• WWW.AWN.COM
    Marvel Drops New ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Trailer
    As the dark shadow of Galacticus drapes over Manhattan, The Silver Surfer says it best… “Your planet has been marked for death.” Nothing ambiguous there. The long-awaited reboot of Marvel’seminal property, The Fantastic Four, is finally here. The studio has just released a new trailer for its upcoming sci-fi adventure, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to blast into theaters July 25, 2025. Set within a retro-futuristic, 1960s-inspired world (think The Jetsons), the film introduces Marvel’s “First Family,” as they are billed: Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Stylized doesn’t do them justice. In the film, they are forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond as they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal. And even more stylish. Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles also star. Matt Shakman (WandaVision) directs, with Kevin Feige producing and Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis and Tim Lewis serving as executive producers. So far, we know capital T, Clear Angle Studios, Digital Domain, Framestore, ILM, Sony Pictures Imageworks, The Third Floor, and Wētā FX are handling the film’s visual effects. Source: Walt Disney Studios Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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  • ARCHEYES.COM
    How Much Does HVAC Repair Cost in 2025?
    HVAC Exhaust | © Elimende Inagella via Unsplash If you’re troubled by certain dubious things happening with your HVAC system, you’ve likely wondered, “How much is this going to cost me?” Heating and air conditioning prices have shifted due to ongoing supply chain changes, inflation, and the rising demand for energy-efficient systems. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or a failing compressor, the price of repairs varies considerably. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about HVAC repair costs 2025 based on rough national averages, system-specific pricing, the most common repairs, and some additional factors that will affect the picture. General Factors The cost you’ll pay for HVAC repair will vary significantly depending on the type of issue, system, and location. Minor repairs can run as little as 75-150 dollars, while more complex repairs can fly up to nearly 3,000 dollars or more. In urban areas like California and New York, where more is charged for labor, the total will run you more than in rural states, such as Montana or Nebraska.  System Types Another major cost determinant is, of course, the type of HVAC system you have. They all have their own components, complexities, and needs in the event they become damaged. Air conditioners: These are designed specifically for cooling.  Furnaces: These are designed only for heating and run on gas, oil, or electricity.  Heat pumps: These are used both for heating and cooling homes, thus combining greater functionality. Ductless mini-split: These are wall-mounted units on the inside, with another unit on the outside. They are used for both heating and cooling and control the temperature in individual rooms. Age of the Unit Older units using an R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out, may also cost more due to limited availability. Older systems, in general, are more prone to breakdowns and require discontinued parts. They’re also less energy-efficient and run up your bill more. Accessibility Labor becomes more difficult and time-consuming if your unit is in a tight attic, crawl space, or on a roof. A standard one-hour repair could take multiple hours to complete if it’s located in a cramped attic. Emergency Situations If you need a repair right away because of an emergency or you want a repairman to come out on the weekend or late at night, you can expect to be charged an extra fee, such as nearly double the price. Warranty Coverage If your system is still under manufacturer or labor warranty, you may only have to pay for labor or nothing at all. This could save you hundreds of dollars. Common HVAC Repairs HVAC Repairs  HVAC systems can fail in various ways, from a minor hiccup to a total failure. Here are some of the most commonly encountered cases. Thermostat Repair or Replacement These devices control your HVAC’s temperature settings. Common issues are dead batteries, sensor malfunctions, or software glitches in the case of smart models. The solution is to replace or reprogram it. Refrigerant Recharge This heating or cooling chemical absorbs heat from inside your home. Homes often run low on refrigerant due to leaks or improper charging. Various tools, such as bubble tests and UV-discoverable applications, can detect leaks.  Capacitor or Contactor Replacement These are electrical components that help start the system and keep motors running. They encounter wear and tear over time, power surges, or overheating. The capacitor, which stores electrical energy and needs to be replaced, would also need to be replaced, while the contactor switches power to the compressor and fan. Blower Motor This pushes air through your ducts to heat or cool your home. Sometimes, the motor burns out, the bearings are bad, or the fan blades get dirty. You have to repair the motor or clean the internal components. Compressor The compressor pressurizes and circulates refrigerant through your HVAC system. It may encounter an electrical failure, suffer internal damage, or overheat. If this happens, consider replacing it. Ductwork This is the system through which conditioned air is passed to deliver air to various parts of your home. It often has:  Leaks Holes Poor Insulation Disconnected Sections These will need to be sealed, ducts reconnected, and damaged segments replaced. Frequently, though, these systems were originally built in too cramped a space with too many sharp turns, which simply renders efficient air delivery impossible. So, the system will need to be modified or rebuilt. Evaporator or condenser coil Coils are responsible for heat exchange. Evaporator coils absorb heat, while condenser coils release it. Coils can become dirty or corroded, so it’s important to clean or repair them. Electrical repairs like wiring, boards, and fuses HVAC systems rely on a series of electrical circuits and control boards. Sometimes the fuses blow, they short-circuit, or the control boards don’t operate as they should. These parts can be replaced. Smart HVAC Systems Smart Thermostats These have rapidly grown in popularity, especially in newer homes and tech-savvy households. These units integrate with Wi-Fi, smart thermostats, and even voice assistants to give homeowners greater control over their home’s temperature, energy usage, and air quality. With innovation, however, comes complexity. More components mean more potential problems. Unlike traditional systems that rely on analog thermostats and simply relay switches, smart HVAC systems operate using an ecosystem of interconnected devices and sensors. These include:  Smart Thermostats Zoning Modules Occupancy Sensors Circuit Boards Proprietary Software All of these can be potential points of failure. Common issues are: Software or firmware bugs that prevent the system from responding to commands Connectivity loss with the home network or app interface Sensor malfunctions that misread temperature or humidity Synchronization failures between indoor and outdoor units Remote access errors, especially after router upgrades or password changes Smart Technology Adds to the Maintenance Costs Troubleshooting smart HVAC systems often requires more than just mechanical know-how. A technician may need to diagnose software issues, reset devices through proprietary apps, or even contact the manufacturer for remote diagnostics. This can add an extra hour or so to a standard repair, translating to 100-300 dollars extra for labor. This may only be done by a certified technician for the Smart brand. This limits your options, meaning you can’t shop around for a better deal.  As for the parts, smart thermostats alone can cost 200-400 dollars to replace, especially if they’re high-end models like the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee Premium. If the issue lies with a proprietary control board or sensor, you may need to purchase the part directly from the manufacturer, which usually comes at a premium. If the system is under warranty, the replacement may still require you to pay labor fees. This complexity means regular maintenance will be more crucial. This includes firmware updates, battery replacements for the sensors, and periodic software checks as part of your upkeep routine. A minor glitch could turn into a costly service call. GuidesHVAC by ArchEyes Team Leave a comment
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  • WWW.ARCHPAPER.COM
    The Frick reopens after a yearslong renovation by Selldorf Architects that transforms the museum into an astonishing Gilded Age fantasy land
    Rockefeller had more of it. Mellon did more with it. Barnes had more interesting ideas about it. But in the annals of great early 20th-century art collectors, no other plutocratic culture vulture quite measures up to Henry Clay Frick—not, at least, when it came to an eye for the good stuff. When the Pennsylvanian coal baron moved into a spacious, Thomas Hastings–designed mansion on Fifth Avenue in 1914, he brought with him an already substantial trove of paintings, which he continued to augment it right up to his death, five years later at the age of 69. He didn’t bother with such trivial distinctions as movements or styles; he didn’t even organize the work by theme or by era. He just bought solid-gold masterpieces, over and over, and put them wherever he felt they looked best. And then, after he was gone, he invited the world to come have a look. Updates include new lighting, additional seating, and more provisions for accessibility. (Nicholas Venezia) After a prolonged separation, Frick’s house and his masterpieces—1,800 of them, in total—have at last been reunited and are once again viewable to the public as the old man intended. Nearly five years in the making (and accompanied by no small amount of controversy, not the least over a since-scrapped proposal to demolish its eastern garden), the renovation of the Frick Collection by Selldorf Architects with Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB) has added more space for art, curators, and for people, bumping the size of the venerable campus by fully 10 percent to 196,000 square feet. And, as of April 17, it is now reopened to the public. For the first time, museumgoers can ascend the staircase to see additional rooms on the second level. (Joseph Coscia Jr.) Upstairs quarters of the Frick family—previously office space—were restored and now house galleries. (Joseph Coscia Jr.) For museumgoers already familiar with the beloved institution, what awaits them is something astonishing: Like the common recurring dream of discovering a heretofore-unknown room in one’s apartment, the building has undergone a kind of magical, dimensional mitosis, growing on the inside while appearing to remain largely the same from the street. Changes have not stripped the museum of its historic character, as seen in the West Gallery. (Joseph Coscia Jr.) Skilled plaster workers, woodworkers, and other craftsmen played a major role in the renovation effort. (Joseph Coscia Jr.) For those who have never been before, the revelation will be hardly less remarkable. The Frick—“the world’s favorite museum,” as its (obviously biased) director Axel Rüger called it during a preview event—has always been New York’s great offbeat cabinet of curiosities; it is the only thing that comes close to the kind of small, exquisitely curated musée des beaux arts one often finds in second-tier European cities. (New York’s Hispanic Society Museum is a close second; incidentally, it is also being renovated by Selldorf and BBB.) Walkable in an hour or two, the works on display from Velazquez, Rembrandt, Whistler, Turner, and Titian also reward a whole day’s worth of contemplation, a process to which the refurbished environment is especially conducive. Selldorf’s rework is the result of many hands, including a small army of skilled plaster workers, woodworkers, and other craftsmen who, in coordination with BBB, “supported us, led us, goaded us along the way,” as Selldorf put it. The updates include new lighting, in particular above the celebrated long gallery; additional seating in the upstairs galleries; an actual cafe; more and better bathrooms; more provisions for accessibility; an auditorium, maybe Selldorf’s finest moment here, an almost Joseph Urban–ish flourish whose clamshell twist combines art deco showiness with pristine acoustics by Arup. No one arriving for the first time would guess just how peculiarly incommodious, if sometimes charmingly so, the museum used to be. Frescoes remain a highlight of the museum and art-viewing experience. (Joseph Coscia Jr.) More astonishing is that all these changes have in no way stripped the house of its character. On the contrary: Admirers now have access to even more of the original interior, with the upstairs quarters of the Frick family—previously reserved as office space—restored and made an integral part of the exhibition experience. Now, for the first time, explorers can ascend the staircase to see additional rooms repurposed as cozy galleries. From the lavish baroque frescoes in the old nursery to the new vitrines with decorative pieces seldom exhibited in the past, the warren of former boudoirs and studies doubles down on the peculiarly intimate, privileged art-viewing experience that has always set the museum apart. Looking out to Central Park over the parterre (also recently restored), surrounded by exquisite wall treatments (same), museumgoers can escape into a complete, Gilded Age fantasy. The reception hall staircase is new, but was designed to seamlessly integrate with the historic interiors. (Nicholas Venezia) Of course, it’s a fever dream made possible by complex technical choreography. The $220 million project includes substantial new construction, cleverly concealed within the existing complex and hosting a suite of conservation studios, offices, an education space, and a new gift shop. (ADA access, including at the main entrance, was also included.) A new back-of-house corridor links the library reading room to the museum with its own internal connection to the much-improved main lobby; previously the journey required a hike around the block. Above, within the new tower—clad in Indiana limestone that perfectly mimics the historic facade—staffers can see how this surgery was carried out, including where an exposed steel beam sticks out somewhat awkwardly in front of a service elevator. Yet for the average visitor, movement between the historic home and the new spaces is so seamless as to make it almost impossible to tell where, exactly, one is in the overall scheme, at least without a 3D, color-coded sectional drawing to clarify where the old portion ends and the new one begins. (Full disclosure: I have seen such a drawing. It is still almost impossible.) Selldorf has even taken care to give the new lobby its own staircase, less grandiose certainly than its pendant in the mansion proper, but nonetheless charged with a distinctly prewar glamour, as through parasol-clutching, cloche-hatted dames were about to come swanning down it. The auditorium at The Frick (Nicholas Venezia) A suite of conservation studios, offices, an education space, and a new gift shop were also part of the renovation. (Nicholas Venezia) All these infrastructural gymnastics were necessary to make way for the new galleries upstairs, and, more broadly, to support and expand the Frick’s overall mission. Along the way, they have also yielded a museum which furnishes more than ever a mysterious synchrony of environment and art. Now back in his proper venue, Bronzino’s lad with his absurd codpiece glowers beside the staircase, daring visitors to ascend where the velvet rope used to hang, while Ingres’s coquettish young woman presides over one of the bedrooms, head inquisitively cocked. Holbein’s Cromwell and Moore flank the mantle as before, looking somehow still more comfortable in their luxurious enmity, and even the faces on the coins now showing in one of Frick’s former studies seem glad to be out of storage. It was fun, of course, to see some of these same works installed at the Frick Madison, the pop-up within Marcel Breuer’s building for the Whitney Museum of American Art where they were temporarily billetted and where they took on a new and novel sort of life. But honestly, after so much, it’s great to have the gang back together. Ian Volner has contributed articles on architecture and design to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Architectural Record, among other publications. He is the author of numerous books and monographs, most recently Droese Raney X Design.
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  • WWW.COMPUTERWEEKLY.COM
    AI's power play: the high-stakes race for energy capacity
    The use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, relies on a lot of energy. As its adoption grows and people become more adept at harnessing its power, increasingly strong ties are being created between the tech and energy industries. Whilst this may be a good thing, it also brings about new challenges and legal considerations. After all, the long-term success of digital infrastructure depends on two core issues. Technical and operational constraints naturally need to be considered but, at the same time, a significant emphasis should be placed on stakeholders establishing clear legal contracts and investment safeguards from the start of a project. It's understandable why individuals might get caught in the hype and excitement of a new idea, when a proactive approach to identifying and clearly allocating project risks and rewards upfront is crucial for successfully navigating the complex legal environments over the years and decades in which these projects come online. Training a single large language model can consume as much electricity as a small town. Data centres currently make up around 1.5% of global electricity demand.  The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that electricity demand from data centres will more than double by 2030, a hunger primarily driven by AI. This surge could require new global energy capacity equivalent to roughly four times the United Kingdom's current total electricity consumption. This increasing energy demand is concentrated primarily in the areas where data centres are or will be located, straining local power grids and requiring either substantial and rapid grid infrastructure upgrades or, more commonly, a race between data centre owners and operators to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources dedicated to their operations. While AI demands significant power, it also holds promise for improving energy management. AI can potentially optimise power grids, integrate renewable energy sources more effectively, predict equipment failures and enhance energy efficiency across various industries and buildings. This could help offset some of the overall impact on global energy demand. However, the energy sector has been slower in adopting AI compared to the tech and financial services industries. Further integration is expected here too.  The legal and contractual framework for AI-energy projects is intricate and, in many areas, novel. It involves navigating diverse regulatory systems, supply chain complexities and geopolitical uncertainties. This leads to complex negotiations concerning risk allocation, pricing mechanisms and responsibilities avoiding downtime. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape for both AI and energy is constantly evolving, making compliance and contractual certainty a moving target.In this dynamic and complex environment, it is crucial to anticipate, during the contract drafting phase, how disputes could arise and what mechanisms are needed to avoid them, or resolve them early and quickly if they cannot be avoided. Contracts should be meticulously written to foresee potential issues while maintaining enough flexibility to allow for an inevitable degree of unpredictability during a project which will last for decades. That means parties need to clearly define their responsibilities, establish performance metrics (and how those will be tracked) and allocate risks effectively. Importantly, once a contract is signed parties need to immediately and consistently apply and enforce it. It should go without saying – you could argue that the fact it needs saying tells its own story - but incorporating robust governance and dispute resolution methods is essential, with international arbitration recommended for these multi-party, multi-contract projects given advantages such as neutrality, privacy and enforceability in cross-border contexts.  It is also prudent to proactively consider investment protections (including through investment agreements with host country governments and under public international law treaties) as well as potential restructuring scenarios, including upon events like force majeure, changes in law or financial distress. This foresight can help protect investments and ensure the continuity and long-term success of these critical projects in the face of unwelcome challenges.  This is important not only for the participants in the particular projects but also for the wider energy and tech sectors which will be impacted significantly by the availability of this important technology and the speed at which its adoption can grow.   Charlie Morgan is a partner in Herbert Smith Freehills's disputes practice with a focus on tech, energy and venture capitalism.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    I tested JBL's newest premium headphones - Bose and Sony should watch out
    ZDNET's key takeaways JBL's refreshed flagship headphones improve on core features while introducing an innovative sidekick for $400. The Tour One M3 are packed with useful features, have a marathon battery, and deliver a sufficient noise-canceling and audio performance.The Smart Tx is a clever idea, but many people probably won't use it to its full potential. View now at JBL Wireless headphones are a dime a dozen, so manufacturers must give us something new and innovative to keep our attention beyond improving noise cancellation and sound quality. In January, JBL announced the latest generation of its flagship headphones, the Tour One M3, and the pièce de résistance was a tiny Auracast-enabled Bluetooth transmitter.The Smart Tx transmitter is included with purchase, and it's supposed to break down connectivity barriers so you can connect your headphones to virtually any audio source. It's an interesting gadget, but its inclusion bumps the price of M3 headphones to $400. Also: The 13 best headphones of 2025I tested the JBL Tour One M3 with the Smart Tx transmitter for two weeks. Despite the novelty, are a pair of JBL headphones worth residing in the same price range of premium offerings from Sony, Bose, and Sonos?  details View at Jbl Starting with sound, the Tour One M3 headphones are impressive; they're certainly the most premium-sounding headphones from JBL. The M3's 40mm dynamic drivers wonderfully reproduce deep lows and bright highs, although the mids aren't as clear. The EQ settings in the JBL headphones app can rectify your dislike of the out-of-the-box sound, which is not moving or inspiring. You can choose from preset EQ modes or create your own using a 10-band equalizer. If the preset EQ modes don't suit your style or you can't get the custom EQ to your taste, you can take the upgraded Personi-Fi hearing test to help the headphones create a personalized hearing profile based on which frequencies you hear best.Also: I replaced my AirPods with Sony's budget earbuds - there's only one thing I'll missMy Personi-Fi test concluded that I needed a slight bass, mids, and treble bump in my left ear and a bump of only mids and treble in my right. This personalized adjustment, plus a little extra bass (I can't help myself), really made these headphones come to life.The bass and funk of Justin Timberlake's "Let the Groove Get In"JBL implemented its proprietary spatial audio format into the M3, allowing you to listen to anything in spatial audio. The Spatial Sound opens up the M3's soundstage, and like all songs in spatial audio, some sound better than others. Still, the feature offers head tracking, so your audio can move with you. It's a neat effect that works reliably and with the right media, can be highly enjoyable. Jada Jones/ZDNETThe M3 promises 70 hours of audio playback, 20 more hours than its predecessor. In perspective, the M3 pledge 30 hours more than Sony's XM5, 40 more than Sonos' Ace, 46 more than Bose's QC Ultra, and 50 more than Apple's AirPods Max.The Tour One M3 is loaded with software features, including the usuals like TalkThru mode, which lowers the volume when the headphones sense you're trying to have a conversation, touch controls, and multifunction button gestures, all of which can be manipulated in the JBL Headphones app.Also: Why these Bose headphones are still the best I've listened to - even though they're a year oldThe companion app also lets you tweak the headphones' left/right balance, sidetone when taking phone calls, and ANC and transparency mode levels. The M3's noise-canceling capabilities feature an impressive eight microphones to aid in detecting and canceling noises. The noise-canceling performance will do for commuting and quieting noise in the office, but it's not as good as what Sony and Bose can offer. Still, these headphones offer more noise-canceling customization than their equally priced competitors, allowing you to adjust noise cancellation levels and toggle between active and adaptive noise cancellation. Jada Jones/ZDNETFour beamforming microphones are responsible for keeping your voice clear when participating in phone and video calls while wearing the M3. During my testing, I took plenty of phone and video calls and didn't get any complaints about my voice clarity. Compared to headphones like the Sonos Ace with more luxury marketing, the M3 outperformed in this category.Design-wise, the Tour One M3's $400 price tag may confuse you. The M3's design is almost identical to its predecessor, except the volume buttons moved to the left earcup, and there is no 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, the M3 are entirely plastic, omitting any heavier and more luxurious-looking metals to elevate the design or add stylish flare.Also: Finally, a Bluetooth speaker that rivals my Bose SoundLink Max - and it's much more affordableStill, the M3's plastic build keeps them light and comfortable on your head for hours. The faux leather ear pads are thick and plushy, offering enough padding to curb ear fatigue. Although there's no 3.5mm jack, JBL asserts you won't need one when you have the Smart Tx transmitter. Connect the transmitter to your M3 headphones, plug the transmitter into your 3.5mm jack-equipped audio source, and you're rocking and rolling. Jada Jones/ZDNETThe M3 headphones come with a USB-C-to-3.5mm cord for plugging into sources like an in-flight entertainment system or gym equipment. The Smart Tx has Bluetooth Auracast, which allows you to use it as a Bluetooth transmitter (Tx) or Auracast receiver (Rx). In transmitter mode, you can plug the Smart Tx into an audio source to share the audio with someone nearby with an Auracast-enabled smartphone and headphones. In receiver mode, you can connect the Smart Tx to an Auracast stream to hear the audio through the M3 headphones.Also: The viral wireless audio dongle for in-flight entertainment just got a major upgrade - and it's legitBecause Auracast is still aiming for widespread adoption, the Smart Tx's main feature may be limited for some people, particularly those with iPhones. However, the audio-sharing feature is a huge win. If you're watching a movie on your MacBook and your friend has a compatible Google Pixel phone and headphones, you can plug the Smart Tx into the laptop and share the audio with your friend.ZDNET's buying adviceThe JBL Tour One M3 are a superb pair of reliable, everyday headphones. They promise up to 70 hours of use, provide endless personalization options, and deliver practical use in everyday situations, like commuting or working. The M3's predecessor was released just two years ago, which isn't a lot of time to dramatically improve the M3 compared to the M2. So, if you own the Tour One M2, I suggest holding onto them.If your headphones are due for an upgrade and you want a pair of high-performing headphones, I recommend the Tour One M3. However, paying a premium for the Smart Tx when its most innovative use cases with Auracast are still in their infancy seems like a miss. Hopefully, JBL will offer consumers an option to purchase the M3 separately from the Smart Tx.Many JBL headphones offer effective noise cancellation, audio personalization, and intuitive software features. If you want access to those features for hundreds less than the Tour One M3, consider the JBL Tour One M2or the JBL Live 770NC.Featured reviews
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    5 ‘Breakup Boundaries’ You Should Set With Yourself, By A Psychologist
    Here are five grounding truths to hold you when you’re falling apart — a research-backed guide to ... More creating boundaries with yourself right when you need them most.getty Breakups can sometimes hurt in ways words can’t always capture. One minute you’re fine — the next, you’re rereading old messages, spiraling in your notes app and questioning if you were “enough” for the other person. You may try to reassure yourself by repeating something like, “I’ll get through this. It’s not the first time.” But those words might feel empty against the memories that rush back in uninvited. In those moments, logic doesn’t help. What you need isn’t advice — it’s anchoring. These five boundaries aren’t a fast track to healing. They’re grounding reminders — designed to help you move through the pain with self-compassion and clarity, especially when the noise in your head is relentless and the ache feels unbearable. 1. I Will Not Beg For Love Or Attention This boundary is rooted in self-respect. In the early stages of a breakup, it’s natural to desire reconnection, not necessarily because the relationship was healthy but because the absence feels overwhelming. Even a single message or moment of contact can feel like temporary relief from emotional pain. But returning to someone hurtful or manipulative can reinforce a harmful dynamic. Over time, it might signal to them that your boundaries are optional and that their mistreatment carries no real consequence. Most importantly, this pattern can gradually erode your self-esteem. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that individuals high in attachment anxiety often feel compelled to rekindle relationships after a breakup due to a disrupted sense of self. This self-concept confusion predicted a stronger desire to reconnect even when it did not lead to emotional clarity or stability. In many cases, getting back together does not resolve this inner turmoil. The relationship quality tends to decline and the risk of another breakup increases, further intensifying distress. Reconnection may soothe the momentary pain, but it rarely repairs the deeper rupture. Love should not require the erosion of your dignity. Here’s one mental statement you can use when you feel the urge to reconnect with an ex-partner too soon: “If I feel abandoned, I’ll sit with the pain, not chase relief from the person who caused it.” 2. I Will Not Send Long Emotional Texts When I’m Spiraling This boundary promotes emotional regulation. When emotions are heightened, you might feel compelled to reach for your phone — to explain, to defend, to say everything that’s been left unsaid. The impulse stems from correcting what feels like a false narrative, this is because breakups disrupt not just connection, but also your sense of coherence. As a result, you take to writing to feel in control again. A 2015 review published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience found that rejection activates the same brain regions involved in physical pain — particularly the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula. This neural overlap helps explain why heartbreak can feel unbearable and why people often act impulsively in an attempt to soothe the distress, even though it delays healing. The bad news is that sending emotionally charged messages while dysregulated rarely leads to relief. It can create more confusion, miscommunication or even shame in the aftermath. What feels urgent in the moment often fades with emotional distance — and rarely reflects what truly needs to be said. Instead of sending a message you may regret later, try writing a note to yourself first: “I’ll write what I feel in my notes or share it with someone safe. Then I’ll decide, from a grounded place, what truly needs to be said.” 3. I Will Not Let Someone Else’s Silence Define My Worth This boundary grounds you in rationality. After a breakup, silence can feel louder than words. A lack of reply becomes its own kind of message, and the mind often fills in the blanks with the worst possible story: “They don’t care. I meant nothing. They don’t love me.” These interpretations, while understandable, are rarely rooted in fact. They’re shaped by past wounds, attachment patterns and the discomfort of uncertainty. A classic study published in Group Processes & Intergroup Relations found that receiving the silent treatment threatens four core psychological needs: belonging, self-esteem, control and meaningful existence. Participants perceived the silence not as indifference but as a form of emotional punishment, which at times exacted a higher toll than harsh words. This helps explain why post-breakup silence can feel so devastating. It activates something deeper than uncertainty; it makes you question your worth. To avoid jumping to conclusions, use this affirmation to ground yourself: “No reply does not equal rejection. No reply does not mean I’m unlovable.” 4. I Will Not Tolerate Emotional Manipulation, Even If I Love Them This boundary protects you from being manipulated. One of the hardest parts of healing, specifically from unhealthy relationship dynamics, is accepting that someone you love might have hurt you, not accidentally, but repeatedly. Not because they didn’t know better, but because they could. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology found that nearly all individuals in relationships with partners high in psychopathic traits reported emotional manipulation — including deception, gaslighting and coercion. These experiences were linked to higher rates of PTSD and depression, often more severe than the effects of physical violence. Emotional harm, the study notes, doesn’t just erode trust — it fragments a person’s identity and sense of safety. To add insult to injury, it isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s guilt-tripping when you try to set a boundary. Other times, it’s withdrawing affection when you express your needs. Whether subtle or blatant, the effect is usually the same: you feel small, unstable or ashamed for wanting more. Repeat this simple dictum to yourself when find yourself forgoing your self-respect for love: 5. I Will Stop Romanticizing Pain This boundary brings clarity. It’s easy to mistake emotional intensity for depth and believe that the aching, the longing, the constant rumination meant what you had was meaningful and irreplaceable. But pain isn’t proof of love — it’s often proof of emotional entanglement that wasn’t safe or reciprocal. A 2011 study published in Self and Identity found that individuals with high attachment anxiety tend to integrate their partner’s traits into their own self-concept. When the relationship ends, this creates heightened self-concept confusion — a destabilization of identity that can intensify longing and emotional pain. In these cases, the suffering doesn’t signal a deeper connection. It reflects a blurred sense of self. Real love doesn’t require the loss of who you are. Healing begins when you stop mistaking suffering for sincerity. If you want to stop mixing up grief and love, you can chant this affirmation: “I will stop mistaking obsession for devotion. I deserve a love that feels safe”. These boundaries and affirmations are often what most people need when they’re reeling from the loss of a relationship. The only difference is that while they might have come from friends, family and well-wishers in the past, you can also take charge of your own healing and always come back to them when you require them. Want to know if you should consider professional support to get through your breakup? Take the Breakup Distress Scale to find out.
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  • WWW.TECHSPOT.COM
    A real-life Severance keyboard is here, complete with built-in trackball
    The big picture: If you've ever wanted to bring a bit of Severance's office dystopia into your real life – minus the mind-splitting surgery – custom keyboard brand Atomic has you covered. The company just announced the MDR Dasher, a real-world replica of the retro-futuristic keyboard featured on the Apple TV+ series. In Severance, the keyboards used by Macrodata Refinement – the department where the protagonists work – appear to draw inspiration from Data General's vintage Dasher terminals, popular in the late '70s and early '80s. Hence, the name MDR Dasher. The original machines were known for their sturdy build, chunky layout, and utilitarian elegance – qualities the show embraced in its retro-futuristic aesthetic. The Dasher fully commits to the show's design. It preserves the layout and aesthetics while deliberately omitting keys like escape, control, and option. That absence serves as a cheeky tribute to Lumon Industries and its founder, Kier Egan, and reinforces the show's authoritarian undertones. The keyboard includes 73 keys and follows the same 70-percent compact layout used in the series. The keyboard features a raised profile, thick borders, and a palette of muted blues with a dirty white frame, giving it an industrial vibe. Lighter blue keycaps dominate the center, while darker hues fill in the rest. That "rest" is substantial, thanks to the oversized deck, which leaves ample space for the arrow keys, arranged in a cross formation and set apart from the primary cluster. Off to the far right sits a trackball – just like in the show – replacing a traditional mouse and adding to its vintage charm. Unlike its on-screen counterpart, this version connects via USB-C and is compatible with modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The case is crafted from durable aluminum, offering a premium feel and added sturdiness for long-term use. Its sturdy construction adds to its industrial aesthetic and retro charm that made the original design iconic. Atomic Keyboard has yet to reveal a final price. The company floated a $399 figure, but it's still unconfirmed, likely due to ongoing tariff issues. For now, sign-ups are open for the limited-run pre-launch list. Once you secure your keyboard, complete the transformation into an MDR worker bee by visiting the Lumon Industries website and refining microdata to your heart's content. Praise Kier.
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  • WWW.DIGITALTRENDS.COM
    How to watch Twisted Metal season 2: When does it premiere on Peacock?
    Start your engines because the dangerous demolition derby tournament is coming to Twisted Metal season 2. Anthony Mackie, best known for suiting up as the new Captain America, returns to headline Twisted Metal as John Doe. John plans to enter the Twisted Metal tournament hosted by the eccentric Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). The tournament’s winner will be granted a single wish. Winning won’t be easy, as sixteen other drivers will do anything to secure the wish. The competition will play out this summer on Twisted Metal season 2. Recommended Videos Twisted Metal season 2 premieres Thursday, July 31, on Peacock. The release date was revealed in a teaser trailer, which pokes fun at Calypso’s slow entrance into a hangar. Related An impatient John says, “We’re really going to wait for this door to open all the way?” Quiet shushes John, saying John needs to admire the showmanship because it “builds tension.” At the end of season 1, John learned that his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface, is still alive. After John wanted to leave New San Francisco and be with Quiet, Raven (Neve Campbell) held him at gunpoint and revealed her true intention: to force him into being her driver in the Twisted Metal Tournament. Pief Weyman / Peacock One familiar face returning for season 2 is Sweet Tooth, the sadistic killer clown. Will Arnett voices Sweet Tooth, while Joe Seanoa (wrestler Samoa Joe) plays the character. Twisted Metal boasts a recurring lineup of guest stars, including Saylor Bell Curda, Lisa Gilroy, Richard de Klerk, Patty Guggenheim, Tiana Okoye, and Michael James Shaw. Twisted Metal comes from showrunner and executive producer Michael Jonathan Smith. The series is based on the vehicular combat video game franchise of the same name. Twisted Metal season 1 is now streaming on Peacock. Editors’ Recommendations
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  • WWW.WSJ.COM
    Judge Rules Google Operates Illegal Ad Monopoly
    The tech giant faces multiple legal threats related to how it wields market power.
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  • WWW.WSJ.COM
    ‘Hope I Get Old Before I Die’ Review: The Music Never Stops
    Paul McCartney was already a rock veteran when he played 1985’s Live Aid concert. Decades later, he and his peers continue to fill seats.
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