The world's first doggy jet service will cost you $6K for a one-way ticket

The world's first doggy jet service will cost you $6K for a one-way ticket

trend    April 12, 2024   

 Prepare for a new era of luxury travel for our furry companions as BARK, the beloved dog toy and treat subscription company behind BarkBox, is launching the world's first jet charter service exclusively designed for dogs.

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Traditionally, flying with dogs has been a stressful endeavor due to varying airline policies. BARK Air seeks to revolutionize this by prioritizing the well-being and comfort of dogs throughout their journey. Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and CEO of BARK, emphasizes the company's dedication to creating a truly dog-centric experience that goes beyond merely accommodating pets.

However, luxury comes at a price, and BARK Air's dog-friendly flights command a hefty fee. Currently, a one-way ticket for one dog and one human starts at $6,000. Despite the cost, demand is anticipated to be high, with the inaugural flights scheduled for May 23 from New York's Westchester County Airport.

BARK Air's commitment to VIP treatment extends beyond the ticket price. Passengers, both human and canine, can bypass TSA checkpoints and indulge in a simplified check-in process. On-board amenities include gourmet meals for humans, curated socialization opportunities for dogs, and the presence of a dedicated BARK Air concierge to ensure the well-being of furry passengers.

Moreover, each flight undergoes meticulous preparation, dubbed "Dogs Fly First," featuring calming pheromones, soothing music, and canine-friendly color schemes. Dogs are provided with various aids, such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and comforting jackets, to enhance their flying experience.

During takeoff and landing, dogs receive beverages of their choice to alleviate ear pressure, along with an abundance of treats throughout the flight. With a focus on safety, comfort, and luxury, BARK Air sets a new standard for pet travel, promising a stress-free and enjoyable journey for our beloved companions.

Tiger Woods sets all-time record for consecutive made cuts at The Masters in 2024

Tiger Woods sets all-time record for consecutive made cuts at The Masters in 2024

trend    April 12, 2024   

 Tiger Woods continues to add to his legendary list of accomplishments at Augusta National. In the second round of the 2024 Masters on Friday, the 15-time major champion carded an even-par 72, bringing his tournament total to 1-over and securing his place for the weekend.

With this feat, Woods extends his streak of consecutive cuts made at the Masters to 24, setting a new record in the tournament's storied history. Previously, he shared the record with Fred Couples (1983-2007) and Gary Player (1959-1982). In typical Tiger fashion, he plans to playfully remind Couples of his achievement.

Woods' only missed cut at the Masters came in 1996 when he was a 20-year-old amateur. Since then, he has been a dominant force at Augusta, including a historic victory in 1997 when he won by a record-breaking margin of 12 shots.

Despite facing challenging weather conditions during the first round, Woods displayed composure and control over his game. Following a weather delay on Thursday, he finished the remainder of his first round early Friday before starting his second round.

While Woods encountered some struggles on Friday, particularly with his putting pace and wind conditions affecting his greens in regulation, his resilience shone through. He managed to navigate the course effectively, making crucial up-and-down saves to keep his round on track.

Reflecting on his performance, Woods acknowledged the challenges posed by Augusta National but expressed confidence in his ability to contend for the tournament title. With his remarkable consistency and determination, Woods continues to leave an indelible mark on Masters history.

What we learned covering O.J. Simpson case: We hardly know the athletes we think we know

What we learned covering O.J. Simpson case: We hardly know the athletes we think we know

trend    April 11, 2024   

 The voicemail left on my landline that June night, 30 years ago during the infamous slow-speed white Bronco police chase, was abrupt and far from pleasant.

"Get to California!"

Working at The Washington Post at the time, our sports editor, George Solomon, wasted no time mobilizing the team for what would become one of the most significant stories of our careers: the arrest and trial of O.J. Simpson for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.

The following morning, I boarded a flight from Washington to San Francisco with a single task: to knock on the front door of Simpson's sister's home and attempt to secure an interview. I wasn't overly optimistic, but it was a necessary endeavor.

Upon arrival, I found myself face-to-face with Simpson's sister. With mere seconds to plead my case, I explained that I had traveled from D.C. specifically to speak with her about her brother. Could we have a conversation?

Politely, she declined and shut the door. Though not slammed in my face, it was a definitive end to my mission, leaving me standing alone on her front porch, my purpose in California abruptly thwarted.

Over the ensuing three weeks, Los Angeles became my temporary home as I immersed myself in the unfolding saga. Alongside a cadre of Post reporters, I interviewed Simpson's former USC teammates, staked out the courthouse, engaged with the soon-to-be-famous lawyers, and dined at the now-infamous Mezzaluna restaurant, where fellow journalists were the only other patrons.

For many, the O.J. Simpson case marked the onset of America's fixation with reality TV. However, my journey began a few months earlier with the Tonya-Nancy scandal, which, while equally sensational, had a crucial distinction: the attack on Nancy Kerrigan, though severe, resulted in only a bruised knee, propelling her to an unforgettable Olympic performance and a silver medal.

The shockwaves reverberated when Simpson's alleged involvement in the murders came to light. While acquitted in the criminal trial, he was later found liable in civil court, ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages to the victims' families.

This period taught us a lesson that resurfaces periodically in the sports world: we seldom truly know the superstar athletes we idolize. Simpson, the first athlete to transcend sports and attain celebrity status in TV, movies, and advertising, shattered the illusion of familiarity we had with our sports icons.

Today, it's commonplace for sports stars to saturate every aspect of media and culture, from commercials to social media to their own brands. LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, Tom Brady, Serena Williams—these names are ubiquitous in our sports fandom, thanks in part to O.J. Simpson blazing the trail.

I encountered Simpson just once, at the 1992 U.S. Olympic track and field trials in New Orleans. We exchanged a brief handshake and exchanged pleasantries on an escalator. Of course, he flashed his trademark, disarming O.J. smile.

Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

trend    April 10, 2024   

 As spring blooms, it's time to turn your thoughts to summer vacation planning, says Hopper, the online booking site.

Recent data from Hopper reveals promising trends for travelers in the coming months. Airfares are slightly lower compared to 2023, while hotel and car rental prices have remained relatively stable year-over-year.

Here's what you need to know as you gear up to book your next trip, whether it's a domestic getaway or an overseas adventure. And don't worry if you're a bit late to the game – there are still deals to be found on last-minute trips.

**Airfare Insights for Spring and Summer**:

- Domestic flights within the U.S. are currently offering the best deals, with round-trip tickets averaging $290 in April. However, prices are expected to rise in the coming months.

- Hopper's data indicates that domestic flight prices will peak between May and June, reaching an average of $315, before gradually declining through the summer. By September, prices are forecasted to hit an average low of $264.

- Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian notes that summer travel demand has shifted forward in recent years, partly due to schools, especially in the South, ending their summer breaks earlier.

**International Travel Outlook**:

- This summer presents a favorable time for international travel, with fares to most overseas destinations down compared to last year.

- While airfares to major international regions have decreased, fares to Canada remain high due to persistent fuel prices and ongoing capacity rebuilding by airlines.

**Hotel Rates for Spring and Summer**:

- Hotel prices have remained relatively steady compared to last year, with average rates in the U.S. at $206 per night.

- Some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey, offer better deals on accommodations.

**Car Rental Expectations**:

- Car rental prices have seen minimal increases since last year, averaging $42 per day.

- Warm-weather destinations such as Orlando and Los Angeles continue to be popular pickup points for car rentals, with most travelers renting a car for about four days.

In summary, as you plan your spring and summer getaways, keep an eye out for the best deals on airfares, accommodations, and car rentals. Whether you're exploring domestic locales or venturing abroad, there are opportunities to make the most of your travel budget.

From Wi-Fi to more storage, try these cheap ways to make your old tech devices better

From Wi-Fi to more storage, try these cheap ways to make your old tech devices better

trend    April 10, 2024   

 Are you still using that two-year-old iPhone SE 3? Go ahead, crack those jokes about it being past its prime—it's nearly reaching the average smartphone lifespan of 2.5 years.

Stay informed with smart, practical tech news and tips like this delivered straight to your inbox every day. Join over 500,000 subscribers and sign up for the Current. It's completely free!

Before you toss out that aging laptop or smartphone, consider giving it a new lease on life. Even as tech ages, there are ways to breathe fresh functionality into it.

1. **Expand Your Cloud Storage**: Modern phones often lack memory card slots, but you can still free up space by utilizing cloud storage. Services like Google One (starting at $2 for 100GB) for Android users and iCloud+ (starting at $1 for 50GB) for iPhone users offer secure backups and additional space. Consider sharing an iCloud+ account with family members to save money.

2. **Revive Old Speakers**: Don't rush to buy expensive wireless speaker systems. Instead, add a Bluetooth adapter like an Esinkin model to your old wired speakers. This simple upgrade enables streaming from your phone or computer, blending modern convenience with classic sound.

3. **Eliminate Wi-Fi Dead Zones**: Extend your router's wireless signal with a Wi-Fi extender like the TP-Link RE305. It's a cost-effective solution for improving connectivity without investing in a new router or mesh system.

4. **Upgrade Your TV**: Bring any TV into the streaming age with devices like Google Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV 4K. These options transform your old TV into a smart, streaming-ready device through its HDMI port.

5. **Enhance Your Workstation**: Improve your productivity by upgrading your workstation. Consider investing in a comfortable keyboard, a larger monitor for more screen space, and an ergonomic laptop stand to reduce neck strain.

6. **Boost PC Performance**: Upgrade your computer's RAM for a significant performance boost. Swapping out current RAM sticks for faster, higher-capacity ones can alleviate freezing and sluggishness, though it requires opening up your computer.

7. **Expand Console Storage**: Gamers can increase storage on PlayStation and Xbox consoles with additional storage options. For PS5, consider installing an M.2 SSD card like the WD Black SN850 following Sony's instructions. On Xbox Series X or S, purchase a compatible expansion card like the Seagate one and follow Microsoft's instructions.

Stay up-to-date with the latest in technology by tuning into the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim provides expert advice on smartphones, tablets, online privacy, and more. For daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website.

The Humane AI Pin is unlikely to soon replace the smartphone but it has some wow features

The Humane AI Pin is unlikely to soon replace the smartphone but it has some wow features

trend    April 09, 2024   

 Could a futuristic artificial intelligence wearable device perform all the functions of your smartphone without constantly drawing your attention to its addictive screens and plethora of apps? In an era where many feel overwhelmed by the hours spent glued to their smartphones, the Humane AI Pin proposes to do just that.

This diminutive wearable attaches to your clothing and activates only with a deliberate tap of your finger, offering a departure from the incessant notifications and distractions characteristic of smartphones. Its purpose? To serve as a secondary cognitive tool, storing crucial information such as passport numbers, or functioning as an exceptionally intuitive personal assistant tailored precisely to your needs.

According to Bethany Bongiorno, CEO of Humane and a former Apple engineer and executive, the Humane AI Pin boasts a wide array of functionalities accessible through natural interaction methods. During a meeting in New York last December, Bongiorno elaborated on its capabilities, detailing how users can make calls, send messages, manage notifications, capture moments through photos or videos, translate languages, suggest nearby eateries, and play music. Crucially, these interactions occur in a manner conducive to presence and flow, avoiding constant distraction.

Co-founder Imran Chaudhri, also a former Apple inventor and designer, emphasized the device's reliance on natural language, touch inputs, and gestures. He described it as capable of performing nearly all tasks achievable on a conventional smartphone, with the added ability to seamlessly integrate contextual information from the user's surroundings—a concept termed "contextual compute." Chaudhri and Bongiorno, who met during their tenure at Apple, jointly lead Humane, leveraging their expertise to redefine the relationship between humans and technology.

However, despite its promises, using the Humane AI Pin has presented challenges. During a week of wearing an early release beta version, several issues emerged. Firstly, the device lacks a "wake word," necessitating physical touch for activation, which detracts from its hands-free convenience. Additionally, issues with charging, overheating, and providing inaccurate responses have been noted. Moreover, the device currently only supports the Tidal music service, with limited connectivity to other platforms such as Apple Music or Google Play.

The device's Laser Ink display, while offering futuristic appeal, presents usability challenges, requiring precise positioning and mastering of touchscreen gestures. Furthermore, the software is still in a beta state, with notable features missing, such as time-based reminders and calendar synchronization.

In conclusion, while the Humane AI Pin holds promise in its aspiration to seamlessly replace smartphones, its current iteration exhibits a mix of impressive features and notable shortcomings. As development continues, it remains to be seen whether it can truly deliver on its ambitious vision.

A Girl Who Mysteriously Vanished for 6 Years Is Finally Found

A Girl Who Mysteriously Vanished for 6 Years Is Finally Found

trend    April 09, 2024   

 Kayla's father experienced profound devastation when she disappeared at the tender age of nine, plunging his life into turmoil. However, against all odds, the now-teenaged Kayla has been found, and her story has sent shivers down our spines.

In 2017, Kayla was abducted by her mother, Heather Unbehaun, who did not have legal custody. Two years after Kayla's disappearance, her father, Ryan, shared his anguish during an interview, revealing that the custody agreement allowed Heather visitation every other weekend with their daughter.

Recalling the events leading to Kayla's disappearance, Ryan remembered that Heather had custody of Kayla over the weekend preceding the Fourth of July. As the holiday fell on a Tuesday, it was also Heather's designated time with Kayla. Ryan proposed that Kayla could extend her stay with her mother until Wednesday, when he would retrieve her. However, when Ryan arrived on Wednesday as planned, he was informed by the Unbehaun family that Heather and Kayla hadn't returned from their camping trip.

Fortunately, Kayla was recognized by someone at a shopping center and reunited with her father six years after her disappearance. Heather, who is now 40 years old, has been arrested by the authorities.

Overwhelmed with happiness, Kayla's father expressed his immense joy at having his daughter back home safe. He also conveyed gratitude to the supporters of the Bring Kayla Home Facebook page for keeping their story alive. Finally, he requested privacy as they reconnect and begin this new chapter together.

The ordeal of losing a family member is undeniably challenging and emotionally taxing for anyone. The story of Patricia Kopta serves as a poignant reminder of this reality. Vanishing without a trace for decades and even being declared dead, Patricia's miraculous discovery alive 31 years later is a testament to hope and resilience. You can explore Patricia's remarkable journey here.