April is when gardeners need to start being mathematicians and professional organizers, trying to find space for all the seedlings that need to get into trays on time. Its also the first time this year youll start succession seeding, both indoors and out. Succession seeding is one of the real benefits of growing your own seeds: It means you can grow one or two of a variety instead of needing the space for a whole six pack youd pick up at the nursery. Grow a mixed tray of vegetables or herbs now, and start another one in a few weeks. This will also help alleviate some strain on square footage in your growing space. Even if you havent started your seed growing yet, theres still time. And remember: Theres no shame in just buying starts or waiting for giveaways. If you are going to start your own seeds, though, you want to use seedling mix, not potting soil. Tomatos, eggplant, and peppers Credit: Amanda Blum Peppers generally get started in March, so consider this your last call on getting your own started. Tomatoes and eggplant are more forgiving, but peppers need a long runway; get tomatoes and eggplant seeds sowed by April 15. As they grow, be brutal in thinning seedlings and tossing starts with any signs of distress or disease; you cant afford to lose all your plants, and sickness spreads quickly in a growing space.Start succession seeding peas and other vegetables outside Credit: Amanda Blum By now, you should be sowing peas outside. Schedule a calendar alert for every two weeks, and ensure youre getting radishes, carrots, beets, green onions, and lettuce in the ground. Remember, youre succession planting, so you dont need a ton to go in every week. Consider how many radishes youll really eat every few weeks, and get a few different varieties in. Carrots are a longer-term investment, but planting them now, in succession, takes advantage of the rain you are likely getting for easier germination rates. I make short rows of these seeds so I have plenty of room for them. You should see those peas come up quickly, and planting every two weeks through April will ensure you have peas until the weather gets too hot for them.Cucumbers, squash, and melon Back inside, look to the end of the month to start cucurbits and squash. There are so many cucumbers to considerfor pickling, for slicingand there are cucamelons, a small sour gherkin that has become quite popular. Ive found the pickling cucumbers benefit from succession planting, so I plant a series of seeds in late April and then again at the beginning of May. This allows me to have one continuous harvest all summer. Pumpkins dont require the same succession; they tend to be prolific on their own, but late April is the time to get them planted inside. Melons, cucumbers, and squash are all easy seedlings; they come up quick and grow to a transplantable size quickly, so you want to seed them close to the date you can transplant into the garden. As you are planting seeds, its easy to dismiss the conservatism of just a few zucchini plants. Remember that one zucchini plant feeds a nation, and save yourself a lot of work giving away gigantic squash this July.Onions and leeks come in a few flavors Credit: Amanda Blum There are three kinds of onions to consider this time of year. First, there are keeping onions, which are the ones you can use all winter if you store them right. These will come in sets, which you can get at the nursery right now. You can grow these from seed, but youre late to them this year, so for a few dollars, grab a set and share them with friends. For placement, consider that tomatoes do well interplanted with onions. These bundled starts will go in the ground now, and you want to be sure to give each of them enough room, so dont overcrowd. Each onion should have about six to eight inches between them so they can really flush out the bulb over the summer. You also have scallions, or green onions, and those can be seeded directly in the ground every few weeks as an easy garden item to grow. The last item is leeks, which have a very long, protracted growing season, but are really rewarding as a winter and fall harvest. Leeks are easily grown from seed, so get them started in early April. You dont grow leeks one per cell, but rather they can be grown together in a bunch in a four-inch pot or any tray you have. Once they have reached six inches in height, start cutting them back to three inches and let them grow back. When theyre ready to plant, youll carefully separate them and plant them as deep as you can, outside.Its time for all the flowers Credit: Amanda Blum While its too late for snapdragons, its the right time to get marigolds, nasturtium, and sweet alyssum started. I mention these three together specifically because these are the building blocks of your pest prevention program in a garden, and youll want them everywhere, so overseed them, inside, now. You can tuck nasturtium and sweet alyssum almost anywhere. At this point, I start the first succession of all my annual flowers except sunflowers. Thats zinnia, stock, poet flower, foxglove, delphinium, echinacea, cosmos, scabiosa, yarrow, calendula, blanket flower, salvia, agastache, and whatever else youre planning. If youre doing a second succession, youll start that in the third week of April.Growing herbs from seed saves moneyGrowing herbs from seed is one of the best ways to save money, as theyre expensive starts at the nursery and expensive to buy at the grocery store. Most seed easily, too. Make sure youre getting the cilantro, basil, and dill in the seed trays now. Remember that dill is a pest deterrent, so grow more of it than you need to use alongside the marigolds and sweet alyssum. Dill, cilantro, and parsley bolt, so youll want to succession seed them in mid-April. This is a good time to consider herbs you might not have before, like chamomile, lemongrass, lemon verbena, and chives.

The official launch of Apples iOS 18 brought with it some fresh ways to customize your iPhones home screen. Rather than leaving unwanted apps hanging around like a bad smell in places you dont want them, users can now take full control of app placement and make their home screen their own. Whether you're looking to add useful widgets, reorganize your apps or get rid of the ones you never use, customizing your iPhone home screen can help your device feel a little more unique. Heres a simple step-by-step guide to everything you can do to make your iOS 18 home screen look better and work the way you want.How to add, edit and remove widgetsWidgets provide a convenient at-a-glance view of an apps data or functionality, giving you quick access to information and reducing the need to open the app itself. A well-placed widget allows you to check the weather, view your calendar or access music controls, all without opening an app, giving your thumb a well-earned rest. Everybody loves a good shortcut, and with iOS 18, you can add, edit, or remove widgets easily, letting you jump straight to the information that matters.To add a widget:Touch and hold an empty area on your home screen until the app icons start to jiggle.Tap the Edit button in the top-left corner and select Add Widget.Scroll or search for the widget you want, then tap it.Swipe left or right to choose a size (some offer different layouts).Tap Add Widget to place it on your screen.Drag it to your preferred spot, then tap Done (top right).To edit a widget:Press and hold the widget you want to change.Tap Edit Widget (if available). If Edit Widget isnt available, you can cycle through the icons for different placement and layout options.Adjust settings like what calendar it shows, which location for the weather, etc. These options will be unique to each apps widget.To remove a widget:Press and hold the widget.Tap Remove Widget, then confirm.Rob Webb for EngadgetHow to move apps and widgets on the home screenShuffling your home screen apps and widgets is also a cinch thanks to iOS 18s customization overhaul. Its a simple but useful way to personalize your iPhones home screen and declutter your wallpaper, so your loved ones' faces dont become buried underneath a wall of app icons.Tap and hold on any app to reveal a menu.Select Edit Home Screen, where you can move the apps across pages by dragging them to the edge of the screen.Tap Done when you're finished.You can also stack one app on top of another to automatically create a folder (more on that below).How to customize apps and widgets on the home screenMoving your most-used apps into prime position is all well and good, but if youre going for a particular aesthetic with your home screen, the default appearance of an app icon can sometimes spoil the overall look. Luckily, in iOS 18, you can exert more control over how your apps look, including the option to change app icon colors and how widgets are displayed.To customize your app icon colors:Press and hold on the home screen and tap Edit at the top.Choose Customize to change background colors (like dark, light or a custom color) or apply a different layout.However, bear in mind that not all app icons can change color. If these steps dont work for you, you may be left with the odd rogue app icon, sticking out like a sore thumb. In which case, you can hide the app icon from view, while still being able to access it easily from the app library.How to lock or hide an appSecurity is a top priority, particularly when it comes to your smartphone. You might have certain apps you want to keep private and for your eyes only. If so, youll be happy to know that there are two ways in which you can prevent unwanted eyes on your apps. You can hide or lock an app behind a passcode or Face ID; this prevents unauthorized access and keeps your apps in a Hidden folder. Similarly, you can remove apps entirely from the home screen, still allowing you (and others if they have access) to view them in your App Library.To lock an app:Long-press the icon of the app you want to lock on the home screen.Select Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).Confirm your selection by pressing Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).To hide an app:Long-press the icon of the app you want to lock on the home screen.Select Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).Confirm your selection by pressing Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode)Tap Hide and Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode), then tap Hide App.How to organize your apps in foldersFolders are a great way to declutter your home screen and keep similar apps grouped together. If youre the type of person who likes to keep things tidy and organized, storing your apps in folders is a good way to do it.To create a folder:Drag one app icon over another, and iOS 18 will automatically create a folder with both.Tap the name to rename the folder (e.g., Social or Work).Drag in additional apps if you want.To remove a folder:Move all the apps out of the folder, and it will disappear once its empty.How to remove or delete appsThe struggle is real when it comes to app bloat, and sometimes a bit of a spring clean is needed. If your home screen needs a bit of freshening up, you can kick a seldom-used app to the curb, or at least kick it off your home screen.To remove an app from the home screen (without deleting it):Tap and hold the app icon.Tap Remove App.Select Remove from Home Screen.When you want to use that app, navigate to the App Library (swipe left past your last home page) or swipe down from the top of your home screen to search for it.To delete an app completely:Tap and hold the app icon.Tap Remove App.Select Delete App, then confirm.To re-download a deleted app:Open the App Store, search for the app and tap the download icon.Rob Webb for EngadgetA few more tips to personalize your home screen spaceWidgets Smart Stacks: Using this feature, you can combine multiple widgets into a stack you can swipe through. To do this, just drag one widget on top of another of the same size.App Library shortcuts: If you want a cleaner home screen, you can remove most apps and rely on the App Library (swipe all the way left) or the search tool to launch what you need.Focus mode customization: Each Focus mode can have its own custom home screen. This is a useful tool for separating your work life from your personal life.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/how-to-customize-your-iphones-home-screen-in-ios-18-120100872.html?src=rss

Social engineering attacks are taking advantage of US tax day.

On Tuesday, Brad Schimel, the Trump-backed candidate in the race for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, lost in decisive fashion to his liberal opponent, Susan Crawford. Other than the candidate himself, the elections biggest loser is Elon Musk, who spent $25 million on Schimels blowout loss, and whose future in bankrolling the Make America Great Again movement is suddenly up in the air.Musk is not used to this sort of uncertainty. He spent more than a quarter-billion dollars on the 2024 presidential election, a savvy investment that bought him both a de facto Cabinet seat and the obedient silence of Republican politicians who fear that Musk will use his astronomical fortune to finance primary challenges against them the moment they step out of line. Musk saw the Wisconsin Supreme Court as his next conquesta chance to prove his kingmaker bona fides in an important election for the Republican Party, which he framed in startlingly apocalyptic terms, especially for an off-cycle judicial race in a state where he doesnt live: The result, Musk warned on March 30, could decide the future of America and Western Civilization.Wisconsin voters, however, did not see things Musks way. (Or, if they did, they did not share his vision for the future.) Crawford won by 10 points, and Schimel called her to concede a few hours after polls closed. A closer look at the numbers reveals the scale of his defeat: Every county shifted in Democrats favor relative to the 2024 election, when Donald Trump won the state by a bit less than one point. Even in deep-red areas where Schimel beat Crawford by margins in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, Crawford still outpaced Vice President Kamala Harriss performance just four months ago, and sometimes by double digits.Musk has no one to blame but himself. Since November, his antics at the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have made him one of the most polarizing political figures in the country: 60% of people have an unfavorable view of Musk, including 46% who say they view him very unfavorably, according to a recent Marquette poll. As it turns out, if you are an unelected plutocrat dismantling the federal government and trying to put hundreds of thousands of people out of a job, and then show up in a new state imploring people to do what you say or else, an appreciable number of them are going to use their votes to tell you to go to hell instead.Musks carpetbagging in Wisconsin was equal parts confident and cringe. He promoted a Schimel campaign event on X, and tweeted a weird caricature of the candidate dressed as Superman, urging his followers to vote for Superjudge. His PAC hosted a pro-Schimel town hall in Green Bay during which Musk spent more time defending DOGE than he did stumping for Schimel, who opted to campaign elsewhere that night. Musk kicked off the event by bounding onto the stage wearing a bright yellow Packers cheesehead hat, which he promptly autographed and then threw out into the crowd in the style of a band lead singer pandering to concertgoers in a city he can barely remember the name of and never intends to visit again.Perhaps most audaciously, Musk dusted off a strategy he employed in Pennsylvania during the closing weeks of the 2024 election, which basically involved turning voter registration into something resembling a sweepstakes. This time, he promised to pay Wisconsin voters who signed an online petition condemning activist judges, and to hand out million-dollar checks to a few lucky winners who had cast their ballots early. Musk modified the terms of his offer shortly after making it, perhaps after learning of a state law that makes it illegal to pay people for voting. Instead, he explained, the million-dollar checks would merely go to spokesmen whod agreed to promote his petition.In a wild coincidence, one recipient, Ekaterina Diestler, works at a company led by well-connected Republicans in the state; the other, Nicholas Jacobs, is the chair of the Wisconsin College Republicans. After Diestler cut a soft-lit promo video in which she explained that she did exactly what Elon Musk told everyone to do: Sign the petition, refer friends and family, vote, and now I have a million dollars, Musks PAC quickly pulled the clip and replaced it with an edited version that omits the word vote.Thanks largely to Musk, overall spending on Tuesdays election cracked $90 million, which makes it the most expensive state judicial election in U.S. history, roughly doubling the record set in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election two years ago. Musk loomed so large over the race that Crawford was happy to treat it as a referendum on him, earning laughs on the campaign trail by referring to Musk, rather than Schimel, as my opponent.This strategy paid off: Turnout was nearly 40% higher than it was in 2023, and Schimel underperformed the other Republican on this years ballotBrittany Kinser, who lost the statewide race for school superintendentby 2 points. In other words, Schimel didnt lose this badly just because Democrats showed up to the polls en masse. Schimel lost this badly because people associate him with Elon Musk, and even some voters who are otherwise inclined to vote for Republicans decided they wanted nothing to do with him.As Crawford celebrated her victory, Musk does what he always does when hes upset: Post. I expected to lose, but there is value to losing a piece for a positional gain, he wrote, which is also how I grieve when my 7-year-old niece hits me with two straight Draw 4 cards to beat me in Uno. Hes since promoted a video from (of course) conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and Trump-adjacent gadfly Roger Stone suggesting that the election was stolen, a time-honored Republican response to election results they do not like.The open question is whether Musks diminishing influence with voters threatens his positions of power within the Trump administration, and within the Republican Party as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Candidates will want his moneybecause candidates always want moneybut the more they clock him as ballot-box poison, the more likely they are to conclude that taking his money isnt worth the trouble of sharing the stage with him. It is probably not a coincidence that the morning after Schimels loss, Politico was ready with a report that Musk and Trump, in the proud tradition of amenable breakups everywhere, have mutually decided that hell soon leave the White House and take on a supporting role instead.The story frames the decision as driven by the statutory 130-day limit on Musks tenure as a special government employee, and acknowledges that hes likely to continue in some sort of informal adviser role. But it also notes a growing number of administration figures who see Musk as a political liability who has served as a rallying point for fractured Democrats. The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board similarly worried that Musks failure in Wisconsin shows that the Trump-Musk governing style is stirring a backlash that could cost them control of Congress next year. Basically, watching Musk write novelty checks was all fun and games until he became one of the most repellent people on earth.Schimels loss does not mean that Musks career in politics is all the way over. The first elections after presidential elections often cut against the party in power, and thanks to the U.S. Supreme Courts enduring passion for money in politics, as soon as Musk overcomes the humiliation of blowing $25 million for a double-digit loss, he is as free as ever to throw himself into the next election that piques his interest. But at the very least, Tuesday showed that there are limits to what his money can buyand that if he keeps coming up empty, he could find himself out of political power just as quickly as he bought his way into it.

The foldable design trend is transforming the way we interact with technology, offering unparalleled portability, convenience, and versatility. From foldable smartphones to innovative 3D printers, these designs are at the forefront of a new era in tech. We have curated a collection of five groundbreaking foldable concepts that promise to redefine their respective markets.Each product in this list is unique in its approach, offering distinct features that cater to specific needs while showcasing the limitless possibilities of foldable technology. These foldable designs provide refreshing solutions to everyday challenges, demonstrating the potential of foldable technology to enhance convenience, portability, and functionality across various applications.1. Nothing Fold(1)The Nothing Fold (1) is a groundbreaker in the foldable smartphone arena. The Fold (1) boasts a 6.5-inch front screen and an expansive 8.37-inch inner screen, providing a seamless experience for multitasking and media consumption. What truly makes it unique is the Glyph Interface, which adds aesthetic appeal but also functions as a dynamic notification system along the phones spine.This feature, combined with its impressive camera setup and powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9400 5G processor, positions the Fold (1) as a flagship contender. The 5,500mAh battery ensures long-lasting performance, making it a practical choice for users seeking both style and substance in a foldable smartphone.What we likeThe Glyph Interface offers a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics.Equipped with a high-performance processor and multiple cameras.What we dislikeFaces stiff competition from established brands with foldable offerings.2. Foldable Portable 3D PrinterThis foldable portable 3D printer concept represents a paradigm shift in design and manufacturing. The printer incorporates five rotational axes and can collapse into a compact form, roughly the size of a briefcase. This innovation allows designers and engineers to bring their manufacturing capabilities to any location, fostering a more dynamic approach to prototyping and production.The ability to work directly at client meetings or field locations eliminates the need for a permanent workspace, enabling real-time testing and refinement of ideas. This portable printer enhances convenience, and also expands the creative possibilities for professionals across various industries, making it a must-have tool for the modern maker.What we likeThe compact design allows for easy transportation and on-the-go use.Enables real-time prototyping and collaboration outside traditional workspaces.What we dislikeFolding and unfolding may require careful handling to maintain precision.3. Flex Gaming ConsoleSamsungs Flex Gaming Console is a fascinating concept that brings foldable technology to the gaming world. With its Nintendo Switch-like design, the console features a central screen and multi-colored controls on either side, but with a unique twistit folds in half like a book. This design enhances portability, making it easier to carry around without compromising on the gaming experience.The 7.2-inch screen folds along the middle, with a double hinge distributing the crease for a smoother display. The controls boast an innovative yin-yang-like design, allowing them to fit together seamlessly when the console is closed. Although currently a proof-of-concept, the Flex Gaming Console showcases Samsungs flexible display technology and hints at the future of portable gaming devices.What we likeFoldable design enhances ease of transport and storage.Demonstrates the potential of flexible display technology in gaming.What we dislikeNot yet available as a consumer product.The crease may affect the visual experience for some users.4. Pentatonic SpeakerThe Pentatonic Speaker concept offers a versatile audio experience with its unique folding mechanism. This Bluetooth speaker can transform from a pentagon-shaped barrel into a flat panel or any configuration in between, allowing users to adapt the speakers form to suit their lifestyle. The outer panels house a combination of regular drivers and bass, while the middle panel features controls for volume and Bluetooth pairing.Constructed from aluminum with a luxurious leather backing, the speaker combines durability with flexibility. Whether rolled into a pentagon shape or arranged in a snake-like formation, the speakers design allows for customizable sound direction, making it a practical choice for diverse listening environments.What we likeThe foldable form factor adapts to different use scenarios.Aluminum and leather construction offers durability and aesthetic appeal.What we dislikeFolding design may require careful handling to prevent damage.May not offer the same audio quality as larger, non-foldable speakers.5. mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charging StationMophies foldable 3-in-1 wireless charger is a travelers dream, combining convenience with portability. Unlike traditional chargers that are bulky and stationary, this foldable design allows users to charge their iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously while on the go. The iPhone charger lifts to reveal the AirPods charging surface, optimizing space and providing access to Standby mode.This feature is quite useful for travelers who need a compact charging solution for hotel stays or on-the-road charging. With its sleek and efficient design, the Mophie Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charger is a practical accessory for anyone seeking to maintain their devices battery life without the hassle of tangled cords and multiple chargers.What we likeIdeal for travelers and mobile workers.Simultaneously charges multiple devices, reducing clutter.What we dislikePrimarily designed for Apple devices, limiting its use for non-Apple users.May not offer the fastest charging speed compared to some dedicated chargers.The post Top 5 Groundbreaking Designs In Tech That Prove The Future Is Foldable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Creative director J.M. Blay unlocks the secrets of crafting a symbolic TV-style intro sequence based on the fantasy universe of 'Mistborn'

Multiple US states have logged record pollen counts this spring, with climate change likely to blame.

In case you haven't checked outArchinect's Pinterestboards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various ArchinectFirmandPeopleprofiles.Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the boardWood.Tip:Use the handyFOLLOW featureto easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.Paiva River Botanical and River Parkin Cinfes, Portugal byPARADOXO Arquitectura; Photo:Alexander Bogorodskiy Whidbey Puzzle Prefab inWhidbey Island, WA byWittman Estes; Photo:Andrew Pogue Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel in Nesvailka, Czech Republic byRCNKSK; Photo:Ondej Bouka Casa Patios in Mexico City, Mexico byRicardo Yslas Gmez Arquitectos; Photo: Jaime Navarro Brown House inWashington, DC byBLDUS; Photo: Jennifer HughesMariposa Housein Malibu Beach, CA.Architect of Record:ParkFowler Plus; Photo:Christopher Barrett Doppelscheune inTbingen, Germany byKO/OK Architektur BDA; Photo:Sebastian Sch...

If you havent yet noticed, antiques are having a moment, as is a more nostalgic approach to interior design (see: caf curtains, pastel tile, knotty pine walls....). Its no surprise, then, that vintage dishware is also trending, but if youre prone to maximalist tendencies or a cluttercore enthusiast, you know that (sigh) a hutch can only hold so much. As these collectionsfloral china, cabbagewarespill over shelves and out of cabinets, it only makes sense to find new ways to put them on display. After all, refraining from future antiques shopping is not an option. Fortunately, our designer friend/fellow old soul Erin Napier has a solution. On the recent season 3 premiere of Home Town Takeover, in which Ben and Erin bring their downtown-revival skills to Sebring, Florida, Erin outfitted a lucky locals dining room wall with a thoughtfully curated collection of plates. Theres nothing more Southern to me than a nice plate wall, says Erin. Its something you can add to for the rest of your life so it becomes a plate room, says Erin, referring to the latter scenario as her dream.View full post on InstagramIn the episode, Erin can be found sourcing pieces from a local antiques shop, including finds from Sebring Pottery, a nod to the towns founder, George Sebring, who was both a potter and community developer (first in Ohio, and later, Florida). She also made a point of working in her Hospitality State roots. I want to be sure were mixing plenty of Mississippi in, says Erin, who incorporated a souvenir plate from a Laurel Baptist church. Were sister cities now, she tells the homeowner.Courtesy HGTVA dining room featured on a recent episode of Home Town TakeoverAs much as we love Erins dining room installationand the Lemon Grove wallcovering that pairs particularly well with the porcelainits worth noting that a plate wall neednt be limited to a dining space. Inspired by Erins installation, we mined the robust Country Living archives for a few of our favorite takes on the plate wallsome more formal, some more whimsical. Whatever your design aesthetic, theres a version of this look that can step up to the plate.KEEP IT NEUTRAL For a more understated assortmentwhich works especially well atop a patterned wall or bold colorlook to neutral dinnerware such as ironstone or milk glass.David Land, styling by Raina Kattelson for Country LivingIn Marian Parsons bedroom, a pyramid of plates create a fresh focal point. Brian Woodcock for Country LivingWith their intricate edging, milk glass dishes make for a striking display against a blue wall.PICK A PALETTEFor a collected yet cohesive look, seek out plates with a common color threadthink pretty pastels, blue and white, or earthy browns. Similarly, a common motifflorals, fish, deerwill help your installation hold together.Buff Strickland for Country LivingArranged vertically, an assortment of (mostly) blue-and-white plates dresses up the walls of Holly Mathiss Texas bungalow. TAKE CHARGE Dont overlook pewter pieces, such as chargers and platters, which can bring refinement to a room. Annie Schlechter for Country LivingSilver chargers and trays add interest above a sleigh bed in Holly Audrey Williams Kentucky farmhouse.LET LOOSE By approaching your display more organicallythink a winding vine up a wallyoull set a lighthearted tone. (A less structured installation also makes it easier to add new pieces over time.)Dustin Adams, Courtesy of Stephanie LyntonA loose and lush installation of cabbageware by Birmingham designer Stephanie LyntonADD SOME QUIRKWhen your selections have personality, a little goes a long way. Retailers including John Derian and Anthropologie are good sources for unexpected artwork.Pamela Cook / Studio DPainted face platters by British ceramicist Michaela Gall bring whimsy to an English-inspired living room.GO FOR A GRID For a cleaner, more buttoned-up look, arrange plates in a more linear and symmetrical fashion.Annie SchlechterDesigner Philip Mitchells home features a neat arrangement of Limoges fish plates.FLANK A WINDOW When artwork isnt feeling quite right, a stack of plates or platters can make it easier to achieve symmetry. David A. Land for Country LivingTwo rows of platters add decorative interest to the living room of a suburban Cape Cod home.CONTINUE THE COLLECTIONIf you have your favorite pieces displayed in a hutch, dont let lack of shelving limit your display. Surround the furniture with more of your collection secured to the wall. David A. Land for Country LivingIn this Michigan vacation home, designer Chenault James simply continued her Blue Willow collection on to the wall once she ran out of room in the antique walnut hutch.CIRCLE ROUND A wreath-like arrangement inherently brings a festive feel to a space, which is why we love this approach for a seasonal display, such as Spode Woodland dinnerware for Thanksgiving, green transferware during the holiday season, or cabbageware come Easter. Brian Woodcock for Country LivingIn a dining room, an assortment of plates arranged in a wreath shape brings a festive feel to the sideboard.Related StoriesRachel Hardage BarrettRachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country lifeincluding design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culturefor more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When shes not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.

The head of a federal agency was reportedly given a polygraph test after an apparent news leak even though such "lie detection" measures are considered junk science.AsPolitico reports, a lie detector test was administered to Cameron Hamilton, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), after details of a meeting he'd had with Homeland Security director Kirsti Noem were leaked to the press.In a private March 25 meeting alongside Donald Trump adviser and accused sex pest Corey Lewandowski, Noem told Hamilton that she wanted to shrink FEMA and give it less federal grant money, instead moving its emergency management duties to states. Notably, she'd made similar comments during a televised Cabinet meeting just a day prior, when claiming to the world that the Trump administration is going to "eliminate FEMA."Soon after that private tte--tte, details about Noem's plan were reported byPolitico andCNN and the Homeland Security head was demonstrably peeved. The department confirmed in a statement toPolitico that the test had taken place and said it had cleared the interim FEMA head."Under Secretary Noems leadership, DHS is unapologetic about its efforts to root out leakers that undermine national security," a HomeSec spokesperson told Politico. "We are agnostic about your standing, tenure, political appointment or status as a career civil servant we will track down leakers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."Stridency notwithstanding, however, it's hard to imagine anyone being prosecuted based on the results, because polygraph results themselves are generally not admissible in court due to the bunk nature of the "science" behind them.As Harvard's Countway Library explains, polygraph tests were not invented to detect lies. Rather, they were created by British physician James Mackenzie at the turn of the 20th century to monitor a patient's heartbeat."Although the polygraph is known colloquially as a lie detector, that isn't exactly what it does," the library's explainer noted. "The machine detects changes in bodily function that indicate stress, which could be a result of lying. This includes functions like breathing, heart rate, and perspiration all of which are also important baseline health measurements."The American Psychological Association put it even more plainly way back in 2004: "so-called 'lie detection' involves inferring deception through analysis of physiological responses to a structured, but unstandardized, series of questions."As the logic goes, one's heart rate increases when they're lying, leading to heavier breathing and perspiration. But those reactions can also be induced by the mere act of being questioned, which is why the state of New York ruled that polygraph tests are inadmissible court evidence in 1938 and nearly half the other states followed suit.On the flip side, it's not that difficult especially for people who lack a conscience or moral compass, which is otherwise known as sociopathy to "trick" a polygraph by remaining calm when answering questions while hooked up to one, actual truthfullness of their claims notwithstanding.For now, FEMA and the acting director who runs it seem to be safe. But Trump and his party have long had it out for the agency and "passing" a shoddy lie detector test won't save Hamilton when his time comes.More on Trump and the truth: It's Interesting How Truth Social Moved to Sell Stock Right Before Trump's Tariffs Were AnnouncedShare This Article