Smart home gadgets have no limits these days. You can control everything from a garage door to every single light bulb in your house … if you have enough gusto to replace them all. Front doors have had smart accessories added to them over the years—smart door locks, video doorbells, sensors to tell you whether the door is shut—so why not make the door itself smart?
At least, smart in a certain aspect. Home Depot’s newest smart door, made by Feather River and powered by Home Depot’s smart-home Hubspace platform, incorporates a smart glass window, and starting today you can purchase it on Home Depot’s website. It’ll require either a USB-C power connection or using the included battery to power that smart window.
It’s not the company’s first foray into smart doors, though it’s the most affordable option, with a price that ranges from $798 to $998 depending on the window size. That’s still not cheap, but it isn’t a terrible price for a front door with a large window, let alone a window you can control.
For Opacity’s Sake
Photograph: Home Depot
The Smart Glass door has one main trick: You’re able to control the door like you would a light, tapping to toggle on and off the opacity rather than a bright bulb. You can control it through Home Depot’s Hubspace app, or connect your Hubspace app to a voice assistant to control it with voice commands to a Amazon Alexa or Google Nest speaker. The window can either be a clear window allowing for light and a view into the great outdoors, or frosted over for privacy. No more choosing only one style of window for your door: Now you can have both.
Hubspace is Home Depot’s in-house smart-home ecosystem. It works similarly to any other smart-home app, with options to control your Hubspace devices and create schedules and routine options. While Hubspace is a lesser-known name and a little newer to the space after launching in 2021, everything I’ve tested from it has worked well. It also plays nice with the two most popular voice assistants, so it’s pretty painless to add to your home.
With the Smart Glass door’s paintable fiberglass construction, composite window, and decorative panels at the bottom, the Smart Glass door has a nice, contemporary look. It offers four window size options, letting the smart glass fill up most, half, or just the top quarter of the door’s center. The door with the small, Craftsman-style window is the least expensive at $798, while the three-quarter window and full-size window both retail for $998.
The Smart Glass door does solve a privacy issue homeowners might face: Does one really want to have a massive window in their front door? There’s absolutely an aesthetic appeal, but without other security measures, a true clear window might not always feel safe. It’s certainly nice to have if you want more light in your front room, and you might want a view of your yard or to give your pet a clear view of the mail carrier. It’s equally nice to have privacy from potential home invaders and door-to-door salespeople who don’t need to know you work from home. The Smart Glass door lets you have both of these things without sacrificing the other.
Battery Without Brains
Photograph: Home Depot
The Smart Glass door can work on both battery and USB-C if you’ve got a nearby outlet on the hinge side of the door; the battery is expected to last around two months depending on usage. If your Wi-Fi goes down, you can connect to the door via Bluetooth to continue being able to control it. If the door loses power, it’ll automatically switch the window to opaque mode, giving your home privacy while you wait for power to come back on or for the battery to charge.
Fossilized remains found in Patagonia, Argentina back in 2009 represent a new genus and species of plant-eating dinosaur that belonged to a group called Rebbachisauridae.
The newly-discovered dinosaur species lived in Patagonia between 99 to 96 million years ago (Late Cretaceous epoch).
Dubbed Campananeyen fragilissimus, the ancient plant-eater was an early member of Rebbachisauridae, a group of diplodocoid sauropods that diversified primarily on the supercontinent Gondwana between the Early and Late Cretaceous.
“Rebbachisauridae is recovered as the basal-most group of Diplodocoidea,” said Dr. Lucas Lerzo, a paleontologist with the Fundación Azara – Universidad Maimónides and CONICET, and his colleagues.
“Although the inferred origin of diplodocoid sauropods is in the Late Lower to Early Middle Jurassic, it is not until the Lower Cretaceous that rebbachisaurid sauropods appear in the fossil record, with a peak of diversity at the end of the history of the family in the Early Upper Cretaceous.”
“Rebbachisauridae is characterized by a highly pneumatized skeleton which deeply invades the axial skeleton and the pelvic girdle.”
“They present novel features in the dorsal vertebrae not reported in any other sauropod.”
The postcranial remains of Campananeyen fragilissimus were collected in 2009 from the Candeleros Formation in Barda Atravesada de Las Campanas, Neuquén Province, Argentina.
They were found along with the fossils of small theropod and rebbachisaurid dinosaurs, a turtle and a lizard.
The team’s analysis shows that Campananeyen fragilissimus is closely related to Zapalasaurus, Sidersaura and a specimen from the La Amarga Formation.
“The new rebbachisaurid is recovered as the sister taxon of Sidersaura due the presence of procoelous posterior caudal vertebrae and dorsoventrally flattened posterior caudal centra,” the researchers said.
“Campananeyen fragilissimus presents an extreme pneumatization of the sacral region with an autapomorphic dorsal alar arm of the sacral transverse processes.”
“Finally, the phylogenetic analysis supports a South American origin for Rebbachisauridae and an early diversification to Africa and Europe by the Barremian-Aptian as previously suggested.”
The discovery of Campananeyen fragilissimus is reported in a paper in the journal Historical Biology.
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Lucas N. Lerzo et al. They all floated in the cretaceous: new rebbachisaurid (Sauropoda, Diplodocoidea) with a highly pneumatized skeleton from the Upper Cretaceous (lower Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Historical Biology, published online August 13, 2024; doi: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2383708
A group of U.S. legislators are demanding answers from the USDA and Boar’s Head company officials regarding egregious food safety violations at a production plant that has led to dozens of hospitalizations and at least 10 deaths.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-CT, is heading the group of lawmakers.
As a result of the Listeria outbreak, the company has closed its Jarrett, VA, plant and permanently stopped production of its liverwurst product nationwide.
The coalition has written to USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Jose Emilio Esteban, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Paul Kiecker, and Boar’s Head Chief Operating Officer Larry Helfant.
“This outbreak could have and should have been prevented. What is especially troubling is how egregious sanitation problems occurred despite supposed regular oversight; oversight which typically includes at least one inspection per shift,” the legislators wrote to the USDA officials.
“According to records released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), inspectors turned up 69 records of ‘noncompliances’ at this individual facility in the year leading up to the outbreak.”
The legislators noted that the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has the authority to contract with state departments of agriculture and other state agencies for inspections, but that the federal agency is ultimately responsible.
“It is appalling that seemingly no enforcement actions have been taken against Boar’s Head despite the reported repeated records of major noncompliance,” the legislators wrote in the letter to USDA’s Secretary and Administrator.
“Inspectors found and documented the following: mold and mildew around the hand washing sinks for staff working with meats that are supposed to be ready to eat; mold in holding coolers between the site’s smokehouses; blood in puddles on the floor; insects in and around deli meats at the plant, and ‘heavy meat buildup’ on walls and machinery.”
The legislators cited a New York Times story that reported that two years prior, “ U.S. inspectors warned that conditions at [the] Boar’s Head plant posed an “imminent threat” to public health, citing extensive rust, deli meats exposed to wet ceilings, green mold and holes in the walls.”
“If an investigator identifies an imminent threat, the agency must take immediate action to protect the public. Yet over a two-year period, apparently no immediate action was taken to fully correct this ‘imminent threat,’ and we are now responding to one of the worst Listeria outbreaks in recent decades,” the legislators wrote.
“The conditions at this facility were unacceptable and highlight a disregard for public health and food safety.”
The legislators said they wanted the USDA officials to answer eight main questions:
FSIS had a contract for inspection in place with Virginia State to inspect the Boar’s Head Facility. What was the scope and nature of that contract, and what activities were conducted by the State versus USDA inspectors? Did contracted state inspectors perform all of the duties or just some duties as part of the contract? Who do the state inspectors report to and who manages Corrective Action Procedures, ensuring noncompliances are properly escalated and completely remedied? Please provide the results of any onsite reviews of the Virginia inspection program that have been conducted by USDA in the past three years.
USDA inspectors are required by law to visit meat and poultry processing facilities at least once per shift. How often did a USDA inspector (not a contracted state inspector acting as a federal inspector) visit the facility in Jarratt, Virginia? Please provide documentation of the length of these visits, activities conducted during each visit, and noncompliances identified for the period August 30, 2022 through August 30, 2024.
According to news reports, USDA has not taken any enforcement actions against the Boar’s Head Facility in the past year, despite over 69 records of “noncompliances” flagged by inspectors during that period, including reports of “dirty” machinery, flies in pickle containers, “heavy meat buildup” on walls, blood in puddles on the floor, and multiple instances of leaking pipes, clogged drains, and heavy dust buildup in certain areas. What enforcement actions are available to USDA to address the type of noncompliance issues identified in the Boar’s Head facility? Why were these actions not taken against Boar’s Head Facility despite repeated violations? Were all records of noncompliance addressed and remedied before operations resumed?
Where is the inspection data managed, and is the data managed in a manner so FSIS can see food safety risks and trends?
Can FSIS shut down a facility for being unsanitary? And by extension, do state inspectors acting at the discretion of FSIS have the authority to shut down a facility for being unsanitary? If yes, why was the plant not shut down despite repeated and similar noncompliances. If no, who has the authority to shut down the plant to protect public health?
According to the Listeria Rule, an establishment may sample for Listeria monocytogenes or an indicator organism (e.g., Listeria spp.) to verify the effectiveness of its sanitation program. The establishment is not required to perform further confirmatory testing on Listeria spp. positives to determine whether they are positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Will FSIS consider amending this rule to ensure that establishments must conduct routine testing for Listeria monocytogenes or at bare minimum, to require confirmatory testing on Listeria spp. Positives for sanitation verification testing?
FSIS Directive 10300.1 requires companies to schedule Intensified Verification Testing (IVT) for cause, including sampling of Listeria monocytogenes. Was IVT conducted on the Boar’s Head Facility associated with this outbreak? If so, please provide the full results of such testing.
FSIS can schedule a Food Safety Assessment to verify that products are being produced in accordance with FSIS standards. Please provide the findings of any Food Safety Assessment conducted by FSIS in the Boars Head Facility between for the period 8/30/2022 to 8/30/2024 and indicate whether enforcement action was recommended as a result of such assessment.
FSIS stated in a 2015 rulemaking on Listeria monocytogenes that “the percent positive in FSIS testing for Lm in RTE products has decreased from 0.76 percent in calendar year (CY) 2003 to 0.34 percent in CY 2013,” citing this as evidence that new regulations for Listeria were effective in controlling contamination. Can the agency provide data from CY 2014 to present showing the percentage of positives for Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products? Does the agency believe it collects sufficient product samples annually to detect statistical changes in the trend of product positives? Does the agency have other measures that show whether the current Listeria Rule is or is not effective in controlling Listeria in RTE products?
Did the Boar’s Facility conduct its own testing for Listeria monocytogenes Listeria spp?Please provide the data from such testing and a summary of inspectional findings related to such testing. Please include information on where test results are stored and who had access to them.
Letter to Boar’s Head officials In writing to the Boar’s Head officials, the group of legislators voiced many of the same concerns as they brought up to the USDA officials. They reiterated that the ongoing outbreak of Listeria infections is the most severe in decades.
“We are horrified by the reports of the conditions at the Boar’s Head Facility in Jarratt, Virgina. According to records released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), inspectors identified 69 records of “noncompliances” at this individual facility over the last year,” the legislators wrote to the company officials.
“These conditions show a complete disregard for food safety and for the public health of the American people. As a company that operates within the United States and sells to American consumers, you have an obligation to protect public health and prepare and sell food that meets safety standards. With the science we have available, there is no excuse for the tragic loss of life that has occurred as a result of this outbreak.”
The legislators asked the Boar’s Head officials the following questions:
The Boar’s Head Facility in Virginia opted for alternative 3 for the control of Listeria monocytogenes in post-lethality exposed RTE products as described in the Listeria Rule. Alternative 3, which consists of just using a sanitation program, is the weakest of the three alternative control options, since it does not include a post-lethality treatment or an antimicrobial agent or process (Alternative 2), or a post-lethality treatment and an antimicrobial agent or process (Alternative 1) and requires more testing for Lm or an indicator organism, particularly for food-contact surfaces. Did Boar’s Head explain to FSIS their thinking behind opting for Alternative 3, rather than the stronger alternatives? If yes, can you provide the reasoning and any communications to FSIS on this subject?
Facilities using Alternative 3 must state the frequency with which the microbial testing will be done for food-contact surfaces in the post-lethality processing environment. How frequently did the Boar’s Head Facility test food-contact surfaces for Listeria monocytogenes an indicator organism? Did FSIS collect this data? If yes, please provide the data from such testing, especially for years 2000 to present.
Did the Boar’s Head Facility test nonfood-contact surfaces for Listeria monocytogenes an indicator organism as part of its sanitation program? If yes, what did they test for and how frequently did they perform such tests? Did FSIS inspectors collect this data? If yes, please provide the data from such testing. If not, why not?
How does Boar’s Head plan to remedy all instances of noncompliance and additional areas of concern regarding the conditions at the facility in Jarratt, Virginia? How does Boar’s Head plan to prevent similar instances of noncompliance in the future?
Will Boar’s Head commit to investing in the clear infrastructure needs of the facility in Virginia, such as the numerous reported instances of leaking pipes, before restarting operations there? Why were operations not halted to make needed renovations to protect food safety?
Why did managerial staff not act sooner to address safety concerns? How will managerial staff at this facility be held accountable for repeated food safety concerns and instances of noncompliance?
How were conditions at this facility allowed to remain so unsanitary for such a long period of time? What policies are in place to ensure food safety and general cleanliness of operations? How can the American public be assured other Boar’s Head facilities are not experiencing the same problems?
Please provide evidence for and of all third-party food safety audits and inspections.
How are food safety decisions made at Boar’s Head and specifically at the facility in Jarratt, Virginia? Who at Boar’s Head headquarters manages food safety?
Can you please provide the documented steps you did to manage the current recall for all the products you have voluntarily recalled over the last year? Please include the number of customers contacted, information that was shared with customers, the correspondence sent to customers, and if customer responses were tracked.
The legislators who signed the lettres are: Rep Rosa DeLauro, Sen. Richard Durbin, Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Greg Meng, Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan, Rep. Mike Quigley, Rep. M. Grijala, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Dan Goldman, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. John D. Larson, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. David Scott, Rep. Nydia M. Rep. Velazquez, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Julie Brownley, Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Rep. Robert Scott, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Danny K. Davis, Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Rep. Gabe Amo.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)
Teddy Swims will release the second part of debut album ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy’ in January.
The star caught attention with a series of viral covers in 2019, before his profile exploded over the pandemic. Amassing a true army of online fans, Teddy Swims has notched up a string of massive hit singles.
At one point this year having three – count ’em – tracks in the Top 40, the first part of his debut album brought critical acclaim.
Fan-pleasing pop, the second half of the album landed this winter. Out on January 25th, ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)’ follows the colossal success of recent single ‘Bad Dreams’.
Available to pre-order now, the release coincides with his his biggest global tour to date — including performances at Lollapalooza in Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Yesterday, Celine’s S/S 25 collection, “Un Été Français,” made a remarkable debut. Deviating from the traditional runway showcase, Celine’s Hedi Slimane opted again to convey the essence of his latest designs through a captivating YouTube video.
For spring 2025, Slimane drew inspiration from Françoise Sagan’s 1965 novel La Chamade, which delves into the theme of lost love. The presentation was set against the opulent backdrop of the historic Château de Compiègne, providing a grand and fitting environment for Celine’s latest offerings.
(Image credit: Celine)
Slimane showcased a fusion of nostalgic Parisian elegance with a modern twist, incorporating luxurious fabrics, tailored silhouettes, and understated yet impactful details. From pleated mini skirts to snakeskin-printed pencil skirts, sequin cardigans, and bead-embellished mini dresses, the range offers a diverse and sophisticated array of options for the modern woman. The collection also features prim and proper blazer skirt sets, crafted in lightweight summer cashmere or hand-embroidered, exuding timeless sophistication.
The accessories in the collection are equally stunning, including delicate silk scarves elegantly tied around models’ necks, logo-embossed headbands, and a variety of exquisite lacquered leather slingbacks. Notably, Celine introduced a new standout piece, the Teen Bag Joséphine, featuring a timeless and minimalist design with an extended curved handle, exemplifying the brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship.
(Image credit: Celine)
Watch the video below, and then keep scrolling to shop for a selection of new pieces from the brand.
In this article, I’ll be talking about where to stay in Phu Quoc. This southern Vietnamese island was one of my favorite stops during months of touring around the country, but, knowing where to stay during your visit is crucial to make the most out of your time.
Phu Quoc, pronounced Foo Kwock to avoid confusion, is not a huge island but there are several Phu Quoc neighborhoods to consider. It all depends on what type of experience you want to have. Within this post, I’ll share the best areas to stay in Phu Quoc for travelers of all kinds. Let’s jump in!
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Best Areas to Stay in Phu Quoc
Duong Dong: Best Place To Stay in Phu Quoc for Your First Time
Duong Dong is the beating heart of the island and the best area to stay in Phu Quoc for first-time visitors. It offers a mix of local culture, lively markets, and beautiful beaches. What’s more, its central location means you’re never far from key attractions.
The famous Dinh Cau Night Market is a must-see, perfect for fresh seafood and picking up souvenirs. You can also explore the nearby Dinh Cau Temple or relax on the beach, which is just a stone’s throw away.
Pros of Staying in Duong Dong
Central Location: As the main hub of Phu Quoc City, Duong Dong is a prime location for amenities and activities.
Great Beach: The beach here is stunning and offers both tranquil and lively areas.
Western Amenities: As a tourist hub, this is where to stay in Phu Quoc city center for some home comforts.
Cons of Staying in Duong Dong
Crowded: During peak tourist seasons it can get very busy, making it a less ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Higher Accommodation Prices: Expect to pay higher prices compared to quieter areas of Phu Quoc.
Traffic: Although much quieter than Vietnam’s big cities, this is the busiest spot in Phu Quoc for vehicles.
Best Places to Stay in Duong Dong
Whatever your budget or travel plan, you’ll find something that suits you in Duong Dong. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay in Phu Quoc center:
1. Fla Village: A little slice of paradise, exactly what Phu Quoc is all about. From simple ensuite rooms to family-sized bungalows, this is an affordable option for all. Their palm tree-lined outdoor pool is amazing! Click here for details.
2. The Poplar Resort: Enjoy stunning sea views and walks straight onto the beach from your room. Hundreds of exceptional reviews rank this place among the best hotels in Phu Quoc. Click here for details.
3. Hung Vuong Resort: Exquisitely finished in the traditional and classy Vietnamese style. This resort hotel has 2 pools set amongst lush greenery and offers easy access to both the center and the beach. Click here for details.
The island is at your fingertips in Duong Dong; it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Phu Quoc for tours and sightseeing. Here are a few things to consider adding to your itinerary:
1. Go Island Hopping: Phu Quoc is actually made up of 22 islands and is a hub for snorkeling. I explored a few of these islands by speedboat, with all snorkeling gear, lunch, and even a beer included. Check out the tour I booked.
2. Eat Like a Local: Phu Quoc is home to endless street food options, but navigating menus without English can be tricky. I joined a street food tour and learned about local dishes, prices, and the best spots to eat. Check out more details here.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food options in Phu Quoc. There are options for whatever you fancy! Here’s a couple of my go-to spots:
1. Crab House: Easily identified by the huge crab figurine climbing the front of the building, the Crab House is a popular local spot for excellent fresh seafood. Click here for directions.
2. Nha Hang Chay NAM: If seafood and meat aren’t your thing, don’t worry! This great vegan restaurant serves delicious takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Find it here.
3. House No.1: An awesome nighttime spot with great deals on drinks, live music, open mic nights, and regular club-style DJ events. Check it out.
Long Beach: Best Area in Phu Quoc for Nightlife
Long Beach (Bai Truong) is the best place to stay in Phu Quoc for nightlife, with a lively offering of beach bars, clubs, and restaurants. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with beach parties and lounges, perfect for anyone seeking a fun night out.
The area attracts a trendy crowd with its collection of bars, chic cafés, and live music venues. You’ll find stretches of sandy beaches, colorful murals, and a buzzing atmosphere that balances fun and relaxation perfectly.
Pros of Staying in Long Beach
Vibrant nightlife: There are plenty of excellent bars, beach clubs, and live music venues.
Stunning Sunsets: Idyllic evening views at sunset make it an ideal location for evening drinks by the water.
Chilled Atmosphere: The relaxed beach vibe attracts chilled creatives and fun-seeking travelers alike.
Cons of Staying in Long Beach
Noisy at Night: The nightlife scene can get rowdy, making it less appealing for those wanting a quiet retreat.
Busy: The Long Beach bars can feel overcrowded during peak tourist seasons.
Touristy: There’s less authentic local charm here as the area caters heavily to tourists.
Best Places to Stay in Long Beach
If you’re wondering where to stay in Phu Quoc for nightlife, Long Beach is the perfect spot. Whether you want to dance the night away, sip cocktails by the water, or enjoy live music, Long Beach has it all. Here are some excellent options:
1. Salinda Resort: A 5-star resort right on the beach. With a restaurant on-site, an epic outdoor pool, and a free breakfast included, need I say more? Click here for details.
2. Anja Beach Resort & Spa: Another terrific beachfront hotel with spa and wellness facilities, a fitness center, and airport transfers included as standard. It’s one of the most popular Phu Quoc hotels close to nightlife. Click here for details.
3. Nhat Huy Bungalow: A cute complex that’s ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the big hotel scene. Charming rooms and a relaxing, serene pool are the perfect cure after a heavy night out. Click here for details.
Top Things to Do in Long Beach
Aside from the nightlife, Long Beach is also considered one of the best areas to stay in Phu Quoc for activities and things to do. Check out these great options, I highly recommend number 2!
1. Explore the Island by Motorbike: If you love nature and adventure, this half-day motorbike tour is a great way to explore Phu Quoc. You’ll ride through forests, visit farms and fishing villages, and enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant. Click here for details.
2. Go Scuba Diving: Take your snorkeling up a notch and try scuba diving in Phu Quoc’s stunning waters, with sessions for all experience levels. A certified instructor is with you the whole time, and tours include pick-up and lunch. Check it out here.
3. Enjoy the Beach: The epic stretch of sand known as Long Beach is a fabulous place to chill out, especially around Bai Truong. The sunsets are breathtaking from here every day, and the tranquil waters and white sands are as perfect as they sound.
Where to Eat and Drink in Long Beach
Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand by day, before embracing the nightlife in Long Beach. There are some great late-night spots at your disposal if you stay in this Phu Quoc neighborhood. Take a look at these:
1. Highnote Bar: A luxury bar that forms part of the Salinda Resort I mentioned in the accommodation options. The cocktail and cigar lounge is a classy spot for drinks and live music. Find it here.
2. Passion Pub & Sports Bar: On the opposite end of the spectrum, Passion Pub is the place to go for cold beer, live international sports, and a lively post-beach party atmosphere. Click here for directions.
3. Hoppy Dayz Craft Beer Bar: If you’re looking for a change from the regular local beers and cocktails, head to Hoppy Dayz. There’s a terrific selection of craft beers from some of the best Vietnamese brewers. Click here for directions.
An Thoi: Coolest Place to Stay in Phu Quoc
An Thoi, located on the island’s southern tip, is quickly becoming one of the best places to stay in Phu Quoc. This vibrant port town is full of local charm, with a blend of trendy cafes, and authentic seafood restaurants. Plus it’s a hub for fun activities.
The area combines old and new, with modern developments springing up alongside traditional fishing villages. The streets are lively, with markets selling fresh produce and handmade goods, while nearby beaches offer a quieter escape.
Pros of Staying in An Thoi
Great Attractions: Some of the top things to do and several amazing tours are located in south Phu Quoc.
Less Touristy: Although well-serviced, An Thoi isn’t such a busy tourist spot compared to other parts of the island.
Cheaper Prices: Prices are a little cheaper across the board.
Cons of Staying in An Thoi
Less Nightlife: Although there are a few great cool spots, there’s less nightlife here than in other areas of Phu Quoc.
Fewer Accommodation Options: Similarly, there are fewer choices when it comes to booking hotels.
Local Vibe: While there are some trendy areas to discover, An Thoi still feels more local, which may not suit everyone.
Best Places to Stay in An Thoi
If you’re hoping for the best of traditional culture and modern amenities, An Thoi is the ideal neighborhood in Phu Quoc to stay. Away from the majority of tourists, there are some great accommodation options. Take a closer look at these:
1. Oscar Seaview Apartment: The stunning ocean views have landed this fairly new-to-the-market option exceptional reviews. Guests are rating it as the best apartment in Phu Quoc. Click here for details.
2. Merci Hotel: Located amongst the Venice-themed neighborhood of An Thoi, Merci Hotel offers luxury accommodation at a budget price. The well-appointed rooms are clean, comfortable, and stocked with everything you need for a great stay. Click here for details.
3. De Stefano Coffee and Hotel: A sleek and cool coffee house meets hotel option. Rooms are finished in a more guesthouse style and have a delightful welcoming and homely feel. Click here for details.
Top Things To Do in An Thoi
There are some fantastic attractions around An Thoi, including a world record-breaking activity you should definitely try! Check these out:
2. Visit Phu Quoc Prison:Phu Quoc or Coconut Prison, is a significant historical site that was used to detain prisoners of war. Visitors can explore the exhibits and gain insight into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners. Click here for directions.
3. An Thoi Port: It’s fun to simply walk around this lively hub, popular with local fishermen and island hopping tours. Experience authentic local life, try fresh seafood, and catch boats to nearby islands. Click here for directions.
Where to Eat and Drink in An Thoi
Seafood is still very much the order of the day in An Thoi, but you can find plenty of variety when it comes to dining and drinking. Here are a couple of trendy spots to check out:
1. Roma Restaurant: Don’t be alarmed by the number of Italian-themed restaurants – an entire section of An Thoi is designed to mimic Venice. But despite its name, Roma Restaurant serves excellent, traditional Vietnamese options. Find it here.
2. PH Rooftop Bar: Located among the posh areas of Phu Quoc this very cool rooftop cocktail and restaurant bar is the perfect sunset spot. Click here for directions.
3. Il Salone: Forming part of the Hilton Hotel, this exquisite bar oozes class and offers some of the best cocktails in Phu Quoc. They even serve afternoon tea and delicious Italian pastries. Click here for directions.
Ong Lang: Best for Digital Nomads
Ong Lang is the best place to stay in Phu Quoc for digital nomads seeking peace and productivity. It’s far away enough from the tourist crowds, allowing for a more relaxed pace without sacrificing comfort. For more information, be sure to read my digital nomad guide to Phu Quoc.
The vibe here is calm yet connected, attracting freelancers and creative travelers seeking a balance of work and play. With beautiful beaches just steps away, you can take breaks between tasks and enjoy the ocean.
Quiet: The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for focused work and relaxation.
Digital Nomad Options: There are plenty of cozy cafes and chilled spots for remote working.
Natural Beauty: The stunning nearby beaches are perfect for unwinding after a day of work.
Cons of Staying in Ong Lang
Limited Options: Dining and entertainment choices are much fewer compared to more central areas.
Few Hot Desks: Overall, there aren’t as many co-working spaces in Phu Quoc as in other Vietnamese cities.
No Nightlife Scene: Ong Lang has no real late-night options, so you’ll need to drive into Duong Dong if you want to stay out longer.
Best Places to Stay in Ong Lang
With finding the right life/work balance in mind, I found these accommodation options that should strike a chord with fellow digital nomads:
1. Ancarine Beach Resort: With a choice of high-spec modern rooms and bright and spacey beachside bungalows, it’s easy to work in style here. The onsite gym is perfect for blowing off steam and there’s a bar and 2 restaurants. Click here for details.
2. Ocean Bay Resort and Spa: Executive rooms, high-speed internet, and free bikes to explore the island are on offer. Start your day right with a fabulous breakfast, included as standard. Click here for details.
3. Isabella Resort: If the guitar-shaped pool doesn’t sell this hotel, I don’t know what will! Delightful executive bedrooms and bungalows in a communal garden setting – ideal for working and relaxing. Click here for details.
Top Things To Do in Ong Lang
As well as a great spot for digital nomads, Ong Lang’s proximity to some special attractions makes it among the best places to stay in Phu Quoc for groups. Here are a couple of great options:
1. Vin Wonders: Phu Quoc’s largest theme park offers a mix of thrilling rides, water slides, and entertainment shows. It’s a fun spot for families and adventure-seekers looking for a day of excitement on the island. Click here to book your tickets.
2. The Teddy Bear Museum: A quirky attraction that’s fun for all ages, this museum is filled with teddy bear displays and interactive exhibits. It’s a playful stop combining fun and nostalgia. Click here for directions.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ong Lang
After a hard day at the laptop, or if you’re seeking a liquid lunch between online meetings, there are plenty of places in Ong Lang to accommodate you. Number 2 is a top laptop-friendly cafe in Ong Lang.
1. On the Rock Restaurant: Stunning ocean views and the perfect spot for both dining and drinks. This place offers a predominantly Western menu with a few contemporary Vietnamese touches. Find it here.
2. La’s Cafe and Bistro: Set among palm trees and a lush green garden. La’s large patio and seating area is a great spot for remote working. The coffee is strong but cheap, there’s free WiFi, and the lunch options are delicious. Click here for directions.
Me and Abraham, the giant dog I looked after in Phu Quoc.
I’ve saved my favorite area for last – Sonasea was where I stayed for the majority of my time in Phu Quoc. I was pet sitting a giant husky in the small western Phu Quoc beach town. Read all about my experience house sitting in Phu Quoc here.
Sonasea boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island and has just a couple of big hotels which give it a nice vibrant buzz. The night market that cuts through the main thoroughfare is a great place for dining, drinking, and shopping.
Pros of Staying in Sonasea
Cheap Accommodation: Sonasea offers plenty of cheap places to stay in Phu Quoc.
Excellent Night Market: The Sonasea night market was one of my favorite in all of Vietnam.
Outstanding Beaches: The beaches in this area are spotless and far more tranquil than anywhere I’ve previously visited.
Cons of Staying in Sonasea
Fewer Western Amenities: There aren’t any big supermarkets and not many places cater to Western tastes.
Away from Main Attractions: Most of Phu Quoc’s activities require transport from Sonasea.
Busy: The large resort hotels can make the streets of Sonasea very busy during the high season.
Best Places to Stay in Sonasea
My regular working spot in the lobby of the Best Western Premier.
Several very large resort-style hotels dominate the beachfront, while smaller guesthouses and BnBs line the main thoroughfare. Here are 3 options that I’ve had positive experiences with in one way or another:
1. Best Western Premier: The most impressive Best Western hotel I have ever visited. For $6 a day, I used their excellent facilities to work and relax during my house sit. It’s a stunning hotel with amazing pools and a private beach. Click here for details.
2. Kosmos Apart Hotel: This hotel was perfect for a few extra nights after my house sit finished. It was super affordable, with clean apartment-style rooms and great access to the night market and beach. Click here for details.
3. Novotel Resort: Another of the resort hotels along the beach, this Novotel is equally as impressive as the Best Western. Stunning pools, excellent restaurants onsite, and a private beach. Plus it’s cheaper than you’d think! Click here for details.
Top Things to Do in Sonasea
Staying in Sonasea means being away from many of Phu Quoc’s main attractions, however, regular busses and cheap taxis connect the whole island effortlessly. There’s still plenty to enjoy during a stay in this part of Phu Quoc.
1. Visit Ice Jungle: A creative and interactive amusement park themed around snow, ice, and all things polar! It may be aimed at kids, but it’s a fun day out for all and a direct bus connects it from Sonasea. Click here for directions.
2. Explore the Night Market: The Sonasea night market was one of my favorites in the whole of Vietnam. It’s a great place to eat with lots of sit-down options and street food to go for rock-bottom prices. Click here for directions.
3. See the Suoi Tranh Waterfall: A short taxi ride will bring you to the Suoi Tranh Waterfall. It’s one of the most stunning natural features in Phu Quoc and is ideal for memorable and iconic photo ops. Click here for directions.
Where to Eat and Drink in Sonasea
I’ve mentioned the night market plenty of times already – it’s an excellent place to grab a cheap and delicious evening meal. Aside from the market, here are a couple of tasty options I also tried:
1. Zo – Flame Grill: Located on the main Sonasea walkway, this is a popular restaurant for all 3 meals of the day. Specializing in seafood, it’s also a good beer spot that sold the best German Pilsner in Phu Quoc, during my stay. Find it here.
2. Ricordo: Great Italian food and pizzas cooked in a traditional pizza oven (the only way they should be cooked!). Nice wine and drink selections too. Click here for directions.
3. Oasis Pool Bar: Whether you’re staying at the Best Western or not, the Oasis Pool Bar welcomes everyone. Enjoy a delicious pool and beachside snack, meal, or cocktail. They even have seating in the pool! Click here for directions.
Where to Stay in Phu Quoc: FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about where to stay in Phu Quoc:
What area of Phu Quoc is best for tourists?
The best area of Phu Quoc for tourists is Duong Don. Staying here offers a central location and great amenities. Many tourists enjoy its night market, beaches, and proximity to Phu Quoc’s main local attractions.
Where should I avoid staying?
You should avoid staying in Ganh Dau if you prefer convenience. Although very beautiful, Ganh Dau is far from the main attractions. It’s also more isolated and less developed.
What is the safest place to stay in Phu Quoc?
Duong Dong is a safe neighborhood in Phu Quoc. It has a well-developed infrastructure and frequent police patrols. Many tourists feel secure staying in this central area. Phu Quoc is considered a very safe place to visit.
Which part of Phu Quoc is most beautiful?
Beauty is subjective but I loved the Sonasea area of Phu Quoc. The beaches and waters here are clean, tranquil, and beautiful. There’s also a nice mix of greenery that adds to the area’s endearing qualities.
Is Phu Quoc walkable?
Yes, the different areas and towns of Phu Quoc are walkable, as traffic is considerably quieter than in Vietnam’s bigger cities. However, getting around the island and to the neighboring towns requires a taxi or bus.
How many days should I spend in Phu Quoc?
After 3 weeks, I still didn’t want to leave. But if you’re on a schedule, I recommend spending 3 to 5 days in Phu Quoc. Three days allow for key attractions and beaches. Five days will give you time to explore more.
In Conclusion
I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas about the best places to stay in Phu Quoc. I’ve enjoyed reminiscing my time on this beautiful island and can’t wait to go back.
Phu Quoc stands out as a real highlight of my Vietnam adventure. It’s a beautiful place and so different from other areas of Vietnam. Enjoy your time exploring Phu Quoc!
A select number of all-electric Tesla Cybertrucks now have the ability to drive on US highways hands-free, after the automaker pushed an update to vehicles this morning. Tesla AI head Ashok Elluswamy wrote on X that Cybertrucks will be the first Tesla vehicles to receive the “end-to-end on highway” driving feature, which the company says uses a “neural net” to navigate all parts of highway driving.
“Nice work,” Tesla CEO (and X owner) Elon Musk responded to his AI chief.
The feature appears to be in “early access,” meaning it’s available only to some Cybertruck owners who purchased the feature. It’s unclear when the automaker will release the feature more widely. Tesla, which disbanded its public relations team in 2021, did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
Tesla owners’ manuals maintain that the full-self-driving feature, or “FSD (Supervised),” should be used only if drivers are paying attention to the road. The feature reportedly turns off if it detects that drivers are looking elsewhere. Critics have argued that Tesla’s marketing incorrectly leads drivers to assume that FSD can truly drive itself and that the automaker hasn’t been proactive in preventing driver misuse.
Customers who purchased base model Cybertrucks early, at preorder, paid $7,000 for access to the driving feature, with some waiting almost a year for it to be available on their trucks. Tesla owners can now subscribe to the FSD (Supervised) feature at $99 per month.
One Cybertruck driver reported on X that, based on driving this morning, the feature is “working well.”
The feature’s introduction is some much-needed good news for the Cybertruck, which has faced a rocky introduction into Tesla’s lineup. The vehicle was delayed for years by the Covid-19 pandemic and by engineering issues. (A leaked “alpha” briefing on the vehicle, first reported by WIRED, found that the truck had serious issues with braking, handling, and noise.)
The all-electric truck has also been subject to a handful of safety recalls, including one in which the company had to repair or replace accelerator pedals that had gotten stuck.
As more automakers rush into the electrification race, and Tesla’s huge lead in electric cars has been eroded by other manufacturers, Musk and company seem to believe that “self-driving” features enabled by AI will help Tesla regain its edge. “The value of Tesla overwhelmingly is autonomy,” Musk told investors this summer.
The US road safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has found that Tesla’s Autopilot feature, an older and less sophisticated version of FSD, didn’t sufficiently prevent drivers from misuse—and was involved in 13 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2023. After a years-long investigation into Autopilot, last year Tesla recalled 2 million vehicles with Autopilot. (The automaker said it did not agree with the government’s conclusions.)
Earlier this year, Tesla settled a lawsuit brought by the family of a Northern California man who died while using Autopilot on his Model X.
Tesla also faces a class action lawsuit alleging it misled customers who purchased Teslas after Musk promised the cars had everything they needed to drive autonomously. Eight years later, Tesla has made significant improvements to its driverless features and has plans to make big bucks off the feature—but still hasn’t produced self-driving technology.
That could change this month. Musk has promised that Tesla will unveil a self-driving taxi, calling it a Cybercab, at an event in Southern California on October 10.
Federal officials resolved more than a decade ago to crack down on whopping government overpayments to private Medicare Advantage health insurance plans, which were siphoning off billions of tax dollars every year.
But Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials have yet to demand any refunds — and over the years the private insurance plans have morphed into a politically potent juggernaut that has signed up more than 33 million seniors and is aggressively lobbying to stave off cuts.
Critics have watched with alarm as the industry has managed to deflate or deflect financial penalties and steadily gain clout in Washington through political contributions; television advertising, including a 2023 Super Bowl feature; and other activities, including mobilizing seniors. There’s also a revolving door, in which senior CMS personnel have cycled out of government to take jobs tied to the Medicare Advantage industry and then returned to the agency.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said Medicare Advantage fraud “is wasting taxpayer dollars to the tune of billions.”
“The question is, what’s CMS doing about it? The agency must tighten up its controls and work with the Justice Department to prosecute and recover improper payments,” Grassley said in a statement to KFF Health News. “Clearly that’s not happening, at least to the extent it should be.”
David Lipschutz, an attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a nonprofit public interest law firm, said policymakers have an unsettling history of yielding to industry pressure. “The health plans throw a temper tantrum and then CMS will back off,” he said.
Government spending on Medicare Advantage, which is dominated by big health insurance companies, is expected to hit $462 billion this year.
New details of the government’s failure to rein in Medicare Advantage overcharges are emerging from a Department of Justice civil fraud case filed in 2017 against UnitedHealth Group, the insurer with the most Medicare Advantage enrollees. The case is pending in Los Angeles. The DOJ has accused the giant insurer of cheating Medicare out of more than $2 billion by mining patient records to find additional diagnoses that added revenue while ignoring overcharges that might have reduced bills. The company denies the allegations and has filed a motion for summary judgment.
Records from the court case are surfacing as the Medicare Advantage industry ramps up spending on lobbying and public relations campaigns to counter mounting criticism.
“We recognize this is a critical moment for Medicare Advantage,” said Rebecca Buck, senior vice president of communications for the Better Medicare Alliance, which styles itself as “the leading voice for Medicare Advantage.”
Buck said initiatives aimed at slashing government payments may prompt health plans to cut vital services. “Seniors are saying loud and clear: They can’t afford policies that will make their health care more expensive,” she said. “We want to make sure Washington gets the message.”
AHIP, a trade group for health insurers, also has launched a “seven-figure” campaign to promote its view that Medicare Advantage provides “better care at a lower cost,” spokesperson Chris Bond said.
Revolving Door
CMS, the Baltimore-based agency that oversees Medicare, has long felt the sting of industry pressure to slow or otherwise stymie audits and other steps to reduce and recover overpayments. These issues often attract little public notice, even though they can put billions of tax dollars at risk.
In August, KFF Health News reported how CMS officials backed off a 2014 plan to discourage the health plans from overcharging amid an industry “uproar.” The rule would have required that insurers, when combing patients’ medical records to identify underpayments, also look for overcharges. Health plans have been paid billions of dollars through the data mining, known as “chart reviews,” according to the government.
The CMS press office declined to respond to written questions posed by KFF Health News. But in a statement, it called the agency a “good steward of taxpayer dollars” and said in part: “CMS will continue to ensure that the MA program offers robust and stable options for people with Medicare while strengthening payment accuracy so that taxpayer dollars are appropriately spent.”
Court records from the UnitedHealth case show that CMS efforts to tighten oversight stalled amid years of technical protests from the industry — such as arguing that audits to uncover overpayments were flawed and unfair.
In one case, Jeffrey Grant, a CMS official who had decamped for a job supporting Medicare Advantage plans, protested the audit formula to several of his former colleagues, according to a deposition he gave in 2018.
Grant has since returned to CMS and now is deputy director for operations at the agency’s Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. He declined to comment.
At least a dozen witnesses in the UnitedHealth case and a similar DOJ civil fraud case pending against Anthem are former ranking CMS officials who departed for jobs tied to the Medicare Advantage industry.
Marilyn Tavenner is one. She led the agency in 2014 when it backed off the overpayment regulation. She left in 2015 to head industry trade group AHIP, where she made more than $4.5 million during three years at the helm, according to Internal Revenue Service filings. Tavenner, who is a witness in the UnitedHealth case, had no comment.
And in October 2015, as CMS department chiefs were batting around ideas to crack down on billing abuses, including reinstating the 2014 regulation on data mining, the agency was led by Andy Slavitt, a former executive vice president of the Optum division of UnitedHealth Group. The DOJ fraud suit focuses on Optum’s data mining program.
In the legal proceedings, Slavitt is identified as a “key custodian regarding final decision making by CMS” on Medicare Advantage.
“I don’t have any awareness of that conversation,” Slavitt told KFF Health News in an email. Slavitt, who now helps run a health care venture capital firm, said that during his CMS tenure he “was recused from all matters related to UHG.”
Subscribe to KFF Health News’ free Morning Briefing.
‘Improper’ Payments
CMS officials first laid plans to curb escalating overpayments to the insurers more than a decade ago, according to documents filed in August in the UnitedHealth case.
In a January 2012 presentation, CMS officials estimated they had made $12.4 billion worth of “improper payments” to Medicare Advantage groups in 2009, mostly because the plans failed to document that patients had the conditions the government paid them to treat, according to the court documents.
As a remedy, CMS came up with an audit program that selected 30 plans annually, taking a sample of 201 patients from each. Medical coders checked to make sure patient files properly documented health conditions for which the plans had billed.
The 2011 audits found that five major Medicare Advantage chains failed to document from 12.3% to 25.8% of diagnoses, most commonly strokes, lung conditions, and heart disease.
UnitedHealth Group, which had the lowest rate of unconfirmed diagnoses, is the only company named in the CMS documents in the case file. The identities of the four other chains are blacked out in the audit records, which are marked as “privileged and confidential.”
In a May 2016 private briefing, CMS indicated that the health plans owed from $98 million to $163 million for 2011 depending on how the overpayment estimate was extrapolated, court records show.
But CMS still hasn’t collected any money. In a surprise action in late January 2023, CMS announced that it would settle for a fraction of the estimated overpayments and not impose major financial penalties until 2018 audits, which have yet to get underway. Exactly how much plans will end up paying back is unclear.
Richard Kronick, a former federal health policy researcher and a professor at the University of California-San Diego, said CMS has largely failed to rein in billions of dollars in Medicare Advantage overpayments.
“It is reasonable to think that pressure from the industry is part of the reason that CMS has not acted more aggressively,” Kronick said.
CMS records show that officials considered strengthening the audits in 2015, including by limiting health plans from conducting “home visits” to patients to capture new diagnosis codes. That didn’t happen, for reasons that aren’t clear from the filings.
In any case, audits for 2011 through 2015 “are not yet final and are subject to change,” CMS official Steven Ferraina stated in a July court affidavit.
“It’s galling to me that they haven’t recovered more than they have,” said Edward Baker, a whistleblower attorney who has studied the issue.
“The government needs to be more aggressive in oversight and enforcement of the industry,” he said.
Senior CMS official Cheri Rice recommended in the October 2015 email thread with key staff that CMS could devote more resources to supporting whistleblowers who report overbilling and fraud.
“We think the whistleblower activity could be as effective – or even more effective – than CMS audits in getting plans to do more to prevent and identify risk adjustment overpayments,” Rice wrote.
But the handful of cases that DOJ could realistically bring against insurers cannot substitute for CMS fiscal oversight, Baker said.
“Unfortunately, that makes it appear that fraud pays,” he said.
Spending Surge
In December, a bipartisan group of four U.S. senators, including Bill Cassidy (R-La.), wrote to CMS to voice their alarm about the overpayments and other problems. “It’s unclear why CMS hasn’t taken stronger action against overpayments, despite this being a longstanding issue,” Cassidy told KFF Health News by email.
In January, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called for CMS to crack down, including by restricting use of chart reviews and home visits, known as health risk assessments, to increase plan revenues.
Cassidy, a physician, said that “upcoding and abuses of chart review and health risk assessments are well-known problems CMS could address immediately.”
Advocates for Medicare Advantage plans, whose more than 33 million members comprise over half of people eligible for Medicare, worry that too much focus on payment issues could harm seniors. Their research shows most seniors are happy with the care they receive and that the plans typically cost them less out-of-pocket than traditional Medicare.
Buck, the spokesperson for the Better Medicare Alliance, said that as the annual open enrollment period starts in mid-October, seniors may see “fewer benefits and fewer plan choices.”
The group has ramped up total spending in recent years to keep that from happening, IRS filings show.
In 2022, the most recent year available, the Better Medicare Alliance reported expenses of $23.1 million, including more than $14 million on advertising and promotion, while in 2023, it paid for a Super Bowl ad featuring seniors in a bowling alley and left viewers with the message: Cutting Medicare Advantage was “nuts.”
Bruce Vladeck, who ran CMS’ predecessor agency from 1993 through 1997, said that when government officials first turned to Medicare managed care groups in the 1990s, they quickly saw health plans enlist members to help press their agenda.
“That is different from most other health care provider groups that lobby,” Vladeck said. “It’s a political weapon that Medicare Advantage plans have not been at all reluctant to use.”
The Better Medicare Alliance reported lobbying on 18 bills this year and last, according to OpenSecrets. Some are specific to Medicare Advantage, such as one requiring insurers to report more detailed data about treatments and services and another to expand the benefits they can offer, while others more broadly concern health care costs and services.
Proposed reforms aside, CMS appears to believe that getting rid of health plans that allegedly rip off Medicare could leave vulnerable seniors in the lurch.
Testifying on behalf of CMS in a May 2023 deposition in the UnitedHealth Group suit, former agency official Anne Hornsby said some seniors might not “find new providers easily.” Noting UnitedHealth Group is the single biggest Medicare Advantage contractor, she said CMS “is interested in protecting the continuity of care.”
When Nick Cave lived here in the mid-’80s, the Friedrichshain district which houses the Uber Arena was part of East Berlin. A lot has changed since then, of course; not least for Nick Cave. While a preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall opposite the Arena acts as a reminder of darker times, the tempo around here is brisk and upbeat, thriving with coffee shops, bars and boutiques. Cave himself has enjoyed similar gentrification; today, he is an artist with his own range of miniature ceramic figurines, an invitation to the Coronation and a zealous commitment to air fryers.
This is perhaps not the future the 25-year-old Cave imagined for himself back in his wild Berlin days. Yet 40 years on, the future is very much on Nick Cave’s mind: after a series of albums that explored loss and grief following the deaths of two of his sons – Arthur in 2015 and Jethro in 2022 – this year’s Wild God found Cave and The Bad Seeds seeking positive change from their experiences. It’s not quite sunny uplands ahead, but it feels like they’re reasserting their faith in the transformative capabilities of music. The words “AMAZED OF LOVE” and “AMAZED OF PAIN”, from “Frogs”, are beamed onto giant screens behind the band, which pretty much sums up where we’re at with Nick Cave in 2024.
Arguably, this isn’t an entirely new place for Cave, though it is one that he never previously visited from this direction before. A number of earlier Nick Caves have also sought alchemical change through music and while many of them are here tonight – junkyard demon, tent revival preacher, carnival barker, unrepentant Grinderman – they are in cameo roles, acting as reminders of where Cave has come from and serving to compliment the current business of being Nick Cave.
The line-up itself leans towards a more modern Bad Seeds. With Martyn Casey otherwise indisposed, Warren Ellis is now the senior player. Considering he first played with the band in 1993, for the first time since they formed there’s no active link between the band’s earliest incarnation and their present-day iteration aside from Cave himself.
In some ways, that makes the few forays into their earliest songs – “From Her To Eternity”, “Tupelo” and “The Mercy Seat” – slightly jarring, though that’s not to say unwelcome. The past, this being Berlin, is never entirely far away. At one point, Cave explains the origins of “Tupelo” in the manner of a patient schoolteacher dealing with a slightly unruly class of students – “written here in Berlin, check it out, pay attention, here we go”. Later, during “O Wow O Wow How Wonderful She Is”, footage of the late Anita Lane filmed dancing on the sea wall at Essaouira in Morocco, is transmitted onto the screens – a reminder of another of Cave’s Berlin cohorts taken too soon.
While the Bad Seeds were slightly muted on Wild God, live they are an indomitable force. Anchored around Larry Mullins and ColinGreenwood’s expressive rhythm section, they follow Cave from fierce explosions of sound to sombre passages of near ambience and on into symphonic goth space-rock. For “Long Dark Night” they are almost motionless behind Cave’s piano; for “The Mercy Seat” they erupt into full-blooded Morricone-with-choir-and-orchestra. It’s impactful stuff and underscores that there are very few bands who can deliver musical and emotional power at this level.
A homeward stretch that includes a boisterous “Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry”, a cathartic “Into Your Arms”, a joyous “As The Waters Cover The Sea” and a rousing “The Weeping Song” represents all Nick Caves. As he sang earlier, at the end of “I Need You” as the lights dropped, “Just breathe…“
SET LIST Frogs Wild God Song Of The Lake O Children Jubilee Street From Her To Eternity Long Dark Night Cinnamon Horses Tupelo Conversion Bright Horses Joy I Need You Carnage O Wow O Wow How Wonderful She Is Final Rescue Attempt Red Right Hand The Mercy Seat White Elephant Encore1 Palaces Of Montezuma Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry Encore 2 Into My Arms As The Waters Cover The Sea The Weeping Song
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ UK tour dates begin on November 2, visit www.nickcave.com for tickets
Quantum physicists are familiar with wonky, seemingly nonsensical phenomena: atoms and molecules sometimes act as particles, sometimes as waves; particles can be connected to one another by a “spooky action at a distance,” even over great distances; and quantum objects can detach themselves from their properties like the Cheshire Cat from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland detaches itself from its grin. Now researchers led by Daniela Angulo of the University of Toronto have revealed another oddball quantum outcome: photons, wave-particles of light, can spend a negative amount of time zipping through a cloud of chilled atoms. In other words, photons can seem to exit a material before entering it.
“It took a positive amount of time, but our experiment observing that photons can make atoms seem to spend a *negative* amount of time in the excited state is up!” wrote Aephraim Steinberg, a physicist at the University of Toronto, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) about the new study, which was uploaded to the preprint server arXiv.org on September 5 and has not yet been peer-reviewed.
The idea for this work emerged in 2017. At the time, Steinberg and a lab colleague, then doctoral student Josiah Sinclair, were interested in the interaction of light and matter, specifically a phenomenon called atomic excitation: when photons pass through a medium and get absorbed, electrons swirling around atoms in that medium jump to higher energy levels. When these excited electrons lapse to their original state, they release that absorbed energy as reemitted photons, introducing a time delay in the light’s observed transit time through the medium.
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Sinclair’s team wanted to measure that time delay (which is sometimes technically called a “group delay”) and learn whether it depends on the fate of that photon: Was it scattered and absorbed inside the atomic cloud, or was it transmitted with no interaction whatsoever? “At the time, we weren’t sure what the answer was, and we felt like such a basic question about something so fundamental should be easy to answer,” Sinclair says. “But the more people we talked to, the more we realized that while everyone had their own intuition or guess, there was no expert consensus on what the right answer would be.” Because the nature of these delays can be so strange and counterintuitive, some researchers had written the phenomenon off as effectively meaningless for describing any physical property associated with light.
After three years of planning, his team developed an apparatus to test this question in the lab. Their experiments involved shooting photons through a cloud of ultracold rubidium atoms and measuring the resulting degree of atomic excitation. Two surprises emerged from the experiment: Sometimes photons would pass through unscathed, yet the rubidium atoms would still become excited—and for just as long as if they had absorbed those photons. Stranger still, when photons were absorbed, they would seem to be reemitted almost instantly, well before the rubidium atoms returned to their ground state—as if the photons, on average, were leaving the atoms quicker than expected.
The team then collaborated with Howard Wiseman, a theoretical and quantum physicist at Griffith University in Australia, to devise an explanation. The theoretical framework that emerged showed that the time these transmitted photons spent as an atomic excitation matched perfectly with the expected group delay acquired by the light—even for cases where it seemed as though the photons were reemitted before the atomic excitation had ebbed.
To understand the nonsensical finding, you can think of photons as the fuzzy quantum objects they are, in which any given photon’s absorption and reemission through an atomic excitation is not guaranteed to occur over a certain fixed amount of time; rather, it takes place across a smeared-out, probabilistic range of temporal values. As demonstrated by the team’s experiments, these values can encompass instances when an individual photon’s transit time is instantaneous—or, bizarrely, when it concludes before the atomic excitation has ceased, which gives a negative value.
“I can promise you that we were completely surprised by this prediction,” Sinclair says, referring to the matchup between the group delay and the time that the transmitted photons spent as atomic excitations. “And as soon as we were confident we hadn’t made a mistake, Steinberg and the rest of the team—I had moved on to do a postdoc at [the Massachusetts Institute of Technology] by this point—began planning to do a follow-up experiment to test this crazy prediction of negative dwell time and see if the theory would hold up.”
That follow-up experiment, the one led by Angulo that Steinberg touted on X, can be understood by considering the two ways a photon can be transmitted. In one, the photon wears blinders of sorts and ignores the atom entirely, leaving without even a nod. In the other, it interacts with the atom, boosting it to a higher energy level, before getting reemitted.
“When you see a transmitted photon, you can’t know which of these occurred,” Steinberg says, adding that because photons are quantum particles in the quantum realm, the two outcomes can be in superposition—both things can happen at the same time. “The measuring device ends up in a superposition of measuring zero and measuring some small positive value.” But correspondingly, Steinberg notes, that also means that sometimes “the measuring device ends up in a state that looks not like ‘zero’ plus ‘something positive’ but like ‘zero’ minus ‘something positive,’ resulting in what looks like the wrong sign, a negative value, for this excitation time.”
The measurement results in Angulo and her colleagues’ experiment suggest that the photons moved through the medium faster when they excited the atoms than when the atoms remained in their ground state. (The photons aren’t communicating any information, so the outcome does not contradict the “nothing can travel faster than light” speed limit set by Einstein’s special theory of relativity.)
“A negative time delay may seem paradoxical, but what it means is that if you built a ‘quantum’ clock to measure how much time atoms are spending in the excited state, the clock hand would, under certain circumstances, move backward rather than forward,” Sinclair says. In other words, the time in which the photons were absorbed by atoms is negative.
Even though the phenomenon is astonishing, it has no impact on our understanding of time itself—but it does illustrate once again that the quantum world still has surprises in store.
“[Angulo] and the rest of the team have accomplished something really impressive and produced a beautiful set of measurements. Their results raise interesting questions about the history of photons traveling through absorptive media and necessitate a reinterpretation of the physical meaning of the group delay in optics,” Sinclair says.
This article originally appeared in Spektrum der Wissenschaft and was reproduced with permission with additional reporting by Jeanna Bryner.
The Shopbop Style Event is underway! Get ready to refresh your wardrobe with new styles perfect for the season ahead. Discover ideal pieces for daily outfits, special celebrations, and upcoming holiday gatherings. Use code STYLE to save 15% off orders $200+, 20% off orders $500+, or 25% off orders $800+ on all items marked with the STYLE EVENT tag. I’m thrilled to share a roundup of my current favorites, including versatile skirts for everyday and special occasions, mini bags, classic sweaters, and chic styles ready for any event. Dive into the full list below to find all the essentials for this sale, which runs through October 3rd!
These chunky lug sole Chelsea boots combine bold style with comfort, featuring sleek leather and a slip-on design that adds edge to any fall outfit.
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Boston, with its rich history, wide-open green spaces, and first-rate museums, is a must-visit city for any traveler. While I may be biased (I grew up here), I think more people should visit — especially history buffs and foodies.
Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, exploring the bustling Seaport District, or enjoying the iconic views along the Charles River, the city has a lot to offer (don’t skip the Freedom Trail!).
And when it comes to finding a place to stay, Boston’s has a ton of options catering to every type of traveler and budget. But some of those hotels are better than others. Others should be avoided entirely.
To help you find the perfect base for your stay, here is my list of the best hotels in Boston:
The Godfrey Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. One thing I really like here is that they offer complimentary bikes, helmets, and locks, which is great for covering more ground when out exploring. They also have a fitness center with Peloton bikes. When it comes to breakfast, they have an on-site café offering pastries, fresh coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. The hotel restaurant is really good as well (it’s a Peruvian Japanese fusion place with a cool interior and great cocktails). For a quick nightcap, the hotel lobby bar is a nice option, and I love that they give you a complimentary welcome drink too.
The rooms are sleek and minimalist, offering comfy beds with plush linens and windows that let in lots of natural light (there are also blackout curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep). I appreciate the well-thought-out amenities, including a handy workspace, mini-fridges, 55” Samsung HDTV, BOSE Bluetooth speakers, and yoga mats. The bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring glass-enclosed showers, high-end toiletries, and soft robes. Overall, the central location, chic design, and solid amenities make this hotel an excellent choice for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.
This quirky and fun boutique hotel is located in Back Bay, just steps from the Boston Common and within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. The hotel’s design is bold and vibrant, with pineapple-themed décor throughout. Don’t worry, it looks better than you’d think and adds a playful twist to the otherwise classic, early 20th-century building. I like that when you check in, you get a free welcome drink at the hotel’s bar/restaurant, and in the afternoons, there’s free coffee, tea, and light snacks in the lobby. While there’s no breakfast offered on-site, there are plenty of breakfast places nearby. Plus, the hotel offers free bikes that you can use to get around the city.
The rooms here are compact but well-designed, making the most of the space with an efficient layout. Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms are bright and colorful, with playful pineapple accents, comfy beds with soft bedding, and thoughtful amenities like Keurig coffee makers, fluffy robes, slippers, and a small desk. I also like that they provide a reusable water bottle filled with filtered water in the rooms (you can take it with you or leave it and they’ll recycle it when you leave). The bathrooms are sleek and new, featuring glass-enclosed showers, quality toiletries, and huge plush towels.
Overall, this is a great choice for travelers looking for a unique, budget-friendly stay in a prime location. It’s an especially great option if you’re traveling with pets, as they’re known for their dog-friendly rooms and facilities.
A five-star hotel housed in a landmarked former Federal Reserve Bank, this unique hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. I love walking through the grand entranceway into the stunning lobby bedecked with grand chandeliers and marble accents. The former bank hall is now the hotel’s signature restaurant, Grana, which offers classic and unique Italian meets New-England dishes (think lobster cannoli) as well as a fantastic breakfast spread featuring everything from freshly baked pastries to more indulgent options like Florentine benedict. I really love their British-inspired cocktail bar, the Fed, too. They serve excellent cocktails, elevated pub fare, and even have free jazz every Friday. There’s also a high-tech fitness center that’s open 24/7 as well as a beautiful (and heated) indoor pool with a sauna for when you want to unwind.
The huge, opulent rooms feature lavish bedding, curated artwork from local artists, sleek furniture, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. In-room amenities include a large work desk, Nespresso machine, a well-stocked minibar (I like that it’s filled with local goodies), safe, and a 50” flatscreen TV. The bathrooms in the rooms are equally spacious and beautifully designed, with luxurious marble finishes, and walk-in rainfall showers (some rooms also have deep soaking tubs).
The Langham is a great pick for travelers looking for a centrally located hotel that blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Look no further if you want to splurge!
Located right along the water, this four-star hotel is the perfect base for exploring the waterfront, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and nearby attractions like the Boston Children’s Museum. The hotel has a sleek, contemporary design with plenty of natural light and open spaces, along with great amenities including an 11,000-square-foot 24/7 fitness center with group classes, a heated indoor pool, a steam room, and a peaceful garden area.
There are three great eateries on-site here too. For breakfast, I like the fact that you can either sit down at Aura, their breakfast restaurant which offers a variety of delicious options for all diets, or take some grab-and-go fare from Seaport Café. For dinner, try TAMO Bistro + Bar, where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu (including herbs and honey from the hotel’s own rooftop garden and bee colony).
Every room has a great view, either of the city or harbor. Plus, they’re spacious and comfortable, with comfy beds with pillowtop beds, a pillow menu, and even weighted blankets on request. I appreciate the reading lamps and USB ports on the headboards too. All rooms have a work desk, 55″ HD TV with streaming services, a Keurig coffee maker, mini-fridges, and laptop-sized safes. The bathrooms are large too, featuring marble countertops, large fog-free mirrors, and walk-in showers with quality bath products. If you want to stay in an area that tourists don’t typically consider, stay here.
This iconic five-star property, located right on Newbury Street across from the historic Boston Public Garden, is a masterpiece of classic elegance. It opened in 1927 as the first-ever Ritz Carlton Hotel and recently received an extensive two-year restoration, reopening as The Newbury. I love that it’s got this luxuriously moody feel throughout, with velvet furniture, richly colored walls, and custom artwork. I especially love the private library lounge for guests. It’s perfect for settling in with a drink and grabbing a book off the shelf to read. For breakfast, I recommend the stunning rooftop restaurant, Contessa, which offers fine dining that’s Italian meets American (with dishes like panettone French toast and carbonara scramble), though you can also get classic eggs and pancakes breakfast fare at the hotel’s Street Bar.
The rooms here are spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring custom-designed furnishings, original illustrations on the walls, and soft lighting for a calming atmosphere. Each room includes a plush king or queen bed with a high-end mattress. I especially appreciate the headboard lighting and large work desk, though there are also amenities like an in-room Nespresso machine and a fully stocked minibar. The marble bathrooms have glass-enclosed rainfall showers, bespoke toiletries, and really nice fluffy robes and towels.
Everything about this place exudes luxury, making it a standout option for those seeking an upscale and relaxing stay in Boston. It’s also a prime location for exploring Back Bay’s high-end shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
I love Boston. I think it’s one of the greatest cities in the U.S. It has all the benefits of a big metropolis with a smaller town feel, which is why, despite all my travels, it has remained at the top of my list. Just make sure to choose one of the hotels above to ensure a memorable stay in one of America’s most historic cities!
Book Your Trip to Boston: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
