, is 30 minutes before the sale. Thats when the site gets taken over by Queue-It. Queue-It is a devilish company that I hate very much because it does a very good job at being very fair about high-demand events like this. Its the one Ive been dealing with for years for Comic-Con hotels. So while Queue-It is my enemy, its an enemy I respect.An admittedly crude screencap of my computer screen in the queue io9/Gizmodo In this 30-minute window, the key is to open as many different devices or browsers as possible. You cant just open different tabs. They have to be different profiles entirely. Each of these has to be open to the ticketing site that you can see counting down to the top of the hour. The main thing to check is that the unique ID number at the bottom of the page is different from all the rest you have open. If so, thats good. Thats its own entry. You want this because each browser/device is another roll of the dice. Once the countdown hits 0, Queue-It takes every single person on that page at that timeno matter when they arrived on the page, mind youand sorts them into a random order. So someone will instantly get put onto the ticket page and others will see that there are tens of thousands of people ahead of them and the wait is over an hour. The Queue-It site keeps you well-informed on all that with an evil little person walking. But, if you have multiple devices/browsers all open to the page before the on-sale time, each one counts as a different entry. One might get 35,000, and one might get 1,300, which just so happen to be the highest and lowest numbers I got on my series of devices. So while I let the higher numbers run as a backup, I focused on my best and lowest entry.The Ghibli Museum, the reason were doing all this, is usually open six days a week and has four time slots per day (10, 12, 2, 4). I was aiming for either a Thursday or a Friday, with the earliest slot available. So, after 10 minutes of waiting, 1,300 people ahead of me checked out and it was my turn. A screenshot of the, now sold-out, April Ghibli Museum calendar. Studio Ghibli Hopefully at this point, youve already done this partbut if not, its go time. You click a few pages and get to the big calendar with all the dates. On here youll see all the time slots with one of three symbols. An O is available. A triangle means close to selling out and an X is sold out. The 10 a.m. slot on my first choice day was already a triangle but I foolishly went for it anyway. I filled everything in, got to the credit card and, alas, it sold out. Onto noon I went. At this pointand this has changed over the years you need a few things. You need a date and time, of course. You need to know which kind of tickets you want (its age-dependent). You need the email and name of the primary person responsible for the tickets (of which you can only buy six), and you will need to know which airport you are flying in and out of in Tokyo. Why? Im not sure. But youll have to fill that out along with your nationality.Youll also have to set up an account with a four-character password (you cant do this before I dont think, but its super easy and on the same page) and then pay. The tickets are relatively cheap (only 1000 yen for adults, which is about $7) but can only be purchased via credit card. Now, this is a key I learned from the YouTube videos. Most credit card companies will see a seemingly random charge from a foreign country pop up, flag it as fraud, and your card will be denied. This is not a good thing, especially when theres a ticking clock. So, call your credit card company a few days early (or maybe two if you have them) and tell them that on this day you are going to buy something from Japan. And while you have them on the phone, give them your full travel dates too. It cant hurt. Once the credit card is accepted, voila! You have tickets to the Ghibli Museum. You then have to access them with your new account info and print out a confirmation with a QR code (its stressed that you should print it out, probably so you dont have to worry about phone data). Thats your ticket. Nothing but happy faces at this point. Studio Ghibli After months of anxiety and stress, the actual ticket-buying process only took me 15 minutes. I was very lucky but I was also prepared. I got my first-choice day and second-choice time. My other browsers, however, were not so fortunate. Just as an experiment, I let a second browser that had a number in the 20,000s count all the way down. It took a little over an hour to access the tickets and while there were some times still available for my Thursday and Friday, they were later in the afternoon and most weekend dates were sold out. An hour after that, the whole month was gone.To recap, here are my biggest tips to get Ghibli Museum tickets on the official website. Do as much research as possiblewhich youre already doing if youre reading this. High five! If possible, do a test run the month before your tickets go on sale to familiarize yourself. Pick multiple days and times that work for your trip and make sure the museum is open on those days (all info thats on the main site). Open multiple browsers/devices to the ticket page between 1 and 30 minutes before the sale. Have all your travel information on hand. In previous years, people have had to put in local addresses and even passport numbers. That isnt the case now but could be in the future. Call your credit card company to let them know a foreign transaction is coming and is approved. Its as simple as that. Yes, Im joking. But, hopefully, all the stress was worth it. Ill find out next month when Im in Japan. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

By Florence Ion Published March 11, 2025 | Comments (0) | Alleged renders say the next Pixels are going to look similar to the Pixels we have now. Florence Ion / Gizmodo I love leaks. (I also love leeks, and I think theyre great as the base flavor of a creamy soup.) At this time of year, theyre especially fun to look at because itll be months before we know whether any hearsay will come to fruition. Right now, were trying to figure out whether the base model Pixel 10 will have a zoom camera. Leakers have revealed what they purport to be the Google Pixel 10 and its triple-array camera system. Android Headlines posted the report in partnership with OnLeaks, an X/Twitter account weve cited before in smartphone gossip that has turned out to be true. OnLeaks shares CAD renders of the upcoming Pixel 10 lineup. It shows all three models scheduled for release: the base Pixel 10 and the Pro and Pro XL variants.So far, they all look exactly like the Pixel 9 Pro I carry now. Android Headlines says Google will stick with specifications similar to those of its predecessors, including a 6.3-inch display for the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro. You might see a tiny difference in the relative thinness between last years Pixel 9 Pro XL and this years Pixel 10 Pro XL, but it will be minimalabout 0.1mm difference. We can also safely assume the processor will be the Tensor G5, and the devices will have the same RAM stack they currently offer. OnLeaks / Android Headlines Whats got our ears perked up is this idea set forth by leakers and everyone else who has reported on these renders as nearly fact. They allege the Pixel 10 will have a thirdcamera like its Pro siblings. Specifically, it could be a periscopic zoom camera, though it has been known that renders can exaggerate the existence of that. The Pixel 9 is the first tier of the Pixel 9 lineup. Like the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, the camera on the Pixel 9 features the base abilities of the rest of the Pixel 9 series but without that far-away optical zoom. If Google were to add the reason youd spend $200 more on a Pro variant of its Pixel to the first tier, that would change the trajectory of the lineup. It would no longer be at parity with Apples iPhone lineup and even Samsungs Galaxy devices. It would also make it confusing as to who the customer is that the particular base device is marketed toward unless the whole point of the device is to one-up Apple by offering the telephoto capabilities that the base-level iPhone does not.Well have to wait until the summertime before Google reveals anything. Right now, were much more focused on whats coming from its mid-range line, the Pixel A-series.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Florence Ion Published December 26, 2024 Florence Ion, Kyle Barr Updated February 25, 2025 By Sherri L Smith Published October 22, 2024 By Sherri L Smith Published September 9, 2024 By Florence Ion Published August 23, 2024 By Kyle Barr Published August 14, 2024

The planets earliest mammals are an important part of our evolutionary history, yet remain shrouded in mystery. One of them, Mixodectes pungens lived in western North America during the early Paleoceneabout about 66 to 56 million years ago. It was first discovered over 140 years ago by paleontologistand 1881 Popular Science profile subjectEdward Drinker Cope. But most of what we know about them came from tiny jawbone fragments and fossilized teethNow, we may have some answers, thanks to a well-preserved 62 million-year-old skeleton. This particular Mixodectes pungens specimen represents a mature adult that weighed about three pounds, lived in trees, feasted on leaves, and may be among our closer evolutionary relatives. The findings are detailed in a study published March 11 in the journal Scientific Reports. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.A 62-million-year-old skeleton of this quality and completeness offers novel insights into mixodectids, including a much clearer picture of their evolutionary relationships, study co-author and Yale University anthropologist Eric Sargis said in a statement. Our findings show that they are close relatives of primates and colugosflying lemurs native to Southeast Asia making them fairly close relatives of humans.Mixodectes belonged to an extinct family known as mixodectids andCretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that killed off non-avian dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. Many scientists believe that this mass extinction paved the way for the rise of mammals.The skeleton in this study was collected in New Mexicos San Juan Basin by study co-author and New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science paleontology curator Thomas Williamson. The specimen includes a partial skull with teeth, spinal column, rib cage, forelimbs, and hind limbs.By the anatomy of its limbs and claws, the team believes that it lived in trees and could vertically cling to tree trunks and branches. Its molar teeth had crests that are used to break down abrasive material, which suggests an omnivorous diet heavy on the leaves.The skeleton, discovered in New Mexicos San Juan Basin, is the most complete of its kind known to exist. CREDIT: Chester et al. 2025 This fossil skeleton provides new evidence concerning how placental mammals diversified ecologically following the extinction of the dinosaurs, study co-author and Brooklyn College paleontologist Stephen Chester, said in a statement. Characteristics such as a larger body mass and an increased reliance on leaves allowed Mixodectes to thrive in the same trees likely shared with other early primate relatives.According to the team, Mixodectes was rather large for a tree-dwelling mammal in North America during the early Paleocene. For example, the Mixodectes skeleton in this study is significantly larger than a partial skeleton of Torrejonia wilsoni. This small arboreal mammal from an extinct group of primates called plesiadapiforms was discovered alongside it. While Mixodectes primarily ate leaves, Torrejonia mostly ate fruit. The authors believe that these distinctions in both size and diet suggest that mixodectids likely occupied a unique ecological niche in the early Paleocene that set them apart from their tree-dwelling contemporaries.Mixodectids were also euarchontans, a group of mammals that consists of treeshrews, primates, and colugos. To clarify just where Mixodectes fits on the evolutionary tree, the team conducted two phylogenetic analyses. One analysis supported that they were archaic primates, while the other did not. However, the latter analysis did verify that mixodectids are primatomorphans. This group Euarchonta was made up of primates and colugos, but not treeshrews.While the study doesnt entirely resolve the debate over where mixodectids belong on the evolutionary tree, it significantly narrows it, Sargis said.

Lifestraw, Suited Nomad, TurnOnSport, Anker, Eton, PracMedic, and Getty Images ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more When disaster strikes, theres no time to rummage through your house looking for the things you need, the most important pieces of your life. When its time to go, you grab whats closest and you get out. Thats the core idea behind a bug-out bag: a pre-packed, easy-to-carry survival and evacuation kit that lets you leave at a moments notice. It should contain pretty much everything you need to spend up to three self-sufficient days away from your home.Bug-Out bags arent just for hardcore preppers planning for the apocalypse. The reality is, more people than ever, including those in urban areas, are finding themselves in situations where they need to evacuate in a hurry. Having a plan, and a bug-out bag ready to go, isnt paranoid, its being prepared for those things we hope will never happen, in case they do.A good bug-out bag isnt just about survival, its about maintaining stability when everything else is uncertain. Sure, youll need essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies, but it should also include important documents, medications, and anything else that keeps your life running when home isnt an option. And if youve got kids or pets? Their needs should be covered too.The key is packing smart: light enough to carry, tough enough to handle real-world use, and comprehensive enough to keep you going. Heres a list of stuff you should seriously consider including when building the best bugout bag for you.The bagYeti Ranchero 20LStan Horaczek A backpack is the go-to choice for most people. Look for something at least 20 liters in volume, but if youre packing for multiple people or pets, you may need something bigger. A good pack should have external pockets for easy access to essentials and a comfortable waist belt to help distribute weight if you end up covering ground on foot. The Yeti Ranchero is a bit pricy, but it allows for easy access to everything in the bag in a hurry thanks to clever zipper design in the front. If carrying everything on your back isnt ideal, a rolling duffel bag is another great option. Theyre lightweight, easy to pack, and a breeze to maneuver over smooth terrain. If you go this route, pick one with shoulder straps so youre not stuck dragging it if you encounter rough terrain or flights of stairs.High Sierra Travel Bag, Steel Grey/Mercury, 22High Sierra The right bag isnt just about storage; its about mobility when it matters most. Before you commit, load it up and take it for a walk. If its too heavy or awkward, rethink your setup.Whatever you choose, comfort and durability should be top priorities. A bag that falls apart or slows you down isnt just inconvenient, it could be dangerous.How to pack a bug-out bagPrioritize accessibility and efficiency in your bug-out bag. In a high-stress situation, you dont want to be digging through a mess of supplies, trying to remember where you stashed your flashlight.Label everything and pack with consistency. Every time you open your bag, you should know exactly where everything is. Small waterproof bags, packing cubes, and containers can separate and organize medical supplies, food, tools, and important documents.Adventure Travel Packing Cubes, IP65 Water&Dust Proof Organizer Wet BagsSuited nomad Take a moment to go through it, make sure you know where everything is. The more familiar you are with your setup, the faster and smoother your evacuation will be.If you have a larger family and are packing bags for multiple people to carry in your household, pack them the same way so everyone is familiar with the layout. And make sure that absolute essentials are not spread over multiple packs, causing chaos if you lose one of them.Where to keep itMake sure you can grab your bag fast. Where you store it is just as important as whats inside. Keep it in an easy-to-reach, known location where you or anyone in your household can find it in seconds.Untethered 4-Pack Luggage Tag Set | Luggage TagsUntethered Mark your bag with bright-colored tape or tags so its easy to spot in a dark or cluttered space. A cool, dry area is ideal to keep your gear in top condition, away from moisture and extreme temperatures.Update your bagA bug-out bag isnt a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Your, and your familys, needs change over time. Your kit should evolve with them. Make it a habit to reassess and update your bag at least once a year. Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications. If youve added a pet to the family, had a child, or developed new medical needs, make sure your kit reflects those changes. Make sure anything with a built-in battery gets charged occasionally.Important documents youll need in an emergencyWhile documents might not seem like an essential, its important that you be able to prove who you are, and what you own, in a disaster situation. You never want to need a copy of a document that is sitting damp on your desk back at home.Magpul DAKA Pouch Zippered Tactical Range Tool and Gear BagMagpul Bring copies of your identification documents so that you can prove who you are, whether you are in one country or heading to the next.PassportsDrivers licensesBirth certificatesIt is also important to be able to prove what you own, and how you have protected it, especially if total loss, like in a fire, is possible. Bring copies of documents that can quickly help you recover from a disaster without having to go back and forth with government offices or insurance companies.Insurance policiesBank RecordsDeedsMake sure these documents are well organized and stored in a waterproof containerCommunication & NavigationWherever youre going, you want to be able to know how to get there and communicate with others as you are on theNOAA Weather RadioEton Odyssey Hand Crank Emergency Radio, NOAA Weather RadioEto A battery or hand-crank-powered weather radio will not only let you stay in the know even if cell service is down, but it can also keep you entertained and warn you about new emergencies or dangerous weather patterns. Many of these radios also have other helpful survival tools.Maps of the area and a compassTurnOnSport Orienteering Compass Advanced Scout CompassTurnOnSport Bring both road maps and topographical maps of your area so that you can know how to evacuate should the tried and true routes be blocked, shut down, or crammed with cars. Make sure you know how to use the maps, and dont forget a compass.Portable chargersAnker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mAh Portable ChargerAnker In the event your cell phone does still work, make sure you have the proper cords to keep it charged, and consider a compact battery pack (stored charged) to give you a full charge regardless of your access to infrastructure. The Anker model above has a built-in charging cable, so you wont be stuck without a way to attach your device to the charger.Phone card or backup phoneHaving a backup phone or means to make calls can be a lifesaver should you forget/lose/break your cell phone in your evacuation.Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Hard Bound Cover Sketchbook NotebookRite in the Rain Odds are, you dont remember as many phone numbers as youll need in an emergency situation. Write down important numbers of family, friends, and important organizations. Laminate this list. This will ensure you can get in touch with who you need, whether or not you have your phone.A waterproof notebook is a great place to store that information.Medical & HygieneYou may be outside your home for a few days, make sure that you can stay healthy and clean.MedicationsPracMedic Bags EpiPen Carry Case- Insulated & Roomy Epi Pens Carrying CasePracMedic Bags Make sure that you have enough of your prescriptions, including EpiPens and inhalers, to survive comfortably for a few days. Bring a copy of your prescriptions with you so that you can refill them if necessary.GlassesCamGo Tactical Sunglasses Hard Case Portable Molle Zipper Nylon Eyeglasses Carrying CaseCamGo Bring an extra set of eyeglasses if you need them and a copy of your prescription in case you lose the backups as well.First-aid kitEMT Pouch MOLLE Ifak Pouch Tactical MOLLE Medical First AidCarlebben A basic first-aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, tweezers, gauze, etc., should cover most of your needs until you can get to more robust care.If you end up using the first-aid kit in a non-emergency situation, make sure to replace what you used.Hygiene KitKeep yourself from getting sick while youre on the move. A reasonable amount of toilet paper, as well as hand sanitizer, soap, and feminine hygiene products, will help you stay clean and prevent illness.Sun ProtectionBLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 50+Blue Lizard Make sure you dont get a painful and dehydrating burn with sun cover and sunscreen. If you have room for a sun hat or even some UPF sun protection clothing. Money & EssentialsA little cash will not only keep you going, but it could get you out of a bind. Keep your keys with your cash; theyre both crucial for getting you out and getting you backCashPelican WalletPelican A few hundred dollars in small bills can come in very handy if connectivity issues prevent credit card transactions.Credit CardsAs backup and to use when you are in a more stable situation.Jumbo Vinyl Coated Floating Keychain Key floatsJQuad Have extra sets of your car and house keys so that you can go and get back in. Also, keep any copies of keys you may need, like for gates, sheds, or outbuildings.Put them on a keyring thats easy to spot and hard to lose. A floating keyring cant hurt, either.Survival GearYou dont need to prepare for a weeks-long expedition, but you should be able to survive a day or two of roughing it until you reach a more stable situation.FireZippo Emergency Fire KitZippo Bring multiple ways to start a fire, including matches in a waterproof container and a lighter. These can help you stay warm, signal, and boil water should your water system fail.WhistleHEIMDALL Emergency WhistleHeimdall If youre trapped and need to signal to rescuers, a whistle is a good option. You could also bring a signaling mirror if you think you might end up in a remote location and you want to provide a visual aid as to where you are. Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 EDC Multi toolLook for one with a straight blade, a serrated blade, and pliers. This will help you cut most things, including cords, and deal with mechanical problems you may have.A dedicated knife is also a great thing to have outside the blade built into the multitool.FlashlightThruNite Archer 2A C LED Rechargeable FlashlightThrunite Dont rely on your phone for light. Dont forget extra batteries.Food & waterIts essential to keep your body in working order. That means feeding yourself and staying hydrated.Bottled waterNalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water BottleNalgene Bottled water can be heavy, but have a few on hand to get yourself moving and hydrated.A wide-mouth bottle is extra useful because it provides a water-tight way to store things when youre not using it for hydration. Water filtrationLifeStraw Personal Water FilterLifestraw A filtration system can give you access to unlimited water. A portable filter or iodine treatment method will keep you hydrated and from getting sick. Make sure you have a means to carry treated water like a water bottle or bag.Shelf-stable foodMake sure you can stay fueled for a few days. Granola bars and dried fruit work, but more robust options like freeze-dried meals and MREs may keep you more satisfied. Just be sure to store boxed food in airtight plastic or metal containers in a cool, dry place.Shelter & WarmthStay warm and safe in the weather you are likely to encounter.Tarp and paracordTITAN Survival Patented Paracord 550Titan These are both incredibly useful and can make for an impromptu shelter. The tarp doesnt have to be anything special. You can go with something relatively light and affordable. Emergency blanket or sleeping bagSwiss Safe 4 Pack Mylar Emergency Blankets for SurvivalSwiss Safe If you have to hunker down, its crucial that you can do so while staying warm.These foil blankets help retain warmth even though theyre extremely thin. Once they have been used, however, grab some new ones. They dont fold well and tend to become crinkled messes in a hurry.Change of clothesHave one full set of season and location-appropriate clothing, including base layers, socks, and rain gear.Infants, children, & petsMake sure you can care for those who depend on you.InfantsEquip yourself with extra, durably packaged, formula, diapers, wipes, and bottles. And make sure those important forms like birth certificate and vaccination records go with yours.ChildrenChildren will have the same needs as adults above, but consider adding a few comfort items like a toy or blanket to try to keep morale high.PetsRuffwear, Trail Runner Ultralight Packable Dog BowlRuffwear Bring extra food, leashes, collapsible bowls, and any medications and paperwork.ConclusionPrepare your bug-out bag well, and you will be ready to get up and go, regardless of the disaster. Remember, though, these are not permanent solutions; they are living solutions. Regularly update your forms, keys, and medications, and make sure you are not headed into your disaster with expired food, leaky containers, and moldy clothing.