“We had to take language classes in school, and they weren’t always great experiences,” Blanco explains. “We want to show learners that no matter their age, education, background, or familiarity with the language you can build up proficiency. The experience is really important to us.” I love that the program is built for everyone, even… Continue reading How My Daughter and I Learned to Speak the Same Language
Author: Wired Magazine
Our Favorite Xero Barefoot Shoes Are on Sale Right Now
Our favorite barefoot shoes, Xero Z-Trail sandals, are roughly half-off right now, at around $40 ($40 off)—the exact deal varies slightly by color and size. Xero’s big sale also extends to some of our other top shoes from the brand, including our favorite road running shoe, the HFS, for $60+ (up to $45 off), and… Continue reading Our Favorite Xero Barefoot Shoes Are on Sale Right Now
The Best Budget Phone Plans to Ditch the Big Carriers
There are four tiers: 4 GB for $25, 10 GB for $35, 15 GB for $45, or Unlimited for $40. The prices are the lowest if you pay for a year at a time. Mint has an offer that lowers the prices to $15, $20, $25, and $30 per month, respective to the aforementioned plans,… Continue reading The Best Budget Phone Plans to Ditch the Big Carriers
The Uber Hack’s Devastation Is Just Starting to Reveal Itself
On Thursday evening, ride-share giant Uber confirmed that it was responding to “a cybersecurity incident” and was contacting law enforcement about the breach. An entity that claims to be an individual 18-year-old hacker took responsibility for the attack, bragging to multiple security researchers about the steps they took to breach the company. The attacker reportedly… Continue reading The Uber Hack’s Devastation Is Just Starting to Reveal Itself
The People’s Joker: A New Take on the Batverse You May Never See
The Monitor is a weekly column devoted to everything happening in the WIRED world of culture, from movies to memes, TV to Twitter. Throughout history, there has been no shortage of Batman adaptations: movies, TV shows, animated series. Caped Crusaders, and the villains who irk them, fill screens every year. It’s overkill. But this week,… Continue reading The People’s Joker: A New Take on the Batverse You May Never See
The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone
Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. They have to be comfortable and attractive, sure, but they must also fit your lifestyle, as well as when and how you like to work out. Do you bike, row, or do strength training? Do… Continue reading The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone
Neal Stephenson Named the Metaverse. Now, He’s Building It
Hi, everybody. Elizabeth is mourned, Ukraine is battling back, and new Covid vaccines are here. But this week will be remembered for the Merge, making crypto more useful and maybe advancing it beyond the con-game era. The Plain View Neal Stephenson invented the metaverse. At least from an imagination standpoint. Though other science fiction writers… Continue reading Neal Stephenson Named the Metaverse. Now, He’s Building It
A US Rail Strike Was Averted—but the Crisis Is Far From Over
In the early hours of Thursday morning, major US freight railroad companies reached a tentative agreement with unions, narrowly averting a nationwide rail shutdown less than 24 hours before a strike deadline. A work stoppage would have heaped devastating consequences on the nation’s economy and supply chain, nearly 30 percent of which relies on rail.… Continue reading A US Rail Strike Was Averted—but the Crisis Is Far From Over
NASA’s Perseverance Rover Digs Up Organic Molecules on Mars
After trundling around the Jezero crater for 550 Martian days, NASA’s Perseverance rover has amassed nearly half its planned rock collection—including some containing organic molecules, a possible sign that life could have thrived there more than 3 billion years ago. These are compounds that contain carbon, and often hydrogen or oxygen, which are likely crucial… Continue reading NASA’s Perseverance Rover Digs Up Organic Molecules on Mars
Satellite Data Shows How Russia Has Destroyed Ukrainian Grain
Almost 10 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain has been affected by the Russian invasion, according to a new analysis of satellite imagery. One in six of Ukraine’s grain storage facilities— which have a total capacity of 58 million metric tons—have been impacted by the conflict, either through damage, destruction, or falling under Russia’s control.… Continue reading Satellite Data Shows How Russia Has Destroyed Ukrainian Grain