In a recent Risking Old Age in America podcast, I had a fascinating discussion with Israel (Issi) Doron, chair of the Department of Gerontology at the University of Haifa in Israel, about the differences in the systems of elder care in our two countries. Unlike the United States, Israel provides up to 20 hours a week of free home health care for all but its most affluent residents.
Here are some excerpts from our conversation:
ROA: You and I have talked before about the differences between Israel and the U.S. in elder care — how it’s provided, how it’s paid for. Could you talk a bit about how that all works in Israel?
Doron: Elder care is a challenge all across the world, so the challenges are common in most developed countries…including the U.S. and Israel.
I will share [two] key issues about how Israel handles elder care and how it compares to the U.S. The first point is the fact that Israel, unlike the U.S., has universal healthcare coverage. So every resident of Israel from birth to death is covered. In the U.S., the federal program of Medicare does provide a sort of universal healthcare for older adults.
However, as we know, aging is a life course issue. So if in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s you didn’t receive adequate healthcare, when you reach your 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, it’s in some perspectives a little bit too late. So Israel provides a better starting point for older adults in the sense that when they reach age 65 or 67, they have experienced relatively adequate and good healthcare coverage on a universal basis.
The second element, which used to be unique to Israel, is that Israel was one of the first countries in the world that legislated and anchored in its Social Security legislation, what we called community-based long-term care insurance. Every resident of Israel who pays into the social insurance system is eligible for this coverage [of 20 hours of home health care a week]. There is a financial needs assessment, but it’s 1.5 times the average income, so the vast majority of older adults in Israel are entitled to receive that community-based support.
ROA: Has this program always been available?
Doron: It was enacted in the 1980s as one of the first such programs in the world at the time. Since then, many countries…have adopted similar programs and added them to the traditional social insurance and social security programs as part of a national coverage to provide answers to the rising needs of the aging populations.
And from a financial perspective, it’s cheaper and more financially viable to provide the care for older adults in the community. And that’s what they prefer, rather than to opt for traditional institutional based long-term care services, which are quite expensive and not what older people really want.
ROA: So, who provides the care?
Doron: So once again, this is a fascinating issue and a challenge. To begin with, like the U.S. and most developed countries, the vast majority of care for older adults is provided by family members. It doesn’t matter which system you have, that’s still what happens in the vast majority of the world. Family members…are the initial point of reference to provide care.
But once we move into the community-based long-term care services, it’s low-paid and the workforce is mostly women, often older themselves. After the fall of the former Soviet Union, we had a significant immigration of Jews…to Israel and a very significant portion of the care workforce were women…from the former Soviet Union.
More recently, there is a fascinating sub-sector of migrant workers from Asia, from Nepal, from the Philippines who come to Israel and basically provide 24/7 care for older adults at home. And you have a subgroup of Arab Israelis who work in this field. Unfortunately, it’s a low-paid job and not easy work to do.
For more from Harry Margolis, check out his Risking Old Age in America blog and podcast. He also answers consumer estate planning questions at AskHarry.info. To stay current on the Squared Away blog, join our free email list.
Since Virgin Voyages’ debut, the cruise line’s itineraries have been all about sun, fun, and party vibes. From Caribbean beach clubs to Mediterranean nights, the social atmosphere, eccentric entertainment, and no-kids policy made sense. So when Brilliant Lady headed north for Virgin’s first Alaska season, we had the same question you probably do: does an adults-only brand that set out to redefine the cruise vacation actually work in a region where lines like Princess and Holland America have been leaders for years?
We booked a sailing to find out. We’ve sailed Virgin five times before Alaska, so we know the product pretty well. We’ve also previously cruised to Alaska seven times — with Princess, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises — so we know exactly what a good Alaska cruise looks like.
Does Virgin hold its own against the competition in the region? Is Virgin the right choice for your Alaska cruise? We’re sharing everything you should know before you put down a deposit and where we think the line shines (and falls short) in the Last Frontier.
If you want Alaska without kids, along with more complimentary food options and a trendier onboard atmosphere than the region’s norm, Virgin is a strong fit. If your Alaska bucket list includes Glacier Bay National Park, a cruisetour into the interior, or watching the scenery from a forward-facing glass observation lounge, this is not the line for you.
Pros of Virgin Voyages in Alaska
Adults-only in a family-friendly region
Alaska is a great destination for multigenerational families. The cruising season of May to September lines up nicely with school break and there’s something for every age group to enjoy. You’ll find plenty of kids sailing way up north on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and even Princess Cruises.
That’s why half the appeal of Virgin in Alaska is actually what’s missing! There’s no kids’ clubs, no children crowding the hot tubs, no chaos in the buffet. If the reason you’re drawn to the Last Frontier is the peacefulness, sailing it adults-only amplifies the experience.
Enrichment that pleasantly surprised us
We admit that we didn’t have high expectations for the enrichment component of the Virgin Alaska cruise experience. Princess and Holland America do a wonderful job of bringing the region’s history and culture to life with expert-led presentations on everything from the Gold Rush to Iditarod races and wildlife.
While somewhat different, we were pleasantly surprised with Virgin’s offerings. We had two experts on our sailing, a Naturalist and a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices. Dr. Glo and Q offered a variety of sessions during the voyage. These ranged from the Honestly Alaska talk show and Primetime Ports presentation to the more informal Northern Narratives and Field Notes sessions. Both of these Alaska Happenings Cast members were knowledgeable and engaging, though we do wish there had been a few more formal presentations.
Some of the best food at sea, and it’s included
We’ve always felt that the food across the Virgin fleet is a strength, and Alaska is no exception. There’s no main dining room, no upcharges for specialty dining, and plenty of places to grab some casual eats. The food quality in the six complimentary sit-down venues holds up against lines charging specialty restaurant prices.
There’s lots of variety too: The Wake American steakhouse, Mexican at Pink Agave, Italian at Extra Virgin, Gunbae the Korean BBQ, and experimental cuisine at The Test Kitchen. Even the newest space debuting on Brilliant Lady, Rojo, did not disappoint. Not to mention, there’s always free pizza, gelato, chicken wings, and more.
Alaska-inspired dishes and cocktails
Beyond the already delicious food and drink offerings, several restaurants and bars feature Alaska-inspired dishes and regionally themed drinks. Just look for the bear icon on the menus. You can sip a Strawberry Rhubarb or Blueberry Mirlo sangria at The Dock, grab an Alaskan brew at The Loose Cannon, or warm up with exclusive mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate during glacier viewing. Select bars also serve local Alaska spirits and wines, like the Nutty Old Fashioned featuring fire dog whiskey from Uncharted Alaska Distillery.
When it comes to food, you can sample items like Achiote Spiced Salmon at Pink Agave, Grilled Loin of Venison at The Wake, and Roasted Cod at Rojo. Don particularly enjoyed the salmon dish. There are also “Treat Yourself” items available for an upcharge on select menus, many featuring Alaskan King Crab.
Alaska activities with a Virgin twist
The onboard activity calendar leaned into the destination without losing Virgin’s quirky personality. In addition to the enrichment-type offerings, there were plenty of other activities to fill time between ports. Some of the Alaska-themed additions include Lumberjack Games, Bear Wit It trivia, Salty Trivia: Alaska edition, Crack the Crab, and Gold Rush Gamble ($50 buy in to play). These activities were a fun and creative way to pass time between the ports, and they were certainly more lively than what you’d expect on an Alaska cruise.
In addition, there are other Alaska-inspired up-charge activities including Drawn to the Wild, Northern Nightcaps, and Baking Alaska. While Baking Alaska sounded fun, and we did book it, it ended up taking place smack in the middle of glacier viewing so we decided to skip it.
A livelier onboard vibe than the region’s usual lines
Beyond the activities, the whole onboard vibe is more lively too. The atmosphere had energy that the region’s usual ships don’t match. If you think the evenings on Alaska cruises might be boring with many guests retiring to bed after dinner, that’s certainly not the case on Virgin Voyages.
There’s live music until 12 AM, Bingo After Dark, several production shows, parties in The Manor until late, the first night PJ Party, and Scarlet Night of course. There’s never a dull moment. In fact, we found it difficult to fit all the shows and parties into a 7-day cruise. Some of the production highlights for us were Murder in the Manor (requires a reservation), Duel Reality, Red Hot, and Out of Time. Actually, we’d argue that Brilliant Lady has the best entertainment in the Virgin fleet.
Trendy, modern ship spaces
It’s true that the newest and best ships in many cruise lines’ fleets don’t sail in Alaska, but that’s not the case for Virgin Voyages. Brilliant Lady is the newest lady ship, and she offers a trendy, modern premium feel. The design is contemporary and the spaces are social — a noticeable contrast with some of the Princess and Holland America hardware in the region that’s a decade old.
We particularly liked the redesigned Roundabout. Serving as the central atrium, this area feels more open and offers additional seating when compared to her sisters (even though it still doesn’t offer great views of the surrounding scenery). Our favorite spot on any Virgin cruise is The Dock and Dock House. These posh spaces are perfect for relaxing on a sea day, complete with tasty tapas and drinks. The Social Club is another fun hangout space for the kids at heart. It features free arcade games, board games, and snacks like pretzels and dirty sodas.
Inclusions that beat the competition on value
Basic WiFi, most dining, fitness classes, and soft drinks are all included in the Virgin cruise fare. This is where Virgin’s value shines. On paper the fares run comparable to the established Alaska lines, but once you start tacking on all the add-on costs, Virgin often lands cheaper.
For example, a 7-night Alaska cruise in May 2027 starts at around $900 per person (inside cabin) or $1650 (balcony cabin) on both Virgin’s and Princess’ newest ship. However, that doesn’t account for any specialty dining or WiFi on Princess Cruises. If you want to add those in, it’s $70+ per person, per day. The one caveat is that adding the Princess Plus or Premier package does include alcoholic drinks, whereas you’ll need to pay a la carte for those on Virgin. So, it’s important to do the math for your specific situation if you’re trying to get the best deal on an Alaska cruise.
A more diverse crowd than a typical Virgin sailing
If “adults-only Virgin” makes you picture a rowdy party crowd, we’re here to set the record straight. While that stereotype isn’t really true on any Virgin sailing, it’s especially inaccurate in Alaska. Yes, the atmosphere is more lively and there’s activities that run past 1 AM, but there’s also plenty of spaces to relax, read a good book, or just enjoy the views.
Further, the demographic on any Alaska cruise tends to skew a bit older than a Caribbean sailing, and that’s also true on Virgin. This itinerary seemed to pull a broader, more varied passenger mix than a typical Virgin sailing, with more range in age and travel style. We met plenty of fellow Sailors who had cruised other lines before but were drawn in by the idea of an adults-only Alaska trip. Plus, Virgin is known for being inclusive and solo-friendly.
Cons of Virgin Voyages in Alaska
No Glacier Bay and no Cruisetour add-ons
It took us three Alaska sailings until we landed on an itinerary that included Glacier Bay National Park, and we haven’t done anything else since…until now. While Alaska is spectacular no matter the itinerary, we’ll always stand by our opinion that the absolute best cruise experience in the Last Frontier includes scenic sailing in Glacier Bay. It’s a full day event, park rangers come onboard, there’s expert narration, and you have the chance to see 4-5 glaciers including the magnificent Margerie Glacier.
And unfortunately, Virgin Voyages does not sail into Glacier Bay. Only select cruise lines have permission to do so. Instead, Brilliant Lady visits Dawes Glacier, which is best seen from the pricey glacier explorer boat as the ship can’t get as close. Virgin Voyages does not offer any land add-ons either. We did our first Alaska Cruisetour last year, and highly recommend you consider one. It’s an easy way to combine an interior trip visiting Denali National Park with an Alaska cruise.
When considering Brilliant Lady, it’s important to know that all the prime scenic-viewing spots are aft (The Athletic Club and The Dock are the best locations). Unfortunately, there’s no ideal forward-facing vantage point (not even the bow, which some ships open during glacier viewing). And more importantly for Alaska, there’s no indoor observation lounge with panoramic glass windows. There’s also little in the way of covered viewing spots when it’s rainy outside. Further, while Richard’s Rooftop (the forward-located VIP sundeck for suite guests) and the outdoor promenade area on Deck 7 sound good in theory, the views are obstructed by tall glass walls.
No scenic sailing narration outside of a WhatsApp group
While some cruise lines go overboard with intercom announcements, Virgin is the other extreme and does not make any announcements. So, we did miss having some of the narration that we’re used to in Alaska like navigational updates, wildlife spottings, etc. There were no ship-wide announcements during scenic cruising to tell you what you were looking at or when to be out on deck for the best scenery.
Instead, we had the option to join a WhatsApp group led by the Naturalist, Dr. Glo. This was the only way to get real-time updates. Personally, we ended up finding it distracting and stopped checking the group part way through the cruise. And the only other option for narration was the upcharge activity Headphones & Horizons. Think silent disco headphones, binoculars, and live commentary.
Cabins short on storage for Alaska layers
We’ve never really been fans of Virgin’s cabin design. The cabins are the least aesthetic area on the ship, the bathrooms are notoriously small, and there is very little storage. This is particularly problematic in Alaska where you’re packing bulkier than you would for the Caribbean. Think rain gear, layers, outerwear, and the like. We found ourselves struggling to make everything fit.
Thankfully, we use packing cubes, so we ended up leaving most of our daytime attire in them and stacked on the limited shelf space. We also always pack magnetic hooks which came in handy for hanging our wet rain coats, jackets, and day bags. Another one of our trusty cabin hacks is a hanging pocket organizer. Here, we stored toiletries, sunglasses, chargers and cords, accessories like gloves and hats, and more.
“Elevated” shore excursions that didn’t deliver
Virgin labels many of its shore excursions as elevated or exclusive, so we booked a few of them expecting an “elevated” or “exclusive” experience. But that wasn’t the case. While our Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary & Black Bear Viewing tour in Ketchikan and our Whale & Marine Life Discovery Cruise in Prince Rupert were great, they didn’t outshine the competition. In fact, we did the exact tour in Ketchikan previously and the only thing that was different was an included drink and snack at the end of the tour. That said, they’re certainly still worth booking, just don’t expect them to be different from the mainstream offerings.
But our exclusive Gardens and Good Cheer tour in Juneau was rather dull and not one that we’d recommend given the cost.
Beyond the excursions themselves, the whole Shore Things experience was a bit disorganized, especially in Juneau where tender operations were required.
PRO TIP: You can book shore excursions outside the cruise line and often get smaller group sizes and cheaper prices. Shore Excursions Group even offers a return-to-ship guarantee.
A thermal suite that’s wrong for scenery watching
What could be better than watching fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers pass by while relaxing in a heated stone lounger? Well, if that’s the experience you envision, you won’t get it on Virgin. Unlike some NCL ships, whose thermal suite is primely positioned to double as a scenic-viewing space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Virgin’s Redemption Spa isn’t set up to fully take in the Alaska scenery while you use it.
Also different from our previous Virgin cruises, thermal suite passes on our sailing were only 2-hour blocks instead of 3-hour blocks for the same price of $59 on a port day and $79 on a sea day. While you honestly don’t need more than two hours to enjoy it, it still works out to be more expensive per hour to use.
A shared terminal in Seattle means a crowded embarkation
Embarkation in Seattle runs out of a shared terminal, and it makes for a more chaotic start to your Alaska cruise. If you’ve sailed Virgin out of Terminal V in Miami, you might be spoiled. In Seattle, Brilliant Lady shares the Smith Cove Terminal at Pier 91. This meant that we were embarking at the same time as a Carnival ship. With mass crowds and long lines everywhere, it took us a few moments to get our bearings and figure out where we needed to go to drop off our bags and check-in. Unfortunately, there weren’t many staff members around to direct people either.
While also true for many other cruise lines departing from Seattle, another thing to keep in mind is that Pier 91 is not within walking distance to the major Seattle attractions. It’s about 3 miles away from the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market. So, if you’re planning to spend some time in Seattle before your cruise, you may want to get a hotel near Pier 66 and just plan to get a rideshare or taxi to the port on embarkation day.
No drink packages to lock in a rate
While Virgin’s cruise fares are more inclusive than many other lines sailing in the region, it doesn’t include everything. The two primary add-ons that all cruisers need to budget for are gratuities and premium drinks like specialty coffee and cocktails.
And Virgin doesn’t sell traditional drink packages either. So, there’s no way to pre-pay and cap your bar spend at a known dollar amount. You can purchase a Bar Tab which gives you some bonus spend, but if you’re looking to walk away without any onboard expense, you’ll need to keep checking your account to see how much credit you have left. Whereas, Princess (Princess Plus and Premier) and Holland America (Have It All) both offer add-on packages for that all-inclusive feel which couples alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and more into the price.
New VoyageFair Choices change everything
Virgin has reworked its fare pricing into new tiers, and the rules and inclusions of each now differ from what returning Sailors may expect, so read the fine print before you book. The tier you choose not only affects the price but can change what’s actually covered and whether cancellations or changes are allowed once you’ve booked.
This is especially important to consider given that Alaska cruises tend to be pricier than other itineraries in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Now, the cheapest price you see is the Base Fare, which is non-refundable, allows no changes, and your cabin can be assigned as late as 7 days before you sail. If you want the closest equivalent to Virgin’s old pricing, you’ll need to book the Essential tier. So, be sure to budget accordingly — and remember that Alaska excursions are more expensive than other regions too.
The Bottom Line
So, is Virgin Voyages worth it in Alaska?
After five Virgin sailings and seven previous Alaska cruises, we think Virgin Voyages is a good alternative for the right traveler. The food, the inclusions, and the adults-only atmosphere make a strong case. Add a ship that actually feels modern and trendy, livelier nights and entertainment than the region is used to, and enrichment that beat our expectations, and the Virgin experience holds its own against the competition.
However, you need to weigh the trade-offs. Virgin skips Glacier Bay, offers no cruisetour to pair with Denali or the interior, and gives you nowhere warm, dry, or forward-facing to take in the scenery.
You want to experience the Last Frontier adults-only
You care as much about the onboard experience as the itinerary
You like livelier nights, modern spaces, and lots of entertainment
You’re sailing solo or want a more inclusive, varied crowd than the region’s usual
You’re a foodie looking for great included dining options
Choose another line for your Alaska cruise if…
Glacier Bay National Park is on your bucket list
You want to pair your cruise with a land tour to Denali or the interior
You want plenty of viewing spaces, especially a forward-facing observation lounge
You’d prefer a more traditional and educational Alaska cruise experience
You want the option for an all-inclusive add-on package
Comments
Would you consider sailing Virgin Voyages in Alaska? What are your top priorities when booking a cruise to this region? Drop us an anchor below to share your Alaska cruise reviews.
The U.S. Navy has experienced some considerable setbacks in recent months, from a power failure on a destroyer in the South China Sea to morale issues aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln. Still, the service has been buoyed by a nationwide recognition that shipbuilding has too long been neglected and the current administration seems to have a variety of innovative maritime strategy concepts, encompassing a new vision for the fleet.
Among these ideas, none have been more controversial than the proposed Trump-class battleship.
Proponents argue that this new capital ship would bring concentrated fighting power with new high-tech weapons and large magazines that could fight independently and also withstand substantial punishment in battle. With its currently planned nuclear propulsion, moreover these behemoths could patrol for extended periods without the need to refuel.
Critics have taken aim at the project’s enormous expense, as well as the feasibility of the proposed design that is characterized as over-ambitious.
Into this roiling debate, it is instructive to survey a rather different perspective: What do the Chinese make of this project? An Aug. 21 article in China National Defense News [中国国防报] provides some initial insights into how America’s chief global rival is assessing this potentially major change in direction for the U.S. Navy surface fleet.
This article, published in an official paper of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) does note that the ship could have the advantages that “large vessels can continue to execute certain combat missions even when communications are jammed, and their hulls offer superior damage resistance compared to small or medium-sized ships.” It notes that smaller, distributed platforms could overly “rely on stable data links.” In addition, it’s worth observing that this rendering does note that the planned U.S. battleship would have nuclear propulsion, and would possibly also carry nuclear-armed missiles.
Nevertheless, the Chinese analysis, mirroring many Western evaluations, is suffused with ample skepticism.
For 15 Trump-class battleships built between 2028 and 2056, the costs would amount to $275 billion, with the lead class carrying the price tag of $23.4 billion. The report says that cost is 55% higher due to the change from conventional to nuclear propulsion and terms this price as “exorbitant.” Illustrating some familiarity with nuclear power issues, the analysis adds that “nuclear waste disposal and vessel dismantling following retirement are not included” in the $275 billion estimate.
“Unfinalized designs and insufficient technological maturity” are also flagged as potential major problem that may cause delays and cost overruns. Potentially carrying rail guns, hypersonic weapons, as well as lasers, this critique seems quite valid. As the PLA assessment states: “This ‘build the platform first, install equipment later’ approach could increase the risks.” The piece cites the examples of the both the Zumwalt-class destroyer and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as relevant examples of recent problematic programs.
Notably, the Chinese article is also particularly attuned to potential shifts in the basic U.S. Navy warfighting doctrinal paradigm.
The article observes: “This design differs from the Distributed Maritime Operations concept that the U.S. Navy has been advancing in recent years. The theory of distributed maritime operations emphasizes the dispersal of detection, command, and strike capabilities across multiple nodes … to mitigate the impact that damage to a few large vessels would have on the entire formation.”
In a closely related point, the PLA article also broaches the question of whether large surface combatants are simply too vulnerable to quiet submarines, hypersonic missiles, and “drone swarms.”
Apparently quite aware of major difficulties in U.S. shipbuilding, the Chinese military assessment adds that leading American shipyards “are currently facing average delays of five years, with the delivery cycle for a single ship extending from approximately five years in the early 2000’s to about eleven years today.”
Noting that the new battleship program could have cascading results for other high priority U.S. Navy programs, the article concludes: “Assembly of nuclear-powered battleships … could further slow the construction of aircraft carriers and submarines.” These Chinese strategists are no doubt aware such a delay would further impact the Asia-Pacific naval balance.
China itself has indicated interest in nuclear-powered surface vessels. Thus, they have thoroughly investigated the newly renovated Russian battle cruiser Admiral Nakihimov.
Yet it is would be foolhardy to invest in such ambitious platforms for the U.S. Navy at a time when the service confronts so many shipbuilding challenges and when the nation also faces an inevitable process of belt-tightening. Perhaps some of America’s allies can experiment with the new battleship concept. But the U.S. Navy will be well advised to go toward its time-tested strengths, especially in undersea warfare, but also in the emergent domain of drones.
Overall, America’s sea service must bring its force structure into alignment with a new strategy appropriate to the multipolar world that involves reducing expensive “presence” missions and embracing more cost-effective hedging.
That will most likely mean a less high-profile role for surface combatants and thus recognizing the reality that the Trump-class battleship will most likely never get built.
Certainly, this Chinese military article implies that at least some Chinese strategists are eager for the U.S. to pursue that extravagant project, knowing that it is folly and would thus weaken Beijing’s chief rival.
Lyle Goldstein is director of the China Initiative at Brown University’s Watson School and concurrently serves as director of the Asia Program at the think-tank Defense Priorities.
The U.S. Marine Corps is looking to acquire high-resolution 3D scanners to detect cracked body armor.
The goal is to develop sensors that can “scan individual hard armor plates for cracks and delaminations,” according to a Marine Corps Request For Information, which is due Oct. 2. More specifically, the devices will inspect Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts and United States Marine Corps Lightweight Plates.
The Enhanced Armor Inspection System will use computed tomography, or CT, scanners. CT scanning, commonly used for tasks such as medical imaging and airport bomb detection, creates 3D images that are more detailed than traditional 2D X-ray images.
The Marine Corps intends to set up 10 CT scanners for body armor inspection. This includes six devices in the continental United States, two in Japan and one each in Hawaii and Guam.
The Marine Corps currently uses two techniques to spot defects in body armor, as explained in a 2023 Small Business Innovation Research solicitation that sought new methods of examining cracked ceramic plates and delaminated polyethylene layers. Cracked ceramics are detected by X-rays and deformed polyethylene by tapping the armor and determining whether the sound is like a chime (good) or a thud (bad).
The SBIR did point to CT scanning as an alternative, but noted that “this method is extremely expensive and requires highly trained personnel.”
The new RFI seeks an automated commercial system. It should include an “automated material custom conveyance & sorting system, imaging system, and data processing/handling that is fully equipped with customized Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) software to meet the USMC’s requirements.”
Contractors should specify how many plates per minute their systems can examine. They are also asked to describe how well the scanners can handle “materials with varying densities or compositions, such as the blend of boron carbide and silicon carbide, or the presence of metal crack arrestors.”
In 2011, a Department of Defense Inspector General audit found that the U.S. Army had purchased 5.1 million ballistic inserts that might have been defective. Army tests sometimes failed to use the correct-sized armor plates, the proper velocity for bullets fired at the plates or assess the effects of weathering and altitude.
The Army replied that there was “no case in which the military’s body armor has failed to do its job in protecting troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
This invisible apple cake is a little magical! Paper-thin apple slices are coated in a simple, lightly spiced batter, then layered in a loaf pan and baked into a tender, custard cake. Such a delicious way to enjoy fresh apples!
Apple-Packed Perfection
Now You See It, Now You Don’t: This cake has a funny habit of disappearing almost as quickly as you slice it. Consider yourself warned!
Six Apples, One Incredible Cake: Thinly sliced apples melt into the batter, creating layer after layer of tender, buttery apple goodness.
Simple but Impressive: Made with everyday ingredients, this cake looks beautiful when sliced and feels fancy, but trust me, you can do it!
Invisible Apple Cake Ingredients
Apples: I like mixing sweet and tart apples for apple desserts. I used Fuji and Granny Smith, but Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Gala also work.
Try Pears: You can use this recipe for an invisible pear cake! Thinly slice some firm, sweet pears and use them in place of the apples.
Orange Zest: Add a tablespoon or two of orange zest to the batter for a citrus kick. This is a great way to turn this from an early fall dessert into a holiday dessert.
Serving Ideas: Top with powdered sugar, a light glaze made from warmed apple or apricot jelly, or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Make Invisible Apple Cake
Thinly sliced apples bake into the light batter, creating soft, custardy gâteau invisible layers in every bite. This invisible apple cake has been trending on social media, and fall is the perfect time to try it. If you’re craving more apple favorites, try my apple pie or apple bread.
Wet Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla paste in a large bowl until combined and frothy.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine: Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined. The batter should be quite thin and runny.
Prep Apples: Let the batter rest while you peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly with a mandolin or sharp knife. Add the apples to the batter and toss until combined.
Layer: One handful at a time, layer the apples into the prepared loaf pan. Make them as even as you can, but no need to fuss too much, as they will fill in any gaps as they bake. If desired, arrange the final apples in a design on top.
Bake: Pour any extra batter over the apples. Bake for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is lightly browned. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then move to a rack to cool fully. For clean slices, chill invisible apple cake for 1–2 hours before cutting.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Plan Ahead: This cake needs time to fully cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before slicing, so plan ahead.
Invisible apple cake is made with thinly sliced apples layered in a light, buttery batter. It bakes into a tender, custardy cake with warm cinnamon and apple flavor.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, French, French American
Keyword apple cake, Apple Custard Cake, apple dessert, easy fall desserts, fall desserts, french apple custard cake, gateau invisble aux pommes, gateau invisible, Invisible Apple Cake, Invisible Apple Cake Recipe, layered apple cake, magic apple cake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Whisk together 3 large eggs, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter, ⅔ cup slightly warm milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla paste in a large bowl until combined and frothy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1-2 pinches ground nutmeg.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined. The batter should be quite thin and runny.
Let the batter rest while you peel, core, and very thinly slice 6 medium apples with a mandolin or sharp knife. The slices should be about 1/8 to 1/16-inch thick. This is quite thin, so be very careful!
Add the apples to the batter and toss until combined.
One handful at a time, layer the apples into the prepared loaf pan. Make them as even as you can, but don’t fuss too much, as they will fill in any gaps as they bake. If desired, arrange the final apples in a design on top.
Pour any remaining batter over the apples.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake, and the apples on top begin to brown. If the apples are browned but the cake is not done, tent with foil to prevent burning.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice once fully cooled, or after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Fridge: Store leftover invisible apple cake in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as it can disrupt the cake’s integrity.
Make Ahead: This cake needs time to fully cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before slicing, so plan ahead.
Curiosity starts with a question. What will you ask today? Photo: Deposit Photos
What would happen if you got a little more curious today?
September Is Healthy Aging® Month is underway, and this year’s theme, “Curiosity Has No Age Limit,” is an invitation to keep asking, learning, exploring and discovering—at any age.
Today’s tip is simple: Ask one more question.
Think about how often we move through the day on autopilot. We take the same route. Order the same thing. Talk to the same people about the same subjects. Use technology without knowing what half the buttons do.
Today, interrupt that routine with a question.
At a restaurant, ask about an ingredient you’ve never tried. If you’re walking through your neighborhood, wonder about the history of a building you’ve passed hundreds of times. Ask a friend how they became interested in a hobby. Ask a younger person to show you how they use a new piece of technology. Ask someone older what they remember about an event you only know from history.
Or simply type a question into a search engine, pick up a book, visit a library or find someone who knows more about a subject than you do. The National Institute on Aging notes that adults can continue learning new skills and forming new social connections as they age.
The question doesn’t have to be profound. The point is to follow your curiosity somewhere.
Curiosity can change a conversation
There is another benefit to asking questions: people are interesting when we give them the opportunity to be interesting.
The next time you’re talking with someone, try going one question beyond the usual conversation.
Instead of stopping at “How was your trip?” ask, “What surprised you most?”
Instead of “How’s work?” try, “What’s the most interesting thing you’re working on?”
Instead of assuming you already know someone’s story, ask something that gives you a chance to learn more about it.
You may be surprised by what you hear.
Try it today
Before the day is over, find something you normally wouldn’t question and ask:
Why? How? What if? Where did that come from? How does that work? What do you think?
Then follow the answer wherever it takes you.
That’s today’s September Is Healthy Aging® Month challenge. One extra question may seem like a very small thing.
The sudden recent escalation of the Iran war has cast renewed attention on its civilian toll after Iran reported 18 dead in the last U.S. assault, including four killed and dozens wounded at a wedding.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in Tuesday night’s U.S. strikes across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent said four people were killed and 67 wounded at a wedding ceremony near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz.
The return of combat operations has alarmed countries throughout the region, as Iran launched missile and drone attacks against what it said were U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.
The guns had largely gone silent since the previous exchange in July, although peace talks failed to advance in the interim. President Donald Trump threatened to unleash yet more military force, even though the war is unpopular at home and has driven up the cost of gasoline.
Iran, for its part, has remained defiant, despite suffering heavy military and economic losses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran,” and called for an immediate cessation of military action, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians. He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Dujarric said.
The deaths would be in addition to the 3,636 people documented as killed in Iran as of April 7, including 1,701 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an independent Iranian rights group.
The U.S. has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded.
“We are aware of reports, which originated from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command, said in an email.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society released video showing debris strewn on the ground next to a building with a large hole in the roof, accompanied by still images showing people, some in Red Crescent vests, at a damaged building and a utility tower lying on the ground.
Reuters was able to verify the location using satellite imagery, which showed the fallen tower was 136 metres (149 yards) from the damaged building.
The wedding incident recalled the blast at a school in Minab that killed 160 people at a girls’ school on the first day of the war.
The Pentagon has yet to issue an official finding on the Minab strike, which would be the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident in decades. It may have been the result of U.S. use of outdated targeting data, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have called on the administration to release findings of its investigation of the incident, but the report has not been sent to lawmakers.
U.S. defenders of the Iran war also point to civilian deaths that resulted from Iranian attempts to put down street protests that embroiled the country in December and January, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. HRANA has put that death toll at more than 7,000, while Iranian exile groups claim the number is much higher.
Trump has cited an incentive for Iranians to overthrow their government as one reason for the war, in addition to seeking to halt Iran’s nuclear program and ending its support for militant groups abroad such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Iran has also responded to the U.S. attacks by threatening any oil tankers that transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian authorization, severely curtailing traffic in a waterway that before the war carried 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The sudden recent escalation of the Iran war has cast renewed attention on its civilian toll after Iran reported 18 dead in the last U.S. assault, including four killed and dozens wounded at a wedding.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in Tuesday night’s U.S. strikes across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent said four people were killed and 67 wounded at a wedding ceremony near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz.
The return of combat operations has alarmed countries throughout the region, as Iran launched missile and drone attacks against what it said were U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.
The guns had largely gone silent since the previous exchange in July, although peace talks failed to advance in the interim. President Donald Trump threatened to unleash yet more military force, even though the war is unpopular at home and has driven up the cost of gasoline.
Iran, for its part, has remained defiant, despite suffering heavy military and economic losses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran,” and called for an immediate cessation of military action, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians. He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Dujarric said.
The deaths would be in addition to the 3,636 people documented as killed in Iran as of April 7, including 1,701 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an independent Iranian rights group.
The U.S. has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded.
“We are aware of reports, which originated from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command, said in an email.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society released video showing debris strewn on the ground next to a building with a large hole in the roof, accompanied by still images showing people, some in Red Crescent vests, at a damaged building and a utility tower lying on the ground.
Reuters was able to verify the location using satellite imagery, which showed the fallen tower was 136 metres (149 yards) from the damaged building.
The wedding incident recalled the blast at a school in Minab that killed 160 people at a girls’ school on the first day of the war.
The Pentagon has yet to issue an official finding on the Minab strike, which would be the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident in decades. It may have been the result of U.S. use of outdated targeting data, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have called on the administration to release findings of its investigation of the incident, but the report has not been sent to lawmakers.
U.S. defenders of the Iran war also point to civilian deaths that resulted from Iranian attempts to put down street protests that embroiled the country in December and January, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. HRANA has put that death toll at more than 7,000, while Iranian exile groups claim the number is much higher.
Trump has cited an incentive for Iranians to overthrow their government as one reason for the war, in addition to seeking to halt Iran’s nuclear program and ending its support for militant groups abroad such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Iran has also responded to the U.S. attacks by threatening any oil tankers that transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian authorization, severely curtailing traffic in a waterway that before the war carried 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The sudden recent escalation of the Iran war has cast renewed attention on its civilian toll after Iran reported 18 dead in the last U.S. assault, including four killed and dozens wounded at a wedding.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in Tuesday night’s U.S. strikes across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent said four people were killed and 67 wounded at a wedding ceremony near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz.
The return of combat operations has alarmed countries throughout the region, as Iran launched missile and drone attacks against what it said were U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.
The guns had largely gone silent since the previous exchange in July, although peace talks failed to advance in the interim. President Donald Trump threatened to unleash yet more military force, even though the war is unpopular at home and has driven up the cost of gasoline.
Iran, for its part, has remained defiant, despite suffering heavy military and economic losses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran,” and called for an immediate cessation of military action, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians. He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Dujarric said.
The deaths would be in addition to the 3,636 people documented as killed in Iran as of April 7, including 1,701 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an independent Iranian rights group.
The U.S. has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded.
“We are aware of reports, which originated from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command, said in an email.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society released video showing debris strewn on the ground next to a building with a large hole in the roof, accompanied by still images showing people, some in Red Crescent vests, at a damaged building and a utility tower lying on the ground.
Reuters was able to verify the location using satellite imagery, which showed the fallen tower was 136 metres (149 yards) from the damaged building.
The wedding incident recalled the blast at a school in Minab that killed 160 people at a girls’ school on the first day of the war.
The Pentagon has yet to issue an official finding on the Minab strike, which would be the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident in decades. It may have been the result of U.S. use of outdated targeting data, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have called on the administration to release findings of its investigation of the incident, but the report has not been sent to lawmakers.
U.S. defenders of the Iran war also point to civilian deaths that resulted from Iranian attempts to put down street protests that embroiled the country in December and January, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. HRANA has put that death toll at more than 7,000, while Iranian exile groups claim the number is much higher.
Trump has cited an incentive for Iranians to overthrow their government as one reason for the war, in addition to seeking to halt Iran’s nuclear program and ending its support for militant groups abroad such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Iran has also responded to the U.S. attacks by threatening any oil tankers that transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian authorization, severely curtailing traffic in a waterway that before the war carried 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The sudden recent escalation of the Iran war has cast renewed attention on its civilian toll after Iran reported 18 dead in the last U.S. assault, including four killed and dozens wounded at a wedding.
Iran’s health minister said 18 people were killed and 108 wounded in Tuesday night’s U.S. strikes across Iran. The Iranian Red Crescent said four people were killed and 67 wounded at a wedding ceremony near the coast of the Strait of Hormuz.
The return of combat operations has alarmed countries throughout the region, as Iran launched missile and drone attacks against what it said were U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.
The guns had largely gone silent since the previous exchange in July, although peace talks failed to advance in the interim. President Donald Trump threatened to unleash yet more military force, even though the war is unpopular at home and has driven up the cost of gasoline.
Iran, for its part, has remained defiant, despite suffering heavy military and economic losses.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, including a strike that reportedly hit a wedding ceremony in Iran,” and called for an immediate cessation of military action, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
“The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians. He recalls that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution,” Dujarric said.
The deaths would be in addition to the 3,636 people documented as killed in Iran as of April 7, including 1,701 civilians, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), an independent Iranian rights group.
The U.S. has reported 18 military personnel killed and more than 750 wounded.
“We are aware of reports, which originated from Iranian state media. The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. military’s Central Command, said in an email.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society released video showing debris strewn on the ground next to a building with a large hole in the roof, accompanied by still images showing people, some in Red Crescent vests, at a damaged building and a utility tower lying on the ground.
Reuters was able to verify the location using satellite imagery, which showed the fallen tower was 136 metres (149 yards) from the damaged building.
The wedding incident recalled the blast at a school in Minab that killed 160 people at a girls’ school on the first day of the war.
The Pentagon has yet to issue an official finding on the Minab strike, which would be the U.S. military’s largest civilian casualty incident in decades. It may have been the result of U.S. use of outdated targeting data, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Democratic members of the U.S. Congress have called on the administration to release findings of its investigation of the incident, but the report has not been sent to lawmakers.
U.S. defenders of the Iran war also point to civilian deaths that resulted from Iranian attempts to put down street protests that embroiled the country in December and January, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. HRANA has put that death toll at more than 7,000, while Iranian exile groups claim the number is much higher.
Trump has cited an incentive for Iranians to overthrow their government as one reason for the war, in addition to seeking to halt Iran’s nuclear program and ending its support for militant groups abroad such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Iran has also responded to the U.S. attacks by threatening any oil tankers that transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian authorization, severely curtailing traffic in a waterway that before the war carried 20% of the world’s oil supply.
