Plants are beautiful and useful, but what if they're much more than that? Lane Parker has this Perspective.
Spring is in full swing, and gardeners of all varieties are striving to help their plants thrive.
I remember hearing, many years ago, that plants grew better if you talked to them. The words didn't matter; simply talking produced beneficial results. I also remember being skeptical.
Sure, plants send signals to people all the time. If a plant gets too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry, we know because it droops, turns brown, or shrivels up and dies. It's an elemental, though ineffective, way of communicating. But plants responding to our attempts at communication? That sounded like science fiction.
Now all that could be changing.
Back in 1926, Aldous Huxley described his tour of the Bose Institute in Calcutta, during which, using graphs and bells, researchers demonstrated the instant reactions of plants to stimuli such as sunlight, electric shock, and chloroform.
Roald Dahl had his own take with his 1949 short story, "The Sound Machine," in which a hobbyist builds a device that allows him to hear the otherwise inaudible cries of plants as their stems are cut.
Huxley's science and Dahl's fiction have met in recent years, with researchers striving to find out what kinds of information plants might transmit. Scientists now know that plants communicate with each other through the soil using chemicals in their roots. Engineers have embedded spinach leaves with carbon nanotubes and shown that the plants can quickly detect explosive chemicals and send signals in reaction. The doors are open to a variety of plants one day being able to convey to us a variety of information.
It turns out plants respond not to the human voice but to the carbon dioxide exhalations of the people talking to them, what scientists call "the CO2 fertilization effect."
Still, in this brave new world of science fact meeting science fiction, there may come a time when we talk to our plants and our plants talk back. Wired to speakers and using algorithms to translate chemical reactions into spoken words, our plants might be able to effectively communicate specific needs to us. They might say, "I'm thirsty," or, "I'm cold."
Or even, "Talk to me."
With a Perspective, I'm Lane Parker.
Lane Parker is an author and editor in San Francisco.
This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now
Jeep Gladiator needs no introduction. It was one of the most anticipated products and it didn't let anyone down. What makes it even more special is that being an FCA product, or should I say Stellantis product, there is no dearth of customization options. But, here's one example that probably sets the benchmark for Gladiators.
Presenting to you, courtesy of AutotopiaLA, the Jeep 'Possessed' Gladiator. It is big, brawny, and comes with mods that can make purists go weak in the knees
The current Nissan GT-R is one of the oldest cars on sale in the US, but Nissan doesn't seem to care. In fact, the Japanese carmaker has taken the wraps off a Special Edition version dedicated exclusively to Japan. We also know that a new-generation GT-R is under development, so is this the swan song we've all been waiting for?
The automotive industry is a dynamic one and collaborations between different car manufacturers are not that uncommon. Porsche is a name associated with great craftsmanship, great engineering, and tradition - all traits the 911 encompasses better than any other car. However, Porsche was not always doing well financially and, in the 1990s, they were willing to lend their expertise to other companies. Here are some of the brand's most known and some less-known joint ventures, some of which may surprise you.
With the "regular" 911 (992) GT3 out and official, all eyes are now headed towards the GT3 RS. As expected, the more hardcore version of the already hardcore GT3 will feature more of everything - except for the weight, of which it will have less. The most important thing is that the latest most track-focused normally-aspirated 911 is underway, and here's what we can expect.
The Pagani Huayra arrived on the automotive scene in 2011 as a spiritual successor to the Zonda. It derives its name from Huayra-tata, a Quetcha wind God. The company announced just 100 examples of the Huayra when launched and all of them we sold by 2015. This was followed by the Huayra Roadster, Huayra BC, Huayra Roadster BC, and the Huayra Imola. All of these are limited production models as well and Pagani will build just 100, 20, 40, and five examples, respectively.
A customer in Canada recently took the delivery of his highly-customized Roadster BC 'Supernova,' and we can't stop drooling over it.
Given the chance, I'm willing to bet that 90-percent of the car-loving population would be more than happy to drive a Nissan GT-R or, even better yet, the Nissan GT-R Nismo. Of course, 89-percent of that original 90-percent will never get the chance to get behind the wheel, not because the GT-R is hard to find but because it's hard to afford. If you were to cruise into a Nissan dealership right now, you'd have to pony up at least $113,540 just for a base model GT-R. If you want to go all out and get the Godzilla of Godzilla's – the GT-R Nismo – you'll have to spend nearly double that or $210,740. And, that's where the Nissan Z comes in.
Hyundai's luxury brand – Genesis – is not slowing down. In addition to the SUV models that recently went on sale, the brand is also about to debut their new executive sedan – the G90. With what is shaping to be an almost full Genesis lineup, the only type of car that is yet to make an appearance is a sports coupe. However, there are indications that this might change very soon, as Genesis is giving us subtle hints and the writing is starting to appear on the wall.
The Chevrolet Corvette was always a beautiful car, but sometimes what comes out of the factory isn't exclusive enough. In the 1970s, many C3 Corvettes were subjected to various enhancements, making them even more unique. It was the era of flared fenders, flashy wheels, catchy graphics, and a complete lack of subtlety. One such example is this 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT, which is one of only three cars customized by Baldwin-Motion.
The rivalry between the three Germans can never end. Be it any segment or niche, they are waiting to rain on each other's parades. This time, it's on a drag strip, courtesy of Carwow. The Audi RS5, BMW M4 Competition, and the AMG C63 S competed against one another in a series of races to determine who the king is when it comes to straight-line dashes. Who have you got your money on?
There's just something about a classic Porsche that really gets your blood pumping. It's either the sleek, sexy design that Porsche has continue to nail over the years, the outright performance delivered in a way that only Porsche can, or just the fact that you're looking right a true piece of automotive history. This is why Porsche Classic – Porsche's official restoration arm – exists: to make sure those classic cars continue to live well beyond their original "expiration date. They do downright amazing work, as you can see from this 1967 911 S Targa that looks near perfect post-restoration after sitting for four decades. If that doesn't do it for you, the aluminum-bodied 356 Cabriolet just might. If you're itching to see more of Porsche Classic's expertise, then we've got some good news for you.
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I recently spoke at a webinar organized by MoneyWiseSmart on the subject of long-term investing in the age of short attention spans.
Click here to watch the video of my talk, or watch below.
Thank you for your time!
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Buy The Sketchbook of Wisdom: The first print of my new book – The Sketchbook of Wisdom – is almost 80% over, and has already been bought across 30+ countries within 2 months of its launch. Click here to get your copy today. Send me an email at vishal@safalniveshak.com if you wish to place bulk orders.
Old Man Cooper would be proud John Cooper passed away in 2000 after seven decades of building amazing British cars, and since then, his son Michael has been determined to build a car worthy of his father. With the full backing of BMW since 2007, the new 2022 Mini JCW is agile and powerful. Starting […]
A similar design and manufacturing process for Mercedes-AMG vehicles is followed by world-renowned luxury fashion brands like Santoni. The duo is proud to announce the latest release as part of the Santoni For AMG Collection. The new highlight of the collection is the casual Patina Leather sneakers, which are available in White, Dark Blue, and […]
Do you like fast German wagons? If you don’t we’re not sure how you landed here, but we’d like a minute of your time. Other automotive publications like to tell you how sedans are not popular due to SUV and Crossover sales numbers. But, there are enthusiasts among us who love twin-turbo V8 power in […]
Another reason to relax on the Tennessee River At the foothills of the Appalachians, there is a city steeped in southern hospitality. A fun and safe family vacation includes Lookout Mountain, the Riverwalk, and the Tennessee Aquarium, and for adults, their craft beer scene is unmatched from Nashville to the Outer Banks. That’s why Dana […]
Don’t worry, 49 other states love the Bronco! The home of Bernie Sanders and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream never fails to keep things weird. Buyers of every new Bronco are given a 2-day pass to the Bronco Off-Roadeo, an experience aimed at teaching you how to get the most from your new Ford. A […]
In the past, we covered the anticipated release of the Persol 24k Gold Steve McQueen 714SM sunglasses, but now the brand is back to add to the popular collection. The Persol 714SM Collection is proud to feature 4 new color options to the foldable sunglass lineup. Frame colors include Black, Miele, Caffe, and Terra di […]
A new incubator looks promising for small businesses Accelerators and incubators are a great way to get your project off the ground. This new collaboration between Mini USA and Urban-X will last 20 weeks and be based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This historic spot has been the birthplace of hundreds of Navy ships since […]
Presented by XPEL – Bill Goldberg, a four-time World Champion Wrestler, is a certified gearhead with an extensive car collection. Goldberg’s Garage is home to a 1965 Shelby Cobra replica with a NASCAR engine, a former moonshine whiskey-running 1959 Chevy Biscayne coupe, and a 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible – to name a few. Goldberg likes […]
Watches not only provide us with the daily functions of timekeeping but instead hold significance as an example that commemorates milestones within or outside of the industry. Omega knows this all too well as the brand is proud to be the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, in which a collection of commemorative […]
Fifteen years has refined the supercar Deep inside Nissan lies a group of engineers who strive for perfection. The NISMO division has spent over a decade building the ultimate version of the Nissan GT-R. We know full well what the car is capable of in the hands of our aftermarket tuning shops, so what would […]
Vantage GT4 & GTE look unstoppable It’s going to be an epic weekend for Aston Martin Racing. Garage 59 has returned to defend their Pro-Am title by fielding two examples of the Vantage GT3. Behind the wheel will be Alexander West, Chris Goodwin, and AMR driver Jonny Adam. Power is supplied by Mercedes-AMG, who massaged […]
Presented by GAA Classic Cars – The Dodge Charger Daytona, named after the city Daytona Beach, has long been a popular classic muscle car for many reasons. From its looks and power to its history, the Charger Daytona is a highly sought-after vehicle. At the upcoming GAA Classic Cars April 2021 auction, bidders will get […]
The world’s first supercar What good is a V8 if it’s on top of the front wheels? That was the question Ferruccio Lamborghini asked his team in 1965. Their answer was to mount the engine transversely (east-west) behind the cockpit. The result is a car with unbeatable grip and performance, even by modern standards. It […]
Rally Point East teamed up with Manhattan Motorcars to hold their first charitable rally. Along with partners like Abushi, Berkshire Hathaway International Realty, The Baker House 1650, Diane Hendricks Catering and The MJS Groupe, the event aimed at helping raise funding for St. Mary's Hospital for Children. With registrants entering both their vehicles' and a […]
Whether it's a fun weekend at the track with friends or a competitive endurance race with a gold medal a lap away, the key to success is pedal control. The time it takes to effectively shift, brake, or accelerate could make or break your day at the track. Nowadays, not only motorsports brands are competing […]
Incorporating modernly traditional 40's/50's styling and state-of-the-art functionality, Ernst Benz pays homage to the wristwatches that paved the way for the future of this ever-popular industry. Staying true to that process, the Ernst Benz Chronoflite World Timer takes on an aesthetically pleasing design featuring the world timezones indicated on the inner bezel of the 47mm […]
Milky Way photos should first and foremost do one thing: fascinate. When the viewer’s gaze loses itself in the vastness of the motif and he begins to dream, the photographer has achieved his goal.
The Milky Way, our galaxy, is a special highlight for photographers, romantics, and scientists, and it has been for thousands of years. The word ‘galaxy’ itself points to a long history of stargazing. It is derived from the Greek word “gála”, which means milk. The ancient Greeks believed that there was a kind of divine milk flow in the sky.
In 1609, the polymath Galileo Galilei was the first to recognize that the Milky Way consists of countless stars. Astronomers estimate that about 100 to 300 billion stars twinkle in the glowing band in the sky.
Sony a7S + Zeiss Batis 18mm 2.8 | Tracking with Fornax Mounts LighTrack | f/3,5 15 X 90 Sec ISO 800.
In this tutorial, I’ll discuss how you can prepare to photograph the Milky Way.
A Location Without Light Pollution
The term “light pollution” is somewhat misleading because it is not pure light that is polluted, rather it is the light itself that pollutes the darkness of the night. Light pollution is a major obstacle to astrophotography. Thus, a sky without light pollution is the most important prerequisite for observing and impressively capturing the Milky Way.
The lights of a large city can be a big problem in this process. so, if you live in a large city, it will be extremely difficult to successfully expose the night sky and the Milky Way. Therefore, it is best to get out of the city and find a location where it is as dark as possible. To be able to determine the light pollution in your area, the online “Light Pollution Map” will help you.
This shows you in color the areas where light pollution is particularly low or high. Generally, there is little light pollution in large forests, in mountainous regions, or in a very sparsely populated area. Here you can take pictures of the Milky Way without problems. Use this map to find the best place in your region where you have the perfect view of the Milky Way.
Sony a7 III + ZEISS Batis 18mm f/2.8 | Fornax Mounts LighTrack | f/2.8, 25 Sec (Half Mode) ISO 2400 | Time, Moon Phases, Weather
Time
The embossed part of the Milky Way, i.e. the Galactic Core, can be observed between March and September, and this is especially true for the northern celestial sphere. How long it is above the horizon depends on the respective longitude and latitude of the location. The best time to observe the Milky Way is in summer: then it stretches from north to south as usual. Accompanying the Milky Way band, the constellations Perseus, Cassiopeia, Swan, Eagle, and Sagittarius can also be observed during this season.
The Moon
The phase of the moon and its location in the night sky are of central importance. If the moon is close to the Milky Way, it is hardly recognizable because the moon brightens the surroundings too much. Optimal conditions are offered when the moon is not above the horizon or when it’s not a new moon.
Good conditions may also be offered if the moon is behind you when taking the picture, i.e. if it is exactly opposite the Milky Way in the firmament. In this case, you can use the moon to brighten up the surroundings. However, make sure that there is no full moon – that is usually too bright. When the moon stands where and which moon phase prevails at the moment can be found out easily with software/apps such as Stellarium, Planit for Photographers, and PhotoPills.
Weather
In addition to this very specific information, you should of course always keep a close eye on the weather – the best location is of no use to us if it is raining cats and dogs and the cloud cover appears as thick as concrete. As an astrophotographer, you only work when the sky is clear, known in the trade as “CS – Clear Sky”. Again, you get the latest data from the Internet, on Clear Outside and Meteoblue you get very good and reliable data, compactly presented.
Milky Way over Dersim | Sony a7 III + ZEISS Batis 18mm f/2.8 | Fornax Mounts LighTrack | The image consists of two layers. Foreground: f/8 15 sec ISO 200. Background: f/3.5 2 x 90 sec ISO 1200.The Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is 4478 m above sea level and one of the highest mountains of the Alps. Because of its distinctive shape and its history of climbing, the Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world. Sony a7 III + ZEISS Batis 18mm f/2.8 | Fornax Mounts LighTrack | The image consists of two layers. Foreground: f/11 2.5 sec ISO 400. Background: f/3.5 4 x 60 sec ISO 800.
Equipment
Camera
You will be working with high ISO values in this type of photography. Therefore, the camera should have acceptable noise performance. The rule is: the less noise, the more details will be preserved later. Optionally, you can also use an astro-modified camera.
DSLR and DSLM cameras in their normal delivery condition from the factory come with a disadvantage: At the H-alpha spectral line, which is important in astronomy, their sensitivity is very low. From the factory, these cameras are equipped with an infrared cut filter that suppresses the red spectral range. The light from the red hydrogen nebulae does not make it to the sensor because it is filtered out by a filter in the camera to get an efficient color balance in normal everyday photography.
By removing this internal IR cut filter, the sensitivity in the red H-Alpha range is significantly increased and the camera becomes an “astro camera”.
Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens
In order to capture the largest possible area of the night sky on the image sensor, you need a fast wide-angle lens. Due to the earth’s rotation, the stars “wander” across the night sky, and therefore — if you want to avoid star trails — the exposure time of the camera is limited.
A wide-angle lens also allows a comparatively long exposure in addition to a larger section of the Milky Way. The shorter the focal length, the longer you can expose. The same principle also applies to the aperture: The smaller the f-number, the more light can fall on the sensor, and thus you can keep the exposure time shorter.
Tripod
To get the sharpest possible images of stars, a sturdy tripod — which will stand securely even in windy conditions and exposure times of 30 seconds or more — is essential. In addition, we recommend using a remote shutter release to avoid having to touch your camera when releasing the shutter and risking camera shake. However, this is not essential. Every camera has an integrated self-timer function that you can use as an alternative.
Headlamp
Ideally, we should know our way around our equipment for star photography “blind” and be able to make all the important settings even in the dark and with the brightness of the camera screen turned down. For the way to the location or for additional measures on site we need a headlamp, which can also be switched to red light mode if necessary. Red light hardly dazzles our eyes, if we have to switch on a standard flashlight every time, our eyes need up to 20 minutes to get back into “night vision mode”.
Cable, Self-Timer, or Remote Shutter Release
To take a blur-free long exposure of the night sky, you need a cable or remote shutter release. Alternatively — and for me much more practical — you can set the self-timer on the camera to 2 or 10 seconds.
Accessories and Clothing for Star Photography
Do not carry spare batteries in your photo backpack, especially on cold nights, but wear them close to your body to protect them from premature discharge and yourself from disappointment. Also remember to carry extra memory cards, cleaning supplies for your camera and lens, and warm, waterproof clothing.
Seceda Dolomiten. Sony a7 III + ZEISS Batis 18mm f/2.8 | Fornax Mounts LighTrack | The image consists of two layers: (Composing) Background: f/2.8 2 x 90 sec ISO 800
Apps and Software
To get a better picture or to orient yourself, you can use the Stellarium app, a popular planetarium app. Stellarium is a sky map that shows exactly what can be seen when you look up at the night sky. Identify stars, constellations, planets, comets, satellites (like the ISS), and other deep-sky objects in real-time in the sky in just a few seconds by pointing your phone at the sky. In addition to the extremely popular smartphone app, I also enjoy the desktop and web versions when planning my astrophotography at home.
Also recommended for Milky Way and night sky photography — and one of the best all-around photo planning apps on the market — is the PhotoPills app. The app has a wide range of features that allow you to capture any location on Earth at a specific date in the future and get all the important information, including the times of, for example, sunset and sunrise, moon phases, blue hour and golden hour, visibility of the galactic nucleus of the Milky Way and where it will be located in the sky.
Nova. Sony a7 III. ZEISS Batis 18mm f/3.5, 15 sec, ISO 3200
About the author: Delil Geyik is a German astrophotographer whose roots are in Mesopotamia, more precisely in the province of Dersim. He lives in Germany, Stuttgart, and organizes national and international workshops in the field of astrophotography. He also works with a handful of internationally recognized companies. These include Carl Zeiss AG, which specializes in photographic lenses, and the Hungarian company Fornax Mounts, which develops motorized mounts for heavy telescopes and trackers. Delil travels around the globe to capture landscapes under a splendid starry sky with his camera. The photographer, who lives in Germany, has already gained a lot of recognition in the international specialist press. Among others, three of his astrophotography were mentioned by NASA APOD. You can find more of Geyik’s work on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Sony has announced the Xperia 1 Mark III and Xperia 5 Mark III smartphones that it claims come packed with some of the most advanced features available not just in any smartphone that it makes, but across its entire suite of consumer electronics products.
Sony has packed two “world’s first” features into the Xperia 1 Mark III: the first 4K 120Hz display in a smartphone and the first variable telephoto lens in a smartphone.
Touching on that telephoto lens first, Sony has jumped ahead as the only company to be able to offer a telephoto lens that has an optically adjusting focal length, both at 70mm f/2.3 and 105mm f/2.8 equivalents inside of a single telephoto lens module. Sony also pairs this optical achievement with its Dual Phase Detection sensor that offers dual phase-detection autofocus capabilities, claiming that the two new Xperia models can acquire focus instantly, even when switching between 70mm and 105mm focal lengths.
While the telephoto lens received a serious boost, the main 24mm equivalent camera and the wide-angle 16mm equivalent remain unchanged over the ones found on the Xperia Pro and the Xperia 1 Mark II.
Sony says that both Xperia 1 Mark III and Xperia 5 Mark III were co-developed with the company’s Alpha camera engineers who have made Sony’s autofocus technology one of the crown jewels of the brand’s success. As a result, the company says both Xperia devices feature fast, accurate, continuous autofocus that can operate with Real-time Eye-AF active on all of the cameras and lenses. The Xperia 1 III also adds Sony’s object tracking technology which can lock onto and track subjects as they move through a simple tap on the screen.
The phone uses AI-based algorithms and a 3D iToF (time of flight) sensor to measure distance and detect focus on a subject even if the subject temporarily is obstructed or moves out of sight of the sensor. The phone calculates autofocus up to 60 times per second and can shoot and store up to 20 frames per second with what Sony promises is high precision, accurate focus, and optimized exposure.
Sony even goes so far as to say that the level of performance is “comparable to that used in professional sports cameras such as the Alpha 9 Series.” The phone is powered by a Bionz X processor which allows for users to shoot in Burst Mode in low light for the first time, which the company says produces results with low noise to a level that was not possible in previous models.
Both smartphone models have Sony’s AI super-resolution zoom, which uses the company’s AI processing to restore detail and definition to images to digitally zoomed photos. The devices also integrate Sony’s Photography Pro function, which mirrors many of the manual controls found on the Alphas series including ISO, shutter speed, an EV indicator, RAW support, plus a dedicated shutter button (which has an embossed finish found only on the Xperia 1 Mark III). Both phones also have a new “Basic Mode” feature within Photography Pro that Sony says enables fast access to a range of easy-to-use photography features.
Looping back to the 4K 120Hz OLED screen, the Xperia 1 Mark III is the first phone to offer this in a 6.5-inch 21:9 “CinemaWide” display. The Xperia 5 III has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch 21:9 HDR OLED display also with a 120Hz refresh rate. Sony says that both models have a “uniquely immersive viewing experience” for movies, television, or videos.
That large 4K display features what Sony calls “Creator Mode,” which is a factory-calibrated OLED display that mirrors the color reproduction of Sony’s high-end reference monitors. Both also have 10-bit equivalent displays (8-bit with 2-bit smoothing) that display colors without banding and support the BT.2020 color space.
The new Xperia phones can shoot 4K at up to 120 frames per second as well as shooting in 21:9 ratio in 24/25/30/60 frames per second. It also comes pre-loaded with eight different color management presets and the microphone has Sony’s intelligent wind filter technology that can suppress wind noise.
New features within both models include a range of UI improvements designed specifically with filmmakers. Users can easily check how much free memory is remaining and how much recording time is still available and also check which parameters they used on a specific clip to apply them to other projects. Each clip's parameter details now include resolution, FPS, look, lens, stabilizer, WB, ISO, shutter angle/speed, focus, and audio level.
Sony also hasn’t forgotten those who like corded headphones, as both devices feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. The phones also have a new audio equalizer to allow you to control, heighten, and minimize different sounds, which is especially helpful in gaming. Speaking of gaming, the phone can also record what it is displaying at up to 120 frames per second and automatically pre-records up to 30 seconds of game footage so you can easily rewind and capture key moments.
Sony says that it has incorporated heat suppression power control to allow the phone to handle high-performance situations like gaming. It includes the ability to bypass charging and power the phone directly which reduces thermal stress.
Back to audio, the two phones also integrate Sonys 360 Reality Audio into its speakers and virtualize an immersive sound experience even if music is only being listened to in 2-channel stereo. The speakers are placed at the front of the phone to reproduce a sound field, and the Xperia 1 Mark III specifically has 40 percent more powerful speakers thanks to a new box structure. The audio volume out of the 3.5mm jack has also been improved by about 40 percent with less distortion near the maximum output level.
"Today we're introducing two new Xperia models that are significant for both Sony and the industry as a whole. Drawing on our leadership in imaging, display, and audio technology, we're proud to debut the world's first smartphone with a 4K 120Hz display and the world's first smartphone with a variable telephoto lens. We continue to break new ground and provide passionate consumers with a more powerful creative device and an immersive entertainment experience like they've never had before—all in the palm of their hand."
– Neal Manowitz, President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.
The Xperia 1 Mark III is the more advanced of the two devices, and while the Xperia 5 Mark III makes some concessions in order to fit into a smaller and more affordable body. For example, the Xperia 5 Mark III has a smaller 4K 120Hz display, lacks the 3D iTOF sensor, does not have Real-Time Tracking, leaves out the higher-output speakers, and doesn’t include wireless charging features.
The Xperia 1 III will be available in Frosted Black and Frosted Purple while the Xperia 5 III will be available in Black and Green. Both will ship with the Android 11 operating system this summer for pricing that will be announced at a later date.
Moza has announced the launch of the compact and feature-packed Slypod Pro, a 3-in-1 monopod with an electric slider and a jib arm, which the company claims is the first of its kind.
Moza, a company that specializes in camera and smartphone stabilizers, and which also recently launched the Moin Camera, has announced an upgraded version of its original2-in-1 motorized slider and monopod, the Moza Slypod, which was first released in 2019.
The new Slypod Pro, which comes with the additional function of an extendable jib arm, is Moza’s response to scenarios where photographers and videographers encounter the need to pack and carry cumbersome equipment — from a tripod to a drone and everything in between — to achieve high-quality filmmaking results.
The company claims this is the world’s first electronic height adjustable monopod, which can be fully extended and also controlled with just one hand. Moza says that the result is that it can achieve “impossible angle shots, and puts ideas within reach so that filmmakers can go beyond the impossible to realize their full creativity.”
The monopod has a durable carbon fiber body and, with a tri-legged support stand, it can be used on any surface, whether in a studio or outdoors. The lighter carbon fiber helps reach higher angles that otherwise would be difficult to achieve using a traditional slider or monopod. For easier transportation, it is lightweight at 1.46 kilograms (3.2 pounds) and can be collapsed to a compact size that can fit in a backpack. When fully extended, it reaches a total length of 138cm (54 inches) and allows tilting of up to 60 degrees.
The company claims that the smooth movement its monopod produces is thanks to the motor that is installed in its main body, which Moza says is able to achieve motion shots similar in quality to other sliders on the market. The monopod also acts as “an extendable jib arm to capture memorable time-lapse photography from any desired angle,” while reducing the time required for setting up compared to other types of equipment combinations that would achieve a similar effect.
Alongside a straight-forward sliding motion, Moza says the Slypod Pro also supports macro photography setups, can reach high angles, create dynamic timelapses, capture start trail timelapses, dolly shots, and more.
To make the most of Slypod Pro, the accompanying Moza Master App gives users precise control over movement, variable speeds, and other functions, using a smartphone connected to the monopod. Slypod Pro claims to run up to 4 hours with a fully charged built-in battery but if you find yourself shooting for longer, it can also be charged with an external power supply and used continuously.
Although this monopod is presented as an all-in-one piece of kit, it is also compatible with most entry-level and professional cameras, both DSLRs and mirrorless, and other accessories, which opens up more opportunities for more complex setups. It can also be linked with Moza’s own gimbal using the app for 4-axis motion control.
Slypod Pro campaign has so far crushed its initial Kickstarter goal with funding far above the initial ask. The Slypod Pro can be purchased for as low as about $460 through the campaign and is set to ship to backers in May.
Disclaimer: Make sure you do your own research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project.
Today, DxO launched PureRaw, an application that uses “exclusive technology” to enhance and improve RAW images by removing digital noise and lens flaws, leaving you with a cleaner and more accurate image.
The intent of the program is to be used ahead of other editors such as Capture One Pro, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop so you start with a cleaner base raw file that already has the lens profile (should you choose) applied to the shot.
The technology used in denoising and RAW image conversion (called DeepPRIME) has been a project that DxO has been working on for nearly 20 years, using machine learning on millions of images to train and improve its digital noise reduction and demosaicing. Typically when cleaning up your images each of these steps is done individually which can lead to artifacts and defects introduced by each step. The company states that its new application uses a holistic approach that combines these two steps into one, leaving a much cleaner image with noise being visibly reduced and color details more accurately preserved as the end result.
Lightroom export made with DxO PureRAW fileLightroom only export
What is impressive to me is how the application automatically scrubs the RAW files of any residual defects like vignetting, chromatic aberrations, lens distortion, and even a lack of sharpness in some of the details that would have otherwise been lost in the noise.
Since its founding in 2003, DxO Labs has earned an international reputation for measuring and calibrating hundreds of cameras and thousands of lens using a protocol that is more precise than any other in the industry. DxO has measured the defects created by thousands of lens/camera combinations in RAW images with an extraordinary level of scientific precision for each piece of equipment and in every situation. This in-depth knowledge of the flaws and performance of each piece of photography equipment is compiled in a database of over 60,000 combinations and is the secret to why DxO PureRAW delivers the best corrections in the industry.
Now in some situations, you may not want to use the lens profiles, and if that’s the case, you can simply go into the DxO Optics Modules and un-check the image and lens profile combinations you don’t want to be applied and reprocess the image. You’ll get the same fantastic noise reduction on your shot, but you’ll miss out on some of the perks like the vignette and aberration removal.
Why Is This A Big Deal?
The company says that PureRAW will let users revisit old and previously unusable RAW files taken with equipment that may even be obsolete by today’s standards. When such images are run through the application, you’re left with images made to look like they were taken with the most recent cameras, effectively making limitations on ISO values a thing of the past. The company also states that “PureRAW richly and accurately reveals details in RAW files, resulting in crystal-clear images that capture every last texture. Photographers can enlarge images without worrying about decreasing the quality.” I tested this application on several dozen old images and can confirm that the detail in these shots is wildly impressive even at 100% crop after running them through the app.
Lightroom Export OnlyDxO PureRaw and Lightroom Export
Using an old high ISO test image I shot several years ago on a D800, it was apparent the above statement is true. PureRAW removes the "parasitic" grain that can be produced in unfocused areas and solid backgrounds by processing every part of the image and using smart technology to differentiate between ultra-sharp areas and bokeh effects. The images below were shot at 25,000 ISO with lots of neon that created some interesting reflection and haloing in the shot. PureRAW was able to clean up the image significantly while maintaining the depth of field, glow, and sharpness around the edges. Something I wasn’t able to do with the D800 file and Lightroom alone.
25,000 ISO Lightroom Export Only25,000 ISO DxO PureRAW and Lightroom Export
Simple To Use: Just 4 Steps
The PureRAW application is fairly basic in its approach and interface. Working with both Mac and PC systems, it’s meant to be used on your RAW files before loading them into Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other editing software you prefer.
Simply select the images from the software’s browser window or use the drag-and-drop feature.
PureRAW Image Import Screen
Then click the “Process Photos”
Select the images to process here
Once the images finish processing in PureRAW, you can view the before and after results within the application or just send the optimized RAW files to your preferred editing software
DxO PureRAW Before And After Viewer
From here, you can open up whatever processing engine you prefer to continue applying any subjective edits to your shots you’d like to do to complete your image.
Sample Images
Lightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom ExportLightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom ExportLightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom ExportLightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom ExportLightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom ExportLightroom Export OnlyDxO DeepRAW and Lightroom Export
Impressive, and Does What it Promises
It’s always nice to see a list of promises a software says it can perform and find that through testing, it checks all those boxes. The app isn’t perfect though: it is a bit of a resource hog.
When you start processing your files, it will chew up quite a bit of your available memory and processing power especially if you’ve selected a large number of images to process at once. So, it’s not exactly a background process kind of application. Beyond that, if you have a lot of High ISO images in your library, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Are There Alternatives?
Honestly, no. Not really. This app stands alone in what it promises and delivers. Additionally, it’s not supposed to replace any of your current editing applications but instead wants to add itself to your workflow as a new step.
Should You Buy It?
If you often find yourself shooting in low-light scenarios, or have a lot of older images you’d like to try and save from the archives, yes. The program is a very impressive noise reduction engine that can actually work some magic into your old shots.
DxO PureRAW is now available for download on the DxO website for a special launch price of $89 instead of $129 until May 31, 2021. A free 30-day trial version is also available.
Canon has announced the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM, the “world’s first medium telephoto macro lens” for mirrorless that is designed for a wide range of photographers and that offers a unique new feature: a Spherical Aberration (SA) Control Ring.
The new RF-mount lens is designed specifically for macro photography and features a maximum magnification of 1.4x. That new SA control ring allows users to change the character and appearance of the bokeh to obtain a softer focus effect. Photographers can adjust it to achieve the desired result, though Canon did not provide example images of what this might look like ahead of the announcement.
In addition to that new unique feature, the lens has built-in optical stabilization with up to five stops of “Shake Correction” and when combined with a camera’s In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS) can achieve up to eight stops of shake correction through coordinated operation between the two features. Additionally, what Canon refers to as “Hybrid IS” hel[s compensate for angular shift and camera shake during macro shooting.
The lens’s autofocus is powered by a dual nano USM motor that Canon promises will result in high-speed, smooth, and quiet operation. The RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM also has a customizable control ring that can be programmed to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, or ISO. Like all Canon L-series optics, it also features a dust and water-resistant design. Specifically, the rubber ring on the lens mount, the focus ring, the Control Ring, the SA Control Ring, the switch panel, and the switches are all sealed.
The lens has a nine-bladed aperture and a range of f/2.8 to f/32 with a minimum focusing distance of 10.2 inches (0.26 meters). It is constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups and has a front filter thread size of 67mm.
This new macro lens effectively replaces the current EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens for the company’s DSLRs and has a brand new optical arrangement, new autofocus motor, and better stabilization features in addition to the new SA control ring. The Canon RF100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is set to go on sale in July for $1,400.
Canon has announced the development of a new professional-focused mirrorless camera called the EOS R3, which will sit between the R5 and the 1DX series. Built for speed, it will feature the first full-frame backside-illuminated CMOS sensor developed by Canon.
When it arrives, the R3 is promised to be an “outstanding complement” to the two super-telephoto lenses also announced today for the RF mount: the RF400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and RF600mm f/4 L IS USM. Canon promises that it will “usher in a new category to the EOS R system” and that it will place great emphasis on “superb autofocus performance and speed, with fast-moving subjects.”
The camera, which features what is considered to be a professionally-oriented built in-battery grip found on Canon’s 1-series DSLRs, is being designed to meet “reliability and durability demands of professionals even when working in challenging conditions.”
The development of the Canon EOS R3 and the launch of the new RF lenses are the latest testament to the company's commitment to professional still and video image and content creators. When the camera becomes available, it will pair well with each of the new RF lenses announced today. Canon is excited to share this news today, and we look forward to seeing the images captured with the new RF lenses and upcoming EOS R3.
-Tatsuro "Tony" Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
As noted, the EOS R3 will feature Canon’s first-ever full-frame backside-illuminated sensor that it designed in-house and that the company promises will provide substantially faster readout speeds during still-imaging recording. Additionally, faster readout speeds mean less rolling shutter distortion when the camera is capturing images with the electronic shutter, which Canon says the R3 will be able to do at up to 30 frames per second with full-time Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus active and auto exposure.
Canon does stipulate that continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on the lens used and in different shooting conditions, however.
Speaking of autofocus, the R3 will use the autofocus technologies found in both the R5 and R6, including Canon’s body and eye-detection, but boosted to work even better during action-type shooting thanks to Deep Learning technology. In addition, Canon says that the EOS R3's subject detection AF will offer new recognizable subjects for its AF system, which it says will bolster its focusing capabilities during challenging shooting conditions.
Canon also says that the electronic viewfinder (EVF) will feature the ability to select the initial area for AF tracking simply by looking at the viewfinder. Called Eye Control AF, it can combine with Servo AF to focus and track moving subjects at a specific location in the frame simply by measuring where your eye is looking at any given time. While the feature won’t always work with certain sunglasses, mirror sunglasses, hard contact lenses, or bifocal eyeglass lenses, the concept will allow the camera to see what you’re looking at and actively adjust autofocus to prioritize what you are seeing and work in tandem with your vision.
If that feature sounds familiar, it’s because this is not the first camera into which Canon has implemented autofocus control that tracks the photographer’s eye. Originally launched in 1998, the similarly-named Canon EOS-3 was a high-end SLR that pioneered a few innovative features and had an autofocus selection system called Eye Control Focus (which was introduced in the EOS 5, also known as the EOS A2), now rebranded Eye Control AF in the R3. For fans of Canon cameras dating back to the late 90s, seeing the company reintroduce a once-loved camera line is particularly exciting.
The Canon EOS R3 will feature a brand-new, single-piece camera body with an integrated vertical grip section, weather and dust resistance equivalent to the 1-series DSLRs, and work with a new iOS and Android Mobile File Transfer application that Canon will launch along with the camera.
Canon did not make any note of the expected resolution of the new backside-illuminated sensor, the expected release date, nor the price, but says that more information on the camera will be made available when it officially launches.
Canon has announced the coming availability of the RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF600mm f/4L IS USM, which it admits are optically identical to the original EF designs. The lenses look pretty much identical, save for what appears to be a bright silver built-in RF adapter.
Canon is likely to take some heat for this, but the company has basically re-released the same two ultra-telephoto zooms that it has been producing for the DSLR EF-mount since 2018 time and just added direct compatibility for RF mount. The company says that “both lenses share many of the same critical features that help professional high-end super-telephoto lenses stand out from the crowd.”
One minor difference is that these lenses promise 5.5 stops of shake correction in three distinct image stabilization operation modes (still subjects, panning, and irregular movement) while the EF version of the lens only promises five stops of shake correction. Beyond that, Canon was very upfront about the fact that optically, these lenses are identical to their predecessors and offer identical performance.
To recap, they both have the proprietary Canon Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) that the company says helps to minimize ghosting and flaring. Additionally, lens placement and coatings are optimized to provide users with what Canon describes as “clear, high-contrast images even when there is a bright light source.”
Both optics also include fluorite and super UD lens elements that Canon says are arranged in such a way to help correct chromatic aberration and make both lens bodies more compact. As their predecessors did, both lenses also have a nine-bladed circular aperture, L-series dust and water resistance, and a front element that has been treated with a fluorine coating to allow for easy cleaning. The lenses also feature two focus presents that can instantly return to one of two memorized focus distances, a feature that is ideal for sports photography. Both lenses also feature infrared reflective pigments with high reflectance and titanium oxide lens barrel coating with silica which the company says provides excellent UV weather resistance and heat reduction.
Both lenses are compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x extenders and feature a customizable electronic focus ring and manual focus capability during Servo AF.
Compared to Canon’s RF100mm f/2.8 L IS USM that it also announced today — which does feature a new optical formula and updated focusing motors when compared to the EF-mount version — it’s clear that there are improvements that can be made when jumping from EF to RF. With the Olympics right around the corner, it’s highly likely that Canon chose to re-release the same lenses that have been available for EF mount to RF mount without any further changes to the optical formula or autofocus engine likely because building a single mirrorless super-telephoto lens in time for the international sporting event from scratch just wasn’t possible, let alone trying to do it with two. There simply isn’t enough time.
Canon states that these lenses, despite the older design and unchanged optical formula, are still capable of high-end performance even though both are clearly not custom-built for mirrorless. Skeptics should give Canon the benefit of the doubt here, as the company has also announced that it is developing the EOS R3, a sports-focused camera that promises 30 frames per second still image shooting with full-time Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus. Canon is likely expecting professionals to be using the R3 and both of these super-telephoto zooms at the Olympics this summer, and it feels like a stretch to believe that Canon would put these products together without knowing for certain that the lenses could keep up with a new high-performance sports camera body.
The optical design of the lenses isn’t the only thing that is remaining unchanged: the prices are the same too. The RF400mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF600mm f/4L IS USM will be available in July for $11,999 and $12,999 respectively.
Samsung is reportedly working on adding sensor-shift stabilization to its smartphones, similar to what the iPhone 12 Pro Max does on its wide lens. While Samsung has used optical stabilization for some time, it has yet to add this particular stabilization feature.
Normally referred to as In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) when referring to full-size cameras, sensor-shift stabilization has been very common in mirrorless cameras for some time (and has even made its way into some DSLRs). Especially when paired with optical stabilization, IBIS allows for cameras to achieve much higher levels of stabilization, making for smoother video clips and allowing for longer hand-held exposures in still photography.
According to Sammobile, Samsung is working on adding the feature to its future smartphones, coming perhaps as soon as the Galaxy S22 line or even, as other rumors suggest, the next Fold. While it is very likely we’ll see Samsung introduce this feature, as it is one of the few places that Apple is offering a camera capture technology not found in an Android device, this report is finding itself bleeding into another popular rumor: Samsung is allegedly working with OM Digital (also still known as Olympus when it comes to cameras) on implementing this technology into its devices.
Ok this could be huge!
With the Note lineup out this year, Samsung is going big with the Fold 3.
Heard about this very briefly, Samsung might be jumping on the latest trend of partnering with a camera brand. We might see this possibly happen on a special edition Fold.
As per the info I got, both Samsung and Olympus held talks about a possible partnership. The current status and extent of this partnership is not exactly clear. They could work on a special edition Fold or we could see this happen on 'H3' (S22 Ultra)https://t.co/y4ykWKIIR7
The link between Olympus and Samsung has been a topic of some conversation over the last week which has finally boiled over into a pretty wild render produced by Let’s Go Digital. That render, seen below, shows a camera bump that seems to reach physics-rejecting levels of compactness and crams a giant 200-megapixel main camera and giant optic into the size of a camera bump no bigger than the one found on the current S21 Ultra.
While Olympus said that it would collaborate with other companies that aren’t in the camera or lens industry at CP+ earlier this year, there are reasons to doubt a partnership is actually coming. As also reported by Sammobile, Samsung is reportedly working on a new Exynos processor that is codenamed “Olympus,” so seeing the names pop up together in recent rumors may simply the results of a bad translation or misunderstanding.
While there is reason to doubt the Olympus and Samsung partnership, that particular angle to the story does not detract from the very likely possibility that Samsung will add IBIS to its smartphones in the near future, especially since its main competitor — Apple — is already doing it.
Facebook’s Oversight Board has announced that users can appeal content that they want to be removed from Facebook and Instagram after they have exhausted Facebook’s normal appeals process.
Facebook’s Oversight Board is an independent entity that the company set up after it became clear that Facebook as a company should not be making all of the decisions regarding speech and online safety. Facebook argues that the board was created to help answer “the most difficult questions around freedom of expression” including “what to take down, what to leave up, and why.”
The board, when fully staffed, is made up of 40 members from around the world from a “diverse set of disciplines and backgrounds.” The Oversight Board says that it is not designed to be a simple extension of Facebook’s existing content review process but is instead designed to review specialized, highly emblematic cases to determine if decisions that were made at the company level are in line with Facebook’s stated values and policies.
Up to this point, users of Facebook’s platforms have been able to appeal content to the Board which they believe should be restored, but now users can appeal content that they believe should be removed from Facebook or Instagram.
“The Board will use its independent judgment to decide what to leave up and what to take down,” the board writes in its blog post about the new option. “Our decisions will be binding on Facebook.”
After a user who believes an image should be removed from Facebook or Instagram (for various, unspecified reasons) has gone through Facebook’s appeals process but is not satisfied with the decision, the Board will be able to hear one final appeal. The process will start after Facebook sends a Reference ID after it has concluded its internal review of the request. That Reference ID can be used to appeal decisions on posts and statuses as well as photos, videos, comments, and shares.
“As content will be live on Facebook and Instagram, many people will be able to report the same piece of content,” the Board explains. “In these cases, multiple user appeals will be gathered into a single case file for the Board. As multiple users can report the same content, this means the Board may consider multiple submissions from users on a single case.”
The ability to appeal to the Oversight Board is rolling out today with the option expanding to the entire userbase of Facebook and Instagram “over the coming weeks.”
I am not brand loyal. I merely see a camera as a piece of technology that enables me to push my creative process. However, that being said, it doesn't mean that all cameras are the same. Each system from the various companies out there brings with them both pros and cons against one another and it is down to you, as a photographer, to find out which works best.
Essentially when it comes to a camera there are two questions you want to answer;
1. Is the camera fit for purpose?
2. Do you enjoy using the camera that is in your hand?
These two questions are fundamentally all that you need an answer to.
The camera has to be fit for purpose. If you are a photographer who captures birds in flight, it is no good owning a Ricoh GR III with a fixed 28mm lens, and you will probably be drawn to systems with higher-end autofocus and a range of interchangeable lenses.
The second question is probably the most important for me, and that is: do you enjoy using the camera you own? If you enjoy shooting with the camera in your hand, it will only help motivate you to want to go out and shoot and more shooting means more practice and ultimately the better photographer you will become.
Fujifilm
So how did Fujifilm change my photography?
Around 4 years ago I picked up a cheap Fujifilm X100T. I was shooting with a Nikon D5200 (for personal photography) at the time and a 35mm lens (I was shooting mainly street/general life photography). The reason I opted for the X100T was both cosmetic (that camera is still my favorite X100 series camera) but also because it made me feel much more invisible on the street.
The Nikon D5200 isn't a huge camera by any stretch but there was something about having that small, chunky black box in front of my face that made me feel I was attracting attention and a little too self-aware. The X100T was small with a slimmer form factor and also my first real experience (beyond small point and shoots and my phone) with a camera EVF. I was won over.
Captured on the Fujifilm X100T
I felt, for the first time, that I was using a capable, yet almost pocketable camera that I could carry with me more to capture everyday events. It was this that led to a complete change in my photography.
First of all, I loved (and still love) using the Fujifilm X100T. I have used many Fujifilm systems and apart from maybe the X-S10 I would say the X100T is my favorite system to use. Now the X100F and X100V are very similar in handling etc however there was always a sense of familiarity and although very capable systems the X100T was my first and that experience of using this system for the first time can never be replicated regardless of updates in specifications.
So I found that I was taking my camera out more and shooting more and naturally I started to capture better images, I found myself improving not only with my compositions but also my instinct for a shot. I also learned exposure settings very quickly with the Fujifilm system and having that EVF and being able to see the impact of my changes to settings leveled up my skills with exposure settings much quicker than any book or YouTube tutorial.
Above all else, though, I was enjoying photography so much more than I had been with my Nikon D5200 and that was mainly down to the ease of having one camera with one fixed lens instead of a camera and a bag of lenses.
Captured on the Fujifilm X100T
That being said, it wasn't all happy times. I would often get frustrated by the fixed focal length and find myself in the wrong position (being honest this was probably down to me having to learn the 35mm focal length without using the camera and not being prepared). I craved a different 'look' to my images at times and felt not every image suited the 35mm 'look'. I started to want that look I used to get with the Nikon D5200 and my Sigma 35mm Art lens (roughly a 50mm crop sensor equivalent). I wanted options.
So I started to look at moving to an interchangeable system and considered many brands Fuji, Sony, Nikon, Canon, the choices are endless. However I still had that enjoyment with using Fujifilm systems, there really is a joy in having such a small camera, which looks damn good, yet is as capable as the big guns. Therefore I opted for the Fujifilm X-T20 with the 18-55mm kit lens as well as the 23mm f/2 and 35mm f/2 primes.
Captured on the Fujifilm X-T20
Now if the X100T was when my love began for Fujifilm, the X-T20 was when I asked for its hand in marriage. Everything I loved about the user experience of the X100T but with the added bonus of small interchangeable lenses. Fantastic image quality from that sensor, quick autofocus, great low light performance (I was shooting ISO 12800 in near pitch black and this little thing kept up), I absolutely loved it.
The X-T20 went on every trip with me, be it days out or holidays and it performed again and again. I was shooting even more than I was with my X100T because I couldn't put it down and again naturally my photography improved due to shooting more.
I found myself reaching less for the X100T purely because the X-T20 gave me that experience but with the added bonus of being able to shift my focal lengths. Yes, the size was a little larger but not massively so, and to have all of that power and capability in a system body that size was amazing.
I have been a huge fan of Fujifilm systems since then and currently own a few systems from Fujifilm, each giving me something different in terms of experience.
Fujifilm systems ignited my passion for photography much quicker than any other tool or piece of equipment I picked up and that was purely down to experience and output. Fujifilm changed my photography in that their systems motivated me through sheer pleasure of use to get out and shoot.
Captured on the Fujifilm X-T20
Today
So where am I today? I own a few Fujifilm systems as well as a Nikon Z6 II and also a Ricoh GR III. Both the Nikon and Ricoh again give me something different when it comes to experience and each fits a different purpose that I feel I do not get with the Fujifilm systems. However, as I said at the beginning, I see cameras as technology to help push my creative process and I look for systems that give me that enjoyment.
There is a famous Chase Jarvis quote, which is 'the best camera is the one that's with you,' and yes it is obvious that is true — I mean the best coat in cold weather is the one that's with you as something is always better than nothing. However, for me, the best camera for you and your creativity and growth is the one that motivates you to get out and shoot more.
About the author: Lee Thirkellson is a photographer and writer. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Thirkellson is the founder of The Northern Street Collective. You can find more of Thirkellson’s work on his website and Instagram. This article was also published here.
We live in a time when our technology and camera gear usually work extremely well and reliably… Until it doesn't. Randomly. And at the worst time. When that happens, you're left feeling unprepared and stressed which is something that none of us enjoy.
In the video above, I'll share the lessons I've learned the hard way of the three things I think you need at least two of as a photographer to be better prepared and have more peace of mind. Hint: it's not tripods, lenses, or camera bags!
Fortunately, each of the items in this list is relatively inexpensive, easy to find online or at your local store, and easy to use. So, run, don't walk, to add these items to your gear list as soon as possible. Your increased feelings of being prepared and reduced stress levels will thank you.
Thing 1 – Memory Cards
While I've never had a memory card fail on me, I have arrived at a photo session with no card in my camera. That happened once and that was enough. Now, I make sure every camera bag has at least one extra memory card. A tip to extend the life and reliability of your memory cards: do not format, or delete photos from the card on your computer. Instead, use your camera for all card management functions.
Thing 2 – Camera Batteries
Camera batteries seem to know when you have a deadline or important project, and they seem to no longer have any charge and you're left with a useless camera. To address this, I've equipped each of my camera bags with an extra battery (or two!). A tip for avoiding the dreaded dead battery surprise is to designate a day each month as "Charge All the Batteries" day.
Thing 3 – Backup Hard Drives
While these are the most expensive items on this list, the peace of mind and security of your data will be priceless. I can speak from experience, that hard drive data recovery is very expensive and can cost multiple thousands of dollars. To reduce my future risk of data loss, all my photos now live in three locations: the original hard drive, backup drive one, and backup drive two. My plan is to replace each hard drive after about a year to eighteen months of use to stay ahead of the mean time between the failure curve and add peace of mind.
About the author: Michael Sladek teaches digital photography at Highline College near Seattle, Washington. He enjoys dad jokes, doughnuts, and helping others discover the fun of creating photos they love. Stay connected with Michael on his website, YouTube channel, and Instagram.
Microsoft has announced the Surface Laptop 4, almost identical to its predecessor in design but comes packed with new processors that should offer better performance.
The Surface Laptop 4 is the latest in Microsoft’s line and comes almost a year and a half after the release of the Surface Laptop 3, as reported by Endgadget. According to Microsoft, the Surface line of products “allows people to adapt to new ways of working and creating through innovative and versatile devices.”
From the outside, both the 13.5-inch and 15-inch models appear very similar to the same size versions of Surface Laptop 3, including the line’s iconic and heavily marketed touch screen. As Microsoft explains, the new model “retains the iconic design, details, and materials that our customers love,” meaning any major changes from its previous model will be exclusively found on the inside. That said, customers will have an additional color choice, with the addition of an Ice Blue finish which was not available with the previous model.
The main update is in the processing. Both models will now offer a choice between an 11th Gen Intel Core processor or AMD Ryzen Mobile processor with Radeon Graphics Microsoft Surface Edition (8 cores). The latter is in conjunction with Iris C Graphics which is claimed to deliver 70% faster performance when editing photos and videos — when compared to Surface Laptop 3 — while the company says battery life can now last up to 19 hours.
Surface Laptop 4 has one each of USB-C and USB-A ports, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The built-in web camera offers 720p HD video, which isn’t fantastic but is still, unfortunately, par for the course.
With the additional focus on the increasing number of consumers who work remotely, Microsoft explains that the Surface Laptop 4 is implementing features that help its users work and learn collaboratively while remaining “highly secure,” for example, a removable hard drive for data retention performed by an authorized technician.
Alongside the launch of Surface Laptop 4, Microsoft announced the release of additional accessories. The Surface Headphones 2+ for Business is an improved model of the previous Surface Headphones 2. In line with the focus on remote working and learning, the newest model has included a dongle, which is certified for the video call platform Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets are also certified for Microsoft Teams and are claimed to “enable greater focus and call privacy, especially in shared workspaces,” while an LED light indicates whether a mute status is enabled. The set will be available for $50 and begin shipping in select markets starting in June.
The compact and portable Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker again and of course integrates with Microsoft Teams and the company says it delivers high-quality audio for meetings, calls, and music. Also shipping this June, it will be available for $100.
Lastly, Microsoft is addressing the aforementioned 720p camera by offering the Microsoft Modern Webcam that it says will deliver a reliable and high-quality 1080p video with 60fps and HDR, has a 78-degree field of view, and an integrated privacy shutter with an LED indicator showing if it is currently on or off. Available for $70, the first orders will begin shipping in June.
With starting price of $1,000, The Surface Laptop 4 can be ordered today in the US, Canada, Japan, with additional availability released in the coming weeks, with orders beginning to ship starting on April 15. Microsoft has also included a free pair of Surface Earbuds for anyone purchasing through Microsoft or BestBuy.
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The 2022 Honda Civic will be the Civic's eleventh generation, and will also mark 50 years of Honda Civic. We got a preview of this in November, with the 2022 Honda Civic prototype, and again last month, but on Wednesday Honda released the real thing. What did we ever do without this car?
One of the weirdest things you can do to a car is bolt the fuselage of a plane to it. (I am always saying this.—ED) This 1979 Fleetwood Pace Arrow motorhome for sale on Craigslist wears the body of a Convair CV-240, but that's only the beginning. It was also built in-part by a fugitive on the run.
Welcome to another installment of Cars Of Future Past, a series here at Jalopnik where we flip through the pages of history to explore long-forgotten concepts and how they had a hand in shaping the cars we know today. Last week we turned the clock back to 1991 to chat about a featherweight, rear-wheel drive two…
The KTM 1290 Super Duke RR is one R more hardcore than the standard 1290 Super Duke R. With a 13o1cc V-twin engine making 180 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque in a bike whose total weight is just 397 pounds, the RR is going to be really fast. As impressive as its lap times, however, is how quickly it sold out.
Ford has been hyping this since last year, but Wednesday it said its Level 2 semiautonomous driving system is finally coming to many 2021 Mustang Mach-Es and 2021 Ford F-150s via over-the-air software update later this year. It's called BlueCruise. It's probably just as problematic as other Level 2 systems.
We Americans love e-bikes, and we should have bigger subsidies to get people to switch over to them. We just shouldn't do what France is getting up to. All that and more in The Morning Shift for April 14, 2021.
Vintage Vespas are undeniably cool. Even if they're not your particular cup of Nespresso, it's hard not to smile as you watch one roll past. They're just happy little two-wheelers. It's not easy to improve on the icons, but high up on that list is a fully electrified drivetrain. And, of course, there's a kit for that.
On Sunday, April 11, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was driving with his girlfriend in Brooklyn Center, Minn., when an armed posse, under the color and authority of the law, recognized the fact that he hadn't paid for a sticker on his license plate.
It was too weird and too cheap not to pick up on a long drive home: a Bianchi Advantage, a somewhat glamorous step-through hybrid frame, hanging out in a motorcycle repair shop in farm country for $20.
Here's something modern carmakers never seem to advertise or promote anymore: how easy it is to disassemble their cars in a nice, verdant field with the family. The Citroën DS was famously easy to remove body panels from, as you can see here, and why not show that off?
Some cars are so deeply unpopular that they are mocked online and in everyday life. Yet there are people who love those cars anyway. Is there a car you are embarrassed to admit you love?
The ad for today's Nice Price or No Dice VW touts it as being the "Lowest Price Eurovan on Craigslist." We'll just have to see about that and decide if that low price is low enough.
I feel like this happens to me all the time. I'll see some weird car thing on this massive global database of weird car things and it'll stay in my head, balancing on the tip of my brain like the forgotten name of the person at a party you're currently talking to. This particular one is familiar and baffling all at…
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, its two 007 LMH race cars, and drivers will not be taking part in the opening round of the FIA WEC on May 1st, despite having been included on the entry list. This week Jim Glickenhaus confirmed to motorsport.com that his team will be sitting out of the series until after it has had an…
It slices, it dices! This home EV charger has more uses than the Super Bass-o-matic 76. Instead of having a separate units for controlling everything, Dcbel's r16 unit will connect your solar array to your home and the grid, manage your stationary battery power storage, charge your electric vehicle faster than any…
The aftermarket does a lot of things better than factory equipment. Take exhausts for example: An M3 can come from the factory sounding fantastic. But spend a couple of grand on a nice Corsa system and it can make the factory exhaust sound like a kitten purring. Of course, there are a number of reason why automakers…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently opened an investigation into nearly three-quarter of a million GM trucks and SUVs after six crashes in which the driver's airbag didn't deploy.
Sometimes, it's the little things that bring you the most joy, like finding out there is only one floating zip code in the U.S. and it is an adorable 45-foot mail boat.
President Joe Biden met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers Monday to discuss his $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and how to fund it. At some point, the eternal question of raising the 18.4-cent federal gas tax was brought up; initial reports suggested that Biden was receptive to the idea.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) may be up around 50% over the past year, but the wireless carrier, which is 43% owned by Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY) and 24% owned by Softbank Group(SFTBF), could still wow investors as the year plays out.
Last year's merger with Sprint made T-Mobile a more formidable competitor against rivals AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ), and potential increases in customer retention together with further cost-cutting could see the company wring out even more value from this deal. The upcoming partnership with Alphabet (GOOGL) is also likely to give TMUS a boost.
The currently stretched valuation of TMUS shares may hinder any substantial potential rally in the near-term, however, further gains from current prices (around $130 per share) are a possibility.
TMUS Stock And Additional Upside From Sprint Deal
Last year's merger with Sprint has clearly started to pay off as seen from TMUS' recent performance, but the upside from this transaction may just be getting warmed up and the company could reap even more benefits from this deal in the coming 12 months.
T-Mobile has much higher customer retention rates relative to its competition, and by applying its strategy to minimize churn, it could hold onto a greater share of the customers it acquired from the Sprint transaction.
There is also room for additional cost synergies. By consolidating operations, T-Mobile cut $1.3 billion in annual costs in 2020 with a further $3 billion in cost savings and operating expense reductions expected this year which should filter straight to the bottom line.
But there's even more on the table for TMUS stock than the extra "value add" from this deal. Other catalysts remain that could point to higher prices for the shares.
T-Mobile is slightly ahead of AT&T and leaps and bounds ahead of Verizon with regards to quarterly subscriber additions, so its organic customer growth is another positive for the stock going forward.
T-Mobile And Its Recent Deal With Google
Outside of its main wireless business, there's another catalyst at play for T-Mobile US. The company recently signed a partnership deal with Google which will see the two companies joining up with internet television company Philo to provide a wireless-pay TV bundle package.
T-Mobile previously tried to go it alone with its TVision platform, but by partnering with Google and Philo, which provide their respective YouTubeTV and Philo platforms, the company may finally strike success with its expansion into other subscription telecom services.
So, does this make this stock a slam dunk opportunity at current prices?
On one hand, there's plenty pointing to continued success in the coming 12 months. But with its valuation already stretched (48x projected 2021 earnings), it may be tough for shares to see additional gains in the near-term.
What Analysts Are Saying About TMUS Stock
According to TipRanks, TMUS comes in as a Strong Buy based on 12 analyst ratings comprised of 11 Buys and 1 Hold.
As for price targets, the average analyst price target on TMUS stock is $157.55 per share, implying around 21% upside from current prices over the next 12 months. Analyst price targets range from a low of $133 per share to a high of $190 per share. (See T-Mobile US stock analysis on TipRanks)
Bottom Line: Waiting for Weakness May Be The Best Move
Initial results indicate that T-Mobile's acquisition of Sprint was a success and subscriber growth, 5G, and pay-tv bundle catalysts could help it "level up" as well. But what's good for the company may not translate into near-term success for the stock.
With its current share price already factoring in its positive catalysts, it may be hard for TMUS to deliver in the short-term. For those willing to wait for a more opportune entry point, this may be a name to keep on one's radar.
Disclosure: Thomas Niel held no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this article at the time of publication.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities.
OpSens (OPS) announced second quarter fiscal results on April 14 which included record Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) revenues.
Total revenue came in at C$8.8 million in 2Q 2021, increasing from C$8.3 million reported for the prior-year quarter. This increase is mainly attributable to a C$0.9 million increase in coronary artery stenosis revenues (FFR and dPR), partially offset by lower other medical revenues.
Net income was C$41,000 in 2Q 2021, compared to a net loss of C$1.4 million in 2Q 2020.
OpSens President and CEO Louis Laflamme said, "We are excited by the continued commercial adoption of our proprietary optical solutions in the cardiac industry to address some of the industry's most challenging applications. In particular, our OptoWire solution is gaining further traction within key GPO's in the U.S. which opens the door to more than half of the cathlabs in the country. Further, with the closing of a C$28.75 million bought deal financing in February 2021, we are now better positioned to accelerate the development our next generation TAVR product which we believe could be a significant game changer in the treatment of aortic stenosis."
In February, Raymond James analyst Rahul Sarugaser launched coverage of the stock with a Buy rating and a C$2.50 price target (36% upside potential).
"We appreciate OPS for its now-profitable core OptoWire business (>60 per cent of FY20 revenue), but see OPS's capacity to apply its highly-accurate, highly-reliable fibre optic measurement technologies to applications beyond CAD," stated Sarugaser.
Overall, OpSens stock scores a Moderate Buy consensus rating by Wall Street analysts based on 2 Buys. The average analyst price target of C$2.25 implies upside potential of about 22.3% to current levels.
According to JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, the US is on the cusp of an economic boom which should fuel growth at least until 2023. Dimon attributes the prospect of strong growth to several reasons.
"I have little doubt that with excess savings, new stimulus savings, huge deficit spending, more QE, a new potential infrastructure bill, a successful vaccine and euphoria around the end of the pandemic, the U.S. economy will likely boom," Dimon recently said.
Although Dimon also noted that stock market valuations are "quite high," the fact markets are pricing in economic growth and surplus savings that could be parked into equities, suggests a multi-year boom could serve as justification for present levels.
Accordingly, the analysts at J.P. Morgan have been eyeing this opportunity and have homed in 2 stocks with the long-term view in mind, for which they anticipate some outsized growth.
We ran JPM's stock picks through the TipRanks database to see what the rest of the Street makes of these choices. Turns out JPM is not alone. The consensus is that both names are Strong Buys and set to generate massive returns – at least 90% over the next 12 months. Let's dive in.
We will kick off with CytomX, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with lofty ambitions. CytomX wants to revolutionize cancer treatment and to do so it bases therapies on its proprietary Probody Technology Platform.
By directly targeting the tumor microenvironment, Probody creates conditionally activated biologics, thereby, more effectively localizing the treatment of the tumor, and at the same time keeping a lid on activity in healthy tissues.
CytomX has a pipeline with several drugs in various stages of development; Praluzatamab (CX-2009), a Probody drug conjugate (ADC) against CD166 (a molecule expressed in solid tumor cells), is in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of breast cancer. Furthermore, the company and partner AbbVie are co-developing CX-2029, a PROBODY drug conjugate targeting CD71 (transferrin receptor). The drug is in Phase 2 studies for the treatment of squamous non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal and gastro-esophageal junction cancers, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
The Probody platform forms the basis of J.P. Morgan's Anupam Rama thesis for CytomX.
"In our view, the platform is not only de-risked by known clinical data for lead assets praluzatamab ravtansine (CX-2009) / CX-2029 but also external partnerships with the likes of AbbVie (for CX-2029), Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Astellas. Of note, we view early data for lead development candidates praluzatamab and CX-2029 in multiple tumor types as interesting early proof-of-concept," Rama opined.
Both praluzutamab and CX-2029 have "shown early clinically activity," and in 4Q21 will have phase 2 readouts. Rama believes that so far, "due to uncertainty around the ultimate therapeutic window of these assets," the Street is underappreciating the results. The readouts could change all that and have the potential to "further validate not only the programs individually but the platform as well."
"Importantly," Rama added, "We would note that the phase 2 updates in 4Q21 for both products will be important for not only understanding the therapeutic window for each product, but also to learn about key metrics for the model such as response rate / durability."
To this end, Rama rates CTMX an Overweight (i.e. Buy) along with a $14 price target. Investors stand to pocket a 98% gain, should the figure be met over the next 12 months. (To watch Rama's track record, click here)
Over the past 3 months, 3 other analysts have chimed in with a CytomX review and all are of the same mind – recommending to Buy. At $14, the average price target is the same as Rama's and provides robust back up to the stock's Strong Buy consensus rating. (See CTMX stock analysis on TipRanks)
The next JPMorgan pick we're are looking at is Kala Pharmaceuticals. The company focuses on developing treatments for eye diseases and has two FDA approved products on the market; Inveltys, Kala's eye drops for post-surgical inflammation/pain was approved in 2018 and launched in 2019. More recently, last October, the FDA gave its nod of approval for Eysuvis, the company's treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).
Eysuvis was launched in January and is currently the only FDA approved prescription treatment for the condition. Following talks with Kala management, J.P. Morgan's Christopher Neyor notes the reaction so far has been excellent.
"Kala continues to receive very strong positive feedback on the initial Eysuvis launch from key stakeholders including patients and physicians where the two most common themes center on (1) rapid onset of action for the product with many patients reporting relief of symptoms beginning on the first day and (2) comfort of the eye drop with no meaningful tolerability issues, which sharply contrasts with the burning, stinging, and blurred vision symptoms experienced with other dry eye therapies," Neyor wrote.
The dry eye market, says Neyor, represents a significant opportunity, with roughly 17 million US diagnosed patients. The analyst's "conservative" long-term peak sales forecast for Eysuvis stands at over $750 million and Neyor anticipates a strong sales push in the year's latter half should "de-risk the company's dry eye commercialization plans."
Underpinned by Eysuvis, Neyor sees a "highly favorable risk/reward for Kala," which is reflected in a bullish price target. At $17, the figure is set to reward investors with 12-month returns of 125%, should Neyor's thesis play out accordingly. Unsurprisingly, Neyor has an Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating on the shares. (To watch Neyor's track record, click here)
Looking at the consensus breakdown, the J.P. Morgan analyst's forecast appears on the more conservative end of the spectrum. Going by the $26 average price target, the shares are expected to surge by ~262% in the year ahead. Kala's Strong Buy consensus rating is based on a unanimous 4 Buys. (See Kala 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 analysts. 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 Lovesac Company posted strong results in 4Q and FY21. The furniture company reported a 4Q diluted EPS of $1.37, which came in ahead of analysts' estimates of $0.58. Revenue for the quarter came in at $129.7 million, up by 40.7% year-on-year and beating consensus estimates of $116.1 million.
The Lovesac Company's (LOVE) CEO Shawn Nelson said, "Lovesac delivered landmark results in fiscal 2021, as the power of our model, our products and our operational excellence was fully manifest. This included an outstanding finish to the year with fourth quarter net sales growth of 40.7%, comparable sales growth of 45.0%, gross margin expansion of 890 basis points and a more than threefold increase in Adjusted EBITDA to $25.9 million."
"Throughout the year, we also delivered tangible results on key strategic initiatives including compelling new product launches, creative utilization of our showrooms and other channels to expand customer touchpoints, and efficient marketing and merchandising strategies," Nelson added.
The rise in sales in the fourth quarter was driven by an 86.1% jump in internet sales for the company due to a shift in customers' preferences and an increase in marketing activities. LOVE's operating margin was 16.8% of its net sales in 4Q. (See The Lovesac Company stock analysis on TipRanks)
The company is aiming towards a fully sustainable and circular business model and wants to achieve a zero-waste and emissions target by 2040.
Yesterday, Roth Capital analyst Matt Koranda raised the price target from $50 to $80 and reiterated a Buy rating on the stock. Koranda believed that the company would post strong 4Q earnings due to sustained strong demand in the category of home goods that could last for the foreseeable future.
Wall Street currently rates LOVE as a Strong Buy based on 5 Buys. An average analyst price target of $70.75 implies a 11.8% upside at current levels.
On Tuesday, RBC Capital analyst Drew Mcreynolds reiterated a Hold rating on the stock and set a C$121.00 price target (2% upside potential).
The rest of the Street is cautiously optimistic about Cogeco Communications with a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 4 Buys and 2 Holds. The average analyst price target of C$127.00 implies upside potential of about 7.2% to current levels. Shares have risen more than 20% year-to-date.
MoneyGram International Inc confirmed a payment service partnership with Sigue Corporation. The partnership paves the way for Sigue's to expand its footprint by leveraging MoneyGram's API-driven platform.
Sigue's US customers will be able to use MoneyGram (MGI)'s domestic and international receive network. In return, MoneyGram should experience a spike in payment volumes through its network and will be able to process additional transactions.
Additionally, the company should create meaningful processing revenue from increased transactions on its network.
Commenting on the partnership, MoneyGram CEO Alex Holmes stated, "As other companies plug into our platform, we have the opportunity to create meaningful processing revenue in the years ahead, and I'm excited about the momentum in the market leading to a strong partnership pipeline."
Northland Securities' analyst, Michael Grondahl, believes MoneyGram has been executing a turnaround. The analyst also believes the payment company's underlying business shows gradual improvement in retail and strong growth in digital/online.
Grondahl stated, "We continue to believe that MGI is on a path to return to revenue growth that is driven by the digital channel which now accounts for ~30% of transactions and ~20% of revenues and continues triple-digit y/y growth for cross border transactions."
Grondahl maintains a Buy rating on MoneyGram with a $9.50 share price target, implying 38.7% upside potential to current levels.
Consensus among analysts on MGI is a Hold based on two analyst's ratings of one Buy and one Sell. The average analyst price target of $7.75 implies $13.14% upside potential to current levels.
According to TipRanks' Smart Score rating system, MoneyGram scores 4 out of 10 which implies that the stock is expected to perform in line with market expectations.
Cardlytics inked a cash deal to acquire Bridg, a customer data platform, for $350 million. However, shares of the digital advertising platform dropped 6.1% on April 13.
This acquisition will combine Cardlytics' (CDLX) advertising platform, having more than 163 million monthly active users, with Bridg's advanced SKU-level insights and capability to connect consumers across other digital platforms, the company said. Notably, the cloud-based platform of Bridg is used by retailers and CPG marketers for various applications.
Per the terms of the deal, in addition to deal value, based on Bridg's U.S. annualized revenue run rate, Cardlytics is likely to pay $100 million to $300 million in total at the end of the first and second year, post-acquisition, in cash and stock.
Cardlytics CEO Lynne Laube said, "Since founding Cardlytics, our vision was to have a broad view into consumer spend with a detailed understanding of a customer's individual product preferences. Once we integrate this SKU-level data, we will be able to deliver significant reach, along with targeting and measurement capabilities to brands across all of their marketing investments." (See Cardlytics stock analysis on TipRanks)
Following the deal announcement, Raymond James analyst Aaron Kessler reiterated a Hold rating.
Kessler believes "the acquisition brings important SKU level data the Cardlytics platform which CDLX has not had previously (focused on retailer level data)...Overall, we are positive on the acquisition given the SKU level data and further potential to expand its services outside (e.g. measurement)."
Overall, the stock has a Hold consensus rating based on 1 Buy and 5 Holds. The average analyst price target of $138.25 implies 31% upside potential from current levels. Shares have increased 25% over the past six months.
TipRanks' Hedge Fund Trading Activity tool shows that confidence in Cardlytics is currently Neutral, as 6 hedge funds decreased their cumulative holdings of the stock by 198,000 shares in the last quarter.
The Procter & Gamble Company raised its quarterly cash dividend by 10% to $0.8698 per share. This marks the American multinational consumer goods corporation's 65th consecutive year of regular dividend increases.
Procter & Gamble (PG) announced that the new dividend will be paid on May 17, to shareholders of record as of April 23. Shares closed at $135.11 on April 13, down 1.3%.
The company's annual dividend of $3.48 per share now reflects a dividend yield of 2.58%.
On March 25, Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman maintained a Buy rating and a price target of $155 (14.7% upside potential).
The rest of the Street is cautiously optimistic about the stock with a Moderate Buy consensus rating. That's based on 2 Buys and 5 Holds. The average analyst price target of $146.86 implies 8.7% upside potential to current levels. Shares have increased 11.7% over the past year.
Procter & Gamble scores a 9 of 10 from TipRanks' Smart Score rating system, indicating that the stock has strong potential to outperform market expectations.
T. Rowe Price Group announced that its preliminary assets under management (AUM) during the month ended March 31 rose 1.3% to $1.52 trillion from the prior month mainly driven by a rise in equity assets. However, shares of the Baltimore-based global investment manager dipped 3.1% to close at $176.93 on April 13.
T. Rowe Price's (TROW) client transfers from mutual funds to other portfolios, including trusts and separate accounts were $1.7 billion in March.
March-end total assets in the U.S. mutual funds portfolio came in at $816 billion, almost 1% up from the prior month. Equity assets make up 63% of the portfolio, 27% are multi-assets and the remaining 10% are fixed income and money market assets.
Total assets from other investment portfolios were $702 billion, increasing 1.4% from the previous month. Overall, equity and fixed income, including the money market accounted for $496 billion or 71% of other investment portfolios, while multi-assets were $206 billion or 29%.
Following the release, Citigroup analyst William Katz downgraded the stock to Sell from Hold and maintained a price target of $157 (11.3% downside potential).
In a note to investors, Katz said that the "flow story remains disappointing" with "mixed" lead indicators. Furthermore, given the company's "inability to meaningfully improve" its growth path, the analyst foresees risk to T. Rowe Price's multiple.
Overall, the stock has a Hold consensus rating based on 1 Buy, 3 Holds, and 2 Sells. The average analyst price target of $174.33 implies 1.5% downside potential from current levels. Shares have increased 19.8% so far this year.
US stock futures edged higher on Wednesday as investors await the start of the earnings season with a slew of corporate earnings expected to be announced today.
Dow futures were 0.03% higher, S&P futures had gained 0.12%, and Nasdaq futures were up 0.4% at the time of writing.
While Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), Goldman Sachs (GS), JP Morgan (JPM), Infosys (INFY), and Wells Fargo (WFC) are expected to release earnings before the opening bell, Green Tree Hospitality Group (GHG) and KLX Energy Services (KLXE) are expected to report after the market closes.
Galectin (GALT) was the most actively traded and the biggest gainer in pre-market trading and was up by 29.3%. The pharma company said that the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) had published clinical research indicating that Belapectin, the company's Galectin-3 inhibitor, significantly enhanced responses to tumors in patients with metastatic melanoma.
USA Technologies (USAT) was the biggest laggard falling 14.8% at the time of writing but this fall was unexplained as there was no fundamental news regarding the stock.
In M&A news, Nicolet Bankshares (NCBS) has proposed the acquisition of Mackinac Financial Corporation that will result in NCBS assuming control of the bank. Under the terms of the agreement, Mackinac shareholders will be entitled to 0.22 shares of Nicolet's common stock and will receive $4.64 for each Mackinac share.
Nicolet National Bank's CEO and President, Mike Daniels said, "Together, we will combine two organizations that understand the positive impact that a strong community bank can make. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan."
Bally's Corporation (BALY) has also proposed the acquisition of Tropicana Las Vegas casino from Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) at about $308 million. The company plans to lease out the land underlying the casino for a period of 50 years and pay $10.5 million as annual rent. Bally's CEO and President George Papanier stated, "The Strip is visited by over 40 million players and guests per year, which we believe will significantly enhance Bally's customer base and player database, as well as unlock marketing opportunities to leverage the iconic Bally's brand. This expansion will also support the growth and development of our online and interactive business".
Public Storage (PSA) has acquired ezStorage in the United States for $1.8 billion. This acquisition is expected to close in May this year and is expected to be immediately accretive to funds from operations (FFO). Public Storage's CEO Joe Russell said, "We are pleased to welcome the ezStorage customers to Public Storage's industry-leading brand and platform. The acquisition is a direct reflection of Public Storage's unique positioning for growth through acquisitions, development, redevelopment, and third-party management."
Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences' (GILD) Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) has received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of adult patients who have urothelial cancer (UC), a type of bladder cancer.
Gilead Sciences' Chief Medical Officer, Merdad Parsey, MD, PhD said, "Today's accelerated approval is thanks to the patients and healthcare professionals involved in the TROPHY study, and we appreciate their partnership. This achievement, coupled with last week's full FDA approval in unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, underscores our commitment toward rapidly delivering Trodelvy to patients facing some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers."
SAP SE's (SAP) posted its preliminary 1Q results with its cloud business recording the fastest growth in the past five years and revenue reaching €2.14 billion, up 7% year-on-year. The company also raised its financial outlook for FY21.
SAP SE's CEO Christian Klein said, "We are seeing very strong growth across all our applications. And we are just getting started. Our new offering 'RISE with SAP' is rapidly becoming a massive accelerator to our customers' business transformations with our platform at the center. Together with our unique ecosystem of more than 22,000 partners and with a strong innovation pipeline for the year, we are well on track with our strategy to deliver robust cloud growth."
Our master bathroom remodel project is quickly approaching, so I’ve been spending some time in the evenings to try to put together my plan for that room. After looking through hundreds of pictures of master bathrooms to narrow down exactly what I want for that room, I decided that I wanted to start our master bathroom design by finding a nature-inspired wall mural or wallpaper to use as a jumping off point for the rest of the room. I envisioned putting an amazing nature-inspired wall mural or wallpaper on the vanity wall. As a refresher, this is what the bathroom layout will look like… That wall is 12.5 feet wide, 8 feet high, and has a window right in the middle. And as y’all know, I absolutely love nature-inspired designs that specifically include trees, flowers, and/or birds. I also love designs that are reminiscent of geodes and natural stone, and pretty much anything that looks like watercolor. So after searching hundreds of designs, I narrowed down my favorites to these fifteen murals and wallpapers. Most of these are from one particular website, but I don’t have any kind of business relationship with that store. They just happened to have thousands […]
The Corporate Voice. Issues like divestment and ESG are driven by the expansion of the bottom line. It may lack the progressive do better component but in most cases, especially in corporate world, the alignment of higher earnings, better talent and larger markets with lower risk with climate related focus is driving the corporate agenda. Renewables and the broader energy transition has become a reality because solar, wind and resilience has become a more attractive investment for capital, a trillion dollar market that didn't exist previously. That is why the lobbying done on behalf of our industries isn't solely resting on trade groups' shoulders, it includes the corporate and capital interests that want the market to expand further while lowering the risk profile. Interestingly, it's the combination of wall street and corporate America that is making this lobbying focus even stronger.
Why It Matters. Picking winners and losers was the legislative pushback in the early days of solar lobbying. Let the market decide, especially in light of the need for subsidies some 15 years ago, and now the markets have declared renewables the winner and corporates, as customers and investors, are throwing their support behind it full force. Not just the support for policies that enable a better functioning market but also against policies that attempt to hurt the opportunity to compete or limit access to these new sources. The headlines may label this as a 'woke' effort to push societal desires but when it comes to renewable energy, the bipartisan support by consumers and voters is loud and clear.
Shifting The Center. One of the topics we covered in yesterday's market call with Roth Capital was the regulatory fight we often mention on this platform, whether that is NEM 3.0 in California, NEM cap in Michigan or Federal issues. Regulatory proceedings sometimes welcome extreme initial proposals in an effort to draw the boundaries of the argument so far outside of the norm that a settlement would be considered a victory. It is important to see the first overture as an overture but also to reject it outright in most cases with a vigorous fight. I often hear from you saying that things will sort themselves out but they only do when everyone does their part in the process otherwise David cannot take on Goliath.
If you've ever dreamed of joining the Fab 5 as they drive through rural Georgia on the way to meet their next client on Netflix's 'Queer Eye,' we're right there with you. So Karamo Brown offered to drive us around New York City.
One of the key strengths of learning technologies and more specifically assistive technologies is that they help students with disabilities tap into their full potential and provide inclusive...
Google Docs has a cool feature called Citations which allows you to easily add citations and generate bibliographies for your documents. Students can use Docs citation to add in-text references in...
First Solar Inc., a U.S.-based solar company, says its Series 6 CuRe photovoltaic (PV) technology has a warranted degradation rate of 0.2% per year – the lowest rate for any commercially available PV product today based on publicly available information.
Series 6 CuRe’s degradation rate is up to 60% lower than conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) products and ensures that the module will retain at least 92% of its original performance at the end of its 30-year warranty.
First Solar says the near-zero degradation rate – combined with the modules’ temperature coefficient, spectral response and shading behavior – advances the Series 6 CuRe platform's competitiveness in all markets. The enhanced performance is enabled by First Solar's semiconductor-level innovation and its copper replacement (CuRe) program. CuRe, developed by the company's scientists at its Silicon Valley and Ohio research and development (R&D) centers, is a proprietary semiconductor platform that replaces copper with atoms of Group V elements that enhance performance, delivering long-term stability.
"We invested in our understanding of copper's dynamics in order to turn what had been a cause of degradation into an opportunity to virtually eliminate it," says Markus Gloeckler, CTO at First Solar. "Armed with this knowledge, we researched a range of alternatives and found that Group V elements could effectively replace copper, acting as a stable dopant and furthering our goal of zero degradation. CuRe is the deployment-ready result of that research."
First Solar's cadmium telluride (CadTel) semiconductor technology, the result of over $1.4 billion in cumulative investment, already has a proven track record in module degradation. Its early-generation modules, pre-dating most of the world's largest c-Si manufacturers, were installed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Outdoor Test Facility in Colorado and recently completed 25-years of continuous monitoring. The long-term study revealed a degradation rate of just 0.48% a year.
Series 6 CuRe builds on the success of First Solar's Series 6 technology, the world's only large-format thin-film module. Unlike c-Si panels that can experience disproportionate power loss under shaded conditions, First Solar says its Series 6 modules feature a superior shading response with a linear relationship to the shaded area that minimizes shading loss. Series 6 CuRe technology is also immune to many issues that the company believes continue to plague c-Si panels, including cell-cracking due to mishandling during installation or extreme weather events – such as high winds or hailstorms.
Iron Mountain Inc., a storage and information management services company, says it is progressing on the development of enhanced solutions for purchasing renewable energy, through readily available retail channels, by entering into an agreement with RPD Energy and Direct Energy to track the hourly renewable energy load of Iron Mountain data centers.
The structure will source 100% renewable energy aimed at matching the hourly usage of all Iron Mountain facilities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (over 60 buildings), including two data centers. Conventional renewable power solutions seek to only match a buyer's load on an annual or monthly basis without ensuring renewable power is available when clients are using electricity. Tracking hourly usage from the generator and comparing it to Iron Mountain's hourly usage demonstrates a future view of how firms can transition to a truly carbon-free energy supply.
"It is so gratifying to witness the power of collaboration and we hope transactions like these can demonstrate that the market is capable of greater flexibility to meet increasingly aggressive demands for truly 24/7 renewable power," says Eric Alam, CEO of RPD Energy. "RPD Energy's role was to identify the right committed generator and retail supplier to ensure that Iron Mountain could achieve a truly unique outcome. Working with Axpo U.S. to design a wholesale transaction that worked for EDP Renewables North America and with the team at Direct to create the retail product that fit Iron Mountain's requirements required the kind of patience, resolve and cooperation across all parties that results in these breakthrough transactions."
RPD Energy, a company that specializes in corporate green energy solutions, in conjunction with Direct Energy, will provide Iron Mountain a monthly report to document the match of average hourly generation and Iron Mountain's actual hourly offtake from the grid. To maintain the integrity of the renewable impact of the transaction, traceability and environmental claims are ensured by renewable energy credits provided via EDP Renewables North America and sourced from the same renewable developer.
Los Angeles, CA, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 – Brittany Morton, Academic Program Manager at Homeboy, is supported by colleagues who hold her hand while she receives a vaccination from Greg Aralar. Shared Harvest, myCovidMD and VAXEQUITY partnered to host the COVID-19 clinic at Homeboy Industries downtown. VAXEQUITY techs delivered the second Moderna vaccine dose to Homeboy Industries personnel who received their first dose in March. Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine was also delivered to eligible community members. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Because, while the two mRNA vaccines that are currently being administered in the U.S. have been shown to be safe, effective, and incredibly beneficial, they can come with some common and mild side effects. "What I tell patients is, for goodness sake, take the shot you can, when you can — they're all incredibly protective against death and hospitalization and are safe," says Paul Pottinger, MD, a professor specializing in infectious disease at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "But they all have the ability to make you feel lousy."
Since the vaccines are new, though, we're still learning about after effects — what exactly we can expect, when they'll come on, and how unpleasant they'll be. Here's everything we know so far.
What are the common COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
A sore arm and fatigue are two of the most commonly reported side effects, says Zach Jenkins, PharmD, an associate professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University and a clinical specialist in infectious disease with Premier Health. "Pain around the injection site isn't unusual considering that these are intramuscular injections, which tend to cause a little bit more pain," he says. You may also have redness or swelling at the sight of the injection, muscle pains, chills, a fever, or even nausea, but this will be temporary, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most times, these symptoms will be temporary and benign. However, you know your body, so if something is persistent or seems out of the ordinary to you, call your doctor. Dr. Jenkins also recommends people sign up for the CDC's v-safe tool, which checks up on you about after effects at different points post-vaccine. Depending on your answers, a CDC employee may call to get more information. Enrolling in the program will help researchers get to know what vaccines cause side effects. You can also report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). From there, the FDA and CDC will analyze your report.
If you've had the J&J vaccine, there's "no need to panic," says M. Miles Braun, MD, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the former director of the division of epidemiology, CBER, at the FDA. "At this point, the chances of this happening is about one in a million, so that qualifies as very rare." People who've had the vaccine within the past three weeks should seek medical care if they experience severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath, he adds.
There have been no reports of blood clots connected to the mRNA vaccines, which are still being administered across the country. Both Dr. Braun and Dr. Pottinger said it's heartening that health agencies are dealing with the potential blood clotting issues with such transparency, and that they're taking an extremely rare reaction so seriously. It shows that the systems we have in place for tracking vaccinations, potential side effects, and adverse events are working properly.
When do common side effects from the vaccine start to appear?
"It'd be very rare for anything to happen immediately," Dr. Jenkins says. "The general side effects people experience don't seem to occur until a few hours after the injection, because it takes time for your body to respond." So that's when you'll experience usual symptoms such as fatigue or a sore arm. If you were to have an immediate allergic reaction to the vaccine — which is extremely rare (the chances of experiencing anaphylaxis post-vaccination are about 11 in a million with Pfizer and 2.5 in a million with Moderna, according to a February report in the JAMA medical journal). Dr. Jenkins says the symptoms (like hives, swelling, or wheezing) would begin to appear within four hours of getting the jab. Severe allergic reactions usually happen right away, Dr. Jenkins adds. This is why most vaccination sites have you stick around for 15 or so minutes post-jab; so you can be monitored and given immediate attention in the rare event that you have an allergic reaction.
How long do COVID-19 vaccine side effects last?
The most common side effects of the vaccines will only last 12 to 48 hours. "If they don't feel better within a day or two, it could be something else entirely," Dr. Pottinger says. "They could have COVID-19, but it's coincidentally timed." In the unlikely event your symptoms persist past five to seven days, call your doctor. Another reason to potentially call your doc: If the redness or tenderness where you got your shot gets worse instead of better after 24 hours.
But otherwise, you should be able to ride it out. "People should plan to stay home and take it easy and take care of themselves post-vaccine," Dr. Pottinger says. "If someone does feel feverish, achy, or tired, they're not making it up, and they should know that they're not sick and it's normal. And this too shall pass."
Are side effects worse after the second dose of the mRNA vaccines?
For many people, yes — but that's a good thing. It means that your body has learned how to recognize the virus, and it's working hard to fight back against it. "Your body is primed by that first dose of vaccine," Melanie Swift, MD, co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Distribution Work Group at Mayo Clinic, explains in a Mayo Q&A. "The second vaccine dose goes into your body, starts to make that spike protein, and your antibodies jump on it and rev up your immune system response. It's kind of like they've studied for the test. And it's acing the test."
Are the vaccine side effects worse in young people?
In many cases, yes. As people age, their immune systems tend to lose activity. Young people may have a more robust immune response to the vaccine, and thus more side effects, Dr. Jenkins says. Again, the presence of side effects isn't necessarily a bad thing — and not having any side effects isn't a cause for concern either.
Are side effects worse or better in people who've already had COVID?
"There seems to be some kind of link to imply that you are more likely to have side effects to these vaccines if you've had COVID," Dr. Jenkins says. "We don't know how often or how likely that's going to increase your side effects." He notes that this may happen because the body has already encountered the virus once. Thus, it's more primed to spot and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is the same piece of the virus the mRNA vaccines are meant to help the immune system recognize and resist. Hence the stronger reaction.
What happens if you get the vaccine while you have COVID-19?
This isn't recommended because there's a chance you could give COVID to other people at the vaccination site. Quarantine for 14 days after testing positive. "You should get your second dose as planned," Amesh Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, previously told Refinery29. "But only if you're not still contagious. So it should be 10 days or so since you developed symptoms or tested positive before you get your second dose so you don't expose anybody when you're getting vaccinated." And if you were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you'll have to wait 90 days. If you unknowingly have COVID-19 while getting the shot (if you're asymptomatic, for instance), your side effects shouldn't be much different than if you recovered COVID-19 a few weeks pre-jab.
If I get the vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19?
The COVID-19 vaccines won't cause you to test positive because they don't actually contain any live virus. "There have been some somewhat rare cases though, where people have tested positive for COVID and they've been symptomatic after having the vaccine," Dr. Jenkins says. "And it's not because the vaccines are causing COVID." Instead, they've likely contracted the virus just before (or, rarely, after) getting vaccinated.
He notes that a large part of that is because people aren't waiting until they have full immunity before they start living their lives as though they're fully vaccinated. "It takes about two weeks for a full immune response following the two dose or the one dose, and people are just jumping back into activities the day after getting the shot," Dr. Jenkins says. We still need to be careful, and wait until we're fully immunized before we start reaping some of the benefits of the vaccines, such as traveling more safely domestically or seeing our friends in their homes unmasked.
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In honor of the fast-food chain's 100th birthday, designer Telfar Clemens, known for his covetable Shopping Bag, is putting his own stamp on the company's uniforms — again. In 2017, Telfar designed uniforms for White Castle team members, but, this time, he's expanded the range, creating four new designs for the square burger joint's 10,000 employees. The new line includes T-shirts, polos, aprons, and visors. At the request of team members, Clemens also designed a durag, marking the first time the hair accessory is being offered as part of the official uniform, according to the company's press release.
The designs feature White Castle's signature gothic font and royal blue hue (though workers will have color options including light blue and black). To mark the momentous occasion for the makers of the Crave Case, some of the tops read "100 years and counting."
To launch the new White House x Telfar uniforms, employees from various chains from Telfar's hometown of New York City were asked to model the looks as part of a portrait series shot by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr. But Jamie Richardson, a vice president at White Castle, made it clear that these uniforms look just as good off-duty.
"Telfar has taken our uniform to a new place," Richardson said in a statement, "creating something that's distinctive, attractive and comfortable, and something our team members will feel great in whether they're at work or hanging out with friends and family."
Of course, the next question is, "Can I get some of those?" Well, kind of. Right now, non-employees can get their hands on a limited-edition White Castle collection that Telfar designed in connection with the uniform launch. Hats, hoodies, durags, and T-shirts are available to buy with proceeds going to the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Liberty and Justice Fund, which provides bail to imprisoned minors.
While this may seem like an unexpected collab, Telfar's relationship with White Castle goes way back. In 2015, the brand asked the fast-food chain to sponsor its show at New York Fashion Week. White Castle did — and even hosted an afterparty at its Time Square restaurant. "White Castle supported us before our success and we consider them family," Telfar's creative director Babak Radboy said in a press release. "It's still the only thing open after midnight in Telfar's hood—seeing our uniforms there means something to us, and so we take it personally."
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Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We're asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: a developer who has a joint income of $135,000 and spends some of their money this week on Nespresso pods.
Trigger Warning: This Money Diary mentions an eating disorder.
Occupation: Developer Industry: Tech Age: 27 Location: Indianapolis, IN My Salary: $65,000 My Husband's Salary: $70,000 Net Worth: $-139,500 ($155,000 home value, $10,300 savings, $13,500 in 401(k) between both of us, and car values minus debt) Debt: $298,300 ($148,000 mortgage, $140,000 combined student loan debt, $10,3000 loan for foundation work we got in December) My Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,895 My Husband's Paycheck (biweekly): $1,900 Pronouns: She/they
Monthly Expenses Mortgage: $978 Student Loans: $925 Utilities: ~$300 for gas, electric, and recycling Phone Bill: $250 but my husband gets reimbursed for $50 of this from work Internet: $60 Car Payments: $945 for both Myx Fitness Membership: $29 Savings: $2,650 in anticipation of filing our taxes (this normally goes toward debt repayment as we are avalanching our student debt!) Allowances/Fun Money: $600 ($150 for each of us biweekly) Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime: $25 Health Insurance: $110 (for both of us) Southwest Credit Card: $138 (annual fee) Car/Motorcycle Insurance: $801 every 6 months
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes, it wasn't an option. Neither of my parents went to college and were adamant about us getting some sort of higher education. My brother ended up going into the military instead, but my agreement with my parents was that they would pay for my loans once I graduated. That didn't work out because my dad passed when I was 20, so my husband and I are aggressively paying down our student loan debt.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent/guardian(s) educate you about finances? My parents didn't teach me anything about money, which I'm a little bitter about now. My parents observed pretty traditional gender roles; my mom was a stay-at-home mom and my dad was the primary breadwinner and took care of all the finances. Turns out my dad was awful with money and they were in a ton of debt that no one knew about until he died, and my mom and I had to learn how to handle money together. We always had the best and the newest of everything: cars, technology, clothes, etc… so I guess, if anything, they taught me that it's much better to be financially stable with less of a focus on material things than it is to be drowning in debt with no transparency about finances in your relationship.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I worked as a server for cash at a pizza place that my dad's friend owned when I was 14. It was a fun, after-school and weekend job, but my first legal job was at Kmart (lmao midwest life).
Did you worry about money growing up? Not really. Even when my dad wasn't working due to surgeries, I wasn't aware of any issues.
Do you worry about money now? A lot more than I probably should. We're doing okay, but my parents' situation kind of traumatized me, so I'm always hyper-aware of our finances. I think once we have our student debt paid off, I'll feel much better.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? When I moved out at 23. I was working full time and going to school full time (yes, it was as exhausting as it sounds), so my mom kept me on her health insurance which was amazing, but I was responsible for paying for everything other than that. We don't have a safety net other than ourselves because while we could ask either of our families for help if we needed it, no one is in a situation that makes it really feasible.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. I haven't. My dad committed suicide, and we only got $25,000 from the life insurance company. It went toward funeral expenses and getting my mom back on her feet. While I haven't received passive or inherited income, my brother and SIL did let my mom and I live with them for a couple of years after my dad passed. My grandma also cosigned on my private student loans because my parents' credit wasn't good enough and I wouldn't have been able to continue my education without that. Without the help from my family in these regards, I wouldn't be where I am, and I think it's important to acknowledge that!
Day One
6:30 a.m. — Wake up and lay in bed for an hour instead of working out like I intended to do, oops. After a shower, I make a brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk because I keep seeing people talk about the Starbucks one. I get screamed at by our three cats to be fed and then feed myself some oats while starting my workday.
12 p.m. — It's been one of those days. I mean, it's Wednesday, so it makes sense, but I'm ready for it to be over. While I'm making my lunch (read: heating up a leftover baked potato and peeling an orange), I make soft boiled eggs in the instant pot. They'll be marinated in some soy sauce and mirin to go in our ramen for dinner tonight. I got diagnosed with binge eating disorder last month and I'm working with my therapist to recognize unhealthy thoughts around food, so I jot down some notes to talk to her about this week.
3 p.m. — My friend, A., comes over to do a mock therapy session for one of her social work classes. She's one of the few people I trust is as careful as my husband and I are about COVID, and she's vaccinated which is comforting too. We finish up our session and then chat for an hour or so.
6 p.m. — M. (my husband) and I hang out in the kitchen while prepping dinner. It's nothing fancy, just ramen packets that we're prettying up with enoki and shitake mushrooms, the eggs I made earlier, and some bok choy! We went vegetarian in early December and have been having a really fun time cooking together. Once our bowls are assembled, we walk right past our beautiful dining room table to eat on the couch and watch a couple of episodes of The Blacklist.
9:30 p.m. — Time for bed! M. is a night owl and I require nine hours to function, so he goes into our shared office to play PC games while I start a sleep meditation on the Calm app and beckon my favorite cat to come snuggle me.
Daily Total: $0
Day Two
8 a.m. — My morning goes about the same as yesterday. I lay in bed instead of working out because I'm exhausted despite getting nine hours… turns out my period is looming so I make a mental note to sanitize my menstrual cup. M. got a vasectomy in August because we are happily childfree and intend to stay that way, so I got my IUD removed once he got the all-clear that his procedure worked. I've had PCOS since I was 15 and got put on birth control immediately, so before October 2020, I had only had a couple of natural periods in my life and they were irregular. It's a huge PCOS win to have natural, regular periods without medication so we celebrate menstruation in this house (typically with donuts).
12 p.m. — Wrap up a morning of work and make lunch. I have another pack of ramen with the leftover bok choy and the last marinated egg. There's something so comforting about packaged ramen and I'm willing to die on that hill. When I'm done eating, I feed my sourdough starter.
4 p.m. — Log off for the day and start a sourdough focaccia dough. My sourdough starter is nice and bubbly and it makes me feel nostalgic for the bread-making/dalgona coffee/Tiger King part of quarantine. M. convinces me to run to Home Depot with him. We need to build some sort of shelter for our seedlings or our cats will absolutely eat them, so we get chicken wire, wood, hinges, and other things I don't pay attention to because I have to be dragged away from the plant section. $64.05
6 p.m. — We grab Taco Bell on the way home and complain about how bleak being a vegetarian and eating here has become. Soon, we will be reunited with our precious potatoes. When we get home, we turn on The Blacklist while eating and end up watching three episodes. I get my focaccia dough shaped, put it in the fridge, and head to bed. M. has the day off tomorrow so he heads to our office to play games. $13.45
Daily Total: $77.50
Day Three
8 a.m. — M. gets paid today so I look at our budget spreadsheet and pay the expenses allocated to his check. We set up our cart yesterday with groceries for the next week, so all I have to do this morning is checkout and schedule the delivery from Aldi via Instacart ($79.59). Before I jump into work, I gather up M.'s request for pods and place a Nespresso order ($88). I also get a recycling bag because one of the main reasons we were comfortable getting a Nespresso (we have the Next model) was their robust recycling program! $167.59
12 p.m. — After emerging from meetings, I find M. in the garage building the seedling cage so we can figure out lunch. I have no patience for cooking and I'm going to be in meetings again soon, so we order Chipotle. We really have a tendency to ball out on paydays and then live pretty frugally otherwise, but we're both fine with it! $33.41
6:30 p.m. — After laying on the couch for a bit, I decide to eat the rest of my Chipotle bowl for dinner while M. plays online games with his friends. We're both introverts, so we fully embrace and appreciate the "alone together" time that we get while doing our own things in the house.
Daily Total: $201
Day Four
7:20 a.m. — I'm immediately annoyed that I'm awake this early on a Saturday, but here we are. After flopping around for a bit, I take a bath. A maple iced latte is the bathtub drink of choice today and our smallest cat lovingly dips her paw into it right before nearly falling in the tub.
11 a.m. — Our groceries get here so we put them away and share a snack of chips and dip. Now feels like a good time to start planting, so we start our herbs and peppers. We're a big spreadsheet household, so I made a sheet a couple weeks ago to track what needs to be started or transplanted and when. The rest of our garden is set to be sown next weekend. While we're in a gardening mood, I convince M. to come out and turn the compost with me. Some of the soil is still frozen, so we take turns breaking it up in hopes that the nice weather will get our box nice and hot!
6:30 p.m. — I've been on a hunt for vegan protein powder that isn't disgusting or $100 a tub for what feels like hours, but I give up to make breakfast for dinner. Eggs, MorningStar sausage, and fried potatoes while we watch… you guessed it, Blacklist.
9:40 p.m. — We have not moved from the couch and I'm here for it. Still putting in work on our show and multitasking by researching protein powder again. I end up deciding to order some sample packs of Orgain because they're on sale on Amazon and we canceled our membership, so it feels like a solid last purchase. $20
Daily Total: $20
Day Five
8:30 a.m. — Wake up to a cat screaming in my face, so I laze around in bed while scrolling on my phone. I check our banking app and see that my check came through, so I force myself out of bed to make another brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk (I know how douchey that sounds, I promise) and head to our office to pay bills. M. is already hanging out in here, so we chat about our current financial situation over coffee. Our "allowances" are part of this check, so we each get $150 transferred to our "fun" accounts that give us carte blanche spending money. It's eliminated nearly every issue we had re: money and gives us both freedom to not have to clear purchases with the other!
11:15 a.m. — I convince myself to do a 15-minute HIIT ride on our Myx bike, and it kicks my ass. I did CrossFit pre-pandemic so the shift from lifting heavy to doing mostly cardio and moderate strength training has been interesting. That being said, I've really enjoyed it and I can do it at home and feel safe which is most important to me right now. M. is in the garage when I come back upstairs, so I jump in the shower. I think I'm more hungry than I am, so I make french toast sticks and MorningStar sausage in the air fryer, but only eat half. This makes me appear to be a great wife when M. comes in and I tell him I "saved" the rest for him.
6:30 p.m. — We convene in the kitchen to make barbecue tofu and baked potatoes. Once everything is done, we head to the couch like the disgusting creatures of habit we are to cram as many episodes of Blacklist as we can into our eyeballs before I go to bed around 9:45.
Daily Total: $0
Day Six
8:45 a.m. — My company has flexible hours, so I lay in bed a little bit longer this morning by negotiating with myself that I can log into work later as long as I work out. I take a banana to my desk with me and eat it while catching up on emails and the never-ending Slack notifications. Still hungry after my banana, so I make some toast with butter.
11:45 a.m. — I chop up a carrot and bell pepper that are going to go bad and cook them with some Boca crumbles while boiling some udon. The last of the peanut butter jar gets shaken with chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a quick peanut sauce. Toss everything together and top with green onions before heading back to my desk. I don't eat all my noodles so I pack up the rest and put them in the fridge. One of my things I'm trying to focus on re: binge eating recovery is that I *can* have things later. I don't have to eat it all because it's in front of me, which is a new concept for someone who grew up in a huge portion and clean plate club household.
6 p.m. — M. sits on the kitchen counter while I shape falafel from a mix and put them into the air fryer. I made some tzatziki earlier today so once the falafel is done, all we have to do is heat up some pita and dress our salads! We chat about the garden and start a to-do list of things we can start getting ready this week since it's supposed to be gorgeous. Eat dinner while we watch Blacklist, the usual. I go to bed around 9 but don't end up actually falling asleep until 11, oops.
Daily Total: $0
Day Seven
8:15 a.m. — Sit down at my desk with a chocolate fudge coffee (my least favorite Nespresso pod, but we have four pods left and they are all this flavor lol).
10 a.m. — I throw together a quick egg sandwich with sriracha and MorningStar bacon on it and head back to my desk. Today is a little chaotic because tomorrow we have a sprint day, so my sandwich comes with a side of code.
12:15 p.m. — I needed a mental break and that involves physically stepping away from my desk so I can come back with fresh eyes. I decide to hop on the bike for a 30-minute interval ride and I absolutely LOVE it. I normally struggle with hard rides in the morning so maybe that's a sign to stop trying to force myself to work out at specific times and be more flexible! I take a quick shower and make my way back to my desk.
4 p.m. — Log off for the day and chat with M. while we unload and reload the dishwasher. He talked to my brother today about borrowing a ladder, so once we're done with the dishes and some other chores (cleaning litter boxes, taking the trash out, and picking up the house), we go grab the ladder.
6:30 p.m. — We're both tired so we settle on pasta with meatless meatballs for dinner. I throw a couple of slices of garlic bread in the air fryer while M. makes dinner. When we're done eating, M. places an order for the rest of the garden tools we'll need. We should be able to get the raised beds put together this weekend and I am so so excited! $74.46
Daily Total: $74.46
If you are struggling with an eating disorder and are in need of support, please call the National EatingDisorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. For a 24-hour crisis line, text "NEDA" to 741741.
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Throughout our intrepid summer-shopping research, we've discovered that right now, all we want to wear is dresses. With a new normal that dictates sticking close to home, a breathable dress is our go-to uniform for everything — including (but not limited to) lounging around the house, running errands, meeting friends in the park, and looking cute on Zoom.
So, we crafted a guide to the easiest and breeziest styles worth living in for the rest of this hot-hot season. In order to suss out the styles that everyone is currently carting, we headed straight for the review sections of our favorite sites. Ahead, click through everything from an extra-long lightweight gown (that seemingly flatters all shapes and sizes) to a sunny gingham mini (that's worthy of the chicest socially distant picnic) — or, just to peep what made the reviewers' cut in Summer's Best-Frocked List.
Welcome toHype 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. 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.
Linen-Blend Alexandra Button-Front Mini Dress
The Most Hopeful
We can all agree that 2020 was a rough year — for us, and for our wardrobes. For anyone who's daunted at the notion of getting dressed to go outside for the first time in 12 months, may we suggest Madewell's crocus-colored linen frock? Reviewer found that it offered comfort, style, and most-importantly, a much-needed dose of optimism.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 134 reviews on Madewell.com
What They're Saying: "Warning: emotional review ahead. I, like many of us, have struggled during 2020. Sitting at home, I've become consigned to old leggings and sweatshirts. As summer (and hope!!) looms closer, I've started to get excited about getting dressed again. However I soon realized that none of my clothes fit. None. My body and size being unrecognizable, putting on all of my spring/summer clothes has either prompted tears or "Oh God get it off right now." BUT this dress came in the mail. I put it on. I recognized my figure again. I thought about getting dressed and accessorizing again. It's roomy on the bottom (I'm a 10 - 12 pants and a M was not even close to being too small/is just right). I'm a 36C on top and the top of this dress is fitted. If nothing else, I can wear this dress everyday of the summer." — sd1786, Madewell.com reviewer
Madewell Linen-Blend Alexandra Button-Front Mini Dress, $, available at Madewell
FP One Adella Slip
The Most Magical
This isn't the first time that Free People's "Adella" silhouette has made it into a Hype Machine — the bodice-only iteration of this top-selling dress can be found in our roundup of comfortable cotton bras. (We were skeptical, but the reviews don't lie.) For such a delicate-looking confection, reviewers from size XS to XL claim the Adella Slip well-fitting, and supportive creation — clearly there's some magic at play. (And don't forget about the maxi version of this style — at 4.6 stars and 190 reviews, it's hot on its predecessor's heels.)
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 261 reviews on FreePeople.com
What They're Saying: "I bought this dress late last fall; I wish I'd bought the maxi as well. Since then this beautiful number and I have adventured, laughed, cried, slayed, over shared, and all the while she is just as luxurious as the day we met. The lace the adorns her bodice was at first something I thought I'd have to overcome. I can say with certainty that the lace isn't simply lace, but somehow armor as protective as it is sexy. Amazingly enough, the skirt is fit for a queen, soft and somehow workable. <3" — LunaAnthony, FreePeople.com reviewer
FP One Adella Maxi Slip, $, available at Free People
H&M Calf-length Dress
The Most Likely To Sell Out
H&M's greatest hits are known to vanish from the brand's website in a puff of smoke the moment its savvy customer base catches wind of a must-have. This sweeping long-sleeved number is just the silhouette we're looking for this spring — which means that are a lot of other shoppers are, too. Grab it before the womp-womp "Out of Stock" notification is all that's left on the drop-down menu.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars, 11 reviews on HM.com
What They're Saying: "Lovely dress. I feel like a witch whenever I wear this but it is a nice dress to throw on whenever I feel lazy." — Reviewer on HM.com
Women size 12 and up sing the praises of Eloquii's classic and perfectly calibrated wrap dress, citing a fabric weight suited for year-round wear and expert, flattering tailoring.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 497 reviews on Eloquii.com
What They're Saying: "I have been on the hunt for a beautiful long dress that I could wear with my platform combat boots or dressy shoes. These mock wrap dresses are no-fuss: no-slip needed and the belt is easy to tie. The material hangs nicely without emphasizing anything about my figure that I don't like. I ended up getting the dress in three patterns. I was wearing the print for the first time when a man stopped me at the store, raised his hands up and down at me and said, 'This is excellent!' I had been concerned that head to toe print would be too much, but the feedback I've received has been a resounding 'Yes' to this dress!" — Reviewer on Eloquii.com
The forgiving silhouette and convertible belt of this easy linen dress means it can be styled to the wearer's specifications. Reviewers love that it could be tight or loose, depending on their mood.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 149 reviews on Etsy.com
What They're Saying: "The fabric is gorgeous, with a beautiful drape. It's a very simple shape with a lot of fabric; the belt is what gives it shape and you can fuss with the fabric to make it lay right so it flatters your particular shape. This means it will be comfortable on bloaty days or if you gain a few pounds. The quality is excellent and I'm sure it will last a very long time. I have a feeling I'm going to be living in this dress for a while. I couldn't be happier with my purchase." — Gavagirl, Etsy.com reviewer
With a floaty, a-line silhouette and a pima cotton and lyocell fabrication, this unassuming tank dresses appears to give wearers style superpowers — even in the most challenging fashion-challenged situations.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 34 reviews on Lululemon.com
What They're Saying: "After 10+ washes and accidentally including in the dryer multiple times, dress has yet to pill or change shape. Can dress up or throw over swimsuit and with a toddler in tow, I feel polished in this dress and even with little hands wiping hands on me, easily able to brush away crumbs. I am broad and am between size 4 and 6 in Lululemon. While 4 fit snug, I sized up to a 6 as it laid flat on back and did not pull across the shoulders." — Anonymous, Lululemon.com reviewer
Urban Outfitters Anne Smocked Waist Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Love Stitch V-Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress
The Best-Kept Secret
Summer after summer, we watch this lightweight, stylish dress sell out on Nordstrom Rack, and the reviews continue to pile up. Savvy shoppers know that this under-$30 hidden gem is worth buying up in multiples — it's the kind of frock you'll wear all summer long.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 3,278 reviews on NordstromRack.com
What They're Saying: "Summer dress VIP. I own this dress in roughly 20 different colors/patterns. The BEST for the summer." — Christinadreams08, NordstromRack.com reviewer
Love Stitch V-Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Universal Standard Geneva Dress
The Sleeper
Universal Standard's now-iconic Geneva Dress may look simple, but it's engineered to provide both comfort and supreme elegance. Listen to the reviewers: don't underestimate the power of tailored, expertly-draped Peruvian cotton.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 59 reviews on UniversalStandard.com
"I felt silly after buying this dress on a bit of an impulse, because I was worried I just spent over $100 on a long t-shirt, but after having it for a couple of weeks now I have no regrets. It's comfortable like a t-shirt or pajamas, but the tailoring and fabric quality are exceptional. I have worn it with tights and flats for the office, and I've worn it around the house on a day when I was feeling under the weather. It's easy to care for and the color is beautiful. I'm a size 22 and I bought the large, which fits perfectly." — Maggie S., UniversalStandard.com reviewer
While this simple black maxi dress may not immediately jump off the page, it boasts scores of glowing reviews that praise the frock for its high-performance, sweat-wicking, and rumple-proof qualities. With UPF fabric that provides excellent sun protection, a quick-drying, anti-wrinkle nylon fabrication, this durable and flattering dress is a stylish option for travel and outdoor activity.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars, 86 reviews on ToadandCo.com
What They're Saying: "Love this dress. The fabric is so lightweight and comfortable. I have worn it on vacation at the beach as well as traveling on the plane and walking around in NOLA when it was 100 degrees. At first, I thought it was going to be very wrinkly based on how it looked when I received it, but after hanging up for a few hours the wrinkles were gone which also makes it a perfect travel dress. Always receive compliments when I wear it." — Linsay S., Zappos.com reviewer
Toad&Co Sunkissed Maxi Dress, $, available at Toad&Co
Scoop Printed Midi Slip Dress
The Surprise
Friends: don't sleep on Scoop. The in-house Walmart brand — which recently tapped designer Brandon Maxwell as a creative director — offers unexpectedly high-end style paired with good, old-fashioned rollback pricing.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars; 7 reviews on Walmart.com
What They're Saying: "For $16, I cant believe how nice this dress is! I normally don't buy clothes at Walmart but I decided to take a chance for $16. Glad I did. It's 100% polyester but it feels like silk." — Elizabeth, Walmart.com reviewer
Scoop Printed Midi Slip Dress, $, available at Walmart
Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress
The Crowd-Pleaser
This straight-A student Anthropologie stunner converted many a pants-wearer to the frock lifestyle, thanks to its flattering cut and lightweight, summer-ready fabrication.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 147 reviews on Anthropologie.com
What They're Saying: "Want a dress that feels like your favorite pair of jeans? This is it. I don't want to take it off. The fit is perfect, if not a bit giving. The fabric is great quality, perfect transitional weather weight. I also wear with a jean jacket and it goes everywhere. My new fave, bought it in two colors and I'm not even a dress wearer." — Heike, Anthropologie.com reviewer
Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Everlane Parklet Shirtdress
The Chameleon
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's — the most deceptively perfect dress than Everlane has ever produced? With a dead simple silhouette and slightly menswear-ish details, reviewers find that this loose, easy frock can go high, low, vintage, new, and everything in between.
The Hype: 4.58 out of 5 stars; 36 reviews on Everlane.com
What They're Saying: "I love how this dress looks — if I leave it as is it looks very modern and grungy, especially with Dr. Martens boots. If I roll the sleeves up a bit and put a belt on, it looks like a very cute classical '50s summer dress. I got the one in black and smallest size and it fits me perfectly. Very happy with the purchase!" — Kris R., Everlane.com reviewer
Everlane The Parklet Shirtdress, $, available at Everlane
Lunya Washable Silk Slipdress
The Barely-There
Enthusiasts of '90s minimalism should add this restrained silk slip dress to their carts ASAP. Loose and forgiving while still possessing an impossible chic, this is the perfect dress for rolling out of bed and hitting the streets on a sweltering Saturday morning. (We choose to show you the back because we're especially obsessed with the adjustable "T" strap detail.)
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 304 reviews on Lunya.com
What They're Saying: "I received my silk slip dress and it was more lovely than I could have hoped. It fits like a dream and feels amazing. I am also delighted with the pockets, that not only fit my phone, but are hidden in the flow of the dress, so the silhouette is not ruined when you stuff them full. It's my new go-to for an easy and sophisticated outfit." — Shelby D., Lunya.com reviewer
Lunya Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Lunya
Pact Fit and Flare Midi Dress
The Environmentalist
For those looking for the best eco-friendly summer dress out there, Pact has your best bet in earth-friendly organic cotton. It doesn't hurt that this universally flattering style has a built-in bra and pocket for extra comfort and utility.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 491 reviews on Pact.com
What They're Saying: "Built-in bra, pockets, four-way stretch — it's my favorite dress. I have it in black and blue with a pink one on the way. Dear Pact, please make this dress in red and yellow and navy. I will absolutely buy one of each. I consider this my uniform." — cdmf, Pact.com reviewer
PACT Fit and Flare Strappy Midi Dress, $, available at PACT
YESNO Floral Print Maxi Dress
The Comfiest
The soft fabrication and accommodating silhouette of this pajama-like Amazon number earned it glowing reviews from comfort-seeking customers.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars; 9,237 reviews on Amazon.com
What They're Saying: "I read all the reviews before purchasing. I am 5' 3" and very top heavy. I bought the large and it fits well, it is a tiny bit tight across the very top edge but actually works well for me because often times if I order larger there is too much of a gap under my armpits. My bra band size is smallish: 34. Yes, the fabric is thin as suggested in other reviews but I did not find it scratchy or too thin. It flows and the pattern is adorable. For me, this is the perfect dress for hot weather, for lounging at the house, watering outside and I am sure it will look adorable in cooler weather with a cardigan or jacket. I am buying my second one now" — Colleen Marie Taylor, Amazon.com reviewer
YESNO Floral Print Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Treasure & Bond Side-ruched Bodycon Dress
The Miracle-Worker
Every body is a work of art, but we've all struggled to see the beauty in our own forms, especially as women. This simple t-shirt dress boasts strategically-placed ruching that helped to restore a reviewer's confidence in herself — and that is truly a beautiful thing.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 292 reviews on Nordstrom.com
What They're Saying: "I'm not a dressy person and have always wanted to try a t-shirt dress. Most dresses are either too boxy or the body-con are too revealing for my taste. I'm middle aged with children, so body has many, many imperfections. I had no expectations for this dress when I purchased. I was greatly surprised at how forgiving it really is. The ruched side really helps to hide those imperfections. I wear with tennis shoes or sandals and throw a jean jacket on to keep it casual looking. I really love this. I'll be buying more of these types of dresses, ruched of course. I'm 5' 8" and 155 lbs. I bought a large and it fits perfectly. I wish they had more colors. I'll definitely be looking for more of this type of dress in the future." — Gandymac, Nordstrom.com reviewer
Treasure & Bond Side Ruched Body-Con Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Monki Torborg Floral Mini Dress
The Florals-For-Spring-Groundbreaking Dress
Sometimes, when warm weather rolls around, you just want a pretty, swingy dress in a print that reminds you (and everyone around you) that spring has SPRUNG. Monki's verdantly-patterned frock is your one-way ticket to a season full of bike rides, picnics, and lazy long weekends.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars, 17 reviews on ASOS.com
What They're Saying: "Love the pattern on this dress, it's floaty and the material is nice and light, it also has pockets! It does come up quite big though." — Reviewer on ASOS.com
Monki Torborg Floral Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
A New Day Long Sleeve Tiered Dress
The Go Big Or Go Home
Care to waft around your neighborhood this summer in a cloud of style, romance, and lightweight, minty-green fabric? If so, Target has the dress for you — reviewers praised this frock's easy fit, soft handfeel, and flattering drape.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars; 173 reviews on Target.com
What They're Saying: "I absolutely LOVE THIS DRESS!!! It's got such a feminine quality to it and the billowy sleeves ... very romantic looking. If you're looking for a form fitting body con type dress .... THIS IS NOT FOR YOU. This dress though it's a bit oversized, it's flattering on all sizes and shapes. I'd only recommend ordering smaller than your usual size because it does run big. I'm 5' 5, 110 lbs, and the XS was perfect. So pretty on, and for those who like a more cinched waist just add a belt! I love how it hangs and love the softness and comfort of this dress, and pockets too!! It's a keeper for me." — D., Target.com reviewer
A New Day Long Sleeve Tiered Dress, $, available at Target
Amazon Essentials Surplice Maxi Dress
The ... Well, The Essential
While this ultra-simple dress isn't winning any design awards, it is winning rave reviews from over a thousand highly satisfied customers. Reviewers say it's the type of frock that can be transformed into almost any look with the right accessories, and wears with the utmost elegance and ease.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 1,223 reviews on Amazon.com
What They're Saying: "This dress is everything I wanted and nothing I don't. Simple, drapes well. The material is your standard summer maxi stretchy matte cotton. The v isn't so deep that you need a cami to cover cleavage at work. The sleeves are long enough to not be sleeveless but close enough to be cool. The arm holes are blessedly normal-sized and not gaping. I'm a 40" bust and 16 - 18 in clothes, and the XL fits me really well. The top might be a tad loose, the L would probably fit as well, but I like it, it's comfortable. Might buy a few more in other colors!" — edoug, Amazon.com reviewer
Amazon Essentials Surplice Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Vintage enthusiasts, rejoice — this nostalgic frock has reviewers raving over its picture-perfect 1950s tailoring and candy-colored hue.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars; 56 reviews on ModCloth.com
What They're Saying: "I call this my Sandra Dee dress, and I feel like a fabulous lemon cupcake in it! I purchased this on a whim just to try on, and as soon as I did I knew I was keeping it. The color is the perfect springtime yellow. It's not neon, not sunshine, not mustard. It's a soft yellow, closer to pastel yellow but just a teensy bit brighter. It's a happy color, and I felt fantastic wearing it and received tons of compliments!" — Barbarella, ModCloth.com reviewer
ModCloth Fabulous Fit and Flare Shirt Dress, $, available at ModCloth
Reviewers were evangelical in their praise for this ditsy-floral Aerie creation. It gets straight As in all subjects, from from pattern and fit to price and curb appeal.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 29 reviews on AE.com
What They're Saying: "10-star dress, cut and style. Just beautiful. AE just nailed everything about this dress. Fit perfect, love the color and cut, and the price was right. Can't wait to wear it with sneakers all summer. Need more vibrant colors." — Jewel, AE.com reviewer
This loosely-fitted, swingy Aerie frock has all the comfort of a house dress — but, thanks to a unique, asymmetrical hemline, still feels fresh and elegant.
The Hype: 4.5 stars; 39 reviews on AE.com What They're Saying: "I love this dress!! So comfortable. I wore it without a bra and it kept everything in place due to the multilayer lining. You can really wear it casual or dress up with heels. I usually wear a medium, but bought a large and it did not slip down." — Mari2122, AE.com reviewer
This unanimously top-rated cocoon dress had customers lighting up at its festive floral print — it brings a much-needed dose of joy, along with a chic and forgiving silhouette and a cool cotton weight that's perfect for summer.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars; 4 reviews on KemiTelford.com
What They're Saying: "When the sun is really shining I love wearing this dress as its cool cotton and colorful flowers really remind me of the joy of life and I'm comfortable all day long. When it gets a little chilly I throw on some leggings under and a cardigan on top. The wider neckline is flattering and I don't worry about my feminine lumps and bumps as it's roomy in all the right places." — Nicci, KemiTelford.com reviewer
Kemi Telford Modupe Garden Dress, $, available at Kemi Telford
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The streaming platforms houses thousands of television shows and films that span every genre — including a helpful selection of anti-racist content to teach you about why we're fighting so hard to change our world — for your viewing pleasure. Netflix shares the top ten projects being streamed worldwide each day on each user's homepage, and though we're clearly spoiled for choice, it looks like Netflix users are gravitating to the same few titles.
If you're in need of a temporary escape, why not check out what the rest of the country is watching? Ahead, the 10 TV shows and movies that Netflix fans in the States are tuning in to right now.
10. Sniper: Ghost Shooter
A team of skilled snipers guarding a gas pipeline must face off against them hidden shooter among them.
9. Ginny & Georgia
A mother moves her children to a small new town in hopes of getting a fresh start, but the family can't seem to outrun their past.
10. Concrete Cowboy
A teenager on a troubled path is sent to stay with his father in Philly, where he learns about the rich tradition of the city's Black cowboys. Starring Caleb McLoughlin and Idris Elba, and Jharrel Jerome.
8. The Little Rascals
A group of little kids run into big trouble as they prepare to compete in their local go-kart race.
7. The Stand In
Drew Barrymore stars as a burned out actress who trades lives with her Hollywood stand in, leading to a bevy of hijinks and shenanigans.
6. Cocomelon
Keep your kids educated and entertained with this colorful series that will teach them everything from their ABCs to how to clean up after themselves at home.
5. Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn
The Harper quadruplets may argue and fight every single day, but nothing could ever keep them from working together as a family
4. TheSerpent
This series follows the manhunt for Charles Sobhraj, a conman and murderer on a crime spree in the 1970s.
3. Who Killed Sara?
When Alex Guzmán (Manolo Cardona) is finally released from jail after being falsely imprisoned for the murder of his sister Sara, he sets out to get even with the people who sent him behind bars.
2. This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist
The sudden disappearance of half a billion dollars worth of art launches an intense investigation into the most complicated art heist in modern history.
1. Thunder Force
Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer star as two normal civilians who become superheroes thanks to a secret formula that gives people special abilities.
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Today's salon manicure typically includes five basic treatment options: You can go with a traditional polish (or nail lacquer), gel or shellac, dip powder, gel extensions, or acrylics. Now, there is an innovative sixth treatment that's recently hit the market — a hybrid offer that marries the application and wear of a gel manicure with the aesthetic of extensions. Meet the Plexigel manicure.
Creative Nail Design (CND) trademarked the Plexigel system, and it was rolled out across CND-affiliate nail salons nationwide in January of this year. According to the nail-care brand, this is their biggest technological innovation since the launch of Shellac™ back in 2010.
But the same way that it took a few years for the consumer to fully understand the merits (and drawbacks) of the gel manicure, the Plexigel system might sound intimidating to a first-timer. However, if you're already familiar with soft gels, the Plexigel manicure looks almost identical.
At a recent appointment to try my own set of Plexigels, nail artist and educator Julie Kandalec explained the key point of differentiation: While a traditional soft-gel formula simply sits on top of the natural nail, Plexigel can change its shape. Like cement before it dries, the thick and malleable Plexigel formula can be sculpted (by a trained salon professional) to extend the natural nail longer or add "plumpness."
"Plexigel is a semi-hard gel, which means it's significantly more durable than soft gel," Kandalec explains. She shows me the colorless glass bottle that holds the self-leveling clear gel formula that drips off the nail brush like honey. "The system is designed to be a multi-problem solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails. The Plexigel is a flexible yet tough coating that glides on to plump, lengthen, or repair a multitude of nail issues. It also protects the natural nail underneath the enhancement."
The manicure was as advertised. It involved careful shaping, polishing, and curing under an LED lamp before Kandalec added the best part: nail art. I opted for a baby-blue French manicure, inspiration from a friend's mani I recently saw and became obsessed with. Her tips were a darker royal blue, but given the warmer weather, I wanted a pastel and opted for periwinkle (CND's Chance Taker).
I'm only on week one of my Plexigel manicure, but I've been told this will last for at least three without lifting or peeling. It feels exactly like a soft gel, but with a little more shape and sculpture. I'm very much into it. Though, admittedly, I also was an early proponent of shellac.
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According to research conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, doctors are observing a sudden increase in mammograms showing swollen lymph nodes under the arm, which can be indicative of breast cancer. To be clear: This doesn't mean that the vaccine is causing an increase in breast cancer; it is a side effect that, in this instance, is a sign of an immune response to the coronavirus vaccine, but in other cases, also happens to be a sign of potential breast cancer. Think about it like a dry cough — could be COVID-19, but it could also be your allergies acting up.
Apparently, swollen lymph nodes are a common response by the body. "Swollen lymph nodes can be a response to many different vaccines, including the COVID vaccine," board-certified OB-GYN Kelly Culwell, MD, also known as "Dr. Lady Doctor," told Refinery29. "It is a sign of your immune system kicking into gear to produce antibodies in response to the vaccine."
Lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. They trap and filter viruses, bacteria, and other causes of illness before they can infect other parts of your body. Your body has lymph nodes in multiple areas including your neck, your armpits, and your groin, which is all part of a larger immune system response — exactly what vaccines, COVID-19 and otherwise, try to elicit. According to the Mayo Clinic, swollen lymph nodes are rarely a sign that you may have cancer.
"Any vaccine that produces a robust immune response may cause temporary swelling of the nodes. In my opinion, it has not been mentioned so much since we have not performed vaccines on this scale ever in history. With so many people getting vaccinated, you will hear of more effects all at once," Nicole Williams, MD, gynecologic surgeon and founder of The Gynecology Institute of Chicago, told Refinery29.
Because the vaccine is injected into the upper arm, the lymph nodes nearest the injection site commonly swell, but since they are the nodes closer to the breasts, it makes sense that doctors would want to check it out further. The problem is that this side effect isn't listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: The only ones listed are pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where you received the vaccine, as well as fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.
"As more people get vaccinated, it's important to allay fears and avoid unnecessary testing or treatment for conditions that should quickly resolve," said Brita Roy, MD, an internal medicine physician and director of population health for Yale Medicine.
The organization shared on its website that swollen lymph nodes, as well as skin reactions near the injection site, have only been found in those who received either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines — both of which use the technology called mRNA. So far, there have not been reports of these symptoms in people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. According to The New York Times, Moderna's study showed that 11.6% of patients reported swollen lymph nodes after the first dose, and 16% reported the symptom after the second dose. Pfizer-BioNTech recipients reported lower incidences, with only 0.3% of people saying they experienced swollen lymph nodes. It was a recognized side effect in large trials of both vaccines.
So, should you reschedule your mammogram? Depends on who you ask. Dr. Roy says that swollen lymph nodes from the vaccine have been shown to disappear within a few days, but for some people, they can feel a little tender for up to 10 days. On imaging tests, they may be visible for up to a month. She advises people to still keep their mammogram appointments rather than delay, but be aware that the radiologist could ask you to come back one month later for a reexamination should something come up on the scan.
Dr. Culwell says it really depends on each individual. If it is a typical annual exam, she says experts are recommending that you either go before your first dose or wait six weeks after your second injection. "However, for some people, this would not be possible," Dr. Culwell explained. "For instance, those that are being monitored closely for cancer recurrence during treatment. In those cases, informing the technician and radiologist of the recent vaccination would be important."
Dr. Williams advises delaying your mammogram if possible so that you're at least several days post-vaccination to allow for any possible swelling to go down. And if you're still in doubt about anything? As always, talk to your doctor so that you can make the most informed decision.
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It's clearly long past time to do something after all of these incidents — and that something is defund the police, which many cities have already been working on for years. Many defunding efforts ask for cities and states to restructure their budgets and reinvest in healthcare, employment, education, and housing. It's also important to remember that defunding is different from reforming, which advocates say has largely been ineffective.
"The demand of defunding law enforcement becomes a central demand in how we actually get real accountability and justice, because it means we are reducing the ability of law enforcement to have resources that harm our communities," Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors told WBUR last year. "It's not possible for the entity of law enforcement to be a compassionate, caring governmental agency in Black communities. That's not the training, that's not the institution. We have spent the last seven years asking for training, asking for body cameras. The body cameras have done nothing more than show us what's happened over and over again. The training has done nothing but show us that law enforcement and the culture of law enforcement is incapable of changing."
If you are interested in joining the movement to defund the police, below are action steps and resources.
The number-one thing you can do is research how much of your city's budget goes toward police, and lobby your lawmakers to reallocate that spending toward healthcare, education, and housing. There are local efforts underway in several major cities. If you're able to, attend your local city council meetings to be part of the conversation on the budget. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rightshas created a toolkit with resources and information for how to get involved.
Reclaim the Block is a Minneapolis organization that organizes the community and city council members to move dollars away from the police and toward "community-led safety initiatives." You can sign its petition to defund the police, donate to the organization, download educational resources, and more.
No New Jails NYC attempts to keep the city from constructing new jails, diverting funds toward housing, mental health, ending homelessness, and other initiatives.
Winter in all her chilly glory is on her way out — but she's given us a new priority: to stay as temperate as possible over the final few weather transition weeks. Ergo, we've got our sights set on a specific type of bedding that will regulate our body temperatures, whether we're sweltering in overheated apartments or trying to keep from freezing when the radiators shut off. The miracle fabric in question? Linen.
While linen's casual appeal may strengthen your not-so-effortless boho-bedroom vibe, its aesthetic values come second to both its premium cooling and temperature regulating qualities. According to bedding company Linoto, sheets fashioned from linen "[help] maintain a cooler body temperature than either silk or cotton during warm weather conditions, by a difference of approximately five to seven degrees Fahrenheit." Although opting for 100% linen over other breathable materials may cost a not-so-pretty penny, it's a natural and durable fiber that's built to last longer than the cheaper alternatives. Oh, and it's also much kinder on your skin.
Ahead, a selection of the best super-soft linen sheet sets that will keep you sleeping just right through winter and beyond.
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.
Nestwell Washed Linen Cotton Duvet Cover Set, $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Bedsure 100% Linen Bed Sheets, $, available at Amazon
morrow soft goods Heirloom Linen Duvet Set, $, available at morrow soft goods
West Elm European Flax Linen Ruffle Sheet Set, $, available at West Elm
H&M Home Washed Linen Fitted Sheet, $, available at H&M
Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set, $, available at Brooklinen
The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set, $, available at The Citizenry
Parachute Linen Sheet Set, $, available at Parachute Home
Brooklyn Loom Brooklyn Loom Linen Sheet Set, $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
If we had $100 to spend, what would we buy? Answers to this question won't just vary from person to person, they'll also vary from moment to moment — or, in the case of this story, month to month. On occasions when our finances afford us the extra $$$ that can be spared on non-essentials, the purchases we choose to make with it are both specific and dynamic. This is why our roundup of R29's Shopping team's MVPs isn't a guide to what you should deem worthy of spending a Benjamin (or under) on, it's just a shared list of items that enriched our day-to-day in some type of way. All we hope is that, maybe, one or two can do the same for you.
Ahead, behold the under-$100 products we actually bought, used, came to rely on, and LOVE over the past 30+ days: from a new nail-strengthening cream to Amazon's adult baby blankets and one small bottle of very powerful coffee concentrate. Scroll on to web-window shop, feel seen, inspired, fatigued, or just connected across all the noise. Oh, and please don't be shy in the comment sections below — we thrive on hearing about the gems you've carted for under one hundo that have made these weird times feel just a smidge sunnier.
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.
Olive & June Nail Strengthener
"Despite winter being my favorite season (don't @ me!), I'll be the first to admit that the months of cold, dry weather have not been kind to my nails. I've tried various nail "masks" and am good about my cuticle care, but was still dealing with brittle, peeling nails when Olive & June's new nail strengthener came into my life. It's not like any other treatment I've tried before — you can use it nightly as an intensive regimen, or as a first step before polish. I've been using it for about two weeks (including under two manis) and am already seeing stronger, happier nails as a result." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Olive & June Nail Strengthener, $, available at Olive & June
Beautiful By Drew Barrymore One-Touch Electric Kettle
"This pretty electric kettle is the product of Drew Barrymore's newest Walmart venture, a cookware collection she's aptly dubbed Beautiful. I snagged one for my kitchen after we covered its launch and am delighted by the dreamy sight of it atop my counter (as well as how lightning-fast it boils up a pot full of water). This pistachio-green piece only costs $40, if you can believe it — and, on top of its luxe aesthetics, it also boasts high-tech capabilities with a digital touchscreen that lights up when you need to use it and turns off when you don't. This could, in all honesty, be one of the best things I've purchased all year. It just dropped in cool sesame-black, oyster-gray, and icing-white colorways as well." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Beautiful 1.7L One-Touch Electric Kettle, $, available at Walmart
Amazon Classic French Beret
"At this point, you all know I'm obsessed with berets. I've added this light blue beauty to my line up and it's already better than I could have ever hoped. Don't sleep on this magical accessory in the perfect warm-weather hue!" – Chichi Offor, Associate Writer
JOYHY JOYHY Women's Solid Color Classic French Style Beret, $, available at Amazon
Jot Coffee Concentrate
"I moved into a new apartment this month which meant all of my appliances, including my beloved coffee maker, were packed away for many mornings. Even when my coffee machine was unpacked I didn't have the time to get the grounds together, find a filter, etc., so this coffee concentrate from Jot was my savior. I just turned my kettle on, poured the hot water into my cup, and BOOM I had coffee. It doesn't have the fullness of a regular brewed cup, but it has mega caffeine, a nice rich flavor, and is 10x faster than my coffee maker. I'm sure true coffee connoisseurs could do great things with stuff –– make fluffy lattes, flavor a cake, who knows." – Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
"I've been living in this newest bra debut from female-founded & run brasserie brand, Harper Wilde. It's so soft, supple, and stretchy that sometimes I forget I'm wearing it. The feel & fit of this seamless ribbed wonder I'd describe as if a scoop-style sports bra had a baby with a bralette made from your favorite worn-in t-shirt. Would I go running in it? Probably not. But, it's not called The Run for a reason. If you've been searching for the ideal lounge-around support for your ladies, this is IT." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Harper Wilde The Lounge, $, available at Harper Wilde
Amazon Reusable Neck Gel Ice Pack
"I've been dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder/neck for about a week now, and it's truly taken over my whole life. I woke up the other night at 3 a.m. in pain and ordered this icepack to wear off and on during the day. Honestly, it's pretty great. It stays in place, is HUGE, and molds to your neck and shoulders." – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
AlierGo Reusable Neck Gel Ice Pack, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Puffy Glasses Sleeve
"Like the rest of North Brooklyn, I have a serious love affair with Baggu. From reusable, foldable totes to padded laptop cases, they can do no wrong in my book. My latest purchase: A cushioned case that the brand refers to as "a protective cloud for your glasses." (*swoon*) At under $20, the price was right for a chic, functional home for my spare frames, and I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the gorgeous emerald hue." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
"Finding an aesthetically pleasing shower curtain that doesn't cost an exorbitant amount or feel like a piece of printer paper is oddly cumbersome. I snagged this one from World Market (for under $30!) and I'm obsessed with how it's covered in rainbows but has muted hues so it doesn't overwhelm my itty bitty bathroom. It has a cloth-like texture and is 100% cotton which makes it flow nicely over the tub. I definitely recommend getting a liner as well for the ultimate cute shower experience." – Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
Cost Plus World Market Muted Rainbow Shower Curtain, $, available at Cost Plus World Market
Tower 28 Power Duo Lip + Cheek Set
"Tower 28 may be one of my all-time favorites in the clean-beauty game — especially where dewy complexions are concerned. Already a mega-fan of the brand's tinted balms & cream bronzers (they just do it right), I was amped up to try out its newest power duo (pictured here). My cheeks are showcasing the warm-terracotta flush of its Power Hour shade, and my lips are glossed with its rosy-brown Cashew tube. Although I'm not usually a gloss gal, Tower 28's Jelly formulas are anything but sticky — the finish is light, smooth, and surprisingly moisturizing. Both products are incredibly buildable, whether you're looking to go all out for a made-up look or just want to add a touch of dreamy color. I'm sensing this set is about to be my go-to summer sheen." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Tower 28 Power Duo Lip + Cheek Set, $, available at Tower 28
Baublebar Alidia Ring
"These rings had me feeling quite glam this month. They're the perfect amount chunky–– just small enough so it's not bothersome, but rest assured they will be seen sparkling in the light from a mile away. So far each ring has survived multiple hand washes, the occasional scrape, and a few accidental drops. They come in all kinds of colors and to be honest I would like another one." – Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
BaubleBar Mini Alidia Cubic Zirconia Ring, $, available at BaubleBar
Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels
"There's nothing like moving to make you realize how incredibly gross your previous home's towels were. Quality post-bath-and-shower threads, like Brooklinen's, are a worthy investment — especially when they look this good, are made of 100% OEKO-TEX-certified Turkish cotton, and can double as bathroom decor (instead of ratty eyesores). These things really are ridiculously plush, as their super name would suggest." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, $, available at Brooklinen
Everlane The Fatigue Barrel Pant
"I love wearing lightweight pants in the warmer months and I've been looking for a black pair, so when I saw Everlane drop these new barrel pants made of cotton and linen, I picked them right up. I was pleasantly surprised that they fit perfectly, no cuff rolling or hemming required!" – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Everlane The Fatigue Barrel Pant, $, available at Everlane
Amazon 100% Cotton-Muslin Blanket
"Marissa Rosenblum made me do it, and her phone demon made her do it; Amazon's hidden land of cotton-muslin coverlets, aka adult baby blankets, was a shopping siren song I've not lived to regret succumbing to. In fact, I've already purchased another one of these 4-layer 100% cotton-muslin beauties in a soft dove gray (the one pictured is the blue-gray colorway). I plan to throw my adult baby blankie #2 over my couch as a very soft and swaddl-y cover for when I feel like snacking or drinking red wine while lounging." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
UniDes 100% 4-Layer Cotton Muslin Blanket,Full/Queen Size, $, available at Amazon
Susan Craft Shop Linen Instax Mini Album
"In keeping with a recent obsession with my re-animated Fujifilm Instax camera, I just purchased this photo album on Etsy that's designed for the camera's credit card-sized images. It did take a minute to get here, but now that it's arrived I'm already going to need another one for the five million photos I have taken in the past few months. (I'm exaggerating, but it feels that way.) I love the high-quality fabric binding and the oblong shape of the album — plus, the photo slots are just the right size for the miniature instant pics, but are cut with enough room that I feel like I'll be able to move them around easily without messing up the pages too much." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Susan Craft Shop Fujifilm Instax Mini Album, $, available at Etsy
RAID Wide-Fit Liza Chunky Chelsea Boots
"I've been looking for affordable chunky Chelsea boots for a while that was actually comfy. Although, I can wear averaged sized shoes, sometimes I get wide-foot shoes for extra comfort because boots especially can be pretty uncomfy. These fit really nicely and were instantly comfortable. There was little to no time needed to break them in and they go with so much. The chunky sole also makes them a lot more fun than a regular pair of Chelsea boots. " – Chichi Offor, Associate Writer
Raid RAID Wide Fit Liza chunky chelsea boots in black, $, available at ASOS
Arthur Elrod: Desert Modern Design by Adele Cygelman
"To be fair, this has not arrived yet, BUT. I am quivering with excitement to receive this monograph on mid-century Palm Springs-based interior designer Arthur Elrod. I'm preparing to move soon, and I came across the iconic designer's work while deep in a Pinterest k-hole researching 1960s home decor. Orangina-hued sectional sofa, here I come!" – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Gibbs Smith Arthur Elrod: Desert Modern Design, $, available at Amazon
Project 62 Over The Mantle Mirror
"I just moved! And so many of my recent purchases (and most of my paychecks) have been going towards homey things — like this delightfully arched mirror that I snagged off Target for $60. Mirrors aren't cheap, and this one looks much more expensive than it actually is. Plus, it's well-sized and arrived the same week I carted it! (ICYWW: my dining chairs AND light fixtures are also from Target — someone please stop me.)" – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Project 62 36" x 24" Over the Mantel Mirror Natural MDF Back, $, available at Target
Amazon Laptop Stand
"This was another pain-induced purchase. I've been working from my laptop (like so many others) and I think the constant crouching and looking downward has contributed to my neck/shoulder situation. I bought these little feet that stick onto the bottom of your laptop to tilt it in more of an ergonomic way. The nice thing is they fold under when you want your laptop to lay flat again." – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Lopww Reusable 3M Adhesive Laptop Stand, $, available at Amazon
Mustela Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath
"Bathtime with my 14-month old daughter has gotten a little… contentious, as routines with toddlers often do. My husband actually had the brilliant idea to use a bubble bath to create a spa-like environment and hopefully entice her into enjoying a chill moment in the tub, and, of course, we made a beeline for the Mustela section of Target because it's our favorite brand for baby stuff — their products are phthalate- and paraben-free and hypoallergenic. This bubble bath is sublime and does not shirk in the froth department, and I have been known to use it myself. And the best part? My daughter REALLY likes bathtime now. Win-win!" – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
"Earlier this spring, skinny jeans were declared dead according to taste-making youths. While I'll admit that my denim collection includes a comprehensive range of kick-flares, boyfriend, and straight styles, I always had a soft spot for the '00s iconic style. Whether dyed black for a cigarette pant-lite effect or in dark indigo, the skinny has always been a comfort zone for petite gals such as myself. I can't remember the last time I got a new pair of skinny jeans, but leave it to Everlane to change that with its new drop. The too-low rise beloved by the hot young things of my teen years has been traded in for a Gen Z-friendly sky-high rise, and the soft denim is surprisingly comfortable. 10/10 would recommend." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Everlane The Way-High Skinny Jean, $, available at Everlane
Olive & June Besties Nail Polish
"I gotta be honest, this type of emerald green is usually not my preferred nail color, but I tried it recently at the behest of our beauty editor Karina Hoshikawa and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. This (at-home) paint job is fresh, but I know from previous forays into the world of Olive & June that it's got staying power. Plus, the LA brand's long-wearing nail varnish is "7-free" — meaning it doesn't contain any of common nail polish toxins, including toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, and xylene." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Olive & June Besties Nail Polish, $, available at Olive & June
Koi Footwear Nettie Cow Print Mary Janes
"I celebrated my 26 birthday in March and my baby sister gifted me these magical, platform mary janes from Koi Footwear! I'm absolutely obsessed with them. Cow print is an unexpected neutral. Not only do these shoes go with so many outfits, but they also come in many colors in a wide variety of sizes." – Chichi Offor, Associate Writer
Koi Footwear Nettie Cow Print Mary Janes, $, available at Koi Footwear
Tazo Skinny Latte Chai Black Tea
"Iced chai lattes used to be my go-to order at the (now permanently closed) coffee spot near the R29 offices. While there's no shortage of equally good cafes near my Brooklyn abode, I've mastered the art of chai lattes at home, and all thanks to this delicious Tazo concentrate. You can play around with the milk-to-concentrate ratio depending on how strong you like it, and if you really want to get wild, add a shot of espresso (or cold brew concentrate if you don't have an espresso machine) for an extra kick." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Tazo Skinny Latte Chai Black Tea, $, available at Target
Feals CBD Extract
Last Month's Top MVP: "Not all hemp-derived CBD products are created equal but many people still find and favor quality brands that haven't yet been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I can now count myself among them in swearing by one for helping me to sleep solidly through the night. If you haven't heard of feals, it's a membership-based CBD subscription where, prior to signing up, you can sample extract flights in order to discover which strength works best with your body. Its product is hand-harvested by farmers in Colorado and Oregon using organic farming practices and only contains full-spectrum hemp and USDA certified organic MCT oil (nothin' else). Pretty nifty. Since I've dabbled in CBD, I went with the mid-level 1200-MG — but, the under-$100 600-MG is great for beginners. The first night I tried it, I went a bit overboard and took down a full-dropper. This resulted in me waking up after 12 hours of sleep not knowing what day it was. So, the next night, I actually paid attention to the measurement markers on the dropper and took about a third of what I had before. This equaled a still-as-sound slumber session sans any groggy morning-after effects. I woke up feeling fresh and wellrested — which is a rarity for me! It's also worth noting that I usually take a third of the dropper 30 minutes before getting into bed and it hits me pretty quickly." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Last Month's Top MVP: "This one is for my fellow plain white/cream sneaker collectors. I bought these this month because I've worn my Reeboks down to the bone and needed a new go-to. They are super comfortable and give off a 90s dad walking around Disneyland vibe that unfortunately goes with everything else in my wardrobe (hence the 90s Instagram filter I used for my pic). The wondrous Nordstrom Rack price tag sold me and I will say, they are fab. I also recommend going half a size up!" – Alexandra Polk, Lifestyle Writer
New Balance Sola Sleek Classic Running Shoe, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Emily Deakin Designs Hermana Solo Ring
Last Month's Top MVP: "I bought this unisex bronze ring after adding it to a Valentine's Day round-up — it's carved completely by hand, without a mold, so no two are exactly alike. It took a while to get here because it was coming from Spain, but I put it on as soon as it arrived and have not taken it off. It stacks so perfectly with my other gold rings and blends right in thanks to the warm color. (Brass can be really yellow, but this ring is bronze and boasts a rosy under-glow.) On the subject of brass and bronze — as a longtime wearer of both of these metals I know that they can both tarnish easily and stain the skin. Not so with this ring! There is sometimes a faint dark mark on my skin when I wake up in the morning but for the most part, it has remained totally tarnish-free." – Emily Ruane, Fashion Writer
Emily Deakin Design Hermana Ring, $, available at Etsy
Marcoon Sewing Kit
Last Month's Top MVP: "I'm no seamstress but, when the button fell off of my beloved faux leather pants, I decided now's the perfect time to learn some basics. I watched this YouTube video and sewed my button back on my pants with this awesome sewing kit." – Chichi Offor, Associate Writer
Aerie Fleece-Of-Mind Cropped Polo Sweatshirt & High-Waited Short
Last Month's Top MVP: "I was getting super hot in my apartment wearing a full matching sweatsuit, so I picked up this shorts version from Aerie. The price point is great, it's super soft, and will be an A+ spring WFH lewk." – Kate Spencer, Creative & Updates Editor
Aerie Fleece-Of-Mind Cropped Polo Sweatshirt, $, available at AE
Aerie Fleece-Of-Mind High Waisted Short, $, available at AE
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
Last Month's Top MVP: "I have sensitive skin (eczema-prone, easily flushed, struggled with perioral dermatitis for five years) — so when I find a product that actually harmonizes with my complexion instead of traumatizing it, it's a good day. I'd had Farmacy's all-natural skincare on my radar but had yet to actually try any of its premium products until Honey Grail. And, it's just as divine as its clever name suggests. It's pretty spot-on described as a "fast-absorbing, antioxidant-rich face oil for ultimate hydration and glow!" The little bottle features a serum-like dropper that dispenses a luxe oil that feels and smells like a lightweight version of honey — likely due to the fact that it's made with real honey, along with sea buckthorn and a five-flower oil blend (including omegas, vitamins, and amino acids). Since I've been using it in the mornings after splashing my face with cool water, I've noticed improvements; my complexion feels plumper, smoother, brighter, and, most importantly, soothed! A little goes a long way and I've got plans to lean on this product as a sensitive-winter-skin holy grail (or, should I say honey grail?)." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
"Even if you don't subscribe to the ~let's blaze~ lifestyle, Laundry Day's glass Tanjun Pipe can serve just as well as delightful desk decor or a groovy gift for a groovy friend. (I've seen Instagram evidence of it being used as a bud vase.) The female-founded brand behind this staircase-shaped fellow offers a whole happy collection of design-forward smokeware and unique home accessories; imagine everything from golden shell-shaped herb grinders to candy-colored ashtrays and puffy cloud candles. Laundry Day's on an aesthetically-pleasing mission to reframe the visual narrative around cannabis use — and I'm digging it." – Elizabeth Buxton, Editor
Laundry Day Tanjun Pipe, $, available at Laundry Day
Basic Concepts Tongue Scraper
Last Month's Top MVP: "Some people do not subscribe to this lifestyle, but I am a big fan of tongue scrapers. This pack of two is a total MVP because the stainless steel makes it easy to clean, the shape is perfect, and it honestly just gets the job done. Also, sustainability! I'd much rather clean a tongue scraper and reuse it rather than throwing away plastic ones every night and day. Twas' a good ten dollar investment." – Alexandra Polk, Deals Writer
BASIC CONCEPTS Tongue Scraper (2 Pack), $, available at Amazon
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer
Last Month's Top MVP: "My wardrobe almost exclusively consists of shades of white, grey, and black, so I try to incorporate color in my accessories and makeup. It's widely known among friends, family, and the R29 Shopping Team that forest green is my signature color, so when I stumbled upon these croc-leather loafers, it was as if time stood still. I'd been in the market for cute, versatile loafers I could wear with everything (but would also upgrade any 'fit), and these Sam Edelman ones were deliciously marked down during Nordstrom's post-holiday sale. I have very smol feet and am usually in between a 5 and 5.5, but according to reviews, the style tends to run ever so slightly large. I got the 5's and they fit like a dream — no breaking in period required." – Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Writer
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer, $, available at Nordstrom
Quince Mongolian Shrunken Cashmere Sweatshirt
Last Month's Top MVP: "As someone who prefers to spend under-$100 on sweaters, I do not own a lot of cashmere. If you can believe it, which I couldn't, this beautiful 100% Mongolian cashmere sweater only costs $59. The brand, Quince, pulls off such sorcery through its MTC-business model of cutting out the middlemen and directly managing all of its wares' production elements (from creation to packaging and transportation). This fabric is indeed SUPER soft and does not disappoint in feeling very luxe. I also love how the shrunken fit (I'm wearing a size small here) adds a bit of a sporty-90s vibe to an otherwise preppy wardrobe staple. I was worried that it might pill very quickly/easily over time — but, at this point, I've worn it a LOT (in bed, on the couch, in a car, while eating very crumby snacks) and can confirm that it miraculously has done no such thing. It comes in other colorways and, IMO, would make for major crowd-pleasing gift material." – Elizabeth Buxton, Market Editor
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Energy Trust has selected Tracy Scott to be its next director of energy program when outgoing director Peter West retires this spring.
Scott is currently program director for TRC at its Washington D.C. area office and previously managed utility programs in the Pacific Northwest and mid-Atlantic regions. From 2010 through 2016, she worked in Portland and led the Lockheed Martin Distributed Energy team implementing Energy Trust's Multifamily program. (Lockheed was acquired by TRC in 2019.)
Prior to that, Scott helped establish and manage a residential demand side management program for investor-owned utility Ameren Missouri. She got her start in the industry leading and managing proposal development for Energy Systems Group, a subsidiary of Center Point Energy, pursuing utility program contracts in the Midwest and South.
Early in her career, Scott worked with diverse communities as an organizer, job trainer and policy advocate. This involved collaboration with community-based organizations and honed her outreach and stakeholder engagement skills.
Scott brings an understanding of the regulatory environment and utilities and experience diversifying teams and engaging communities, all of which will help Energy Trust as it works to reach underserved customers.
“I'm excited to help Energy Trust further its critical work of connecting Oregonians with clean energy solutions, particularly underserved customers who benefit most from the cost savings, air quality, jobs, comfort and other related benefits that energy efficiency and renewable energy can bring," Scott said.
Energy Trust launched a national search in January following West's retirement announcement. It sought candidates with strong program leadership skills and an understanding of diverse customer perspectives based on work and lived experiences.
The hiring process included interviews with Energy Trust staff, board members, Diversity Advisory Council members and stakeholder representatives from the Oregon Public Utility Commission and Oregon Department of Energy.
Do you often find it difficult to come up with unique ideas for your marketing clients? It could be because you have worked with this particular client for a number of years, so your well of ideas is drying up. Or maybe a newer client is part of an older industry that has seen it all before when it comes to ads. As a result, you could be tempted to not give your all to coming up with creative work ideas for a few of your clients. But that would be a huge mistake.
Why Creative Work is Always Worth the Effort
First of all, in the marketing and advertising industry, you can get rewarded for your creative work. When you win awards for the ads you create for your clients a few things happen. The result that most directly affects you is that you can post proof of that award on your company's website. Showcasing your creative awards online can help you win future clients and, therefore, more revenue. Another benefit, according to a recent study by WARC, is that creative ideas are also correlated with ad effectiveness.
According to WARC, 18% of creatively awarded ideas also receive awards for their effectiveness. Not only that, "If the idea is highly awarded for creativity, it is more likely to be effective," says WARC. "39% of highly awarded creative ideas are also awarded for effectiveness." You need your creative work to be effective in order to create and retain your existing clients. The more creative your ideas are, the more likely you will create more loyal clients who will work with you for years to come.
The Characteristics of the Top Creative Ad Campaigns
The best creative work out contains a few key characteristics.
54% of the best creative works utilize emotion in their campaign strategy. If you can establish an emotional connection with your client's target customers, you have struck gold. Think of it this way, you are more likely to spend more money on a gift for or buy something from a close friend or family member than you are for/from a stranger, right? Why is that? Because you have an emotional connection to them. It's the same with brands and companies. If you can strike an emotional chord with the target audience, they will be more likely to be motivated to make a purchase from your client.
Building brand equity (or a positive perception of the brand) is also a goal of 63% of creative work creators. Emotional campaigns can aid the establishment of brand equity. You can also build brand equity by incorporating your client's values into their ads. Are their products made from sustainably-sourced materials? Highlight that in their next campaign!
Media Types that Need a Creative Boost
WARC says that, "Highly creative and effective ideas are more than twice as likely to lead with TV as any other channel." This makes sense since, according to the TV Ad Responders AudienceSCAN profile on AdMall by SalesFuel, 46.8% of viewers believe that TV is the medium with the most creative advertising. If the ads aren't creative, they'll stick out in a negative way.
But don't go thinking that other types of ad media couldn't benefit from creative work. According to AudienceSCAN, these types of ad responders believe that advertising isn't as creative as it used to be:
Sponsored Search Result Responders: 23.5%
Social Network Ad Responders: 23.5%
Internet Banner Ad Responders: 23.1%
Radio Ad Responders: 22.9%
Pre-Roll Video Ad Responders: 22.9%
Outdoor / Sign / Billboard Ad Responders: 22.6%
Direct Mail Ad Responders: 22.5%
Email Ad Responders: 22.4%
Mobile Smartphone App or Text Ad Responders: 22.4%
Magazine Ad Responders: 22.2%
Newspaper Ad Responders: 21.3%
I could go on, but I think I've made my point. Consumers want to see/hear more creative ads. Make sure your client's ads are ones consumers won't be disappointed in.
The pandemic caused employees who had been thinking of a career change to postpone their plans. You may need to refresh your hiring process because 26% of employees plan to change jobs by the end of the year. The American Workers Survey: Is This Working report from Prudential also reveals why employees are leaving and what you can do to encourage them to stay. Despite your best retention efforts, employees will leave and you will need to hire the best reps for your organization.
Why 26% of Employees Plan to Change Jobs
Now that the economic recovery is underway, 34% of millennials are seeking greener pastures. The latest Labor Department reports show 2.3% of employees leave their jobs in a typical month. Is there any way to stop some of this turnover? Researchers believe that employees have grown accustomed to pandemic-induced changes in their work environment, and they want them to continue.
It's not surprising that employees can be convinced to stay with their current job if they get flexible work schedule (31%), mobile opportunities (25%) and remote-work options (22%). Employees are starting to get the word about what their work situation will look like going forward. They don't all expect to work from home every day. However, they would like the option to work in remote locations at least some of the time. And they also want some assurances that they can move into different roles over time. As new technology becomes available, your team members don't want their skills to grow stale.
You may be able to head off the possible departure of key employees by addressing their concerns about returning to the workplace. Show flexibility in terms of where and when they work, if possible. And take concrete steps to train them on technology and coach them to develop their sales skills.
How to Reduce Hiring Risk
Despite your best efforts, employees will leave your organization and you'll need to hire replacements. While you may be in a hurry to hire a sales rep to keep your business momentum going, don't make a mistake that will cost you in the long run. One factor to consider during hiring is how well a candidate's skill level and personal characteristics match with the job you're trying to fill. The results of a good sales skills assessment can reveal these details. Often, a candidate doesn't possess enough self-awareness to realize that they would make a better customer service agent than a new business development wizard. As you review the assessment results of candidates to replace your outgoing business development manager, remember that you're looking for a person who understands how to identify the right targets and how to communicate with them.
Coachability
If you can't find a candidate who possesses everything you're looking for, the most important compromise factor may be coachability. An individual with high coachability scores on a sales skills assessment is worth a second look. You want your new employee to come into the organization with the right mindset. That means you should hire a person who's willing to change their ways and learn how to sell your product to your type of customers. The coachability factor increases the likelihood that your new rep will listen to your suggestions and give them a try.
Being highly coachable also ensures that a new hire will contribute to the organization in various roles over time. You may hire an individual as a customer service rep. Eventually, you may be able to train that rep to become a sales engineer, a step which requires significant investment from the organization and themselves. However, when employees see that kind of career mobility taking place, they'll be more willing to stay with you instead of leaving for the competition.
Sales productivity can always be improved upon; when was the last time you examined your processes? It's a good idea to take time to do a productivity check-up and adjust any areas that could use improvement. With shifts in sales methods, buyer habits and company expectations, likely at least one aspect could use a change.
The team at Soleadify discusses the topic of sales productivity in-depth in a recent article. They go over the importance of productivity in sales, as well as what can happen when reps don't keep tabs on it.
They also share 12 tips that will help reps look at their productivity with a critical eye and guide them through making updates. Included below is a discussion of a couple of their suggestions.
Identify and qualify
Task-batch
Sales productivity defined
First, it's important for reps to understand what productivity actually means. Solidify offers this definition, as well as a formula for uncovering it:
"Individual sales productivity is the measure of the revenue generated by a sales rep per the number of hours they work."
Their suggested formula is: Sales Productivity = Individual Rep Revenue for a Period ÷ Number of Hours Worked in that Period
As, the article points out, "Digging down into why your sales productivity is increasing or decreasing over time will help you move steadily towards peak efficiency, which should be your goal as a sales professional."
Narrow your focus
One tactic that Soleadify recommends is identifying your ideal customer. Then, qualify each and every lead that comes your way. Even if you've done this in the past, it's vital to update your ideal prospect over time as situations change.
You likely won't reach peak sales productivity if you're wasting time on prospects who won't ever be a good fit. Take time to look at your current list of "best" customers. What do they have in common? What products or services are they using? How do they use what you're selling? Make a list of these shared attributes to get a clearer picture of an ideal customer. Now, use this picture when you are qualifying leads. If they align, likely they are an ideal prospect worth spending time pursuing. "It is more efficient to get the bad leads to say 'not a fit' earlier in the sales process, rather than later when you have already spent hours on the phone and in email correspondence with them," the article points out.
Task-batching
Time management has a major impact on sales productivity. How well a rep has a handle on their to-do list impacts efficiency and productivity. One suggestion from Soleadify is to task-batch. This involves grouping all similar tasks together into specific time slots. This method of time management not only organizes your responsibilities, but also cuts down on the potential for distractions. "Adherents state that different types of tasks require different types of thinking, and you want to avoid switching between different thinking modules in your mind," the article explains.
"The transitions back and forth will slow you down and also disallow you from entering your flow: a state of mind where work feels effortless and you are performing at a high level."
For example, set aside a specific time for making all of your discovery calls, conducting research, updating your CRM, etc. This way, you can keep yourself on task and focused on this one type of activity rather than jumping back and forth between calls, email, meetings, or other tasks. Task-batching keeps your attention focused on just one type resulting in a more focused mind. This, in turn, drives sales productivity. "You will operate at a higher level, simply because your brain is intensely locked into the correct habits of mind…" Solidify points out.
Check out the other 10 tasks to ensure that your sales productivity is at its most efficient. Make it a habit to do a check-in every so often to ensure that your efforts and processes are working for you, not against you.
It's such a lonely journey being the mom of a teen who struggles with depression. I'm in a pandemic texting group of 3 other moms, but the talk is mostly about dual enrollment, AP classes, field hockey recruitment, and soccer. My son has a spectacular IQ and recruitable athletic talents, but with mental illness now…
I don’t know who will walk through the door when my teenager gets home tonight. I mean, I know it will be my teenager, back from another day of some combination of school, work, extracurriculars, and time with friends. I never know what version of my daughter will walk in the door But I don’t…
We are currently in the learner's permit stage of our third and final child. If you are a spiritual person, feel free to send whatever mojo you can our way because, honestly, we are in the weeds here. Much like toddlers, teen drivers are challenging, illogical and require a tremendous amount of patience. We have…
Want to watch a volcano in Iceland erupt? Now you can, and with full sound, thanks to Jakob Vegerfors. He edited together a video of Iceland's Gelingardalsgos erupting and spliced it together with sound for an effect that is as beautiful as it is immediate. You can check it out over on YouTube at this […]
Angel Biscuits are a heavenly addition to any dinner table! These light and fluffy southern biscuits are quick and easy to throw together and they freeze great if you want to make them ahead!
If you have never tried or even heard of angel biscuits, you are in for a treat! They are almost a cross between classic biscuits and a dinner roll, thanks to the addition of yeast, which helps both with flavor and lifting the biscuits to new heights!
We love serving these as a side with soups, salads, or all kinds of dinner ideas. They are amazing split open and buttered with a drizzle of honey. Or use them to make the best sandwiches for breakfast or lunches. They are absolutely delicious with leftover ham!
And unlike other yeast breads, these don’t need a long proofing time before you can bake them, so they are perfect if you forgot to plan ahead.
What you Need to Make Easy Biscuits
You can literally have hot, fresh bread with any dinner with these angel biscuits since it only requires staple ingredients. Even the buttermilk has a quick and easy substitute that works well if you don’t happen to keep buttermilk on hand. Although since buttermilk freezes well, it’s always a good idea to keep some in the freezer, if you have space!
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour makes up the bulk of these biscuits. You will need extra to pat out and cut the biscuits so they don’t stick to the counter, the biscuit cutter, or your hands.
Butter & shortening: I know people have strong feelings about using shortening, but the combination of butter AND shortening gives the best texture to these biscuits. It’s the same approach I use in my favorite homemade pie crust!
Yeast, baking powder & baking soda: This trio of leavening agents work together to give lift and flavor to the biscuits. While most biscuits are made with just baking powder or baking soda, the addition of yeast makes these biscuits almost like dinner rolls.
Buttermilk: There is nothing like buttermilk for moist, flavorful biscuits! If you don’t have any on hand, I have a post on How to Make Buttermilk that can help!
Sugar: The slight sweetness balances out the butter and salt of the biscuits without making them overly sweet. So they are still perfect with honey drizzled over the top.
Salt: Adding salt to baked goods keeps them from being boring or bland!
Best Angel Biscuits Ingredients
These heavenly biscuits take hardly any work to throw them together. You can actually make your biscuit dough a couple of hours or even a few days in advance and just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. The additional time just allows the flavor to develop from the yeast!
Prep work: Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. The higher cook temperature helps the biscuits rise quickly, along with the leavening agents, for the lightest, fluffiest biscuits. If you are using a cast iron skillet, go ahead and butter the bottom and sides of the pan. Or you can also make these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Proof the yeast: I tested these biscuits using active dry yeast, which requires proofing for five minutes in a little warm water to wake it up. You can use the same amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step, if you prefer.
Cut in the fat: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Then use a pastry cutter to cut the cold butter and shortening in until it resembles coarse crumbs or small peas. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can do this step with two knives or even just using your hands.
Add the buttermilk and yeast: To keep your biscuits light and airy, use a fork to gently mix the flour mixture together with the yeast and buttermilk, stirring just until everything is moistened and coming together.
Cut out biscuits: Turn the dough out onto generously floured surface. It’s a nice, soft biscuit dough and you may need to sprinkle additional flour on top of it and rub some on your hands to keep the dough from sticking. I like to just pat it out into a 1-inch thickness rather than using a rolling pin. Use a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits and arrange them close together in your prepared skillet or baking sheet. It’s okay for them to touch!
Bake until golden: It doesn’t take long, only about 15 minutes, for these angel biscuits to puff up and get nice and beautifully browned on top. As soon as I pull them out of the oven I like to brush the tops of the biscuits with a little additional melted butter for extra flavor and a lovely sheen, but it’s an optional step that you can skip. The biscuits are plenty buttery as is.
How do you Make Fluffy Biscuits?
There are a couple of key things to know to get the fluffiest biscuits. The first is to use cold butter and shortening. Keeping the butter cold means that it will melt and steam while baking. This will help the biscuits to be light and fluffy every time!
Another key tip is to not overwork your biscuit dough, either when mixing it or when you are patting and cutting it out. I prefer to pat out the dough with my hands rather than rolling it. It is easier to overwork the dough with a rolling pin.
Tips and Tricks
Make-ahead and freezing: You can make your biscuit dough up to 1 week in advance. Then store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Or bake and freeze the biscuits for up to 2 months. Just thaw them and pop them in a 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes until they are nice and warm and they will be almost just as good as fresh!
Brush the tops with melted butter: This step is optional, but the buttery finish on the tops of the biscuits is so good! You could even melt equal parts honey and butter together for a sweeter finish on top of the biscuits.
Using cast iron: A cast iron pan is fantastic, but not essential to making angel biscuits. But whatever pan you use, I recommend arranging the biscuits close together before baking. This way they support each other and rise upwards instead of spreading out. Plus, then they have soft, almost pull-apart sides that are one of our favorite parts about them. A couple pie plates, a baking dish, or a baking sheet will work as well though.
Making a half batch: This recipe makes a large batch of biscuits! But they are so irresistible and last so well in the freezer that we always go through them and wish we had more. You can make a half-batch if you only want a dozen biscuits though.
More Delicious Biscuit Recipes
Are biscuits the best part of the bread world? I think it’s a pretty good chance that they are! They are easy to make, unpretentious, and super comforting. They are also just as good on the dinner table as they are being served at breakfast! Be sure to check out some of these other delicious biscuit recipes that we enjoy at our house!
Angel Biscuits are a heavenly addition to any dinner table! These light and fluffy southern biscuits are quick and easy to throw together and they freeze great if you want to make them ahead!
Combine the warm water (between 100 and 110 degrees F) and yeast with 1 teaspoon of the sugar in a bowl and set aside to proof for 5 minutes until foamy.
While the yeast is proofing, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and shortening. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers to cut the butter and shortening into the flour.
Add the proofed yeast and buttermilk and stir with a fork or spatula to combine just until the dough starts coming together. Do not overmix. The dough can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week at this point.
Turn the biscuit dough out onto a floured surface and sprinkle the top with more flour. Dust your hands with some flour to keep them from sticking, then pat the dough out into a large rectangle about 1-inch thick.
Cut out biscuits using a sharp 2 to 2 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter and pressing straight up and down without twisting. You may need to dip your cutter into flour before cutting the biscuits to prevent them from sticking. Cut carefully to get as many biscuits as you can out of the first cutting. Scraps can be squished together, patted out, and cut out, but they won't be quite as light and tender as the first ones.
Arrange the biscuits in the prepared skillet or on a baking sheet with the sides touching. This will help them rise even more and give nice soft sides. If you have additional biscuits that don't fit in your skillet, you can always refrigerate and bake them later or bake them separately on a baking sheet.
Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from the oven and brush with an additional 3-4 tablespoons of melted butter, if desired.
Unless you were incredibly wise and prescient, there is no way to be the teacher so many begin their career striving to be.You will simply never be able to fulfill everything that each learner needs, no matter how hard you work, how much you read, and how persistently you collaborate.
That’s not meant to be discouraging, but empowering. Start with what’s important, what is in your reach, and what you can do, and begin your Sisyphean push from there. Below are five simple ideas that can transform your teaching. The post is intentionally brief, meant only to get you thinking and perhaps start a conversation in your PLN.
1. Don't grade everything.
This will not only save your sanity but protects the students from always fearing failure. The goal of assessment is not a grade, but a snapshot of understanding based on a given assessment format. That's all.
Grading everything also sets a tone of compliance and measurement, and encourages extrinsic motivation.
2. Prioritize. Then prioritize again.
Embrace that not all ideas—or standards—are equally important. And even if they were, students aren’t going to master every single standard, skill, competency, or topic you hope they will. Be clear about the big ideas in your curriculum, and make sure they show up over and over again via iteration.
3. Realize that the school year is a marathon, not a series of sprints.
You have longer than you think to help students learn. Don't rush—prioritize and move intentionally forward.
Consider instruction anchored by themes and projects rather than genres or standards, no matter how often you're advised to be ‘standards-driven.’ You can be standards-driven and still aggregate content by something more compelling—and something more conducive to long-term retention.
4. Spiral everything.
Difficult things take practice. See #3. Constantly spiral the most important, most transferable big ideas in your content. If you're filling a jar with various size rocks, fit the big rocks in first.
5. Master adjusting your teaching in real-time.
No matter how great your lesson looks on paper, learning cannot happen without engagement. Monitor constantly, and adjust in real-time to respond to how engaged your students are or are not. Also, realize that there is also metacognitive engagement, and this is important because learning is procedural and messy. Curiosity, uncertainty, and confusion are crucial ingredients in learning. You may know this, but make sure your students do as well.
Most teachers can–and often do–adjust their teaching on-the-fly. The key is to master this process, knowing when to adjust what, how to adjust it, and how to know if the adjustments have been effective, etc.
Over the course of three years working together, Ohio teacher Heather Nesler and her co-teacher perfected a smoothly choreographed approach to co-teaching inclusive eighth-grade math classes. Their strategy—which included using Pear Deck's platform—was supportive and engaging. Even the quietest students participated. Then the pandemic hit.
Over the course of three years working together, Ohio teacher Heather Nesler and her co-teacher perfected a smoothly choreographed approach . . . then the pandemic hit.
Jackson Middle School moved to remote learning, and suddenly the steps to co-teaching weren't the same. In her 19 years as a teacher, Nesler had never experienced anything like this.
Working in a separate room, Nesler's co-teacher couldn't see students' responses to assessments and questions on Pear Deck's teacher dashboard. And with most students opting to leave their cameras and microphones turned off, the co-teacher couldn't rely on visual cues to check student engagement and understanding.
Fortunately, Pear Deck recognized the problems remote learning created for co-teachers and developed the Shared Teacher Dashboard—putting the team back in sync.
EdSurge connected with Nesler to ask how Pear Deck supports co-teaching inclusive classes in blended and remote learning environments. We also asked how she uses the platform to engage all students in lessons—particularly the shy, quiet ones (or, as Nesler laughingly explains, "most eighth-graders").
EdSurge: How did the new Shared Teacher Dashboard change remote and blended learning for you and your co-teacher?
Nesler: The email from Pear Deck announcing the dashboard arrived at 8 a.m. By 10:20 a.m. that day, we were already using it. It was so easy and intuitive. I just emailed her the link and said, "Look what you get to do today!" She was able to join right in. It was great.
Heather Nesler
Now, she has access to the Teacher Dashboard. She can see answers and add feedback. That's a fantastic feature. You can type a note to students and let them know, "Hey, good job." Or, "You're close. You just lost a negative sign." And now, not only can I give that feedback, so can she. That's powerful because now there are two of us interacting with students, not just one.
She can offer so much more student support. During a Pear Deck lesson, she will add clarification to directions if she notices students are struggling to start. Or she'll discuss common misconceptions that she can see students have through their answers. And when she looks at a student's response to a question and notices they're struggling, she can work with them one-on-one through the platform or a separate Google Meet.
Encouraging engagement with this age group can be challenging. How does Pear Deck help you and your co-teacher get students involved?
We are in a blended learning setting right now. Half our students come to school Monday and Tuesday, while the other half is learning at home. Then we switch for Thursday and Friday.
On Wednesdays, everyone is learning at home, and we spend the day talking to icons. When eighth-graders use Google Meet, they don't like to show their camera at all—or even turn on their microphones!
Without Pear Deck, we really wouldn't have a way of knowing if they were even there. But with the Teacher Dashboard, it's fantastic; we see everybody's answers. We can see that we do have students engaging and participating.
Fortunately, Pear Deck recognized the problems remote learning created for co-teachers . . .
But we don't just use it on Wednesdays. We use it every day. We find that having a smaller group of students and everybody wearing masks, the students are super quiet and don't want to talk. Even before all of this happened, I liked that Pear Deck held every student accountable. You can't hide because I can see if you're not doing something. It's helpful just to say, "Hey, I noticed not everybody is answering." Then you see the reluctant ones moving.
You always have students who want to answer right away, and so those quiet ones don't get a chance to think about it or don't feel comfortable sharing their answers. With Pear Deck, they all get the opportunity to share their responses.
Can you share an example or two of what that engagement looks like in your classes?
Yesterday, I put a question in my Pear Deck focused on comparing rational and irrational numbers, but the students didn't know those terms yet. We were just saying, "What do you notice about this list versus this list?" And it was just amazing to me. Just about everybody was writing and typing, and they had good thoughts. But if I said, "Hey, raise your hand and show me," I'd have the same three kids that would raise their hand. But with the Pear Deck question, everybody was engaged and typing.
I like that we can highlight those students who aren't always the shining stars. So, during our daily Pear Deck to review the topics from the previous day, we'll have questions in there for the students to try. When I notice a student give a great answer, I can star their response and show it later. It sounds small, but when I highlight a student's response, I can see that little look of pride on their face when they recognize, "That's my answer."
The rest of the class doesn't see the student's name; it only appears on the Teacher Dashboard. That is a remarkable thing about Pear Deck—they understand that some students don't want attention. But they also get that as you gently prod, students will participate more because they're being held accountable.
There's a phrase that's used a lot when talking about the American Dream, a phrase that captures this idea that anyone can rise up and make their own fortune: "Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." And it turns out, the idiom has a precise—and surprising—origin story.
It starts back in 1834, with an inventor from Nashville, Tennessee, named Nimrod Murphree.
For this episode of the EdSurge Podcast, we look back at the strange start to this phrase, and what it's evolution says about educational equity. To do that, we get some help from Ben Zimmer, the language columnist for the Wall Street Journal; Alissa Quart, a popular author; and Michael Anthony Carnacchi, a bootmaker in Sebastopol, California.
Could the phrase be on its way out, as the pandemic and other factors change how we think about our place in the world?
This is the first episode of a six-episode podcast series—called Bootstraps—that EdSurge is co-producing with Open Campus, a journalism nonprofit. It's called Bootstraps, and you can look for new episodes each month.
A navy blazer is a wardrobe staple for most of us guys, and you can kind one in most shades and fabrics. But a cotton blazer, specifically a khaki cotton one, is a great choice when spring rolls around.
So, as we're transitioning in the warmer months of year, here are three simple ways to style it.
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This is a great look when you want something simple, but still put-together. And, a good reminder you don't need to overthink things.
A khaki cotton blazer, white shirt, and navy cotton pants are a classic spring combination. This one is elevated by the pick stitching and the tortoise shell buttons for extra contrast. I also always recommend patch pockets on jacket separates. They balance it out a little and keep the more relaxed, casual vibe going.
On the wrist is the stunning Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle, and we've anchored the look with suede tassel loafers.
2. The Sporty One
Spring is a great time to pair blazers and jeans, if you're into that sort of thing. A khaki cotton blazer works really well with denim- both fabrics have a casual feel to them and play well off each other.
Keeping the look light and sporty, I paired some of my favorite light wash jeans (the 484 fit from J.Crew) with a lightweight cashmere crew neck sweater. While this does add another fabric to the equation, I find it elevates the look while keeping it simple- almost like an athletic sweatshirt.
If you Google 'khaki cotton blazer outfits for men', a good amount of the first images results are from a post we did way back in 2013. This outfit is kind of a contemporary homage to that. I suppose it speaks to just how simple, versatile pieces can have such longevity- especially when you're building a wardrobe with them.
This is a little more dressed-up way to pair a khaki blazer and jeans. We've got darker denim and a button-up shirt. And, I swapped the sneakers for a pair of leather derbies- that great balance in a more 'casual' dress shoe. The classic Clubmaster frames are a pair you can dress up or down and straddle that line really well.
(Editor's note: This being the traditional deadline week for filing federal income taxes — yes, we realize that deadline has been extended this year because of the pandemic — nonetheless we're focusing the Pick of the Day selections to vehicles being advertised for sale for four figures. The thought is that you might be getting enough of a refund to buy one of these cars, or after paying Uncle Sam, you might have enough left over to consider one of our suggestions.)
It was another era in the history of the automobile. In the late 1960s, cars were cars, not faux station wagons called crossovers, and cars were large, so large they were like big boats cruising down the highways.
Such a car is our Pick of the Day, a 1968 Cadillac Coupe De Ville being advertised on ClassicCars.com by its private owner located in Washington Township, just north of the Detroit metropolitan area.
"Original Coupe De Ville," the seller reports, "great daily driver, always garage kept last 20+ years, 472 motor and trans runs like a top, mechanically sound, all electrical works (lights, wipers, blower motor, etc).
"Tan leather seats and brown interior is in great shape, no cracks rips or tears.
"Exterior chrome and trim in excellent shape — needs new paint and some minor body work on the rockers and top under vinyl has some rust bubbling under the top. It's a solid all original car with 72,500 original miles and a great cruiser."
The seller reports that the master cylinder, brake pads, muffler, spark plugs and points and tires have been replaced, but the air conditioning "needs to be hooked up (and) may need new compressor."
Still, for the asking price of $9,500 you get a blast from the past with power brakes, steering, windows and seats.
Cadillacs got a styling update for the 1967 model year that made them look even longer, and with a redone coupe roofline that provided more privacy for those sitting in the back seat. There also was a new grille and tail treatment, and some mechanical updates as well.
The De Ville rode on a wheelbase that stretched to 129.5 inches and the car was 224 inches long overall. Interesting to note that the current Cadillac Escalade has a wheelbase that's only 120.9 inches in length and the SUV is only 211 inches long.
Back in the day, Cadillac's 472cid V8 was rated at 375 horsepower and was fed by a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor.
Today's AutoHunter Spotlight is on a 1950 Chevy 3100 4×4 custom-built on a 1978 Chevy Blazer frame and equipped with a custom lifted suspension, crossover steering, 35-inch tires and a reupholstered interior.
Watch the video below for an in-depth tour of this Chevy 3100:
The cab and stepside bed have been repainted in silver metallic and the truck features custom-fabricated bumpers, a winch, tinted glass and mud flaps.
Inside sits a professionally refurbished two-tone red and gray cloth bench seat with matching door panels and headliner. The metal dash holds a wood-rim 3-spoke steering wheel, modern AM/FM/CD head unit, and the odometer that shows 6,000 miles, although the seller reports the previous odometer read 19,000 before it was removed.
Powering the truck is a 350cid V8 replacement unit with a chrome air cleaner and paired to a 4-speed 700R4 turbo automatic transmission and 2-speed transfer case.
This Dodge's auction ends April 16 at 12:00 p.m. PDT.
Visit this vehicle's AutoHunter listing for further information and gallery of photos.
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away April 9 at the late age of 99. He will be laid to rest April 17 at Frogmore Gardens of Windsor Castle after a ceremonial funeral procession in a custom Land Rover Defender 130 Gun Bus.
The Defender, commissioned in 2006, was custom-built by Foley Specialist Vehicles with Prince Philip’s guidance.
"His Royal Highness's coffin will be carried in a purpose-built Land Rover – which The Duke was involved in the design of – flanked by military Pall Bearers, in a small Ceremonial Procession from the State Entrance to St George's Chapel, for the Funeral Service," confirmed the Royal Palace.
Delivered to Queen's private estate in 2016, the upgraded Gun Bus is built on an extra-long, 130-inch wheelbase and features a new rear passenger cabin large enough to fit a casket, LED lighting, green leather interior and French Oak trim.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen & Royal Family.
The Duke devoted his life to public service & made a significant contribution to UK manufacturing, engineering & design. pic.twitter.com/VQRVUgcZS5
"We have just delivered a totally rebuilt 130 Defender Gun Bus to the Duke of Edinburgh for use on one of the Estates," Foley posted on Facebook in 2016. "Built to his specifications in the traditional Deep Bronze Green to an 'As New' standard. Built onto a galvanized chassis and hand-built rear body."
It's no surprise that Prince Philip chose this Land Rover Defender to carry him in his procession as the royal family has a long-standing history with Land Rover, so much so that in 1948, George VI, the Queen's father, was gifted the 100th Land Rover.
We also saw the Queen and Prince Philip standing in a custom convertible Range Rover waving to the crowd of onlookers for the Queen's 90th birthday.
Jaguar Land Rover posted its condolences and paid tribute to the Prince on Twitter:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen & Royal Family. The Duke devoted his life to public service and made a significant contribution to UK manufacturing, engineering and design."
"Chevy Thunder class set to shake the earth and rattle windows," reports the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance as it announces cars to be included in the category on May 23.
Among those cars are a 1982 Gurney Eagle Indy car, a 1977 Corvette endurance racer and a 1958 Scarab sports racer, all powered by Chevrolet engines.
"The design and execution of Chevy's V8 engines, especially the 'small block,' is elegant without being exotic or exclusive," Bill Warner, concours founder, is quoted in the news release.
"Simplicity, lightness, flexibility, compactness and economy are its core strengths," he said. "It's served long and well. And of course, there's that unmistakable sound. Anyone who's ever attended a drag race, a NASCAR race, a Trans-Am or a Can-Am has heard, and sometimes felt, Chevy Thunder. It's the clear and unmistakable voice of American motorsports."
The Amelia news release notes that Chevy engines have powered 11 Indy 500 winners, 24 Daytona 500 winners, have won NHRA races and at Le Mans, in Can-Am and Trans Am, in F5000 and off-road.
"The Chevy V8's impact on American culture extends well beyond automotive realms," the concours notes, "even entering popular music: in 1962 the Beach Boys composed a song commemorating the power and the social impact of Chevy's big block Turbo-Thrust V8 entitled, appropriately, 409. Specifically, songwriter Gary Usher's "… 4-speed, dual-quad, positraction four-oh-nine!"
And while on the subject of Chevrolet power, the concours announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join the panel for the Chevy Thunder seminar scheduled for May 21. Also on the panel, moderated by former NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham, will be long-time Chevy racing head Herb Fishel, drivers George Follmer, David Hobbs and Brian Redman, and Eric Warren, head of GM Racing.
Concorso Italiano celebrates Lambda centennial
Lancia Lambda
As the story goes, Vincenzo Lancia was inspired by the strength of a boat's hull as it cut through ocean swells and so he designed a motorcar with similar architecture and built a patented unibody car, the Lancia Lambda, in 1921.
After testing the 4-seat touring car on mountain roads near Turin, Italy, Lancia unveiled the car in production form in 1922 at the Parks and London motor shows.
Concorso Italiano, the annual celebration of Italian cars, culture and cuisine staged during Monterey Car Week, will celebrate the Lambda's centennial on August 14 at the Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside, California.
Also scheduled for special recognition at the event is the Maserati Bora, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Carmel Mission Classic canceled for 2021
While many Monterey Car Week events are scheduled to resume in August, organizers of the Carmel Mission Classic, a delightful mid-week show at the historic Spanish-era mission, have posted on their website that the show won't be back until 2022.
The reason, says event chairman Frank DiPaola, is "the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, and concern for the safety of all our participants."
Also postponed for another year is the return of Automobilia Monterey, the automotive art, books, models and collectibles sales event held in Seaside.
Another kind of car show
There are car shows where various vehicles are displayed in parking lots or on golf course fairways, but there also are "car shows" we can watch on television or on streaming services.
— Among the latter, A+E Networks has announced a partnership with Land Rover North America to present All You Need Know: Overlanding, a 60-minute documentary on the growing trend of outdoor travel and exploration. The program debuts April 18 at 10 p.m. (Eastern) with an encore April 24 at 9 p.m. on The History Channel.
— The Torque Show, hosted by former professional racing drivers Tom Kendall and Justin Bell, continues its live on Facebook trackside talk show from IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events in 2021.
"Our show takes you behind the scenes at the racetrack and gives you access to drivers and places in the paddock that are beyond your usual pit pass," Bell noted in the show's announcement. "We are the place where everyone gathers to hear their heroes share stories of the big wins, wild on-track moments, heartbreak, and some stories that are just not fit for network television."
— Hagerty has announced the lineup of show for its YouTube channel featuring Redline Rebuild on Mondays, "New" Modified on Tuesdays, Hagerty DIY on Wednesdays, Jason Cammisa on the Icons and Revelations on Thursdays, Barn Find Hunter on Fridays and Buyers Guide on Sundays.
Spring Carlisle includes charity auctions
2015 Roush Warrior Ford Mustang
In addition to a huge automotive flea market and car corral, the annual Spring Carlisle event, scheduled for April 21-25 in Pennsylvania, will include a collector car auction with a 2015 Roush Warrior Ford Mustang crossing the block to benefit the Rescue 22 Foundation, which provides task-trained service dogs to combat-wounded military veterans.
The car is one of 30 produced and they were sold only to active and deployed members of the military. Except, it seems, for the ninth of those 30 cars, which went to the Sisson dealership in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to be raffled to benefit the Rescue 22 Foundation.
The raffle, which raised nearly $100,000, was won by a combat-wounded veteran who, ironically, was on the list to receive a service dog from the Rescue 22 Foundation. So, according to Garry Sisson, the veteran donated the car back so it could go to auction and raise even more money for the foundation.
"It's not often that a car this nice can be sold twice with monies benefitting the same great organization," Carlisle Auctions director Tony Cline is quoted in the auction announcement. "We are excited to work with Mr. Sisson, the Rescue 22 Foundation and our great bidder base to raise money for this rare and extra special car."
Also on the auction docket is a 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible that will be sold to benefit first responders in the Williamsport, Maryland, fire department.
Mini mayhem on the hill
Gerry Marshall 1964 Austin Cooper S
That's Mini as in the Mini Cooper and hill as in the hillclimb course at England's Shelsley Walsh where, on June 12, in addition to the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar E-type, a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the John Cooper-tweaked Mini will be staged.
In addition to such featured vehicles as the recently restored Gerry Marshall 1964 Austin Cooper S that won the Snetterton 500 in 1965, many Mini car clubs are expected to gather at the event.
Fabulous Ford Forever moves to Irwindale
After being postponed in 2020, the 35th annual Fabulous Ford Forever show returns June 13, 2021, and at a new location, Irwindale Speedway in Southern California.
Special displays at the show that was a fixture for years at Knott's Berry Farm are 65 years of Thunderbird, 80 years of Continental, 60 years of Econoline, 50 years of Pantera, 60 years of Falcon, 50 years of Capri, 55 years of Bronco and 60 years of Pinto.
Auto Royale celebrates Lyons and his cars
photo shows Jag test driver Norman Dewis in the Hansgen Special
Auto Royale's British International Concours d'Elegance, scheduled for July 16-18 at Waddesdon, will feature a William Lyons / Jaguar XK class in celebration of the 120th anniversary of Lyons' birth, the 70th anniversary of the Jaguar C-Type and the 60th anniversary of the E-Type.
The special class will feature vehicles powered by Jaguar's XK engine that debuted at the 1948 London Motor Show in the XK120, which drew its name from its 120 mph top speed.
Among the cars in the class will be the 1953 XK120 "Hansgen Special," designed and built by American racer Walt Hansgen to challenge Jaguar's own C-Type.
2021 car show and concours calendar
The following are dates currently set (but subject to change) for a variety of concours d'elegance, car shows and driving tours scheduled during 2021:
April
19-22, AACA Southeastern Division Chain of Lakes Tour, Florida; 21-25 – Spring Carlisle, Pennsylvania; 23-25 – Goodguys North Carolina Nationals, Raleigh; Derbuy GT tour, Belgium; 24 — Carolina Cruise, Kannapolis to Concord, North Carolina; 25 – Simply Aston Martin, Beaulieu, UK; 30-May 1, Darryl Starbird's National Rod & Custom Show, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
May
1 – Big Displacement Showcase, Seal Cove, Maine; McPherson College CARS Club, Kansas; 1-2 – Keels & Wheels, Seabrook, Texas; Boulder City Rod Run, Nevada; 9 – Mother's Day, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; Simply Vauxhall, Beaulieu, UK; 14-15 – Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, Pennsylvania; 14-16 – Houston Art Car Experience, Texas; 15 – Vintage Travel Trailer Rally, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 15-16, Goodwood Members' Meeting, UK: 16 – Simply Audi, Beaulieu, UK; 20-23 – Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Amelia Island, Florida; AACA Founders Tour, Davis, West Virginia; 21-23 – Goodguys Salt Lake Nationals, Utah; 23 – Simply Electric, Beaulieu, UK; 28-30 – Goodguys Nashville Nationals, Tennessee
June
2 – GM on Display, Macungie, Pennsylvania; 2-6, Retromobile, Paris, France, AACA Eastern Divisional Tour, Cambridge, Maryland; 4-6 – Carlisle Ford Nationals, Pennsylvania; Street Machine Nationals, DuQuoin, Illinois;
Goodguys All Star Get-Together, Fort Worth, Texas; 5-6, Friends of Steve McQueen, Chino Hills, California; 6, Albuquerque Lowrider Super Show, New Mexico, Simply Porsche, Beaulieu, UK; 8-10 – London Concours, UK; 12 – Drop Top Showcase, Seal Cove, Maine; Oddballs & Obscurities, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; 12-13 – Cincinnati concours, Ohio; E-type 60 years, Shelsley Walsh, UK; 13 – Fabulous Ford Forever, Irwindale, California; Mini Cooper Day, Beaulieu, UK; 17-19, AACA Eastern Spring Nationals, Saratoga, New York; Simply VW, Beaulieu, UK; 18-19 – Micro-Mini Car World, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 19 – All Air-Cooled Gathering, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 20 – Father's Day, KC Auto Museum, Olathe; Blackhawk Museum, Danville, California; Hot Rod & Custom cars, Beaulieu, UK; 25-26 – Carlisle GM Nationals, Pennsylvania; 25-26 – Congress of Motorcars, Hickory Corners, Michigan; 26 – Miles through Time, Clarkesville, Georgia; 27 – Oldsmobiles & Orphans, Hickory Corners, Michigan; Simply Jaguar, Beaulieu, UK
Now that it offers a sport utility vehicle, Rolls-Royce also provides a way for its customers to enhance the use of their $327,750 (base price) vehicles.
Rolls-Royce isn't saying that its SUV is incomplete for $327,750, but it simply is offering accessories "to ensure that, on arrival, clients are equipped with everything required for their adventure."
"The first is the Recreation Module, a motorized drawer cassette designed to fit securely and invisibly into the luggage compartment floor of Cullinan," Rolls-Royce reports.
"At the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories and paraphernalia personally selected by the motor car's commissioning client, each item ensconced in its own individually tailored container. The Recreation Module can be trimmed to match or contrast with the car's interior and exterior colorway according to the commissioning client's preference.
"Furthermore, the entire assembly can be removed and stored separately, allowing customers to create Recreation Modules for specific hobbies and applications, from fly fishing, rock climbing, snowboarding or parascending (parasailing) to kite-boarding or base-jumping.
"For example, a Cullinan client could devise three individual Recreation Modules for shooting, skiing and photography equipment, then select and install the appropriate unit prior to departure."
Rolls-Royce notes that while the module adds to the vehicle's versatility, it doesn't compromise the SUV's loading floor-length or its cargo capacity.
The Viewing Suite
If your destination is, say, a grandchild's Saturday soccer game and you want to watch in style, you can equip your Cullinan with the Viewing Suite, a pair of rear-facing seats separated by a retractable cocktail table.
"The Viewing Suite provides the perfect place in which to relax and reflect on the day's events," Rolls suggests. "Truly the best seat in the house.
Rolls-Royce also offers a Hosting Service, "a range of accoutrements to create the perfect beverage while enjoying the world's most breathtaking vistas. Suited to hosting up to eight adults, the Hosting Service comes complete with glassware and the utensils for creating a fresh cocktail or a classic gin and tonic for passengers. Elegant highball glasses are adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden chopping boards are made of the highest quality American walnut. Additionally, space is provisioned for a light snack service."
The new photography module includes a DJI Mavic Mini drone, 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro and 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro for image capture and editing on location, Sennheiser PXC550 MkII noise-canceling headphones, Persol PO3225-S sunglasses and clothing from streetwear brand Supreme.
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