Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.
Hiking has never been more popular (or essential) than it has become in the COVID-19 era.
With the pandemic making international travel nearly impossible (and largely inadvisable) for the past year, our usage of local, state, and US National Parks has been at an all-time high.
It’s been a great time to embrace the natural beauty of America. From majestic mountains and vast prairies to lush forests, rushing rivers, and placid lakes, the country offers millions of acres of wilderness to explore.
But before you set off to follow your Walk In The Woods-inspired trekking dreams, it’s important to have the right gear for the adventure.
To the end, we’ve tested and reviewed more than 35 products to assemble this list of the Best Backpacking Gear for 2021, from tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags to camp stoves, trekking poles, and more!
Looking for a great, budget-friendly backpacking tent? The MSRP for the 2-person Quickhiker tent from Decathlon | Forclaz is a cool $149, but it offers features you’d expect from a much more speedy brand.
Weighing in at just 6.8 pounds, the lightweight tent fits into a 13-liter compression sack. But its size– 82.7 inches long, 47.2 inches wide, and 42.5 inches high– is impressive.
There is added room for gear storage on the two 23.6-inch deep “porches” (the spaces between the bedroom and flysheet), plus 4 pockets in the bedroom and an inside hook for hanging a lantern.
Set-up is a breeze, yet the sturdy tent can withstand winds up to 45 mph. But our favorite feature is the patented “Fresh & Black” exterior fabric, which creates 99% darkness inside the tent even in broad daylight!
Coming in at a considerably higher price point (MSRP of $350), the Nimbus Ultralight 2-person tent from Mountain Hardwear is made for backpackers who don’t mind paying more money to carry less weight.
With a packed weight of 2 lbs 2.2 oz and a minimum weight of 2 lbs, the Nimbus uses a waterproof ultralight Sil/Sil nylon fly, DAC Featherlight NFL poles, and reinforced webbing corners to lighten your load.
But it’s still heavy on cool features, including a G-Hook canopy-to-pole attachment system that improves compressibility, a pre-bent pole design that maximizes interior space, and a 3/4 mesh canopy for stargazing.
With a 28.1 sq ft floor area, a 7.7 sq ft vestibule, and an interior height of 41 inches, it’s a solid 2-person tent that’s impressively easy to carry.
Weighing in at just 2 lbs, the aptly-named FreeLite 1 Ultralight Backpacking Tent is the lightest tent MSR (Mountain Safety Research) has ever made.
The semi-freestanding, double-wall, one-person tent uses quick set-up Easton Syclone Poles, which are made of aerospace composite materials that can withstand heavy winds.
It’s tiny, to be sure, with 18 sq ft of floor space, a 9 sq ft vestibule, and a peak height of 36 inches.
But the large door, Xtreme Shield weather protection, and micro-mesh canopy for maximum ventilation ensure you’ll stay cozy, comfy and dry whenever you’re inside it.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Explorer Backpacking Tent
At first glance, the Lunar Duo Explorer Backpacking Tent from Six Moon Designs seems like an expensive investment when you consider all the things that DO NOT come with it.
There are no poles or stakes, which are both sold separately. No footprint included. There’s even a $30 charge for seam-sealing the tent (though this video has DIY instructions)!
So why do backpackers call this ultralight tent “the Backcountry Palace”? It’s all about the impressive ratio of space (34 sq ft floor space, plus two 12 sq ft vestibules, and 45-inch height) to weight (45 oz, not including poles, stakes, etc).
The unique design of the arched roof, vertical sidewalls, and adjustable vestibules offer excellent protection from the elements. But given its price ($400+ with all the bells and whistles), this one is probably best left to serious backpackers only.
Based in the Rocky Mountains of Bozeman, Montana, Mystery Ranch is beloved by backpackers and mountaineers alike for their rugged, durable packs.
The award-winning Terraframe 3-Zip 50 combines two of the brand’s best design features.
The OVERLOAD– a staple of their hunting and military packs– offers rigid carbon fiber frame stays and a flexible suspension, which makes it much easier to huge loads (up to 150 pounds).
The Y-shaped 3-ZIP design makes it easier to access your gear along the trail, with two zippered lid pockets and stretch woven water bottle pockets for additional storage.
Other great features of this 5-pound pack include daisy chains with adjustable tool attach loops, hydration reservoir compatibility, and a whopping 3,050 cubic inches of storage.
Designed specifically with backcountry adventures in mind, the Backlight Elite 45L from MindShift Gear offers an award-winning solution for outdoor photographers.
This rugged, waterproof internal frame backpack offers a whopping 45 liters of storage capacity, with ample room to store your camera gear, tripod (via built-in mounting system), and even a laptop up to 17″!
The top lid can be converted into a belt pack with the removable waist belt, while the front pockets offer 17L worth of storage for a jacket, food, etc. There’s also space for a hydration reservoir, as well as two large water bottle pockets.
Other noteworthy features include honeycomb mesh straps for improved airflow, removable camera compartment with emergency shoulder straps, and rear-panel access for added security.
Weighing in at just 20.3 ounces, this Outdoor Gear Lab “Top Pick” from Zpacks is designed for long-distance treks where minimizing your load is a top priority.
We love its unique technical features, including a patented Flexed Arc Frame and mechanism for adjusting torso height, plus the centrally located Hydration Port(which makes it easy to string a drinking tube over your shoulder).
The 55-liter bag offers tons of storage, including a stretchy mesh center pocket for quick-access items, side pockets large enough for 1.5-liter bottles, and lots of straps for lashing trekking poles or other gear.
You’ll also love the padded 3D mesh shoulder straps and belt, as well as a roll-top closure that keeps water out and allows to compress everything down as your load shrinks.
Nixon started out as a boutique line of watches aimed at skaters, surfers, and other X Games-style sports enthusiasts. But in recent years the Encinitas-based brand has expanded to include bags, clothing leather goods, and accessories.
Their Escape Duffel is an intriguing duffel/backpack hybrid that comes in 3 sizes– the 35L for day trips, the 45L for weekend getaways, and the 60L for longer adventures.
The detachable shoulder strap and cinch-down backpack straps make it easy to convert the bag’s carry modes.
It might not be the most comfortable carry for extended trekking, but we especially like the fact that it’s made with REPREVE recycled ocean plastics on the outside and recycled PET on the inside.
I learned the value of a good dry bag early on: I had to cross streams with my backpack held high above my head while hiking in the North Georgia mountains with my family as a boy.
SealLine is arguably the biggest brand in the dry bag business, and we’ve been using them on our pontoon boat for years. The Skylake is their new, lightweight (13.5 oz), PVC-free, 100% waterproof pack.
Like all their durable dry bags, this 18-liter daypack features welded seams and their trademark DrySeal roll-top closure, which ensures a tight seal.
It’s comfortable to carry via the removable shoulder straps, with a front stretch mesh pocket for easy access. But at just 6 x 10 x 21″, it’s also small enough to stuff inside a larger pack for multi-day treks.
A sleeping bag is a crucial choice for extended trips into the backcountry. Some add too much weight to your pack, while others aren’t warm enough for those chilly nights at higher mountain elevations.
This hybrid mummy-style bag from Eddie Bauer is designed for 3 seasons, using technology that provides maximum warmth and packability, but minimum weight.
It starts with a durable 50D polyester shell fabric, which is stuffed with 600 fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down. An extra 170g of ThermaFill insulation in the bottom helps it to resist moisture.
Rated comfortable down to 20ºF, the 2 lb 9oz bag is big enough for anyone 6’2″ or smaller. Yet it packs down into a 10 x 20″ stuff sack for easy portability.
The KSB 20 Hybrid Sleeping Bag from Klymit is another solid mummy-style 3-season bag rated to 20ºF. It’s a little heavier at 3.1 pounds, but makes up for the weight with a wealth of cool features.
First and foremost is the size: The bag measures 82 x 30″, with a whopping 58″ of width at the shoulders. For an extra $20 you can upgrade to XL, which measures 82 x 40″ and 78″ shoulders, weighing in at 3.7 pounds.
Then there’s the hybrid 650 fill power down on top, with synthetic fill on bottom, which offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and keeps you warm and toasty even when it’s frigid outside.
Our other favorite features include Flexible Stretch Baffles that move when you do; Length Locks that adjust the bag to your height; and a 2-way zipper that allows you to control airflow.
As important as your choice of sleeping bags may be, I’d argue that a good sleeping pad is just as vital to your backcountry camping comfort.
The NeoAir Topo Luxe from Therm-a-Rest (a 2020 Top Pick from GearLab) takes the popular sleeping pad line to the next level, offering a whopping 4 inches of plush cushioning.
Available in 4 sizes (from Regular to XL), the pad uses a Triangular Core Matrix construction to offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The regular weighs just 1 lbs 7 oz, and packs down into a 9.5 x 5.7″ stuff sack.
The pad inflates and deflates in a jiffy thanks to the TwinLock Valve system, and comes with a pump sack, compact stuff sack, and repair kit.
Leki Micro Vario Carbon Lady & Leki Micro Vario Carbon
To be honest, I’m confused by the Micro Vario Carbon Lady from Leki, which is arguably the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end trekking poles.
Other than the pink color, they seem to have the exact same features as the regular Micro Vario Carbon, which is listed as “Unisex.”
Regardless, these are top-of-the-line hiking poles with an extensive array of features. We’ll start with the SpeedLock 2 system, which makes length adjustments quick and easy, and the External Locking Device that makes disassembling the poles a breeze.
In terms of comfort, there are lightweight, rounded, insulated Aergon Thermo foam grips; air-textured wrist straps for wicking away moisture; and a built-in 8º grip angle to ensure efficient pole plants. The carbon shafts are also lightweight (just over a pound for the pair), which makes using the poles feel almost effortless.
And when it comes to strength and durability, there’s a Kevlar-reinforced tension cord, machined aluminum sleeves on the ends of the carbon sections, and Lexi’s Carbide Flextips providing a secure hold on virtually any type of terrain you care to tackle.
Their carbon fiber poles are slightly heavier than the Lekis, with each one weighing 7.6 oz. But the stick-absorbent material reduced the impact on your joints considerably, and they’re made to last.
They’re easy to adjust, with a locking mechanism that expands from 24″ to 55″ to suit a variety of heights. And while their anti-slip natural cork grips aren’t quite as comfy as others we’ve tested, the padded and breathable wrist straps were.
The set also includes thermoplastic rubber tips and baskets that can be attached for snowy or muddy conditions, as well as a carrying case and clip. Plus there a 120-day money back guarantee, and a 3-year warranty on defects.
When it comes to backpacking stoves, weight, fuel efficiency, and ease of portability are arguably the most important factors.
The Stryker 150 cooking system from Camp Chef weighs in at 21.4 oz (not including propane), which includes a 1.3-liter pot, unit, lid, and 3-legged stand.
Thanks to its Heat Ring technology, the Stryker (which has matchless ignition) can heat half a liter of water in just two minutes. Yet it conserves 30% more fuel than similarly compact camp cooking systems.
We love the insulated sleeve, which keeps everything warm, as well as the pot’s markings for measurements. Best of all, it all packs down into an easy-carry mesh bag!
The Glacier Stainless Explorer Set from GSI Outdoors is even smaller than the Camp Chef stove, weighing in at a measly 18.6 ounces.
Yet it’s made from heavy duty, rust-proof stainless steel, and cranks out 11,000 BTU/h to 12,970 BTU/h.
The set includes a 1.1-liter pot, a canister-mount Glacier Camp Stove, a lid, and a Foon (a.k.a. Spork) that folds up to fit under the fuel canister, which is sold separately.
The whole thing packs down to a compact 5.2 x 4.8 x 4.9″, with a mesh stuff sack for easy stowing.
Weighing just 3.1 (Titanium version) to 3.7 ounces (Stainless Steel version), the Swedish-designed Firestick Backpacking Stove from Primus is the lightest camp stove system we’ve ever tested.
This tiny wonder measures just 1.4 x 4.1″ (not including gas canister, sold separately), which is small enough to fit inside your pocket. Yet the 8530 BTU stove offers loads of innovative features.
The pot supports and recessed burner provide excellent flame protection in even the windiest weather, and the matchstick-style Piezo igniter delivers one-handed lighting.
The only real downside is you’ll need to buy a PrimeTech pot with heat exchanger separately. But the set does include a wool storage pouch that also doubles as a pot holder.
Though some backcountry camping areas don’t allow them, I’ve always preferred a real wood campfire to cooking on fuel-powered camp stoves.
The DoubleDown Folding Machete from Gerber offers a great, portable solution for chopping and cutting wood in remote areas. Weighing just 18 ounces, the 15.1″, 420HC steel recurve blade folds up to half that size.
So you can easily stow it in your pack or in its sheath on a belt when not in use. And the patent-pending 4-lock system offers 3 positions to ensure safe operations, with two handling positions and an overstrike guard.
Gerber’s ComplEAT Tool is also a handy tool for your camp kitchen collection. It comes with a fork, spoon, spatula, and 4-function multi-tool that can snap together to make tongs and nest for easy transport.
As a longtime foodie, camp cooking has never been my favorite part of the backcountry experience. I can still remember the flavorless dehydrated foods of a childhood trip along the AT in the Georgia mountains.
Thankfully, freeze-drying technology and recipes seem to have come a long way over the last 40 years, if our samples from Readywise Adventure Meals are any indication.
The emergency food supply company offers some surprisingly tasty entree options for backpackers, including a Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Lasagna with Mountain Summit Sausage, and Breakfast Skillet.
Most merely require a cup or two of boiling water and 10-15 minutes of waiting, then you can eat it straight from the pouch. Others, like their Cookie Dough Snacks, are ready to eat!
Odlo FLI Dual Dry Water Resistant Hiking Jacket & Shorts
It wasn’t all that long ago that water-resistant, moisture-wicking clothing was being introduced to the outdoor industry as the hot new thing. Nowadays those features are basically a must for serious outdoor adventures.
The Norwegian brand Odlo has been creating high-quality performance clothing since 1946, originally creating groundbreaking base layers for outdoor sports.
Their FLI line features dual dry water-resistant clothing with a distinct Scandinavian style. The FLI Hiking Jacket is ultra-lightweight and windproof, with adjustable hood and hem for protection from the elements, and back ventilation to keep your core cool. It also packs down nicely into its own zippered pocket!
The jacket pairs perfectly with Odlo’s FLI Shorts, which balance a flattering fit (via the 4-way stretch polyester and elastane fabric) with functionality. Our favorite features include the durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment and two zippered hand pockets for keeping your valuables safe on the trail.
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket & Happy Hike Studio Pants
Patagonia has long been one of our favorite outdoor brands. Not only because we love their quality clothing and gear, but because of their trailblazing conservation initiatives.
Their Nano Puff Jacket is another great example of how the 47-year-old company applies their eco-friendly ethos to everything they do. The Fair Trade Certified jacket uses 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which includes at least 55% post-consumer recycled polyester, inside a 100% recycled polyester shell and lining.
It’s made with P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions) technology, which reduces carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. So it’s remarkably lightweight, yet warm, windproof, and water-resistant.
Mary pairs it with their Happy Hike Studio Pants, which are cute and casual, with a capri-length cut. They’re Fair Trade Certified and fit great thanks to the lightweight, four-way stretch fabric.
Edde Bauer Rainfoil Ridge Jacket & High Route Grid Air LS Crew
Eddie Bauer was one of the first outdoor brands we ever reviewed on Green Global Travel, testing their clothing during our 2012 expedition through Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica.
So it’s a great testament to the line’s durability that we still often use their First Ascent backpack, hoodies, and jackets during our cold weather trips today, nearly 9 years later.
That’s also why we were excited to test their new Rainfoil Ridge Jacket, a versatile hoodie that is positively water- and weatherproof. With its breathable WeatherEdge seam-sealed technology and StormRepel DWR Plus finish, this sporty jacket is well-designed for cool climates with the absolute worst inclement conditions.
The jacket’s fit is great for wearing over base layers such as their High Route Grid Air shirt. The classic long-sleeve crew style is updated via a lightweight, moisture-wicking, two-way stretch fabric. We loved the athletic fit and the Polygiene odor control feature.
It can be tough to get excited about socks, but socks are equally significant to shoes in terms of ensuring your feet will able to go the distance on longer, multi-day treks.
The Pursuit Hike sock collection from Swiftwick is specifically designed for hiking. Their blend of soft Merino Wool and Olefin fibers offer exquisite comfort and impressive moisture-wicking abilities.
Billed as “the driest sock in its class,” the natural fibers offer excellent temperature control properties. And the compression afforded by nylon and spandex keeps your feet comfortable even when you’re at your most active.
We also love that these socks are blister-resistant, since we’re both blister-prone!
Anyone who has known me for any period of time will tell you that I’m virtually never seen without my sunglasses (my blue eyes are extremely sensitive to light).
So when I buy a pair of shades, I look for a unique style, durability, and the technical features that ensure protection from the sun and other harmful forms of light. I also need them available in my prescription.
The sense of style is what initially drew me to the Cam and Mango sunglasses from Zeal Optics. They just have a sort of cool, timeless appeal, mixing retro and futuristic fashion influences.
They’re both plant-based frames with Ellume Polarized lenses. But the men’s Cam sunglasses also use the Z-Lite think injection process to create ultra-lightweight frames for active sports, with ProFlex rubber inlays to ensure that they stay in place no matter how wild your adventure may get.
In our experience, most hikers are more worried about the possibility of encountering bears than they are about the most dangerous animals you’re likely to come across on the trail… humans.
From predatory attacks on the Appalachian Trail to anti-masker attacks in San Francisco, personal safety on the trail is just as important as it is in a dimly lot parking lot or college campus. To that end, there’s the PepperLight 2-in-1 from Sabre, which combines a flashlight and pepper spray in one handy-dandy device.
The flashlight boasts an ultra-bright 750 lumens, which is visible up to 540 feet away and has 3 modes (high, low, and strobe). The device also includes 25 bursts of pepper spray, which deploys in a powerful 10-foot stream and contains a UV marking dye to help authorities identify attackers after the fact.
The PepperLight is water-resistant and comes with a belt clip, as well as links to free training videos to help ensure your personal safety.
From ant bites and sunburn to an array of scrapes, cuts, and bruises, shit happens when you’re out on the trail. So any multi-day trekking trip makes a good First Aid kit a great idea.
Of course you can always assemble your own emergency kit for less money, but this Triage Kit from the Uncharted Supply Co is complete, ready-made, and costs just $38.
Sure, it includes the every day items you’d expect, such as aspirin, bandages, petroleum jelly, wound closure strips, and safety pins.
But it also offers unexpected items, like duct tape, 22 gauge bailing wire, 7-inch zip ties, storm-proof matches, and an emergency blanket. And it’s all packed into a water-resistant pouch that fits in your pocket!
If there’s anything more important than a First Aid Kit for backcountry hiking, it’s potable water. The Seeker Series from HydraPak offers a wide variety of ways to tackle that problem.
The system starts with an ultralight 2, 3, or 4-liter Seeker Water Bag, each of which features a weather-resistant pour handle and two lash points for hanging or attaching to your backpack.
Most 42mm threaded water filters will screw onto the top. And best of all, these ultra-rugged TPU bags can be folded or crushed when they’re empty for easy storage.
You can also add the Seeker Hydration Kit, with its 36″ long drinking tube, to create a hands-free hydration system. Or add the Plug N Play kit to convert the Seeker (which can hold hot or cold water) into a water dispenser or camp shower.
While 3 or 4 liters of water may be enough for one person’s daily drinking needs, group camping often requires a much bigger water reservoir. Especially if you’re not camping near a water source!
Sizes for the new Watercell X from Australia’s Sea To Summit brand start at 4L, but there are also 6, 10, and 20-liter versions available.
Made from tough, abrasion-resistant laminated 400D nylon fabric, the Watercell X is rugged yet flexible, with 3D baffled, RF-welded TPU construction.
Our favorite features include the adjustable strap for carrying or lashing, and the multi-function 63mm cap, which offers flow control and includes a shower head attachment. –by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
Searching for the best vacation rentals or Airbnb in Oregon as you head to the beautiful Pacific Northwest state? We've got you covered with these unique Oregon vacation rental options.
Oregon's notoriously rainy weather is far out shadowed by its stunning natural landscape and fun (and often funky) cities.
You'll find some of the most spectacular cascading waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, haystacks, beaches, and charming towns, along the Oregon coast, and a hip vibe, delicious donuts, and a city-block wide bookstore in Portland. Now you just need to find the perfect Airbnb to put the cherry on top of what is sure to be a thrilling trip to Oregon.
Staying in an Airbnb in Oregon can be a great alternative to hotel life. Not only is it often a less expensive option, it gives you the opportunity to connect with locals and stay in an accommodation that is more unique to Oregon.
Whether you're looking for charm, coziness, proximity to the heart of a city, or sweeping views, you're sure to find the best Airbnb in Oregon for you from this list.
15 Best Vacation Rentals In Oregon (Airbnbs, VRBOs and More!)
Secluded Waterfront Lodge
If you are looking for an Oregon escape, then head to the Secluded Waterfront Lodge. This is one of the best vacation rentals in Oregon. Nestled on 24 acres of Oregon woodlands, you’ll feel like the only people for miles. You can enjoy the surrounding woods via hiking trails, go berry picking, and even forage for mushrooms.
Inside the Secluded Waterfront Lodge, you’ll find a nice sized space for small groups or families. There are two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, and one full bathroom. You can cook delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen or hang out in the living room, cozy by the fireplace.
The best part about the lodge is the outdoor space. There is a large patio that has seating on it, a grill, and an outdoor firepit. Around the lodge, there are a few wild gardens that you can stroll through. From the patio, you can hear the sounds of the nearby babbling brook. It is a beautiful Oregon vacation rental.
Come immerse yourself in Portland's brick building history at this quaint English cottage in the Laurelhurst neighborhood.
This Portland apartment is part of a historic home that was originally constructed in 1922 by the Standard Brick & Tile Company in order to promote real burned clay brick and brick hollow walls as an economical alternative to building with lumber.
Though the home began as a model home open to the public, it has since changed ownership many times and now houses this charming Portland VRBO that you can enjoy during your Oregon trip.
You can relax in the beautiful English gardens and courtyard at the cottage or drive just 15 minutes to experience downtown Portland. You're sure to feel right at home in this cozy historic apartment.
Photo Credit: Quaint English Cottage Garden Private Apt, via Airbnb
South Beach Cottage
The South Beach Cottage is a charming home in South Beach, Oregon. If you are looking for a fun way to experience Oregon, the Oregon Coast Road Trip is a great way to do it. Along the way, you can stay in cozy vacation rentals in Oregon like the South Beach Cottage.
Inside the South Beach Cottage, you’ll find a cozy space that is perfect for a couple or individual that is looking to explore the area. There is one bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a full bathroom. The area is a studio style space. So in the main living area you’ll find a small living room and a small, but fully equipped kitchen.
Outside, on the side of the cottage facing the ocean, you’ll find a small deck. On the deck there is seating to admire the view. You’ll also be steps away from the beach, making it a great Oregon coast vacation rental for those looking for some sun and sand.
In Mt. Hood, you can find The Cedars Cabin, a cozy Oregon vacation rental. The Cedars Cabin is located in a grouping of other similar cabins, so you won’t be totally secluded. You’ll still be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods though.
The Cedars Cabin is dog friendly, and has plenty of space for a small group or family. There are two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, and a full bathroom to share. When you walk inside the cabin, you’ll find a cozy living area that looks out onto the view and a wood-burning stove. There is also a fully equipped kitchen and a small dining area.
Outside, there is a small front porch with seating. There is also an outdoor fire pit, a grill, and plenty of space to hang out. The Cedars Cabin is one of the best vacation rentals in Oregon for those looking to be close to everything in Mt. Hood, but still in the woods.
The Downtown Bend Bungalow is a great little Oregon VRBO for a couple or individual that are looking to explore Bend. It is a cozy little home with a unique exterior that has stucco, a small front patio, and red slate shingles. Built in the 1920s, the bungalow is in Bend’s Historic District, so it is close to some great amenities. This is one of the most charming vacation rentals in Oregon.
Inside, you’ll find a quaint space with a small living room. There is also a small but fully equipped and recently renovated kitchen. The bedroom and bathroom are towards the back of the house. In the bedroom, there is a queen-sized bed, plenty of windows, and a small closet. There is a second bedroom that has a set of bunk beds. The home has a fenced-in backyard with a picnic table to relax at.
This beautiful A-frame mountain cabin in Rhododendron is the best Airbnb in Oregon for outdoor adventure lovers looking for a cozy home base where they can recharge, play a classic board game, and relax in peace.
This Oregon Airbnb accommodates 4 people and is perfect for a family or small group of friends. When you're at the cabin you can enjoy a cup of tea in front of the fireplace or stretch out on the couch with a good book in the 3rd-floor reading nook.
The cabin sits on the edge of Mt. Hood National Forest, so when your adventurous side kicks in, you're just a short distance away from ski and snowboarding opportunities, snowshoe trails, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fishing locations, and beautiful lakes.
Be aware that the hosts require a 2-night minimum stay, though that shouldn't be a problem as you'll find it's hard to tear yourself away from this little slice of paradise.
If you are looking for a lovely Portland Oregon vacation rental, then consider staying at the Garden View Hideaway. The Garden View Hideaway is located in the historic Portland neighborhood of Irvington. You’ll be staying in the downstairs studio apartment of a historic Craftsman-style home.
From the apartment, you’ll have beautiful views of the well maintained garden. There is one bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a nice sized living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The best part about this VRBO in Oregon is that you will be close to the best Portland has to offer. If you are looking for a centrally located Portland vacation rental, then you can’t go wrong staying at the Garden View Hideaway.
The Skiing Bear Chalet is a large dog-friendly lodge in Government Camp Oregon. If you are looking for a large home for you and your friends and family that is close to the ski slopes, then this is the Oregon VRBO for you. The lodge has three bedrooms, two with a king-sized bed, one with a full-sized bed.
Inside, you’ll find a traditional log cabin style home. There is a large living room with a wood-burning fireplace and plenty of seating and windows to admire the view. You’ll be able to cook dinner for the whole group in the fully equipped kitchen, or play games at the dining area. Many of the rooms in the lodge have floor to ceiling windows, including the bedrooms.
The Skiing Bear Chalet also has great outdoor spaces. There are two deck levels, with seating and a grill. The bedrooms each have their own private deck. You’ll be surrounded by the woods, but within walking distance to some of the best ski slopes in the area.
Though this isn't a classic treehouse, Dome Sweet Dome has treehouse-like aspects, as the geodesic dome is perched up off the ground in a forested landscape.
This Bend Airbnb is perfect for outdoor lovers whether you're wandering through the pine trees in the backyard, hiking the trails in the Deschutes National Forest, or walking along the river. You'll get wonderful views from inside the dome as well when you're looking to kick your shoes off and cozy up inside.
You'll wake up to the beautiful morning light through the windows and go to sleep staring at the night sky. Dome Sweet Dome also offers the convenience of being 10 minutes from downtown Bend while still having a quiet, restful feel.
We suggest you pull up a chair, gather around the fire pit, and enjoy this unique Bend Airbnb.
If you have ever wanted to experience tiny home living without the commitment, then you might like the Shipping Container Studio. The Shipping Container Studio is one of the most unique vacation rentals in Oregon. It is a modern-style tiny home.
Inside, you’ll find a queen sized bed, a very small but fully equipped kitchen, and a small full bathroom. It’s a great space for an individual or couple, but it is pretty small. The Shipping Container Studio is on the property of another VRBO in Oregon, in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Portland.
It’s centrally located, and perfect if you are more interested in spending time exploring the city than hanging out in your Oregon vacation rental.
Cannon Beach is a charming beach town on the Oregon Coast, and the Peaceful Cannon Beach Cottage is one of the best vacation rentals in Oregon in the area. The cottage is located in a small neighborhood of cottage rentals that is just steps from the beach. The cottage is dog friendly, has one bedroom with a queen-sized bed, and full bathroom.
Inside, there is a small but charming living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a small dining area. In the backyard, there is a small grassy space and a patio with a grill. All around the cabin you’ll find Adirondack chairs to relax in. Near the cottage, there is also a small water feature that has a little waterfall and babbling brook that you can relax by. It’s a great Oregon coast vacation rental.
This small wood creation is the perfect Airbnb in Eugene Oregon for your visit to the area. Be sure to book well in advance because this cozy Airbnb has become quite popular.
The Roundhouse is located just a short distance from the University of Oregon, downtown Eugene, and plenty of great food options and running trails. Spencer's Butte is also nearby providing you with the perfect hiking opportunity.
The house allows you to escape your busy everyday life in a space that breaks from convention and invites you to connect with your surrounding environment whether it's watching a deer pass by from the outdoor deck or listening to the music of the birds.
This is an ideal, peaceful retreat complete with snacks and even stamped postcards to tell your friends at home about your wonderful adventures.
Photo Credit: Private Oregon Roundhouse, via Airbnb
Sunriver Oregon Family Home
For large groups and families looking to explore Bend, consider staying at the Sunriver Oregon Family Home. The Sunriver Oregon Family home is great for groups where you need plenty of space to spread out. The home has two bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed. But there are also two sleeper sofas in the home, so there is a place for everyone to crash after a long day exploring Sunriver and Bend Oregon.
The Sunriver Oregon Family Home also has two full bathrooms, a large living area, and fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area. There are high vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows with views of the wooded area.
In the garage, there is a ping-pong table, a foosball table, bikes, and ski equipment that you can use. At the back of the house, there is a private deck that has a large hot tub for you to use. It is one of the best vacation rentals in Oregon for large families.
If you are looking for a luxurious lodge for the whole family or a large group, you’ll love the Forrest Lodge. This massive lodge is located on three acres of wooded land in Rhodendron Oregon, which is near Mt. Hood. Inside, you’ll find plenty of space for everyone.
There are four bedrooms. A king-sized suite, two queen-sized suite, and a twin-sized trundle bed in the last bedroom. In the additional loft space, there are two more twin-sized beds. There are also three full bathrooms. The main living area has a large living room with massive semi circle windows. You can get cozy around the large stone fireplace or watch a movie.
You’ll also find a large fully equipped kitchen and a dining area with room for everyone. Outside, there is a massive deck where you can sit and enjoy the view. There is also a outdoor firepit where you can make smores and enjoy a beautiful quiet night in the Oregon woods.
In Arch Cape Oregon, you’ll find the Seagull Landing. Seagull Landing is a large family beach home. There are three bedrooms. One with a king-sized bed, one with a queen-sized bed, and one with a set of bunk beds. Inside, you’ll find a cozy living room with a large stone fireplace and large windows with views of the ocean.
There is also a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area that fits everyone. Attached to the house there is a large deck that looks out over the hill and towards the ocean. It’s not an unobstructed view, but it is very pretty. You’ll be able to sit on the large deck and relax while you admire the ocean view.
We're thrilled that you've chosen to call the lush forests, imposing mountains, and happening cities of Oregon your home for your next trip. We hope that one of the unique Oregon Airbnb locations from this list will stand out to you.
Whether you're cruising along the Oregon coast, taking photographs of hidden gems, or walking the downtown streets of the major cities, you're sure to enjoy your time in this Pacific Northwest state. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments as you look to choose your next Airbnb in Oregon.
Yes, yes, I know. Elizabeth Blackstock, who has spent 1000 years grumping about truck owners, now owns a truck. A big, beautiful 1996 Chevrolet Suburban. Get familiar with this bad boy, because I'm sure you'll be seeing it a lot around here. And for my introductory post to this sweet machine, I want to know what you…
When Margaret A. Wilcox developed the car heater, she did it in an era where being a mechanical engineer was a rarity—and which was even more difficult for a woman. Every time you warm up your icy extremities behind the wheel on a cold winter day, you have Wilcox to thank.
The MG Cyberster is an all-electric concept that has, depending on your eye, one of the most repulsive or intriguing grille designs I think I have ever seen.
A new study from relative newcomer Root Insurance wants to prove what we've all suspected these past few months: that we are driving more distractedly. There are few things that raise my suspicions about it.
Welcome to the Jalopnik Weekend Motorsports Roundup, where we let you know what's going on in the world of racing, where you can see it, and where you can talk about it all in one convenient place. Where else would you want to spend your weekend?
Businesses flexing a bit of legal chicanery to reap the greatest benefit certainly isn't a new phenomenon under capitalism, though what Tesla's been doing with the Model 3 in Canada recently is an especially absurd example. The automaker has been selling an intentionally terrible version of its entry-level sedan in…
The world of being an automotive enthusiast is much bigger than most people realize. It's never been just about JDM cars or racing or muscle cars. There are entire subcultures that people take part in across the country and around the world. Often, they are regional, with followings that cease to exist if you leave…
Shopping for the best price on a car is just part of the equation, a great deal on a vehicle can be completely wiped out if you don't correctly manage the financing. This is a good time to remind you to take a few key steps before going to the dealership, especially if your credit isn't perfect.
This is the most advanced official Transformers toy ever made. Standing an impressive 19-inches tall and built from metal alloy parts, Robosen Robotics' fully-programmable Optimus Prime walks in robot form, drives in vehicle mode, and converts automatically on command. He's up for pre-order this morning on Hasbro Pulse
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a 986-horsepower plug-in electric hybrid supercar with a price tag north of half-a-million dollars. I have good news if you're in the market for one, as it has just come to my attention that the SF90 Stradale is eligible for the same federal tax credit you used to get when buying a Tesla.
Segway still exists, you may be shocked to hear, and is on a roll making a bunch of weird products, from hybrid ATVs to robots that can handle last-mile deliveries. Its latest creation is an electric motorcycle that gets its watts from a fuel cell rather than a lithium-ion battery pack.
There is no amount of reading into the history of General Motors that won't bring up some comically incoherent bureaucracy, but even I was surprised when I realized there were a couple of years in the mid-1990s when General Motors was nominally in charge of both beaming satellite TV into American homes and Tomahawk…
After one of the harshest winters on record, spring and its associated pleasures cannot come soon enough. We want, nay, we need the mercury to rise sufficiently and thus fling open the floodgates for the season's essential activities: sunshine-soaked weekend walks with your besties, bottomless afternoon iced coffees, and, most crucially, the skin-baring outfits that have been eagerly waiting in the wings (aka our closets). This leads us to influencer Savvy Shields who recently doubled down by posting on both TikTok and Instagram, a 5-second video that encapsulated all of our hopes and dreams for the tantalizingly close warm weather. She and co-influencer (?) Anna Page are positioned somewhere on the Upper East Side ("Pack it up, Blair and Serena!" wrote a commenter in reference to Gossip Girl), oat milk lattes in hand, dancing to Anderson Paak's "Heart Don't Stand a Chance." (Search the song's hashtag on the TikTok platform and you'll see approximately a gazillion additional videos of users attempting the dance challenge.) But, what really demanded our attention — along with hundreds of Shields' followers, judging from the comments — was what she was wearing: a perfect white mini dress.
Eagle-eyed shoppers have already traced the frock to Zara, where it's priced at a reasonable $49.90. (Page's black poplin style is available at Madewell — where it's already started selling out — and also comes in white. Phew.) It seems that Shields, a former Miss America, tapped into not only our collective human desire to hit the streets in an extra-cute new 'fit, but for that 'fit to consist of a knee-skimming minidress in a bright, eye-catching shade of white. There's something about the color that goes hand in hand with the season of rebirth — and, while it's certainly not the lowest-maintenance hue, its association with the world of sports (tennis, anyone?) makes it feel fresh, unencumbered, and ready for some warm-weather action.
Suddenly, we found ourselves not only carting up Zara's pleated micro-mini confection but scouring the internet for more and MORE little white dresses to enhance our spring wardrobe rotations. A billowing shirtdress with carelessly cuffed sleeves? Check. A swingy, crocheted slipdress? Add to cart. Everlane's just-launched, soon-to-sell-out cotton tent dress? We'll take two, please! We spotted enough snow-colored frocks — most of which clocked in at less than $100 — that we had to round them up for you. So, if you find that your spring fever is raging, nab one of these little white dresses in preparation for the season ahead. (TikTok dancing while wearing them is, of course, completely optional.)
At Refinery29, we're here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Anyone with platinum blonde hair will tell you: The color is a commitment. So, if a day of double-process dyeing at the salon isn't in the cards for you, a wig is an easy way to try out the look. Yaya Ogun, the star of Hair Me Out's latest episode, opted for a platinum blonde wig to change up her style without spending hours in the chair with foils on her head.
"I've never done real color before," Ogun says, explaining that she's only ever experimented with shades of brown. Bright blonde was a far cry from what she's used to, but it didn't stop her from taking the plunge. Millicent Reid, a wig expert based in Los Angeles, helped Ogun with her transformation, installing an icy blonde wig (think Saweetie) on her client. To start, she braided Ogun's hair down into straight-back cornrows. "I used the hot comb because I want the braids to lay very flat," Reid explains.
Once Ogun's hair was braided down, Reid used makeup on the wig's lace to help it blend into her client's complexion, then secured it using Bold Hold Glue. "This is an adhesive glue that is going to stick the lace to her skin," Reid explains. To ensure a safe hold, Reid bonded the glue to Ogun's skin using a blowdryer. After the wig installation was complete, Reid styled Ogun's baby hairs and created soft curls. "This is probably the biggest physical change I've ever done," Ogun says. "It's boosted my confidence. I feel super leveled up." Click play to see her transformation in full.
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Slowly but surely, pastels are starting to feel more seasonally appropriate. Even if you're watching the cherry blossoms bloom through a window (or worse, via TikTok), there's something cheerful about warm-weather indicators that make this crazy time feel a bit more zen. Of course, the simplest, most non-committal way to ease into spring tones — especially while you're living in sweats and looking for an activity — is with a DIY manicure.
If your collection of pastels is looking a little sad and crusty at the moment, we have your guide to the most current crème de la crème of pastel polish. From sage green to lilac, click ahead to find the prettiest pastel polishes to add to your stash.
At Refinery29, we're here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Suite Eleven Tea Time
From houseplants to home decor, sage green is trending right now. On nails, this soft, cream-based sage is basically the new neutral.
Suite Eleven Tea Time, $, available at Suite Eleven
Pear Nova Tokyo Afterglow
Who said that pastels can't make a bright, look-at-me statement?
Pear Nova Tokyo Afterglow, $, available at Pear Nova
Mischo Beauty Babylove
The perfect polish for those times when you can't decide between pink and purple.
Mischo Beauty Babylove, $, available at Mischo Beauty
Dazzle Dry Frozen Lemonade
A nail polish to wear while drinking an ice-cold lemonade (or Limoncello).
Dazzle Dry Frozen Lemonade, $, available at Dazzle Dry
Sundays No.44
The sweet spot between white and green is a pastel mint.
We're calling this frosty periwinkle by Olive & June grown-up upgrade to that old bottle of blue polish you loved back in high school.
Olive & June Olive & June Nail Polish - 0.46 fl oz, $, available at Target
Tenoverten Watts
"I love this pinkish mauve color for spring," Tenoverten nail pro Nadine Abramcyk tells us of Watts, a cool-toned shade somewhere between barely-there blush and lavender. "It's a soft pastel that still makes a fresh statement."
Tenoverten Nail Polish in Watts, $, available at Target
Chanel Le Vernis Bleu Pastel
Frosty blue feels inherently youthful, while the designer label ensures this shade knows no age. "Chanel's Bleu Pastel shade is the prettiest muted baby blue," says Abramcyk. "It's a universal pastel for spring, and looks gorgeous on everyone."
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in Bleu Pastel, $, available at Barneys New York
Essie Mind-ful Meditation
If you take your pastels on the neutral side, any shade from Essie's Serene Slate collection will likely fall in your wheelhouse. They're all pretty, but we're partial to this dusty gray with warm undertones. "Essie's Mind-full Meditation reads as a beige with a hint of apricot," Abramcyk says. "It gives softness with just the right touch of color."
Essie Nail Polish in Mind-full Meditation, $, available at Target
Jinsoon Tweety
It's easy to get a yellow manicure wrong, but it's just as simple to have the happiest fingernails ever as long as you pick the right polish. "We formulated this bright pastel yellow called Tweety to be playful and flattering," says Choi of her favorite yellow from her brand, Jinsoon. "The color is reminiscent of forsythia flowers."
JINsoon Nail Polish in Tweety, $, available at JinSoon
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Today on Twitter, the words "McDonald's Sprite" and "He's dead" trended in unison, like some twisted waltz between blood-sworn enemies forced to work together against a greater evil, in this case, our fucking sanity.
This morning, a statement was released announcing the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. The 99-year-old royal left behind a thorny legacy — but, we're here to talk about Sprite.
McDonald's Sprite is a storied meme, one so successful the two words have become building blocks for countless others. According to Know Your Meme, McDonald's Sprite was first meme-ified in 2017 when a member of Brockhampton simply tweeted "mcdonald's sprite taste different" [sic]. It's been a running joke on the internet ever since, popping up whenever the mention seems just right — like today.
While the earliest memes focused on McDonald's Sprite tasting "different," later iterations quickly became more specific. McDonald's Sprite tastes electronic; it tastes stronger than liquor; it tastes — and this may be the one adjective that tops them all — spicy. Like most memes, this one's endurance seems to be rooted in its truth: McDonald's Sprite does taste different.
I say that with confidence. The closest McDonald's to me is minutes away, and I'm typing this story with a can of Sprite and a small-sized McDonald's Sprite sitting on either side of my work laptop. To my left, McDonald's Sprite. Upon tasting it, it's immediately obvious why the internet uses words like "electronic" and "spicy" to describe the flavor. At first sip, you think, Why is it spicy?After a few Kombucha-girl takes, it settles into your mouth in 72p.It's undeniable: McDonald's Sprite tastes like it would pair well with Sophie's "Ponyboy." Next, after a brief break to cleanse my tastebuds, I sample Sprite from a can and nod my head in affirmation: This is definitely fruity, the lemon-lime fully caught in 4K, the bubbles posing no threat of electrocution.
Fountain sodas always taste different from their canned or bottled counterparts. The restaurants themselves provide the water and add in the syrup manually, playing with variables like water filtration and temperature to create a semi-signature product. Then there are the fountain spouts, which any fast-food employee will tell you are known to be well-seasoned over the years.
The joy around McDonald's Sprite memes — even those created in the context of whether the fountain soda had the power to harm a near-centenarian royal — has never fully gone away; people were making TikToks about it just a few days ago. But today's day-long laughing fit is an example of how the kind of twisted dark humor that was once relegated to 4chan and Reddit has officially entered the mainstream. This is, perhaps, a result of our pandemic-induced super-onlineness and general divestment from traditional institutions and values.
Before, shitposting on the day of a public figure's death happened in relatively closed communities. Now, people online seem to approach things with more nuance — yes, someone died, but that doesn't mean they're beyond criticism. And while some people surely find it distasteful, even disrespectful, to see people swapping morbid Sprite memes on the same day Prince Philip died, we can't forget that the internet is only a portion of real life; what's normal online isn't always normal in real life. Cruel jokes and dark humor have a time and a place — and it might just be online.
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Things seem to be going well between Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. Two months after making their relationship status Instagram official, we have an important Friday update: Barker just went and got himself a "Kourtney" tattoo.
To celebrate her boyfriend's very permanent tribute, Kardashian posted a photo of Barker's fresh piece to her Instagram feed. Across the musician's chest, "Kourtney" is seen inked in a large cursive-script font overlaying his existing body art. For her part, Kardashian included her hand in the closeup image of the tattoo, showing off another manicure with romantic undertones: red French tips with cherry hearts.
In addition to the grid post, Kardashian gave Barker a shoutout on her Instagram Stories, telling fans that the former Blink-182 drummer sometimes braids her hair. While nobody can say for sure what will happen next with this relationship, its trajectory sure is sweet.
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We get it: buying a new bestselling mattress is an ordeal that's a huge investment for both our finances and general wellbeing. But today, instead of pushing ourselves and our budgets to pull the purchase trigger on one, we're here to talk toppers — aka the affordable solution to upgrading that tired old box spring.
We hunted down the best mattress toppers with the highest reviews from top bedding brands across the web, sharpening them down into the hit list ahead. There's a premium pad for every type of sleeper, from memory foam to hypoallergenic and eco-friendly styles. A lighter (but still supportive) investment in your snooze space is just an add-to-cart click away.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we're here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Best For:A Heavenly Breathable Sleep This down alternative mattress topper is made from soft microgel material with a 100% organic cotton cover and tufted top.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Heaven! We bought a new mattress, and my hubby said he wanted more smooosh on top. I didn't want to be hotter. The down alternative mattress topper makes us both SO happy! Aaaahhhhh....." – Harriet M., Brooklinen Reviewer
Best For:A Cloud-Like Refreshing Sleep Therapedic's Tru-Cool mattress is made extra supportive through billions of microscopic air capsules that ease pressure on the body.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "This is a bouncier, soft foam. For me personally, it is a match made in mattress topper heaven. I get excited to go to bed now. I am someone who does not like dense, slow moving foams. I do not like a firm bed. I have a firm mattress and purchased this to get the feel of sleeping on a soft comfy cloud and that's what I received. If you are someone who prefers soft and bouncy toppers then you will love it. If you are someone who likes a firm dense foam then I don't think it's for you. I recommend going into the store and feeling the sample they have. My quality of sleep has sky rocketed. Also, it is made in the USA and that's a big deal to me." – Ginger, Bed Bath & Beyond Reviewer
Saatva Saatva Mattress Toppers, $, available at Saatva
Saatva Mattress Topper
Best For:Customizable Sleep Saatva's premium, three-inch toppers are available in three material options for different sleep styles: graphite for hot sleepers who want to temperature regulation; latex for sleepers looking for sustainably made body support; or performance foam for sleepers in need of contoured pressure relief.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Best in the market — totally worth paying the extra for this mattress pad. It's comfortable, doesn't need shaking, and is perfect for a hard mattress." – Sally, Saatva Reviewer
Saatva Saatva Mattress Toppers, $, available at Saatva
Tempur-Pedic Temper-Topper Supreme
Best For:Personalized Supportive Sleep This mattress topper is made from 3 inches of you guessed it, the same stand-out TEMPUR® material that's found in all of Tempur-Pedics legendary body forming mattresses. The topper adjusts to individual body weight, shape, and temperature for an unmatched personalized sleep experience. Added bonus, a removable and washable cover is included, which is resistant to mold and allergens.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "I absolutely love the 3 inch topper. Every night, I sink in feeling supported all around. I am definitely sleeping better - waking up less each night." – Anonymous, Tempur-Pedic Reviewer
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme, $, available at Tempur-Pedic
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Best For: Five-Star Hotel Sleep For a more classic style topper, Parachute's featherbed style filled with premium European white down has your mattress covered. With a 100% sateen-cotton shell and a stay-in-place baffle-box construction, it provides three inches of plush "five-star hotel feel."
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Obsessed!! The down feather bed is a game-changer. The only negative is that it makes getting out of bed nearly impossible. I have both the down and the down alternative feather beds and like them both but if I had to pick one, I would choose the down version. These feather beds are luxurious and comfortable and have eliminated any shoulder and knee pains I used to experience while sleeping. I have bought other mattress toppers from Amazon that were less expensive, but they aren't comparable. Spend the extra money; you'll be happy you did." – Birgit, Parachute Reviewer
Parachute Down Mattress Topper, $, available at Parachute
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
Best For:An Ache Free Slumber Tuft & Needle's mattress topper is the solution for anyone trying to make their firm mattress a little easier on the joints. It's made of responsive foam to relieve pressure points on hips and shoulders and keeps you cool all night.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Finally getting some good rest. Our mattress "caused" aches in my shoulders and hips. I frequently had to turn over in bed, like a rotisserie chicken, trying to relieve pressure points. With this mattress topper, I don't have to do that!" – Anonymous, Tuft & Needle Reviewer
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper, $, available at Tuft & Needle
Boll & Branch Mattress Topper
Best For:A Softer Feel Made with 2 inches of organic cotton, wool, and poly, this topper adds an extra layer of pillow-soft comfort for any sleeper wanting a bit more cushion.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "I purchased the mattress topper for my very firm, 12 year old mattress to accommodate my boyfriend's clear preference for a softer bed. He is sleeping much better now and I found myself surprised to discover I love the luxurious feel myself. Definitely recommend." – Amy R., Boll & Branch Reviewer
Boll & Branch The Mattress Topper, $, available at Boll & Branch
Layla Memory Foam Topper
Best For: Soft But Supportive Sleep If you're in the market for a sleep experience described as "like adding an extra layer of clouds to a bed already made of cotton candy," then Laya's topper crafted from cooling, copper-gel-infused memory foam has your number.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "We've had it a couple of months now and this thing seriously transformed our Costco mattress (the wife and I were a little let down by the firmness of it). Adding this gave it that plush feel we were looking for. It helped a ton with side sleeping and laying on my back is more comfortable as well." – Charles J, Layla Reviewer
Layla Sleep Memory Foam Topper, $, available at Layla Sleep
Coop Home Goods Flip Mattress Topper
Best For:Firm OR Soft Sleep This 4-inch memory foam topper packs reversible powers that offer the option of both soft and firm support — plus, it also comes bundled with a 100% waterproof mattress protector, 100-night sleep trial, and five-year limited warranty.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "We recently decided that our mattress was too soft and had been mattress shopping. After getting a price quote way out of our budget, we decided to go back to the drawing board to find something more affordable for the time being. I loved the fact that you can flip this topper to be softer or firmer. So far, we have only used the firm side, but it made our bed exact support that we have been looking for without feeling like we were sleeping on the concrete floor! We really liked the cover that lets you strap the topper to your bed, it really keeps it in place instead of having it slide all over the place while you're sleeping. It did add some height to my mattress, which I personally love, and BONUS my Solstice sheets still fit great even with the added height. The packaging was awesome, it came vacuum sealed and I would definitely recommend this to anyone that's looking for more support with their mattress or, to make their mattress a little softer." – Audrey, Coop Home Goods Reviewer
Coop Home Goods Flip Mattress Topper, $, available at Coop Home Goods
Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper
Best For: Sustainable Sleep Pricey for a cause: this eco-friendly topper is handmade from sustainable GOLS-certified organic cotton, wool, and latex materials that pass a rigorous screening test for third-party emissions standards (and rigorous customer approval for premium-levels of sleep support).
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Best Purchase! We recently purchased a bed/mattress combo and found it was not comfortable at all. We couldn't return just the mattress because we bought it together. We decided to give the Avocado Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper a try to see if it could save us from the hassle of having to return our entire bed/mattress purchase. It sure did! We are extremely satisfied with our purchase. Had we known about Avocado before, we would have bought their mattress instead. This is an excellent product that I highly recommend for anyone struggling with needing a good night's rest. Who doesn't need a good night's rest? We're completely satisfied." – Mary, Avocado Reviewer
Avocado Green Mattress Topper, $, available at Avocado
Dream Science By Martha Stewart Quilted Mattress Pad
Best For: Classic Comfort The price is definitely right on this super-soft classic quilted mattress topper from the OG herself, Martha.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "To me, this is a perfect mattress pad; it is soft and has a nice thickness to it. It fits my full mattress perfectly. I highly recommend." – Arlene, Macy's Reviewer
Best For: Serene Sleep What sets this three-inch memory foam topper apart from the rest? A subtle lavender-scent infusion that promotes an even calmer, cozier, and supportive sleep space.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "100% worth it! I have degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my neck that causes back and shoulder pain. I needed to buy a new mattress which couldn't have been worse timing that I was also strapped for cash and I 'splurged' on a not so comfy spring mattress for a whopping $200... enter sarcasm here. I just didn't have the funds for a nice one and the springs were killing my back and also leaving sore spots on my hips and shoulders to the point where it felt like I should be covered in bruises. I bought one of these toppers and I haven't slept this well in months. No more pain and the lavender scent is just enough but not overpowering." – Learn, Amazon Reviewer
Lucid 3" Lavender Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Queen), $, available at Amazon
MOLECULE Airtec Mattress Topper
Best For:Pain-Free Sleep This topper is Air-Engineered™ for a recovery-focused comfortable and cooling sleep. It's three unique layers are designed to conform to your body to deliver enhanced pressure relief and support and provides maximum airflow.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Its hard to believe and even harder to say out loud, but the first morning after sleeping on the MOLECULE Airtec mattress topper was the day everything changed! I woke up pain-free and I'm not kidding nor lying! I drive for a living and I'm in a constant back and hip pain. When I first stood up from bed 'I didn't recognize the feeling…The feeling of nothing"! For the first time in 20+ years I didn't hurt." – Cathy, MOLECULE Reviewer
Molecule AirTEC Mattress Topper, $, available at Molecule
Wayfair Sleep Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best For:Sweat-Free Sleep Say hello to two-and-a-half inches of cooling mattress rejuvenation for under $100 — this topper is made from CertiPUR-US-certified gel memory foam that's water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and backed by a three-year warranty.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "It's like a giant cloud hugging you to sleep. I sleep so well with this top. If you don't want to spend the money on a new mattress just yet, add this and it'll feel brand new!" – Ashley, Wayfair Reviewer
Best For: Breathable Sleep Two inches of Visco Elastic air foam combine with one inch of an infusion of green tea and charcoal memory foam — aka three whole inches of breathable and odor-neutralizing sleep support.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "My mattress is only 2 1/2 years old and I started having lower back problems and I didn't want to purchase a new one. So I searched for a mattress topper for almost a week. The Spa sensation 3 airflow had the best reviews. I've been sleeping on the mattress for over a week now and my back feels so much better! I love this mattress, I sleep so much better and I am getting a solid nights sleep again!" – Gotagoodsleep, Walmart Reviewer
Zinus Spa Sensations AirFlow Visco Elastic Foam Topper, $, available at Walmart
Amerisleep Lift Mattress Topper
Best For:High-Tech Sleep Designed with Bio-Pur and Affinity materials that provide a cooling sleep-feel, HIVE technology that promotes total-body pressure relief, and a Micro-Grip base layer that prevents slippage, this total-package topper has more than earned its tip-top reviewer rating.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "I am happy with my mattress topper and my entire experience with Amerisleep. Sounds kind of weird but when I woke up from sleeping on my topper the first night, my husband asked how I felt. I said like butter melting on a pile of warm mashed potatoes. I just melted right in and slept all night long. Prompt delivery. Very well protected merchandise. Amerisleep did what they said and said what they did. I cannot recall ever working with such a considerate team of people. Professional, accurate, friendly, and outstanding products." – Kimi, Amerisleep Reviewer
Amerisleep Lift by Amerisleep™ Mattress Topper, $, available at Amerisleep
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper
Best For: Restful Sleep This two-inch foam topper is crafted from the same luxurious cooling fabric found on the brand's premium mattresses. And, in addition to increased sleep support and breathability, it also comes with four built-in corner straps for optimal stay-in-place security.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Made our mattress 1000 times more comfortable. We had purchased a mattress from another company before learning of Nest. That mattress was way too firm for us, so we purchased this cooling topper from Nest (after feeling and loving it on a friend's bed). It was the best decision! What a huge difference! I wake up every morning so rested! I just never want to get out of bed!!!" – Erika, Nest Bedding Reviewer
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper (Full), $, available at Nest Bedding
The Company Store Down Alternative Baffled Featherbed
Best For: Featherbed-Alternative Sleep If you love the soft-feathered feel that a down topper provides but can't handle the allergens that come with it, this still-as-soft style is a perfect alternative. The TCS Down-free fill is stuffed inside 4-inch deep and 15-inch wide baffled-quilted squares that make for a fully lofted "sink-right-in" sleep situation.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "I got this product to soften the mattress of my as-yet-to-be-delivered camper van. I was going to get foam, but foam can be very heavy and awkward, so I thought of featherbeds (which can be rolled up or stuffed into corners). I didn't want to bother with actual feathers or down, too much trouble on the road. Hence, this down-free version. I tried it on my own bed and enjoyed the way I sort-of sank into it. Very cozy, very cushy. There was some compression, however. Easily fixed by a brief shakeout. There seems to be some confusion about featherbeds - under the bottom sheet or over? If you want to give yours a shake in the morning, to fluff it up, it has to go over the sheet. Otherwise, you'd have to unmake your whole bed. So I bought two of the 100% cotton featherbed covers and sleep directly on the featherbed. They zip on, zip off, and are washable. Problem solved. You could even use a small duvet cover over it, like a flannel one in Winter. Anyway, this is a fine product and highly recommended." – Vickety, The Company Store Reviewer
The Company Store Down Alternative Baffled Featherbed, $, available at The Company Store
Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Best For: AffordableSleep This under-$50 option boasts over 11,000 reviews and Choice status on Amazon. Crafted out of ultra-plush memory foam that's infused with temperature-regulating gel beads, the two- to three-inch toppers are designed to provide pressure-relief and spine-alignment support.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Instant comfort upgrade. We bought an inexpensive memory foam bed for my daughter's guest room to sleep on when we visit. It seemed OK in the store, but we found it waaaay too firm once we slept on it a few times. We didn't want to spend the money on a new mattress we use so infrequently, so we decided to go the mattress topper route instead. This was a great solution. The topper expanded to full size in about 4 hours (they recommend up to 24), and we slept much better than we ever have before on that bed. No aches or pains getting up, and no motion transfer during the night. I didn't notice any smell, even upon first opening the packaging. This was a very affordable solution to an overly firm mattress problem that I would highly recommend to anyone." – Cowboy Bob, Amazon Reviewer
Linenspa 2-Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Full, $, available at Amazon
Coyuchi Climate Beneficial Wool Mattress Topper
Best For: Supportive Sleep This eco-conscious brand's topper is crafted from naturally non-allergenic wool material that's dust-mite resistant, moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, and offers firmer support that keeps its shape (unlike alternative memory-foam or feather options).
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "I bought this mattress topper as an alternative to buying a new mattress. I put it on my 10-year-old mattress and it instantly felt like it was brand new again! I am sleeping better then I have in years and not overheating as I have in the past. Great, great product and a good investment." – Abby, Coyuchi Reviewer
Coyuchi Climate Beneficial Wool Mattress Topper, $, available at Coyuchi
Pure Brands Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Best For: Hypoallergenic Sleep Premium toppers are not memory-foam exclusive — and this Amazon's Choice plush down-alternative option proves it with its super-plush microfiber material that doubles as a mattress protector.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Sleepers Say: "Soft, cuddly, and comfy!!!! I am SO in love with this product!!! I'd been in between getting a new mattress, topper, or pad — but after I stumbled upon this for the price, IT WAS WELL WORTH IT!!!! Soft, the padding is thick and plushy — it's like sleeping on a big, fluffy cloud. In fact, it is SO soft, that we didn't even put sheets on the first night we had it!!!! I am not kidding. It is literally THAT soft. Ever since I received this I can confidently say I'm sleeping well and feel so refreshed. It fits our queen-sized bed PERFECTLY and hides that old, ugly mattress underneath. It's like having a brand-new bed for less than $40!!!!!" – Teresa, Amazon Reviewer
Pure Brands Down Alternative Mattress Topper (Full), $, available at Amazon
Casper Mattress Topper
Best For: Reducing Restlessness This topper is designed to easily fit onto your bed with no slipping and sliding. Crafted with Premium latex foams and a plush top layer, it creates a soft, buoyant feel that keeps you cool, and keeps you still.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5
Sleepers Say: "I can't believe I thought I didn't need a mattress topper before. What a painful life I was living. As a person who tosses and turns all through the night, I found myself sinking into the luscious layers and waking up in the same comfortable spot I fell asleep in the night before. My back feels supported, and my body slowly finds its perfect spot beneath the sheets." –Cortne Bonilla, Lifestyle Writer, Casper Reviewer
It's been just over a year since it was first reported that the 2020 Met Gala would be postponed due to the pandemic. Two months later, Vogue made the official announcement that fashion's biggest night would be canceled completely. Though the About Time: Fashion and Duration exhibition opened later in the year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, no pink carpet was rolled out to celebrate it, nor did Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, or any of the other stars who frequent the Met Gala, show up in fashion fit for the occasion. According to Page Six, though, the 2021 soirée won't meet the same fate.
On Thursday, the publication reported that this year's Met Gala will take place, and no, it won't exist only on Instagram like this year's award shows. That said, it won't be on the first Monday in May as we've grown to expect, either. Instead, the benefit, which raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and is known in the industry as the "Oscars of Fashion," will take place during New York Fashion Week in September.
Ahead, everything we know (so far) about the 2021 Met Gala.
When will the 2021 Met Gala take place?
The gala will reportedly take place on September 13, 2021. According to Page Six, the date was changed in the hopes that, with the current vaccine rollout, it will be safe to gather by then. Whether or not that will turn out to be true is yet to be determined. Furthermore, the date apparently could not be held on the first Monday in September due to the fact that it's Labor Day, and national holidays trump even Vogue's Anna Wintour.
Who will host the 2021 Met Gala?
According to Page Six sources, Vogue is considering Inauguration Day poet and the magazine's May cover star Amanda Gorman for its 2021 Met Gala host. Tom Ford, the CFDA chairman and designer, is said to be joining her. Of course, Wintour will also be a host.
What will the 2021 Met Gala theme be?
The theme for the 2021 Met Gala hasn't yet been released, though, given that we're still five months away from the alleged event date, not to mention the special circumstances this year, we're not all that surprised about the delay in the announcement. Insert *only (About)Time will tell* reference.
Prior to 2020, Met Gala themes included Camp: Notes on Fashion, which saw Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, and Ezra Miller, among others, don fashion at its most over-the-top, in 2019; Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination in 2018, which was unofficially won by Rihanna, when she showed up wearing a Pope costume by Maison Margiela; and Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between in 2017, which featured co-host Katy Perry in custom Maison Martin Margiela, Lily Collins in Giambattista Valli, and Zoë Kravitz in Oscar de la Renta.
We will update this storyas more information regarding the 2021 Met Gala is confirmed.
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What's in Madewell's secret sauce? Whatever the brand uses to spike its togs with universal appeal is nothing short of magic. And, try as we might, we just can't seem to stop browsing the site. As of today, it's gotten even trickier to tear ourselves away — because, for a limited time, Madewell's hosting a take 40% off saleevent that's chock full of must-have spring styles.
The cool-but-casual retailer always seems to have our number with its selection of on-point denim shorts, cute swimsuits, wear-all-the-time shoes, and easy-breezy dresses that don't skimp on function. Click through to peep a selection of our favorite slashed-price scores ahead — and know that there's plenty more where that came from. (Just use the code SPRINGITON at checkout to see the dollars drop!)
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TikTok's beauty enthusiasts can't get enough of clever trends and techniques that promise to transform skin in a matter of moments, and it's safe to say each one has us hooked. Right now, facial cupping is having a moment — and judging by the countless tutorials flooding the app, the results are impressive, to say the least.
What is facial cupping?
Even though cupping is big on TikTok right now, the technique is nothing new; in fact, it's been popular in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine for centuries. On the body, cupping therapy involves placing glass or silicone cups on either wet or dry skin, which creates a suction effect. This brings blood to the surface of the skin and is said to relax muscles and potentially reduce back and neck pain.
Facial cupping is a little gentler and involves much smaller cups (again, usually silicone or glass) which create a pull on the skin. "Lately it has become a trend for facial use on the premise that the cup uses pressure to draw nutrients to the surface of the skin with the aim of creating healthier looking skin," says Ioannis Liakas, medical director and skin specialist at Vie Aesthetics. On TikTok, the cups are used in conjunction with skin-care products like facial oils, serums, or masks, which help them glide over the skin easily.
What are the skin-care benefits of facial cupping?
Much like using a jade roller or gua sha tool, TikTokers love the facial cupping technique for relaxing tense facial muscles, especially along the jaw, and claim it lends the skin a post-facial glow when combined with radiance-enhancing skin-care products like vitamin C or rosehip oil. It's a favorite among experts, too: Top facialist Antonia Burrell loves facial cupping for providing a temporary lift, while Dr. Liakas pinpoints its potential to contour and sculpt cheekbones, as well as de-puff skin. Some TikTok skin-care enthusiasts claim anecdotally that facial cupping helps minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and scars and stimulates collagen.
How do you do facial cupping at home and does it work?
Inspired by TikTok's skin-care enthusiasts (and spurred on by how desperately my dull, post-winter skin is in need of a glow boost), I had to give facial cupping a go.
I opted for the Skin Gym Facial Cupping Set, which includes two medium-size facial cups (for cheeks, chin, and forehead) and two micro-cups, which perform better around the nose, eyes, and lips. Facial cupping works best when combined with skin-care products so that the cups can slide across the skin without any friction. I found it's actually quite difficult to use the cups without product, as they keep popping off my skin. Layering up with moisturizer, serum, or facial oil means they can do their job with ease.
Facial oils seem to be a popular product to work with on TikTok, but Dr. Liakas mentions they could clog pores and spread bacteria if you're prone to breakouts. He likes vitamin C serums for facial cupping, but says hyaluronic acid serums are also an option and are beneficial for all skin types. You could also use a moisturizer for more slip. I have oily, acne-prone skin, so I chose a lightweight serum: Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum. A little goes a long way to create a slick base on the skin.
Dr. Liakas says that keeping the skin taut when passing the cups over your face is key and recommends cleansing your skin afterwards. This is because cupping is more of a DIY facial treatment, rather than an actual skin-care step. Simply follow with your usual skin-care routine afterwards.
I started with the miniature cups and concentrated them on areas where I'd like a little bit of a lift, which is around my eyes and above my eyebrows. The suction was very gentle and the product absorbed quickly as I glided the cups over my skin. While I didn't notice an immediate difference in firmness, I saw a change in the skin around my nose and lips, which always tends to be quite swollen when I wake up in the morning.
I concentrated the large cups along my jawline, which holds a lot of tension as I sometimes grind my teeth when stressed or anxious. I found the suction really soothing and relaxing (more so than my trusty gua sha tool), and after five minutes of gliding the tool back and forth over my skin, any tightness dissipated entirely. After 10 minutes in total, it felt like my face had been treated and massaged by a professional facialist. The only difference is the price — and the fact that I didn't have to leave my bedroom. I loved the natural glow it gave my skin, too, almost as though I'd just got in from a brisk walk in the cold. As a result, I skipped foundation and blush, and just applied a little concealer for the rest of the day.
Are there any side effects of DIY facial cupping?
DIY facial cupping is unlikely to leave you with the large telltale marks typical of professional body cupping — especially if you're using silicone cups, which are kinder on skin — but it pays to be as gentle as possible. Unlike skin-care tools such as pore vacuums, the pull of facial cups is relatively light so broken capillaries or blood vessels are rare, although Dr. Liakas says they are not out of the question. As with all new skin-care tools and techniques, be mindful, especially if you choose a glass set.
It's not a great idea to use cupping tools on broken skin as this could cause further irritation. Dr. Liakas also suggests avoiding the technique if you're sunburned or if your skin has been exposed to the sun recently. Likewise, if you have rosacea, sensitive skin, or active acne, or you're using retinol and are experiencing flaking or sensitivity, Dr. Liakas suggests giving cupping a miss for the time being.
Aside from Skin Gym, there are a handful of other expert-approved facial cupping sets out there. The popular glass WTHN Face Cups are said to boost circulation and relax tight muscles. Antonia Burrell Facial In A Box includes a mini cleansing oil, lotion, mask, facial oil, and moisturizer alongside one large and one miniature cupping tool to treat all areas of the face.
I thought I'd find facial cupping to be a waste of time, but there's no denying it works a treat when done correctly. If you love skin care and are looking for ways to pamper yourself at home, it's an easy, effective, and affordable technique that earns my seal of approval.
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The hip hop community and fans worldwide have been reeling since news broke Friday (April 2) that DMX, born Earl Simmons, had been hospitalized because of a drug overdose. A week later, The Associated Press confirms that the rapper has passed away at 50. While many fans, peers, and media outlets had offered hopeful messages for a full recovery, there was an overwhelming display of other insensitive sentiments surrounding the rapper's substance use. In the past week, the Twitter community commemorated the rapper's life and work with fans recalling their favorite memories of the artist and the high points of his career, one that is to be admired. But I also saw tweets (which have since been deleted) that blamed DMX's overdose on a lack of self-control, without having any context to support these claims.
While it is easy, lazy and in poor taste to make "crackhead" jokes or poke fun at people who are very clearly navigating their relationships with substances when videos surface on social media, it does nothing to foster a climate of care for individuals, families and communities who have been impacted by this issue, especially regarding the language we use. However, this tragedy involving one of the most famous and beloved rappers of the 2000s is providing an opportunity to shift how audiences and the media engage with substance use, mental health, and the complications that arise with celebrity visibility.
Throughout his tenure, the artist known as DMX has collected several public accolades: he's had many chart topping albums like his debut It's Dark and Hell Is Hot and the four following studio albums. His chops as a thespian were on full display in major budget films like Belly and Romeo Must Die. Additionally, he was a founding member of Ruff Ryders, a collective and label that was an integral part of propelling hip hop culture and music to the mainstream. These accomplishments crystallized the artist as a force to be reckoned with both within and outside of hip hop. Not many artists can boast that their first five albums debuted at number one and that they've gone platinum while balancing an acting career that garnered leading roles in blockbuster films. No matter how you look at it, DMX was a rap legend. But in the same way that his wins were public, so was his substance usage.
DMX has spoken candidly about navigating his struggles. Most recently, in a November 2020 interview as a guest on Talib Kweli's The People's Party, he shared that at 14 years old, he was offered a blunt which he later found out was laced with crack. This incident, DMX says, is when "a monster was born" and his battle with addiction started.
No matter how you look at it, DMX was a rap legend. But in the same way that his wins were public, so was his substance usage.
While his interactions with substance use are both public and storied, the language that surrounds his usage, and many other people like him, tends to be callous and apathetic. "Since DMX's situation has come to light, I think people have tread a bit more carefully in the sense that DMX is obviously a very beloved musical figure and a lot of us have deep sentiment attached to him and his music, but I don't think the ways that they're talking about it reflect a deeper and seeming respect for drug users in general," Baltimore-based harm reduction worker Lex Wilson tells R29Unbothered. "The things they're saying don't reveal deeper respect for people who use substances, people who have chaotic relationships with substances or people who experience or have experienced addiction."
Because of their visibility, it may be easier for some people to extend grace to public figures. Social media has collapsed the space and distance between fans, celebrities and their public and private lives so there's a level of access and surveillance (even if consensual) that we've not been granted in the past. Given the digital age, and the intrusion of gossip blogs, tabloids and paparazzi, we have an abundance of archived data of people navigating their substance usage. When public figures like Demi Lovato, Ben Affleck and Lindsay Lohan have been open about their use in the past, we know that their struggles aren't exclusive to their status. We also know that fame, mental health and substance use has a long history of being documented in the media, though there seems to be a shift that tilts towards a more sympathetic lens, especially with the recent #FreeBritney movement and the Framing Britney Spears documentary. This turning point is an indication of an attempt to try to right the wrongs of past offensive views when it comes to celebrity and mental health. But what is to be said of people who exist on the fringes of pop culture's purview and how we discuss them?
Wilson provides us with insight on how to change language in our daily conversations. They share, "Addiction is a word I don't use until other people name it for themselves, so I'll just say 'chaotic relationship with substances.'' It's great that we can look at DMX and can name this as being pretty traumatic and understand how this trauma shapes his experience with substances, but we shouldn't have to have all that information to extend grace and empathy to people who use drugs. We shouldn't have to know about someone's childhood trauma to be respectful to them, to extend care to them," they say. "These are things we should be doing for drug users regardless of whether they're prominent social figures, regardless of whether we know all the details of their complex experiences, regardless of whether or not they have been traumatized."
DMX needs grace by virtue of being a human being, by virtue of being a Black person, by virtue of being a substance user and every intersection there is…
Lex Wilson
Understanding the dynamic that people have between their usage or efforts to regulate it has the ability to shift our tone a great deal. We can then identify who does and does not get captured when the net of empathy is cast. Whitney Houston, even posthumously, is still the brunt of many jokes when videos of her seemingly erratic behavior reappear on timelines, despite the numerous biopics, reports and accounts that confirm she was having a hard time changing her relationship with substances. "I think that DMX needs the extended grace by virtue of being a human being, by virtue of being a Black person, by virtue of being a substance user and every intersection there is," Wilson says. "But I will say the amount of grace that we extend to DMX is inextricable from him being like a cis-het man. This sort of grace is not often extended to Black women, Black women who are sex workers, Black women who are fat, Black women who are disabled. There are biases that impact who we extend grace to and who we do that with more often."
Those 'biases' are an important addition to an already complicated conversation on the culture of addiction and the legacy of remembrance. As a Black cultural worker and archivist, I often think about the work involved in intentionally documenting culture. It's important to me for multiple reasons: First, so much of Black history has been undocumented or mis-documented. Secondly, I have a deep desire to make our history and cultural production accessible to generations to come. In order to do so, we must contemplate the methods we employ in remembering, preserving legacies and memorializing places, things and people. With the advent of social media and the closing gap of our proximity to public figures, our conception of "celebrity" seems to be changing. In DMX's case, he's had a riotous history with substance usage, and unfortunately allegations of verbal and psychologicaldomestic abuse. It's important to acknowledge when there are polarizing reactions to public figures — especially men — with a history of harmful behavior. There will be people who want to celebrate their achievements and people who rightfully do not wish to because of the harm these men may have caused. And there shouldn't be an expectation for those who feel the latter to join in the posthumous celebrations.
In the wake of Kobe Bryant's passing, many people took to social media to celebrate his achievements, but a lot of users called attention to his sexual assault case. While there was a desire to acknowledge his wins, many showed solidarity with survivors and the cause, standing firm in their completely valid convictions. The discomfort that comes with bringing up questions surrounding abuse or the problematic pasts of Black men does not excuse any of us from the conversation. Even when they are rap legends who provided the soundtrack to our childhoods, we should not make concessions for alleged abusers. We should contend with their pasts in a manner that acknowledges the entire scope of their history, which sometimes includes being a perpetrator of harm as well as being a survivor of it.
"When you're painting a composite picture of somebody and talking about people in all the spectrum of experiences they've had, it's important to name that in many ways substance use can be a response to harm and people are often trying to navigate situations," Wilson says about the act of remembering individuals who navigate substance control. "I like to talk about substance use through the frame of escapism because then we can better interrogate why we are so reticent to accept certain forms of escapism over others. I think a lot of people look at substance use and they're able to name it as a coping mechanism, and then straight up say that's bad. I am much more interested in interrogating the conditions that make people want to escape. Why do people keep trying to escape from reality? Maybe we can think about that, systems and biases that make life pretty insufferable like capitalism and white supremacy."
It is no secret that DMX has given fans a wealth of music and memories for a lifetime. Last summer, we were reminded of the energy he so often impared on stage by way of his Verzuz with Snoop. And when his rendition of "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" reemerges on our timelines every year, we happily share it with friends and family alike. We have access to archived videos of his performances at festivals and concerts of the past that we can fall back on for a waft of nostalgia. As DMX transitions into ancestorship, we can and should celebrate his contributions to music and culture while acknowledging his difficult history.
If you are struggling with substance abuse, please call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free and confidential information.
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That is the official announcement from the Royal Family site. Below, the announcement as posted on social media.
A notice with the news was posted on an easel at Buckingham Palace.
Because of the pandemic, it was removed after an hour in an effort to keep crowds from gathering. People brought flowers and other remembrances to the gates at the Palace.
Nor will there be Books of Condolence available for the public to sign. Instead, there will be an electronic version.
An Online Book of Condolence is now available on the Royal website for those who wish to send a personal message of condolence: https://t.co/0w7Vd7kYq0
The Royal Family requested “that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke.”
Britain has entered eight days of mourning for the Duke of Edinburgh during which flags will be flown at half mast, TV presenters will wear black and Parliament will pass no new laws.
Between now and Prince Philip’s funeral, the Queen will not carry out any duties either in public or in private, and any new laws requiring Royal Assent will not be sent to her for approval.
During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current Government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified Funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course.
In accordance with public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance, not to gather in crowds, and not to visit Royal residences to pay their respects.
And at Windsor, where HM is staying. CNN reports Price Charles visited his mother today at Windsor.
From the BBC:
Prince Philip’s funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor – but the arrangements have been amended in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the College of Arms said in a statement.
It added that the funeral will not be a state funeral, and the duke will not lie in state.
The duke will, however, lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of a funeral, the College of Arms said, “in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes”.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland.
On Saturday, 10th April at 1200, a Death Gun Salute will be fired to mark the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Across the United Kingdom, in Gibraltar and on Her Majesty's Ships at sea, 41 rounds will be fired at one round every minute for 40 minutes. The Gun Salutes will be broadcast online and on television, and members of the public are encouraged to watch from home.
In London, The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will use the same guns that were fired for Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh's Wedding in 1947, and at The Queen's Coronation in 1953.
The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. He would have been 100 on June 10. Below, an official 70th wedding anniversary photo.
Philip proposed to the 20-year-old princess in September 1946. He had little money and few possessions, yet the future Queen didn't care. At the urging of her parents, they kept the engagement a secret for 10 months to be sure of their decision, during which time Philip became a naturalized British citizen. He took the name Philip Mountbatten, the name his mother's family adopted when their German title of Battenberg was extinguished during the First World War.
Below, the couple with Princess Margaret in a photo for the announcement of the couple’s engagement in 1947.
And an image from the wedding at Westminster Abbey.
In comments made on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary in 1997, HM said, “He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.” Below, a 60th-anniversary photo.
The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said it was “a moment of sadness” for the country and “most particularly, for the Queen losing her husband of 73 years – a bigger span of years than most of us can imagine”.
He said Prince Philip had made “a huge contribution to the success of the Queen’s reign”, describing the duke as “utterly loyal in his belief in the importance of the role that the Queen was fulfilling – and in his duty to support her”.
“It was the importance of the solidity of that relationship, of their marriage, that was so crucial to the success of her reign,” he added.
Below, the last official photo of the couple, released for their 73rd anniversary in November, as they look at a card made by the Cambridge children.
There are many other sites to read very well done obituaries and notable pieces, but I thought today we would look back at photos from occasions where we saw the Duke of Edinburgh and Duchess of Cambridge together. Here you see an image following William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
You don’t see him in this photo, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined other family members for a service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, marking the Duke of Edinburgh’s 90th birthday, also in June 2011.
There are events not shown in this post because there aren’t photos of both Prince Philip and the Duchess of Cambridge (Epsom Derby, Order of the Garter, etc.).
Below, the Duke at his final individual public engagement in August 2017.
And a final photo of the Duke, this one from 2014 as he presented medals to the Royal Regiment of Scotland in June 2014 in Germany.
While overall hate crime dipped in 2020, hate crime against Asians increased dramatically in a number of cities around the country. That trend has unfortunately continued into the early parts of 2021, most visibly manifesting itself with the killing of 8 people (six of whom were Asian) in Atlanta on March 16, 2021.
As the 24/7 cable news coverage receded, the Washington Post assigned Philadelphia-based freelance photographer Hannah Yoon to cover the aftermath with a more nuanced take on the lives of Asians and Asian-Americans in the local community. Her photos stopped me in my tracks because they looked and felt so different from other images I had seen.
I reached out to her via email to inquire about the assignment and her process.
Allen Murabayashi: How did WaPo come to hire you for this story in Atlanta? Did you work with writer Jada Yuan?
Hannah Yoon: The day after the Atlanta shooting, I shared a personal post on my Instagram. The images were a bit different from what I normally share, but I wanted to share it because I like to use photos as a way to connect with others. Karly Domb Sadof at the Washington Post saw them and asked if I'd be willing to go to Atlanta to cover the story on the community in a similar fashion – using what we, as Asian Americans, were feeling during that time. I only connected with Jada after I had finished photographing.
You spent four days and five nights covering the aftermath of the murders – a long assignment in many regards. How did the duration of the assignment affect your approach?
It was a long time to spend on this but it was just the right amount of time. I arrived late on Friday and finished photographing by Monday evening. I spent Tuesday working on putting photos together and speaking with Jada. I was able to take things a lot slower than if I had one or two days to work on this. Karly made sure I had enough time to focus on going to where I needed. She also allowed me to decide where I was going to go, who I'd meet up with and what I wanted to share.
I was really struck by the opening images in the package. The neon lights, window reflections, and the lead image of the woman in a kneeled position so effectively communicated the scene and the "Asian-ness" for lack of a better term. What was it like to be on-scene?
The first night I arrived, it was quiet other than this big TV crew. The flower memorial was already growing. It felt serene and a bit surreal to be there. Serene might be a strange word, but it had that feeling despite the chaos and terror that had occurred just a few days earlier. It was also eerie because the lights were still operating, but the operations were closed. I think I was in work mode when I first arrived, so I wanted to moreso to feel out the place. I thought a lot about the women who died and who they were. At that point we only knew a little bit of their stories.
The WaPo article mentions that only one other news crew was there when you arrived. Did you have concerns about making good photos when the event was "over" from the news cycle perspective?
I should clarify that when I arrived there was only one news crew at Gold Spa, but there were still other news publications in Atlanta covering stories. But it was interesting to see who was still left around late at night.
I think I had a bit of a concern of not making the same images that I was seeing. I also wanted to make sure I was portraying a feeling more than what was happening. Though I covered the Atlanta rally on the Saturday, I was trying to focus on the overall sentiment of what the community was experiencing.
There's been a tremendous amount of discussion in the photojournalism/documentary world about identity and who should photograph what. I was really struck by your comment about reading the notes written in hangul [Korean characters], and how it made the story more personal to you. Can you share your thoughts about being ethnically Korean covering a story disproportionately about Korean-Americans?
In some ways, it felt like a huge responsibility. It wasn't meant to be just about the Korean community, however, four of the women that were killed were Korean. Seeing the Korean language, Korean churches, Korean community show up made it feel a lot more personal. I think if you've been thinking about issues regarding the Asian identity then this event would have sparked some type of big emotion.
When a friend and I were visiting some of the Korean and other Asian-owned businesses along Buford Hwy, there was a suspicion and fear among most of them. Even when we spoke Korean to some, a lot of folks were reserved. But there was one moment, where I walked into a Korean pharmacy and asked in Korean if we could photograph the space. They seemed reluctant to talk to us and kept glaring at us. I asked if I could photograph little figurines I saw at the front of the pharmacy, and one of the techs said it was OK. While I was photographing, I saw some vitamin packages that had BTS on them. I asked the pharmacy tech about the vitamins, and then we started casually talking in Korean about BTS. She broke down a little box for me that had a picture of the band on it, and gave it to me. Then she started to open up about how she felt about the shootings. We didn't have to ask for a formal interview or convince her to talk. I can't imagine someone that wasn't Korean getting her to talk to them. The ability to speak a bit of Korean and share our mutual interest in something allowed her to open up.
I found myself having long and deep conversations with folks, especially within the Korean community, and I think it was possible because I myself was Korean. I also think folks were so open to taking me around, meeting with me, because I was Korean.
There are very few faces in the final edit. Hands and silhouettes play a large role. Was this intentional while you were taking photos, or was this an editing decision? Is this a visual commentary on the "invisibility" of Asian-Americans?
All of this was intentional. On one hand, yes it was a commentary about the "invisibility" of Asian American and how, for so long, what many have been going through has been either undocumented OR dismissed. I also didn't want one or two people's stories or experiences to represent a whole community. Though I was there in Atlanta, covering the community, I wanted this body of work to also reach the wider community across the country. My goal was to translate what some of us were feeling into photographs and hopefully stir up feelings in others. I wanted as many people to connect with the photos.
Maintaining neutrality and reporting dispassionately on an issue is the textbook approach to journalism. When I recently interviewed Rick Smolan, he told me that "photographers should use their skills to not dispassionately document…If they can help expose a situation…shock people, move people, get people to change the way they perceive something – they should do that." You expressed strong emotions around covering this story. I'm not sure this is even the right question, but did you feel like the end product was "neutral"? Does neutrality even matter?
I don't think I was going in as a neutral person. When I was hired, I was told "We want to see how Hannah would see all of this" so essentially, it was important that I was part of the process. I was bringing my feelings, my thoughts, my questions to every situation. I had no intention to be neutral. I was open, of course, to listening to what folks had to say and there was quite a wide range of emotions and responses to the shootings. Not everyone was angry or sad. Some even questioned whether the outrage was a bit too much. I think this is why I wanted the images to be subtle and soft. I don't see them as angry or too sad. I feel like they are a bit more mysterious and ambiguous. I want tension. I also wanted the photos to challenge and have people ask questions. In some ways, I think that reflects some of what the Asian American community feels – a wide range of emotions that may sometimes be overlooked.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the interviewer and interviewee.
About the author: Allen Murabayashi is the Chairman and co-founder of PhotoShelter, which regularly publishes resources for photographers. Allen is a graduate of Yale University, and flosses daily. This article was also published here.
The White House has released the official portraits of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. They were shot by Chief Official White House Photographer Adam Schultz using a Sony a9 II full-frame mirrorless camera.
Schultz shares in a Tweet that the portraits were shot on March 3rd in the White House’s library room.
White House photographers have largely used Canon and Nikon cameras through the years, but there has been a change as of late as the camera industry has shifted to mirrorless cameras and as Sony has emerged as a leader in the new market.
If you’re interested in diving into the technical aspects of Biden’s official portrait, photographer and YouTuber Jared Polin just published this 12-minute critique:
Here’s a look at official presidential portraits over the past two administrations for comparison:
President Barack Obama’s first portrait was shot with the Canon 5D Mark II, and it was the first official presidential photo to be shot using a digital camera.
I previously wrote an article on some of the gear that photographers can buy used and how I saved $15,000 doing so. It feels wrong for me to buy any new gear — like I’m burning money when doing so. That said, here are a few photography things that even bargain-hunters like me buy new.
If buying used is great, why buy anything new ever again? I agree, after I said that buying new gear is burning thousands of dollars, saying that there are things you should buy new feels hypocritical. But there are items that if you buy cheap, you will buy twice (or more). Those items can end up adding up to some unbelievable sums.
Camera batteries, drives, memory cards, cables, diffusion material, and bags are not exciting, they are expensive and boring to get. What’s more, you need to replace them at regular intervals. With Canon selling an LP-E6 battery for $80, a used one for $20 is a no-brainer, right? I'm afraid not.
Used Is Cheaper, but It Doesn’t Always Mean Saved Cash
Cameras and lenses are built to withstand years of professional use. I own an L lens released in 2001. It's absolutely battered and scratched, but despite that, I am not afraid to shoot in the rain or be exposed to the elements on set. This is mostly because I am confident in the reliability of professional equipment. I know that even when it's purchased used, it will be as good as new. I am not hesitant to recommend used gear to anyone who asks. But that does not apply to all equipment.
Places Where Buying New Saves Money
Buying new is always a bit of a struggle for me, as it may very well be for you if you love bargain-hunting online. But I assure you, there are things you should never buy used instead of new. If you do, you risk reliability on shoots and the longevity of the product, and you probably will end up spending more. Hence, the saying: buy cheap and buy twice. Here are some bits of your kit it applies to:
Batteries
Most camera brands make great batteries that last very long, especially if you're on a DSLR. Shooting with a battery grip often means not changing batteries at all during a shoot. Over time, batteries lose their maximum capacity. My first used DSLR, a Canon 1D Mark II, came with four batteries, out of which only one was consistent. I had to buy a few more, and because the camera was released in 2004, they were hard to come by new.
I tend to replace batteries every other year for my gear. That way, I know I am getting consistent results. Buying new batteries means consistency in charge capacity. Buying used batteries can often lead to inconsistent results or even you getting scammed as counterfeit batteries are quite common on the used market and sometimes even the new market.
Hard Drives
When it comes to storing your images, having a reliable hard drive is key. A system commonly used by photographers, myself included, is a series of archive drives with old work, and a few current (active) drives.
But buying hard drives used can be risky as drives wear out over time and ultimately need replacement. When it comes to current drives, as creators, we read and write huge amounts of data every day on them. Personally, I can be moving anywhere around 100GB of data on any particular shoot. The drives with current work (or active drives) are the ones that travel to every shoot too.
Buying it new isn't too expensive compared to used, and knowing that they're designed to be though gives me peace of mind that they will last. Buying a hard drive used, especially for current work could entail that hard drive failing faster and quite unpredictably. I had a used drive fail after a minor 1-foot drop. It worked fine for a week, and then it failed whilst editing.
Memory Cards
Similar to hard drives, you will want to make sure that your digital storage is as secure as possible. At the start, I got a used CF card and made a huge mistake by doing so. The used card didn't last and ended up costing me some lost images. While now I rarely shoot on memory cards, I still keep a stock of them ready to go should a computer fail. Because of that, I replace cards not as frequently. Because there are many counterfeit memory cards, I suggest buying from reputable stores, like Adorama or B&H. If you're unsure, you can always check the authenticity of your card with the manufacturer.
Cables
It's no secret that as a fashion photographer, I work with a team and shoot tethered whenever possible. Over time, however, they may wear out. Data cables in general get used a lot meaning that at one point they will inevitably fail. Having a tether cable fail can ruin a shoot, especially if you don't have alternative storage options.
I often shoot on location, which means that the cable is actively in the mud among other things. People walk over cables on large shoots, and cables get tangled up which may affect the fine wires inside. For me, a new cable isn't much more expensive than a used one, and the peace of mind that comes with a factory-fresh one outweighs the marginal monetary benefits.
Diffusion Material
You may wonder if a used softbox or a large butterfly is worth the investment. Often a butterfly is going for peanuts. But, over time, white diffusion fabric gets dirty, and if it was used a lot, it becomes slightly yellow. A diffusion layer that's causing a color shift in one of the light sources can mean an unpredictable image. This affects the consistency leading to hours of work in photoshop trying to fix it.
If you're in the market for a softbox, either hunt down a barely used one, or just play it safe and buy new. I must admit, a few softboxes that I bought were pre-owned, but none of them came from rental houses, instead, there were from photographers who bought not exactly what they needed.
When it comes to butterflies, you can get a used frame, as they are quite expensive. As for fabric, spend some cash on a new one, and feel sure that you're getting consistent results with it.
Bags
Camera bags, especially hard travel cases, wear out as they are the ones bashed around in trucks, airports, and all experience other on-location wonders such as dirt and mud. Over time, bags may rip. When it comes to camera bags, a used one can be slightly dirty, and in most cases, it is torn.
I don't replace my camera bags regularly, but all of them are already in rough shape so a replacement is coming. You want to keep all your equipment in a safe spot, and a pre-owned camera bag that's torn is not that spot. A few years back, I purchased a new camera backpack, and it has lasted me ever since. It's been in the freezing snows, soaking rainstorms, and under the burning sun. Had I bought it used, it might not have lasted this long.
In Conclusion
All in all, buying used gear saves you loads of cash, but to have it run smoothly and consistently, you need to buy the small bits and bobs new. The price of a new camera bag outweighs the $50 you can save by getting it used. In fact, I’d say that any two used items from this list will cost more than one new one and probably last shorter than one new one.
About the author: Illya Ovchar is a commercial and editorial fashion photographer based in Budapest. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. You can find more of Ovchar’s work on his website and Instagram.
As reported by The Digital Picture, Sigma has announced that it has concluded its investigation into the issue and instituted countermeasures.
“As a result of our investigation, there is a possibility that the ghost resistance will deteriorate with some products from the initial lot,” the company writes. “In addition, since we have confirmed the countermeasures by process management regarding this matter, we would like to inform you that we would like to collect all the products with the target serial number and replace them with new ones.”
In the initial service announcement, Sigma noted that it believed that the issue was specific to Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lenses for both L-mount and Sony E mount with serial numbers prior to 55488834. The company is sticking with that assessment after looking into the issue and offering to collect and replace any lenses that have made it into the wild that fit that description.
Sigma originally said that the number of lenses that were affected by this issue could not be particularly high, as the optic had only shipped in a few select locations globally. The United States, for example, had not yet begun fulfilling pre-orders at the time of the initial service announcement. At the time of publication, the lens was still not in inventory at Adorama.
To check the serial number of a Sigma lens, customers can either find it printed on the side of the box the lens was sold in or etched above the Sigma logo on the side of the lens as shown in the graphic below.
In order to get your lens replaced — should yours have a serial number prior to 55488834 — the company has asked that you contact your local authorized Sigma Service Station, which you can find using this link.
Sigma originally estimated that its investigation would conclude within a month, leaving customers unsure if the situation would allow for lenses to be fulfilled before April. However, Sigma announced and concluded its investigation into the issue in exactly two weeks, meaning it should not be long until the lens — now free of the ghosting deterioration issue — is widely available globally.
A video showcasing the incredible optical quality of the Leica APO-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8 lens recently surfaced, and the quality that this lens exhibits (which today retails used for $15,000 used) in 4K video is mind-blowing… especially considering the footage was shot from Earth.
Recently shared by Leica Rumors, the video was shot in 2015 and uploaded in 2016 by photographer Markus Stark. He asks — and the quality of the footage makes you wonder — if this is the sharpest super-telephoto ever made.
“The video clips were filmed in August 2015 at only 290 meters above sea level,” Stark writes, citing that he shot it while camping in Germany.
The edit features some zooming and out and spinning that he added in post-production, but the video itself was shot using a Panasonic GH4 with a modified Leica 400mm f/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter, and two 2x Leica Apo extenders.
“I wanted [to] make the viewer feel like [they were] observing the moon from a space craft,” he continues.
Mission accomplished.
The lens itself is unique because it features apochromatic correction, which — as DPReview notes — is unusual for a super-telephoto lens. The lens, which is no longer in production, features 10 elements in 8 groups and is extremely heavy: it weighs 13 pounds. Originally introduced in 1996 as part of Leica’s APO-Telyt Module system, the lens was designed to be used with Leica-R SLR cameras and all the lenses in the system were made to be modular and allow the photographer to combine them to create different focal lengths. This design let Stark use the two 2x extenders, for example.
DPReview shared an image that shows the full Leica APO-Telyt-R Module System in this older, low-resolution chart:
As the publication describes, the system included two Leica Heads and three Leica Focus Modules which could be combined to create six different manual focus super-telephoto prime lenses. The 400/560/800 is the larger head and is what was used to create the video above.
In the long telephoto range, the module system produces extraordinarily clear pictures with high contrast and accuracy in detail rendition and color reproduction. And because even the smallest mechanical weaknesses can significantly reduce the performance, especially in this range of focal lengths, the Leica module system is fabricated and assembled with extremely tight tolerances.
The Leica APO-Telyt-R Module System ceased production in 2009 but at the time, the entire module system could be purchased for around $39,000 for those looking to grab it before it was gone. Seeing the lens combined with a GH4 to make a video of this quality probably wasn’t on the minds of Leica’s lens designers back when the system was first introduced, but they would surely be happy to see that the quality of footage produced thanks to the lens is still top-tier.
Lifestyle and entertainment giant, Playboy, is entering the non-fungible token (NFT) market with plans to sell its extensive art collection and to support emerging artists.
Today, Playboy is a far cry from what the company was during its peak years in the 1960s and 1970s. It ceased its print publication in 2020 and went fully digital, but with 67 years of regular print magazines published throughout its history it holds decades of archives and photographic content under its belt.
MarketWatch reports that following this recent move towards strictly digital content, Playboy is also partnering with Nifty Gateway, a blockchain technology incorporated marketplace where digital assets or NFTs can be purchased, stored, and sold. The partnership sees an 80% and 20% split for Playboy and Nifty Gateway, respectively.
Similar to auction houses, Nifty Gateway releases a new collection available to be purchased for a limited time and at a specific time, which is referred to as “a drop.” To launch its new partnership with Nifty Gateway in the second quarter, Playboy is releasing two drops: the first is an original work by Slimesunday, a digital collage artist who explores “bizarre and erotic topics” and has previously collaborated with Playboy. The second is a Pride-themed curation by digital artist Blake Kathryn.
Long term, Playboy and Nifty Gateway plan to use this digital ownership market in three different areas: to cultivate collaborations between artists and Playboy’s art archive, to support and commission the creation of new NFT works through grants that support emerging or underrepresented artists, and to curate and sell Playboy’s own extensive photographic and art collection.
Artists will receive a revenue share paid out from Playboy’s 80% share in the partnership. Any subsequent marketplace sales will have a 10% fee paid out to Playboy, which will also contain a revenue share for the artist.
This entry into the ever-growing digital art world by Playboy is not particularly surprising. In its colorful past, the publication has supported a variety of artists of the time and given them a platform to express themselves, including art world icons Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, and Salvador Dalí. MarketWatch reports that Playboy is also appreciative of the vast original artwork collection it holds in its archive, noting that these works are now “ripe for exploration by digital audiences, art lovers and collectors.”
Bitcoin reported that Playboy’s interest in the digital asset market comes from seeing it as “an enormous business opportunity”, which explains the company following the footsteps of other media corporations, such as Time Magazine, the Associated Press, The New York Times, and others who have already joined in on the latest NFT trend.
If you’re a wedding photographer who has had a change of heart about your chosen path in this industry as lockdown restrictions and subsequent client cancellations continue, you are not the only one. It’s never too late to make a career change!
It would be surprising if being confined to your home for prolonged periods didn’t make you contemplate your current life and work choices as well as future plans or goals. I think it is safe to say that most of us have gone through this process in some shape or form.
Some photographers used this quiet period to modify their existing business strategy to be ready for the post-pandemic world, some paused their business and turned to any available work opportunities to support their families, while others, like myself, were faced with the somber realization that this may not actually be the career we want for our future even when weddings eventually resume.
The wedding industry follows seasonal fluctuations in bookings where certain periods of the year are busy and booked for most full-time wedding photographers in that region, followed by quiet periods where fewer weddings take place. This makes it complicated to plan personal life events, especially for photographers who want to start a family or already have children.
It’s an emotionally charged job that requires the photographer to deal with anything that may be thrown their way before, during, or after the wedding, and forces them to maintain a sense of alertness throughout the year. It’s not just a technical or artistic job, it’s certainly a social and physical one, too. Having said that, it can be a highly rewarding profession for the right person but it can equally slowly encroach upon your health and personal life if you are not careful.
If you don't have what it takes to sell your personality to potential clients during a consultation or if your presence at the wedding causes discomfort to others, a good portfolio will only get you so far for so long. You are the face of your business and your personality is an important aspect of it.
I believe that is one of the reasons why wedding photographers, such as myself, begin to unintentionally blur the lines between what is considered personal and what is professional life. Being so emotionally involved in a job can cause distress when it comes to resolving clients' issues or demands, setting boundaries regarding communication, or sacrificing your own family life and mental or physical health.
In the pre-pandemic world, I thoroughly enjoyed the highs of this business but I already had an inkling that it would not be something I dedicated the coming decades of my professional life to. Physically, I could document a full-day wedding with no visible problems but underneath, I often suffered from headaches which were exacerbated by the lack of mental breaks during a wedding day. I generally had to keep the day after the wedding free with no appointments or shoots because I needed it free just to recharge. This cycle had the additional side effect of hurting my personal relationship: I would lose more quality time that I could have spent with my partner either shooting or recovering.
Lockdown brought this issue to the forefront for me and I was forced to deal with the situation at hand instead of brushing it under the carpet and letting yet another wedding season come around, which would leave me dissatisfied with my work and the responsibilities I take on. I believe that there are moments in our lives when we already know what we need to do but we just seek that extra push to make the change which can be daunting because it's taking us to unfamiliar territory.
Personally, what made me more comfortable about my choice to leave the wedding industry was seeing that I am not the only one who feels this way. Lisa, a U.K. wedding photographer whose real name has been changed to protect her privacy, revealed to me that 2022 will be her last year of weddings. During the pandemic, she realized that they are not as profitable for her when broken down into hourly pay and evaluating that against the time she is forced to spend away from her family, even taking into consideration that she is one of the highest-priced photographers in the area. The cancellations and postponements during the pandemic left her scared to rely on weddings as a dependable source of income, while a shift towards family shoots offered the flexibility she was looking for.
Similarly, photographer Chloé Grayson from Fox and Owl initially saw wedding photography as her dream career. That is until she had her first baby and her priorities and goals shifted. The long hours away when she was tasked with photographing weddings across the country conflicted with the gentle attachment parenting approach Grayson and her partner had adopted for their newborn. This wasn’t made easier by the pandemic when a flurry of postponement and cancellation emails came in, which caused financial loss, unpaid admin time that spanned across several months, and mental stress.
Looking into the future, Grayson is navigating her business in a new direction to focus on design work and smaller sessions or less intense full-day bookings, which is something that suits her as a family-orientated working mother.
Just like the two examples above, others are also seeing their career steer towards more frequent but smaller scale shoots. Nadine Boyd, also a U.K.-based photographer, has removed wedding photography from her website as she's seeing out the existing bookings while transitioning to what gives her the most joy and job satisfaction: family photography. This type of work doesn’t require as much preparation nor does it take up the whole weekend, making it more manageable, especially for those with younger children at home.
The family aspect of this pandemic-induced career change should not be underestimated. Having to plan pregnancy around weddings can be difficult because jobs are booked at least a year in advance. Add pandemic postponements in the mix, and you have families waiting at least one or two additional years to have a child while they are obliged to finalize all of the bookings that have had to move their date due to COVID-19.
The time we were forced to spend at home under lockdown restrictions has given us the opportunity to examine our work-life balance and how we intend to navigate this in the future. It is not easy to make major changes in our professional life but knowing that there are many in this industry who feel just as unsure, whether they are wedding photographers or operate in a different photography field, can be a consolation to the rest of us.
There are many other reasons why photographers are reconsidering the future of their wedding business but the one thing that brings all these stories together is that this period of prolonged uncertainty has given us clarity about the changes we do want to make.
Reported at the end of March, Canon appears to be rapidly discontinuing popular EF-mount DSLR lenses and according to a new report, that isn’t slowing down. Canon is supposedly ceasing production of ten more lenses with at least four more planned to join the list sometime in 2021.
Canon Rumors has reported that a list of ten lenses has joined the previous list of discontinued optics bringing the total number of discontinued EF lenses to 24, according to a running list on the site.
When reached for comment the afternoon of April 8, a Canon representative told PetaPixel the morning of April 9 that it could provide no additional information at this time.
Not explicitly mentioned in the report but are included on the complete running list that brings the total count to 24 optics on the chopping block.
Independently verifying that these lenses have indeed been discontinued is challenging. While the initial shortlist of optics mentioned in late March included a few lenses that were showing as no longer available at major distributors, most of the lenses in this new list are still showing as in stock and ready to ship (with the exception of the 24-70mm f/4). Canon itself has not changed anything on its website indicating that these lenses have been discontinued, leaving Canon Rumors as the only source that this is actually happening. Canon being unable (or unwilling) to provide a statement is therefore particularly unfortunate.
Seeing so many popular lenses cease production may be alarming when paired with the word “discontinued,” but there are some things to keep in mind. Canon will no doubt continue service and support for these lenses for some time — Canon Rumors reports at least to December 31, 2027 — and the stock of these lenses in the market is quite high. It is not hard to purchase any Canon EF lens right now, and Canon likely is able to cease production of the lenses after gauging that the market is saturated enough with them that it can now focus on the production of RF lenses moving forward.
Since Canon’s focus is very clearly to go with mirrorless, slowing and then eventually ceasing the production of old EF-mount lenses was bound to happen. There is therefore very little reason for alarm, though noting which lenses are being phased out may indicate which optics Canon intends to replace first RF-mount equivalents.
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Despite year-to-date gains of 61%, shares of Novavax (NVAX) have retreated by 44% since the yearly highs of early February. However, according to B. Riley analyst Mayank Mamtani, the stock is well-positioned to resume its upwards curve ahead of a potential near-term catalyst.
Results from the Phase 3 PREVENT-19 study for Novavax' Covid-19 vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, are expected shortly, and positive data could pave the way for the company to submit an Emergency Use Approval (EUA) filing in Q2. This could result in "potential U.S. market entry in late 2Q/early 3Q."
Mamtani positive outlook for NVAX' offering is based on the recently announced "overwhelmingly positive results" from two pivotal U.S. centric studies - AstraZeneca's AZD1222 in adult participants and PFE/BNTX's BNT162b2 in ages 12-15 years old.
The latter showed 100% efficacy (0 vs 18) and "robust antibody responses," which were better than those reported in an earlier study of vaccinated 16-25 years old participants.
"While we await disclosure of specific details around nAb titers and reactogenicity," said the 5-star analyst, "We view this generally as a positive read-through for NVAX as a robust antibody response seems to be translating in high VE rates similar to that observed in the young adult group."
Mamtani also thinks the halt to AZD1222's vaccine trials in pediatrics, which came after the EMA (European Medicines Agency) released a cautionary statement around a potential causal link between AstraZeneca's vaccine and rare blood clots (reported in a relatively younger adult patient group), was "taken out of an abundance of caution."
"The total case reports (n=22) of blood brain clots remain extremely low, with benefits continuing to outweigh risks," Mamtani noted.
The analyst believes Novavax is the "primary beneficiary of the mixed newsflow around AZD1222."
Consumer choice will become increasingly important as more vaccines hit the market and younger adult population groups become eligible to get vaccinated too. The effect could "drive mind and market share towards '2373 assuming best-in-class profile maintained in upcoming data releases and commercial availability within the projected mid-year timeframe."
To this end, Mamtani reiterated a Buy rating on NVAX and has a $365 price target for the shares. Investors could be pocketing gains of 107%, should Mamtani's thesis play out accordingly. (To watch Mamtani's track record, click here)
Mamtani's positive outlook is certainly no anomaly on the Street. All 4 other recent Novavax reviews have reached the same conclusion – Buy. The stock's Strong Buy consensus rating is backed by a bullish average price target, as well; at $323, the 12-month upside potential comes in at ~80%. (See NVAX stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
Shares of Carnival (CCL) have soared by 35% year-to-date and it's not hard to see why. A potent combination of the economy reopening, a vaccinated populace and pent-up demand for cruises, have fueled the optimistic rally.
That said, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Woronka warns that an over-exuberant outlook might come back to bite the bulls.
That's not to say Woronka has a bearish outlook. In fact, the analyst has made some readjustments to his CCL model to factor in the upbeat mood and "incorporate more bullish assumptions about the trajectory of the recovery."
The problem, says Woronka, is that any upside is already "priced in," and going by his calculations, the analyst says it is difficult to see an "upside case."
"Putting it all together, if we assume that CCL's EBITDA in 2023 is $1.0 billion higher than it was in 2019 (revenues +5%, margins +150bps) and further assume that the stock can trade at 15x 2023E P/E and 8.8x 2023 EV/EBITDA, before any discounting, we still only arrive at a valuation of $28," Woronka said. "As we've noted in the past, the combination of rising multiples on rising expectations, which is what we are continuing to see reflected in the stock (perhaps to an intensifying degree), is likely to present challenges to the bull narrative as the resumption of cruising in key markets actually commences in coming months."
Woronka's assessment follows Carnival's Q1 business update. In January, the company guided for average monthly cash burn rate of roughly $600 million in the quarter, but Carnival said the figure came in lower - at $500 million. However, due to "higher restart expenses and timing on certain cap-ex/principal payments," the cash burn rate is anticipated to once again hit $600 million in fiscal 2Q (May quarter).
So, what does it all mean for investors? While Woronka raises his price target from $16 to $25, the figure still suggests downside of ~15% from current levels. Woronka's rating stays a Hold. (To watch Woronka's track record, click here)
The analyst community is evenly split when considering the cruise operator's trajectory; based on 4 Buys, Holds and Sells, each, the stock qualifies with a Hold consensus rating. Woronka's price outlook is roughly in-line with his colleagues'; going by the $24.39 average price target, the shares are anticipated to be changing hands for a 16% discount a year from now. (See Carnival stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
The spotlight has shone on Bionano Genomics (BNGO) in 2021. The life sciences company is getting a lot of attention due to Saphyr, its genome imaging system, and the role it can play in transforming the cytogenetics space.
Oppenheimer's Kevin DeGeeter says his positive outlook for the company is partly based on Saphyr's potential to impact other markets beyond cytogenetics for hematologic malignancies. Ones where the use of microarrays, FSH and karyotyping also "results in long and expensive analytical decision trees."
A recent study published in a peer-reviewed journal, gives credence to DeGeeter's ambitions for Bionano.
"We view publication this week of a commentary in Genes as providing an important update on development of optical genome mapping (OGM) for one of the larger new market opportunities: prenatal cytogenetics," the 5-star analyst said. "Takeaways from paper include: 1) potential to replace microarrays, FSH and karyotyping in reflex setting following NIPT; 2) four-day turnaround time for OGM; and 3) potential for better coverage of complex structural variants (SVs) including Fragile X expansions."
Non-invasive prenatal screening tests (NIPT) are set to become a common place screening tool for pregnancies all over the world. Following a positive NIPT screen or for high-risk pregnancies with an abnormal ultrasound, OGM could bring to the table a high-throughput, in-depth and high-resolution follow up genome analysis.Saphyr's ability to accurately detect aneuploidies, sex chromosome anomalies, microdeletion and microduplication syndromes and repeat expansion and contraction disorders were highlighted by the study's authors.
The addition of prenatal testing could also add an extra revenue stream; DeGeeter "conservatively estimates" this market could add more than 500,000 cases, which equates to an extra $250 million to Saphyr's TAM (total addressable market).
Despite the stock gaining 155% on a year-to-date basis, BNGO shares currently sit 47% beneath the giddy heights notched in mid-February. DeGeeter excepts Bionano to claw back those gains; Going by the $15 price target, the shares will add 106% of muscle over the next 12 months. (To watch DeGeeter's track record, click here)
DeGeeter's colleagues are reading from the same hymn sheet; both other recent reviews say Buy, all coalescing to a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target currently stands at $14.33, representing possible upside of 97%. (See BNGO stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
These are the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies you will ever make! These cookies are chewy, sweet and the perfect treat.
Oatmeal is a wonderful ingredient to bake with, it adds nutrition and flavor. We love these glorious oat recipes, No Bake Cookies, Chocolate Chip and Granola!
Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
I know, oatmeal raisin cookies can sometimes get a bad rap. They are often the last ones to get eaten out of a combo pack, but that needs to change. With this homemade cookie recipe, oatmeal raisin cookies are going to get the credit they deserve. These cookies are soft, buttery and heavenly. With a crisp chewy outside and tender outside, the texture is perfect for all cookie lovers. The raisins give the cookie a touch of extra sweetness and a bit of bite that is perfectly balanced with the oats. They are sublime.
Oats are super good for you. They are heart healthy, full of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. I like to think that adding oatmeal to a cookie actually makes them healthy. While that may not be exactly the case, it makes me feel better as I eat three of them in one sitting. These cookies are simple to make and really do taste delightful. So if you weren’t a fan of oatmeal raisin, I dare you to try them again for the first time. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients for Oatmeal Cookies
Classic cookie ingredients come together to make these intensely delicious cookies.
Flour: Use All purpose or unbleached flour.
Cinnamon: A beautiful aromatic spice that goes perfectly with oatmeal.
Baking Soda: This is your leavening agent that will help the cookies rise.
Salt: Balances the sweet and makes the oatmeal cookies scrumptious.
Butter: Soften the butter for easier mixing or make sure it is at room temperature.
Brown Sugar: Use either light or dark brown sugar in your cookies. Dark brown will give a stronger flavor and be a tad bit more moist.
Sugar: Having white sugar in the cookies also adds moisture and helps them brown beautifully.
Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature so they can mix optimally.
Vanilla: A classic flavor you do not want to skip out on.
Honey: Sweet and delicious the honey pairs beautifully with the oats and helps them hang on to the moisture.
Old Fashioned Oats: Old fashioned oats are also known as rolled oats.
Raisins: Make sure your raisins are fresh, chewy and soft. Not hard and tough.
How To Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Super easy to make, you can these ready to eat in no time. The hardest part is letting them cool before digging in!
Dry Ingredients: In a medium size bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl cream the butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, vanilla and honey.
Combine: Slowly combine the flour mixture with the wet ingredients.
Add: Stir in the oats and raisins till just combined.
Get it cold: Chill for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips For The Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Ever
Truly there is something magical about the oatmeal, raisins and butter that makes these cookies so tempting. The edges are crispy, the raisins plump and there is very distinct buttery flavor that is irresistible.
Oats: For the best flavor and texture use rolled oats or old fashioned oats. You can use quick oats too, use the same amount. The oatmeal cookies may not have the same chew, but they will still taste amazing.
Fresh Raisins: Make sure your raisins are fresh, soft and chewy. If they are hard, dry and lumped together you cookies will be the same way. You can soak your raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up extra if you desire. Blot them till they are really dry before adding to the cookie dough.
Cookie Dough: Speaking of cookie dough, do not be surprised if the dough is sticky. It is a good thing. Do not be tempted to add more flour. Also do not over mix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, it will toughen up your cookies.
Chill it: Do not chill for longer than 30 minutes as it will prevent the oatmeal cookies from spreading. Also if it is longer than 30 minutes the oatmeal starts to absorb too much of the moisture in the dough which can dry them out.
Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature so they mix optimally.
Cookie Sheet: Use parchment paper on your cookie sheet to insure easy release of your cookies. Spraying a cookie sheet can cause the oatmeal raisin cookies to spread too much and make them flat.
Variations for Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Not everyone loves oatmeal raisin cookies, I am sure that with this recipe it will change their minds, but if it does not, here are some other ideas for cookies.
Raisins: If you are not a fan of raisins substitute them out for cranraisins, dried cherries, currants or golden raisins.
Get nutty: For extra texture and flavor add 1/2-¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Yum!
Toast the Oatmeal: For a fun twist in flavor toast the oatmeal briefly in a dry hot pan on the stove till slightly browned and fragrant.
Add-ins: Stir in about half a cup of flaked coconut or chocolate chips for a nice flavor mix.
How to Properly Store and Freeze Cookies Dough
Storing your Cookies: Oatmeal raisin cookies will not dry out as fast as other cookies because the raisins provide moisture and the oatmeal holds on to it. These will keep at room temperature in a tightly sealed container or tightly sealed plastic bag for up to 2 weeks. Freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.
Freeze the Dough: This is a trick I like to use often. Double the batch of cookies, bake half and freeze the other half. Drop the cookie dough into cookie shape on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Transfer the cookie dough into a freezer safe bag and keep for 3 months. Cook straight from the freezer to the oven, just add 2-3 min more to your cook time.
More Tried and True Cookie Recipes
Let’s face it, cookies are one of the best treats out there. They are already portioned out, hand held and come in such huge varieties, everyone can find one or two to satisfy. Whether you are making cookies for lunches, cookie exchanges or a nice dessert, there is a cookie recipe for it. Holidays are not the same without their classic cookies. They make the best portable dessert for picnics and potlucks too. When you need a cookie recipe I’ve got you covered with my tried and true.
These are the Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies you will ever make! These cookies are chewy, sweet and the perfect treat.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword oatmeal raisin cookies
Prep Time 15minutes
Cook Time 10minutes
Total Time 25minutes
Servings 24Cookies
Calories 208kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers
Ingredients
2cupsflour
1teaspooncinnamon
1teaspoonbaking soda
1/2teaspoonsalt
1cupbuttersoftened
1cupbrown sugar
1/2cupsugar
2largeeggs
1TablespoonVanilla
2Tablespoonshoney
3cupsold fashioned oats
1heaping cup raisins
Instructions
In a medium size bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl cream the butter, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, vanilla and honey.
Slowly combine the flour mixture.
Add in the oats and raisins and mix until combined. Chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Scoop out a tablespoon of cookie dough and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
The news at the end of last month that Canon was discontinuing some of its lenses was not that well-received but what are you going to do. Well, reports indicate that, if you're Canon, you might want to just get all of the painful stuff over at once because the company just added a bunch […]
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Even some of the most experienced sales reps get anxious when it's time to answer a video call. It can be stressful to know you'll have to answer all of your prospect or client's questions on the spot. And you'll have to be controlling the professionalism of your voice the entire time. It's especially stressful if the call happens to be unexpected. The pandemic has introduced a brand new form of stress: Zoom anxiety.
What is Zoom Anxiety?
A recent article by Buffalo 7 defines Zoom anxiety as, "a physical feeling of distress caused by video calls," not just Zoom. It can be awkward to talk on camera, especially if you're in an environment where a child or pet could walk in at any moment and cause a distraction. And video chats can be notorious for tech-related problems that can throw off the flow of the meeting and cause frustration on both ends. The fact that this past year has been one of the roughest everyone in sales has ever faced doesn't help. Quotas are only now becoming easier to make but there is little room for error. The pressure is still on, and the prospect may be able to see it in your face.
If you're suffering from Zoom anxiety, you're not alone. Buffalo 7 research finds that 73% of employees working from home are experiencing the feeling as well. 76% of respondents feel that meeting on video calls is worse than making phone calls. Another 48% say that video calls are even worse than presenting in person.
How to Overcome Your Fear
Making a sales presentation while battling Zoom anxiety can be a terrible experience. But there are some things that you can do to combat your fears.
Prepare for Tech Issues
You should always run through your sales presentations at least once before your meeting. Practicing your presentation with a friend, especially one who is more tech savvy than you, is crucial to combating Zoom anxiety. Give your presentation to them over the video call system you'll be using. They can take notes while you present about how to make it flow better. Run throughs also give you the opportunity to tackle potential tech issues head-on if you run into them. Even if you don't, ask your friend or IT department for advice on how to handle common video call tech issues such as:
Audio problems
Screen sharing and balancing documents
Creating professional backgrounds
Pretend You're Doing an In-Person Presentation
Video calls are supposed to be a replacement for in-person sales meetings while we're social distancing. Another way to overcome your Zoom anxiety is to pretend that you're conducting an in-person meeting. You don't have to change your behavior just because you're on a video call. Get a standing desk or pile up a bunch of books so that you can stand and move around a bit during the meeting. Use body language like speaking mildly with your hands if that's what you normally do. Not only will these efforts to achieve normality calm you, they'll also have a positive effect on your prospects, as well.
Raquel Perez is earning her associate degree in audio engineering this spring. It's a milestone many semesters in the making. The 32-year-old has spent the last five years pursuing a degree at Houston Community College, balancing classes with paid work and raising her seven children.
Propelling her forward through all of that effort was her vision of the day she'd walk across the commencement stage and accept her diploma.
So learning that her college did not plan to host a graduation ceremony due to COVID-19 concerns?
"It's a punch in the gut," she says. "It's not acceptable to me."
A canceled graduation may seem like just another missing moment in a long, disappointing year of crisis. But for Perez, the promise of commencement adds up to much more than cheers and tears and gowns and mortarboards. It's a rite of passage worthy of its name, signifying the start of a new life for her and her family.
It's been a hard year of mostly online learning for Perez. Instead of being able to use the audio labs on campus, she says she had to buy her own equipment and set up a studio at home to complete her coursework. She was furloughed and lost work. And then that major winter storm hit Houston, knocking out her running water.
Just as it seemed that "better things are coming," she says, "the one thing I'm waiting for—I'm super excited for—is not turning out."
Perez says that as a young mom, she didn't have the chance to walk across her high school graduation stage. Last year, she earned a college certificate—but due to the pandemic, she got a slideshow instead of a real commencement. Having missed those two ceremonies makes the prospect of missing another, bigger one hard for her to take.
"I worked hard, have not slept, gone to classes, put my whole work schedule around this, just to be told, 'You don't get it, and you're never going to get it,'" she says.
The loss of the experience is not hers alone. Perez's husband is also graduating this spring, from Houston Community College's HVAC program.
"We try to make sure our classes are opposite days. Either he works in the day and I go to work at night, or we're trading off," she says. "It's been a lot."
And their children—ages two to 15, among them two sets of twins—who have grown up watching their parents study were looking forward to witnessing the reward of that commitment.
"They're excited for me," Perez says. "They know that it means a lot to me to get to walk the stage."
"I just feel like maybe because we are a community school, they don't owe it to us. We are a lot of working parents, a lot of minorities," she says. "My two-year degree doesn't mean it's any less worth it. I tried hard for that too."
As of Friday, the petition Perez started had 600 signatures.
Modern Learning Strategies: 6 Channels Of 21st Century Learning
by Terry Heick
This post has been updated and republished from a 2013 post by Terry Heick
Teachers often wrestle with two big questions: How do people learn, and how can they do it better in a constantly evolving context?
In pursuit, the theme of ’21st-century learning’ often surfaces, a popular label that, while perhaps cliche, still seems to be necessary as we iterate learning models, fold in digital media resources, then add learning algorithms, privacy concerns, and data analytics to an already chaotic event (i.e., learning).
Above is a kind of ‘2.0’ of the ‘9 Characteristics of 21st Century Learning’ that is framed around the idea of ‘learning channels.’
‘Learning channels’ refer to the unique pathways students most naturally–and powerfully–use to develop skills and understanding. These can be technology-based, but they don’t necessarily have to be. And while the idea of a channel connotes content (e.g., a television or YouTube channel, for example), this is less about content and more about how people learn.
In this model, you’ll notice six distinct channels. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that these are the only six channels–or pathways–for learning, but rather these six are emerging or have always existed as powerful players in how learners make meaning: finding, decoding, evaluating, and sharing fluid media and information across a continuum of platforms to solve problems and meet opportunities native to individual learners.
6 Channels Of 21st Century Learning
1. Dialogic Response
Learning is a conversation–whether personal, local, and direct, or more general, global, and digitally-based. What are the effects of dialogic learning? A 2008 study by Stan Frijters, Geert ten Dam, and Gert Rijlaarsdam presented a study on teaching value-loaded critical thinking comprising of 297 students. The data “indicated that the dialogic learning condition, compared to the non-dialogic, resulted in a more positive effect on the critical-thinking competences of the students, both in terms of generative fluency of reasoning and quality of value orientation.”
Communities–including local physical communities, and digital, niche communities–nurture relationships and frame content.
3. Abstraction & Creativity
Creativity isn’t just art and whimsy, but the overlap between the macro thinking and micro details to solve the challenges of daily living. Abstraction is also part of the TeachThought’s ‘6 Levels Of Understanding.’
4. Media Literacy
Digital media evolves constantly in both form and function, from text, images, hyperlinked documents, and interactive video (the ‘form’ part) to communicating, curating, duplicating, citing, attributing, grouping, and sharing (the ‘function’ part). Understanding the nuance of individual platforms–and how they work together to serve human-focused needs and opportunity–is ‘media literacy.’
5. Play
This is the opposite of compliant response to teacher-centered environments. In play, learners freely experiment, show ambition, follow curiosity, and take risks to create, design, evolve, and connect in ways that are otherwise impossible under compulsion. You can read more about how to create learning through play.
6. Self-Directed Learning
Play is a big part of self-directed learning, but more broadly can include academic response, project-based learning, game-based learning, and other ‘school-like’ learning forms while students hold themselves and one another accountable to their own criteria of quality.
What Is 3 Before Me? A Teaching Strategy To Build Capacity In Students
by TeachThought Staff
What is ‘3 Before Me’?
‘3 Before Me’ is a simple classroom strategy–arguably both a teaching and learning strategy–that requires that when students experience a challenge, they must first ask three different people for help before reaching out to the teacher.
An evolution of that strategy? When students become ‘stuck,’ they must first try to solve the problem in three different ways before asking the teacher. This makes it more flexible. You can require students to ask one person and seek two resources or two people and one resource. You also can group students in your classroom and require students go to one person from three of the groups. (You can group by general ability, content area, social factors, etc.)
Students' ability to solve problems both independently and collaboratively is a crucial component of a modern, efficient classroom. When students get ‘stuck’ or aren’t sure where to go or what to do next, the teacher is generally the first place to go. But in a classroom–whether digitally connected or not–they often can solve the issue on their own or get assistance from multiple sources. To truly empower students in this age of information requires that we develop in students the capacity, willingness, ability, and tendency to navigate complex tasks and information.
And this ‘rule’ is a simple way to start.
What Does ‘3 Before Me’ Require?
Of course, this approach requires that students develop a growth mindset (i.e., that they believe that they can) and practice over time to build it as a learning reflex. It also requires there to be actual ‘answers’ in the classroom: more knowledgeable students, books, a search engine, encyclopedias, etc. The ‘stuck’ doesn’t have to be academic, obviously. If it’s a matter of classroom process, procedure, or direction, ‘3 Before Me’ is more immediate and effective. If the problem is based on skills or content knowledge, the likelihood of the teacher needing to get involved is still higher but is still less than 100% (as it is before using a strategy like this).
Over time this approach can be a good starting point for converting students from ‘learn to do’ to ‘learn to do well.’ Of course, there may still remain ‘areas for growth,’ which is why the holistic ‘learning + others + caring’ approach that accompanies ‘3 Before Me!’ is vital. Beyond mastery of content knowledge and the ability to think critically, students also need time (both experientially and temporally) to grow in other areas and build capacity as readers, writers, and thinkers–that is, as ‘students.’ We learn more in relation to and alongside our peers rather than being compared to them.
Only through growth and independence from institutions and adults can we create a society that can actually affect change–grow and solve persisting challenges. To evolve rather than reproduce itself. Progressive teaching and learning models need to be ‘people first’ and focus on helping individuals develop their capacities to identify solve problems on their own. Of course, ‘3 Before Me’ isn’t a world-changing tactic. It’s simply a step toward student self-directed learning built around a self-organized learning environment.
Conclusion
In schools, students often learn in relation to books and adults rather than in relation to nature, objects, or other surroundings. Instead of describing learning in terms of degrees of understanding, depth, or complexity, we identify achievement as relative and evaluate learning through subjective evaluations of how well students did relative to specific learning objectives rather than how well they identified problems, sought resources, persevered through uncertainty and, over time, built learning literacy (i.e.g, learning how to learn)
While ‘3 Before Me’ isn’t always ‘solving complex problems’ about ‘understanding,’ the consistent use of it over time can help students achieve understanding in ways that create a more sustainable learning environment for both teachers and students.
What Is 3 Before Me? A Teaching Strategy To Build Capacity In Students
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A resulting hue from the combination of red and yellow, orange is one of the warmer shades of the color… This is a premium content, log in or register to get unlimited access to exclusive content and more.
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Prince Philip is dead, Nigeria received stolen artifact, Grealish out for a few more weeks. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix. Here is a rundown of five…
Blur is generally seen as a negative thing in photographs. Sure, it can fully ruin an otherwise good image or take away from a moment that would have otherwise been wonderful to document. But, blur can also be an amazing and helpful tool, one that can add a lot to an image, as long as it is used intentionally and thoughtfully.
Fast glass is more affordable than ever before, with brands pushing quality and lowering prices to attract photographers away from the big names. But how good are they?
A problem that many photographers face is being unhappy with their photos. This ends up running shoots and makes matters even worse. Some never fully experience the joy of creating that photography can bring.
A wide-aperture 50mm lens is often one of the most versatile options in a photographer's bag, suitable for a lot of work ranging from portraiture to low-light events. A lesser-known option is the Irix 45mm f/1.4, which offers some unique features along with an interesting focal length, all put together in a rugged package that can handle a variety of tough shooting scenarios. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the kind of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
If you've been trying to get some portraits of your furry friend but your images aren't quite cutting the mustard, then these seven simple techniques might be just the thing you need.
A lot of the time, you have complete control over a portrait, including where you take it and thus, the background that complements your subject(s). But in other situations (wedding photography, for example), you do not get much of a choice and may be stuck with a boring, distracting, or simply unpleasing background. If that is the case, this helpful video tutorial will give you five tips for still making professional portraits.
Using manual exposure is considered professional use by many photographers. Sometimes, it is even considered the only serious way of using a camera, giving you full exposure control. But is this true, or is manual exposure just old fashioned?
The Canon EF lens exodus is continuing, with over a dozen more being discontinued or slated for it at some point this year as the company rapidly pivots toward mirrorless and its RF mount.
We talk about how to add light and shape it in a scene quite a lot, but as important as that is, so too are the shadows in your photos. This great video tutorial discusses how you can use shadows to create better, more dynamic, and more compelling images.
When it comes to confidence, there's plenty of places a guy can start. For some, it begins with a wardrobe overhaul. For others, it's tackling a new fitness routine. At SG HQ, we've found some guys are reluctant (but curious!) about gym classes. If that's you, check out #SGapproved fitness activities in our Workout 101 series. […] Read More
Advances in technology have played a big role in driving inclusion. New apps and services, combined with cutting-edge assistive technology, allows accommodations that might never be in place otherwise. Today it is easier than ever for trainers to automate and adapt universal design principles into all learning deliverables—face-to-face as well as virtual.
A supportive and collaborative learning culture centers on free-flowing knowledge exchange. However, implementing a successful peer-to-peer feedback system can lead to a variety of training challenges. In this article, I share 7 surprising downfalls of peer-based feedback and tips to avoid them.
ADHD is on the rise so it's worth building ADHD-friendly eLearning into your digital accessibility strategy sooner rather than later. ADHD learners don't require a major overhaul of standard practice but rather just that we are mindful of their needs every step of the way.
In this article, you will learn about the various criteria that you can use to evaluate a blended learning classroom. You will learn how to identify what makes a successful blended learning environment and how you can improve your classroom if it is having trouble meeting those criteria.
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We have more information, X's liver and kidneys have virtually shut down ... as has his lung function. Sources with direct knowledge tell us the family is now meeting with doctors, but the expectation is X might not make it through Friday. DMX's…
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Elon Musk's monkey officially has the power of mind control ... but so far, it's only using it to play outdated video games. Still, it's a remarkable feat from Neuralink -- the company Musk founded that's developing implantable,…
Chris Brown is a way more chill guy these days, and everyone saw it when his sports car got busted up with the valet -- although maybe he was just happy everyone was okay after the gnarly collision. CB was inside The Nice Guy in WeHo around 1 AM…
Things are getting back to normal -- look no further than celeb hotspot The Nice Guy as Kendall, Kylie, Drake, Justin Bieber and more were all together under the same roof again. It looked like a scene straight out of 2019, with expensive cars on…
Travis Barker went ahead and did it -- he got the name of his current squeeze tattooed on his body ... close to his heart, too. The Blink-182 drummer's been seeing Kourtney Kardashian for a few months now, but he just took things to another level…
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After spending seven days on life support as a result of a heart attack, Earl Simmons better known as rapper DMX has been pronounced as dead on April 9 at the age of 50.
An official statement from DMX’s family and White Plains Hospital was released:
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl's music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized." – Earl "DMX" Simmons' Family.
"White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”
Since the beginning of his rap career in the early 1990s, DMX has captivated thousands with his unique, hardcore sound. He has released eight studio albums including his best-selling …And Then There Was X. Aside from several musical nominations, he has won two American Music Awards for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist in both 2000 and 2001.
The perfect accessories for every groom are neckties or bowties, cravats or escorts, pocket squares, cufflinks, tire bars, and the right belt and shoes.
Marriage is a significant event in someone's life. As a groom, you cannot just look mediocre on a special day like this.
You need to look your best for the day. To make the day perfect, you need to start it by wearing the perfect attire and having the right look with the right accessories. However, you also need to be careful that you do not overdo it by wearing too many accessories.
If you are about to get married soon, you can follow the tips listed below. They will help you decide the things you need to wear and how you should carry the whole look for the big day.
1. Wear The Right Necktie
You will obviously be wearing a suit for your marriage since it is the staple formal marriage attire, and a necktie could be the perfect accessory that goes well with your suit.
There is a wide range of neckties, which might make you a bit confused. If you are perplexed about what knot you should do, you can always opt for the Windsor knot. This is a very popular knot, which will give you a classic traditional groom look.
Your tie should also complement the color of your suit. Wearing a black tie with a black suit should work out perfectly for you. As a final touch, you can add wedding bands for men for the best combination.
If you want something that goes well with almost anything, a good silver-colored necktie can be your go-to option.
2. Bow Ties Can Be The Perfect Alternative
Bow ties are a good alternative if you do not want to wear a necktie. Since they are not very common, they will definitely make you stand apart from the crowd, giving you a unique look altogether.
Wearing a bow tie that matches the color of your suit and your overall attire will also elevate your look.
If you are wearing a tuxedo instead of a suit, you definitely need to wear a bow tie instead of a necktie. If the shirt you are wearing is pleated, then also you need to wear a bow tie. That is because neckties will block the button studs of the pleated shirt.
3. Wear Cravats Or Ascots
If you want to appear truly unique and go beyond the tradition of wearing a bow tie or a necktie, a cravat is a right choice for you. Generally, the groom should appear different from the groomsmen.
Since most groomsmen will be wearing either a necktie or a bow tie, you need something unique to look different from the groomsmen. And this is where the cravat shines.
There are two popular ways of tying a cravat – the traditional cravat and the scrunched cravat. Either of them will look good on you because they perfectly complement any formal attire.
4. Take Care Of Your Skin
Although not exactly an accessory, your face is the most important part of your body. Therefore, you need to take very good care of your facial skin. Since men usually do not wear foundations or concealers, it becomes tough for them to hide the blemishes and dark spots on their skin.
So, you need to start preparation as you start planning for your wedding. Stay hydrated, eat healthy food, and maintain a proper skincare routine. This will allow you to have the perfect skin for your wedding day.
5. Shave Your Beard Properly
You need to take good care of your beard as well. No matter what type of style you want with your beard, make sure that you have planned it through. Do not shave on the morning of your wedding day.
Many men have numerous emotions going through their minds on their wedding day, so trimming your beard might not be the right thing to do unless you are very experienced with the trimmer.
Go to the local saloon and get the right beard style. No matter what you do, make sure your significant other likes what you are doing because the last thing they want is to not recognize their groom on the wedding day.
6. The Perfect Hairstyle
Your hairstyle is one of those factors that can make or break your look. What you want to do with your hair is the same as what you would do with your beard. You do not want to get a haircut right on your wedding day. Get a haircut at least 2 or three days before.
Make sure you consult with your bride, and she likes what you are doing with your hair. No matter what hairstyle you stick to, it will make you look perfect throughout the day if your hair is well maintained.
7. The Pocket Square Will Make You Appear Friendly
The pocket square is a great way to make yourself appear as someone who loves to have fun. It will also make you more approachable, and people will feel much more comfortable talking with you or being around you.
They are a small, simple, and fun-looking accessory that will surely make you more noticeable than the rest of the people. A pocket square that goes well with your suit will make you the talk of the day.
Before you buy a pocket square, make sure that the material of the pocket square is silk. Silk pocket squares will make you look more elegant. Be careful about the edges of the pocket square. Hand-rolled edges are always the right choice for someone who wants to wear a pocket square.
8. The Right Cufflinks For Your Formal Shirt
You need to have the right cufflinks as well. They are almost mandatory if you are wearing a tuxedo. But if you are wearing a suit, then you can also wear cufflinks with the right attire.
For example, neckwear is a must if you want to wear a cufflink with a suit. If you have an open collar, the cufflink will appear a bit too glossy. Wearing a necktie with the suit will perfectly complement your cufflinks. Another thing that you should focus on is the color of your cufflinks.
The color of your cufflinks should match the other metals in your attire, such as the watch or the tie bar.
9. A Tie Bar Is A Must If You Wear A Necktie
Since you will be moving here and there and walking around a lot, your tie can come out of place. This might reduce the overall glamor of your look. To keep the tie in check, you need to wear a tie bar.
What type of tie bar you need depends on the type of tie you are wearing. The length of the tie bar should be at least 70-80% of the necktie's width. The position of the tie bar also matters. It should be between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt. And the color of the tie bar needs to be the same as the other metals in your attire.
10. A Watch Will Give Your Attire More Personality
Who does not love to wear a perfect watch on their wrist? If you are not a fan of wristwatches and want to be more traditional, pocket watches are also a good choice.
A good way to pick the right watch is to coordinate the watch with what your bride is wearing. If she is wearing a traditional look with silver jewelry, you could choose a silver pocket watch to match her style.
However, if she is wearing more modern gold-themed jewelry, a gold wristwatch will go perfectly. Coordinating it with your bride will give the wedding an even deeper meaning.
11. The Belt Should Also Be Of Concern
Consider your belt as the accessory that holds your entire attire together. So you need to pick a belt that matches both your suit and your trousers. Generally, people like to match the color of leather with other leather pieces, such as shoes.
The color of your belt must be the same as your shoes if you want to complete your look. You do not need to wear belts with tuxedos since tuxedos are perfectly tailored, and wearing a belt will ruin the overall look of a tuxedo.
12. Suspenders Can Be A Good Alternative To Belts
If you are feeling particularly fancy, you can go for suspenders instead of belts. Since they are not leather, you also do not need to match their color with your shoes.
Instead, you need to select a color that complements your suit well. Be sure not to wear a suspender with a vest. Vests are best worn with belts, and suspenders will make your attire a bit awkward.
Final Thoughts
Weddings are a very important event in your life, and due importance should be given to what you wear. You need to be very careful in picking what you will wear on your wedding day. Without the right attire, you will realize that your wedding just does not feel right. So be very patient while picking the right attire to complete the perfect groom look.
Advances in technology have played a big role in driving inclusion. New apps and services, combined with cutting-edge assistive technology, allows accommodations that might never be in place otherwise. Today it is easier than ever for trainers to automate and adapt universal design principles into all learning deliverables—face-to-face as well as virtual.
A supportive and collaborative learning culture centers on free-flowing knowledge exchange. However, implementing a successful peer-to-peer feedback system can lead to a variety of training challenges. In this article, I share 7 surprising downfalls of peer-based feedback and tips to avoid them.
ADHD is on the rise so it's worth building ADHD-friendly eLearning into your digital accessibility strategy sooner rather than later. ADHD learners don't require a major overhaul of standard practice but rather just that we are mindful of their needs every step of the way.
In this article, you will learn about the various criteria that you can use to evaluate a blended learning classroom. You will learn how to identify what makes a successful blended learning environment and how you can improve your classroom if it is having trouble meeting those criteria.
I am not a fan of celebrity, but I have vivid memories of the days I met Leo Levine and Peter Manso, both of whom died in recent days, Levine at 90 and Manso at 80.
Though their names may not mean much to you, both had influence on my career.
I was a budding young motorsports reporter for a daily newspaper in Michigan when I encountered Levine and Manso through their writing. In 1968, MacMillan published Levine's 630-page book, Ford: The Dust and the Glory: A Racing History, perhaps still the definitive book on a single company's motorsports history, though I'm sure Ferrari and Porsche fans will take objection to that statement.
A year later, Funk & Wagnalls published Manso's Vroom!! Conversations with the Grand Prix Champions, written by Manso.
Though I have donated most of my automotive library to McPherson College, I have retained my copies of Dust and Glory and of Vroom, which the college's library will get someday, though probably not until I have breathed my last.
As I young journalist covering motorsports, I aspired to report as thoroughly and to write as well as Levine and Manso. One of the first books I wrote was Ford Racing Century: A Photographic History of Ford Motorsports, and I'm sure I accepted the assignment in part because of Levine's earlier work on the subject.
My recollection is that I bought my copy of Dust and Glory in Boston, on our way home from our honeymoon trip to Canada's Gaspe Peninsula, and that I bought Vroom at Kroch & Brentano's, the amazing and wonderful multi-story bookstore in downtown Chicago, a brick-and-mortar version of Amazon, except you browsed the shelves, held the book in your hands, and brought your selections home with you that day rather than having to wait impatiently for their next-day delivery.
Many, many days and years later, I was an editor at AutoWeek magazine and our publisher, Leon Mandel, suggested we all wear dress shirts and ties the following day because Leo Levine was visiting the office.
After writing Dust and Glory, Levine had become head of public relations for Mercedes-Benz of North America, a job he held for 20 years. Auto writers tended to be a rag-tag bunch, but Levine insisted they clean up when he hosted an event, even to the point that if you were flying to Europe for a press event at Mercedes, you wore a coat and a tie.
Anyway, I dressed properly for his visit, and brought my copy of Dust and Glory with me, which he autographed.
After he retired, Levine continued to write about cars (after his service in World War II he stayed in Europe and raced sports cars for a while). He played and wrote about golf, and was a judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
After writing Vroom and co-writing with Jackie StewartFaster: A Racer's Diary, Manso did biographies of Norman Mailer and Marlon Brando, and in 2002 investigated and chronicled the murder of fashion writer Christa Worthington, a book that led to a trial and conviction of the murderer.
I think Manso was working on a magazine article about NASCAR racing when someone mentioned he was standing just across the press room a few years ago at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I walked over, introduced myself and probably embarrassed him saying how much I appreciate a book he'd written decades earlier.
Journalists are taught from their early days in school or newsroom that celebrity doesn't matter, only the story does. But that doesn't stop us from having professional heroes, or from being sad when those heroes pass on.
The collector cars and trucks being auctioned on AutoHunter are a diverse group, with just about every segment of the hobby represented: stunning classics, fun sports cars, resto-mods and cruisers, and performance machines.
Here are some of my favorites in active bidding on the auction platform of ClassicCars.com:
The Toronado was General Motors' first foray into front-wheel drive, and the first American car pulled by its front wheels since the pre-war Cord 810/812. The two-door sedan was also a stylistic tour de force with its elegantly flared fenders, covered headlights and slim horizontal taillights.
The "personal luxury car" is as powerful as it looks, with a 425cid V8 that generates 385 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
This second-year example is quite special, a fully documented 33,000-mile survivor in original well-preserved condition, with a straight body, good paint, a great bucket-seat interior and an underside that looks like new.
The all-original Toronado is a rare find that could star in the preservation class of any car show.
The first-generation Mustang is the most-popular American collector car of all time, and this one has been treated to resto-mod updates to make it into a great highway cruiser for enjoyable road trips. The coupe is a two-owner car that has been driven just 4,000 miles since restoration, which included some modern mechanical updates, the seller says.
"A 302ci V8 now provides power, and it is paired with a 5-speed T5 manual gearbox," the seller notes in the description. "Upgrades consist of an MSD ignition, four-core radiator, power steering, rebuilt suspension with Shelby drop springs, four-wheel disc brakes with a dual-reservoir master cylinder, 3.80 gears, a modern sound system, and much more."
The upgrades should make this Mustang into a reliable and nice-driving car without damaging its vintage look and feel.
Here's another resto-mod pony car, this one treated to a massively powerful engine, a 455cid high-output big-block V8, linked with a Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. So as well as being a fun-in-the-sun machine, it should provide rocket-sled acceleration that's sure to impress the muscle-car crowd.
I've always liked the innovative bumperless styling of these early Firebirds with the chrome headlight surround providing some level of impact protection. A great look that has held up well.
The body has had a recent repaint in its original Cameo Ivory, the seller notes, and the car is in overall good condition, although there are a few small items that need fixing.
This is one of 300 special-edition Sun Bugs sold in North America, the seller notes, and it looks like the perfect fun-times beach cruiser. Indeed, the Volkswagen is located in Jacksonville, Florida, which must be the perfect climate and oceanside area for it.
The body retains its original Harvest Gold Metallic finish that is unique to the Sun Bug edition, the seller states, and the VW has been driven just 47,000 miles. The bug is powered by the correct air-cooled 1,600cc flat-4 linked with a 4-speed manual transmission.
The body and gold paint are in good original condition with no visible rust, the seller adds, and the top is good but has a small tape-covered hole.
Here's a popular favorite, a 4X4 Blazer in the upmarket Scottsdale edition with 37,000 miles showing on the odometer, which the seller says are unverified but believed to be true. The seller says restoration of the SUV is 90 percent complete with just a few "final touches" needed to finish, including rewiring for the lights, gauges and horn.
Among the features are an older repaint in Copper Brown Metallic, a cool-looking plaid Cheyenne interior, 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires on 15-inch factory wheels, and new shocks and steering stabilizer.
The truck is powered by a 350cid V8 with a new Edelbrock carburetor. Power goes through a 4-speed SM465 manual transmission with “creeper” gear and a rebuilt 2-speed transfer case with 3.73:1 gears and rebuilt manual-locking Warn front hubs.
The Blazer seems to be in overall good condition, and because it has some needs, could go for a bargain price. As they say, some of the best deals can be had on someone else's not-quite-completed restoration project.
Visit AutoHunter to submit your bids and see what other cars are on next week's docket.
The Pick of the Day is a numbers-matching 1968 Plymouth GTX, one of just 506 GTX convertibles powered by the 440cid Super Commando V8.
Chrysler's Plymouth Division produced the GTX from 1967 to 1971 based on the midsize Plymouth Belvedere but with upscale trim and performance tweaks. When packed with the Super Commando V8, these muscle cars produced 375 horsepower and did the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds, with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.
While Plymouth discontinued its "gentleman's muscle car" in 1970, its iconic Road Runner paid homage to the car by wearing GTX badges from 1972 to 1974, if the optional 440cid was fitted.
"This car is stunning and an eye-catcher in a very unique color that is rarely seen," says the Long Beach, California, seller advertising the GTX on ClassicCars.com.
Wearing its original burgundy paint, the GTX's exterior also features a satin black hood blister with 440 badges on both sides, a black power-operated convertible top with a glass window rear and double-horizontal black graphics on the lower panels that end in GTX chrome trim.
"Additional features include fender-mounted turn indicators, dual side-view mirrors, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and a black vinyl boot coves for when the top is retracted," the seller notes.
"The interior features embossed black bucket seats with matching door panels and is equipped with a center console. Simulated walnut wood trim adorns the dash and door panels."
The GTX’s original 440cid V8 engine retains many factory-original components, the seller says, including the Carter 4-barrel carburetor, cast-iron exhaust manifolds and 22-inch radiator. Power is sent to the rear through a rebuilt 727 Torqueflight automatic transmission with a 3.23 Sure Grip rear end.
"Equipment includes the Hemi Suspension Package, power steering, and power front disc brakes," the seller adds.
This classic muscle car is offered for $62,449.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
It was back in 1991 that John Hennessey got married and modified his daily driver, a Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 so he could enter the Nevada Open Road Challenge (finished fourth) and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, and make speed runs on the Bonneville Salt Flats (setting a class record 177 mph) and the Silver State Challenge (overall winner, again averaging 177 for the 90-mile distance).
Even with all that, Hennessey and his newlywed, Hope, found time that year to start a new business (he had been in the environmental remediation business), and 30 years later, Hennessey Performance of Sealy, Texas, has produced more than 10,000 high-performance vehicles for customers.
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration,Hennessey Performance shared its "top 10 cars of all time:"
1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4, entered Pikes Peak, two open-road races in Nevada and set class record at Bonneville "Fly Navy" Venom 1000 Twin Turbo, based on 2005 Dodge Viper, won Road & Track supercar shootout that included a Bugatti Veyron.VR1200, based on 2012 Cadillac CTS-V, ran 221 mph on Texas Toll Road. HPE600 Corvette C7, 2013 model was first Corvette C7 to exceed 200 mph. Hennessey Venom GT, 2010 Hennessey-built supercar that set Guinness World Record of 270.49 mph and reigned as world's fastest production car from 2014-2017. VelociRaptor 600, based on 2012 Ford Raptor pickup truck, but with 600 horsepower and capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.2 secondsThe Exorcist, based on 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 but with 1,000 horsepower and 883 pound-feet of torque, 0-60 in 2.1 seconds, top speed of 217 mph VelociRaptor 6×6, 2017 intro of a $350,000, 6-wheel, 600-horsepower pickup truckHennessey Heritage Edition Mustang, 2018 intro, based on Ford Mustang GT350R but with 808 horsepowerHennessey Venom F5, to be introduced in 2021 with 1,817 horsepower V8 and capable of 311 mph, 0-to-186 mph in 8.4 seconds
"At the end of 1991, looking back at that year of motorsport, I realized I'd learned the first rule of auto racing – if you want to make a small fortune in racing, start with a larger one!" Hennessey said in his company's anniversary news release.
"To continue my passion, I knew I'd have to find a way to pay for it. So, I thought, if Carroll Shelby and Alois Ruf could make a living by building and modifying cars then maybe I could, too – that's how our company began."
In the beginning, working out of a rented garage with one other employee, Hennessey modified turbochargers and intake and exhaust systems for the 3000 GT, its cousin, the Dodge Stealth, and the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7.
Two years later, he created the 500-horsepower Dodge Viper Venom 550 for a customer and also produced an aftermarket hardtop for Dodge's exotic V10-powered roadster. Hennessey helped found the Viper Club of America, and his shop rolled out the Venom 600, and then the 650, which in 1997 posted a top speed of 203 mph.
By the turn of the century, the Venom 800 and 1000 models were ready, the shop staff grew to 5 employees, and the Hennesseys had 5 children, at which point John Hennessey retired from racing.
But while he left racing, he didn't leave race tracks and in 2004 bought the Lonestar Motorsports complex, a drag strip with return roads that he turned into a test track with a 30,000-square-foot production facility (staffed in 2021 by 50 employees and by students at the Hennessey Tuner School).
A Venom 800 won a 16-car supercar challenge staged by Car and Driver magazine, a Hennessey-tweaked Ford GT hit 234 mph, and in 2009 development was under way on the purpose-built Hennessey Venom GT, which a Chevrolet LS9 V8 would propel to more than 270 mph.
In 2012, Hennessey headlines continued with the Texas Toll Road SH130 being christened with the Hennessey Cadillac VR1200 hitting 221 mph and the Hennessey Camaro ZL1 running 204.
At The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2018, Hennessey unveiled his own 1,600-horsepower F5 engine, which was designed for a new Venom supercar scheduled to launch during 2021.
Hennessey has shared an hour-long anniversary video podcast:
After sharing some design sketches of its Cyberster concept car, MG now offers actual photographs of the vehicle to be officially unveiled later this month at the Shanghai Auto Show.
The concept is electric powered, and MG says that it would deliver 500 miles in rage and sprint to 60 mph in 3 seconds or less in production guise.
In addition to earlier information, MG has revealed that the interior has a "digital fiber" design theme with "Zero Gravity" seats that have "floating" headrests and that the red leather interior door handles "reflect the 'laser belt' that runs down the Cyberster's exterior.
The future is electric, and tomorrow’s EVs won’t just change how we buy and drive cars. They’ll change how cars are made, and how we think of high-performance cars.
The mystique behind many ultra-exotic cars will fade away with their gas engines. The switch to EVs will mean the end of the mid-engine car as we know it.
Say goodbye to the mid-engine Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bugattis you thought you knew. Get ready for mid-battery.
General Motors’ BEV3 platform and Ultium batteries
Weighty decisions
The engineering behind electric vehicles is so different from internal-combustion cars, it's already introduced a slew of words to the enthusiast vocabulary, terms such as kilowatt-hours, sleds, skateboards, and prismatic cells. "Mid-battery" could soon join that lexicon, because it's how most cars of the future will be designed, barring any huge breakthroughs in battery packaging.
Why did mid-engine design evolve in the first place? In a car designed around an internal-combustion engine, the powerplant is most often located ahead of the driver, which doesn't provide the best weight balance. The purpose of a mid-engine layout is to shift the heaviest component, the engine, behind the passenger cell to improve balance. With better balance, the car can put its power to the ground more effectively in a rear-wheel-drive or rear-biased all-wheel-drive configuration. That's why the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette went mid-engine.
What happens when there's no engine, just a much lighter electric motor or motors and a heavy battery pack? The car's platform essentially becomes a sled or skateboard for the battery pack, and it puts it under the floor in the middle of the vehicle. That's a recipe for ideal weight balance.
2022 GMC Hummer EV
Motors, inverters, and DC converters generally add up to about the same weight as the exhaust system and fuel tank of a gas-powered vehicle. Most motors are located on the axles, though some EVs place them elsewhere. The Lordstown Endurance pickup truck, for example, rides on a sled chassis but has the motors on the wheel hubs. Rivians can be ordered with as many as four electric motors, two on each axle. The Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S can be outfitted with three motors, two in the rear and one in the front.
While the vast majority of mass-production vehicles will be mid-battery, there will be exceptions to the rule. Particularly trucks and SUVs where having the most vulnerable powertrain component in the middle might not be the best place due to potential damage while off-roading or working. In those scenarios the packs might be split up in various places around the vehicle including fore and aft of the axles and or frame rails.
This mid-battery layout will make EVs easier to tune for handling, and potentially make them safer because it places the center of mass lower and allows for significant crumple zones front and rear. Engineers won't need to package vehicle structures around the engine, transmission, or exhaust system. This will cut some weight and allow for smarter packaging with more room for passengers and cargo. While some batteries can take up irregularly shaped spaces inside and above the sled, they will still be located between the wheels.
Rivian R1T, R1S chassis
Here's to the future
Today's batteries are heavy. Green Car Reports' Senior Editor Bengt Halvorson notes that a typical electric car weighs 600-800 pounds more than a comparable gas-powered car, or even more. Many of today's battery packs weigh 1,000-1,150 lbs. But they will get lighter. The introduction of the solid-state battery will reduce charge times and possibly double energy density, though it may not necessarily reduce weight. More carbon fiber, high-strength steel, and other lightweight materials will further remove weight as material costs come down.
Electric motors don't need to advance to take EV performance beyond what a gas engine can accomplish. They're already more powerful, and they deliver incredible performance. The Tesla Model S can rocket from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. It's unlikely electric motors will get lighter, though, not that they add much weight.
That leaves the issue of sitting up higher on top of a battery pack, but there's already a fix for that. The Porsche Taycan stacks its battery cells higher in some areas and lower in others to allow the driver's seat to sit lower. Anyone who has sat behind the wheel of a Taycan knows it feels like a sports car.
The mid-engine car will soon be dead, but its concept of ideal weight balance is here to stay and will in fact grow with the proliferation of electric cars. The industry will make an effort to tackle the weight problem that electric batteries present, but just about every car will start with better weight distribution. Performance as we know it is about to change and even pedestrian daily drivers will have a handling leg up on their gas-powered predecessors.
Bring on the mid-battery era.
This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.
One thing has become clear from the various comments submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the Southeast Energy Exchange Market or SEEM: there is a strong desire for FERC to host a technical conference on the potential for market reforms in the Southeast. Here we’ll break it down for you to give you an idea of who made these suggestions and what a technical conference is. Read all of our blog posts on SEEM.
What’s a technical FERC conference?
So what is a technical conference? Well, it’s an event open to the public and designed to convene experts on a particular topic relevant to FERC’s work. It can be as short as a few hours or take 1-2 days, and these days they are all virtual whereas pre-COVID they were typically in-person events that were live-streamed for remote viewing. Technical conferences typically feature one or more panelists of experts from system operators, utilities, regulatory bodies, and other organizations; these panels are sometimes directly led by FERC Commissioners. There are already many FERC technical conferences scheduled in 2021, including one on the formation of an Office of Public Participation on April 16, 2021, and a two-day conference on climate change and extreme weather on June 1-2, 2021.
Who wants a technical conference?
So who is asking for a technical conference on market issues in the Southeast, and why? There have been a number of initiatives to explore all or parts of the Southeast moving from a vertically integrated monopoly electric utility model to one that includes some level of competition. Studies have shown that competition could open the door to clean energy and customer savings in the Southeast. A FERC technical conference could push regulators, policymakers, and utilities to coordinate efforts to move the region to a more competitive model, as well as show just how much the region could serve to benefit.
A modeling study by Energy Innovation, Vibrant Clean Energy, and GridLab shows cost reductions from a Southeast RTO.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of individuals and organizations that have requested a technical conference on this issue.
Public Interest Organizations submitted joint comments that included a request for a technical conference. Those organizations are: Energy Alabama, Sierra Club, South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, GASP, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Southface Energy Institute, Inc., Vote Solar, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, Georgia Conservation Voters, Partnership for Southern Equity, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, Sustainable FERC Project, Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, and the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Clean Energy Coalition, consisting of: Advanced Energy Economy, the Advanced Energy Buyers Group, Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance, and Solar Energy Industries Association, also submitted joint comments requesting a technical conference.
Think tank R Street stated in comments that a technical conference “would provide stakeholders and FERC an opportunity to discuss what changes are needed and how best to generate benefits for customers throughout the region.“
Additionally, comments from the American Forest & Paper Association stated that “further analysis should be conducted to determine if greater benefits would be achieved by a Southeast Regional Transmission Organization or Southeast Energy Imbalance Market.” While not calling for a technical conference, the RTO and EIM options could be explored through a technical conference.
Who doesn’t want a technical conference and why not?
How have SEEM utilities responded to the request for a technical conference? In a response filed on March 30, SEEM utilities rejected the idea of a technical conference. The response indicates that a technical conference to explore how the region could move to a more competitive model would be too much too fast, and “that previous attempts to develop an RTO in the Southeast have not been successful.”
SEEM Utilities Electric Service Territory Map from Transmittal Letter to SEEM Agreement filed with FERC in Docket No. ER21-1111 on Feb. 12, 2021.
The response also indicates that SEEM utility, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) cannot be pushed into an RTO. Without TVA half of the load would not be able to participate because of TVA’s position in the middle of the proposed SEEM footprint. So if FERC holds a technical conference TVA may get spooked and pull out of SEEM, taking away the connection to SEEM members in Kentucky and Missouri? That seems unlikely, but I guess in the Southeast when it comes to market reform, you just never know what will (or won’t) happen.
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