Author: Harper Lane
No matter how meticulously you plan or how seasoned a traveler you are, mistakes are inevitable. My husband and I learned this firsthand during our first trip together to Europe last spring. Despite our thorough preparations, our nearly three-month journey across the United Kingdom, France, and Spain was riddled with missteps—many of which occurred before we even took off. Before your next trip to Europe, consider our experiences to save time, money, and stress. ### Relying on Rideshares and Cabs Instead of Public Transportation During our first week in London, we relied heavily on the city’s iconic black cabs and…
On May 6, 2023, the Duffer brothers announced via the writers’ room X account that production had been paused until a “fair deal” was reached between the Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. They tweeted, “Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out. #wgastrong.” On January 8, 2024, the official “Stranger Things” account…
AI is increasingly becoming the backbone of Musk Inc. Recently, Elon Musk revealed two potential avenues to secure funding for his AI venture, xAI, utilizing his broader business empire. Over the weekend, Musk mentioned that Tesla shareholders would vote on a possible investment in xAI, following a Wall Street Journal report about SpaceX considering a $2 billion investment in the AI company. Earlier, Musk also announced that xAI’s chatbot, Grok, would be integrated into Tesla vehicles by next week. Musk’s commitment to AI comes as no surprise; he has highlighted its importance during Tesla’s earnings calls over the past year.…
My first New Year’s Eve away from my daughter was spent welcoming the new year in the enchanting city of Budapest. I had arranged a few activities in advance, including a tour of the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building and an evening cruise on the Danube River. Additionally, I secured tickets to see the operetta “Die Fledermaus” at the opera house. Even though I didn’t speak Hungarian, the experience of watching elegantly dressed patrons in tuxedos and gowns was a thrilling adventure. Many aspects of my trip allowed for spontaneity, like joining an impromptu nighttime photography tour and enjoying a local…
When Steve Huynh worked as a principal engineer at Amazon, meetings kicked off with a “study hall.” he shared on the Pragmatic Engineer podcast that Amazon fostered a “reading culture” among its engineers. Employees regularly created six-page memos to report on progress and showcase new projects. “I dedicated about 1-4 hours each day to reading during my time as a principal engineer,” Huynh stated. “It’s an incredible culture that, if possible, other companies should strive to replicate.” He attributed the success of Amazon’s memo-writing practice as part of its unique approach. During his tenure, this writing format was a staple,…
“The Salt Path,” a moving memoir from 2018 by Raynor Winn, chronicles the journey of a British couple in their 50s who, after losing their home, walked hundreds of miles along the coast of southwest England. The book quickly became a bestseller and was later adapted into a film. However, the author is facing scrutiny over alleged fabrications in her story. Recent reports, including accounts from her former employer, claim that Winn embezzled approximately £64,000 (around $86,000) while working as a bookkeeper in the mid-2000s. The couple’s home was sold off to settle debts incurred from an investment in a…
One of the first things I did after receiving a positive pregnancy test was dive into research for my next adventure. As a first-time mom with a passion for exploration, I’ve longed to embark on a solo trip while pregnant. I figured the second trimester would be ideal—morning sickness would have faded, and I’d still have ample energy to discover new places. I ultimately chose London for several reasons. The direct flight from my home city is under seven hours, which felt quite manageable during pregnancy. Additionally, my mother lived in London during the ’80s, just before I was born.…
I have extended family in Hawaii, allowing me to visit Oahu multiple times throughout my life. During my recent trip, I initially felt anxious about enjoying my visit on a tight budget. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find several free activities that became my favorites, including a hula class and a breathtaking waterfall hike. With a wealth of experience in Hawaiian culture and natural beauty from my childhood visits, I was excited to return as an adult. Despite my eagerness, I worried about the costs associated with a week of meaningful experiences. To my delight, Oahu offers many low-cost…
Linda Yaccarino recently made headlines by announcing her departure as CEO of X on July 9, 2025. However, her professional journey began long before she entered the tech industry. With a rich background at Turner Broadcasting and an upward trajectory at NBCUniversal, Yaccarino has significantly impacted the advertising sector. Here’s a quick overview of her career path. ### Education Yaccarino graduated from Pennsylvania State University, where she studied telecommunications as a liberal arts student from 1981 to 1985. ### Early Career She started her career with an internship at NBCUniversal, where her role wasn’t initially defined. This experience nurtured her…
A Chinese warship reportedly aimed a laser at a German surveillance aircraft operating over the Red Sea, according to Berlin’s announcement on Tuesday. This incident, while uncommon in the region, aligns with multiple accusations from the US and its allies against China’s military for employing lasers against aircraft and vessels in the Pacific. A spokesperson from the German defense ministry stated that the Chinese warship targeted the aircraft without any warning or prior communication during a routine surveillance flight in support of Operation Aspides, which is the European Union’s counter-Houthi mission. The German aircraft, described as a multi-sensor platform providing…