Control multiplayer spin-off FBC: Firebreak asks the question: what happens when the office's post-it notes fight back?Freak in the spreadsheets.Image credit: Remedy News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on March 20, 2025 FBC: Firebreak - Remedy's three-player co-op first person shooter based within Control's Oldest House - is set to release this summer, and now the team has given us a fresh look at the upcoming game.In FBC: Firebreak, players will take on the role of volunteer first responders, who are doing what they can to help sort out the Hiss that remain within the building - essentially, what happens when the Federal Bureau of Control actually loses control?The studio shared a new trailer for FBC: Firebreak as part of this evening's Future Game Show presentation, giving us a look at how volatile office stationary can really be! I am talking about lacerating post-it note people - it's chaos!FBC: Firebreak. Watch on YouTubeThese post-it note entities are part of FBC: Firebreak's aptly-titled "Paper Chase" job. Jobs are this game's version of missions, with each job being a "wrapper for a unique crisis" within the Oldest House, so if you have played Control, you will recognise locations.In the case of FBC: Firebreak's Paper Chase job, it's set in the bureau's Executive Sector. "And, just like real world crises, like fires and floods, these things have a way of coming back - your work is important, but never ends," adds game director Mike Kayatta.As to how FBC: Firebreak will all work, once players have selected a job to take on, they will then select a Threat level - that is to say, decide on the combat difficulty, as well as how many rewards players can earn - as well as a Clearance level. The Clearance Level determines the number of zones players can make their way through, as well as what type of rewards they can earn.Then, there are FBC: Firebreak's loadouts, or to give them their Remedy name, Crisis Kits. These kits are each centred around a unique tool, and FBC: Firebreak players will have three saved kits to choose from: Jump Kit, Fix Kit and Splash Kit.The Jump Kit is an electricity-focused Crisis Kit, complete with an Electro-Kinetic Charge Impactor. The Fix Kit comes with a chunky wrench (or, spanner for those of us in Blighty), while the Splash Kit is a water-focused kit with a Crank-Operated Fluidic Ejector.Meanwhile, if you are already thinking about FBC: Firebreak's post launch content, well Remedy is on it. The game itself will be a premium mid-price release on its debut, but any playable post-launch content will be free for all owners. There will also be some cosmetic items players can spend some additional money on, if they so choose. Image credit: RemedyThe team at Remedy is, understandably, aware it is about to release a multiplayer shooter into the world during a period when multiplayer shooters are having a hard time standing out - but even so, it says it isn't nervous.During a Q&A about FBC: Firebreak attended by Eurogamer, the developer said it wasn't concerned about the game finding its niche. "It's not that we are arrogant," said Remedy spokesperson Thomas Puha, "but since the inception of this game, we've very carefully thought [about] who the audience is, and that dictates everything from how we built it - such as how easy it should be to get into, how long the sessions are... we are not going to do a game that [feels like] another job."Puha continued: "There are reasons why we [Remedy] have managed to survive for 30 years in this industry, which is so volatile. It's managing risks, which means 'let's be careful with the budget and make a game in a sensible budget and time frame'. But also, we are not naive. It's our first multiplayer game, so we are doing everything in our power to make sure things launch well."Puha added Remedy intends to support FBC: Firebreak for "the longhaul", and the studio has "very concrete plans" on what the post-launch content should look like. "Let's get it out first, and we will take it from there," Puha said.FBC: Firebreak will be making its debut this summer (a more specific date is TBA) across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It will also be available via Game Pass Ultimate and PC, as well as on PlayStation Plus' Extra and Premium tiers.

We know firsthand that shopping for the best pillows on Amazon can be a stressful experienceover 100,000 results come up when you search best pillows on this mega-store. To make your next buy a breeze, weve taken matters into our own handsand heads and necksand tested some of their top contenders. Below are options for every kind of pillow, so you can determine if you like the maximum plush of down pillows or find yourself in the memory foam pillow camp. Well walk you through all the amenities you can shop for in your new pillows: cooling gel, cotton cover, hypoallergenic, shredded memory foam, and more.Thats all to say: whether youre a hot sleeper, a fitful sleeper, a stomach sleeper, or a total insomniac, were on the case to get you a good nights sleep. If youd like to revamp your entire slumber setup with the help of this e-tailer, we have you covered with everything from the best mattresses and bed frames to sheets and comforters on Amazon. And if you were waiting for the opportune moment to upgrade your pillow set, that time is now: Amazons Spring Sale deals are live and last through March 31.Our Top Picks for the Best Pillows on Amazon:Best Overall Pillow on Amazon: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow, $79Best Mid-Plush Pillow on Amazon: Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows, $80 $60Best Memory Foam Pillow on Amazon: Pillow Cube Side Cube, $70 $65Best Firm Pillow: Purple Harmony Pillow, $199Best Pillow on Amazon for Side Sleepers: Naturepedic Organic Latex Side Sleeper Pillow, $139Best Cooling Pillow: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow, $66Browse by Category:Best Pillow, Overall: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable PillowAmazonLauren ArzbaecherCoop Home Goods Original Loft PillowSpecsFill: Memory foam, microfiberFirmness: AdjustableCover material: 60% Polyester, 40% Viscose RayonAvailable sizes: Queen, KingBest forBack, stomach, side sleepersSide sleepers, this pillow from Coop Home Goods has your name on it. The adjustable design makes it ideal for any type of sleeper, but it wont lose shape over time. Simply add or remove the memory foam and microfiber filling to your liking, so you can have the best feel for your most restful sleep yet. Two of our staffers love this pillowassociate commerce director Lori Keong is on her second one of these Coop pillows, which she says she loves for just how adjustable and plushy they are to snooze on in all sleep positions. And our commerce producer Lauren Arzbaecher called this pillow life-changing, as she alternates between sleeping on her side and stomach. The memory foam and microfiber combo has helped with movement isolation so I dont wake up with a stiff neck anymore, plus it just feels luxurious, she adds.Best Mid-Plush Pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows StandardAmazonJulia HarrisonBeckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows (Set of 2)SpecsFill: Down alternativeFirmness: PlushCover material: CottonAvailable sizes: Queen, King, Euro Throw PillowBest forBack sleepersThese cooling pillows have long been best-sellers on Amazon for checking the boxes: machine washable, hypoallergenic, fit for all kinds of sleepers. While Amazon describes these down alternative pillows as plush, commerce writer Julia Harrison, who has these in queen size, disagrees slightly: These are a bit firmer than advertised, and Id warn those who are looking for a hypoallergenic down experience to keep looking, but if you love a good mid-plush option, and a luxury choice at a completely reasonable price, add to cart.Best Memory Foam Pillow: Pillow Cube Side CubeAmazonAudrey LeePillow Cube Side CubeSpecsFill: Memory foamFirmness: PlushCover material: PolyesterAvailable sizes: Side Cube, Ice Cube, Side Cube DeluxeBest forSleepers with neck, shoulder, or back painThis pillows especially ideal for those who prefer the side sleeping position. Commerce editor Audrey Lee agrees and found the tiny bed felt similar to a mattress as well as helped relieve neck and shoulder pain. The Pillowcube is one of the longest (and most fruitful) relationships I've had with a pillow, she says. I'm notoriously picky when it comes to cushions (or rather my neck is) and I've never had a disappointing night's rest with this one. The memory foam has softened just a touch over the years and it's made it all the more comfortable (especially if you're a side sleeper like me), says Lee.Best Firm Pillow: Purple Harmony PillowPurpleKelsey BorivinskyPurple Harmony PillowSpecsFill: LatexFirmness: MediumCover material: 92% Nylon Fiber, 8% Spandex FiberAvailable sizes: Standard, KingBest forNeutral sleepersAD contributor Kelsey Borovinsky loves this pillow for its cooling and sturdy qualities, and she recommends it as a great option for Tempur-Pedic fans. Shes not alonescroll through the five-star reviews of the Purple pillow and youll find tons of reviewers writing multiple paragraph love letters to this latex-filled cushion. The pillow features Purples own Hex Grida cooling gel-infused lattice structurethat encases the ventilated Talalay Latex center. Borovinsky confesses this may not be the best pillow for stomach sleepers, as its thickness might make stomach or side sleepers a bit uncomfortable. As for back sleepers, were confident that youre going to love this one.Best Pillow for Side Sleepers: Naturepedic Organic Latex Side Sleeper PillowAmazonRachel FletcherNaturepedic Organic Latex Side Sleeper PillowSpecsFill: Shredded latexFirmness: FirmCover material: Organic cottonAvailable sizes: One sizeBest forSide sleepersAnother favorite of commerce director (and self-proclaimed pillow professional) Rachel Fletchers is this Naturepedic side sleeper pillow. The shoulder cut-out is designed for side sleepers, so theres no pillow-bunching or spine-contorting in the process of getting comfortable. This pillow leans a bit softer than my Honeydew and a little bit longer, which makes it perfect for a taller person (Im five two, so most people are taller than me) as well as for someone who doesnt like a super-firm pillow. That said, it does come with extra fill in case you want to stuff it up a bit and increase the firmness.Best Cooling Pillow: Tuft & Needle Original Foam PillowTuft & NeedleKatherine McLaughlinTuft & Needle Premium PillowSpecsFill: FoamFirmness: Medium firmCover material: TencelAvailable sizes: Standard, KingBest forSide sleepersAnother cooling option, the Tuft & Needle Original pillow is made with infused graphite and cooling gel that left digital features editor Katherine McLaughlin majorly impressed. Many Amazon reviewers also noted the cooling quality of the pillow and gushed about how its hands down the best or the most comfortable pillow theyve ever used. After checking in with McLaughlin on her pick a year later, she says its held up greathasnt gotten thinner or lost any of its plushness.More Pillows on Amazon We LoveEIUE Hotel Collection Bed Pillows (Set of 2)SpecsFill: PolyesterFirmness: Medium firmCover material: MicrofiberAvailable sizes: Standard, Queen, KingBest forBack, side or stomach sleepersI naturally gravitate towards plush pillows, and this set hasnt disappointed, says senior commerce editor Nashia Baker. With both hollow and gel fibers, this pillow has a soft and firm side depending on your preference. A breathable cotton cover and down alternative microfiber make this skin-friendly, as well as machine-washable. This sets plushness also boasts longevityafter months of use, Baker found she can still feel the filling bounce back night in and night out.AmazonRachel FletcherHoneydew Scrumptious Side Sleeper PillowSpecsFill: LatexFirmness: MediumCover material: ViscoseAvailable sizes: Queen, KingBest forSide sleepersNearly 1,000 five-star reviewers agree that this unique crescent-shaped pillow is a game-changer. Commerce director Rachel Fletcher seconds these thoughtsIts got the perfect amount of firmness for meI cannot stand a soft pillow. Made with a breathable, CertiPUR-US-certified, copper-infused memory foam filling, its one made for side sleepers who run hot. While a side sleeper pillow might look a little funny on your bed, Fletcher says, I love that it comes with its own fitted silk pillowcase, which is a) great for skin and hair and b) makes it look a little bit neater in my pillowscape. If youre willing to invest in a pricier pick, this could be the answer to your current pillow woes.Casper Sleep Original PillowSpecsFill: 100% cottonFirmness: MediumCover material: ViscoseAvailable sizes: Standard, KingBest forHot sleepersThe Casper is best for hot sleepers on the hunt for a good cooling pillow, as senior design editor Madeleine Luckel experienced firsthand. She found that when Casper calls their pillow medium firm, they mean it. Somehow the pillow stays pretty cool and it really is at some indescribable sweet spot in terms of its firmness, Luckel says. The Casper actually belongs to her partner, and she likes it so much that she frequently tries to steal it. Luckel raves about how thick the pillow is, which plenty of reviewers on Amazon corroborate.Saatva Latex PillowSpecsFill: LatexFirmness: PlushCover material: CottonAvailable sizes: Standard, KingBest forBack and stomach sleepersSaatvas long been an Instagram darling, which was exactly what made senior digital design editor Sydney Gore want to test it out for herself. The latex pillow comes recommended by chiropractors and orthopedists for its head and neck support, which came in handy for Gore and her longtime back issues. She woke up every morning feeling more rested than ever, which was exactly what made the Saatva our best overall pick in our best pillow testing. Other reviewers on Amazon attest to its quality, with one saying it was worth every penny. So if youre asking yourself if you should make the jump despite the $165 price tag, the answer is yes.How We Tested the Best Pillows on AmazonOnce we sourced the pillows on Amazon from trusted brands and rave reviews, we doled them out to our staff, distributing across sleep preference. For example,side sleepers tested pillows advertised as supportive to keep the neck and spine aligned, hot sleepers tested cooling pillows, and plush-preferring sleepers tried pillows made of materials like latex or down. Over a period of weeks, we slept on these nightly to evaluate comfort, durability, and material. We also kept long-term physical effects or benefits, as those that eased back pain or offered heat relief were prioritized in our list of top picks for their effectiveness and quality.How We Chose the Best Pillows on AmazonEvery selection from this list has either been tested by an AD editor for our best pillows roundup or was recommended by doctors in our best pillows for side sleepers story. When testing pillows, we considered what type of sleeping position our writers favored and what drew them to this pillow. They then slept with and lived with their pillows for a stretch of days, assessing the following criteria:

DOGE blocked in court from Social Security systems with Americans personal information, for now1 of 2|Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)2 of 2|Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)DOGE blocked in court from Social Security systems with Americans personal information, for now1 of 2|Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)1 of 2Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Share 2 of 2|Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)2 of 2Demonstrators gather outside of the Edward A. Garmatz United States District Courthouse in Baltimore, on Friday, March 14, 2025, before a hearing regarding the Department of Government Efficiencys access to Social Security data. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Share By LINDSAY WHITEHURSTUpdated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] Share Follow live updates on President Donald Trump and his administrationWASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency from Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans, calling their work there a fishing expedition. The order also requires the team to delete any personally identifiable data in their possession. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander in Maryland found that the team got broad access to sensitive information at the Social Security Administration to search for fraud with little justification. The DOGE Team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at SSA, in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion, she wrote. The order does allow DOGE staffers to access to data thats been redacted or stripped of anything personally identifiable, if they undergo training and background checks.To be sure, rooting out possible fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the SSA is in the public interest. But, that does not mean that the government can flout the law to do so, Hollander wrote.The Trump administration says DOGE is targeting waste in the federal government. Musk has been focused on Social Security as an alleged hotbed of fraud, describing it as a ponzi scheme and insisting that reducing waste in the program is an important way to cut government spending. RELATED COVERAGE The ruling, which could be challenged on appeal, comes in a lawsuit filed by labor unions, retirees and the advocacy group Democracy Forward. They argued that DOGE access violates privacy laws and presents serious information security risks. The lawsuit included a declaration from a recently departed Social Security official who saw the DOGE team sweep into the agency said she is deeply worried about sensitive information being exposed.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.DOGE detailed a 10-person team of federal employees at the SSA, seven of whom were granted read-only access to agency systems or personally identifiable information, according to court documents. The staffers were all federal employees allowed to access the data under federal privacy laws, the government argued, and theres no evidence that any personal data was improperly shared. The Justice Department also said that DOGE access doesnt deviate significantly from normal practices inside the agency, where employees are routinely allowed to search its databases. But attorneys for the plaintiffs called the access unprecedented.Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, called the ruling a major win for working people and retirees across the country. Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, said that the court recognized the real and immediate dangers of DOGEs reckless actions and took action to stop it.DOGE has gotten at least some access to other government databases, including at the Treasury Department and IRS. At SSA, DOGE staffers swept into the agency days after Trumps inauguration and pressed for a software engineer to quickly get access to data systems that are normally carefully restricted even within the government, a former official said in court documents. The team appeared to be searching for fraud based on inaccuracies and misunderstandings, according to Tiffany Flick, the former acting chief of staff to the acting commissioner. Hollander, 75, who is based in Baltimore and was nominated by President Barack Obama, is the latest judge to consider a DOGE related case. The team has drawn nearly two dozen lawsuits. Earlier this week another Maryland judge found that DOGEs dismantling of United States Agency for International Development was likely unconstitutional. While other judges have raised questions about DOGEs sweeping cost-cutting efforts, they have not always agreed any risks are imminent enough to block the team from government systems.___Associated Press writers Chris Megerian and Lea Skene in Baltimore contributed reporting. LINDSAY WHITEHURST Whitehurst covers the Supreme Court, legal affairs and criminal justice for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C. Past stops include Salt Lake City, New Mexico and Indiana.

In BriefPosted:3:19 PM PDT March 20, 2025Image Credits:Alexander Pohl / NurPhoto / Getty ImagesApple faces lawsuit over Apple Intelligence delaysApple has been sued in federal court over what plaintiffs allege is false advertising of several Apple Intelligence features. Filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, the suit seeks class-action status and damages on behalf of those who purchased Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones and other devices. Plaintiffs claim that device owners havent received the Apple Intelligence features they were promised. Apples advertisements [cultivated] a clear and reasonable consumer expectation that these transformative features would be available upon the iPhones release,reads the complaint filed by attorneys for the plaintiffs. Contrary to defendants claims of advanced AI capabilities, the products offered a significantly limited or entirely absent version of Apple Intelligence, misleading consumers about its actual utility and performance.The suit is the latest headache for Apple as it struggles to bring highly anticipated Apple Intelligence capabilities to market. Bloomberg reported Thursday that Apple CEO Tim Cook has lost confidence in the ability of AI head John Giannandrea to execute on product development.Topics

In BriefPosted:2:13 PM PDT March 20, 2025Image Credits:Stefani Reynolds / Bloomberg / Getty ImagesFederal judge blocks DOGEs access to Social Security Administrations banks of personal informationA federal judge on Thursday issued an order blocking Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency from accessing systems at the Social Security Administration (SSA) that store the personal information of millions of Americans.In the Thursday ruling, U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander in Maryland accused DOGE of being essentially engaged in a fishing expedition in search of fraud based on little more than suspicion. Hollander said DOGE never identified or articulated a reason why it needs access to the personal and private data of millions of Americans.The access, per Hollander, violates several federal privacy laws, and the order warned of cybersecurity risks. Per the filing, DOGE has 10 staffers at SSA, and seven of those had access to personally identifiable information in SSAs data systems. TechCrunch has identified several, including Akash Bobba and Scott Coulter.Hollander said SSA initially granted DOGE access to the systems, which included Social Security numbers, medical records, drivers license numbers, tax information, and reams of other personal information.Topics

French 3D printer developer Prodways Machines is introducing the DENTAL PRO Automated Line, a system designed to bring full automation to dental laboratories and aligner manufacturers.The company will showcase it at the International Dental Show (IDS) 2025 in Cologne from March 25-29. Built for continuous, hands-free production, the system aims to make workflows smoother and more efficient while reducing the need for manual intervention.Prodways describes the DENTAL PRO Automated Line as a fully automated industrial 3D printing solution specifically designed for dental applications. The company emphasizes that the system has undergone extensive research and testing to ensure reliability.By combining automation with high-precision 3D printing, it aims to increase efficiency, lower labor costs, and streamline workflow management for dental labs looking to expand their operations.The Dental Pro Automated Lines represent a major leap forward in production efficiency for dental laboratories, says Vincent Icart, CTO-COO of Prodways Machines. By integrating advanced 3D printing with automated platform handling, we are eliminating bottlenecks and maximizing throughput, allowing labs to focus on precision, quality, and scalability rather than manual operations.DENTAL PRO 200 Automated Line. Image via Prodways.High-throughput dental productionAt the core of the system is a rotating four-tray setup that keeps production running with minimal oversight. Designed for high-throughput manufacturing, it ensures consistent, repeatable results with each cycle. The automated loading and unloading mechanism allows for zero-touch production, so technicians can focus on other tasks rather than manually handling prints.According to Prodways, the system can produce up to 220 aligner models in just four hours, offering a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional workflows. Real-time monitoring and remote access give laboratories full control over production while reducing errors and inefficiencies.The DENTAL PRO Automated Line builds on the companys Dental Pro 3D Printer Range, integrating automated platform handling with Prodways MOVINGLight Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology. This setup allows for non-stop production, making it a suitable choice for labs looking to scale up without sacrificing quality.To ensure precision, the system prints at a 42m per pixel resolution, allowing for highly detailed models. The automatic loader keeps production moving without operator intervention, while the 300 x 445 mm build platform supports batch production of multiple models at once.Each cycle can produce 72 denture bases or 55 aligner models, making it a flexible option for labs of all sizes. With real-time monitoring and remote access, users can keep track of production from anywhere.Automation in dental 3D printingAs automation continues to reshape dental 3D printing, other industry players are also introducing solutions aimed at improving efficiency and scalability.Recently, it was announced that Carbon is set to introduce automation-driven solutions to improve dental lab efficiency. at IDS 2025. New features in the Automatic Operation (AO) Suite and the unveiling of Lucentra, a system for clear aligner production, will take center stage.Designed to streamline workflow, the AO Suite includes tools like AO Backpack, Automatic Print Preparation (APP), Parts Retrieval Basket, and AO Polishing Cassette, reducing manual effort in pre-print, post-print, and polishing processes. Additionally, Lucentra enhances aligner production by delivering smoother printed models for improved clarity. These developments are expected to support scalable, high-throughput dental manufacturing while maintaining precision and efficiency.Lucentra solution. Photo via: CarbonA few days back, automated, all-in-one chairside 3D printing specialist Zylo3D and CAD-Ray partnered to introduce a streamlined 3D printing solution for dental professionals, combining Zylo3Ds AI-driven automation with CAD-Rays expertise in digital scanning and affordability. By simplifying the production of dental restorations, nightguards, and models, the system removes many of the challenges associated with traditional 3D printing workflows.According to the company, the automated processes reduce manual effort, while the cost-effective scanning technology makes advanced digital dentistry more accessible. With a focus on efficiency and precision, the collaboration aims to help professionals integrate high-quality 3D printing into their practices with fewer barriers and a more seamless workflow.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows DENTAL PRO 200 Automated Line. Image via Prodways.

Facades+ is back in the Big Apple on April 3 and 4 for our largest event of the year. To assemble the program, AN worked with Christoph Timm, Gabrielle Brainard, and Kwong Yu of SOMs New York City office. The events first day features a symposium of exciting project case studies and panel sessions as well as an exhibition hall with over 50 building product manufacturers. Attendees should also sign up for the second day, which features intimate workshop sessions led by practitioners from prominent design firms. Click here to find more information and register.A New Approach to Sustainability: Circular Design and ConstructionThe day begins with a civic perspective session led by Zack Aders, senior vice president at the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Aders will address the public authoritys sustainability commitments, particularly its participation in the citys Circular Construction Program, guidelines which have been implemented in EDC developments across the five boroughs. The program encourages the use of recycled materials and low carbon specifications like mass timber with the goal of 50 percent reduction in embodied carbon emissions by the year 2033.A New Face for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum: Facade, Form, & FunctionThe next panel transports us to Buffalo, where presenters from OMA, Thornton Tomasetti, and Roschmann Group will share the design and execution of the Buffalo AKGs new Jeffrey E. Gundlach building. Focusing on the buildings glass envelope, the team will discuss how interior temperature, humidity, and lighting were controlled to protect the museums collections as well as the implementation of a steel diagrid system on the exterior, which allows the building to remain column free. Other topics include the use of faceted glass, a custom frit, and takeaways related to the buildings unique structural system. Colin Koop will discuss MITs new Schwarzman College of Computing, a building that innovates beyond traditional applications of the glass curtain wall. (Dave Burk)Buttoned Up: Detailing, Materiality, and PerformanceIn the following session, Colin Koop, design principal at SOM, will deliver a solo presentation about the firms buttoned up approach to design and detailing. Covering several of the New York City studios recently completed projectsincluding the Disney New York headquarters, the Schwarzman College of Computing at MIT, and a conceptual design for a mass timber stadium in QueensKoop will connect this work to SOMs past, arguing that attention to detail and craft unites the firms nearly century long trajectory.JKMM Architects included residential units in their design for Tammelan Stadium in Finland. (Tuomas Uusheimo)The Human Form of Architecture: Recipes for Wellbeing and HappinessIn the afternoon, Samuli Miettinen, founding partner of JKMM Architects, will deliver the events keynote address, showcasing the firms commitment to humanistic design principles. Miettinen will specifically highlight the offices cultural output, including an in progress expansion of the National Museum of Finland, a mixed-use soccer stadium, as well as an addition and renovation of the Helsingborg City Library in Sweden. Circularity and the Facade Supply ChainThe symposium will wrap up with a roundtable session on efforts to improve circularity within the facade supply chain. This panel features AEC industry experts including Andrea Zani, innovation manager and sustainability lead at Permasteelisa; Sophie Pennetier, founder at Digne; Stephen Azierski, architectural salesperson at Skyline Windows; and Patrick Elmore, president of business development at Infinite Recycled Technologies. Attendees will hear about recent advancements in design for deconstruction as well as detailing tricks that divert construction materials from the landfill. The panelists will also share challenges that stand in the way of widespread implementation, focusing on solutions for the future.After the main program concludes attendees should stick around for a cocktail party and the announcement and celebration of our inaugural Faces of Our City award program, highlighting achievements in facade design in New York City.The event continues for a second day on April 4, where a full day of workshop sessions will be held at the New York Law School in Tribeca. The workshops will be taught by a number of leading firms including gmp Architekten, transsolar, Studio NYL, Pelli Clarke & Partners, Meier Partners, RAMSA, PEI Architects, Perkins&Will, RDH Building Science, Arup, and others.

This lovely three-story frame houseon Winter Street in Salemwas built in the 1780s for mason, Thomas Hovey. The structures front-end, five-by-one-bay portion with stone foundation was built first, in the Federal style, likely with traditional finishes seen in the early Federal period. The buildings rectangular shape, hipped roof, molded corner boards, and foreshortened third-story windows are indicative of its Federal-era origins. By around 1870, the Italianate decorative features, including a hooded double-door entrance, two-over-two windows, a second-story bay window, a bracketed cornice, and bracketed window lintels, were added to the exterior in an effort to modernize the home by later owners. Like many other houses in Salem,this building was extensively documented by Historic Salem Inc.who compiled a detailed history of this and hundreds of other homes nearby.

The quietest fears can often hold the greatest power over you learn how to release them for ... [+] stronger intimacy and create meaningful connections.gettyIf youve ever felt distant, hesitant to open up or fearful of being abandoned, the problem may not be your relationships themselvesit may be the beliefs you hold about love and your own worth.Your self-conceptthe way you see yourselfis shaped significantly by how you navigate relationships. Its formed by past experiences and the messages you have internalized over time.If you believe you are worthy of love and support, youll likely form secure connections. But if your experiences have led you to believe that love is conditional or that vulnerability is unsafe, these beliefs can create barriers to intimacy.When your self-concept is rooted in insecurity or fear, it distorts how you interpret interactionscausing you to withdraw, unconsciously push people away or settle for less than you deserve.These patterns are, however, not permanent. Recognizing them can help you shift your perspective and replace limiting beliefs with healthier ones.Here are four common mindset traps that block intimacy and how to break free from them.1. I Am Not EnoughAt the core of this mindset trap is self-doubtthe belief that, no matter what you do, you will never be good enough to be truly loved and accepted. This belief often stems from early experiences, such as overly critical caregivers or past rejections that reinforced feelings of unworthiness. Over time, this belief takes root, shaping how you interact in relationships.When you feel not enough, you may find yourself withdrawing, afraid that if people see the real you, theyll lose interest or reject you. You might overcompensate by people-pleasing or staying in relationships that dont meet your needs out of fear that you wont find better. These behaviors create a cycleyour insecurity leads to self-sabotaging patterns that ultimately reinforce your belief.A 2023 study looked at how self-esteem and fear of intimacy are related in young adults with divorced parents. The results show a strong negative relationship, meaning that people with higher self-esteem tend to have less fear of intimacy.This may also suggest that the type of household or parenting you grew up with can play a significant role in shaping your self-esteem and self-beliefs. However, while these early experiences may have influenced you, its your responsibility to recognize these patterns and take steps toward healing.Heres how you can start making a change:Reframe negative self-talk. When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself, Would I say this to someone I love? If not, its time to challenge and reframe these thoughts with a more compassionate perspective.Affirm your worth. Instead of seeking validation from others, cultivate self-acceptance from within. Acknowledge your strengths, accomplishments and the unique qualities that make you who you are.Every step you take toward self-acceptance brings you closer to breaking free from this mindset trap. With patience and practice, you can rewrite the narrative youve internalized and build a sense of worth that comes from within.2. People Always LeaveThis belief often stems from past painlosing a loved one, unstable relationships or abandonment. Repeated disappointments can lead you to expect people to leave, no matter what you do.This fear can manifest in two extremes:Building emotional walls to avoid hurt.Becoming overly attached, fearing rejectionBoth behaviors can strain relationships and reinforce the very fear youre trying to avoid.Research published in Current Opinion in Psychology explains how people with different attachment styles react to stress in relationships. People with anxious or avoidant attachment react to stress in ways that unintentionally create more distance in relationships.People with anxious attachment often worry about being abandoned. Their partners may eventually feel overwhelmed, leading to more tension and distancewhich reinforces their fear of rejection.Additionally, people with avoidant attachment styles dont like to rely on others and value independence. They might push their partner away emotionally to stay in control. Their partners may stop offering support, which deepens their belief that they cant rely on others.Learning about these patterns can help you develop healthier relationships by recognizing and challenging your fears instead of letting them control your actions.Here are a few ways to break this negative pattern.Be your own safe space. The more secure you feel within yourself, the less you fear others leaving.Notice who stays. Instead of fixating on who left, pay attention to those who consistently show up.Detach from the outcome. Focus on enjoying relationships in the present rather than worrying about how theyll end.Recognizing these patterns allows you to shift from fear-driven actions to building stronger and more secure connections with those who truly matter. Understanding your fears can help you transform how you connect with others.3. If I Open Up, Ill Be RejectedThis fear often stems from past betrayals, criticism or environments where vulnerability was not safe. If youve experienced rejection after opening up, your brain may associate emotional expression with pain. Over time, this can lead to rejection sensitivitya heightened fear of being dismissed, misjudged or abandoned, even in situations where rejection isnt actually happening.However, vulnerability is the foundation of deep, meaningful relationships. It allows for genuine connection and emotional intimacy. When you stay guarded, you might feel safe, but you also keep others at a distancepreventing the very closeness you crave.A 2010 study published in Women & Therapy explores vulnerability through the lens of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). The authors highlight how many Western cultures equate vulnerability with weakness, reinforcing ideals of autonomy and self-sufficiency.This mindset promotes the lone hero narrativesomeone who thrives independently, without emotional reliance on others.Relational-cultural theory challenges this notion, reframing vulnerability as a source of strength rather than a flaw. It emphasizes that true resilience and meaningful connections emerge when individuals embrace vulnerability instead of rejecting it.Here are a few ways to break free from this mindset.Reframe vulnerability as strength. Sharing your emotions isnt a weaknessits what makes relationships authentic and fulfilling. It builds trust and allows others to do the same.Start small. You dont have to share everything at once. Open up gradually in safe spaces with people who have proven themselves trustworthy.Accept rejection. Not everyone will respond perfectly, and that is okay. The right people will value and accept you for who you are.Embracing vulnerability isnt about avoiding rejectionits about creating space for genuine connection. When you open up, you give the right people a chance to truly see and appreciate you.4. I Have To Do Everything AloneFor some, asking for help can feel uncomfortable. This mindset often develops from early experiences of taking on too much responsibility or facing challenges without support.Over time, it can lead to the belief that the very human need to rely on others is a fallibility. If you grew up in an environment where you had to manage on your own or witnessed others lack of support, it is possible these experiences may have shaped your reluctance to seek help.As a result, leaning on others feels challenging, often leading to isolation. The desire to handle everything alone can result in burnout and loneliness, making it harder to build meaningful connections or cope with tough situations.Research in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that young people who value self-reliance may hesitate to ask for help, even when they need it. Researchers suggest encouraging people to recognize that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.This research underscores the need to develop a balanced approach to independence, where you maintain your self-reliance while also recognizing the value of your social support networks.Fostering this balance can improve your ability to manage mental health challenges and open you to seeking help when necessary, which would lead to better outcomes in your personal and emotional development.Overcoming Limiting MindsetsYou might think youre protecting yourself by holding onto these mindset traps, but in reality, they often block intimacy and prevent deep connections. These beliefs, shaped by past experiences, can cause you to withdraw, avoid vulnerability or push others away.While it may feel safer in the moment, this only reinforces feelings of isolation and disconnection. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free. Being honest with yourself and seeking help, whether through therapy, self-reflection or support networks, can help you create the space for deeper, more meaningful relationships.Are these beliefs holding you back in your relationship? Take this science-backed test to find out: Relationship Satisfaction Scale

AI legal robotsgettyAs artificial intelligence reshapes many industries, the legal field faces its own crossroads. Over the past few years, a growing number of legal professionals have embraced AI tools to boost efficiency and reduce costs. According to recent figures, nearly 73% of legal experts now plan to incorporate AI into their daily operations. 65% of law firms agree that "effective use of generative AI will separate the successful and unsuccessful law firms in the next five years."Investors have shown strong support for AI-powered legal startups, with funding reaching new record highs in 2024 with total capital investment of $477 million. The appeal for VCs is the potential that 44% of legal work could potentially be automated by emerging AI tools. Startups like Harvey, raised a $100 million Series C round at a $1.5 billion valuation.We explore the current state of legal automation with Ben Su, Co-founder and Head of Growth of Capita, the worlds first AI lawyer, and discuss how this shift towards AI could reshape the delivery of legal services. Carey Lening, a legal-tech consultant and recovering attorney who focuses on privacy and data protection and Jide Afolabi, a probate lawyer, a graduate of Osgoode Law School with over 20 years of experience weigh in on the promises and pitfalls of automation in the legal sector. What are the challenges and criticism facing this change? What are its effects on legal education? What will AI might mean for the future of work?The State Of Legal Automation TodayAI has entered the legal sector with some noticeable force. The billion-dollar valuations experienced by companies like Harvey has created an investment frenzy that saw 58 funded deals in 2024. AI automation to speed up contract analysis, document summarization, and case research means a shift away from the slow, traditional methods that have defined the legal industry for decades, saving 4 hours per week and the opportunity to increase annual billable time per lawyer by $100,000.Lening, who has 20 years of experience in technology and data protection, disputes the slow pace of technological adoption in the legal sector, Back in 2001, when I was working at a law firm, we were already using WordPerfectnot just for basic text processing, but specifically because it supported macros and structured templates. These tools allowed us to automate repetitive tasks and standardize documents, even then. In reality, automation has been part of the legal field for quite some time.What has changed is not the existence of automation in the legal field, but rather the sophistication of automation tools now available, as Lening adds, The industry has evolved far beyond basic macros and Excel spreadsheets. Todays technology offers entirely new opportunities to automate legal tasks in ways that were previously impossible.Afolabi, who holds a masters from the London School of Economics, describes the evolution of legal processes over the past five years, highlighting the shift from paper-based systems to automated ones. He explains that the initial client interaction, where they tell a story and paint a picture remains crucial. However, the method of capturing and analyzing this information has changed significantly."Five years ago, that would have been done via paper. Youre taking notes," Afolabi states, "now, there's automation for that." He emphasizes that while the core process of asking questions remains, it's now "the machine asking the questions." Automation extends to the initial risk analysis, where the system can contextualize the kind of issues and how to best proceed.Afolabi stresses that this automation doesn't replace the lawyer entirely: "There's still a lawyer there with the clients, of course." Instead, it enhances the process, making the initial intake and risk analysis more efficient. He describes the document production process as "incrementally automating," but emphasizes a balanced approach: "It's a combination and I'm not entirely leaving it to the machine to do it. But I am cueing to see what the machine can produce for me."Su, of Capita, challenges this view arguing the sector is entrenched in inefficiencies, "The legal industrys obsession with making lawyers more profitable misses the point. Optimizing broken workflows isnt innovationits entrenchment. We need systems that eliminate inefficiencies, not perpetuate them." He maintains that industries like law are stuck in outdated systems designed with human-limitation constraints where "inefficiencies arent just toleratedtheyre baked into the business mod, and no one is challenging those existing models.Lening asserts there are progressive strides she and her colleagues have made to address AIs potential in the field such as Leonard Park and Dazza Greenwoods use of LLMs for contract analysis, and Michael Bommeritos Kelvin, specialized model trained to handle various legal and financial documents, including SEC filings. She also shares her own experiments:"I wrote a Python script with ChatGPT to summarize cases. It worksbut it took quite a bit of iterationboth of the code itself and the promptsto get there. The key is knowing how to ask the right questions... I'm dubious about statistics like AI reduces contract error rates by 90%. Lawyers need to understand these tools arent magical oracles. They require precise prompting and context. If you ask an AI to find all bad clauses without defining what bad means, its useless."Ben Su, Capita, And The Worlds First AI LawyerSu went to law school but never planned on settling into a conventional legal career. Instead, he aimed to understand the rules governing business transactions and apply that knowledge to innovate within the legal system. Eventually, Su began practicing law at a boutique firm in Toronto, where he reconnected with a former classmate who shared his vision to use technology to overhaul outdated legal practices. Together, they founded Capita, a company dedicated to automating the legal processes that often slow down startup growth. Their first product streamlined the capital formation process, cutting down on the need for manual legal work and processing transactions at an impressive rate. Within just a few weeks of launch, the company was handling transactions worth thousands of dollars each day.Reimagining Legal Services With AIThe promise of AI in legal services goes beyond making lawyers work more productively. Su envisions a system where AI serves as a constant, always-on companion to clients, offering advice and identifying issues before they escalate. "Clients don't care about what tool you're using at the end of the day," Su states, "they care about the outcome and how much you're charging for that outcome." This questions the traditional hourly billing system that has made legal services highly profitablea consideration for smaller businesses and startup organizations, who often find themselves priced out of traditional legal services.In Sus model, technology handles the heavy lifting of data processing while human professionals step in only when their judgment is truly needed. Capita is already making strides. Its products ask detailed questions that mimic the initial discovery process at a law firm. The answers allow the AI to generate tailored legal documents and strategies, speeding up the process while ensuring advice fits each clients needs.Su believes that automating parts of the legal process can encourage transparent and affordable pricing. Instead of unpredictable hourly bills, clients pay a fixed monthly fee for certain services.Afolabi agrees that the traditional hourly billing model is outdated but acknowledges that many lawyers prefer this model because "it maximizes value for them." He explains that instead of reducing hours or changing the billing model, some firms might maintain their revenue by inflating billable rates: "What they might do instead of reducing the hours or changing the model entirely is to increase the hourly fee to still get the same amount of billing out of work that may be used to take 100 hours and not take 40 hours because the machine does the rest of it."What will ultimately drive costs down, he admits, is competition stating, "Like in any other industry, if a few firms in a specialized sector reduce their costs, it will pressure others to follow suit. The first firm to blink will drive the cost down." However, Afolabi notes that the specialized nature of legal services can make price competition challenging. He states, "If you have only seven firms competing for a specialized service, this, in itself, makes it easier for firms to maintain current pricing structures.Lening acknowledges Sus advocation for disrupting the current model and points out potential changes in the pricing dynamics of legal services. She suggests that clients may begin to challenge high fees, especially if they suspect that AI tools are being used to perform work traditionally done by lawyers: "There may be some interesting dynamics at play in terms of how much big law firms can charge to their clients.Facing the Challenges And Criticism of AI EfficacyDespite its potential benefits, the push toward legal automation has not been without its critics. Many traditional lawyers argue that legal work is too subtle for machines to handle. The worry is that AI systems, which largely rely on predictive text and pattern recognition, may not fully capture the complexities involved in legal agreements.About one in four legal practitioners view AI as a threat, expressing concerns that reliance on technology could diminish the human judgment needed for complex legal matters. While AI systems can process data and generate drafts at speeds far exceeding manual work, the worry is that an overreliance on automated tools might lead to errors that only a seasoned lawyer can catch. Stats show that AI tools hallucinate in at least 1 out of 6 legal queries. This tension between speed and careful judgment continues to spark debate among those who work in the legal field.Lening underscores these risks, particularly for non-lawyers: "Consumer-facing legal AI scares me. People lack the smell test to catch nonsense. Look at Joshua Browders DoNotPaythe FTC fined them for overpromising. Clients dont know what they dont know, and AI cant fill that gap yet." Lening refers to DoNotPay, "the worlds first AI-robot lawyer, founded by Joshua Browder in 2015. Browders application used chatbots to guide users through legal processes to fight parking tickets, cancel subscriptions, among others with the aim to make legal services more affordable. In September 2024, DoNotPay received a fine from the Federal Trade Commission for falsely advertising their AI services capabilities.Su is aware of these challenges. He notes that many founders have used generic AI-generated templates with disastrous results: "If you use ChatGPT for specialized legal work, youre guaranteeing a negative outcome. Weve fixed countless errorslike founders shutting down startups due to flawed AI-generated equity splits."Lening critiques the legal industrys reluctance to educate itself: "Many lawyers think AI is a magic box. Theyll dump a contract into ChatGPT and call it a day. Thats where disasters happen. We need better education on both the capabilities and limitations."Rethinking Legal Education And Professional DevelopmentOne of the more challenging issues raised by the shift toward AI in legal services is the role of legal education. Su shares his own experience as a law student who, despite strong academic performance, struggled to secure a position after graduation. He criticizes the traditional approach, where the burden of unpaid labor falls on those just starting their careers. I think the current system is extremely unfair, Su remarks, noting that law students are often exploited to provide free labor for law firms.He challenges the apprenticeship model: " By introducing AI into legal services, there is the potential to reduce the workload on young lawyers and offer more balanced opportunities. With AI handling routine tasks, junior legal staff might have more time to engage in meaningful work that adds real value for clients "Lening reflects on the evolution of legal education and the impact of technology and acknowledges that while the traditional law school experience, including the Socratic method, can be challenging, it serves a valuable purpose. Lening explains, "It does force you in a very consistent way to think differently about problems, to break things down into discrete things. You learn how to analogize better. You learn how to craft your thoughts in a way that becomes extremely useful and becomes a valuable skill."However, she advises prospective law students to be more strategic about their decision to pursue a legal education. She states, "I would tell people wanting to go into law school to be far more strategic about why." She emphasizes that the days of entering law school simply because one cant figure out what else to do are over, noting, "It has changed from being a thing that you can doget out ofand still be fine to something that you really do need to evaluate a little bit more because you happen to test well and you like to argue."Lening also highlights the changing landscape of the legal profession due to technological advancements. She suggests that these changes will lead to new applications of law degrees, stating, "What these tools and what technology and what the law changes in general are going to continue to manifest is that people are going to be using their law degrees in different ways, in new ways."Lening calls for updated curricula, emphasizing "Law schools teach analytical thinking, but graduates need technical literacy too. Future lawyers must learn to audit AI outputs, design prompts, and collaborate with engineers." She suggests that while significant changes are happening, many of these shifts have already been underway for some time, and observes, "I think that the existing model that we all, conceptually, have in our minds about working in a big shoe law firm and becoming partner has already started to shift." The traditional career trajectory in prestigious law firms is no longer as straightforward or guaranteed as it once was. However, she acknowledges that there will always be a market for top-tier law firms, noting, "... because people like paying for exclusivity and for what they think is the best."Broader Reflections On The Future of WorkThe debate over legal automation extends beyond the legal field. Similar questions are being asked in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. While new technologies often spark fears of job loss, history shows they also create opportunitiesonline platforms, for example, have birthed entirely new professions.Lening compares AIs integration to past technological revolutions: "Were in a horse-to-car transition. Laws and norms will adapt, just as they did for automobiles. AI wont make us lazieritll create new problems to solve. Thats how progress works."She remains optimistic stating AIs role and concurs with Su, who emphasized human oversight can mitigate risks, AI isnt about eliminating humansits about enhancing efficiency. Lening added, the fourth industrial revolution isnt about job loss. Its about redirecting human talent. Let AI handle document review; let lawyers tackle creative disputes or regulatory challenges. Thats the future."Progress Means Challenging The Status QuoWhile concerns about AIs limitations persist, the consensus is clear: AI-driven services like Capita can make legal services more affordable and accessible without replacing human oversight.Lenings perspective challenges the future role of lawyers: "Automation isnt about replacing judgment. Its about freeing lawyers to focus on what humans do best: empathy, ethics, and innovation. The future isnt AI versus lawyersits lawyers with AI."