Metrosideros bartlettii, commonly known as Bartlett's rātā, is a rare species of tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is only found in three patches of dense forest remnants near Piwhane / Spirits Bay in New Zealand's North Island. It reaches a height of up to 30 metres (100 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1.5 metres (3.3 to 4.9 feet). The species is known for its distinct whitish, paper-like bark and small white flowers. Bartlett's rātā was accidentally discovered in 1975 by John Bartlett near Cape Reinga and first described by John Dawson in 1985. Bartlett's rātā typically begins life growing on another plant, inhabits lowland forests, and grows near wet areas. A 2018 article documented 13 adult trees in the wild, down from 31 in 2000. Its decline has been attributed to land use changes and the introduction of common brushtail possums. In 2013, it was listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population trend. (Full article...)

2017 Model S

The Tesla Model S is a battery-electric, four-door full-size car, produced by Tesla since 2012. Considered by critics as one of the most influential electric cars, Tesla began developing the Model S around 2007. To produce the Model S, Tesla acquired a facility in Fremont, California; mass production of the car began there in June 2012. Tesla carried out final assembly for European markets at its facilities in Tilburg, the Netherlands, between 2013 and 2021. Changes to the car have included the introduction of Tesla Autopilot—a partial vehicle automation advanced driver-assistance system, released in 2015. That year, the Model S was the world's best-selling plug-in electric vehicle. The car has received accolades, including the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2013. Time named it one of the Best 25 Inventions of the Year 2012 and later included it on its list of the 10 Best Gadgets of the 2010s in 2019. To charge the Model S, Tesla operates a network of fast-charging stations. (Full article...)

Meghan Trainor

"Mother" is a song by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor (pictured) from the deluxe edition of her fifth major-label studio album, Takin' It Back (2022). She wrote the song with Sean Douglas, and its producers, Gian Stone, and her brother Justin. Epic Records released it as the lead single on March 27, 2023. A pop song with doo-wop influences, "Mother" interpolates "Mr. Sandman". Inspired by men who said Trainor's pregnancy would end her career, the song is about women's empowerment; she asks the male subject to stop mansplaining and to listen to her. Critics were complimentary about the composition but criticized the use of the term "mother". The song reached the top 30 in Belgium, Ireland, Suriname, and the United Kingdom. Charm La'Donna directed the music video, which stars Kris Jenner; critics praised the fashion choices and described it as glamorous. Trainor performed the song on Today, Capital's Summertime Ball, and the Timeless Tour (2024). (This article is part of a featured topic: Takin' It Back.)