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Essential Road Trip Gear: From Phone Chargers to Podcasts, Travel Miles in Style

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Road trips are a quintessential American getaway, allowing you to visit family across states, escape to the mountains for a picturesque autumn weekend, and enjoy an extraordinary journey that may last weeks. While it’s possible to hit the road with just a driver’s license and a water bottle, incorporating some practical gadgets and supplies can lead to a much smoother experience.


Having lived in a camper van while traversing North America, I’ve continually taken numerous trips each year, giving me plenty of time to test the best road trip gear. From entertainment options like podcasts and games to utilities such as portable power banks and pet accessories, we’ll introduce essential items that will make your next excursion the best adventure yet.

All prices are current as of publication.

Portable Power Bank




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

Anker Laptop Power Bank

$119.99 on Anker


$119.99 on Amazon

I travel with a variety of electronic devices (many of which are work-related), so I’m always conscious of their remaining battery life. Although most modern cars come with USB ports, they often lack the power needed for larger gadgets like laptops. Some hotels may have malfunctioning or inaccessible outlets, and most campsites traditionally don’t have any.

Pack the Anker Laptop Power Bank for reliable power on the go; it features two built-in USB-C cables for fast laptop charging and a port for other devices, with enough capacity to recharge your iPhone about four times.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

If you’ve embarked on a long drive, you know how listening to music can soon become monotonous. A great way to break up the routine is by mixing in podcasts and audiobooks. Audible provides an excellent selection, offering access to thousands of audiobooks for $7.95 per month. Furthermore, if you’re already subscribed to Spotify Premium, you may not realize you are entitled to 15 hours of audiobooks each month, including Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell.

For free options, check out the Libby app, which allows access to free audiobooks from your local library. And, naturally, most podcasts are free; some popular choices include Serial and S-Town.

Travel-sized Board Games




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

GoCube Edge 3×3 Speed Cube

$49.95 on Amazon


$69.95 for retail

If you’re traveling with friends, small travel board games and puzzles can significantly reduce the time spent on the road. Many of my favorite games come in compact travel editions such as Catan, Chess, and Checkers. On your journey, your travel partners can play and save the big game night for your arrival.

Looking for something more engaging? Consider the GoCube Edge, a Rubik’s Cube that connects to your smartphone, offering tutorials to help you solve its colorful challenges.

Catan Traveler: Compact Edition


$51.99 at Coles



$51.99 at Toys R Us

Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
$39.99 on Amazon

Play Monster Magnetic Checkers
$11.52 on Amazon



$11.99 on Playmonster

Pet Accessories




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

Earth Rated Poop Bags
$7.99 on Amazon


$7.99 on Chewy

Don’t forget to pack your pup’s poop bags for bathroom breaks along with dog food, medication, a foldable water bowl to save space, and a protective seat cover if your furry friend has sharp claws or sheds. Consider an affordable and durable standard active pet car hammock; it’s practical and fits most vehicles.

Easy to Fold Dog Bowl
$5.59 on Amazon

Active Pet Dog Car Hammock
$24.57 on Amazon

First Aid Kit




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

Mini First Aid Kit
$9.99 on Amazon

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It’s common sense, yet many overlook regularly checking and restocking their first aid kits after use. Some even forget to bring one along! Keeping a stocked first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips, particularly with painkillers, band-aids, allergy meds, and antiseptics. It’s never fun to injure yourself only to realize there’s no bandage available, especially when the closest convenience store is hours away.

Cooler




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

RTIC Road Trip Cooler

$99 on RTIC


$105 at Walmart

It’s astounding how fast food and drink costs escalate on the road—just a Big Mac can surpass $7. Prices soar as you approach the highway, making packing a cooler a smart strategy to avoid these inflated costs. I’ve been using the Moose Jaw Chiradilla, which is no longer available. Its robust build doesn’t just keep your fruit, sparkling water, and sandwiches safe; you can also place it on a short hike without worrying about damage.

While the Chiradilla is no longer on the market, the RTIC 16-Quart road trip cooler features a similar durable design. For ease of travel in a packed vehicle, the RTIC cooler is ideal. Alternatively, Rei Trailgate cooler is a popular soft-sided choice. While we can’t guarantee all these options, check them out as you consider an upgrade.

RTIC Daily Cooler

$39.98 on RTIC


$39.98 at Walmart

Rei Trailgate Weekend Cooler


$129.95 at REI

Tablet or E-Reader




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

BOOX Tablet GO 10.3
$409.99 on BOOX


$409.99 on Amazon

In addition to my laptop, I always like to have another entertainment source handy, usually my 10.3″ e-reader tablet. This slim device not only provides access to hundreds of books, but also enables note-taking and drawing, while handling word and PDF files. With its multifunctionality, it’s easy to justify bringing it along on any trip, especially since it’s portable.

For films and games, a simple iPad can be an excellent choice. Available in four variations, the basic iPad comes with an 11-inch screen, ample power, and a reasonable price of $349, ensuring you can enjoy a full day of battery life.

Headphones




Photo: John Bittner/Guardian

Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

$198 at Walmart


$228 on Amazon

While you shouldn’t use headphones while driving, they can be great for passengers to enjoy their favorite tunes. It’s wise to invest in a set with superb noise cancellation to block out the car radio and nearby chatter. I use the Sony WH-1000XM4, which delivers fantastic noise cancellation and impressive audio quality. For even more advanced features, consider the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Sony WH1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

$448 on Amazon



$449.99 at Sony

  • Jon Bitner is a travel, outdoor, and tech writer for platforms like GameSpot, Digital Trends, and Islands. An avid hiker, he enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.




Source: www.theguardian.com

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Review – Cold War Chaos Revived with Cinematic Flair | Games

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A wise fictional character once remarked that war never changes, and if you experience Snake Eater, it’s hard to disagree. Konami has reimagined the 2004 Cold War PS2 classic, swapping “three” with “Delta,” but this remains the jungle adventure you remember. Without Kojima, Konami has maintained the essence of this chaotic masterpiece while channeling its energy into stunning visuals and smooth, modern controls.

In terms of PS2 titles that feel like contemporary releases, Metal Gear Solid 3 tops the list. Transitioning the series into vast outdoor settings, Kojima maximized the aging power of Sony’s console. To modern players, these environments were expansive. However, revisiting the water-logged swamps of Tselinoyarsk in today’s open-world gaming landscape, the once seemingly endless jungle feels rather quaint.


A potential playfulness… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Thankfully, the charm and vibrant characters inhabiting these mosquito-infested playgrounds remain as plentiful as ever. Every path you tread is filled with playful opportunities. The snake slithers through the mud, sniping wasp nests and dispatching nearby patrols before leaping from cliffs. Vultures descend on foes under the scorching desert sun, and you can even shoot the transceiver of a guard to thwart a backup call. It’s these intricate systems and ambitious narratives that lend a grander feel to the modest maps.

As for the narrative, Snake Eater retains its edge, interspersing real-world historical footage from the Cold War before pitting you against various foes. Long-time fans la-li-lu-le-lo aside, newcomers might find the relentless opening cutscene somewhat intrusive. The prologue periodically takes control from the player, inundating you with tutorial text between short playable segments, but it ultimately culminates in a barrage of fitting nouns.

Fortunately, once gameplay begins, Snake’s Soviet journey feels exhilarating. Purists can opt for classic top-down views through legacy modes, but modern controls provide a truly revolutionary experience, transforming the once-clumsy snake into a lethal killing machine.


Despicable Shenanigans… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Moreover, there are some exciting new features for seasoned veterans. The newly introduced optional compass efficiently points toward your target, while pressing the D-PAD allows for quick access to the codec and camouflage adjustments on the fly.

Speaking of camouflage, the survival system in Snake Eater is perhaps its most significant legacy. Kojima’s groundbreaking hunting and injury treatment mechanics continue to influence modern games, setting the groundwork for today’s popular survival genres. Though some elements may feel dated compared to current standards, they add an appreciated layer to Snake’s escapades.

The island’s playful meta-narrative continues to thrive, offering engaging gameplay choices. From the ability to eliminate an early boss long before their intended encounter to a boss fight that revolves around your accumulated bloodlust results, few modern titles embrace this level of interactive storytelling.

Despite its cinematic aspirations, Snake Eater excels in its quirks and video game absurdities. Items drop from defeated soldiers, hidden frogs leap as you shoot, and camouflaged rubber ducks lurk in every nook and cranny of the environment.

Delta serves as a stunning showcase for the PS5 Pro, becoming one of the few graphical highlights amidst Sony’s high-priced offerings. The cinematic splendor of last year’s memorable sequences comes alive with breathtaking 4K visuals. Still, not everything has aged gracefully, particularly Eva’s cleavage cutscene, which reveals the game’s roots in 2004.

Some elements could benefit from a revision. While players will not soon forget the iconic final confrontation, the rushed ending feels like a missed opportunity to cohesively tie up loose threads, suggesting Konami’s interference in this critical area and leaving it feeling anticlimactic.

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Outside the primary gameplay, there’s a fun monkey escape mode and an additional secret feature that I won’t spoil. The only entirely new mode, the Foxhunt multiplayer component, has unfortunately arrived post-launch and currently feels somewhat unfinished.


Snake Eater is a refined and slick chapter in the Metal Gear saga, resembling a Cold War caper fit for a James Bond film, replete with apocalyptic undertones. Kojima’s affection for Hollywood is evident, often spilling over into unwieldy epic narratives, yet this game remains his most cinematic achievement. It’s silly, tightly packed, and delightfully campy, meandering toward absurdity with sublime stealth. The legendary voice acting seamlessly merges Cold War fantasy with anime-inspired antics.

If you reminisce about the Metal Gear Online glory days when the free Foxhunt mode launches later this year, it could elevate your score. If not, Snake Eater remains a melodramatic joy and serves as a fantastic introduction to one of gaming’s most illustrious masterpieces.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to release on August 28th.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Twenty Years Later, I’m Still Emotional: The Timeless Brilliance of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | Games

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It’s unforgettable—the first time you play a Metal Gear game. Among them, Konami’s iconic stealth series is epitomized by the 2004 installment, Snake Eater. This initial chapter and its sequel acted as a reboot. Initially aimed for the PS3 due to its ambitious technology, it was eventually released on the PS2. The writer-director, Kojima, sought to take the gravelly-voiced protagonist, Solid Snake, out of the shadowy military bases and into the great outdoors. With elements like food hunting and broken bones that could be reset, Snake Eater felt far more grounded and immersive compared to PlayStation games of the 2000s.

Despite Snake Eater’s significant transformations, one classic aspect remains unchanged—stellar voice acting. In Konami’s upcoming remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, all the iconic, absurd lines from the original script are preserved. Enhanced with modern controls and stunning new graphics, Delta more closely resembles a 4K restoration of a beloved film than a standard remake akin to the latest Resident Evil titles.

“To their credit, Konami wanted to maintain the authentic experience,” says David Hater, the voice of Solid Snake. “They aimed to ensure it felt like the original, while still leveraging today’s technology.”




“Very cinematic”… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Hater, who also penned the scripts for the 2000s X-Men films, takes immense pride in his portrayal of Solid Snake, a role achieved through the unique recording process of his eccentric performances. “For my first Metal Gear Solid, I recorded in an unusual house in Hollywood,” he reflects. “There were five microphones set up and it was just me and the other actors.”

This atypical setup was in stark contrast to the usual individual recording method, where voice actors would record separately, and their performances would be pieced together afterward. Hater found this collaborative approach to be incredibly effective. “I insisted my contract required me to record in this manner for all the Metal Gear games; I’d be in the booth alongside other top voice talents for months at a time.”

By the time the actors recorded their roles for Metal Gear Solid, the storyline was nearly finalized. However, for Snake Eater, they received only cues, leaving much of the visual imagination to the voice talent. “We had no visuals,” says Hater. “It was challenging to grasp the full impact of what we were creating at the time.”




“I know why you go back to it over and over again”… Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

This shared experience resonates with Lori Alan, who voices The Boss, a key character in Snake Eater. “This is where the voice director showcased his remarkable skills,” Alan shares. “The recording sessions were intense. After a session, you’d exit saying, ‘What a ride!’ as the director would quietly remind you, ‘You love him. You trained him. You’ll betray your country!’ It was astonishing, and left you feeling completely drained.”

As Alan departed the booth while Hater was recording, she didn’t fully grasp the impact of the character she embodied. “I have a devoted fan who once sent me a clip, but I’ve never played it,” Alan admits. Over two decades later, she finally experienced the iconic role she helped create. “We were filming promotional videos for the remake,” Hater recalls. “Lori mentioned she wanted to know what we did back then, but it was hard to convey! So, I sent her the complete cutscene from the game… A couple of hours later, I received an emotional call from her. She was in tears, saying, ‘Oh my god! I didn’t understand before, but now I get it.'”

“It’s incredibly cinematic,” Alan adds. “The depth of the relationships stands out, giving me chills. I found myself completely engaged in the storytelling, as one would when reading a captivating novel or watching a compelling film.”




“We didn’t need to change anything great from the original”… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Beyond some audio refinement and adjustments to fit the new control system, the cast confirms that no additional material was introduced in Delta. “I like to think I’ve become a better actor since then,” Hater muses. “Yet, these recordings had to align perfectly with the original, making it surreal to step back into the booth and reprise the same role after 20 years.”

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Hater and Alan aren’t alone in revisiting the jungle—Cynthia Harrell, the original singer of Snake Eater’s theme, has re-recorded the iconic anthem for the remake. Harrell noted that she recorded her vocals with little direction. “That final scene, with the song playing as she dies, the red petals falling… I still cry 20 years later.”

Decades later, that moment remains powerful. Following an emotional climax, players are given the choice to pull the trigger. “I wished there was an option to shoot her in the leg instead,” Hater admits.

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The ongoing separation between Kojima and Konami means that the original Snake Eater director isn’t involved in Delta, yet the publisher has engaged and retained members from the original development team. “For me, that thrill and surprise felt like the first time I played, 21 years ago, and that’s the experience we aimed to replicate,” shares Yuji Korekado, a producer on Delta and a former team member. Fellow producer Okamura Noriaki emphasized the intention to maintain creative integrity: “We concluded that adding twists or new plot elements was unnecessary; the original was already exceptional.”

As a new generation grows up unaware of the significance of Revolver Ocelot, Hater views Snake Eater Delta as the ideal reintroduction to one of gaming’s most revered franchises. “Someone asked me last night why they started remastering with No. 3,” he mentions. “That’s because it’s the best, you know? The characters are incredible, and the storylines are profound. These are some of the most tragic and beautiful moments in gaming history. It’s akin to living through a cinematic masterpiece for 60 hours.”
1.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox on August 28th

Source: www.theguardian.com

Essential Winter Running Gear to Conquer the Cold

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If you’re tempted to give up running or hit the gym in the winter, think again. Whether you’re heading out for some fresh air and sunshine on a crisp blue-sky day, or blowing away cobwebs in the rainy darkness after work, running outdoors can make winter more bearable.


A few changes to your outfit and some clever accessories can help you stay warm, dry, and safer. Not all of the following are required. It depends on where you’re going, how far you’re going, and what time of day you’re going. Everything featured is unisex or has versions for women and men.

best winter running gear

protective headgear

Arc’teryx Norvan balaclava

£65 at Arc’teryx

Buff reflex DryFlx beanie hat

£21.07 on Amazon

£21.95 in buff

Wearing proper headgear can save you a run when the wind is blowing strongly or the temperature is very cold. The Arc’teryx Merino Balaclava can be worn around the neck, pulled up over the mouth, or as a balaclava that wraps around the ears and forehead. The top is open for ventilation. If you want full head coverage, you can also wear a Buff beanie. Both are highly reflective, breathable, and quick drying.

chest light

Provis chest light

£29.99 at Provis


£34.99 on Amazon

Wearing a chest light gives you the chance to see bikes, cars, and people long before they can reach you in the dark. This is especially important in areas without street lighting. It has super-bright 500 lumen front and backlights (white full, half, or low beam on the front, slow blinking red on the back), and a USB rechargeable battery that lasts 3 hours. The elastic, adjustable strap has Proviz 360 reflectance, which creates a dazzling shine when the light hits it.

bone conduction headphones

Shokz OpenPro2 headphones


£169 at Shokz



£169 on Amazon

If you can’t live without music or podcasts while running, but don’t want to lose awareness of your surroundings in the dark, bone conduction headphones are the perfect solution. Sound is conducted through the temporal bones at the sides and bottom of the skull, so you can hear cars, bikes, and people while immersing yourself in listening. This also eliminates the problem of earphones falling from sweaty ears.

If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed at the magic of hearing music as clearly as if it were through earphones. The sound quality on this wireless pair is great.

backpack cover

Provis backpack cover

£34.99 at Provis


£45.50 at Decathlon

If you’re a running commuter, you could buy a high-vis reflective backpack for those dark mornings and evenings, but this reversible cover is an inexpensive hack that you can slip over your existing backpack and enjoy its benefits. With its high reflectance, it lights up your body like a Christmas tree. Keeps the bag and its contents dry even when it rains.

technical base layer

love bridge line Long sleeve base layer for women

£59.99 on sports shoes



£59.99 at Base Camp Gear



love bridge line men’s long sleeve base layer

£59.99 on sports shoes


£60 on Amazon

Layering is key when running in the winter. A good quality technical baselayer and midlayer for the first few miles, combined with a running jacket (see below) if it’s wet or very windy, will keep you warm and sweat-free. can. You can delete either of the top two if you wish.

These baselayers are designed for mountain running, but are equally useful for urban runs. It’s made from breathable fabric with small vents in well-placed locations to quickly wick away sweat and moisture, and a deep chest zipper if you get too hot.

running jacket

asics metalan mens waterproof jacket

£142.99 in sports shoes


£151 at Asics


ASICS Metalan Women’s Waterproof Jacket

£120 at Sports Direct


£151 at Asics

If you’re going for a short 20-minute run in the rain, you can probably do without a running jacket. However, if you’re running long distances, a flexible, breathable technical running jacket is a wise investment for rainy and windy days.

This well-designed jacket packs into its own chest pocket, making it easy to store away when you don’t need it. It’s completely waterproof, so you can go out even during long downpours. It also switches around the bottom and hood to create a seal around the body. It’s also made from 50% recycled materials. A good running jacket will last for years if properly cared for.

running gloves

Limb Maze Runner gloves

£22.95 at Outdoor Action


£25.50 at Mountain Warehouse

Sealskins Wolferton running gloves

£40 at Sealskins

Cold hands and feet can ruin your winter run. Even if your face and body are hot, the wind will keep your hands cold. Regular gloves are cumbersome and make your hands sweaty, but running gloves are breathable and flexible.

These Extremities gloves feature superior insulation and reflective details. Sealskinz are water-repellent and have nifty retractable mittens that you can wear over your fingers on especially cold days. Both are touchscreen compatible, so you can keep your gloves on while using your smartphone.

warm socks

Sealskins Hillgay running socks

£18 at Sealskins


£18 on Amazon

For the other extremities, merino running socks will keep your feet comfortable without overheating and will quickly wick away moisture if they get wet. These are thicker than summer socks and reach mid-calf. In winter you can’t bare your ankles.

tracker device

Tile Pro

£34.99 on Tiles


£27.99 on Amazon

Running before and after work inevitably means running in the dark, but this Tile Bluetooth tracker gives you some peace of mind. Tile has partnered Life 360 is a safety app that shows your loved ones exactly where you are, so you can now use tiles to discreetly trigger SOS alerts. Press the button three times and your contacts will be asked to confirm their location. and Gold or Platinum membership Life360 allows you to dispatch emergency services to your exact location.

The tiles are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so you can run with them or shove them in your pocket, and they have a range of 500 feet. Adding tiles can also save you tons of time spent looking for your keys or phone before heading out for a run.

hybrid running shoes

www.theguardian.com

Environmental organizations gear up to combat incoming Trump administration

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overview

  • Environmental groups are gearing up to resist the anticipated policy changes from the incoming Trump administration.
  • They foresee President Trump expanding oil and gas drilling and attempting to undo or scale back some of the legislation passed during Biden’s presidency.
  • Environmental groups are bracing for legal battles ahead and are seeking donations to support their efforts.

Environmental groups are preparing for pushback against the upcoming Trump administration, expecting swift policy changes compared to when Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Based on Trump’s past actions and recent campaign comments, experts predict that he will expand oil and gas drilling, reduce land conservation efforts, and possibly aim to reverse Biden-era legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Curbing Inflation Act.

Environmentalists are concerned about Trump’s Cabinet picks, who are likely to support increased drilling activities as per Trump’s statements. Legal battles are on the horizon, with groups like the Center for Biological Diversity gearing up for potential fights against unlawful changes.

The Brookings Institution reported that Trump’s first administration made around 74 moves that were seen as detrimental to environmental policies, a number that might rise in the next term given Trump’s promise to change regulations significantly.

Environmental groups like NRDC and the Center for Biological Diversity are readying themselves for legal disputes and are actively seeking donations to fund their fight against expected environmental policy changes.

Trump’s transition team has not provided any comments on the matter.

Both NRDC and the Center for Biological Diversity have a track record of successfully challenging Trump’s policies in court, winning a significant percentage of the cases they engaged in.

Conservation groups are anticipating conflicts over protected federal lands, particularly in the Southwest, with past battles over Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah serving as examples of potential future clashes.

The sun sets over Monument Valley in the distance, seen from Bears Ears National Monument outside Blanding, Utah, in 2021.George Fry/Getty Images File

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Top 7 Spy Toys and Gear for Kids in 2024

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If your child is fascinated with spies, you’re in luck – there are many spy toy sets available. A love for secret agents indicates that your child is inquisitive and starting to show interest in exploration and technology. There are various toy sets on the market that can aid in developing these skills while providing entertainment and nurturing imagination.

Here are some recommended spy toys for curious kids.

The best spy toys and gear for inquisitive kids

KidzLabs Spy Science Secret Message Kit

This comprehensive toy kit from 4M is packed with everything needed to send secret messages. Kids can hone their spy skills with various items included, such as an invisible message writer, a Morse code torch, and materials to create a 20-page spy journal.

The kit also includes a developer, stick code, and message capsule for discovering secret messages, while the cipher wheel and secret code library aid in learning essential skills. A Super Spy ID card is also part of the package for kids to enjoy. It’s an interactive and educational way for kids to engage in a new interest.

Long Range LCD Screen Walkie Talkie

No spy kit is complete without communication devices. Walkie-talkies are ideal for accompanying your child on their adventures. They allow you to stay connected as they uncover secrets and even role-play a spy headquarters.

Toy Zee walkie talkies are designed with kids in mind, featuring a simple and lightweight design suitable for little hands. With a VOX feature for hands-free calling, these walkie talkies have 9 main channels for private communication, reducing the risk of eavesdropping by others on the same channel.

Thames & Cosmos Master Detective Toolkit

BrightMinds kids’ toys aim to make learning fun and accessible, and this kit from Thames & Kosmos introduces children to science and lab work. The detective toolkit includes tools and documentation for learning about crime scene investigation and analyzing evidence like fingerprints, footprints, and tire tracks.

SpyX MicroSpy Gear Set

This spy gear kit encourages kids to explore their surroundings. It includes a utility belt with 4 micro tools – a spy light, invisible ink pen, motion alarm, and micro listener – to elevate kids’ imaginations. Prepare to venture into the outside world with your child using their new gear.

LOGIBLOCS Secret Recorder Kit

The Secret Recorder kit from LOGIBLOCS helps children explore while developing STEM skills. This gadget allows kids to build 7 innovative systems, featuring a voice recorder, message box, light sensor, Morse code, and more to kickstart their tech projects.

A to Z 9300 Spy Set

This A to Z secret mission set brings kids as close as possible to being real-life spies. They can observe their family using spy glasses, binoculars, and periscopes while sending secret messages using a special transmitter. Suitable for children aged 5 and above.

Kasachoy Night Vision Goggles

These spy goggles feature two pop-out LED lights, allowing kids to see in the dark up to 25 feet away. The battery-powered lights emit a cool blue glow, providing a realistic night vision experience and igniting your child’s imagination.

Check availability Amazon.

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Read on to discover more about the best night vision goggles and binoculars.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

SpaceX and Boeing gear up for risky space missions

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Rivals Boeing and SpaceX are preparing for a busy week with upcoming key test flights of their rockets and spacecraft.

Boeing is set to launch two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station aboard its Starliner spacecraft for the third time on Wednesday. The liftoff is scheduled for 10:52 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Command Station in Florida.

The following day, SpaceX will conduct the fourth uncrewed test flight of its Starship megarocket. The launch will take place from SpaceX’s Starbase test site in Boca Chica, Texas, with a targeted liftoff time of 8 a.m. ET.

Despite being spaceflight competitors, this week’s launch serves a unique purpose: Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, developed in collaboration with NASA, will transport astronauts to the space station – a service SpaceX has been providing commercially for NASA since 2020.

Boeing’s third attempt to launch astronauts into space

Should Boeing’s initial crewed test flight succeed, it could pave the way for regular flights of its Starliner spacecraft to the space station for NASA, challenging SpaceX’s current dominance.

The Starliner will carry NASA astronauts Barry “Batch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who will spend approximately a week aboard the space station before returning to Earth and landing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Butch Wilmore (left) and Suni Williams put on their Boeing space suits at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP – Getty Images

Starliner’s most recent launch attempt was halted on Saturday with less than four minutes to go due to an automatic abort triggered by a computer controlling the Atlas V rocket, created by United Launch Alliance, a collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

SpaceX’s Starship test flight on Thursday aims to demonstrate technologies critical for future moon missions.

Starship, the most powerful rocket ever developed and designed to be fully reusable, is expected to play a vital role in NASA’s plans to send astronauts back to the Moon. Additionally, SpaceX intends to use Starship for eventual missions to Mars.

NASA is also working on its own Space Launch System megarocket and Orion spacecraft for moon missions, part of the Artemis program which envisions establishing a base camp on the moon’s surface before exploring Mars.

Source: www.nbcnews.com