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Several Whitehall offices in the capital to close by 2030 in major government shake-up View the full article

The 2025 WNBA season is upon us, and it’s already making waves. From Caitlin Clark draining logo threes to Paige Bueckers debuting for the Dallas Wings, and the Golden State Valkyries hitting the court for the first time, pre-season coverage has been electric. For those of us who’ve spent years advocating for women’s sports, the buzz surrounding this season isn’t just exciting, it’s a powerful reflection of the league’s progress and promise. Rising viewership. New sponsorships. Sold-out arenas. Long-overdue increases in minimum salaries making their way into collective bargaining agreements. These are signs that the tide is turning. But let’s not mistake momentum for a final destination. The truth is, we’re still playing catch-up inside systems that were never built with equity in mind. Earlier this year, I sat on a panel during NBA All-Star Weekend titled, “It’s Not Women’s Sports, It’s Sports, Stupid.” I loved the sentiment of this framing. If you’re into professional sports, it doesn’t matter whether you’re watching men or women play—the competition has the same power to captivate and inspire. It’s why some of us dare to dream of a future where the label “women’s sports” is no longer needed. But while we may aspire to treat all sports equally, pretending the playing field is already level overlooks decades of systemic inequity built into the longer-running, more prominent sports structures. Build equity into the foundation Take the WNBA. While the league continues to break new ground, it operates within a framework borrowed from a time before it existed. Revenue sharing, salary caps, travel accommodations, facilities, and even All-Star Game bonuses—none were designed with parity in mind. Even the most groundbreaking updates to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) represent incremental fixes within outdated architecture. A stark example: The NBA’s salary cap is orders of magnitude higher than the WNBA’s, despite surging fan engagement with the women’s game. These legacy constraints hamper growth, no matter how bold the vision. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? At Parity, we work with a community of 1,100+ professional women athletes across 85 sports, from alpine skiing to American football, wheelchair basketball to windsurfing. From our broad vantage point we see what happens when emerging sports properties reimagine structures, athlete resources, and rewards to build equity into the foundation from day one. Consider Grand Slam Track. Born from the minds of Olympians, it offers equal prize money and visibility for men and women in every meet. Or CrossFit Games, which has featured equal prize money since its earliest days. Premier Rugby Sevens goes even further, with men’s and women’s teams competing for the same club, their scores aggregated to decide the championship, and all athletes paid equally. Then there’s TST (The Soccer Tournament), where both men’s and women’s brackets offer a $1 million winner-take-all prize. When the women’s tournament launched, organizers didn’t scale the prize down—they matched it. These aren’t just feel-good stories. They’re working models. Transparency as a baseline Many up-and-coming leagues didn’t inherit inequity; they sidestepped it. They launched with transparent pay, athlete revenue shares, integrated maternity leave policies, and athlete ownership stakes. Sponsorship and content rights are structured to empower players, not just teams. Media distribution is increasingly direct-to-consumer, giving fans deeper access and athletes greater control. And guess what? Brands are noticing. These properties are fast becoming hidden gems of sports marketing, attracting culturally relevant sponsors and a younger, values-driven fan base hungry for authenticity. Now imagine if all sports leagues had started this way. Picture revenue-sharing models that prioritize athletes. Governance that centers the athlete voice. Pay transparency as a baseline. Media rights split equitably. Built-in support for mental health, parenting, and career transition. Fan experiences designed for an inclusive, digitally native audience. This isn’t wishful thinking. It’s a blueprint for sustainable growth. The opportunity is clear For brands and media companies, the opportunity is clear. The next generation of sports fans is demanding more than entertainment. They want alignment with their values. They want to invest in systems that elevate, not exclude. The organizations that recognize this shift and act now will be the ones who define the future of sports marketing. Of course, we should celebrate the WNBA and NWSL for pushing forward. Their recent CBAs matter. And yes, tennis has made strides too, with equal prize money at Grand Slams, even as disparities persist in smaller tournaments. But we can’t limit our ambitions to what can be retrofitted into the past. The real question is: What could we create if we built it right from the start? Let’s stop thinking about women’s sports as the undercard. Let’s stop asking athletes to work twice as hard for half as much. Instead, let’s imagine—and build—a future where equity isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation. To the investors, brands, and media companies: The future of sports won’t wait. The blueprint is here. The audience is ready. The question is, are you bold enough to build it? Leela Srinivasan is CEO of Parity. View the full article

Some software updates pack in a number of features and changes, while others fundamentally overhaul the experience of using the device in question. iOS 18.5 is neither: This is a minor update, but that's to be expected. WWDC is next month, where Apple will almost assuredly announce iOS 19. But iOS 18.5 isn't an empty update. Once you install it on your iPhone, you will notice some changes—and some of the changes you don't notice are the most important of all. Here's everything that's new in the latest iOS update: An easy way to disable contact photos in MailWith iOS 18.2, Apple upgraded the Mail app. For some, the changes made the Mail app more organized and efficient to use. For others, it was bloated and confusing. Contact photos didn't help. The idea is that if you have a contact photo for a sender, it'll appear in the left side of the message in your inbox. However, if you don't have such a photo, Mail will use an image from Apple's stock library. Taste is subjective, but, frankly, these stock icons just don't look good. Luckily, you can disable them, but you'd never know that unless you're someone who loves diving through your Settings app. iOS 18.5 fixes that with an easy option right in the Mail app itself. Lifehacker's Khamosh Pathak explained the change in more depth here. It just got more difficult to bypass Screen Time settingsApple's Screen Time feature is a great tool for parents—and, I can only image, a pain for kids. Parents can set a passcode to lock Screen Time settings, and ensure that kids can't access aspects of their iPhone their parents don't want them to. Of course, passcodes are an infamously futile restriction, as savvy kids will always figure out how to break in. While Apple's isn't reinventing the passcode wheel with iOS 18.5, it is making Screen Time a bit more secure. Once you update, you'll receive a notification whenever the Screen Time passcode is used on a child's device. That won't stop your kids from figuring out your Screen Time passcode, but it will nip their fun in the bud pretty quickly. I imagine the kids will figure out some workaround to this feature in the future. But, for now, you have an additional tool to help ensure the restrictions stay in place. A new "Pride Harmony" wallpaper Credit: Apple In anticipation of Pride Month, Apple is rolling out a new "Pride Harmony" wallpaper for its various devices. The wallpaper features colors of the rainbow that adjust their positions as you move, lock, or unlock your iPhone or iPad. Apple also has a new Pride Edition Sport Band, which features a similar color scheme. Apple says its goal with the Pride Harmony design is to "celebrate the strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ communities around the world." It's easy to be cynical about corporate pride, but considering the times we live in, it's cool to see Apple continuing to be as openly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community as it has been in recent years. (Tim Cook's donations aside.) "Buy with iPhone" now available on third-party devicesWhen you buy something on the Apple TV's TV app (say that three times fast), you have the option to approve that purchase with your iPhone. With iOS 18.5, that feature is coming to the TV app on non-Apple devices. That way, you don't need to make the purchase on the TV app of another Apple device before being able to watch on your third-party device. Carrier-provided satellite features are now available on the iPhone 13 seriesSince 2023, Apple has officially supported satellite communications for all iPhones starting with the 14 series. If you're out without cell services, you can connect to a satellite to reach out to the authorities for help—or even just text a friend. Following this latest update, however, iPhone 13 users will be able to take advantage of satellite features as well. Apple Vision Pro app gets a bug fixThe update also fixes an issue with the Apple Vision Pro app, where the app may sometimes display a black screen. Security updatesiOS 18.5's sleeper feature is the security boost it provides your iPhone. In all, the update patches over 30 bugs. Luckily, Apple isn't aware of any exploits for these vulnerabilities, which means hackers have likely not used these flaws to target iPhone users. That said, the safest course of action is to update your iPhone as soon as possible, in case someone does figure out how to use these flaws against you. Plus, there are some non-hacking vulnerabilities here you should patch. FaceTime's mute button, for example, might not actually work, which should be more than enough reason to update to iOS 18.5. (Be careful when talking smack while on a FaceTime call.) You can see the full list of updates here. View the full article

French president in talks with Germany and Poland over whether the warheads can protect them against RussiaView the full article

Spotify's AI DJ is like if ChatGPT decided to switch careers. The DJ curates a playlist of music based on Premium subscribers' previous play history, including new and old songs in the mix. Of course, the headline feature is the DJ's voice, as the AI bot announces which songs are up next, as well as some information about each. Whether you love or hate AI, it's a pretty harmless feature, and seems fun for those who pay for Spotify. While DJ feels interactive, it really isn't. Aside from skipping songs, it's mostly a passive feature. That's now changing: In a blog post on Tuesday, Spotify announced that you will now be able to make requests to the DJ with your voice. If you're enjoying the personalized playlist, but want to listen to something in particular—whether that be a song, genre, or mood—you can now ask the DJ to play it. In a video on the press release, Spotify demos a user asking, "DJ, morning motivation needed ASAP...give me some dance-pop vibes." The DJ responds in kind: "No problem. Here's some LISA." In another example, the user asks, "play me something with a Y2K vibe to celebrate." DJ decides to run with Tate McRae, "with that nostalgic sound you've had on repeat." Some other request examples Spotify highlighted include: “Surprise me with some indie tracks I’ve never heard before.” “Give me some electronic beats for a midday run.” “Play me some cry-in-the-car songs.” Spotify says that DJ requests are available in English for Premium users in over 60 markets. If you have access to the DJ, you have access to requests. How to make a DJ request on SpotifyFirst, you'll need to subscribe to Spotify Premium and live in an area where the DJ is available. If those two points are met, open Spotify and search for "DJ." Press play to launch the DJ, then press and hold the DJ button in the right-hand corner. (Listen for a beep.) Now, place your request. As usual, if you don't have a specific request but want to hear something else, you can simply skip to the next track, which will likely be something totally different than what was just playing. View the full article

The increase in purchase mortgage rate lock volume provides support for those looking for a strong Spring market this year, Optimal Blue found. View the full article

I am someone who is borderline obsessed with monitoring my health and fitness data. I use a smart scale, a calorie- and nutrient-tracking app, smart workout equipment, and my beloved Apple Watch to create a picture of my overall physical well-being that is as complete as possible. The only time I take my Apple Watch off is when I'm dressing up to go somewhere nice and even then, it pains me deeply. Just imagine the heart rate and calorie-burning data I'm missing out on while I waltz around in my fancy dress. It's sickening. All of these apps and devices work in concert to keep tabs on my every heartbeat and footstep, but there is a notable exception. I am usually against linking my Apple Watch to apps that track my workouts, as this has caused headaches in the past by double-importing data into my food-tracking app and daily Apple Health summary—this defeats the purpose of the monitoring altogether by significantly inflating my burned calories and total active minutes. Today, reluctantly, I linked my Apple Watch to my Peloton Bike, expecting it to cause the same problems—but it only impressed me. Now, I'm a believer in linking these two devices. I'll tell you why, plus how to do it. How to link your Apple Watch and Peloton deviceOn your Peloton app, select your Profile (on the right of the menu at the bottom of the home screen), then find the hamburger menu on the top right of your profile screen. Selecting that will bring you to a page called More and right there, under Add-Ons, you'll find Apple Watch. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Tap that, grant the permissions in Apple Health when prompted, hit Set up, and you'll see three choices: Connect to Health App, Share Your Location, and Track Your Movement. For our purposes, with the Bike and other at-home workout equipment, you'll just toggle on that first one, but if you want your outdoor runs tracked privately, toggle on the second one, and if you want your pace for indoor runs and walks recorded, hit the third one, too. From there, I just opened the Watch app on my phone to double-check that the Peloton app was included in the apps installed on the device. I scrolled to the bottom of the Watch app, selected Peloton from the list under Installed on Apple Watch, and toggled on Show App on Apple Watch. Why I enjoy the link between the Apple Watch and PelotonAfter that, I hopped on my stationary bike and started up a workout. I opened up the Workout app on my watch and selected "indoor cycle," then opened the Peloton app on the watch. It showed me a blank screen with just a few words telling me to start a workout on the bike, so I did. Suddenly, the watch screen changed and began showing my heart rate. More interestingly, a small heart-rate tracker appeared on the upper left on my Peloton touch screen along with a power bar showing what "zone" I was in based on my heart rate. (My Peloton "power zones" are customized to my fitness level because I took the FTP test offered through the bike, which you should also do.) There's already plenty of information available on the screen, like cadence, resistance, and output, but I didn't find this distracting. It was actually pretty helpful to get a sense of what "zone" I was in. I only selected a 10-minute workout, so I didn't expect to be wiped out, but it was nice to gauge how much I was pushing myself so I could work to get the most out of those 10 minutes. When the class was over, I opened the Lanebreak app on the bike. Lanebreak is a virtual game offered by Peloton that I absolutely love and play every day, so I was interested in seeing if the heart rate monitor would pop up on the screen during a level, too. It did! After my five-minute cooldown Lanebreak level ended, I opened the Workout app on the watch again to mark down that I was done, like I always do. To my surprise, the Peloton app actually overrode it; the Workout app had stopped tracking my indoor cycle session as soon as the Peloton app took over. That made me nervous because I was afraid that the workout wouldn't be reflected in my Apple Health daily summary or Activity Rings, but when I opened that up on my phone, there they were: Two "indoor cycle" workouts under Sessions. Where they'd normally have the green Apple Workout logo next to them, they had the Peloton logo. They were tracked and categorized just like an indoor cycle session I would normally monitor using my watch. They counted toward the Move and Exercise portions of my Activity Rings and all. I opened my nutrition-tracking app to make sure the burned calories hadn't been double-entered. They hadn't! The Peloton App succeeds where other apps have failed: It doesn't make tracking your movement across various apps and devices a convoluted mess. Finally, I opened the Peloton app to look at the summary of my workouts. They usually include estimates of your burned calories and output, plus which muscles you worked and how long you were at it, but now, they included more detailed breakdowns of how long I spent in each heart rate zone and provided more information on my total output. What is the benefit of linking these devices?Like I said, the Peloton app tracked the same things my Apple Watch would track on its own using the Workout function: My heart rate, my burned calories, and the duration of my workout. So, you might wonder, what's the point of linking the bike (or Peloton Tread or Row) to the watch at all? There are a few benefits that are evident here. First, it was convenient to see my heart rate and power zone reflected on the Peloton screen. I didn't have to glance down at my wrist to see my heart rate like I usually do; I could stay focused on the screen, which is important for safety, and pace myself in real time to make sure I stayed in the zone I wanted to be in. Second, linking the Apple Watch and Peloton device enables you to see something called you "strive score." This is a personal metric that helps you understand and visualize how hard you worked during a class or ride, and it's based on a combination of your heart rate and how long you spent in each of Peloton's seven "power zones." (Lower zones correspond with a lower heart rate and higher zones correspond with a higher one.) Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Be warned: You have to toggle on the strive score separately, which I didn't know at first, so my 10-minute ride doesn't have one, but my Lanebreak level does. Doing this is simple: From that same More menu in your profile, hit Settings and scroll all the way to the bottom. Toggle on Track and Display Strive Score and then choose whether in-class participants can see it or not. I was annoyed that the only strive score I got for the day was a measly 2.2 on my five-minute cooldown, but that only inspires me to, well, strive for a higher one tomorrow. Overall, there is no downside to linking your Apple Watch and Peloton device, which isn't always true when it comes to other fitness apps. In fact, you can get even more comprehensive workout data by doing it and I, for one, think it's awesome. View the full article

Eyecatching solutions sought for health service that will resonate with voters and enhance Labour election prospectsView the full article

Since its last major redesign in 2022, Airbnb has been all about the destination. Staying in homes so unique or glamorous—from McMansions with amazing pools to surrealist homes in a shoe—that they might be worth a trip unto itself. But starting today, Airbnb is expanding its purview beyond homes…again. It’s launching a new product called Airbnb Services, and redoubling on Airbnb Experiences (first launched in 2016). What are Airbnb Services? Services considers everything you might want to accompany that home you’re renting. Photography. A manicure. A massage or spa treatment. A personal trainer. A private chef or fully catered experience. It’s basically everything you could imagine around a wedding, weekend get-together with friends, or even a corporate retreat. Meanwhile, Experiences falls under the greater umbrella of “stuff for tourists.” These outings hosted by locals include walking tours of local landmarks, cooking classes, and shopping experiences. (They can also include something Airbnb is dubbing Airbnb Originals, which are higher profile events like getting glammed up with Sabrina Carpenter for a day.) Redesigning an app to do more stuff To offer these new features, Services and Experiences will both get their own tab right on top of the app, alongside Homes. For anyone who has booked a home on Airbnb, the biggest update will be a complete trip timeline that includes both their rental and anything else they’ve signed up to do. (Airbnb also intends to sell you on services and experiences after you’ve booked a place to stay.) Summarized, these updates might seem pretty small—and in line with Airbnb’s own experimentation for the past decade. The company has hit a mature era of its business, growing 6% year-over-year. Rental prices have been flat for Airbnb recently, but a bright spot pushing those earnings has been Experiences. By pushing Experiences to a more front-and-center position in the app, and accompanying them with Services, Airbnb is pushing the pedal down on all the stuff they can make money on that’s not housing. And in doing so, it becomes as much an event planner as a vacation tool, arguably capable of 10x’ing what it can charge. Consider that the average vacation costs Americans about $2,800, but the average wedding costs Americans $33,000. Before this update, it would have been inconceivable to book a wedding (complete with hair, food, and entertainment) on Airbnb. After this update, it seems downright simple. Time will tell how deeply Airbnb can seep into our major events and, in turn, the deepest crevasses of our wallets. But with a few tweaks to its existing formula, Airbnb is banking on being a lot more than another vacation app. View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Bar Snacks: Bar snacks play a vital role in enhancing the customer experience, driving traffic, and encouraging patrons to linger longer.Variety is Key: Offering a diverse range of snacks, from traditional options like nachos and chicken wings to innovative choices like gourmet popcorn, caters to different taste preferences.Health-conscious Options: Incorporating healthier snacks, such as vegetables with hummus and mixed nuts, can attract a broader audience, including health-conscious patrons.Perfect Pairings: Pairing snacks with drinks, like beer and cocktails, enhances flavor experiences and increases customer satisfaction, ultimately boosting sales.Presentation Matters: The visual appeal of snacks can draw customers in; consider eye-catching displays for unique snacks to enhance your bar’s atmosphere. When you step into a bar, the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and clinking glasses. But what really elevates that experience? The perfect bar snack. These tasty bites not only complement your drink but also keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a solo night out, the right snack can make all the difference. From crispy nachos piled high with toppings to savory wings dripping in sauce, bar snacks come in all shapes and flavors. They’re designed to satisfy cravings and spark conversations, turning any outing into a memorable occasion. Join us as we explore some of the most popular bar snacks that keep patrons coming back for more. Overview of Popular Bar Snacks Bar snacks play a crucial role in the overall experience of your establishment. They not only enhance the ambience but also drive customer traffic to your small business. Here’s a look at some popular bar snacks: Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and various toppings. Offer choices like guacamole or salsa to elevate flavor. Chicken Wings: These can come in countless flavors, from buffalo to honey garlic. Consider offering a variety of sauces to appeal to different taste preferences. Sliders: Mini sandwiches can feature diverse fillings, such as beef, pork, or vegetarian options. Sliders provide a shareable snack perfect for groups. Pretzels: Soft or hard pretzels served with mustard or cheese dip can attract patrons seeking a quick bite. Dips: Varieties like spinach-artichoke or bean dip create excellent options for patrons who enjoy sharing snacks. Incorporating these snacks into your storefront can encourage patrons to linger longer and enjoy their drinks, thus boosting your sales. Classic Bar Snacks Classic bar snacks represent a crucial aspect of the bar experience, appealing to patrons while boosting traffic for small businesses. These offerings not only complement drinks but also create an inviting atmosphere. Potato Chips Potato chips deliver a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with beverages. You might consider offering various flavors like sea salt, barbecue, or sour cream and onion to cater to diverse preferences. Their low cost and easy preparation make chips a smart choice for small business owners looking to enhance their menu without significant investment. Peanuts Peanuts serve as another timeless bar snack, providing a salty treat that keeps customers coming back for more. You can offer them roasted, salted, or even flavored varieties to attract a wider audience. Displays of peanuts in glass jars or bowls create an appealing storefront presentation and encourage social interaction among patrons. Innovative Bar Snacks Introducing innovative bar snacks enhances your small business’s appeal and can stimulate customer interest. Unique offerings set your bar apart and create a lasting impression on patrons. Gourmet Popcorn Gourmet popcorn presents an exciting twist on traditional bar snacks. Offering flavors like truffle parmesan, spicy jalapeño, or caramel drizzle allows you to cater to a variety of tastes. By packaging it in eye-catching containers, this snack becomes not just a tasty treat but also a visual focal point in your storefront. This versatile option pairs well with an array of beverages, making it an excellent choice for encouraging customers to purchase more. Loaded Nachos Loaded nachos take the classic snack to the next level, perfect for sharing among friends. By layering tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, and other toppings, this vibrant dish becomes a crowd-pleaser. Ensure you offer customizable options, allowing customers to personalize their nachos with their favorite flavors. Providing a signature nacho dish at your bar can drive foot traffic and enhance the overall experience, making your establishment a go-to among patrons seeking a tasty bite alongside their drinks. Healthier Bar Snack Options Healthier bar snacks can attract health-conscious patrons and benefit small businesses. You’ll find that offering nutritious options enhances the overall experience while maintaining profitability. Vegetables and Hummus Vegetables and hummus offer a fresh alternative to traditional bar snacks. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips pair perfectly with creamy hummus, providing a colorful and vibrant option. This snack caters to those seeking lighter fare while encouraging social interactions, as patrons often enjoy sharing platters. Your bar can creatively display these snacks to enhance visual appeal, making them more enticing for customers. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds serve as a nutritious snack, providing protein and healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds offer flavor variety and can be paired with seasonings like sea salt or spices. Presenting these in small bowls or jars at your bar can encourage patrons to indulge, increasing the chances of repeat visits. Both options promote socialization while supporting a health-oriented menu, positioning your small business as a go-to spot for diverse snack offerings. Pairing Snacks with Drinks Pairing snacks with drinks enhances customer satisfaction and creates a better bar experience. It encourages patrons to linger longer, promoting social interactions and boosting sales for your small business. Beer Pairing Beer and snacks work well together, allowing you to create memorable combinations that cater to varying tastes. Nachos: Serve with pale ales to balance the flavors, creating a satisfying crunch. Buffalo Wings: Pair with IPAs for a spicy kick that complements the heat. Pretzels: Offer with wheat beers, enhancing the saltiness and texture. Potato Chips: Match with light lagers to keep flavors refreshing and crisp. These pairings can drive traffic to your small business as customers seek the best combinations for their favorite brews. Cocktail Pairing Cocktails present a unique opportunity for tailored snack pairings, elevating the overall experience at your bar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7XJ7p6hfO4 Margaritas: Pair with chips and salsa, providing a zesty combination that patrons love. Mojitos: Serve with fresh vegetable platters, complementing the cocktail’s refreshing mint and lime. Whiskey Sour: Match with smoked nuts, enhancing the drink’s complexity and richness. Cosmopolitan: Suggest mini sliders, offering a savory balance to the cocktail’s tartness. By curating cocktail pairings with bar snacks, you can attract diverse clientele to your small business, increasing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. Conclusion Bar snacks play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying classic options like potato chips and peanuts or indulging in gourmet delights like loaded nachos and truffle popcorn, these tasty bites enhance your overall experience. By offering a variety of snacks that cater to different preferences, you can attract a diverse crowd and encourage social interactions among patrons. Pairing these snacks with the right drinks not only elevates your dining experience but also boosts customer satisfaction. Embrace the power of bar snacks to transform your establishment into a go-to destination for great food and drinks. Frequently Asked Questions What are bar snacks? Bar snacks are small, savory food items served in bars that complement drinks and enhance the overall experience. Popular options include nachos, wings, sliders, pretzels, and various dips, encouraging social interaction among patrons. Why are bar snacks important? Bar snacks are important because they satisfy cravings, enhance the atmosphere, and encourage customers to linger longer, increasing sales for small businesses. They also create a more enjoyable experience and encourage socializing among guests. What are some popular bar snacks? Popular bar snacks include nachos, chicken wings, sliders, pretzels, and assorted dips. These snacks appeal to a wide range of tastes and are often shared among patrons, making them ideal for a social setting. How can healthier bar snacks attract more customers? Healthier bar snacks, like vegetables with hummus and a variety of nuts and seeds, can attract health-conscious patrons. Offering these options diversifies the menu and positions the bar as a destination for all snack preferences. How can bar snacks enhance drink pairings? Bar snacks can enhance drink pairings by creating complementary flavors. For example, nachos pair well with pale ales, and buffalo wings are excellent with IPAs, promoting customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. Are there innovative bar snack options? Yes, innovative bar snack options include gourmet popcorn with unique flavors, loaded nachos, and other customizable dishes that cater to diverse tastes. These options can attract attention and encourage patrons to try something new. What role do classic snacks play in a bar? Classic snacks, like potato chips and peanuts, play a significant role in fostering nostalgia and comfort among patrons. They are also cost-effective choices for bars, helping to create a familiar and inviting atmosphere for customers. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover Delicious Popular Bar Snacks That Enhance Your Drinking Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Importance of Bar Snacks: Bar snacks play a vital role in enhancing the customer experience, driving traffic, and encouraging patrons to linger longer.Variety is Key: Offering a diverse range of snacks, from traditional options like nachos and chicken wings to innovative choices like gourmet popcorn, caters to different taste preferences.Health-conscious Options: Incorporating healthier snacks, such as vegetables with hummus and mixed nuts, can attract a broader audience, including health-conscious patrons.Perfect Pairings: Pairing snacks with drinks, like beer and cocktails, enhances flavor experiences and increases customer satisfaction, ultimately boosting sales.Presentation Matters: The visual appeal of snacks can draw customers in; consider eye-catching displays for unique snacks to enhance your bar’s atmosphere. When you step into a bar, the atmosphere buzzes with laughter and clinking glasses. But what really elevates that experience? The perfect bar snack. These tasty bites not only complement your drink but also keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a solo night out, the right snack can make all the difference. From crispy nachos piled high with toppings to savory wings dripping in sauce, bar snacks come in all shapes and flavors. They’re designed to satisfy cravings and spark conversations, turning any outing into a memorable occasion. Join us as we explore some of the most popular bar snacks that keep patrons coming back for more. Overview of Popular Bar Snacks Bar snacks play a crucial role in the overall experience of your establishment. They not only enhance the ambience but also drive customer traffic to your small business. Here’s a look at some popular bar snacks: Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and various toppings. Offer choices like guacamole or salsa to elevate flavor. Chicken Wings: These can come in countless flavors, from buffalo to honey garlic. Consider offering a variety of sauces to appeal to different taste preferences. Sliders: Mini sandwiches can feature diverse fillings, such as beef, pork, or vegetarian options. Sliders provide a shareable snack perfect for groups. Pretzels: Soft or hard pretzels served with mustard or cheese dip can attract patrons seeking a quick bite. Dips: Varieties like spinach-artichoke or bean dip create excellent options for patrons who enjoy sharing snacks. Incorporating these snacks into your storefront can encourage patrons to linger longer and enjoy their drinks, thus boosting your sales. Classic Bar Snacks Classic bar snacks represent a crucial aspect of the bar experience, appealing to patrons while boosting traffic for small businesses. These offerings not only complement drinks but also create an inviting atmosphere. Potato Chips Potato chips deliver a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with beverages. You might consider offering various flavors like sea salt, barbecue, or sour cream and onion to cater to diverse preferences. Their low cost and easy preparation make chips a smart choice for small business owners looking to enhance their menu without significant investment. Peanuts Peanuts serve as another timeless bar snack, providing a salty treat that keeps customers coming back for more. You can offer them roasted, salted, or even flavored varieties to attract a wider audience. Displays of peanuts in glass jars or bowls create an appealing storefront presentation and encourage social interaction among patrons. Innovative Bar Snacks Introducing innovative bar snacks enhances your small business’s appeal and can stimulate customer interest. Unique offerings set your bar apart and create a lasting impression on patrons. Gourmet Popcorn Gourmet popcorn presents an exciting twist on traditional bar snacks. Offering flavors like truffle parmesan, spicy jalapeño, or caramel drizzle allows you to cater to a variety of tastes. By packaging it in eye-catching containers, this snack becomes not just a tasty treat but also a visual focal point in your storefront. This versatile option pairs well with an array of beverages, making it an excellent choice for encouraging customers to purchase more. Loaded Nachos Loaded nachos take the classic snack to the next level, perfect for sharing among friends. By layering tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, and other toppings, this vibrant dish becomes a crowd-pleaser. Ensure you offer customizable options, allowing customers to personalize their nachos with their favorite flavors. Providing a signature nacho dish at your bar can drive foot traffic and enhance the overall experience, making your establishment a go-to among patrons seeking a tasty bite alongside their drinks. Healthier Bar Snack Options Healthier bar snacks can attract health-conscious patrons and benefit small businesses. You’ll find that offering nutritious options enhances the overall experience while maintaining profitability. Vegetables and Hummus Vegetables and hummus offer a fresh alternative to traditional bar snacks. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips pair perfectly with creamy hummus, providing a colorful and vibrant option. This snack caters to those seeking lighter fare while encouraging social interactions, as patrons often enjoy sharing platters. Your bar can creatively display these snacks to enhance visual appeal, making them more enticing for customers. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds serve as a nutritious snack, providing protein and healthy fats. Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds offer flavor variety and can be paired with seasonings like sea salt or spices. Presenting these in small bowls or jars at your bar can encourage patrons to indulge, increasing the chances of repeat visits. Both options promote socialization while supporting a health-oriented menu, positioning your small business as a go-to spot for diverse snack offerings. Pairing Snacks with Drinks Pairing snacks with drinks enhances customer satisfaction and creates a better bar experience. It encourages patrons to linger longer, promoting social interactions and boosting sales for your small business. Beer Pairing Beer and snacks work well together, allowing you to create memorable combinations that cater to varying tastes. Nachos: Serve with pale ales to balance the flavors, creating a satisfying crunch. Buffalo Wings: Pair with IPAs for a spicy kick that complements the heat. Pretzels: Offer with wheat beers, enhancing the saltiness and texture. Potato Chips: Match with light lagers to keep flavors refreshing and crisp. These pairings can drive traffic to your small business as customers seek the best combinations for their favorite brews. Cocktail Pairing Cocktails present a unique opportunity for tailored snack pairings, elevating the overall experience at your bar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7XJ7p6hfO4 Margaritas: Pair with chips and salsa, providing a zesty combination that patrons love. Mojitos: Serve with fresh vegetable platters, complementing the cocktail’s refreshing mint and lime. Whiskey Sour: Match with smoked nuts, enhancing the drink’s complexity and richness. Cosmopolitan: Suggest mini sliders, offering a savory balance to the cocktail’s tartness. By curating cocktail pairings with bar snacks, you can attract diverse clientele to your small business, increasing customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. Conclusion Bar snacks play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying classic options like potato chips and peanuts or indulging in gourmet delights like loaded nachos and truffle popcorn, these tasty bites enhance your overall experience. By offering a variety of snacks that cater to different preferences, you can attract a diverse crowd and encourage social interactions among patrons. Pairing these snacks with the right drinks not only elevates your dining experience but also boosts customer satisfaction. Embrace the power of bar snacks to transform your establishment into a go-to destination for great food and drinks. Frequently Asked Questions What are bar snacks? Bar snacks are small, savory food items served in bars that complement drinks and enhance the overall experience. Popular options include nachos, wings, sliders, pretzels, and various dips, encouraging social interaction among patrons. Why are bar snacks important? Bar snacks are important because they satisfy cravings, enhance the atmosphere, and encourage customers to linger longer, increasing sales for small businesses. They also create a more enjoyable experience and encourage socializing among guests. What are some popular bar snacks? Popular bar snacks include nachos, chicken wings, sliders, pretzels, and assorted dips. These snacks appeal to a wide range of tastes and are often shared among patrons, making them ideal for a social setting. How can healthier bar snacks attract more customers? Healthier bar snacks, like vegetables with hummus and a variety of nuts and seeds, can attract health-conscious patrons. Offering these options diversifies the menu and positions the bar as a destination for all snack preferences. How can bar snacks enhance drink pairings? Bar snacks can enhance drink pairings by creating complementary flavors. For example, nachos pair well with pale ales, and buffalo wings are excellent with IPAs, promoting customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits. Are there innovative bar snack options? Yes, innovative bar snack options include gourmet popcorn with unique flavors, loaded nachos, and other customizable dishes that cater to diverse tastes. These options can attract attention and encourage patrons to try something new. What role do classic snacks play in a bar? Classic snacks, like potato chips and peanuts, play a significant role in fostering nostalgia and comfort among patrons. They are also cost-effective choices for bars, helping to create a familiar and inviting atmosphere for customers. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover Delicious Popular Bar Snacks That Enhance Your Drinking Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Unboxing a new kitchen appliance is one of my favorite experiences—it’s a non-holiday present and I know what’s inside—how wonderful! But the instruction manual part really kills my vibe. I know tossing it aside will almost surely lead to failure, but I hate reading them anyway. In fact, I did read the operation manual for the Ninja Slushi, and I still managed to screw up my first batch of slush. (You can read about that experience in my review of the Ninja Slushi.) To help you avoid the shame of a ruined slush, not to mention reading the tedious instructions, I've assembled this step by step guide on operating your new Ninja Slushi, from set-up to clean-up. Notes on sugar and alcoholBefore getting started, know that what you put into the machine will directly affect your success. Specifically, the liquid you’re using must have at least 4% sugar content. If it doesn’t, it will become too icy, and the machine will have trouble scraping the frozen mixture out of the evaporator cylinder. (You can’t use artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes either, unless you want to fall down a rabbit hole of allulose and xanthan gum and brightly hued, sugar-free prepackaged slushie mixes.) Ninja provides a little chart indicating the minimum amount of sugar you need for a particular serving size. Make a simple syrup by mixing the amount of sugar with an equal amount of water and microwaving it until warm. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. This simple syrup can be added to your greater recipe mixture before pouring it into the Ninja Slushi (make sure to account for the water from your simple syrup in your overall calculations). Even if you messed up and froze a cold brew mixture without any sugar by accident, you can fix it. (Maybe I know this first hand? Maybe I don’t.) The machine will stop if it detects a problem with your sugar content during the churning process. This is your chance to make a simple syrup with the correct amount of sugar and pour it in to the mix. Don’t add sugar directly to the chamber mid-freeze—it may have trouble dissolving into the partially frozen drink. Alcohol has a similar stipulation—a minimum of 2.8% and a maximum of 16% alcohol must be present to make a spiked slush that will freeze properly. Again, there's a helpful chart to guide you on your journey, but once you know these rules and abide by them, the machine will play nice. Now, let's make that slush. 1. Set up the Ninja Slushi Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Like dishware, bakeware, and anything else from a dusty factory, it’s a good idea to take apart the Slushi and clean the parts with soapy water before you put food in it. That includes the drip tray, the main vessel, the condensation catch, and the auger (that spiral thingy). The silver evaporator is not removable, so just wipe it down with a soft cloth. Dry everything thoroughly. It’s no small appliance, so make sure you clear off a nice section of your countertop. There are vents on the sides and back, so give those areas room to breathe too. Put the parts back in their respective areas. The main vessel sits into the bail handle in the back, as you pull it backward. It won’t make a clicking sound, but it will sit there securely secure. Once reassembled, plug in the machine. 2. Pour in the liquid mixture Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The fun part is almost here! Open the hatch on the top of the main clear container. Pour the mixture in, all in one go. Depending on how your Ninja Slushi is situated on the countertop, this might be a little hard to do gracefully. I recommend using a pitcher or a bottle—any container with a somewhat narrow pour spout—for more precision. 3. Power up Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Click the power button on the control panel. All of the features should light up. On the left side, you’ll see the presets. Select the one that best matches the mixture you made: a regular soda slushie would be the “Slush” preset, an alcoholic slushie would be “Spiked Slush,” a coffee frappé would be the “Frappé” setting, and so on for milkshakes and frozen juices. This time, I decided to make a chocolate milkshake. Press the button you need and the right side panel should automatically light up with the number of bars that indicate the temperature. The machine should start churning, so all you have to do is wait. Note that this is the stage where the Ninja Slushi will alert you if you did not add enough sugar or if there’s a problem with the alcohol content. You know how to add more sugar, and more alcohol can go directly in the machine if needed—but if you added too much alcohol to start, you need to fix that by pouring in some water to dilute the mixture. If the tank is already at the Max Fill line, dispense some mixture before adding water to dilute it. 4. Dispense and adjust consistency Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Once the Slushi has finished the setting cycle, it’ll play you a little ditty to signal it’s ready, but the auger will keep spinning. Grab a glass and hold it under the spout. Pull the handle toward you and hold it to dispense your slushie. The handle doesn’t have a locking mechanism while dispensing, so you have to keep pressure on it or it’ll spring shut. If you’re happy with your slushie’s consistency, hooray! If you aren’t, you can make it thicker or thinner by manually pressing the up arrow (for a thicker, colder slushie) or the down arrow (for a warmer, more liquid-y slushie). The machine will alert you when the new temperature has been reached. 5. Clean everything thoroughlyAfter the party is over, you’ll need to clean up your Ninja Slushi. If there is still slushie left in the container, dispense it all into a bowl or container. You have to do this with the preset running because it’ll push the mixture down and out of the spout. Discard it or save it to slush another day. Turn off the preset and select the rinse button. Have a big container handy—I use a 4-quart pot as my helper of choice. Pour hot water all the way up to the Max Fill line, then put the pot under the spout and slowly dispense all of the water. Liquid comes out way faster than slush, so only pull the dispensing handle toward you maybe 30%. Once all of the water is out, stop the rinse cycle by pressing the rinse button again, then press the power button to turn the machine off. Unplug it and disassemble the same parts you washed earlier. I hand wash them with warm soapy water, but if you have a dishwasher, the directions say you can toss all the parts in there. Wipe down the evaporator with a warm, damp cloth. Dry everything off before assembling the pieces again for storage, or to make your next slushie. View the full article

Security conditions in pact agreed by The President and Starmer seen as targeting BeijingView the full article

Everyone has their individual bad memories of the pandemic, but one collective nightmare of the early days of that miserable period is the struggle to find toilet paper at the local store. Now, tariffs are bringing concerns about a toilet paper shortage back to the forefront. Suzano SA is the world’s largest exporter of pulp, the raw material for products like toilet paper. And the company tells Bloomberg it has seen shipments decline from Brazil to the U.S. due to tariffs and worries the shipping disruptions could get worse. It is, to be clear, much too early to know what the impact of pulp shipping disruptions will be. The company said shipments were down 20% in April and stores, at present, are well stocked. But tariffs could result in higher prices for consumers, which could lead to a rush by some people to stock up. A similar scenario happened last October when a strike by dock workers on the East Coast sent shoppers flocking to stores, emptying shelves of necessities, including toilet paper. Toilet paper and paper towels are largely produced in the U.S. (Just 10% of the country’s toilet paper is imported.) But the pulp used to make them is imported from countries like Brazil and Canada (which sends northern bleached softwood kraft pulp our way). It doesn’t take an actual shortage to empty store shelves. Just growing talk of one can cause short term disruptions to the supply chain. Put another way: there’s a snowball effect. If a small number of people panic shop, that drives others to do so as well. So if shoppers notice there’s less toilet paper on the shelves than usual, they’re more likely to stock up just in case, due to recent talk of empty ports and looming product shortages. Suzano is still shipping products to the U.S., but not only is it shipping less, it’s charging more. The company says it is passing on the cost of tariffs to U.S. buyers, which could be part of the reason for the smaller orders. “Since customers are still struggling to forecast how tariffs can affect their production plants, either directly or indirectly, both pulp buyers and sellers are on a price discovery mode as we speak,” Leo Grimaldi, executive vice president at Suzano said on a recent call with analysts. “There is not clarity yet of what is this price point needed for a full establishment of market confidence and dynamics.” Like the dock worker’s strike last year, the trade war was something that was clearly telegraphed by the White House. That gave manufacturers like Kimberly-Clark and Georgia-Pacific time to stockpile pulp to keep retail prices level. Should a herd mentality lead to product shortages, however, that could lead to store managers putting buying limits on popular items. (The danger of that is by limiting what you can buy, it could drive people who were not planning on buying any to join in on the hoarding.) Americans certainly love their toilet paper (which is somewhat ironic, as it didn’t become a household staple until the 1940s). At the start of the pandemic, when the panic buying was in full effect, Americans spent $1.4 billion on toilet paper over a four week period in March/April of 2020, according to retail sales tracker IRI. That was a 102% increase from the same period a year before, which led to a widespread toilet paper shortage. We’re not alone. In Hong Kong after the pandemic got underway, armed robbers held up a supermarket. They weren’t interested in the cash registers. They did, however, take 600 rolls of toilet paper. View the full article

If you’re like most people, you’re getting a real-time crash course in tariffs, imports, and exports these days. Realizing that tariffs are going to increase costs for just about everything is just the beginning: The next phase of acceptance is realizing what “everything” means. We import so much of the stuff we use in our daily lives that it’s going to be impossible to avoid what is essentially a new tax on stuff. That means that any plans you have to renovate, remodel, or repair your home are going to be a lot more expensive. How much more? Some experts suggest a blanket 25% increase in your budget, driven by an estimated increase in building materials costs of about $7,500 to $10,000 per house. That’s a lot of money no matter how big or modest your renovation plans are, and might make you think twice about your project. But there are strategies you can use to blunt the impact of those tariffs if you plan your home project carefully. DIY thoughtfullyYour first step is to consider where you can offset those extra costs by doing some of the work yourself. Demolition is often an easy way to shave a bit of money from a renovation budget, and if you have any other applicable DIY skills (or the willingness to learn), you can offset extra costs by doing some tiling, painting, or installations yourself. Just be thoughtful about it—you won’t save anything if you screw up part of your renovation and have to pay someone to re-do the whole project. Pad the budgetThe worst outcome of a renovation or remodeling project isn’t extra costs, necessarily—it’s not being able to finish the job because you run out of money and finding yourself doomed to live in a half-finished house. To avoid that fate, review your renovation budget—which should already include some padding against unexpected costs—and add an additional “pad” to cover potential tariffs. Since everything about these tariffs changes more or less constantly, you can’t accurately predict each and every impact. Assuming an additional blanket cost of about 20% on top of your current estimate is probably a pretty safe course. Buy materials nowWhen, exactly, prices will start jumping due to tariffs is difficult to quantify; it depends on how large a supply remains, the specific country a material is sourced from, and when the last non-tariffed shipments arrived. But if you have plans for a renovation in the near future, it might be smart to buy your materials now, even if you’re not ready to engage contractors for a while. If you know you want imported marble tile, for example, chances are they’re as cheap right now as they’re going to be for a very long time. And if your kitchen reno involves all-new appliances, you’ll almost certainly pay less today than you will in a few weeks or months. Go domesticOf course, you also ask yourself if you need imported materials at all. While the U.S. isn’t a manufacturing powerhouse, you can identify domestic options for a wide range of renovation and remodeling materials. Costs still may go up if those companies need to import goods to produce those made-in-the-U.S. products, but this strategy may help mitigate costs. A few examples include: Chasing Paper offers made-in-the-U.S. peel-and-stick tile and wallpaper. Mohawk flooring offers laminate flooring and other flooring products that are free from tariffs. Copeland Furniture manufactures collections that are mostly made in the U.S. (like most furniture makers, they import some machined parts, like nuts and bolts), so tariff impacts will be minimal. Barker Cabinets makes kitchen cabinetry right here in the U.S. using domestic lumber. A little research and consultation with your contractors can identify many domestic alternatives for materials that can help offset or eliminate tariff costs. Work the contractWhen you hire a general contractor or a subcontractor, there’s always a negotiation (or there should be). That means you might be able to claw back some of the extra tariff-related costs by pursuing some strategies in the renovation contract: Price locks. If you’re relying on your contractor to supply the necessary materials for your project, ask to insert price locks in the contract. This is language that freezes the cost of those materials for a period of time (typically a few months). This at least insulates you from a sharp uptick in costs due to sudden shifts in trade negotiations and tariff rates. Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP"). You can also ask to have the maximum cost of the project written into the contract. A GMP is the most the contractor will be able to collect from you, no matter what else might change in terms of their materials costs (or any other cost). It usually includes some padding to cover reasonable overages and their fees, but it can be a useful defense against uncertainty when it comes to the cost of the project. Shared savings clauses. You can also suggest that you and the contractor “share savings,” which means that if they identify lower-cost options for materials, labor, or any other aspect of the job, you agree to pay them a percentage of the savings total. This incentivizes the contractor to evade tariffs, seek out domestically sourced alternatives, or find materials already sitting in a warehouse somewhere that don’t need to be imported new. Wait for the off seasonAnother way to offset tariff increases in a reno project is to wait. Many renovation projects have a season, and contractors often go through skinny periods when business drops off. They’re often motivated to offer discounts or work with smaller budgets during these periods, so if you’re willing to endure some extra logistical problems (like having work done during the winter months), you can make up at least some of the difference in terms of tariff costs. Some examples of renovation “seasons” include: Most kitchen, bathroom, and landscaping projects are done in the spring, as are most roofing and HVAC projects. These contractors may be more amenable to discounts in the fall or winter. Window replacements and hardscaping projects like patios are usually done in the summer. Exterior paint is typically done in the fall, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower, but you can have your house painted as long as temperatures are above 35 degrees, so painting companies may be motivated to offer discounted work in different seasons. Many flooring installers run promotions during the winter, when business is slower. If you buy your materials now to save some money and then start the project in the off-season, you can maximize your savings. View the full article

Hades II introduces a new mechanic called Forget-Me-Not, which allows players to pin recipes they don't have enough crafting reagents for. While they're out in the world, the path to those resources will be highlighted, making it easier to keep track of what you need. I love this feature, in no small part because I've been making my own version of it for other games for years. It's just one of the many ways I use spreadsheets to improve my gaming. To be clear, I am not recommending that you follow in my footsteps and create a spreadsheet for every game you play. I am deeply unwell, the world is on fire, and creating little charts and tables is how I exert some semblance of control over a chaotic world. Also, not every game needs a spreadsheet. For some games, though, it's just more helpful to have your own goal tracker. Especially in sandbox games, where the quest markers are only the start of what you can do. For my purposes, I'll either use a typical Google Sheet, or if I'm feeling real spicy, I'll branch out to something like Notion for some more flexible tools. Here are just a few examples of what I do. Tracking Tears of the Kingdom armor upgradesThere are so many armor sets in Tears of the Kingdom, and tracking down every piece is super rewarding both in terms of exploration and the powers you get from different sets. What's less rewarding is upgrading the ones you already have. You need to visit Great Fairies with the right amount of ingredients, some of which are super rare or only drop from specific enemies. Some of which you might've otherwise walked right past if you didn't know you needed them. (Looking at you, Lizalfos tails.) That's why I made this armor upgrade tracker. I gave myself sections to mark off which sets I'm most interested in collecting, how many pieces I still have left to claim, what upgrade level each of them is currently at, and whether there's a set bonus I haven't unlocked yet. Most of this info is technically visible in the UI, but this way I don't have to dig through menus to see whether I've finished upgrades on the Froggy armor before I go collect a bunch of sticky lizards. I also gave myself space to write down what ingredients I need for an upgrade, which is low-key the most helpful part for me. Almost everything in Tears of the Kingdom is used to upgrade some armor set or another, but I don't always remember which ones I care about. And the only way in-game to see what ingredients are needed for an upgrade are to visit the Great Fairy directly. This saved me tons of wasted effort because, when I'm out adventuring, I can quickly look at my notes to see whether I still need a particular item when I come across it. Not only is this handy as reference, but it saves me from having to go on a farming run later for the five Thunderwing butterflies I walked right past hours earlier. Running an outpost empire in Starfield Credit: Eric Ravenscraft I have my complaints about Starfield, but that didn't stop me from spending dozens of hours building outposts to farm as many resources as possible. Is there a point to this? Not really. Most resources you need in Starfield, you can either buy or farm easily. But I like building my own mini-economies. The only trouble is, the game isn't built to be the overseer of dozens of outposts. Enter my Notion table. For this one, I gave myself at-a-glance reference points for the resources each planet has, which of those resources are available at my outpost, and which of those I'm currently harvesting. Since you get a bonus when you've fully surveyed a planet, I've also marked whether I've completed that planet's survey. (Note: I wasn't able to easily make this into a template, so you'll have to make your own version from scratch. This page from Notion will help you understand the basics, but there are plenty of other YouTube tutorials to check out if you need more guidance.) Granted, this is my own personal Sisyphean boulder, since the only reason to spend this much effort organizing Starfield outposts is for the joy (?) of outpost organizing. However, I've done similar things for games like Stardew Valley, which are a bit more objective-oriented. I used Notion for this one because I liked its approach to databases a little better than Google Sheets. You can create a full database with entries for all the data you need, but then create alternate views that only focus on some of the data you've created. For example, I also tracked what flora and fauna grew on each planet, but since I didn't need that while managing my outposts, I decided to create a view that didn't include it. Quantifying my time wasted in Overwatch 2Of all the spreadsheets I've made for the games I play, few have brought me as much pain as this one. Overwatch 2 switched to a battle pass system, with rewards that will disappear if you don't claim them by the end of the season. I play a lot of this game already, but I wanted to know just how much time it would take to complete certain rewards. So, I made myself a little calculator. I started by tracking the average amount of time it took to complete a game and how much XP I got for each game. Then I gave myself a few boxes that calculate how much time it would take to reach a reward tier, based on how much XP I'd earned so far. I got it down to a point where I only had to fill in three blocks (highlighted in blue in the sheet) to see how much more time I was planning to waste in a game for a cosmetic reward I wouldn't even use. Now, I don't need to be told to play Overwatch 2. I love playing it with my friends, and I'll gravitate to it regardless of how much it mistreats me. The real value here is that, sometimes, this spreadsheet discourages me from playing. If the game says "You're just 50,000 XP away from getting a reward!" it might seem like a good idea. The game wants you to keep playing after all. Instead, my spreadsheet says "You will have to play 41 more hours of this game to reach that level. So I sigh and close the game. This has actually helped me kick some of that "Just one more game" habit that's so easy to fall into. Every online game these days has a litany of rewards and points and blips and bloops designed to give you just a little dopamine every time you decide to keep playing. My calculator tool wasn't designed to save me time, but it did end up being more honest about it than Blizzard would ever be. Other spreadsheet ideasThese are just a few of the many examples I've made over the years. I've made sheets that calculate how much my Stardew Valley crops will yield over time, taking the guesswork out of buying from Pierre's store. (I'm also far from the first with this idea.) I've also made sheets similar to my Tears of the Kingdom tracker for upgrades in games from Skyrim to Horizon Forbidden West. Even if you're not into making your own, there's a chance some enterprising gamer out there has made arcane spreadsheets for things like how much an armor buff affects your favorite hero. Any time there's some math I want to do that the game doesn't do for me, or resource requirements I'm sick of Googling over and over, I'll turn to my trusty spreadsheets—and now you can (should?) too. View the full article

Measures come as Donald The President offers olive branch to regime in Tehran View the full article

On Tuesday, Microsoft said it is cutting less than 3% of its global workforce, including LinkedIn. The company which an estimated 228,000 employees as of last June, meaning the layoffs will affect approximately 6,000 employees. The tech giant, which makes popular software products Windows and Word, will make cuts across various locations, teams, and roles. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Fast Company. The news comes less than two weeks after the Redmond, Washington-based company beat first quarter earnings expectations, driven by its Azure cloud business. It also issued strong guidance going forward, despite President’s The President’s tariffs and overall economic uncertainty. Microsoft also said it invested heavily in AI infrastructure during the first quarter of 2025. Microsoft said that it regularly adjusts its workforce to meet the strategic demands of the business, and that by reducing layers with fewer managers, the company hopes to increase agility and enhance efficiency by minimizing redundancy and streamlining processes, procedures, and roles. It also said the cuts will let employees spend more time leveraging new technologies and capabilities. On Tuesday, a number of LinkedIn employees posted about the reported layoffs on LinkedIn. The layoffs would be the largest at the company since 2023, when Microsoft eliminated 10,000 jobs, and follows a small round of performance-based layoffs at the beginning of 2025. However, a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC the upcoming layoffs are not performance based. CEO Satya Nadella previously said Microsoft planned to spend $80 billion on data centers for artificial intelligence workloads in 2025, which could be even more costly with tariffs. Microsoft isn’t the only tech company to make cuts since the beginning of this year. A number of high-profile technology giants have been trimming their ranks, including Amazon, Meta, and Salesforce. Facebook parent company Meta Platforms cut about 5% of its workforce—roughly 3,600 employees—in February, and Amazon announced it was laying off dozens at the end of January. View the full article

Is your iPhone, iPad, or Mac a little hard to use? Lucky for you, Apple has announced key accessibility features coming to all its devices later this year. These include Accessibility Reader, which makes small fonts easier to read, and Vehicle Motion Cues, which prevent motion sickness while using Apple devices in vehicles. If some of these sound familiar, it's because they may already be on one or two Apple devices, but are now set to come to others as well. While the company's already tipped its hat as to what's in the works, expect to hear more details during WWDC 2025, scheduled from June 9 to 13. That's where Apple usually unveils all of its annual operating system updates and sometimes, even shows off new hardware. In the meantime, here are all the new accessibility features we currently know are coming to Apple devices later this year: Accessibility Reader makes text easier to read Credit: Apple Lots of people find default text sizes or fonts difficult. Accessibility Reader is a new feature designed to help with that. It allows you to customize text on your Apple device to make it easier to read. You can change the font, color, spacing, and have your Apple device read out the text for you. You can think of it as reader mode for text in any file (or even in the real world, which I'll touch on shortly), or as improved text-to-speech. This is because Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app, according to Apple. It can also be paired with the Magnifier app on your Apple devices, which means that you can zoom into text in the real world and use this feature to read it more easily. This feature will be available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. Magnifier comes to the Mac Credit: Apple Your iPhone ships with a built-in magnifying glass, which is the Magnifier app. This is an important accessibility aid for many people who have low vision, and now Apple says it's coming to the Mac. On the Mac, you'll be able to connect Magnifier to external cameras as well, including your iPhone if you're using it as a webcam via Continuity Camera. You'll be able to tweak brightness, contrast, color filters, and perspective to make it easier to see things with Magnifier for Mac, according to Apple. Accessibility nutrition labels are coming to the App Store Credit: Apple The App Store added 'privacy nutrition labels' to app listings a few years ago, which helps you quickly see if apps are collecting your data. Now, the App Store is adding accessibility nutrition labels to help you check if an app supports the accessibility features you need. Apple says these labels will acknowledge whether an app supports VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more. Still, I really wish Apple would add better search filters to the App Store. I'd love to filter out apps that collect data and lack support for specific accessibility features, and there's currently no real way to do that. Improved Braille support on Apple devices Credit: Apple Apple also says that it's adding Braille Access to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. This feature adds a braille note taker to your devices, and can even perform calculations using Nemeth Braille (which is often used in math and science classrooms). Braille Access can also open BRF (Braille Ready Format) files, which will allow people to access books and files created on braille note taking devices. Live Captions are now on the Apple Watch Credit: Apple Live Listen is an Apple feature that makes things easier to hear for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Apple says Live Listen controls will soon be added to your Apple Watch as well, and the device will be able to show real-time Live Captions. This works by turning your iPhone into a remote mic that streams directly to made-for-iPhone hearing aids, AirPods, or Beats headphones, and when this is active, you'll be able to view captions directly on a paired Apple Watch, according to Apple. The watch can start or end Live Listen sessions, which will allow you to place the iPhone near the person who's speaking and follow the conversation from a short distance away on your Apple Watch. This could be great for learning in a classroom and other similar situations. Vehicle Motion Cues comes to the Mac Credit: Apple Ever since they launched last year on the iPhone, Vehicle Motion Cues have been indispensable for me. The feature works by displaying moving dots on the screen that correspond to the direction of a vehicle's motion, and it's now coming to the Mac, Apple says. I've always suffered from motion sickness, which makes it hard for me to view screens while I'm in moving vehicles. Even if I'm otherwise fine in a car or a bus, I start to feel very nauseous if I look at a screen, read a book, or try anything that requires me to focus on a fixed object. Since Apple launched Vehicle Motion Cues last year, I've finally been able to use my iPhone when I'm a passenger in vehicles. If this feature works as well on the Mac, I'm excited to use it to watch videos when I'm riding in a car. The company also said that it's planning to allow you more control over how these dots are displayed on your screen. Improved accessibility features on the Vision Pro Credit: Apple Apple Vision Pro is set to get a new Enhanced View, which will allow you to magnify everything that's in view via the main camera on the device. Apple says the Live Recognition feature will use on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents, and more. The company also plans to enable a new API to allow some apps to access the Vision Pro's main camera, which will help developers create apps that make the most of these accessibility features. Other important updatesApple also revealed a bunch of other, smaller accessibility related features. Here are a few of my favorites: Background Sounds, which lets you play nature sounds or dark noise, will get more customization options, a timer to stop playing after a while, and new actions for automation via Shortcuts. Personal Voice, which recreates the voices of people who are losing the ability to speak, will be faster and easier to use, Apple says. The feature will be able to create a more natural sounding voice in under a minute with 10 recorded phrases, according to the company. Share Accessibility Settings lets you temporarily share your accessibility tweaks with other Apple devices, such as when you're using an iPad to place an order or borrowing a friend's device for a bit. You can check out the full list of accessibility updates and content on Apple's website. View the full article

Numbers jumped after the expiration of a moratorium at the end of 2024, but rates of foreclosure rose across all loan types, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The JBL Xtreme 4 is massive, right at the limit of what I would consider a portable speaker, with a powerful sound that can handle a large backyard barbecue party. Right now, it's $130 off, bringing its price down to $249.95 (originally $379.95). That's a record low price for this particular speaker, according to price tracking tools. JBL Xtreme 4 24 hour battery, IP67 rating, Powerbank, PartyBoost for Multi-Speaker Pairing. $249.95 at Amazon $379.95 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $249.95 at Amazon $379.95 Save $130.00 I've been using the JBL Xtreme 4 outdoor speaker for months, taking it with me to hang out in my backyard, in my office, and to host soccer games with Street FC. Since I have other JBL speakers, I am able to take full advantage of the Aurocast feature, which lets me connect it to other JBL speakers for a fuller sound. I also found the full EQ customization and presets useful. The speaker is powerful, which makes sense for a speaker of this size. What stands out the most is its powerful bass, which is typical of JBL speakers. Since it is IP67 rated, it can be submerged underwater and resists dust, making it perfect for the beach. It also comes with a detachable carrying strap that makes carrying it much easier. The battery can go up to about 27 hours, depending on your use, but I've managed to stretch it past that point by being conservative with the volume. Speaking of volume, it's a directional speaker, meaning it'll project to wherever it's facing. In my backyard, I try to place it as far back as I can and pump up the volume, which has worked well for my gatherings of about 12 people. View the full article

Some policies the industry group is calling for the Office of Management and Budget to definitively rescind have already been pulled back to some degree. View the full article

Eleven years after Google first announced its grand unifying theory of design—Material Design—it’s introducing its third major revision to the system. Called Material 3 Expressive, the company will tell you that it’s their most “researched update” ever, promising to help people find what they’re looking for on the screen faster than before. But it’s also the company’s most maximalist design system to date. Still enabling quieter minimalist designs, sure, but embracing bolder colors, more playful animations, and all around more overt approaches to interface. There’s a new roundness to almost every component, right down to the tips of Google’s new default typeface, Google Sans Flex Rounded, which replaces the hard edged terminals on letterforms with smooth tips. But mostly, Google is using more of everything to accentuate contrast, like between headers and bodies. Button shapes can now be anything from giant pills to stars. Perkier animations rekindle tech’s old favorite words, “joy” and “delight,” with a bit more springiness in them across the board. And UI elements on your screen often react to others—dial a phone number, and each digit you press bounces the others out of the way like cartoony bubble tape. “It’s kind of like the next evolution,” says Vanessa Cho, VP, Google Design. “It’s design with the soul. What I mean by that is it’s [still] driven with deep purpose…but it also connects with you on the emotional level.” The history of Material DesignMaterial Design was born over a decade ago, as Google Designers developed a grounding metaphor to codify its otherwise fragmented approach to design. Inspired by light and paper, Material Design was like a stretchy piece of wonder paper that could reshape to do anything, and it brought a sense of tactile physics to Search, Android, and other Google Services. In the years since, Material Design veered from its ambitious roots. It imagined eventually breaking out of screens and becoming the interface for our lives—what would be a better interface for an internet of things than literal matter that would reshape itself in front of you? Material Design was built for a path toward that smart infrastructure that seemed so inevitable in the 2010s. But a decade later, and the world didn’t play out that way. Instead, most things stayed dumb as we got sucked deeper and deeper into our phones. The stoic minimalism that Material Design v 1 celebrated got washed out by the pixel onslaughts of TikTok and other social media platforms. The emoji of 2014 seem quaint by the comparison of just about everything on Instagram, where even AI characters are attempting to be my bff. So in 2021, Material Design pivoted. It became more about personalization—allowing your phone to have a color palette and typefaces more reflective of you. And now? Material Design is trending more maximal, with an overt approach to design that’s willing to call attention to itself as a moment of celebration, rather than disappear into the background. “We’re in an era of expression…thinking about TikTok and whatever you’re on,” says Mindy Brooks, VP, Product & UX, Android Platform. “So this design system allows us to, even as developers and creators of it, to express what we want to in the product.” Testing and manifestingAcross Google’s products, these new design standards play out in different ways. On Android, it means we see apps presented in a greater array of typefaces (pushing expressiveness and information hierarchy at the same time), while apps like Photos trend toward the Canva-create-a-card vibes we get on iOS today. On Wear OS, the colors from your phone can be mirrored on your wrist, and buttons now wrap all the way into the curves of the display through a lovely marriage of device and UI. But what Google’s design team most wants to highlight is that Material 3 Expressive isn’t style over substance. Validated by 46 studies that tested hundreds of designs across more than 18,000 participants, they found that the expressive end of the Material Design system was preferred across all age groups, though especially Gen Z, which preferred the more maximalist screens 87% of the time. The team also found that Material 3 Expressive was faster to navigate. Certain actions were spotted up to 4x faster than before. And while older adults are typically slower at finding certain buttons on the screen, the larger buttons inside Material 3 Expressive proved faster to find for everyone—while eliminating the age gap. Google claims older adults can use this design system with the same rapidity of youth. (And who woulda thunk, a big red “send” button would be easier to spot than that old little paper airplane in the corner?) As a design solution, it’s hard to argue with Google’s own validating data or the joy of bringing in more color and motion into the mix. But I’m more interested in Material 3 Expression for what it reveals about this era of design. For the last decade and a half, minimalism has taken over everything from blanded branding to interface (the world of interior design notwithstanding, which has been waffling on the idea for some time). But celebratory expression used to be in! Animations like Apple’s genie effect—which shrunk apps into your taskbar like a genie into the lamp—embodied playfulness before minimalism conquered tech. They were invented way back in 2004 during a more optimistic time in tech, right beside bondi blue iMacs with handles on them. This was the hope of a world that didn’t end after Y2K. Now, screen time debates have been decimated by the For You Page and AI everything, while your Grazas and Manischewtizs of the world prioritize a bit of funk over subdued Swissness. We’re back in expressive times again. View the full article

Minnesota farmer Dan Glessing isn’t ready to get too upset over President Donald The President’s trade wars. Farm country voted heavily for The President last November. Now Glessing and many other farmers are taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the Republican president’s disputes with China and other international markets. China normally would buy about one row out of every four of the Minnesota soybean crop and took in nearly $13 billion worth of soybeans from the U.S. as a whole last year. More than half of U.S. soybeans are exported internationally, with roughly half of those going to China, so it’s a critical market. The President last month raised U.S. tariffs on products from China to 145%, and China retaliated with 125%. But Monday’s announcement of a 90-day truce between the two countries backed up the reluctance of many farmers to hit the panic button. More good news came in an updated forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday that projected higher corn exports and only slightly lower corn prices. The report also predicted somewhat lower soybean exports but higher domestic consumption, resulting in higher prices. Soybean futures surged. After he finished planting his soybean crop on Monday, Glessing said he was excited by the news and hopes to see more progress. But he said he wasn’t really surprised. Tariffs, weather and other uncertainty On a bright, sunny day last week, as he began planting soybeans, Glessing said tariffs were only one of the things he’s worried about — and not necessarily the biggest. Farming, after all, is an enterprise built on loose soil, the whims of weather and other uncontrollable factors. “Am I concerned about tariffs? Yeah. I mean, there’s uncertainty that comes with that,” Glessing said. “Is that the number one driving factor in these poor commodity prices the last two years? No.” As he steered his 25-year-old Case IH tractor over a gently rolling field near the town of Waverly, he towed a planter that inserted his seeds through the stubble of last year’s corn crop. As he laid down the long rows, he rumbled past a pond where wild swans paddled about. Riding shotgun was Georgie the Corgi, who alternated between roaming around his cab and half-dozing at his feet. Perhaps more skeptical than Glessing is Matt Griggs, one of many soybean farmers in Tennessee paying close attention to the trade war. On Monday, he said the ripple effects on farmers might still be coming. “We’re only on a 90-day pause,” Griggs said. “Who knows what is going to come after that?” Joe Janzen, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, said the commodity markets have largely shaken off the initial shock of the trade war, including The Presidents’ declaration of April 2 as “Liberation Day,” when he announced stiff worldwide tariffs. “Our markets have largely rebounded and are back where we were around April Second,” Janzen said. “Tariffs have not had a major impact on prices yet.” Even something that might seem like good news — ideal planting conditions across much of the Midwest — has its downside. The potential for bigger crops sent prices downward, Glessing noted. High interest rates, seed and fertilizer costs pose additional challenges. “There’s so many other factors besides just tariffs and my market price,” Glessing said. Looking for signs of progress But Glessing said he was encouraged by that morning’s news of a trade deal with the United Kingdom, and said he hopes the current uncertainty in talks with China and other countries ultimately leads to better trade deals going forward. Glessing had finished planting his corn the day before on the other half of a field that he rents from his father’s cousin, split between 45 acres of corn and 45 acres of beans. It’s at the farm where his grandfather grew up, and it’s part of the approximately 700 acres he plants on average. He locked in those planting decisions months earlier as he made deals for seeds, fertilizer and other supplies. Back on his “home farm” closer to Waverly — where his late grandfather’s house, made of local brick, still stands and a cacophony of house sparrow songs filled the air — Glessing was pleased to spot the first signs of corn he had planted there about 10 days earlier poking above the soil. Waverly is about an hour west of Minneapolis. Its most famous resident was Democratic former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. It’s in the congressional district represented by Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Glessing’s post as president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau puts him in close touch with other influential politicians, too. He and his wife, Seena, were Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s guests at the Capitol for The President’s inauguration in January. Glessing declined to say who he voted for. The Glessings have three kids, milk about 75 dairy cows, and grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa on a combination of parcels they own or rent. He uses the alfalfa and corn primarily to feed his cows. He sells his soybeans to a processing plant in Mankato, where some of them become soybean meal he adds to his animal feed. The milk from his cows goes to a co-op cheese plant in Litchfield that sells internationally. Because Glessing has local buyers locked in and doesn’t directly export his crops, he’s partially cushioned from the volatility of world markets. But he’s quick to point out that everything in the agricultural economy is interconnected. Lessons learned during The President’s first trade war On his farm near Humboldt, Tennessee, roughly midway between Memphis and Nashville, Griggs weathered the 2018 trade war during The President’s first term and said he feels more prepared this time around. “Back in 2018, prices were about the same as what they are now, and due to the trade war with China, prices dropped around 15%,” he said. “They dropped significantly lower, and they dropped in a hurry, and due to that, we lost a lot of demand from China.” Griggs said exports to China never fully rebounded. But he doesn’t think the impact of the current dispute will be nearly as drastic. Griggs — who raises approximately 1,600 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat — said tariffs were just one consideration as he planned out this year’s crops. Growing a variety of crops helps him minimize the risk that comes with weather, volatile prices, and now the prospect of a trade war. Griggs said he’s going to be watching for opportunities to sell when market volatility causes upticks in prices. “The main thing I learned in 2018 was that if you do have a price period where prices have risen some, go ahead and take advantage of it instead of waiting for it to go higher,” said Griggs. “Because when it comes to the tariffs and everything, the markets can be very unpredictable. So my lesson learned was, ‘Don’t hold out for a home run, be satisfied with a double.’” He said a temporary subsidy called the Market Facilitation Program helped soybean farmers withstand some of the losses last time could help if something similar is revived this year. But he said no farmer wants to make a living off government subsidies. “We just want fair access to markets,” Griggs said. “And a fair price for the products we produce.” —Steve Karnowski and Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press AP videographer Mark Vancleave also contributed to this report. View the full article

Lower is acquiring a top-five ranked real estate portal to create an "end-to-end homeownership platform" to rival Rocket Mortgage. View the full article