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Figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi has landed a new accolade —a Barbie doll created in her honor. The commemorative doll coincides with both Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May and the lead-up to the Paris Summer Olympics. Mattel, the iconic toymaker behind Barbie, designed the doll under its Inspiring Women series. This distinction celebrates Yamaguchi’s achievements not only on the ice, where she was the first Asian American woman to claim Olympic gold in figure skating (Albertville, 1992), but also for her work beyond competition. Yamaguchi is a two-time World Champion and a tireless advocate for early childhood literacy through her organization, Always Dream. The doll captures Yamaguchi’s iconic look from the 1992 Olympics, featuring a replica of her black and gold leotard and a signature gold hair bow. “It’s a huge, huge honor,” Yamaguchi remarks to The Associated Press. She expresses pride in being recognized during AAPI Heritage Month, following a lineage of inspiring Barbie honorees like actress Anna May Wong. The figure skating figure is now available for preorders, with a retail price of $35. https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/kristi-yamaguchi-barbie-doll-19420317.php https://apnews.com/article/barbie-kristi-yamaguchi-asian-american-05138c29e0996592f5e5a052980b8c9a https://people.com/kristi-yamaguchi-gets-inspiring-woman-barbie-for-aapi-heritage-month-exclusive-8636681 Images: Mattel Creations

Staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial, but carrying a bulky water bottle can be cumbersome (Stanley diehards might beg to differ, however). Enter Stanley’s All Day Carry All, a newly released solution that combines functionality with a touch of fashion—while letting you flaunt your TikTok-viral hydration status symbol. This product is specifically designed for Stanley’s popular 40-ounce Quencher tumbler. Made from 100% recycled polyester, the Carry All is a sling bag that keeps your Quencher secure and your hands free. A double snap closure keeps the bottle in place, while a winged bear pattern lining adds a touch of whimsy. But this crossbody, priced at $40, goes beyond just holding your drink. It boasts three pockets for additional essentials. A spacious pocket comfortably fits most smartphones, while a lower pocket offers storage for a slim wallet or card sleeve. A mesh pocket keeps smaller items like headphones or lip balm easily accessible. Stanley hasn’t forgotten the little details either. A dedicated sunglasses sleeve protects your shades, and a key clip ensures you never misplace them. The adjustable strap allows for a comfortable crossbody fit, and for a pop of personalization, the straps are even detachable and interchangeable. There are also vibrant color options of Rose Quartz, Fuchsia, Black, and Cream. Unlike your AirPod-carrying micro bags, this bag’s refreshingly practical for anyone who prioritizes hydration on the go, from hikers and gym enthusiasts to busy professionals and casual outdoor adventurers. Totes awesome, don’t you think? https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2024/04/16/stanley-all-day-collection-launch/ https://wwd.com/shop/shop-fashion/stanley-cup-carry-all-holder-1236316118/ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/outdoors/stanley-all-day-collection-launch https://www.cleveland.com/shopping/2024/04/stanley-all-day-collection-out-today-quencher-holder-mini-cooler-cooler-backpack.html Images: Stanley 1913’s Instagram, Stanley 1913

It’s not going for gold in Paris, but Reese’s is certainly aiming for a sweet victory with its latest candy creation: Reese’s Medals. These limited-edition treats are shaped like miniature gold, silver, and bronze Olympic medals, filled with the classic combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate that the brand is famous for. Launched to coincide with the Summer Olympics in Paris, Reese’s Medals are a playful tribute to the spirit of competition and the dedication of athletes. The Hershey Company, which owns Reese’s, is a sponsor of Team USA, making the candy’s release even more timely. Shannon Wilkinson, Reese’s senior brand manager, explains: The debut of these edible prizes is part of Reese’s Legend vs. Newcomer initiative. This campaign features US Olympic and Paralympic athletes, both established stars (soccer Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan and swimming Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long) and rising hopefuls (soccer Olympic hopeful Sophia Smith and swimming Paralympic aspirant Haven Shepherd), highlighting the legacy of the games and the next generation of competitors. If you’re looking to get your hands on these unique Reese's treats, you'll find them in stores nationwide for a limited time. They come in three sizes: snack size (perfect for sharing or portion control!), standard size, and king size for those who truly deserve a champion’s portion. So, would you bite into these medals? Don’t worry, they won’t break your teeth. Everyone wins. https://www.foodbeast.com/news/reeses-introduces-new-shape-for-summer-season/ https://www.southernliving.com/reeses-peanut-butter-cup-medals-8630259 https://www.eatthis.com/reeses-medal-shape-candy/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reeses-introduces-a-gold-worthy-newcomer-to-celebrate-team-usa-ahead-of-the-olympic-and-paralympic-games-paris-2024-reeses-medals-302112434.html Images: PR Newswire, top background generated on AI

Dolce & Gabbana is taking a tall (like, really tall) leap beyond the runway, teaming up with Studio Sofield to enter the real estate and hospitality game. Its debut venture is a condo hotel that’s not just set to be Miami’s new architectural marvel at 888 Brickell but also the city’s tallest structure, reaching skyward at 1,049 feet with a dazzling 90-story silhouette. The building’s design is a visual feast, featuring ivory travertine and matte black steel beams, elegantly wrapped with a gold ‘necklace’ at street level. Inside, Dolce & Gabbana and M2Atelier studio have weaved their magic into every corner. From the lobby that welcomes guests with two bars, a signature ground-floor restaurant, and a chic Pool Club restaurant & bar, to the residential spaces adorned with black marble and Venetian chandeliers, every detail screams opulence. The condo hotel caters to modern needs with 250 rooms and suites, and an innovative hotel rental program for the residential units. This scheme gives owners the flexibility to generate income, with larger units designed to split into smaller rooms, each with its own entry for convenience and privacy. Ascend the striking black marble staircase to discover hotel check-in areas and exclusive lounges designed for both relaxation and entertainment. The interior palette—black, gold, and red—creates a cohesive and sumptuous ambiance, showcasing the brand’s iconic motifs, including lush textures and patterns. The event space, with its bronze palms and Venetian chandeliers, embodies the essence of Dolce & Gabbana's dedication to handmade craftsmanship and luxury materials. Beyond the visual splendor, 888 Brickell promises an amenity suite that mirrors the vibrancy of its Miami surroundings. From a double-height indoor padel court, fitness center, and golf simulator to the serene spa offering bespoke wellness treatments, every facility speaks to a lifestyle of elegance and well-being. Not to mention the exclusive resident amenities like a theater, lounge, billiard’s room, and more, making every day a lavish experience. https://www.dezeen.com/2024/04/03/dolce-gabbana-first-branded-supertall-hotel-miami https://www.thenextmiami.com/first-look-inside-brickells-dolcegabbana-supertall-condo-hotel Images: PRNewsfoto/JDS Development Group

Towering tomes and weighty paperbacks hold a certain charm in the world of literature, but the environmental cost of that aesthetic can be substantial. In a refreshing shift, HarperCollins, one of the “Big Five” publishing houses, has implemented a seemingly insignificant design change that's yielding significant results for the environment. The secret, it turns out, lies in fonts. By thoroughly testing various fonts on a large book, HarperCollins discovered that specific typefaces could accommodate more text on a single page while maintaining readability. HarperCollins’ Christian publishing division, Zondervan Bibles, initially pioneered this approach. Historically, Bibles span thousands of pages—upwards of 2,500 sheets. In 2015, Zondervan’s designers had an epiphany: by tweaking fonts and adjusting page layouts, they could significantly reduce paper usage. This birthed a new compact typeface called the NIV Comfort Print. This innovation saved over 350 pages per Bible, translating to a staggering 100 million pages spared in 2017 alone. To visualize this, imagine stacking those pages—four times the height of the Empire State Building! Tracey Menzie, VP of creative operations and production at HarperCollins, wondered if these learnings could extend beyond Bibles. Could they apply the same principles to novels and nonfiction? The team embarked on experiments, testing over 50 versions of a large catalog book (over 600 pages) using different fonts. They discovered that certain fonts were more compact, resulting in fewer total pages without compromising readability. From these findings, they curated a list of 15 eco-friendly fonts—the preferred choices moving forward. This seemingly minor adjustment has cascaded into a major impact, and the benefits extend beyond paper reduction. As Fast Company reports, these space-saving fonts also require less ink, further minimizing the environmental footprint. The impact is immense: HarperCollins estimates its efforts have saved a staggering 245.6 million pages, translating to the preservation of over 5,600 trees, and counting. The conversation doesn't end here. Do these design changes affect your reading experience? Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91071102/harper-collins-made-a-tiny-tweak-to-its-book-design-and-has-saved-thousands-of-trees-as-a-result Image generated on AI

OpenAI has announced it is allowing instant access to ChatGPT without the need to sign in or even an account. Beginning April 1, you can engage with ChatGPT immediately. Simply visit the ChatGPT Free page and begin a conversation right away—no hoops to jump through, no credentials needed. While this frictionless experience opens doors for countless users, there’s a trade-off. By using ChatGPT without an account, you contribute to improving the model for everyone. Your interactions may be used to enhance the AI’s capabilities. But fear not—you still have control. You can head to Settings to toggle this feature on or off. Creating an account still offers perks. By signing up, you gain access to features like chat history storage, sharing conversations, and unlocking voice interactions. It’s a gateway to a richer AI experience. Else, OpenAI has implemented additional content safeguards for this account-free experience so that the chatbot doesn’t get misused. Certain prompts and generated responses are now blocked across a wider range of categories. https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/you-will-no-longer-need-to-log-in-to-use-chatgpt https://www.zdnet.com/article/openai-makes-it-easier-to-access-chatgpt-no-login-required/ https://www.howtogeek.com/chatgpt-no-longer-needs-an-account/ https://openai.com/blog/start-using-chatgpt-instantly Images: Adrian Vidal | Dreamstime.com and OpenAI

You could say SunChips has eclipsed the competition when it comes to chip flavor development. In a celestial move, the Frito-Lay brand is commemorating the total solar eclipse gracing North America this April. Partnering with astronaut and researcher Kellie Gerardi, SunChips aimed to create a flavor that mirrors the astronomical event on your taste buds. Dubbed Solar Eclipse Limited-Edition Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda, the snack offers a duality of taste. The pineapple habanero represents the hot star’s fiery brilliance, offering a burst of sweetness and heat. The black bean and spicy gouda symbolize the moon’s shadow, bringing a savory and slightly smoky counterpoint. Taking inspiration from the fleeting nature of the eclipse itself, SunChips will only make this addition available for a limited time—a mere 4 minutes and 27 seconds, echoing the eclipse’s totality. Eager fans can snag a free bag online at SunChipsSolarEclipse.com starting at 1:33 PM CT on April 8, while supplies last. “SunChips draws inspiration from the sun so there’s no better moment to spotlight this snack than during the extraordinary solar eclipse,” says Rhasheda Boyd, vice president of marketing at Frito-Lay. “With this exclusive flavor drop, fans who enter for a chance to win their own bag during the moment of totality will have the opportunity to continue celebrating the eclipse even after the rare event is over.” Supporting PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) commitment, SunChips is donating $50,000 to the PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good US. This organization delivers nutritious meals to youth in learning environments. Would you take a bite out of this stellar flavor? https://sunchipssolareclipse.com/ https://www.fritolay.com/sunchips-celebrates-solar-event-with-exclusive-eclipse-inspired-flavor-release-and-partnership-with-astronaut-kellie-gerardi https://www.qualityassurancemag.com/news/sunchips-celebrates-solar-event-with-eclipse-inspired-flavor-release/ Images: PR Newswire

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, once a vital artery connecting Baltimore City to its surrounding areas, tragically collapsed on March 26, 2024, after a large cargo ship, the MS Dali, lost power and struck one of its support columns. The critical impact caused the bridge’s continuous truss structure to fail, sending a section crashing into the Patapsco River below. But before its untimely demise, the bridge stood as an icon of both innovative engineering and a bygone era of infrastructure development. Bridging the Gap for A City in Need of Expansion Baltimore’s harbor has always been its lifeblood. However, by the 1960s, the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the primary route for east-west traffic, reached capacity. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recognized the need for a new crossing and envisioned a bridge as a more cost-effective and efficient solution compared to a second tunnel. Trusting in the Truss Construction began in 1972. The winning design, chosen for its functionality and affordability, was a continuous steel truss bridge with a suspended deck. The now-defunct Greiner Engineering Sciences Inc—which had a strong reputation for infrastructure projects on the East Coast, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge—was sought as the project’s engineering consultant. Baltimore was facing a growing traffic problem, but a tight budget limited options. This design offered several advantages. Firstly, a continuous truss design offered a strong and durable bridge at a generally more manageable price point compared to alternative designs like suspension bridges. Artistic rendering of a truss bridge The modular nature of the arch also facilitated faster on-site assembly and easier future maintenance. This was crucial for minimizing project delays and keeping ongoing costs in check. Additionally, unlike simpler beam bridges, the continuous truss distributed weight across multiple connected segments. This efficient load-bearing system allowed the bridge to handle the heavy traffic Baltimore envisioned. Furthermore, steel offered a good balance of strength, weight, and affordability. The truss design minimized the amount of material needed while maintaining structural integrity. The bridge’s main span measured a staggering 1,200 feet, ranking it as the third-longest continuous truss bridge globally at the time of its opening in 1977. A Bridge Named for a National Symbol Originally dubbed the “Outer Harbor Crossing,” the bridge was renamed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in 1976. Key, a lawyer and amateur poet, penned the Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. And the linkway’s location, near Fort McHenry, solidified the connection to the national anthem's author. Where it Went Downhill Today, design considerations for waterway traffic control are likely more thought out than those of historical solutions like the Baltimore bridge. Back then, incorporating features like protective structures around piers to deflect large vessels might not have been a priority. The biggest drawback of such constructions is their vulnerability to catastrophic failure. Damage to a single critical support pier, as seen in the Baltimore bridge collapse, can have a cascading effect, causing the entire interconnected structure to fail. According to Dr Andrew Barr, Research Fellow in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield: A Legacy of Progress, Marred by Tragedy The Francis Scott Key Bridge served Baltimore well for four decades as a critical passage. It facilitated trade through the Port of Baltimore, eased commutes, and became a recognizable symbol of the city. Alas, all it took was a single point of impact for it to make its descent. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/26/key-bridge-collapse-what-we-know-about-the-bridge/ https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/what-to-know-francis-scott-key-bridge-baltimore/5261444/ https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-baltimore-bridge-collapse/ Images: Charlie Floyd and Eugenesergeev | Dreamstime.com

Finally, a gaming machine that may shake up some feelings in you. Aftershock, a PC manufacturer from Singapore, is sweetening your A-game with a Bubble Tea Store PC that’s a full-on homage to the globally beloved beverage. Previously, the company left fans craving hard when it served up a PC filled with a cooling “boba cup.” Now, it’s taken things further with a miniature bubble tea shop built right into the chassis. Complete with tiny tables, chairs, a menu, a sink, a blender, and a counter, it injects a playful charm that’s sure to delight those with a sweet tooth. Living up to the creative possibilities of bubble tea, the PC can be personalized with a cup featuring faux pearls swirling inside a colored liquid that matches your chosen “flavor.” This liquid even functions as part of the PC’s cooling system, ensuring peak performance alongside a visually delectable spectacle. Source: https://www.aftershockpc.com/series/bubbletea-store

Are you watching your carb intake? Nissin, the inventor of Cup Noodles, says “hold my broth!” Launching on March 25 in Japan, the brand is introducing a first-of-its-kind “all-you-can-eat mystery meat” option. Contrary to its name, instead of an endless ramen-free buffet, the unique offering provides a hefty 200 grams of the signature “mystery meat”—the savory, bite-sized pieces that have become a beloved (and slightly enigmatic) ingredient. This quantity equates to the amount of mystery meat found in a whopping 47 regular Cup Noodle servings. The decision to create a standalone mystery meat product stems from a wave of customer requests. Devotees have long clamored for the ability to enjoy the flavor boost of this ingredient beyond the confines of a single cup. Nissin has listened, and the result is a product with exciting culinary possibilities. A dedicated webpage launched alongside the product offers a plethora of recipe ideas, including Mystery Meat Kimchi Rice Bowls, Mystery Meat Stuffed Peppers, and even a recipe for a decadent Mystery Meat Burger. For those who prefer a simpler approach, Nissin encourages fans to enjoy the mystery meat straight from the box as a protein-packed snack. The “all-you-can-eat mystery meat” is expected to retail for around 650 yen (approximately $4.30 USD) in Japan. While there’s no official word on international availability, this innovative product has the potential to create a global stir among ramen—or simply mystery meat—aficionados. https://soranews24.com/2024/03/19/whole-boxes-of-mystery-meat-going-on-sale-in-japan-cup-noodle-fans-rejoice/ https://mothership.sg/2024/03/nissin-to-launch-new-all-meat-cup-noodles-item-on-mar-25-2024/ Images: Cup Noodle Japan, Nissin

Move over, keyboard warriors—there’s a new “hacker” in town, and it has whiskers and a taste for kibble. A viral TikTok video showcasing a cat’s impressive ability to operate an automatic food dispenser has left viewers both entertained and a little impressed by its technical prowess. The clip, posted by @therealdres, features two tuxedo cats lounging near a fancy automatic feeder. One of the masterminds skillfully navigates the dispenser’s controls, prompting beeps and eventually the triumphant announcement, “It’s meal time!” Food dispenses with a satisfying clatter, and the clever cat enjoys its reward while its accomplice looks on, perhaps plotting its own food heist. It turns out this isn’t just a lucky paw swipe. Cats are surprisingly brainy creatures. Packing 250 million neurons in their cerebral cortex, they’re capable of complex problem-solving and even rational decision-making. Research even suggests a link between paw preference and their ability to crack puzzles. Studies show that cats who favor one paw over the other are more successful at tasks requiring them to open lids for food rewards. So, the next time your kitty eyes your tech gadgets, be warned. Those fluffy paws might be more dexterous than you think! https://www.newsweek.com/smart-cat-hacks-food-dispenser-viral-tiktok-1879668 Image: Generated on AI

Meet the aptly named "magic carpet worm," a recently discovered deep-sea dweller that has captured the scientific community's attention with its unusual mode of locomotion. First spotted in 2009 by researchers exploring near Costa Rica, Pectinereis strickrotti wasn't just another worm on the seafloor. It wasn't until a return trip in 2018 that the team was able to collect specimens and formally describe the species. Living at a depth of over 3,200 feet in perpetual darkness, this unique creature swims by rippling its feathery appendages, resembling a living magic carpet gliding through the water. Nicknamed for its distinctive movement, Pectinereis strickrotti is around four inches long and boasts an elongated body. Fringing its sides are specialized structures called parapodia, which end in feathery tips equipped with gills. By undulating these appendages in waves, the worm propels itself across the ocean floor, leaving a trail unlike any other deep-sea creature. Given the perpetual darkness of its habitat, Pectinereis strickrotti relies heavily on senses other than sight. Scientists believe its keen sense of smell and touch are crucial for navigating the inky blackness and finding food. Speaking of food, the worm's diet remains a bit of a mystery. While its sizeable jaws hint at potential predatory or scavenging behavior, further research is needed to shed light on its exact dietary habits. The discovery of Pectinereis strickrotti not only adds to the growing knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity, but also highlights the unique adaptations creatures develop to thrive in extreme environments. Found specifically near methane seeps, where methane gas bubbles from the ocean floor, the worm contributes to the complex ecosystem existing in these areas. Further exploration around these seeps holds promise for uncovering more fascinating life forms that have adapted to survive in the deep sea's harsh conditions. https://petapixel.com/2024/03/11/scientists-photograph-never-before-seen-living-magic-carpet-worm-in-ocean/ https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-deep-sea-worm/ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297961 Image: Ekin Tilic / UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - SAN DIEGO / PLoS ONE / EurekAlert

Spring is in the air, and so is a brand new Apple Store! The tech giant just announced the upcoming opening of Apple Jing’an, its 8th store in Shanghai and 48th in China. Located at 1699 Nanjing West Road in the Jing’an District, the store’s arrival has been eagerly awaited. Its prime location, nestled opposite Jing'an Temple and neighbor to Jing'an Park, hints at a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. To celebrate the upcoming launch, Apple unveiled a stunning wallpaper featuring a delicate flower blossoming into the iconic Apple logo. This elegant image reflects the springtime theme and the Jing’an district’s lively spirit. Staying true to tradition, Apple is offering this special wallpaper as a free download for macOS and iOS devices. Fans can snag it, along with past store opening wallpapers, from the company’s Chinese website. The floral visual aligns with the tech giant’s history of releasing unique wallpapers to mark the launch of new stores, adding a touch of personalization and local flair to each location. With the grand opening slated for March 21, 2024, anticipation is budding (pun intended). https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/08/apple-jingan-wallpaper/ https://www.apple.com.cn/retail/jingan/ Images: Apple China

Apple’s abandoned, decade-long car project was indeed a half-baked idea. It recently came to light that the 2020 prototype was secretly dubbed “The Bread Loaf” for its distinctive shape. Bloomberg has the story. This nickname perfectly captured the vehicle’s design—a white minivan with an all-glass roof, sliding doors, and even whitewall tires, somewhat like the classic Volkswagen microbus. Apple’s initial vision was for a fully autonomous car, with a video game-style controller or iPhone app as a backup for low-speed situations, so the car wouldn’t have a steering wheel or pedals. Inside, club seating inspired by private jets would offer passengers the ability to recline and relax. A giant TV screen, powerful sound system, and self-tinting windows further emphasized a premium experience. Despite ambitious plans, Apple reportedly struggled with internal indecision throughout the project. This ultimately led to the project’s cancellation last month, impacting roughly 2,000 employees. So, the “Bread Loaf” never got a chance to rise to the occasion. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-03-06/apple-car-s-crash-design-details-tim-cook-s-indecision-failed-tesla-deal https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-car-internally-called-bread-loaf-because-shape-tim-cook-2024-3 https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/apple-car-bread-loaf/ https://www.imore.com/apple/the-2020-apple-car-prototype-was-a-glass-roofed-minivan-dubbed-the-bread-loaf-volkswagen-microbus-bus-inspired-a-rounded-design-and-inside-it-had-a-giant-tv-screen-and-seats-like-a-private-plane Images generated on AI