Is Ultralight Backpacking Gear Actually Worth It?

When Did Ultralight Become About Buying More, Not Packing Less?

Inside OpenAI's $1.5 million compensation packages

A Wall Street Journal report reveals that OpenAI is offering its employees an average of $1.5 million in stock-based compensation, a figure that is unprecedented in Silicon Valley history. This compensation level, which is multiple times higher than what other tech giants offered before their IPOs, highlights the intense competition for top AI talent. The situation is described as a 'prisoner's dilemma', where companies are forced to escalate costs to retain and attract talent, even though collectively capping compensation would benefit all. As a result, OpenAI has had to adjust its internal equity rules, such as removing a waiting period for stock awards to vest, to stay competitive in the job market.

Thieves Are Making Off With Olympic National Forest's Rarest Trees

This article delves into the world of timber poaching in Washington's Olympic National Forest, focusing on the criminal ring led by Justin Wilke, who targeted rare bigleaf maple trees. The story highlights how law enforcement used innovative DNA matching techniques to convict Wilke and others involved in the theft and illegal sale of these valuable trees. The article also explores the broader issue of timber poaching in the U.S., its economic impact, and the ecological consequences of such thefts.