Bob Verlaat cofounded an earplug company after he started losing hearing from music festivals. Courtesy of Bob Verlaat Bob Verlaat runs two companies with his childhood best friend, Nick Nijhof. Together, they designed earplugs that were stylish enough for festival goers. They run the company together while traveling. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Bob Verlaat, cofounder of Hears. It has been edited for length and clarity. I like to party and enjoy being close to loud music. I knew I should be wearing earplugs at music festivals, but I didn't. By the time I was 21, I started experiencing ringing in my ears. Soon after, I noticed slight hearing loss in my left ear. I'm lucky that my hearing loss doesn't impact me as severely as it does some people. I only hear the ringing when I'm in bed, mostly. And yet, I could see there was a problem: I knew I should protect my ears, but I didn't because the available earplugs were ugly, uncomfortable, and deadened the music I was trying to enjoy. I realized that if I could create earplugs that people would actually use, I could solve an important problem. It was also a great business opportunity, with global demand and a lightweight product. Running the company with a friend allows me to make decisions quickly At that point, I was already working with my childhood best friend, Nick, on another company, Dore & Rose. We started selling silk pillowcases and later expanded into a variety of sleep products. With my understanding of branding and Nick's expertise in marketing, that company took off quickly and today generates about $30 million in annual revenue. Bob Verlaat runs two companies with his childhood best friend, Nick Nijhof. Courtesy of Bob Verlaat Nick and I work well together because we share the same ambition. We've always said we'd start a company together, but we never expected to be running two at the same time. Because we've been best friends since we were 12, we're able to be fully honest with each other. That means we can make decisions quickly. Our responsiveness has helped us scale both companies to millions in sales. We created a more attractive, clearer earplug Nick and I hired people to lead Dore & Rose. Although we still see what's happening at that company every day, we now have employees who do their jobs better than we could. That freed us up to focus on Hears. We invested about two years in research and development before launching the company in 2024. I knew our product needed to address all the reasons I hadn't worn earplugs. Most importantly, it had to be super aesthetic and instantly recognizable. That would allow us to build it into a brand and ultimately partner with other brands in the festival scene. Next, we focused on sound quality. We didn't want to just muffle sound; we wanted the music to be clear. Eventually, we settled on an exclusive sound-filtering technology. Because of that, Hears has the clearest earplugs in the world, I believe. Customers seem to agree: its first year, Hears did $7 million in sales. I don't think much about work-life balance Hears has an office in Amsterdam, but our team is global. We like being able to hire the top talent, no matter where they're based. Having a remote team also means Nick and I can travel. Right now, we're in Bali together; sometimes we travel separately. I've also run the business from Dubai, South Africa, and Spain. Usually, I stay for at least a month or two, renting a house that has office space. That allows me to continue my routines, including exercising and eating healthy foods. Most of our days are still full of meetings, but I'm able to surf and spend time in the sun, which is important to me. I don't think much about work-life balance because my life is fully integrated with my work. I still like to go out once a week — usually on a Friday night — but on the other six days, I can't wait to get back to my laptop. I genuinely enjoy running this company. I'm not worried about burnout, because I'm having so much fun. Read the original article on Business Insider

Longtime CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley clashed with top editor Bari Weiss, who has shaken up the news network. Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Free Press CBS News leadership addressed the recent firing of Scott Pelley in a Wednesday morning call. Top editor Bari Weiss said she wants to work in a newsroom "built on trust and mutual respect." CBS will miss Pelley "very much," network president Tom Cibrowski said. Top leaders at CBS News both praised and blamed "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley in a morning meeting the day after firing him, according to a recording obtained by Business Insider. Pelley was dismissed by CBS News on Tuesday after sparring with his new boss — "60 Minutes" top producer Nick Bilton — and calling out CBS News top editor Bari Weiss. Weiss told staffers on Wednesday morning's editorial call that the network "had to part ways" with Pelley after their foundation of trust was "broken." "I know I speak for myself, and I hope I speak for everyone here when I say that I'm only interested in working in a newsroom that is built on trust and mutual respect," Weiss said on the call. "We cannot do our work without it." Weiss continued: "Despite our attempts to engage with Scott Pelley and to find a way back, unfortunately, we weren't able to do so, and so we had to part ways. We did not want that to happen, but that's the path that he chose." Weiss said Pelley's legacy at CBS News, where he worked for more than 30 years, won't be marred by how his tenure ended. "That unfortunate outcome does not discount from the amazing contributions and work that Scott Pelley has done for CBS and for '60 Minutes' over the course of his career," Weiss said. She then listed some of his top stories from this past season, like his reporting on Havana syndrome and an interview with former Nebraska senator Ben Sasse. CBS News president Tom Cibrowski also praised Pelley. "Undoubtedly, Scott was an integral part of '60 Minutes,' 'CBS Evening News,' this entire news organization for decades," Cibrowski said. "He has an incredible body of work, as Bari just mentioned, and that will always be part of the history of CBS News, and we will miss Scott very much." Cibrowski acknowledged that the changes at CBS News, which Weiss has said she is trying to transform for the digital era, may be "a lot to process." "We know that's a lot, to ask you all to come to work every day with your head held high to do the job that we ask you to do," Cibrowski said. "All we can say is that we are taking this very seriously and we are here to support you." Pelley follows fellow correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, who also left "60 Minutes" last week. Read the original article on Business Insider

Discussion | Link

The original restricted rollout has widened, but the model is still not generally available.

Peptide companies have been doing AI-engine optimization by spamming the biohackers subreddit to manipulate ChatGPT and Google.

Microsoft’s Build 2026 Windows updates add developer setup tools, local AI models, Linux workflows, and agent security controls. The post Microsoft Unveils AI-Powered Windows Features for Developers appeared first on TechRepublic.

There are many incredible temples, islands, and ruins to see on a trip to Greece. Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld/Getty Images I'm from Athens, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling to Greece. Expand your visit beyond popular islands and attractions, but don't cram too much in one trip. It's worth it to do some research on smaller islands and local cuisine before your trip. Thanks to its ancient ruins, picturesque beaches, and incredible food, Greece is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. I was born in Athens and now split my year living between the US and Greece, so I've spent plenty of time in the beautiful European country. Here are a few things I think tourists should know before visiting. There's so much more to see in Greece than the popular islands and attractions. Joanna Kalafatis It seems like everyone visits Mykonos, Santorini, and maybe Paros, but Greece has over 200 inhabited islands. Plus, many of them are more budget-friendly to visit than the popular spots. I recommend looking into places like Kimolos, Astypalaia, Paxoi (also known as Paxos and Paxi), or Folegandros. They feel like hidden gems to me. The Greek mainland is also beautiful. There's a lot to see there, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Delphi and Meteora and the turquoise waters of the Peloponnese to the stunning mountains and villages of Epirus. Also, tourists who just swing by Athens just to check the famous Acropolis off their list are missing out. I've always found this city to be one of the liveliest in the world. It's worth checking out Athens' great nightlife, restaurants, museums and cool neighborhoods like Plaka, Exarcheia, Psyrri, and Pangrati. You don't need to tip 15% to 20% on every bill. Joanna Kalafatis Greek servers and hospitality workers typically rely on standard, gaurunteed hourly wages, so there isn't the same tipping culture here as there is in the US. For example, it's common to tip 15% or 20% on restaurant bills in the US, but that's not expected here. I normally just round up the bill or leave a couple of euros on the table as a tip unless I had exceptional service or was dining at a more formal or tourist-oriented restaurant. Slow down and take Sundays off. Joanna Kalafatis Greeks have a pretty relaxed relationship with time — locals often arrive late to events and stores may open half an hour after they said they would. Service in Greece can seem slow to people from more fast-paced places, especially on the quieter islands. A lot of stores and supermarkets are also closed on Sundays, even in Athens. I know this can be annoying at times if you're used to having 24/7 access to things back home, but I recommend just enjoying the slower pace of life while you're in Greece. Don't try to visit too many islands on one trip. Joanna Kalafatis So many people ask me if they can fit four or even five islands into a seven-day trip, and I never recommend it. It's better to take your time exploring Greece and enjoy each destination for at least a couple of days. Half the joy of being on the Greek islands is getting to destress. If you're hopping from ferry to ferry and running around to cover the highlights, you'll miss out on the best parts of the country. Be sensitive about natural disasters. Joanna Kalafatis Like other places around the world, there have been more and more devestating wildfires in Greece over the past few years. I never thought I'd have to say this, but please be sensitive if you're in the country during this time or posting about it. Unfortunately, I have seen multiple tourists in the last few years posting about how "pretty" the skies or sunsets are, thanks to the glow from raging wildfires. At a time when a lot of Greek people are wondering if their houses are still standing or their loved ones have gotten to safety, it's a pretty insensitive thing to do. Don't skip out on experiencing a traditional taverna. Joanna Kalafatis Athens and other popular Greek destinations now have a lot of upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. There are lots of options, but make sure to eat in a traditional taverna at least once. A taverna is a casual restaurant with family-style dining. Diners can spend hours in them chatting with friends while sharing food paired with some great wine or ouzo (a Greek aperitif). Greek food is more than just gyros. Make sure to check out local specialites. Joanna Kalafatis Well-known dishes like gyros and souvlaki are truly delicious, but Greek cuisine is so much more than that. For example, a lot of Greeks start their day with a tiropita (cheese pie) and freddo coffee (a popular local espresso drink that's frothy and typically blended with ice and sugar). Each region also has local specialties that I recommend inquiring about. In tavernas, for example, popular menu items include octopus; all kinds of fish; grilled and fried cheeses, like saganaki and halloumi; and side dishes like fava, a creamy spread made with split peas. Learn a few local words. Joanna Kalafatis In more tourist-friendly cities, many younger Greek people understand English, but you may run into problems communicating with older folks — especially in more rural areas. Even if a local person can understand you, I think it's worth learning a few simple words and phrases in the local language like "good morning," "thank you," and "how are you?" before your trip. It's always nice when tourists make a little bit of an effort. This story was originally published on April 21, 2024, and most recently updated on June 3, 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

Discussion | Link

The app allows users to engage with other fans, explore trending videos, and access curated creator feeds.

From a massive DOGE data breach and the hacking of critical energy and water systems to the hack of an FBI surveillance system, here are the most damaging security incidents and data breaches of 2026.

The author (second from left) poses with her family in front of the Eiffel Tower. Courtesy of Rachel White I planned a 3-week European adventure with my teens and extended family. It was my dream trip, but after some time had passed, I realized it wasn't everyone's dream trip. Now I know better and won't plan a weekslong trip with my teens ever again. Last summer, I planned what I thought would be an epic adventure. An amazing trip with my husband and four kids for my 50th birthday. My sister and her family decided to come too, and then my brother and my mom. We planned to start in Spain, travel up through France, and end in England. We were going to have twenty days of family time and memory-making. I envisioned a raucous party, strolling across Europe, eating tapas and baguettes, sipping Sancerre and Rioja. But we all know what they say about the best laid plans. The trip started out well enough We flew to Madrid, and everyone got to choose an activity that they really wanted to do. My daughter decided to go to the Reina Sofía museum, which everyone loved. I forced the 12 of us to go to a flamenco show that turned out to be marvelous. We took a train north and lounged at the beach, watching the surfers and giggling at the European casual beach nudity. My dream vacation was a reality. Sure, my 19-year-old was grumpy and didn't appreciate the tight quarters. My 15-year-old decided to sit some things out, preferring to watch TikTok videos in the hotel room. Yes, these were bellwethers. I should have seen the storm coming. The author said that the trip was too long and it would have been better if she had cut it off after a week. Courtesy of Rachel White. Things started to unravel By the time we got to Paris, just one week into our trip, spirits had begun to flag. Breakfast at the French bakery was just my mom and me; everyone else slept in. A trip to the Louvre ended in a screaming match. Are my kids ungrateful brats? Um, sometimes. But also, I should have known. Four teenagers stuffed into a small hotel room with their parents? It's a one-week max operation. My kids also have some neurodiversities that make them more sensitive to noises and crowds. Looking back, I see that those were not ideal circumstances for the "big raucous party" I had planned. This was my ideal vacation, not theirs It was no one's dream but my own to travel across Europe. My husband's ideal trip is to relax at an all-inclusive resort. My son would love to ride roller coasters at a theme park. My daughter prefers a big city. On top of that, asking everyone to be together in a small hotel room is often difficult under the best circumstances. People also don't think about how stressful travel can be for many. You don't have your "things," food is unpredictable, beds can be uncomfortable, so people aren't getting a good rest, and you're hauling all your crap around. These are all things that stand out loud and clear to me now. The author said her biggest mistake was planning a vacation that was ideal for her, not for everyone else on the trip. Courtesy of Rachel White. The moments of joy were worth all of the sour moods Over our entire three-week trip, I'm not sure I got a single photo of everyone looking happy at the same time. That said, I know the memories we made are ones I will always treasure. The boat trip down the Seine with Edith Piaf music playing in the background. Trying to make the Beefeaters react in London. Getting lost and taking a looooong walk in San Sebastian. My mom spending precious time with her grandkids. All seven cousins aged 10 to 19 shopping at the Spanish market. Sipping champagne with my sister on the beach. All of these are things I'll treasure, and the bad stuff will slowly fade away. But, the one thing that I'll make sure won't fade is the important lesson I learned: When you're taking a trip with teenagers, a week is the ideal length. Read the original article on Business Insider

Globally, agriculture faces mounting pressures. These are driven by climate change, land degradation, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and the demand for food from a growing population. At the same time, productivity is uneven. For example, maize yields in the US often exceed 10 tons per hectare. These high yields are driven by mechanisation, improved seed varieties, irrigation and efficient input use, supported increasingly by precision agriculture technologies. In contrast, yields in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa remain around 2-3 tons per hectare. This reflects constraints like limited access to inputs, reliance on rain-fed systems and weaker infrastructure and institutional support. Smallholder farmers make up around 80% of farmers in developing countries. They often struggle with low yields due to limited access to key agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers and agrochemicals (herbicides and pesticides). They are less likely to rely on irrigation and farm mechanisation. They also have high vulnerability to climate shocks. Conventional farming practices, including reliance on rain-fed agriculture, the use of low-yielding local seed varieties, sub-optimal input application and heavy dependence on manual labour, are increasingly insufficient to meet the demands of 21st-century food systems. In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has been shown to improve input-output efficiency and enable real-time monitoring of crops and livestock. They’ve been shown to conserve soil and water resources, and reduce post-harvest losses particularly in technologically advanced agricultural systems in the US, China and Europe. We have over 15 years of scholarship in applied economics, development, resource economics and agricultural economics, including technology adoption and sustainable agricultural systems. Our recent study compared AI adoption in agriculture between developed and developing countries. We examined how artificial intelligence is accessed and used across different regions. Evidence from technologically advanced economies such as Europe, the US, Australia and Japan was analysed alongside studies from Africa, South Asia, Latin America and other low- and middle-income regions. Our main finding was that AI has strong potential to improve agricultural productivity and resilience. But this potential depends on supportive policies, reliable infrastructure and equitable access. Without these, the technology could reinforce existing inequalities rather than reduce them. The potential and the gaps Our review examined: patterns of AI adoption: including the extent of uptake across regions, and types of AI applications used in agriculture (such as precision farming, disease detection, yield prediction, and smart irrigation) levels of infrastructural readiness: including the availability of electricity, broadband connectivity, digital literacy support, data management systems, smart devices, and extension or technical support services necessary for effective AI adoption key concerns around ethics and data governance: including data ownership, privacy and security, informed consent, algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI-driven agricultural technologies. We also explored how national policies are responding to emerging risks. These include data privacy breaches, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, labour displacement, and unequal access to AI-enabled agricultural technologies. This approach allowed us to capture both global trends and region-specific realities. AI is increasingly shaping agriculture in developed countries. Technologies such as precision farming tools are helping improve fertiliser use, irrigation, yield prediction and pest management, while also supporting more efficient resource use and greater resilience to climate variability. The factors that made this possible included: Digital infrastructure: In many developed countries, reliable internet, satellite systems, cloud platforms and connected sensors enable continuous data collection and analysis. This supports real-time farm decisions and the seamless use of precision agriculture technologies. Strong institutional support: This has enabled rapid uptake of innovations in agriculture. The support includes established governance frameworks that provide operational clarity on data privacy, transparency and accountability. This enabled more responsible technological innovation. Reliable electricity: This is essential for AI-driven agriculture. It ensures the continuous operation of digital systems and technologies such as sensors, automated irrigation, drones, and data platforms. But we found that AI adoption remains limited in developing countries, where smallholder farmers dominate food production. The limiting factors included: The digital divide: We identified this as the biggest barrier. Farmers often lack stable internet connectivity, affordable devices, or sufficient digital literacy. Electricity: Shortages hinder the adoption and effective use of AI in agriculture by disrupting the operation of digital tools and infrastructure. These are required for data collection, processing and communication. Cost: High cost of AI tools and a lack of digital literacy to engage with AI tools effectively. Limited access to credit: Without sufficient financial capacity, farmers struggle to invest in digital technologies. They cannot afford the upfront purchase costs, installation expenses, or ongoing maintenance and subscription fees required to use AI tools effectively. AI downsides We also identified two factors that undermine the adoption of AI in Africa and other developing countries. First, many AI models are not well suited to developing country contexts. Tools trained on data from industrialised farming systems often perform poorly in local environments. It leads to biased or inaccurate recommendations and increasing risks for vulnerable farmers. For example, an AI-based yield prediction or pest detection model trained on large-scale monoculture farms in the US or the Netherlands could generate unreliable recommendations when applied to African smallholder farms characterised by mixed cropping, irregular input use, rain-fed agriculture and highly heterogeneous soil conditions. Second, there are ethical concerns around AI use, particularly the lack of clarity on data ownership and privacy. Weak data governance is most pronounced in developing regions. Farmers often have little control over how their data is collected, used or monetised. These challenges are not evenly distributed. But the risks are more pronounced in low-income regions, where regulatory systems are weaker and smallholders have fewer resources to manage technological change. Without appropriate safeguards, AI could reinforce disparities already embedded in global food systems. It also risks deepening existing inequalities, limiting its contribution to sustainable development and food security. Way forward AI could transform agriculture in Africa and other developing economies but without the right policies, it may deepen inequality instead. The priority is to fix the foundations. Reliable electricity, internet access, and affordable digital tools are essential. Without these, AI will remain out of reach for most smallholder farmers. Access to finance, training, and locally relevant data systems will also be critical. Adoption should be gradual, starting with simple tools like advance mobile advisory services before scaling up. AI must be inclusive and farmer centred. Done right, it can strengthen food systems. Done poorly, it risks leaving the most vulnerable further behind. The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The Gold Ballroom at Hotel Du Pont. HOTEL DU PONT Hotel Du Pont was built by businessman Pierre S. du Pont in 1913 in Wilmington, Delaware. The hotel has preserved its Italian Renaissance Revival architecture and Gilded Age-style furnishings. Notable spaces include the Le Cavalier restaurant at the Green Room and Gold Ballroom. For more than a century, Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, Delaware, has served as a hub for business leaders, an opulent event venue, and a luxury hotel that stands as a destination in its own right. Built in 1913 as part of the Du Pont Company's headquarters, the hotel was designed to impress executives and industrialists flocking to Delaware as the state's corporate influence grew. In true Gilded Age fashion, artisans flown in from Europe helped outfit the rooms with Italian Renaissance Revival craftsmanship rivaling royal palaces. Their work remains well-preserved. Today, guests at Hotel Du Pont can walk across its original marble mosaic floors, dine at its historic French brasserie, and view pieces of the hotel's 113-year history on display in its grand lobby. Tom Santora, Hotel Du Pont's historian-in-residence who has been with the hotel for 45 years, showed Business Insider around its opulent spaces in May. Take a look inside. Built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, Hotel Du Pont has remained a fixture of downtown Wilmington for more than a century. A historic image of Hotel Du Pont. Hagley Museum and Library Hotel Du Pont opened in 1913 in the same complex as the Du Pont Company's headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. The Du Pont Company, dating back to the 1700s and incorporated in 1802, made its fortune as America's leading producer of smokeless gunpowder, then transitioned into the chemical business. Delaware has long been known as a haven for corporations thanks to its favorable state laws and tax advantages. As more and more companies established operations there during the Gilded Age, Du Pont Company executive and heir Pierre S. du Pont recognized the need for a luxury hotel in Wilmington befitting the caliber of clientele he sought to entertain. Hotel Du Pont stretches 12 stories high and spans a full city block, making it an unmissable landmark. Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Hotel Du Pont cost $1 million to build when it was completed in 1913, equivalent to around $33.6 million in 2026. "Nobody ever spent that kind of money in 1913 to build a hotel," Santora told Business Insider. Due to immediate high demand upon opening, the hotel also added an expansion in a 1918 renovation. Famous guests have included actors, athletes, royals, musicians, and 13 US presidents. President Jimmy Carter (left) and Delaware's United States Senator, Joseph Biden (right) greet guest at the Hotel Dupont in Wilmington. Carter is attending a reception in honor of Senator Biden. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Former President Joe Biden, a Wilmington local, announced his 1972 Senate bid at Hotel Du Pont and held numerous campaign events and meetings there throughout his political career, including as president. Hotel Du Pont is also believed to be the site where Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly's engagement was finalized in 1955. Hotel Du Pont is now owned by the Buccini/Pollin Group and operated by PM Hotel Group. Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The hotel offers four room tiers: classic, heritage, luxury, and suites. Starting rates for a classic room are $599, and one-bedroom suites start at $1,913. My hotel tour began in the lobby, which used to be a French salon-style ladies' sitting room called the Rose Room. The lobby of Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider In 1918, the hotel expanded, adding 118 guest rooms. The Rose Room was transformed into the main lobby with new marble floors and an ornate ceiling inspired by the Ducal Palace in Venice. The area rug in the lobby features a rose petal design in homage to the space's original name and function. This walnut grandfather clock has remained in the lobby since Hotel Du Pont opened in 1913. A grandfather clock in the lobby of Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The clock was made in England in 1910 and shipped to Wilmington to furnish the hotel. The best part? It still works over a century later. The hallway just off the lobby features exhibits about the hotel's history with accompanying artifacts from its early days. A cigarette box from the early days of Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The displays included pieces of china dinnerware and a cigarette box from 1912 that was discovered in a wall during a 1992 renovation. Sections of the original marble mosaic floors can be seen at several locations throughout the hotel, including the entrance to the Green Room. Marble tiles at the entrance to the Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Each small tile was laid by hand to create the mosaic design. The architecture of the Green Room, the hotel's dining room with an in-house French restaurant, has also largely remained the same. The Green Room at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The Green Room houses Le Cavalier, a French brasserie. Le Cavalier means "the horseman," a nod to the Du Pont family's enthusiasm for equestrian sports. Walnut paneling lines the walls, but the Green Room's coffered ceilings are actually made from plaster painted to look like wood. Coffered plaster ceilings in the Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Hand-painted plaster made to look like wood or marble was considered a status symbol during the Gilded Age, since it was more expensive and required a higher level of craftsmanship than using the real materials. The room features a balcony where musicians would play for the hotel's patrons during dinner. The Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The featured performers were usually harpists or a trio of musicians. The bar is a more modern addition, added after the hotel was sold in 2017. The bar at the Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The bar offers the signature Hotel Du Pont cocktail with VSOP Guillon Painturaud cognac, Alvear fino sherry, and Angostura bitters. Santora pointed out a corner table in the Green Room that was once favored by wealthy tycoons and power brokers. A corner table in the Green Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider "Every decision about the state of Delaware was probably made over at that table by a lawyer, judge, or governor who sat there," he said. "They weren't done in the courthouse, which is directly across the street. The decisions were made, and the agreements were made, by handshake right here." Next, we visited the Brandywine Room, where men would smoke cigars, drink brandy, and play cards after evening meals. The Brandywine Room at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The Brandywine Room was formerly known as Peacock Alley, a place to see and be seen. The Christina Room, a lounge formerly known as the Club Room, still has its original wood paneling from 1913. The Christina Room at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The Christina Room still functions as an event space. The woodwork features hand-carved designs. A hand-carved door in the Christina Room at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The carvings depict fish, pelicans, beavers, and other creatures symbolizing Wilmington's status as a port city. Hidden in the room's ornate carved paneling is a secret passageway leading to The Playhouse, which Santora described as the longest-running theater in the US. A door leading to The Playhouse in the Christina Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Like the doors in the Oval Office, the Christina Room's secret door lacks handles, allowing it to blend into the wall. "At night, you could come in, have dinner in here, and then you could sneak right through to the theater," Santora said. In its early days, when it was known as the Club Room, the lounge featured three Tiffany glass domes in the ceiling. The Club Room, now known as the Christina Room. Hagley Museum and Library The domes are still there, but were enclosed in the ceiling when the hotel installed air conditioning, so they're no longer visible. A large walnut door in the lobby leads to additional Italian Renaissance Revival-style rooms added to the hotel in 1918. An Italian Renaissance-style door at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The detailed artwork on the door, hand-carved into a slab of wood cut from a single tree, is characteristic of the hotel's Italian Renaissance Revival architecture — a resurgence of the detailed craftsmanship displayed by Italian artists such as Michelangelo. An engraving above the door depicts a horn of plenty, symbolizing celebration and leisure. A horn of plenty. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider Both the door and the rose-marble carvings above it were created by artisans brought over from Italy. The door opens into a foyer with a grand staircase and a coffered, hand-painted gold ceiling. A grand staircase at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The du Barry Room is located on the upper level, and the Gold Ballroom is downstairs. The du Barry Room used to have a balcony overlooking the Gold Ballroom below, but the hotel enclosed and soundproofed the two spaces so they could host two separate events at once. The du Barry Room is a Federal-style ballroom with French touches that also pays homage to American history. The du Barry Room at Hotel Du Pont. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider A French crystal chandelier serves as the centerpiece of the gilded ceiling. Engravings on the walls depict lobsters, crabs, and other sea creatures found in the Delaware Bay area. A sea creature engraving in the du Barry Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The ceilings also feature engravings of turkeys, owls, pheasants, and other local animals. Eagles adorn the federalistic columns. Eagle engravings in the du Barry Room. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider "If you go back and look 100 years ago, you'll notice that the American eagle was more of a scrawnier-looking eagle compared to what you see today," Santora said. Walking into the Gold Ballroom was absolutely breathtaking. The Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The ceilings measure 2 ½ stories high. The walls are decorated with an Italian Renaissance method of etching designs into layers of plaster called sgraffito. Sgraffito in the Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The artwork shows women playing instruments and dancing, indicating the room's purpose as a jovial space for celebration. A closer look at the walls reveals the individual scratches that make up the larger designs. Sgraffito in the Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The hotel brought in 30 Italian artisans, who worked on the sgraffito for an entire year. Chandeliers commissioned for the Gold Ballroom were brought over from Europe in the 1920s. A chandelier in the Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The chandeliers contain five precious metals. The ballroom walls also feature 20 medallions depicting famous women. Medallions of historic women on the walls of the Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The medallions pay tribute to Pocahontas, the Queen of Sheba, Catherine the Great, and other notable women throughout history. The mirrors throughout the room include an adorable decorative touch: a tribute to the Du Pont family's beloved pet. A ram engraving in the Gold Ballroom. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider The Du Pont family had a pet ram named Don Pedro, whose likeness appears throughout the room. The other side of the walnut door leading back to the lobby features engravings of squirrels, a symbol of getting back to business. Squirrels above the door leading to the lobby. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider "Squirrels are working animals," Santora said. "When you go through that doorway, you're going back to work." More than a century after it opened, the hotel remains faithful to Pierre S. du Pont's original vision: a place where business and leisure meet beneath gilded ceilings. The lobby of Hotel Du Pont. HOTEL DU PONT While many lavish Gilded Age-style properties have been renovated beyond recognition or demolished completely, Hotel Du Pont endures as a monument to the wealth and innovation that helped establish Wilmington as a center of American business — and looked good doing it. Read the original article on Business Insider

A comprehensive guide to optimizing LLM inference by eliminating padding overhead with hardware-aware sequence packing. The post I Built a C++ Backend So My GPU Would Stop Eating Air appeared first on Towards Data Science.

Ina Garten's no-cook summer pasta requires only a few basic ingredients and simple steps. Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty Images; Erin McDowell/Business Insider Ina Garten's summer garden pasta requires only a few basic ingredients. We marinated our tomatoes and basil in olive oil for four hours — the wait was definitely worth it. The noodles took only five minutes to make, and the delicious dish required barely any cleanup. Ina Garten is famous for recipes that are just as easy as they are delicious, including her Greek salad and her blueberry-ricotta breakfast cake. One of Garten's most popular summer recipes is her summer garden pasta. It's also almost a no-cook recipe, since you only need to use your stove to boil the pasta. However, while Garten's summer garden pasta has only a few simple steps, you can't whip it up right before dinner. To create the sauce, Garten marinates the tomatoes, basil, and olive oil for four hours before serving with the cooked pasta, so it requires some planning ahead. Despite the extra time, the end result was a delicious, easy dinner that was impressive enough to serve at a summer dinner party. We had two Business Insider reporters put this recipe to the test — here's how it turned out. Ina Garten's summer garden pasta requires just five main ingredients. Erin McDowell/Business Insider To whip up her dish, you'll need: Angel hair or another kind of dried pasta noodles Parmesan cheese Cherry tomatoes Minced garlic Basil leaves For seasoning, you'll also need "good" olive oil — Garten wouldn't have it any other way — plus salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. We tried making the recipe with angel hair pasta, as Garten recommends, and with spaghetti. Both types worked well with the dish, suggesting you can make it with any kind of pasta you have in your pantry. We started by halving the cherry tomatoes, the stars of this pasta dish. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Anneta opted for cherry tomatoes on the vine, while Erin purchased 2 pints of cherry tomatoes from her local Trader Joe's. Both worked for this dish, though the pint of tomatoes was slightly easier to slice in half and prepare, since they were already separated from the vine. Garten's recipe calls for 4 pints of cherry tomatoes to serve six. Since we were making a much smaller portion, we cut the recipe in half. We then prepared the other ingredients for the marinated tomatoes. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Per Garten's recipe, Anneta minced three cloves of garlic and julienned nine basil leaves. By placing the basil leaves on top of each other and slicing through them a few times, she was done julienning in a matter of seconds. This quick bit of chopping is about all the prep the recipe requires. If you want to save even more time, reach for jarred minced garlic — as Ina Garten likes to say, "store-bought is fine." We threw the ingredients into a glass mixing bowl. Erin McDowell/Business Insider We seasoned everything with half a teaspoon of salt, a few dashes of red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. To top everything off, we soaked the tomato mixture in olive oil. Erin McDowell/Business Insider We used about half the olive oil Garten recommends. It was enough to cover the tomatoes and create a base of "sauce" at the bottom of the bowl. We gave everything a good mix and then covered the bowl with plastic wrap. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Garten recommends letting the mixture sit at room temperature for about four hours, so find a good spot in your kitchen and don't put it in the fridge. We loved the ease of this meal — it reminded Erin of slow-cooker meals she's made in the past, since it's somewhat a set-it-and-forget-it dish, aside from making the pasta noodles. Just before the four hours were up, we made the pasta noodles. Erin McDowell/Business Insider We added olive oil and salt to the pasta water before boiling it, per Garten's instructions. Anneta made the recipe with angel hair pasta, while Erin opted for spaghetti noodles she already had in her pantry. Cooking times will vary slightly depending on the pasta you use, but Garten recommends cooking your noodles al dente. Since angel hair pasta is so thin, it cooks much faster than other types of pasta, making this recipe even quicker and easier. As the pasta cooked, we gave the tomato mixture another quick stir. Erin McDowell/Business Insider We were instantly hit with a delicious scent, reminiscent of a plate of bruschetta. The combination of fragrant basil and sweet cherry tomatoes filled the kitchen with such a fresh aroma that it was easy to see why Garten included "garden" in the dish's name — they're the kinds of ingredients many home gardeners grow themselves. Once the pasta was done cooking, we threw the noodles into a bowl with the tomato mixture and added the grated cheese. Erin McDowell/Business Insider We followed Garten's advice and added freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, then tossed everything together in the same pot we used to make the pasta. The Parmesan cheese really brought the sauce together, helping it coat the noodles. The easy pasta dish looked beautiful, and it tasted just as good. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Marinating the cherry tomatoes in Garten's mixture for 4 hours gave them a rich, intense flavor, and the olive oil, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese combined to create a rich sauce that coated every noodle. We couldn't stop snacking on the tomatoes as we tossed the pasta together, and Anneta said she'd definitely make them again for a cheese plate or a Greek salad. Anneta thought the angel hair pasta was the perfect foundation for this dish. After her first bite, she completely understood why Garten recommends it. The airy and fluffy noodles balance out the richness of the tomatoes perfectly, ensuring that the pasta is still light, exactly what you want on a hot summer night. Erin thought the spaghetti noodles also sopped up the delicious sauce, making it a more filling dish — it really depends on your personal preference. We'll definitely be making Garten's summer garden pasta again, even when the season ends. Erin McDowell/Business Insider While we're both huge fans of pasta dishes drenched in heavy meat sauces, we loved Garten's pasta: It was unbelievably simple yet rich, and just as easy to prepare. Between preparing the tomato mixture and cooking the pasta, we used only a handful of dishes and spent less than 10 minutes actively cooking. The recipe was simple enough for a beginner to master yet impressive enough to serve at a summer gathering. Since it relies on ingredients many people already have on hand, it's a dish we'll definitely make again. Read the original article on Business Insider

GPT-Rosalind advances life sciences research with enhanced biological reasoning, medicinal chemistry expertise, genomics analysis, and experimental workflow capabilities.

I took a day trip to Monhegan Island on a historic ferry. Emy LaCroix I took a historic World War II-era ferry to a quaint island off the coast of Maine. The boat was bare-bones, but the ride to Monhegan Island was pleasant. We enjoyed a full day on the scenic island and took a more modern ferry on the way home. When I was invited to join my best friend at her grandparents' picture-perfect cottage on the coast of Maine, all I wanted to do was amble lazily around the little seaside towns, sunbathe in the garden, and forget that time exists. There was, however, one highly suggested activity that required prior planning: a day trip to Monhegan Island. This small, car-free island is only accessible by boat, so I took a $53 round-trip ride on the Monhegan Boat Line to get there. Here's how it went. We took the 7 a.m. ride on a historic boat. Emy LaCroix Wanting to stretch our day trip as long as possible, my friend and I decided to take the earliest ferry available at 7 a.m. We didn't realize, however, that this particular time slot in the summer season comes with a special treat — a ride aboard the historic Laura B. Built in 1943, the small workboat spent its early years carrying troops and supplies in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, it started running lobsters from Maine to Boston and New York City. Nowadays, the boat is stationed in Port Clyde and carries passengers, mail, and freight to Monhegan Island. The ride was bare-bones, but charming. Emy LaCroix The tiny mailboat's wooden interior is no-frills, with four rows of seats and two restrooms. The deck was filled with deliveries — piles of beverages and supplies for the island's businesses sat on the bow — but many bright-eyed travelers opted to stand outside among them. After a 70-minute ride, we docked at Monhegan Island. Emy LaCroix The ride to Monhegan Island took a little over an hour. As it came to an end, we rode through the morning haze before finally coasting into the quiet harbor, which looked like a painting in the golden morning light. We fueled up for our island adventure at the café by the dock. Emy LaCroix Our first stop off the boat was to a café called The Barnacle, which sells souvenirs, drinks, and pastries. We bought breakfast sandwiches, chai lattes, and a house-made energy bar — everything we needed for our island trek. After breakfast, we walked up the gravelly main street and it felt like we stepped back in time. We saw no cars, a cart selling maps of the island (with just a box to collect payment on the honor system), wooden signs, and a white one-room schoolhouse. After a short climb up a steep hill, we reached the Monhegan Museum and lighthouse — and an incredible view of the sleepy harbor and quaint houses nestled around it. From the lighthouse, we walked through a butterfly-speckled field and a damp forest, reaching the opposite coast in just 10 minutes. The east side of Monhegan is home to dramatic cliffs. Emy LaCroix Despite my childhood sailing around New England — and a decade of adulthood in Southern California — I was blown away by the breathtaking bluffs on Monhegan Island. We followed uneven dirt paths and log bridges down the coast, with each turn unveiling gorgeous new landscapes: a rocky cove, a serene tide pool, colorful wildflowers, and a rusted-out shipwreck. A special event provided unmatched small-town charm. Emy LaCroix Everywhere we went, we saw hand-drawn signs for the annual Cardboard Regatta — an event where locals gather on Swim Beach to paddle (with varying success) their homemade tape-and-cardboard vessels to Fish Beach. We joined what felt like the whole town to watch this unique local event, which typically takes place in August. I felt lucky to have stumbled upon it by chance. We cooled off at a brewery on the island. Emy LaCroix Next, we wandered over to the island's lobster-trap-lined brewery, Monhegan Brewing Company, for a beer flight and some crispy pickle chips. We also ordered the house-made root beer to go, which was incredible. The ride home was on a bigger ferry that came with its own unique perks. Emy LaCroix The trip home was aboard the Elizabeth Ann, a larger, more modern boat with a heated cabin, two restrooms, and a sightseeing deck. The way back included somewhat of a tour, with a loop around the outside of the island and some fun facts shared over the loudspeakers. The full ride was a little less than an hour, and though the Elizabeth Ann offered comfier indoor seats than the Laura B, we opted to get the best view by standing at the bow the entire time. Overall, the trip was a charming and nostalgic adventure. Emy LaCroix After docking in Port Clyde, we grabbed a couple of scoops at Village Ice Cream and enjoyed it at the nearby Marshall Point Lighthouse, famously featured in "Forrest Gump." It was the perfect way to end the day. Overall, if you're seeking a unique day trip that allows you to unplug, be fully present, and get inspired, I can't recommend a visit to this peaceful, friendly, and beautiful island enough. Read the original article on Business Insider

Bloomberg/Getty Images This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. The disrupters have been disrupted. After decades of upending industries with their coding, software engineers are now the ones on the defensive. Developers saw their roles change drastically overnight after coding agents improved significantly late last year. Now there's a full-on reckoning for a profession that's historically more lucrative and stable than most, writes BI's Hugh Langley for the first story in our new series, "The Great Coding Reset." Not everyone is terrified of losing their job. Some engineers are finding themselves more productive than ever thanks to their AI copilots. Others are trying to learn soft skills they view as more AI-proof. The only constant is that everyone recognizes something has changed and is adjusting accordingly. Coding's great reckoning is happening as Corporate America undergoes an overhaul. The push for flatter, efficient organizations dovetails nicely with the democratization of coding. Dave in sales doesn't need to waste a month on countless meetings with product managers and technologists describing a new tool he wants. Now he can vibe code it himself. That's exactly the autonomy lots of organizations want from their workers in the age of AI. Especially for tiny teams, it's easy to see how those AI tools could supercharge workflows. But what about larger orgs where there are 500 — or even 5,000 — Daves in sales building their own tools? How does a company keep tabs on that? Someone needs to know what those tools do. Someone needs to make sure they're secure. Someone needs to monitor the costs. Someone needs to determine whether they're creating value or just generating more AI slop. That's a lot of governance for an era supposedly defined by fewer managers and flatter organizations. But at this rate, someone's already vibe coding a solution for that. Read the original article on Business Insider

Standardising grid data through SAP S/4HANA allows E.ON to modernise infrastructure and execute AI deployments. The utility giant manages infrastructure across three distinct domains: energy grids, customer solutions, and energy infrastructure solutions. Maintaining operations across this scope requires continuous capital expenditure on IT hardware and software maintenance. Leadership initially questioned the business case supporting large-scale […] The post How E.ON uses SAP S/4HANA to modernise the grid with AI appeared first on AI News.