Insect-eating Venus flytraps thrive in the Carolinas as hikers peek into their native ecosystem
CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. — Park ranger Jesse Anderson leads dozens of people on a weekly hike in North Carolina to see some of the most unique living things in the world — plants that supplement the nutrients they get from sunlight by digesting ants, flies and spiders.
But the Venus flytraps aren't like the human-size, ravenous and cruel Audrey in 'Little Shop of Horrors.'
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Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Sunland Group Debuts Waterfront Homes In Exclusive Miami Neighborhood
These luxurious homes offer rare waterfront footage. Affluent sun-seekers can now indulge in luxurious surroundings at newly-built waterfront homes in Miami's tony Belle Meade neighborhood. Sunland Group, a full-service design, development, construction and brokerage firm, recently debuted the Marea Collection of Casa Vista and Casa Coral, both priced at $10 million. Comprising four homes total when complete, the single-family residences are connected through modern aesthetic and emphasis on their pristine waterfront location and private access. Sunland Group's in-house sales and marketing team, Sunland Real Estate, is exclusively representing the Collection. Naoshi Matsumoto, founder of Sunland Group, says, 'Our focus in Miami has been developing and designing beautifully built waterfront, single-family homes. When we came across the Belle Meade neighborhood and these four adjacent sites, we saw an immense opportunity, both in the amount of private waterfront access each residence has, as well as the proximity to the open waterways. People not only want immediate access to water, but they also want to be able to get out of the winding canals fairly quickly and easily. Belle Meade enabled all of this. The neighborhood is also an incredibly private and exclusive community, which buyers at this level tend to appreciate. These four projects are part of a broader vision for Belle Meade. We've already completed other developments in the area and continue to grow our presence with additional residences underway. It's a clear reflection of the confidence we have in this neighborhood's unique character and long-term appeal.' To further elevate the Collection's design presence, Sunland Group tapped acclaimed Chilean architect Gonzalo Mardones to collaborate on two of the residences. The resulting selection of homes plays off each other to create a cohesive group of properties that collectively redefine Miami's vision of opulent waterfront living in one of its most desirable enclaves. 'Design is at the center of our ethos, which is why we opted to integrate this specialty into our practice, and we're incredibly proud of the Marea Collection as it showcases this focus and attention to detail and craft,' explains Nicolas Izquierdo, Managing Director. 'Waterfront single-family homes are highly desired among buyers looking to settle in Miami so we knew we had to let the location guide the design process. It was also very important that these homes embody comfort and elegance.' The building's facade is split between white stucco and limestone. Defined by white stucco exteriors, each home enhances the natural beauty of Miami's waterways. Building upon the idyllic location and with the goal of drawing in the outdoors, the design team leveraged light as a primary building material, shaping each residence to maximize the number of windows and create sun-filled interiors throughout all points of each home. The building's facade is a split between a white stucco upper half and a lower stone half composed of Moca Creme Limestone. Located at NE 8th Avenue, Casa Vista and Casa Coral each features 50 feet of exclusive waterfront access. The oversized rear outdoor spaces connect to the ground floor living areas. They include a private lap pool, spa, alfresco dining area and spacious sundeck. Other hallmarks of the Marea Collection include large private terraces off the primary bedrooms and a rooftop patio, along with glass railings, wood cladding and abundant landscaping. Casa Vista spans more than 4,500 square feet. Casa Vista, an opulent five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home, spans more than 4,500 square feet and employs a modernist aesthetic that becomes immediately warmed with a light color palette and wood and stone accents. The first floor features an open concept plan including a fully-appointed kitchen and dining area; oversized living space and ensuite bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors run the entire length of the back of the residence. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels frame views of the adjacent waterfront and rear outdoor space, which has been arranged to emphasize the waterfront access. The second floor is dedicated to the remaining four ensuite sleeping quarters. The primary bedroom is a tranquil sanctuary with its abundance of space, dressing room-style walk-in closet, luxuriously appointed bathroom and private terrace overlooking the waterfront. A secondary terrace provides the other three bedrooms with additional outdoor space. Adorning the home is the landscaped rooftop patio featuring water views. A two-car garage is attached on the ground level. Casa Coral boasts one ensuite bedroom encompassing the first floor. Casa Coral boasts over 4,600 square feet and shares an open-concept floor plan similar to Casa Vista. Featuring a private street front design, the residence opens up to expansive views of the waterfront towards the rear, creating a sense of seclusion and space that afford a striking lightbeam effect onto the street at nightfall. The home has four bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, with its top-of-the-line kitchen, living room, dining area and one ensuite bedroom encompassing the first floor. The water-facing outdoor area at the home's rear extends off of the living space and is complete with a grilling station, alfresco dining area, lap pool, spa and oversized sundeck. The remaining bedrooms including the primary are situated on the second floor. Spa-like in its design, the primary suite's oversized bathroom opens onto a private terrace with waterfront views. A den-like area serves as a connecting point to an intimate private terrace as well as the remaining two bedrooms, each featuring an ensuite bathroom. A landscaped rooftop terrace with built-in, backlit benches caps the property, while a two-car garage is on the ground level. The waterway and views become a signature design element. 'We embrace modern design for its warmth and how naturally it suits waterfront homes like Casa Vista, Casa Coral and the Marea Collection,' explains Evelyn Gavilondo, Director of Design at Sunland Group. 'In collaboration with Gonzalo Mardones, we explored distinct modern expressions within a shared design language, giving each home a unique identity, while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Because this aesthetic is more minimal in styling, it enables you to draw the outdoors in beautifully, which is crucial to leveraging a waterfront home's most desirable aspect, the water. The surrounding area with the waterway and views become a signature design element. We also relied heavily on a warm color palette, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors and multiple outdoor spaces to further pull the outdoors in. There is an innate ease to waterfront living due to the desire to allow the natural landscape to take a more prominent role. These elements combined helped blur the lines between indoors and out to create a sense of luxury and serenity.' Matsumoto adds, 'Both Casa Vista and Casa Coral reflect Sunland Group's continued commitment to elevating and redefining the waterfront living experience in Miami. Each of these homes, though architecturally distinct, embodies our design and development philosophy of emphasizing the waterfront location and inviting the inherent calm and tranquility synonymous with this through a modern design that retains a strong sense of warmth. The Marea Collection as a whole is pioneering a lifestyle that artfully blends luxury and high design with the ease and comfort inherent to waterfront living.' A true hidden gem, Belle Meade provides a welcome respite from Miami's ever-pulsing energy with its gated community and tree-lined streets, thus offering the rare opportunity to reside in a safe, waterfront oasis in the heart of the city.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Trump Orders an Investigation Into Biden and a Travel Ban on 12 Countries
Hosted by Tracy Mumford Produced by Will Jarvis and Ian Stewart Edited by Ian StewartJessica Metzger and Tracy Mumford Featuring Hamed Aleaziz and Emily Baumgaertner Nunn 'We Don't Want Them': Trump Signs Travel Ban on Citizens From 12 Countries, by Hamed Aleaziz Trump Orders Investigation of Biden and His Aides, by Chris Cameron U.S. Vetoes U.N. Resolution Demanding Immediate Gaza Cease-Fire, by Farnaz Fassihi Israeli-Backed Aid Sites in Gaza Close Temporarily After Deadly Shootings, by Aaron Boxerman Should We Test Babies for Incurable Diseases?, by Emily Baumgaertner Nunn Clever Cockatoos Have Figured Out How to Drink From Water Fountains, by Gemma Conroy Tune in, and tell us what you think at theheadlines@ For corrections, email nytnews@ For more audio journalism and storytelling, download the New York Times Audio app — available to Times news subscribers on iOS — and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Windowless jets offer digital experience on future flights
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 05, 2025 With the unveiling of Otto Aviation's Phantom 3500, humans are heading toward a future of windowless jets. The aircraft is redefining air travel by eliminating traditional windows in favor of a sleek, aerodynamic design, something many engineers are surely happy about. It's a radical approach, but it's one that, on top of improving fuel efficiency and reducing drag, will still offer some of the best views using digital technology. Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report" : Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my free "Ultimate Scam Survival Guide" when you sign up! Why is windowless design such a big deal for aircraft? Most travelers don't realize that windows are structural weak points in an aircraft. They require extra reinforcement, add weight and disrupt the smooth flow of air over the fuselage (the main body of the plane). This increases drag, a resistance force that makes flight less efficient. By removing windows, the Phantom 3500's surface allows air to flow with minimal turbulence, helping the aircraft achieve what Otto Aviation describes as "full laminar flow characteristics." HYPERSONIC JET PROMISES NYC TO LONDON IN UNDER AN HOUR This is a major contributor to its impressive aerodynamic performance. The windowless design is not just for aesthetics. Otto Aviation specifically engineered the fuselage to optimize laminar flow, using lightweight materials and smooth surfaces to further reduce drag and fuel consumption. SOLAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT ACHIEVES GROUNDBREAKING 22-HOUR AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT How Phantom 3500 gives windowless passengers stunning digital views A common concern with windowless aircraft is claustrophobia. To address this, the Phantom 3500 features high-definition digital screens along the cabin walls and ceiling. These displays stream real-time video from cameras mounted on the aircraft's exterior, offering passengers a panoramic, immersive view of the skies. Otto Aviation refers to this system as Super Natural Vision, a proprietary technology that replaces traditional windows with state-of-the-art digital displays, seamlessly integrating real-time external views for a unique in-flight experience. The spacious, luminous cabin measures 800 cubic feet with a 6-foot-5-inch ceiling, comfortably accommodating four or more passengers in a luxurious, flexible layout. The cabin can seat up to nine passengers, depending on configuration, and is designed to maximize comfort and functionality. Freed from the constraints of window placement, the interior can be customized for relaxation, productivity or entertainment, ensuring passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination. CHINESE WEARABLE EVTOL JETPACK MAKES HISTORIC FIRST FLIGHT Phantom 3500 sets new standard in jet fuel efficiency and performance The Phantom 3500 builds on flight tests from Otto's Celera 500L prototype and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform. By sustaining laminar flow, the aircraft aims to improve fuel efficiency by 35%. This allows it to maintain high-speed performance while consuming less fuel, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient aircraft ever developed. It operates in the transonic range (Mach 0.8–1.2), balancing speed and efficiency. It can also reach a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet, significantly higher than most commercial airliners, which typically fly between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. Thanks to its streamlined fuselage and optimized aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 burns 50% less fuel than conventional business jets. This reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower operating costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions. The Phantom 3500's wings achieve complete laminar flow, allowing for smoother airflow and reduced drag, enabling the aircraft to take off from runways as short as 3,500 feet, nearly doubling the number of accessible airports in the U.S. alone compared to similar-sized jets. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE SUBSCRIBE TO KURT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES Kurt's key takeaways The Phantom 3500 gives us a glimpse of where air travel could be headed. With its focus on efficiency and those stunning digital screens offering panoramic views, flying might soon feel more immersive and enjoyable than ever. If this jet lives up to its promise, the window seat could become a thing of the past, and the future of aviation might get a lot greener and faster, too. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Would you trade traditional airplane windows for high-definition digital screens showing real-time views? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
