earth globe tour

The Mapparium

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The Mapparium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

3D Interactive Earth Globe

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Acknowledgements

• Satellite images from Visible Earth, NASA ( http://visibleearth.nasa.gov )
• Average Land Surface Temperature, 2001 to 2010, NASA Earth Observations ( Source )
• Population density, NASA Earth Observations ( Source )
• Population cartogram from Worldmapper ( worldmapper.org )
• Other statistical data maps adapted from MecoMeter ( mecometer.com )

• Temperate maritime
• Continental interior
• Tropical equatorial
• Tropical grassland
• Mediterranean

Most populous countries

• United States

Key: megawatt hour

• 0.048 to 178.4
• 178.6 to 552
• 562.4 to 1,423
• 1,422 to 3,403
• 3,865 to 6,197
• 6,209 to 12,660
• 12,970 to 26,100
• 26,270 to 53,930
• 56,400 to 158,000
• 169,400 to 5,322,000

Key: mm per year

• 752 to 1,030
• 1,032 to 1,212
• 1,220 to 1,537
• 1,577 to 1,875
• 1,875 to 2,331
• 2,348 to 3,200
• 24.7 to 29.0
• 29.2 to 32.7
• 32.8 to 34.6
• 34.7 to 36.1
• 36.2 to 38.7
• 38.9 to 40.8
• 40.8 to 43.9
• 44.1 to 47.7
• 48.1 to 52.5
• 52.9 to 65.8
• 400 to 1,400
• 1,500 to 2,500
• 2,500 to 4,800
• 4,800 to 7,400
• 7,500 to 10,800
• 11,100 to 15,000
• 15,092 to 19,800
• 20,300 to 29,800
• 29,800 to 40,700
• 40,900 to 102,100

% growth per year

• -9.7 to -0.1
• -0.1 to 0.2

children born/woman

• Photorealistic
• Tectonic plates
• Average land temperature
• Climate zones
• Average yearly precipitation
• Energy consumption
• GDP per capita
• Population density
• Population cartogram
• Population growth
• Fertility rate
• Earth rotation
• Show axial tilt
• Go fullscreen

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Google Earth Tour Guide: 14 Virtual Tours You'll Want to Check Out

Here are some of the best Google Earth virtual tours available. Travel to the world's most exotic places from your couch!

For ages, Google Earth has remained the go-to service for browsing our globe. You can use this app to visit all corners of the planet from the comfort of your living room. In 2017, Google Earth was also completely overhauled to add more features. This overhaul included additional Google virtual tours to the world's most remote and amazing places.

Here are the best Google Maps tours that are available on Google Earth.

1. Life in the Ocean Deep

With Life in the Ocean Deep, you can discover mysterious sea creatures with the help of renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough. This Google tour takes you on a journey through the many quirky yet breathtaking creatures that inhabit our oceans, like glow-in-the-dark jellyfish and giant crabs.

Assisting this Google Earth tour are a series of videos and underwater maps.

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Looking to dive into the past? Follow this Google Maps virtual tour as it briefs you on thirty historic landmarks that were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The tour includes but is not limited to, India's Taj Mahal, Cambodia's Towers of Angkor Wat, and Spain's Catedral de Sevilla.

If you're dreaming of traveling, don't forget to plan your itineraries with these smart travel planning apps .

3. This is Home

Sometimes home is where the heart is, even if that home is very far away. With This is Home, Google lets you visit traditional homes from around the world. You'll even get to know about the history behind each of these places and get a glimpse inside the unique structures with Google Street View.

For instance, Jordan's House of Hair is a string of tents constructed from the hair of camels and other animals. It's located in the middle of the desert, but some of the other houses on this tour are located in even more far-flung regions than that.

4. Stop and Smell the Flowers

Stop and Smell the Flowers is a Google virtual tour that takes you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking botanical gardens and arboretums around the world. This tour highlights a total of eleven places, ranging from countries like Russia, Sweden, and Canada, to the Netherlands.

If you're into gardening, then this one is for you.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Every year, many thousands of Muslims embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca, a holy city for practitioners of the Islamic faith. Google's virtual tour lets you learn about this practice, from landing at the Hajj Terminal Jeddah Airport to the final destination of Masjid al-Haram.

6. Global Flea Markets

Have you ever had an interest in bustling flea markets? Experience them yourself with this Google Maps virtual tour. This tour walks you through nine of the most iconic markets worldwide, such as France's Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, India's Anjuna Flea Market, and London's Portobello Market.

While we're still on the subject: If you want to plan a dream vacation, here are some easy ways that you can travel more cheaply .

7. Colorful Street Fests & Carnivals

Being a land of diverse cultures and societies, the world is laden with numerous festivals. The most vibrant of them are covered in a Google Maps tour.

This tour features eight of the biggest celebrations from around the globe. These celebrations include the large-scale food fight La Tomatina in Spain, Holi in India, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

8. Comic Geek Destinations

Unleash your inner geek with this virtual tour that takes you on a trip through a bunch of iconic comic book spots. Comic Geek Destinations curates a total of ten locations known for appearing in various fictional universes. One of these locations is the Parkwood Estate. It was a mansion used by X-Men's Professor Xavier for his school of "Gifted Youngsters."

If you feel like doing some light reading after this tour, here are the best ways to read comics online for free .

9. Iconic Film Locations in the Mediterranean

Are you more of a movie buff than a comic book aficionado? Try out this tour featuring iconic film locations in the Mediterranean.

In this tour, you can travel to each selected landmark where a movie scene has been shot. If you don't want to use Google Earth to find these spots, however, here's how to track down your favorite film locations using websites.

10. International Year of the Reef

Coral reefs have been in peril for many decades now due to the threat of global warming. To raise awareness on this issue, a Google Maps virtual tour was set up to help familiarize the public with the basics.

With the International Year of the Reef, you can see how these marvelous underwater colonies are formed over millions of years. Each chapter in the tour also discusses fundamental topics like coral reef diversity. Additionally, it includes video highlights and subaqueous street view images.

11. In Mandela's Footsteps

Sometimes you can take a virtual walk through history. In Mandela's Footsteps lets you follow the journey of the legendary political leader and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

This tour highlights the places that played a critical role in Mandela's life. For example, there's a page devoted to the University of Fort Hare. It was one of the first institutions in the region that allowed non-white people to study for a post-secondary degree.

12. Reading the ABCs from Space

Perhaps one of the most intriguing virtual tours available on Google Earth is Reading the ABCs from Space. Developed by NASA, this tour consists of twenty-six chapters that reveal locations on the planet that form an alphabet from space.

Our personal favorite is the letter "J" off the coast of Australia, which is made up of a coral reef.

If space is your jam, here are great resources to learn all about Mars .

13. The Beautiful Game

If you're in a World Cup spirit, you might want to check out The Beautiful Game. This Google Earth tour takes you on a trip through some of the planet's most unforgettable soccer destinations. The destinations include the Allianz Arena in Munich, Barcelona's Camp Nou, and Old Trafford in England.

14. National Parks of the United States

Looking for natural wonders closer to home? Especially ones that will help you appreciate the great outdoors?

If so, then you need to check out the National Parks of the United States. It's a virtual tour that will take you on a journey through the most pristine areas of wilderness from coast to coast, ranging from Acadia National Park to Denali.

Use a Google Tour to Visit the World

While all of these virtual tours are absolutely amazing, we've barely scratched the surface in just how many there are. If you go deep-diving through the archives, you'll also find that the tours are divided into subcategories like nature, culture, education, and street view. The best thing about the tours is that they're entirely free. A reliable, high-bandwidth connection to view them is a must, however.

For those that want to dig deeper into this app, it might surprise you to learn that Google Earth is an offshoot of Google Maps. With that in mind, take some time to understand how Google Maps works .

Stuck at home and long to go outside? Here are a few more virtual outdoors tours you can do from home and live sightseeing webcams you can stream .

Luke Jerram

Over the coming years Gaia  will be presented in art exhibitions, science, music and light festivals around the world. 

We update this website regularly, but please check with the presenting institution directly for the most up-to-date information.

Gaia will next be presented in: Birkenhead Park , UK, 28 – 30 May Sommerszene , Salzburg, Austria, 4 – 16 June Borneo Cultures Museum , Sarawak, Malaysia, 25 June – 22 September Kelburn Garden Party , Scotland, 4 – 8 July Colchester Castle , UK, 19 July – 15 September Kendal Calling , UK, 1 – 4 August Stadtkirche Karlsruhe , Germany, 13 September – 6 October Blumenthal Arts , Charlotte, USA, 20 September – 10 November Helsinki Cathedral , Finland, 1 – 31 October Bristol Cathedral , UK, 15 October – 10 November UCL , London, UK, ongoing Canadian Museum of Nature , Ontario, ongoing Trinity College Dublin , Ireland, ongoing

(There are often several Gaia’s touring simultaneously)

Gaia has been presented previously in:

2024 St Thomas’ Church , Isle of Man. Houston Museum of Natural Sciences , USA. Akropolis , Kaunas, Lithuania. Lincoln Cathedral , UK. Tewkesbury Abbey , UK. Norton Priory , UK.  2023 Rijnstate Hospital , Netherlands. Namur en Lumière , Belgium. The Media Majlis at Northwestern University , Doha, Qatar. Lichfield Cathedral , UK.  Truro Cathedral , UK. Stowe House , UK. 4Passi Festival , Treviso, Italy. Bath Abbey , UK. Lieux Publics , Marseilles, France. Beverley Minster , UK.  Charlotte International Arts Festival , USA.  Falu Kristine Kyrka , Falun, Sweden. Jeonju International Sori Festival , Korea. Durham Cathedral , UK. V Festival Internacional de Mujeres Creadoras , Covarrubias, Spain. Southwell Minster , UK.  Kendal Calling , UK. Bluedot , UK. Memminger Meile , Germany. Zsolnay Light Festival , Pécs, Hungary.  Huron Waves , Exeter, Ontario, Canada. Landmark Arts Centre , London. Charles Rennie Mackintosh Church , Glasgow, UK.  Reading Climate Festival , UK. Houston Museum of Natural Science , USA.  Taunton Minster , UK.  Key Biscayne , FL, USA.  Barletta Castle , Italy.  Frauenkirche Dresden , Germany. WOMADelaide , Australia.  Chester Cathedral , UK.  Exeter Cathedral , UK.  Muttart Conservatory , Edmonton, Canada.  Embassy Theatre , Skegness, UK.

2022 Grimsby Minster , UK.  Teatro al Massimo , Palermo, Italy.  Nobel Week Lights , Stockholm, Sweden.  Belluno Centro Storico , Italy. Holy Trinity Boar Lane Church , Leeds, UK.  Fässbergs Kyrka , Sweden.  Southwark Cathedral , London.  Chelmsford Cathedral , UK.  EXPERIMENTA , Grenoble, France.  Wells Cathedral , UK.  Derby Cathedral , UK.  Rockhampton River Festival , QLD, Australia.  Pieterskerk Leiden , NL.  Lights On Romania , Constanța.  Brisbane Festival , Australia.  Greenbelt Festival , UK.  We Are Lewisham , London.  Arcadia Tour , Friesland, Netherlands.  Bell Museum , Minnesota.  Kensington & Chelsea Festival , UK.  Trondheim International Olavsfest , Norway.  Kendal Calling , UK.  Bluedot , Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK. Lancaster Priory , UK.  Hartlepool Waterfront Festival , UK.  St Paul’s Cathedral , Melbourne, Australia.  Oxford Festival of the Arts , UK.  Cork Midsummer Festival , Ireland.  Rochester Cathedral , UK.  The Hub at St Mary’s , Lichfield, UK.  The Collection Museum , Lincoln, UK.  ChangeNOW Summit , Grand Palais Ephemère, Paris.  Houston Museum of Natural Science , USA.  CIA Copia Global Plant Forward Culinary Summit , Napa, USA.  WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, USA.  Bremen, Germany .  Millenium Point , Birmingham, UK.  Lights On Romania , Cluj.  Culture Warrington , UK.  Illuminate , Oldham. Fully , Switzerland.  Knowsley Borough of Culture , UK.  Spectra Festival , Aberdeen, UK.  Quoz Arts Fest , Dubai. 

2021 Kunsthal Charlottenborg , Copenhagen, Denmark.  Mechelen Feest , Belgium.  Number One Riverside , Rochdale, UK.  Lights On Romania , Bucharest.  Lumo Light Festival , Finland. Keele Chapel , UK.  COP26,  Glasgow, UK.  Water Cube , Beijing, China (10 metre Gaia). Dynamic Earth , Edinburgh, UK.  Fjord Oslo , Norway.  Coventry Cathedral Ruins , UK.  St Peter Mancroft , UK.  Spill Festival , UK.  Light Night Leeds , UK. Metanoia Climate Festival , St Wulfrum’s, Grantham, UK. Charlotte SHOUT! NC, USA.  Musica Sacra , Maastricht, Netherlands. Inside Out Dorset , UK.  Farout Festival , BASE Milano, Italy. Freedom Festival , Hull, UK.  The Wilds at Barking Riverside , London.  The Coro , UK. Festival of the Earth , Wakefield, UK. Milton Keynes International Festival , UK.  Lights On Romania , Sfântu Gheorghe.  Ely Cathedral , UK.  GLEX Summit , Lisbon, Portugal.  ‘Celeste’ Derriere le Hublot , Figeac, France.  Old Royal Naval College , London.  Houston Museum of Natural Science , USA.  Giornate del Respiro , Sardinia, Italy.  Lights On Romania , Timisoara. Leicester Cathedral , UK. Lights On Romania , Satu Mare.

2020 Gloucester Cathedral , UK.  Beaugrenelle , Paris.  The Apex , Bury St Edmunds, UK.  HOTA Home of the Arts , Gold Coast, Australia. Discovery China , Wuhan, China.  University of East Anglia , UK.  Circulate London , Hounslow, UK.  Greenwich & Docklands International Festival , London, UK.  Mattatoio , Rome, Italy.  Houston Museum of Natu ral Science , USA.  SILBERSALZ , Halle, Germany.  Microdot at Alderley Park , UK.

2019 Eden Project , UK.  Lights on Romania , Cluj, Romania. Lates: Seven Worlds, One Planet , Natural History Museum, London, UK. Barnsley College , UK. Shenzhen, China. Wentworth Woodhouse , UK. Lightpool Festival , Blackpool Tower Ballroom, UK. Essen Light Festival , Germany. Biela Noc (White Night Slovakia) , Bratislava, Slovakia. Oradea Festifall , Romania. Peterborough Cathedral , UK. White Night 2019 , Riga, Latvia. National Science & Media Museum, Bradford, UK. Wales Millenium Centre , UK. University of Bristol , UK. Discovery Moon landing 50th Anniversary Special , Taipei, Taiwan. Aura Festival , Sintra, Portugal. Yuanmingyuan Rd, Shanghai , with Discovery Channel, China. Llanthony Secunda Priory , Gloucester, UK. Liverpool River Festival , UK. Salisbury International Arts Festival , UK. Lee Tung Avenue & Citywalk , Hong Kong. Spinningfields, Manchester, UK. Joondalup Festival , Australia. Fire & Light Falkirk , UK. Hsinchu New Year Festival , Taiwan. W5 , Belfast. 

2018 Natural History Museum , UK. Bluedot Festival , UK.

Contact us if your organisation is interested in presenting the artwork   in the future. The artwork can be presented in a number of different ways. See examples in Presentations . The artwork can be exhibited indoors or outdoors and events can be programmed underneath.

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip around the world

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Don't start planning your round-the-world trip without reading this guide © Getty Images

In 1924, a team of aviators from the USA successfully completed the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by airplane, a feat that took 175 days, 76 stops, a cache of 15 Liberty engines, 14 spare pontoons, four aircraft and two sets of new wings. This achievement ushered in an era of international air travel, and nearly a century later, travelers are still creating their own round-the-world itineraries. 

You might not have the same worries as those early aviators, but planning a round-the-world trip has never been a more complex process. As COVID-19 continues to alter world travel , heading out on a multi-country trip might be more complicated than it has been in decades. While it might not be the right time to hit the road, luckily it's never too early to start figuring out the logistics of a trip around the globe. After all, who doesn't have a lot of pent-up wanderlust at the moment? 

When it comes to booking your trip, there are several options for booking your airfare, as well as flexibility on timing, destinations and budget. But don't let that overwhelm you – start here with our handy guide on how to plan that round-the-world trip you’ve always dreamed of.

Where and how to get a round-the-world plane ticket

The most economical way to circumnavigate the globe is to buy a round-the-world (RTW) plane ticket through a single airline alliance. These are confederations of several different airlines that make it simple to maximize the number of places you can travel and pay for it all in one place or with points. There are three primary airline alliances to choose from: Star Alliance, OneWorld and Skyteam.  Star Alliance is a coalition of 26 airlines that fly to 1300 airports in 98% of the world’s countries.  OneWorld includes 14 airlines traveling to 1100 destinations in 180 territories.  Skyteam is made up of 19 airlines that serve 1000 destinations in 170 countries.  

Read more:   How to save money when you're traveling

Once you pick an airline alliance, whether because of a loyalty program you’re already a member of or because you like its terms, conditions and destination list, you can purchase a single RTW airline ticket made up of several legs fulfilled by that alliance’s partners. The RTW ticket rules vary between each of the airline alliances, with particulars like Star Alliance’s rule that a RTW ticket can include two to 15 stops. But there are some general principles that apply to most RTW tickets, no matter which airline group you go with. 

You typically must follow one global direction (east or west – no backtracking); you must start and finish in the same country; and you must book all your flights before departure, though you can change them later (though this could incur extra charges). Typically you have one year to get from your starting point to the finish line.

How long do I need for a round-the-world trip?

You could whip around the world in a weekend if you flew non-stop, especially with the advent of new ultra-long-haul flights that can clock in at 20 hours of flight time. However, the minimum duration of most RTW tickets is 10 days – still a breathless romp. To get the most out of your round-the-world ticket, consider stock-piling vacation days, tagging on public holidays or even arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one year). Because most airline alliances give you up to a year to use your ticket, you can maximize your purchase if you plan well.

When should I travel on a round-the-world trip?

The weather will never be ideal in all your stops, so focus on what you want to do most and research the conditions there. In general, city sightseeing can be done year-round (escape extreme heat, cold or rain in museums and cafes), but outdoor adventures are more reliant on – and enjoyable in – the right weather.

Research ahead of time if any must-see destinations or must-do activities will mean facing crowds. For example, if you’re hoping to be in Austria for the famous Salzburg Festival, you’ll want to plan ahead and book your tickets months in advance. If you’re hoping to fit a shorter thru-hike into your round-the-world trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re going in the correct season and starting in the right spot. You won’t get far or have as enjoyable an experience if you’re, say, attempting the Tour du Mont Blanc during the dates of the annual winter marathon or headed northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail in July, missing most of the warmer months. 

Accept youʼll be in some regions at the "wrong" time – though this might offer unexpected benefits. For example, Victoria Falls has a dry season each year , which means a slightly less thunderous cascade, but it does open up rafting opportunities and a chance to swim right up to the lip of the falls in The Devil’s Pool. Going to Venice in the winter might mean grayer skies but fewer crowds. Heading to Kenya and Tanzania in April is likely to mean fewer humans, but not fewer chances to spot wildlife, all while saving money on safari.  Also keep in mind that mom-and-pop locations have their downtime and holiday seasons as well; don't be too surprised if your local bakery in Paris is closed for a holiday week or two in August.

Where should I go on my round-the-world trip?

The classic (and cheapest) RTW tickets flit between a few big cities, for example, London – Bangkok – Singapore – Sydney – LA . If you want to link more offbeat hubs ( Baku – Kinshasa – Paramaribo , anyone?), prices will climb considerably. The cost of the ticket is also based on the total distance covered or the number of countries visited.

Remember, you donʼt have to fly between each point: in Australia you could land in Perth , travel overland and fly out of Cairns . Or fly into Moscow , board the Trans-Siberian railway  and fly onwards from Beijing.  Pick some personal highlights and string the rest of your itinerary around those. For instance, if youʼre a keen hiker, flesh out a Peru ( Inca Trail ) – New Zealand ( Milford Track ) – Nepal ( Everest Base Camp ) itinerary with stops in Yosemite , Menz-Gauassa and the Okavango Delta .

If budgetʼs an issue, spend more time in less expensive countries and plan budget city breaks along the way. You’ll spend more in metros like Paris, Dubai and San Francisco than in Nusa Tenggara , Budapest  and Buffalo . 

Tips, tricks and pitfalls of round-the-world tickets

Talk to an expert before you book a round-the-world ticket: you may have an itinerary in mind, but an experienced RTW flight booker will know which routes work best and cost least. A few tweaks could mean big savings in time and money. Hash out a budget well ahead of time, not only for your RTW ticket, but also for the whole trip. Reach out to friends or travel bloggers who have done a round-the-world trip or are full-time travelers because they can offer tips on how to budget for a trip around the world .

Be flexible: moving your departure date by a few days can save money. Mid-week flights are generally cheaper, as are flights on major holidays such as Christmas Day. Avoid days and times popular with business travelers to escape higher prices and more crowded cabins.

Think about internal travel: it can be cheaper to book internal flights at the same time as booking your RTW ticket, but with the global increase of low-cost airlines, you may find it better (and more flexible) to buy them separately as you go.

Be warned: if you donʼt board one of your booked flights (say, on a whim, you decide to travel overland from Bangkok to Singapore rather than fly it) your airline is likely to cancel all subsequent flights.

You might also like: 10 destinations perfect for solo travel Can visiting lesser-known places offer a better travel experience? 6 things I learned from flying 6 days in a row

This article was first published Mar 20, 2012 and updated Dec 29, 2021.

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Record & play tours

These instructions are for Google Earth Pro. Get help with Google Earth for Web and Mobile.

You can use Google Earth 5 and up on your computer to record a tour of the world that you can share with others.

• Open Google Earth.

• Click Touring .
• Time Between Features: how fast the viewer flies to each location
• Wait at Features: how long the tour stops at each location
• Fly along lines: follow a specific flight path
• Show balloons when waiting at features: place a balloon at each site when the tour pauses
• Camera Tilt Angle: perspective you’d like people to see the location from
• Camera Range: how much of the location or site they can see
• Speed: overall speed of the tour
• Speed: how fast the tour runs overall
• Seconds Between Key Frames: length of a pause between images
• Left to create a "Smaller File."
• Right to create a "Higher Fidelity" file (higher quality and takes up more memory).

Record a tour

• Navigate to each place you want to visit or go to the left-hand panel under "Places" and click a placemark to fly to that location.
• In the lower right corner, a media player will appear and your tour will start playing.

• In the box that opens, enter a title in the "Name" field.
• To add more info about the tour, use the Description and View tabs.

Find out how to narrate your tours or create KML tours .

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

Google Earth

Welcome home to the new Google Earth

Apr 18, 2017

[[read-time]] min read

Nearly everyone who's opened Google Earth in the last decade does the same thing first: they search for their home. Home is how we orient ourselves—it's where we start from. This might mean a one-story craftsman in a Wisconsin suburb . Or a house made of reeds on a floating village in Peru.

Then we zoom out. We see our neighborhood, then our city, our province, our country, our continent, and eventually: our blue marble. Out in space, our planet looks impossibly small. But improbably, it’s home to all of us. On the eve of Earth Day, I'm reminded of something I've learned watching people use Google Earth over the years: Home is not just how we understand our place in the world—it’s a means to connect to something bigger than ourselves.

Explore the new Google Earth

Today we’re introducing a brand-new version of Google Earth —on the web and Android—two years in the making. With the new Earth, we want to open up different lenses for you to see the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together; to open your mind with new stories while giving you a new perspective on the locations and experiences you cherish. It’s everything you love about Google Earth, plus new ways for you to explore, learn and share. Zoom in and see what adventures await you in the new Google Earth.

Broaden your horizons with Voyager

Start with Natural Treasures from BBC Earth, and journey to six habitats—from islands to mountains to jungles—and learn about the unique and thrilling wildlife in each. Then head to Gombe National Park in Tanzania and hear from Jane Goodall about her team’s chimpanzee research and conservation efforts. And make a stop in Mexico with Lola, one of 12 little monsters featured in Sesame Street's Girl Muppets Around the World , and learn about modern Mayan cultures. With more than 50 immersive stories in Voyager, and more added weekly, there are lots of adventures to choose from.

Explore and learn about anywhere

Once you’ve landed on a point of interest, open a Knowledge Card to learn history and facts about that place and see more pictures of it. To add a dash of serendipity to your travels, flip through the stack of cards and discover related places. You might find yourself in Valencia, Spain and stumble on the beautiful Ciudad de las Artes y Las Ciencias .

Share the beauty you find

When you find a view that leaves you breathless or inspires a fond memory, share a Postcard of your exact view with your friends and family. They can click the link to jump right to where you were (virtually) standing.

Bringing it all back home

Get the new Google Earth now on the web in Chrome ; on Android as it rolls out this week; and on iOS and other browsers in the near future. (Of course, you can still access and download Google Earth 7 for desktop.) Hold it in your hand, pass it around a classroom, fly around the world and walk inside places thousands of miles away in incredible detail. Feel free to lose yourself a little—with Google Earth you can always find your way back home.

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We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

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We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with the fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Ready 360° photo-panoramas cover up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the virtual tour.

360° GIGAPANORAMA

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with resolution from 1 to 3 gigapixel and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR).

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the ready virtual tour.

360° TIMELAPSE

We can make panoramic timelapses with the given viewing angle and resolution up to 12k with professional post-processing and without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle. 360° timelapses are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

360° timelapses are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the timelapses are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 12K.

Content sales:

VIRTUAL TOURS

On the basis of 360° panoramas we create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

Our clients receive a fully functional virtual tour developed in HTML5 and supported by any computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows Phone).

360° Photo    Price List

STOCK PHOTOS

For almost 10 years of travelling around the world our team has gathered an extensive stock of pictures, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any picture presented at our stock can be licensed for any kind of possible use. We can also offer the photos of ultra-high quality (the longer side up to 103,000 pixels).

You can also take a look at the spherical panoramas published on the website www.airpano.ru . Any of the 360° panoramas represented on the website can be converted into a printed image of very high quality.

Photogallery    Price List

STOCK 360° VIDEOS

By filming 360° video since 2011, our team has gathered an extensive stock of clips, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any video presented on our website can be licensed for any kind of possible use.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate.

360° Video    Price List

APPLICATIONS

We are one of the software developers of applications based on 360° photos and videos. Currently, there are 7 applications in our portfolio. One of them was top-rated in 84 countries and listed among the best applications of the year 2014 according to App Store.

These applications can also be used for demonstration of panoramic content with the help of virtual reality devices, such as Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and analogues.

Exhibition installations:

EXHIBITION INSTALLATIONS

AirPano team has the experience of creating panoramic cinemas and video-walls, making it possible to demonstrate our panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. The size is only defined by the premises, the quality of projector and the dimensions of plasma screens. Such solutions usually make a deep impression on visitors.

The control is carried out by a tablet or Kinect devices.

TOUCH SCREENS

We are ready to create applications with panoramic content working on touch screens of any size. Both AirPano panoramas and the client’s material can be the basis for this kind of software.

We create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

VR HEADSETS

Our virtual tours and 360° videos are supported by all the types of virtual reality headsets (VR): Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Sony Morpheus and others.

We can also develop special software for operating on Samsung Gear VR, if required.

AirPano in cooperation with Polden Studio carries out the installation of the binocular usage of the client’s or our own content. With the help of binoculars, the client can present the panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. This kind of devices usually attract a lot of visitors and leave a deep impression on them.

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• Geographic Globes

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PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids - Orboot Earth (Globe + App) Interactive AR World Globe | 400 Wonders, 1000+ Facts | STEM Toy Gifts for Kids 4-10 Years | No Borders, No Names on Orboot Globe

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Spark Curiosity & Ignite a Love for Learning: Bring the world to life with AR!Explore cultures, animals, & wonders with 1000+ facts & interactive games. Perfect educational toys for early learners and budding STEM enthusiasts!
• Boost Essential Skills: Develop geography, problem-solving, & memory through fun AR activities & quizzes. A STEM toy gift that nurtures a love for discovery for ages 4-10!
• Encourage hands-on exploration & discovery with PlayShifu's Interactive Globe - Orboot Earth
• Passport to Adventure: Collect stickers & 'travel' the world with the included passport. A fun learning experience! Spark your kid's imagination & early learning journey with this STEM toy!
• More Than Just a Globe: Interactive globe games, quizzes, & activities keep them engaged for years to come! A valuable STEM toy for early learning & lasting development!
• Bring the World to Life Anywhere! Download the free Orboot app on your device and unlock an AR adventure: iPads: 5th gen & above (including all Air, Pro, and Mini 2+); iPhones: 6 & above; Android: Tablets & smartphones with 3GB RAM or higher; Note: Not compatible with Amazon Fire devices
• GLOBE + PASSPORT WITH FUN STICKERS (DEVICE NOT INCLUDED): The box comes with a 10” globe, passport, stamps, country flag stickers, and a detailed help guide

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Product information

Warranty & support, important information, safety information.

Not suitable for kids between 0-3 years of age

Product Description

Powering up playtime with 20 super skills!

Orboot Earth by PlayShifu

An award-winning educational toy, Orboot Earth is a no-borders globe that connects with the fun & interactive Orboot app. (NO BORDERS OR NAMES ON GLOBE)

Explore the world with 400+ highlights and 1000+ cool facts across 6 categories - cultures, cuisines, monuments, inventions, animals and maps (national and state boundaries of countries).

*The box doesn’t come with a tablet/smartphone.

Explore the world beyond geography

A STEM toy that sparks the imagination and creativity, Orboot Earth encourages the little ones to explore and discover on their own. It builds knowledge as well as develops linguistic and cognitive abilities in the process.

4 Reasons To Love Orboot Earth

Hands-On Play Experience

Orboot's world tour comes with an awesome travel kit - passport, stamp and lots of stickers for the little globetrotter. Hours of endless fun!

Interactive Companion App

Hundreds of animals, monuments, inventions, cultures, cuisines, country maps and weather…

Puzzles & Activities

Solve the Mysteries, crack the quizzes and collect the coins, Orboot Earth is full of adventure. Are you up for the challenge?

AR-Powered World Expedition

PlayShifu Orboot Earth is a unique Augmented Reality (AR) educational aid that transforms your smartphone or tablet into a magical gateway.

A Magical Gateway

iPad 5th gen and above, iPad Air all models, iPad Pro all models

iPad Mini 2 and above, iPhone 6 and above

Devices with minimum 3GB RAM (Amazon Fire tablets not supported)

Do I need Bluetooth or batteries to operate Orboot?

No, you don’t need batteries, Bluetooth, or any other extra electronics or hardware to use Orboot.

Does Orboot offer games in my language?

Orboot is available in English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Polish, Korean, Russian and Ukrainian.

Do I need WiFi/internet to use Orboot?

Only once, to set up the app! After the Orboot app is set up on your device, you can play the games offline. However, you will need to connect to the internet from time-to-time to update your app and have access to all new games and levels.

How exactly does Orboot work?

All you need is a smart device and the Orboot globe. Use your device to scan icons on the AR-powered globe, pick a category to explore, and learn away!

More from PlayShifu

What's in the box.

• 10inch Globe
• Flag Sticker booklet with boarding passes
• A "how it works" booklet
• Fun and interactive, free Orboot app

Videos for this product

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QUICK LOOK: PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids

Maltese Angels - A-Rod and Bailey

Customer Review: It's like going on an adventure around the world, without ever leaving home!

Jess Andreasen

Honest review of PlayShifu Educational Globe for Kids

Samantha Reviews ✅

I don't usually like tech... but look at how this works!

Amy Rynhart

What you need to know before buying this Globe for Kids

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the educational value of the globe, saying it has tons of stuff for kids to learn about the world. They appreciate the quality of the app, globe, and stamper. However, some customers have reported issues with the performance and continents. Opinions are mixed on value and ease of use.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers have mixed opinions about the value of the globe. Some find it a great learning game for kids, with interactive ability. They also say it's a decent educational toy buy, while others say it hardly worth the money and lame.

"This is great for kids . My kids (4 & 6) have learned so much by using this...." Read more

"...Overall, the Orboot AR globe was a decent educational toy buy . The integrated app makes interacting with the globe fun and dynamic...." Read more

"...Even if this worked on my son's tablet, it still is not worth the $50 asking price . I do not recommend." Read more

"...If you are looking for an educational, and interactive toy/game that the entire family can get involved with, I highly recommend the Orboot!" Read more

Customers find the globe educational, with tons of stuff for kids to learn about the world. They say it's a fantastic educational toy with lots of learning and fun features. Some say it’s able to inspire children to learn something new about the World through augmented reality.

"...fun it is🤗I am so happy to find this great gift for him…a wonderful and fun way to learn 👍..." Read more

"...Enough to keep them learning for months.- Games reinforce lessons - Activities like feeding animals their preferred foods reinforce what they..." Read more

"...It very easily syncs up to your tablet, and has so many aspects to it ; this is not something that your child will finish in a day, or a week...." Read more

" You learn alot of cool information and facts from around the world. Got it for my 7 year old for Christmas and the app works good as well." Read more

Customers like the quality of the globe. They say the app is extremely well made, and the globe itself is well made. They also mention that the passport, stamper, and sticker book are well thought out and clever. Overall, customers find the product to be awesome, precious, and cool.

"...The globe itself is very well made . Bright colors and images of animals are well designed...." Read more

"... Very clever .- Passport sticker book - The included passport and stickers encourage them to engage and "travel" to different places...." Read more

"...The globe isn't heavy like a traditional globe, but it is pretty sturdy . My kids aren't gentle at their age, and it is holding up nicely...." Read more

"...about various places around the globe, it seems to be designed to work pretty easily for most people...." Read more

Customers like the globe as a great gift idea, saying it's educational and fun. They also say it'll help broaden little minds.

"... Great gift idea for a kid who wants to learn more about different types of animals." Read more

"... Perfect gift !" Read more

"This is the perfect gift for little learners . Even we enjoy it as parents. Very good educational tool" Read more

"...It’s a great educational and fun gift . My 8 year old especially loves animals and learning about different cultures so this was perfect for her...." Read more

Customers find the color of the globe amazing, appealing, and cute. They also say the illustrations are nice and the idea is cute. Customers also say that the globe is sturdy and colorful. They love the vivid pictures and the information is interesting and accurate.

"...The globe itself is very well made. Bright colors and images of animals are well designed...." Read more

"...My kids are captivated.- Appealing visuals - The illustrated animals and environments on the globe look great and draw the kids in. -..." Read more

"...It is pretty realistic looking , and there is a stamp for your kiddo to use for all the places they "visit"...." Read more

"...The app’s graphics are great and keeps the attention of a rambunctious 4 four year old and even myself." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the ease of use of the globe. Some find the app easy to use and set up, while others say it's clunky and challenging to navigate and understand the world.

"...started playing called me thru video cam to show me how amazing, easy and fun it is🤗I am so happy to find this great gift for him…a wonderful and..." Read more

"...tried to scan a different country with the camera on the phone it took multiple tries ...." Read more

"...The app was easy to download and register . After that it was very easy to set up an account.The globe itself is very well made...." Read more

"...Pros:- Interactive app brings globe to life - The AR component makes learning about animals, culture, and geography fun through games,..." Read more

Customers are disappointed with the performance of the globe. They mention that the app doesn't work at 100% all the time, it's buggy, and stops interacting. Some say that the application is versatile for siblings, but it lacks some things.

"...Versatile for siblings.Cons:- App can be glitchy - We've encountered some tech issues getting it to sync properly,..." Read more

"...One of them being the app on the Amazon Fire kids tablet is useless because it is not configured to read the globe with such a low quality camera...." Read more

"...I know several reviewers have complained about the buggy app , so I think it may not work on as many different phones and operating systems as Shifu..." Read more

"...Got it for my 7 year old for Christmas and the app works good as well ." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the continents on the globe. They mention that it doesn't identify countries or even continents, it doesn’t have the country names, and it doesnt really explain the countries. They also say that the globe is missing country lines and boundaries.

"...Country boundaries not shown - The globe itself is missing country lines . Would be nice to toggle those on via the app for context...." Read more

"...It's okay. Kids can research animals, foods, culture. But there aren't that many per country . Only a couple...." Read more

"...Its lack of basic geography , unreliable app, and unfulfilled STEM promises make it a frustrating choice for young learners...." Read more

"...There are no labels on this globe ; countries, oceans, continents, etc." Read more

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Shakespeare's Globe

VIRTUAL TOUR.

Step inside the Globe Theatre

• Virtual tour: online
• Virtual tour: 360 app

Everyone, no matter where they are in the world, can now walk around Shakespeare’s Globe with our virtual tour and 360 iOS app .

Use this page or download the app to tour the Globe Theatre from the comfort of your own home. Our interactive 360 degrees virtual tour uses photos, videos and audible wonder to guide you along the way.

This online digital tour is free. We ask that you consider a donation to us in return, as a charity currently relying on your support more than ever before. Thank you.

VIRTUAL TOUR: ONLINE

Using your mouse or your finger if you are on a mobile or tablet tap the box that says “VIEW 360”.

Then click and hold or tap and drag the screen to look around the interior of the Globe Theatre.

Tap on the circles and explore the images, videos and sounds that are located around the Globe Theatre.

Tap out when you are done and keep tapping away to find discover more!

Have fun and keep on discovering!

VIRTUAL TOUR: 360 APP

Packed with interesting facts, videos and photos, our free app allows anyone in the world to explore a virtual version of the world’s most iconic theatre.

Move around the virtual theatre, zoom in and out and reveal the theatre’s oak frame. Venture through the oak doors and head inside, where you can explore the theatre as stunning 360 degree images. Locations include an actor’s-eye view from the stage, backstage in the tiring-house, the musicians’ gallery and standing in the Yard.

The app is free and available on Apple iOS.

It contains an optional in app purchase.

 Globe 360 via App Store

 Globe 360 Marker

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Madonna sued by her own fans who consider her Celebration Tour 2024 to be too explicit

Tour solidified Madonna's position at the pinnacle of the music world.

A fter being reaffirmed as the 'Queen of Pop' with her triumphant world tour, Madonna now faces a surprising lawsuit from her own fans.

Reports indicate that numerous concertgoers were offended by the extensive sexual content featured in her performances around the globe.

The controversy arose following the 'Celebration Tour,' which once again solidified Madonna 's position at the pinnacle of the music world.

Her live shows highlighted her legendary status and showcased the songs that have cemented her as an iconic figure. However, the complaints from fans have created unexpected trouble for Madonna , as it was initially believed that her performances received widespread approval and satisfaction.

Madonna faces lawsuit

It has been revealed that Madonna is now dealing with a lawsuit filed by a disgruntled fan. This individual expressed dissatisfaction with the explicit nature of her concert performances.

According to several reports, the fan criticized Madonna for delivering such provocative shows without prior warning.

They claimed they attended the concert expecting a celebration of her iconic songs and stunning choreography, but were instead confronted with excessive sexual content.

The fan alleges that Madonna misled them into purchasing tickets for concerts that were overly sexual in nature, describing some of the content as "pornographic" without proper notice.

This aspect of the 'Celebration Tour' was not well received by a segment of the audience, leading to the legal action.

It's important to note that Madonna 's successful world tour kicked off in October 2023, aiming to celebrate her 40-year illustrious career with her fans.

Despite being 66 years old, Madonna captivated her audience, delivering the greatest hits of her career in sold-out venues during The Celebration Tour.

Don't miss out on all sports information at www.marca.com/en .

Ukraine gets more military aid from Europe but Putin warns of consequences if Russian soil is hit

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a second $1 billion promise of military aid in as many days Tuesday during a whirlwind tour of three European Union countries, while President Vladimir Putin warned that hitting Russian soil with Western-supplied weapons could set the war on a dangerous new path.

The aid pledge for 2024 came from Belgium, which topped up the money with a commitment to give Ukraine 30 F-16 fighter jets in the next four years.

“Our task is to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year and in such way fortify our positions,” Zelenskyy said.

He later traveled to Portugal, where he said it was important that Ukraine’s supporters don’t allow themselves to be misled by Russia and that “we don’t grow tired of the war.”

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The onslaught by the Kremlin’s better-equipped forces that is unfolding in eastern and northeastern Ukraine as summer approaches has brought Ukraine its biggest military test since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in U.S. military aid, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia’s bigger army and air force.

European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.

Putin has repeatedly warned the West against deeper involvement in the fighting, holding out the specter of a nuclear conflict.

The use of Western-supplied long-range weapons by Ukraine to strike Russian territory could bring a dangerous escalation, Putin said Tuesday, speaking to reporters while on a trip to Uzbekistan.

The use of such weapons would rely on Western intelligence data and imply the involvement of NATO military personnel, Putin said, warning the alliance that they should be aware of the possible consequences.

“Representatives of countries that are NATO members, particularly in Europe, should be aware of what they are playing with,” he said, adding that “countries with small territory and dense populations” should be particularly careful.

The Netherlands promised to quickly assemble with key EU partners a Patriot air defense system, which Zelenskyy sees as key in stopping Russia from hitting Ukraine’s power grid and civilian areas, as well as military targets, with devastating glide bombs.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the move but insisted much more work was needed.

“We have seen some progress, but more progress and more air defense systems are urgently needed in Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said as he headed into a meeting of EU defense ministers.

Before returning to Ukraine, Zelenskyy visited Portugal and signed another bilateral agreement. Portugal is one of Western Europe’s poorest countries and has a small military compared with its bigger EU partners. Montenegro said Portugal is sending a further 126 million euros ($137 million) in military and financial aid to Kyiv as part of a broad cooperation plan.

On Monday, Zelenskyy signed a security agreement with Spain that allocates 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) of military aid to Ukraine in 2024, and 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027.

The bilateral aid is essential since the 27-nation bloc is again struggling to overcome Hungary’s objections to the EU itself providing billions of euros in military aid to Kyiv.

An estimated 6.5 billion euros ($7 billion) are stalled by the Hungarian government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, considered Russia’s staunchest ally in the EU. Single member states have wide veto powers, and Hungary has long held up funds aimed at boosting Ukraine’s defenses.

“That’s the sad thing that we have the cash, we have the capacity, but we are still pending decisions to implement” aid decisions for Ukraine, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and as well as the immediate money, he obtained a security agreement aimed at providing guarantees of military help until Ukraine joins NATO.

Since Russia launched a spring offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, Zelenskyy has insisted Ukraine urgently needs seven more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems.

Putin says the Kremlin’s forces are seeking to establish a “buffer zone” in Kharkiv to prevent Ukraine launching attacks across the border there.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, meeting with her EU colleagues, said a Patriot system will be built “in a short time frame.” The Netherlands has the core components for a Patriot system and other EU nations will contribute other key parts and munitions.

“Ukraine is also fighting Europe’s fight,” she said.

Zelenskyy was to visit Belgium and Spain earlier this month but postponed all his foreign trips after Russia launched its Kharkiv offensive and left Ukrainian forces reeling.

In other developments, the U.N.’s atomic agency’s chief was in Russia’s westernmost territory of Kaliningrad to talk about safety issues involving the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

The plant has been occupied by the Russian forces since early in the war, and all of its reactors have been in a cold shutdown. Frequent shelling around Europe’s largest nuclear plant has raised global concerns over nuclear security.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi met with Alexei Likhachyov, head of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom. The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Grossi as saying that “common understanding” has been reached on the steps that are necessary to enhance the plant’s security, but restarting it “seems impossible” at the moment.

Likhachyov echoed his sentiment on restarting the plant, but also vowed its current state is “absolutely safe.”

Casert reported from Brussels.

Nicki Minaj Arrested at Amsterdam Airport While on Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour

Nicki minaj speaks out after being arrested at amsterdam airport while on instagram live, jason sudeikis asks travis kelce when he's going to 'make an honest woman' out of taylor swift, 'perfect match's chase demoor and 'selling the oc's kayla cardona ditch interview to go on a date, eminem's 'houdini' music video features his kids and celeb cameos, 'station 19' cast tearfully says goodbye following series finale (exclusive), why bre tiesi would 'kill' the oppenheim brothers and more netflix stars | spilling the e-tea, 50 cent sued for throwing microphone at fan at 2023 concert, 'love is blind's chelsea and laura on netflix stars they'd kiss, marry or kill | spilling the e-tea, why jodie turner-smith regrets showing her daughter ‘the acolyte’ trailer (exclusive), adam rodriguez on jennifer lopez casting him in ‘if you had my love’ music video 25 years ago, 'buying beverly hills' alexia and sophia umansky create a reality show tagline, jennifer lopez cancels summer tour 'to focus on her family' (source), brad pitt and angelina jolie's daughter shiloh files to legally drop 'pitt' from last name, watch 'love is blind's lauren hamilton reenact jess' 'choke' speech to cameron | spilling the e-tea, will smith and jada pinkett smith pose together on red carpet for first time since separation news, robert de niro reacts to ‘de niro con’ at tribeca film festival (exclusive), watch 'selling sunset's chelsea lazkani grill 'love is blind's ad smith while 'spilling the e-tea', drew gordon, former nba player, dies at 33 in reported car accident, sofía vergara says she'll 'recycle' ex joe manganiello tattoo amid new romance with dr. justin saliman, why toni braxton wanted to go topless at 56 (exclusive), diddy’s ex yung miami makes comments about ‘evil’ people and fame amid his legal woes, nicki minaj was arrested in amsterdam, forcing the cancellation of her pink friday 2 world tour concert saturday in england..

Nicki Minaj  was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport while on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour and was released hours later.

The "Barbie World" rapper took to social media Saturday and shared two videos, the first of which she posted on Instagram showing her recording from inside her van and speaking to what appears to be an airport official. The video starts mid-conversation, and you can hear Minaj ask, "Tell me again."

The official says, "Police officer told me we have to offload all the luggage and search everything."

The official apologizes for the inconvenience, prompting Minaj to ask why police didn't search her luggage before it was loaded on the plane. The official says it was a "random" check, though he also says it was prompted after the police officer said Minaj filmed him.

"He asked me do I have any more in those purses and I said no," Minaj says, though it's unclear what she means by having "any more." 

Minaj added, "They took my bags and took it on the plane."

The official apologizes again, and a cordial Minaj responds, "Of course."

But in video captured from Minaj's Instagram Live session ( and shared on X ), the rapper is seen surrounded by police officers as she's told she's under arrest, which forced Saturday's concert in Manchester, England at Co-Op Live to be canceled. Police in Amsterdam shared later in the day that the rapper was released from their custody.

"We have just released a 41-year-old American woman who we arrested this afternoon at Schiphol on suspicion of exporting soft drugs," police said in a tweet . "After consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect was fined and can continue her journey."

The video begins with Minaj asking where she's going, to which a police officer responds with, "We have to go to the police station," which the officer says is five minutes away.

The police officer says the process will be quick and they'll try to get her on her way to her next show. As Minaj continues asking more questions the officer tells her, "You're under arrest."

"Oh, so I'm under arrest?" Minaj asks, to which the officer responds with, "Yes."

Minaj asks why she's under arrest, but the police officer doesn't offer an explanation.

Two police officers ask her to stop filming and order her to get inside the waiting police van. Minaj responds by saying she's waiting for her lawyer. The officer, holding what is presumably Minaj's passport, tells the rapper she can contact her lawyer at the police precinct. Minaj, while still filming, then walks into the police van. The video ends after the doors are shut.

At this point it's unclear what led to Minaj's arrest. ET has reached out to her rep for comment. But a local news outlet reported she was arrested for possession of drugs. On her X account, Minaj tweeted , "now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig post down."

She had also previously tweeted , "This is Amsterdam btw, where weed is legal."

Minaj is due back at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on June 2.

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LGBTQ+ Pride Month is starting to show its colors around the world

(AP) - Pride Month, the worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicks off Saturday with events around the globe.

But this year’s festivities in the U.S. will unfold against a backdrop of dozens of new state laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender young people.

Here are things to know about the celebrations and the politics around them.

WHY IS JUNE PRIDE MONTH?

The monthlong global celebration began with Gay Pride Week in late June 1970, a public celebration that marked the first anniversary of the violent police raid at New York’s Stonewall Inn , a gay bar.

At a time when LGBTQ+ people largely kept their identity or orientation quiet, the June 28, 1969, raid sparked a series of protests and catalyzed the movement for rights .

The first pride week featured marches in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, and it has grown ever since. Some events fall outside of June: Tokyo’s Rainbow Pride was in April and Rio de Janeiro has a major event in November.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.

WHAT’S BEING CELEBRATED?

Pride’s hallmark rainbow-laden parades and festivals celebrate the progress the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement has made.

In the U.S. in April, a federal appeals court ruled North Carolina and West Virginia’s refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory.

In one compromise in March, a settlement of legal challenges to a Florida law critics called “Don’t Say Gay” clarifies that teachers can have pictures on their desks of their same-sex partners and books with LGBTQ+ themes. It also says books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes can remain in campus libraries and gay-straight alliance chapters at schools need not be forced underground.

Greece this year legalized same-sex marriage , one of three dozen nations around the world to do so, and a similar law approved in Estonia in June 2023 took effect this year.

WHAT’S BEING PROTESTED?

Rights have been lost around the world, including heavy prison sentences for gay and transgender people in Iraq and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” in Uganda . More than 60 countries have anti-LGBTQ+ laws, advocates say.

Tightening of those laws has contributed to the flow of people from Africa and the Middle East seeking asylum in Europe.

In recent years, Republican-controlled U.S. states have been adopting policies that target LGBTQ+ people, and particularly transgender people, in various ways.

Twenty-five states now have laws banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Some states have taken other actions, with laws or policies primarily keeping transgender girls and women out of bathrooms and sports competitions that align with their gender.

GOP state attorneys general have challenged a federal regulation , set to take effect in August, that would ban the bathroom bans at schools. There also have been efforts to ban or regulate drag performances .

Most of the policies are facing legal challenges.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 , leading to restrictive abortion laws in most GOP-controlled states, LGBTQ+ advocates are worried about losing ground too, said Kevin Jennings, CEO of nonprofit civil rights organization Lambda Legal. On the eve of Pride, the organization announced a $180 million fundraising goal for more lawyers to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Progress such as the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide could be lost without political and legal vigilance, Jennings said.

“Our community looks at what happened to reproductive rights thanks to the Dobbs decision two years ago and has enormous anxiety over whether we’re about to have a massive rollback of what we’ve gained in the 55 years since Stonewall,” Jennings said.

WHAT ABOUT BUSINESSES?

While big businesses from Apple to Wells Fargo sponsor events across the U.S., a pushback made ripples last year at one major discount retailer.

Target was selling Pride-themed items last June but removed some from stores and moved displays to the back of some locations after customers tipped them over and confronted workers. The company then faced additional backlash from customers who were upset the retailer gave in to people prejudiced against LGBTQ+ people.

This year, the store has said it would not carry the items at all its stores. But the company remains a major sponsor of NYC Pride.

ARE EVENTS SAFE?

Keeping the events safe is the top priority, organizers said, but there could be challenges.

The FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory in May that foreign terrorist organizations could target events associated with Pride. The same month, the State Department renewed a security warning for Americans overseas , especially LGBTQ+ people and events globally.

Law enforcement officials noted ISIS sympathizers were arrested last year for attempting to attack a June 2023 Pride parade in Vienna and that ISIS messaging last year called for followers to attack “soft targets.”

The agencies say people should always watch out for threats made online, in person or by mail. People should take note if someone tries to enter a restricted area, bypass security or impersonate law enforcement and call 911 for emergencies and report threats to the FBI.

NYC Pride has a heavy security presence and works with city agencies outside the perimeter, said Sandra Perez, the event’s executive director. The group expects 50,000 people marching in its June 30 parade and more than 1.5 million people watching.

“The fight for liberation isn’t over,” Perez said. “The need to be visible and the need to be mindful of what we need to do to ensure that the future generations don’t have these struggles is really top of mind.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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A growing number of Swifties are calling on Taylor Swift to break her silence on Gaza

Ahead of the Madrid leg of Taylor Swift’s globe-trotting Eras Tour, some fans had their minds on more than just her set.

In the hours before her Wednesday concert, the hashtag #SwiftiesForPalestine was among the top trends on X, easily besting the hashtag for that evening’s show. Many posts called on concert attendees to take signs to or fly Palestinian flags at the event, hoping they’d catch Swift’s attention and encourage her to speak out.  

The hashtag continued to spread Thursday morning with more than 133,000 posts, according to X’s trending page, many of them coming from fan accounts that have posted about Swift for years.

It’s a sentiment that has been building for a while around many celebrities and Swift in particular, with her sizable and vocal fan base, which, when mobilized, can be a formidable political force . In recent days, the scattered activism has boiled over into more palpable outrage — largely driven by Israel’s military offensive in Rafah and an airstrike this month that set a refugee camp aflame, with graphic pictures of the aftermath spreading online . The Israel Defense Forces has said that it was targeting two senior Hamas militants and that tent shelters were not in the immediate vicinity. 

“Seeing all these devastating images and videos from Rafah has awoken something in all of us, and we would love Taylor’s support. A lot of people with influence are speaking out, and we see the effects this has,” said Sarah Smits, a Swiftie from Belgium who runs a fan account with more than 56,000 followers on X. 

The conflict has been ongoing for more than six months, and Israel has said it will continue to fight to free roughly 125 people Hamas is believed to still hold captive in Gaza. 

Swift, arguably the most famous and popular person in the U.S. , has not made any comments about Israel or Gaza since the conflict began. And while she has at times weighed in on U.S. politics (most notably on abortion rights and legislation that has targeted the LGBTQ community ), she has also faced scrutiny from her fans over her silence on various issues. Other fans, however, have expressed concern that voicing a stance on contentious global political issues could compromise her safety on an international tour.

Smits, who said she watches every Eras Tour livestream and has spotted Palestinian flags in the audience, plans to take her own pro-Palestinian friendship bracelets when she attends one of Swift’s July shows in Amsterdam.

“The impact Taylor Swift would have would be enormous, and so her silence is frustrating,” she said.

The push comes alongside a wider social media movement that has refocused attention on Israel’s push into Rafah, a city Israel had once designated as a safe zone . On Instagram, a particularly viral image that appeared to have been generated by artificial intelligence showed refugee tents that spelled out “All Eyes on Rafah.” Some Swifties seized on the image, which was criticized in its own right for drowning out real images from the ground in Rafah, after Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, who have produced much of Swift’s music, both reshared it on Instagram this week.

Many Swifties also noted that Paramore, the band that is opening for Swift during the European leg of the Eras Tour, shared a statement on its Instagram story Wednesday spotlighting Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders, nongovernmental organizations providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

A representative for Swift did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As part of their push, some people on X resurfaced a clip of remarks Swift made in her 2020 Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana,” in which she expressed regret over not having spoken out against Donald Trump during the 2016 election. 

“I need to be on the right side of history,” she tells her family and public relations staff.

Swift faced some backlash after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel over a film of a concert she performed earlier in the year played in Jerusalem , as concerns were growing about the conflict and its humanitarian consequences in Gaza. 

Now, more Pro-Palestinian sentiment has surfaced at some of her recent shows. Photos of concertgoers with Palestinian flags or holding up bedazzled, Swift-themed pro-Palestinian posters circulated across social media this week as Swifties online encouraged one another — especially those who have scored front-row Eras Tour seats — to display them at her shows in hope she would take notice.

Many also urged attendees to make and trade Swift-themed friendship bracelets (an activity that has become customary at her shows) that incorporate pro-Palestinian messaging and to tag social media posts from the show with #SwiftiesForPalestine.

Swift was also named on several of the #Blockout2024 and “digital guillotine” lists circulating this month as social media users organized a controversial campaign to block hundreds of celebrities and influencers who have not been vocal about Gaza. Some stars on the block lists, such as rapper Lizzo and influencer Chris Olsen, posted their first public videos about Gaza after the campaign began.

The pressure on her Swift appears to be propelled, at least in part, by the understanding that she now commands an audience that can quickly spring into action. In an open letter to Swift shared online Wednesday, a fan account wrote that even the “smallest action” from her could inspire her massive fan base to “raise support for immediate humanitarian help” for Palestinians.

“The international community, including many influential voices, has called for justice and peace, yet the agony still continues,” the letter read. “Your influence transcends borders, and your words have the power to reach and activate an extensive audience, including people who are unaware of the severity of the genocide.”

Canadian Swiftie Mélina Loyer, who has been heavily involved in #SwiftiesForPalestine online, said the growing pro-Palestinian support from other big names in entertainment makes Swift’s lack of a public stance stand out even more.

“I think Swifties have officially had enough of Taylor’s silence because of big celebrities like Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa recently talking about their support for Palestine,” Loyer said, adding, “We think she no longer has an excuse to remain silent considering her big audience and the impact she has.”

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

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British prime minister sets July 4 election as his Conservatives face biggest challenge in a decade

UK Prime Minister Sunak announces general election for July 4

“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” Rishi Sunak said as he stood in heavy rain outside the prime minister’s residence. Sunak’s center-right party has seen its support dwindle steadily after 14 years in power. It has struggled to overcome a series of crises including an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders in the past two years.

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers a statement, outside 10 Downing Street, London, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Sunak has set the date of July 4, 2024 for the national election to determine who governs the UK. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

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Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday, May 22, 2024, as he announces that he is to call a General Election for July 4. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak turns away after speaking to the media outside 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday, May 22, 2024, as he announced that he is to call a General Election for July 4. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the media, as heavy rain falls, outside 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday, May 22, 2024, as he announces that he is to call a General Election for July 4. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Britain’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer speaks in Westminster, London, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set the date of July 4 for a national election in the UK. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

Britain’s Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey speaks to the media at the London Recreation Ground in Camberley, England, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set the date of July 4 for a national election in the UK. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)

Heavy rain falls on the jacket of Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday, May 22, 2024, he announced that he has called a General Election for July 4. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks back into 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after he announced that he is to call a General Election for July 4. Heavy rain fell during his speech. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gestures during a General Election campaign event at ExCeL London, in east London, Wednesday May 22, 2024, after setting the date of July 4 for a national election in the UK. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday set July 4 as the date for a national election that will determine who governs the U.K., as his divided and demoralized Conservative Party faces its biggest challenge to its 14-year rule.

“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future,” Sunak said in an announcement that took many people who expected a fall election by surprise. He spoke on a day of good economic news, hoping to remind wavering voters of one relative success of his time in office.

But Sunak was drenched by heavy rain outside the prime minister’s residence, and his announcement was nearly drowned out by protesters blasting “Things Can Only Get Better,” a rival Labour campaign song from the Tony Blair era.

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• Keep track of the latest AP elections coverage from around the world here.

Sunak’s center-right party has seen its support dwindle steadily. It has struggled to overcome a series of crises including an economic slump, ethics scandals and a revolving door of leaders in the past two years.

The center-left Labour Party is strongly favored in the election. Labour leader Keir Starmer said his party would bring stability.

“Together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain and change our country,” Starmer said.

Bookies and pollsters rank Sunak as a long shot to stay in power. But he said he would “fight for every vote.”

The election will be held against the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis and deep divisions over how to deal with migrants and asylum seekers making risky English Channel crossings from Europe.

Sunak stressed his credentials as the leader who saved millions of jobs with support payments during the COVID-19 pandemic and got the economy under control. He said the election would be about “how and who you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future.”

The announcement came the same day official figures showed inflation in the U.K. had fallen sharply to 2.3%, its lowest level in nearly three years on the back of big declines in domestic bills.

The drop in April marks the greatest progress to date on five pledges Sunak made in January 2023, including halving inflation, which had climbed to above 11% at the end of 2022. Sunak hailed the new figure as evidence his plan was working.

“Today marks a major moment for the economy, with inflation back to normal,” Sunak said ahead of the election announcement. “Brighter days are ahead, but only if we stick to the plan to improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”

Voters across the United Kingdom will choose all 650 members of the House of Commons for a term of up to five years. The party that commands a majority in the Commons, either alone or in coalition, will form the next government and its leader will be prime minister.

Starmer, a former chief prosecutor for England and Wales, is the current favorite. The party’s momentum has built since it dealt the Conservatives heavy losses in local elections earlier this month .

The Conservatives have also lost a series of special elections for seats in Parliament this year, and two of its lawmakers recently defected to Labour.

Lorraine Chase, a well-known British actress who was visiting Parliament, said she thought Labour is headed for victory because the country faces big problems and people want to send the Conservatives packing.

“They just want the Tories out,” said Chase, 72. “I don’t really know what someone else coming in can really help. It took years to get in this mess. It will take years to get out.”

Following on his party’s successes in the local elections, Starmer, 61, last week announced a platform focused on economic stability as he tries to win over disillusioned voters.

He also pledged to improve border security, recruit more teachers and police and reduce lengthy waiting lists at hospitals and doctors′ clinics.

Elections in the U.K. have to be held no more than five years apart, but the prime minister can choose the timing within that period. Sunak, 44, had until December to call an election. The last one was in December 2019.

Many political analysts had anticipated that a fall election would give Conservatives a better chance of maintaining power. That’s because economic conditions may improve further, voters could feel the effect of recent tax cuts , interest rates may come down and a controversial plan to deport some asylum-seekers to Rwanda — a key policy for Sunak — could take flight.

Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said some voters might give Sunak credit for gambling on an early election because it makes him look strong and bold rather than weak and indecisive. But he said voters care about the fundamentals.

“And those fundamentals don’t look particularly good for the prime minister,” Bale said. “The economy, whatever he says, is still fairly weak. Growth is fairly anemic. Inflation has come down, but it’s still there ... (and) public services are in trouble.”

Ed Glenn, who was outside Parliament, suggested that Sunak called the election because he thinks he has a better shot of winning sooner — or he wants to take an early summer vacation after losing.

“I have historically voted for the Tories,” Glenn said. “But I would say I’m politically homeless right now because I don’t really have any faith in either party, or the main parties.”

Although inflation has fallen, Sunak’s other promises — to grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists to see a doctor at the state-run National Health Service and stop the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel — have seen less success.

He has struggled after entering office following the disastrous tenure of Liz Truss , who lasted only 49 days after her economic policies rocked financial markets. Truss had been chosen by party members after Boris Johnson was ousted over a series of ethics scandals.

Associated Press writer Danica Kirka and video journalist Kwiyeon Ha contributed to this story.