Latest news with #Pop-Tart
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
POW! KRAK! ZOOM! Witness Earth's Mightiest Creatures with Extreme Animals Alive
Discover the incredible adaptations that make animals living legends in our world. Eustace the six-banded armadillo in Extreme Animals Alive at HMNS Pop-Tart the panther chamelion in Extreme Animals Alive at HMNS HOUSTON, TX, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Key Points: Extreme Animals Alive opens May 24 at HMNS (members see it first May 23), and invites guests to investigate the stunning variety of animal adaptations found in the natural world. Animals within the exhibit include vinegaroons, Savannah monitors, axolotls, fennec foxes, and many more. Visitors learn about animal adaptations, including those that allow animals to shape-shift, glow, endure extreme temperatures, or even control the minds of other animals. Meet Eustace. Eustace is a six-banded armadillo; cute and shy, but a skilled digger with a keen sense of smell, Eustace carries his armor with him. He uses his flexible shell, made of overlapping bony plates, as well as his claws and teeth to defend himself from predators if necessary. And he just happens to be one of the superheroes of the natural world bursting onto the scene in the Houston Museum of Natural Science's (HMNS) newest exhibition Extreme Animals Alive, opening May 24 (members see it first May 23). Step into a graphic novel aiming to reveal the strange and wonderful specializations animals exhibit to escape danger and prove themselves supreme. Extreme Animals Alive invites guests to meet some of the champions of the animal kingdom, both famous and hidden gems, that showcase unique characteristics designed for survival over the competition. From super speed to super stealth, these exceptional beasts have sensational 'superpowers' that allow them to shape-shift, glow, or control the minds of other animals. In addition to Eustace, visitors can observe the surprising defense mechanisms of the vinegaroon, the incredible regenerative power of tokay geckos, the peculiar eating habits of prehensile porcupines, the sly and desert-defying survival skills of fennec foxes, and a whole host of other incredible animals. The exhibition allows guests to get up close with a variety of critters, both familiar and fantastic. In fact, opportunities to interact with live animals occur daily. "Extreme Animals Alive isn't just a display of creatures; it's a window into the sheer ingenuity of nature,' said Nicole Temple, VP of Education for HMNS. 'We've carefully curated a collection that highlights the extraordinary adaptations that organisms have evolved to survive and thrive. From the microscopic to the majestic, and from the prehistoric to the present day, visitors witness firsthand the remarkable 'superpowers' that have allowed these critters to conquer their environments, showcasing the breathtaking diversity and resilience of life on Earth." Explore topics like biofluorescence and learn about how a surprising number of animals glow under UV light, like corals, arthropods, insects, fishes, mammals and more. But why do they fluoresce? Communication, camouflage, to attract prey, and to avoid predators are all theories; but, in reality, we don't fully know. Investigate how some animals can beat both the extreme heat and the extreme cold of the Sahara Desert. Clever, physical adaptations help animals like the Bactrian camel, the fennec fox, and the Savannah monitor cope with blistering days in the desert where temperatures can reach over 115°F. But when the sun goes down, the temperature may drop by 75 degrees and these same animals must also be able to survive the night in near freezing conditions. Discover 'living fossils' among us, such as the dragonfly and shark, that have evolved very slightly, if at all, from their ancient ancestors. They thrive today just as they did in the geologic past – perfectly adapted and successful for hundreds of millions of years. Get ready to plunge into a world where animal adaptations are nothing short of spectacular, with Extreme Animals Alive. Extreme Animals Alive is on display at HMNS beginning May 24 (members see it first May 23). For ticket prices or more information, visit our website at or call (713) 639-4629. Extreme Animals Alive is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. About Houston Museum of Natural Science The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation's most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory, and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure. ### Contact Info Sami Mesarwismesarwi@ 281-684-0430 Attachments Eustace the six-banded armadillo in Extreme Animals Alive at HMNS Pop-Tart the panther chamelion in Extreme Animals Alive at HMNS
USA Today
28-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Muscle Milk's smores protein shake tastes like a Pop-Tart. Do with that what you will
Muscle Milk's smores protein shake tastes like a Pop-Tart. Do with that what you will Welcome back to FTW's Beverage of the Week series. Here, we mostly chronicle and review beers, but happily expand that scope to any beverage that pairs well with sports. Yes, even cookie dough whiskey. Protein powder has become a regular part of my diet. In part because it compels me, at least slightly, to work out. But mixing in a scoop of protein with my coffee not only serves as a useful breakfast that keeps me from getting hungry until, say, 2 p.m. but also makes my cheap flavored coffee feel much fancier. This has typically been whatever winds up on sale at Costco or splashed across my personalized recommendations on Slickdeals. As such, Muscle Milk has typically been an outlier -- a heavyweight brand mostly static with its pricing. While I'd seen it in the coolers at my old gym, I'd never splurged on a carton. After breaking down Pure Protein's offerings and Fulfil's bars, Muscle Milk reached out with the chance to try a new-ish flavor. I'm down for all things smores -- especially the now discontinued Ritz Bits. Now I get to dot my morning with a ready-made shake before my extremely basic afternoon dad workout. Let's see what we've got. Smores: B- It pours a dense brown, looking like a creamy chocolate shake all the way. It smells a bit sweeter than you'd expect, or maybe right on par for a drink that's got heavy marshmallow influence to it. It doesn't taste like a smore. It tastes like a Pop Tarts smores pastry. It's sweet, with a dense sugar feel despite zero sugars in the actual drink. It's thick enough that drinking through a straw is tricky, which helps it feel a bit more authentic to a protein shake. Your feelings on it will depend on how much sweetness you can tolerate. The creamy feel of casein protein gives way to an artificial sugar that leaves a sharp taste on your tongue and coats the roof of your mouth. If you're looking for a dessert, this will scratch that itch at 170 calories and 25 grams of protein. Ultimately, that's good enough for me. It won't be my morning, mix-it-with-coffee protein (although...), but it's a solid post-workout reward. While the protein-to-calorie ratio isn't great here, it's sweet enough to justify its position. It's not my favorite, but it's fine. Would I drink it instead of a Hamm's? This a pass/fail mechanism where I compare whatever I'm drinking to my baseline cheap beer. That's the standby from the land of sky-blue waters, Hamm's. So the question to answer is: on a typical day, would I drink Muscle Milk's smores protein shake over a cold can of Hamm's? Well huh, I'm beginning to think this is an imperfect metric. I do like the taste, but it's a lot. It's more dessert than morning shake, but there's room for that. Personally, I'd like a better calorie-to-protein ratio, but it's fine.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wendy's Frosty Is Getting a Big Makeover
The iconic Wendy's Frosty, a dessert staple for generations, is about to embark on its most significant transformation yet. Forget the simple chocolate or vanilla debate; the future of the Frosty is all about personalized indulgence. Keep reading to discover the exciting new ways to enjoy your Frosty. Wendy's is taking its beloved Frosty to the next level with two exciting new options: Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions. Announced at its recent investor meeting, these innovations offer customers a fresh way to customize their favorite frozen treat. Frosty Swirls allow the addition of various sauces, while Frosty Fusions incorporate mix-ins—both of which can be combined for entirely new flavors never before seen on the menu. While Wendy's hasn't officially disclosed which sauces and mix-ins will be available, the brand's promotional photo (seen above) hints at caramel sauce, cookie pieces, and what appears to be strawberry-flavored crunchy crumbles. Social media speculation suggests they resemble Pop-Tart pieces, though Wendy's has yet to confirm. Fans have already gotten a preview of this customization trend with the Girl Scouts' Thin Mints Frosty, introduced in February. This limited-time offering features a swirled and creamy minty cookie crumble sauce, marking one of the first times Wendy's has experimented with such add-ins. 'Frosty is the most iconic brand in the frozen treats category. It's unique to Wendy's, it's broadly appealing, and our customers love it,' said Lindsay Radkoski, Wendy's U.S. chief marketing officer, during the presentation. 'That's why we're evolving Frosty from a product to a treat destination. We will be that destination when a sweet treat strikes any and all of our customers.' Radkoski also highlighted the appeal of adding toppings and mix-ins, noting that this customization is 'very popular among younger consumers.' She explained, 'They help them fill their desire for new flavors and variety.' The first hints about Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions came from a snack-focused Instagram blogger, who claimed in a February 15th post that Wendy's was working to 'vastly extend the customizability of the Frosty.' At the time, Wendy's neither confirmed nor commented on the speculation. As for their official release, Wendy's has only revealed that Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions will debut sometime this spring, though the exact launch date remains unknown. This menu shake-up comes at a time when the fast-food industry is facing challenges, with inflation-conscious customers seeking better value. Brand loyalty in the quick-service space remains low, with diners often gravitating toward competitors offering better deals or fresh new menu options. Wendy's hopes that these Frosty innovations will keep customers engaged and coming back for more. Radkoski also shared that the changes go beyond just new add-ins—Wendy's is introducing redesigned Frosty cups, lids, and custom blue spoons, all crafted to enhance the eating experience. 'This spoon allows customers to get every bit of Frosty goodness out of the bottom of the cup,' she explained, emphasizing the brand's commitment to both convenience and enjoyment. Wendy's efforts to reinvent the Frosty are just one piece of its broader strategy to drive growth. The company aims to increase global sales from $14.5 billion to $18 billion over the next three years while expanding its worldwide footprint by nearly 15% to 8,300 locations. According to a press release, Wendy's plans to open an additional 1,000 locations by 2028, focusing on investments in technology and operations to enhance the customer experience. Wendy's Chief Financial Gunther Plosch also announced that nearly 6,000 U.S. locations will implement artificial intelligence at drive-thru windows. This AI-powered system will build upon FreshAI, Wendy's existing voice-ordering assistant developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. Initially tested in 2023, FreshAI is currently operating in about 100 locations, with plans to expand to 500–600 restaurants by the end of the year. Source: Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission.
New York Times
30-01-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Penguins Today: Vintage Sidney Crosby and a family reunion
Anyone who stayed awake to watch the Penguins' stretch of late games deserves a treat. And for most of their game in Utah last night, you probably figured on settling for a Pop-Tart or anything else hiding in the cupboards. But your favorite team is captained by Sidney Crosby, and well … good gravy! BACKHAND KING 👑 — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 30, 2025 Josh Yohe captured the moment from Salt Lake City. There isn't much more I can add, other than a reminder that Crosby's backhand is as wicked a weapon as the NHL has known. The Penguins really needed that victory over Utah Hockey Club. Not because the two points dramatically improve their playoff chances. Not because it's a signal that a second run of winning is about to start. Advertisement They just needed something good to happen at the end of a seven-game road trip. That return flight to Pittsburgh today won't feel as long. The Hershey Bears are the standard-bearing AHL franchise, and the Penguins' AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, put it to them last night. Where to begin? Ville Koivunen has his FOURTH goal of the game. 7-0 #WBSPens. A nifty move & Koivunen pokes it through the five-hole. WOW!@InsideAHLHockey — Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) January 30, 2025 • Ville Koivunen and Vasily Ponomarev, two of the prospects acquired in the Penguins' Jake Guentzel trade last season, each turned hat tricks. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton had never had two players score hat tricks in the same game. • Emil Bemström recorded four assists, as did Filip Král, who also added a goal. • The 9-0 victory was the largest margin for a win in franchise history. Two of Kyle Dubas' objectives when he was hired to run the Penguins' hockey side two years ago were to improve the prospect system and make Wilkes-Barre/Scranton competitive. This is hardly a mission-accomplished moment, but things are going well. Koivunen and Ponomarev are two prospects fans want to see in Pittsburgh soon. The AHL Penguins are 23-10-4-0 with several games in hand because of an arena issue, so it's fair to consider them a contender for the Calder Cup. Things might look bleak for the Penguins at the NHL level, but that's not the case throughout the entire organization — and that's not nothing. There is no shortage of Pittsburgh ties to Utah Hockey Club. One could become the best NHL player Pittsburgh has produced: Logan Cooley. He's skilled. He's smart. He's growing into his frame. He goes to the net. Offensively, Cooley checks all the boxes. He's the type of talent a franchise builds a top line around and expects it to work for a decade. Advertisement Former Penguins defenseman Ian Cole, one of four notable former Penguins on Utah's roster, compared Cooley to 'a young Nathan MacKinnon.' Enough said, right? The Penguins donned Pittsburgh's colors — black and gold — for the first time on this date in 1980. Original general manager Jack Riley picked the original colors (Columbia blue, navy blue, black). I asked the late Riley years ago why he didn't pick black and gold, and he said he wanted the Penguins to stand out from the Pirates and Steelers and the Pittsburgh Hornets, a popular minor-league team that predated the Penguins. Also, he said, 'I'm from Toronto, and the team there wore blue — blue is a hockey color.' I miss Riley. He attended games at Civic Arena and PPG Paints Arena until late in a life well-lived. He was a gentleman. More Penguins fans should know about him. I'm a fan of the Penguins' blue uniforms, especially the mid-to-late 1970s ones that have never been reimagined as a third kit. Here's hoping that changes. Anyway, as the story goes, the Penguins had to win approval from the NHL to change to black and gold. The Boston Bruins fought them on the issue. Precedent from Pittsbugh's original NHL franchise, the Pirates, carried the day for the Penguins' quest. And they broke out the black and gold on Super Bowl Sunday a few hours before the Steelers won their fourth title in six seasons against the Los Angeles Rams. • Yesterday, Utah Hockey Club announced three potential team names and will put them to a fan vote. Yeti, sadly, won't be one. Nor will Blizzard, which was my personal choice. Anything other than Utah Hockey Club will do. • The Devils have struggled since the NHL's holiday break. They'll probably be fine, especially given the relatively weak state of the Eastern Conference. Might the NHL's first woman GM be honing her craft in New Jersey? Peter Baugh documents Meghan Duggan's 'huge, lofty goal' in this story. Advertisement • The Athletic has launched an Alex Ovechkin tracker as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky's goal record. It forecasts a 10 percent chance he will do the deed in Pittsburgh at the end of the season. The hockey gods should let him break it at home, but if not, in Pittsburgh against the Penguins would be fitting given the eternal link between Ovechkin and Crosby. Enjoy the weekend, everyone. The Penguins will finally play a home game! (Photo of Sidney Crosby: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
