Latest news with #family


CNET
41 minutes ago
- Business
- CNET
The iPad 10th-Gen Is My Family's Favorite Gadget, and It's $100 Off at Walmart
I spend a lot of time testing tablets, phones, wearables and other gadgets, so as you can imagine, my home is full of tech. But you might be surprised which device my family reaches for the most, because it's the least expensive one: Apple's iPad 10th gen. It's always ready to go when we need to do something quickly, like order groceries, look at photos together, or do some quick research on a trip we're planning. Right now you can pick one of these iPads up with an impressive $100 discount, slashing the price down to $299. That's a great deal, but with two caveats. First, only the silver version is in stock, and second, I don't expect this deal to last much longer. That's why I suggest ordering your new iPad soon, before it's too late. Since I've got kids, having a cheaper iPad on hand is a must. Apple's entry-level iPad gives us more than enough for basic game-playing, movie-watching, video chats and even some light work. Staying on the cheaper end of the iPad lineup also means that I'm in no rush to run out and grab the latest 11th-gen iPad, either. If the latest entry-level iPad received the same treatment the 2024 iPad Mini did, it might be a different story. I can't justify the iPad as a true laptop replacement. However, on any trip my family goes on, it is the first device we decide to pack after a phone. It doesn't support the higher-end Apple Pencil Pro stylus, but it can work for art with a USB-C Pencil just fine and has a lot of keyboard case options that nearly turn it into a laptop. The iPad has fancier varieties that ramp up processing power, display quality and size, and add more storage. Still, in many ways, all iPads feel pretty much the same. That's the great success of the iPad in the first place, and it's also why cheaper iPads are still great gifts. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The 10th-gen iPad is the perfect size and price I like the 11-inch iPad size the most. It's a perfect blend of screen size and portability, and it's a great fit for keyboard cases. It's easy to slip into a bag and big enough to multitask with split-screen apps. I love doing quick writing and notetaking on iPads with keyboard cases, and the iPad is also my preferred quick and easy way to watch TV shows and movies by myself. I don't always play games on the iPad (I'm a game console person), but games like Catan, Balatro and Retro Bowl on the iPad are my personal obsessions. Read more: Best iPad for 2025 I play with plenty of gadgets in my house, and the iPad is one of many tools in my tech collection. It really hits me how much the iPad is an essential family tool when I see how my wife and kids gravitate to it. It's comforting, instant, and most of the iPads in our home are years old, which doesn't even slightly affect how often we use them. That's why I suggest buying low is the way to go, despite how nice and speedy higher-end iPads can seem. Why this deal matters Discounts on Apple devices don't come around too often. So when a deal does become available, it's best not to wait, as it can disappear at any time. In a world full of rapidly changing tech and gadgets, it's nice that each generation of the iPad can be so reliable and stable. Sure, the 10th-gen iPad might get updated next spring, but in the meantime, it's the best affordable bet for basic uses, such as watching TV, creating art and playing select games.


Washington Post
an hour ago
- General
- Washington Post
My ex destroyed his relationship with our kids. Should I help fix it?
Dear Meghan: I have two teen sons, 16 and 14. Two years ago, their father moved out after deciding to pursue a relationship with another woman; the boys stayed with me by mutual agreement between all four of us. The kids were devastated by their dad's decision, and the months following his departure were awful. When they had planned time with their dad, he often changed plans, arrived late to see them, left early, spent the whole time on his phone and just generally made them feel like they were not a priority. My older son, then the younger one, eventually cut their dad out of their lives except for occasional text messages. Right now, both kids aren't interested in a relationship with their dad, and he doesn't seem very interested in a relationship with them, either. Although he professes to want a relationship, he has not done anything to try to repair things between them, instead insisting the boys need to 'grow up,' 'accept the way things are' and 'stop being so angry.' For now, things between them are at an impasse. I am struggling with my role. I am trying to balance their growing autonomy and their right (I believe) to set boundaries with their dad with the worry that eventually they will be sad they missed this time together. I have suggested to their dad that he make the overtures necessary to fix things between them, but he is not interested in my perspective. Fair enough. In my opinion, it would be best if their dad would apologize, make an effort to reconnect with the kids and work on showing them how much he loves them. I encourage the kids to keep an open mind toward their dad, and I require that they keep the lines of communication open. I think he has to be able to contact them, in case he does wake up one day and decide to try to repair things. I'm unsure of what my job is here. Am I more in a role of listening and supporting them through their complicated feelings or of actively encouraging/pushing them to reconnect with their dad despite his recent shortcomings? He was a really great dad to the boys while they were growing up, and I think his abrupt 'about face' in this regard is part of what has made the kids so hurt and angry. — What Next? What Next?: Thanks for writing in. I sighed deeply reading this; I hate to see the unnecessary pain parents cause their children when they disappear from their lives. The boys' father first hurt them by leaving (rightly or wrongly), but the continuous pain of not showing up is where the real damage lies. Many children can move forward — even through something hard like a parent leaving for another adult — if both parents are committed to staying connected to the children. But when one parent checks out, it re-wounds the children and places extra pressure on the connected parent. Your children's father has taken absolutely no responsibility for his choices, decisions or the pain caused. And worst of all? He is doubling down on his immaturity by blaming his sons for the rift! He has given his sons absolutely no reason to trust him, so my question to you is: Why would you push your sons to discard the evidence and not trust their intuition? Of course, it is awful that your ex was once a present and loving father, and we hope that he can see the light one day. That day is not today. By encouraging your sons to 'keep the lines of communication open,' you are essentially saying: 'Hey guys, don't trust your instincts, push aside your feelings and stay vulnerable to someone who has hurt you. Badly.' Oof. You are confused about what your 'role' is here, but it's pretty clear. Your sons are now old enough to know their own minds. What they think and feel and experience is valid; your role is never to talk them out of that. Here's the good news and the bad news: You don't need to do a lot to fulfill your role. You actually put it perfectly: 'I am trying to balance their growing autonomy and their right (I believe) to set boundaries with their dad … .' Boom, that's it. You are worried about them missing time with their dad, but the bad news is that it isn't your problem to solve. The worse news is that you will have to watch your sons be hurt and disappointed by their father, and there may not be anything you can do about it. But by subtly or overtly pressuring your sons to stay open to their father, you are encouraging them to mistrust themselves. That's not fair. Children (even teens) are not meant to 'be better' than their parents; it is always the parents responsibility to show up for their children. If their father wants to be in connection with them, he knows how to find them. When you ask if you should just be listening and supportive, the answer is yes. If your sons ask, 'Should we talk to Dad if he reaches out?' your only responsibility is to use curiosity and thoughtfulness. 'I don't know buddy, what would need to happen for you to want to talk to him?' By asking thoughtful questions, you promote reflection and responsiveness rather than anger and reactivity in your sons. Is this frustrating for you? You bet it is! There are no easy answers or solutions here, so follow your children's lead. Good luck.


CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Planning a family summer getaway in the Laurentians
Ottawa Watch For families looking to plan a road trip not too far home we have a suggestion for you.


CNET
3 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
Why Coffee Stains Your Mugs and the Best Way to Get Rid of Them
Did you know that 73% of Americans drink coffee daily? After water, coffee and tea are two of the most popular drinks in the world. If you're one of the folks who finds it hard to start the day without a freshly brewed cup of joe (or tea), chances are you've seen a stained mug or two, regardless of whether you handwash yours or use the dishwasher. In my family, we have an ongoing joke about how my sister absolutely will not touch a mug with even the faintest coffee stain, even if the cup is clean and even if she's putting coffee back in it. That got me thinking: Why do coffee and tea stain mugs so easily, and why are those stains so hard to remove? To find out, I did some digging and found a handful of surprisingly effective ways to keep coffee mugs, thermoses and coffee pots looking spotless. Here's what I learned. For more stain-removing tips, learn how to remove stains from clothes, how to clean workout clothes and how to clean your running shoes. Why does coffee stain your cups and mugs? It's so frustrating to run your cups and mugs through the dishwater only to find they're still stained at the end of the cycle. Before you throw out that old cup, think of it as a learning opportunity to research why coffee has such powerful staining power. Coffee can stain cups and mugs due to the presence of compounds called tannins, a type of polyphenol that is naturally present in coffee beans. When coffee is brewed, tannins can adhere to the surface of cups or mugs, leading to brown staining over time. Boy_Anupong/Getty Images How to avoid coffee stains in your mugs The best offense is a good defense. To stop stains before they start, it's best to rinse a cup or mug right after use to prevent any stains from setting in. Additionally, coffee stains can be exacerbated by other factors, like the temperature of the coffee, since heat accelerates chemical reactions. The tannin compounds in the hot coffee will more strongly adhere to the cup material. Leaving the coffee in the cup or mug for an extended period also makes stains harder to remove since the tannins will set into the surface of the cup as the coffee cools down. The porosity of the cup material can also impact the likelihood of staining. The more porous the material, the more susceptible it is to absorbing liquids and staining. Plastic, earthenware and stone cups or mugs are generally considered more porous. I recommend purchasing high-quality stainless steel cups or mugs since they're non-porous, making stubborn stains unlikely. Regular cleaning of cups or mugs can help prevent coffee stains from ingraining into the material. Let's review some of the best methods for removing coffee stains. Five methods to remove coffee stains for good The following five methods should remove the coffee stains from your cups once and for all. (Or at least until the next time you drink coffee out of it, in which case, you'll need to repeat these steps.) Method one What you'll need: Baking soda and water. What to do: Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and tap water. Apply the paste to the stained areas of the cup, scrub gently with a sponge or brush, then rinse thoroughly. Method two What you'll need: White vinegar. What to do: Soak the coffee-stained cup in a mixture of white vinegar and water for a few hours. After, scrub the stains with a sponge or brush, and then wash the cup with dish detergent to eliminate the sour vinegar taste and its pungent smell. solidcolours/Getty Images Method three What you'll need: Lemon juice and salt. What to do: Make a mixture of lemon juice and table salt. Gently rub this mixture over the stained areas and then rinse thoroughly. You will want to wash the cup or mug with dish detergent and water afterward to get rid of any lingering lemon taste or smell. Method four What you'll need: Baking soda and white vinegar. What to do: Sprinkle a few teaspoons of baking soda inside the cup or mug, gently pour in white vinegar and allow the mixture to fizz. Once it has fizzled out, scrub the stained areas with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly. fcafotodigital/Getty Images Method five What you'll need: Denture cleaning tablets. What to do: Denture tablets clean mugs just as well as they clean teeth. Fill the stained cup with warm water and drop in one denture cleaning tablet, making sure to add enough water to completely cover the coffee stains. Let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub and rinse as with the other methods. As with anything, a little effort and time will go a long way to making your cups and mugs shine. These tips will work on any drinkware material and can even be used for tea stains, too. Feel free to repeat any of the above processes as needed to get the stains out. For more cleaning tips, you can also check out how often you should clean your makeup brushes, and the best way to machine wash your sheets and bedding.


The Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm 25 & my man is 76 – trolls say our ‘disturbing' relationship ‘should be illegal' & ‘his grandkids need a Pre-nup'
A YOUNG woman has found herself on the receiving end of a barrage of abuse after showing off her age gap relationship. Diana Montano, 25, is dating an older man 51 years her senior and trolls have described their relationship as 'disturbing.' 2 Not only this, but haters have criticised Diana and 76-year-old Edgar's relationship, with many saying it 'should be illegal.' And that's not all, as keyboard warriors have gone as far to accuse the 25-year-old of being a ' gold digger ' and even suggested that Edgar's grandchildren 'need a Pre-nup.' Posting on social media, Diana, who often shares age gap relationship content online, uploaded a short clip of her and her silver fox, leaving many open-mouthed. As they stood in front of Edgar's car collection, which includes a silver Porsche, the couple danced together and shared a sweet kiss. Diana, who moved out of her family home at the age of 18 and is now incredibly 'independent,' flicked her hair and pouted for the camera, whilst Edgar confidently smiled. Alongside the short video, Diana penned: 'Date night ❤️.' In other clips, Diana has opened up about her age gap relationship and revealed that when she first met Edgar, her parents 'did not accept'. However, after hearing about how 'how he treats' Diana, her mother has now met him and 'is accepting' of their pairing. Diana explained that her parents have given her the 'freedom' to make her own decisions and while her father hasn't yet met Edgar in person, he doesn't have 'too much of a judgement' and 'trusts' Diana's decision. Diana's short but sweet TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ diana_edgar7, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up 9.2 million views. I'm 20 and my man is 63 - people say he looks like Shrek and I must be in it for the money, but I'd still love him if he was a cleaner Not only this, but it's also amassed 902,200 likes, 7,825 comments and 260,200 shares. But social media users were left totally divided by Diana and Edgar's age gap relationship. A-list age gap relationships that have stood the test of time Kris Jenner & Corey Gamble - 25 years The Kardashian matriarch, 69, met her younger man, 44, at a mutual friend's 40th birthday party in Ibiza. They've been together since August 2014. Sam & Aaron Taylor-Johnson - 23 years The director, 57, and actor, 34, reportedly met at a film audition in 2009, and were married by 2012. The pair share two daughters and Sam has two children from a previous marriage. Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley & Jason Statham - 20 years The model, 37, started dating actor Jason, 57, in 2010. They were wed in 2016 and have since welcomed a son and a daughter together. Catherine Zeta-Jones & Michael Douglas - 25 years Catherine, 55, was introduced to Michael, 80, a film festival in 1996 and engaged three years later. Shortly after their engagement, the couple welcomed a son and married in 2000. While some thought their relationship was 'beautiful,' at the same time, keyboard warriors were out in full force and didn't hold back from expressing their thoughts. One user beamed: 'Such a beautiful couple!' A second chimed in: 'Love this for you! My best relationship was with a much older man.' Whilst someone else gushed: 'He probably treats her better than anyone her age.. do you queen.' However, not everyone was as kind, as one person said: 'This is low key disturbing.' Another added: 'His grandkids gotta talk to him about a Pre-nup.' Not only did many say the age gap 'feels illegal,' but someone else commented: 'It should be illegal.'