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Political appointments may be a normal part of any presidential transition, but dont expect to hear that word too often as President-elect Donald Trump announces his picks for Cabinet positions and other key government roles this week.Since Monday, the announcements have been coming fast and furious from Trumps Truth Social account, and although some of his favored appointees have been on the conventional side, such as Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state, others have beento put it bluntlyshocking. Trumps choice of Matt Gaetz, the controversial Republican representative from Florida, as attorney general has sparked concern even among fellow Republicans.Just eight days after Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, its all a bit head-spinning, particularly for the millions of Americans who already suffered from news fatigue before the election. At the same time, many of us dont have the luxury of tuning it out, as the consequences of the next four years will have a direct impact on the lives of countless millions.If youre looking for an easy way to track Trumps cabinet picks and appointees as the announcements happen, weve rounded up a few resources below:New York Times: The paper of record is keeping a running list, complete with short bios, photos, and the status of the appointment. Find it here.Politico: The political-focused news outlet has a nice infographic that makes tracking the announcements easy. Find it here.Washington Post: The D.C. paper also has a nice tracker with a user-friendly visual layout. Find it here.CNN: The cable networks website is quick on the draw and appears to be updating its appointment tracker in real time. Find it here.

For nearly every highlight of Julie Croteaus trailblazing baseball careerall except her time as a double in A League of Their Own, reallyshe shared the field with men. Frequently, as teammates. Always as foes. Thats mostly how its been for generations of female players.So when she recently heard about plans to give todays players the chance to shine against other women in baseball, Croteau had one thought.Its about time, she said with a chuckle.The Womens Professional Baseball League (WPBL) announced plans last month to launch in 2026 as a six-team circuit for female players. If and when it debuts, it will be the first pro league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball Leaguethe one immortalized in A League of Their Own dissolved in 1954.Heightened interest in womens sports in recent years made this an ideal time to launch a womens baseball league, said cofounder Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach for an MLB team with the Oakland Athletics in 2015.The consulting firm Deloitte estimated that womens sports will generate a billion dollars in global revenue in 2024 for the first time because of skyrocketing popularity and marketing deals. The WNBA had its most watched regular season in 24 years thanks largely to its star rookie class led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The inaugural season of the Professional Womens Hockey League brought in record crowds.Certainly were standing on the shoulders of the success of the other pro leagues, Siegal said.Siegal has sought advice from women leading other professional leagues and is studying what made them successful. That includes catering to the specific needs of female athleteswho often face a different set of responsibilities than their male counterparts.Siegal was the first woman to coach for a professional baseball team with the independent league Brockton Rox in 2009, and the first woman to throw batting practice to an MLB team with Cleveland during spring training in 2001.Back then, Siegal remembers scrambling to find babysitters for her daughter while she coached, and pulling her daughter out of school and bringing her along to the field in some cases.I had to do many things to make my dream come true, Siegal said. And so I am particularly keen on making sure that we dont overlook mothers who can compete and deserve a place in the league.When she was 13, a coach told Siegal she shouldnt play baseball because she was a girl. She was told to play softball, which is a reality many girls in the sport face.Around 1,300 high school girls played baseball on boys teams across the United States during the 2023-24 school year, according to a survey done by the National Federation of State High School Associations.When I see that number, I think that theres 1,300 people who had to sort of basically buck the system to keep playing the sport that they love, said Croteau, who made headlines in the 1980s by suing her high school for the right to play on the boys varsity team. She lost.Theyve had to stare down an athletic director or approach a baseball coach, and theyve had to make it happen.More than 471,000 high school boys played baseball, while 473,000 girls played baseball. The NCAA doesnt offer womens baseball, but nine women played on mens baseball teams in 2024, according to the NCAAs demographics database. Around 21,000 women played college softball.Keith Stein, a lawyer and businessman who cofounded the WPBL with Siegal, said the hope is to help establish a solid womens baseball culture in the U.S. to create more playing opportunities for girls in the future.Both Stein and Siegal pointed to early interest from womens baseball players as clues to the hunger for a venue for women to compete against women at the highest level. While there hasnt been a pro league for womens ballplayers, they still play. The Womens Baseball World Cup debuted in 2004 to showcase womens talent.More than 400 athletes registered to try out within 24 hours of the league launching its player portal, Siegal said.These were largely elite players, Stein added. Some of the best players in the worldfrom the United States, of course, but there were players from Japan, Canada, Great Britain.The league will hold a scouting camp in spring 2025, with a draft happening in the last quarter of the year. The WPBL will initially launch with six teams, though Stein estimated that number could later increase to eight. Theyll compete in the northeast in 2026 so that they can travel by bus to compete.While Stein expects the WPBL to become one of the major womens sports leagues in the near future, it wont get there without facing some of the same barriers as the womens leagues that preceded them.Women athletes have long fought to be paid as much as their male counterparts, perhaps most prominently displayed through the U.S. womens national soccer teams fight for equal pay that ended in the U.S. House passing an equal pay bill in 2022.We shouldnt gloss over a certain reality, Stein said. And that reality is that women baseball players, they probably are not being paid what they deserve.Stein said he believes compensation will be suitable for players hoping to participate in the league, including those who have to relocate from different countries or leave their current jobs.But it will pale compared to if youre thinking of what major league athletes in some of the other leagues are making, he added. Thats not whats in place right now.We will get there because of what we do. We will raise the bar for pro women baseball players. But it will be gradual over several years.Croteau, who isnt connected to the WPBL, praised the league for trying to bridge the gap that has existed since long before she and teammate Beanie Ketcham were believed to be the first women to play in an MLB affiliated minor league in the now defunct Hawaiian Winter League 30 years ago.The girls who are out there playing on their own, Croteau said, those 1,300 girls that were talking about now, who we knew were good enough because theyre making the team. We also know theyre strong willed. Theyre willing to buck the system and make it happen.This helps them get seen.Alanis Thames, Associated Press sports writer

Architecture firm Studio Gang has sought to "amplify social connections" at its first French project, the John W Boyer Center in Paris, a "vertical campus" created using mass timber for the University of Chicago.The academic structure in Paris's 13th arrondissement was designed by Studio Gang with a hybrid-timber-and-steel structure and a facade covered with over 900 cylindrical limestone-covered fibreglass "batons" that function as brise soleil.Sited on an ongoing development adjacent to a housing block by Parc Architectes, the John W Boyer Center was designed as a "vertical campus" to expand the University of Chicago's research capabilities into Europe.Studio Gang has completed a mass-timber research facility in Paris"The Center in Paris is designed as a vertical campus," said Studio Gang founding partner Jeanne Gang."Its multilevel atrium provides all the spaces with light and offers visual connections across programs," she continued."We wanted the building to amplify social interactions, scholarly collaborations, and cultural exchange between the University and the city of Paris."It is the studio's first project completed in FranceIn order to meet regulations put in place by Paris that require public buildings to utilise at least 50 per cent wood or other natural materials in construction, Studio Gang opted for a hybrid timber-and-steel structure.A concrete foundation and steel base supports a mass-timber grid. Cross-laminated timber decks are spread across steel trusses to create a structurally sound building that conforms to government requirements.It has a hybrid mass-timber-and-steel structure. Photo by Corentin LespagnolThe limestone of the facade was integrated in order to fulfil the natural material needs and visually link the building to the limestone facades of other Parisian buildings.All of the stone was sourced from quarries within 40 kilometres of the city, according to Studio Gang.A central atrium holds the centre of the program. Photo by Corentin Lespagnol"Each baton is enrobed in Lutetian limestone, a stone that underlies much of the Paris region and has been a common local building material since antiquity," said Studio Gang."Limestone links the building to the university's main campus in Chicago, where it is also a prominent building material, while simultaneously rooting it to the history of Paris."It holds classrooms, laboratories, meeting spaces and other facilities of the University of Chicago's operations in Paris. Photo by Corentin LespagnolThe building consists of two blocks, with the corner block rising higher and an atrium between the shorter and taller blocks.The building's entrance leads into a double-height lobby that connects to a shared courtyard garden at the centre of the block and to a five-storey atrium. This atrium serves as a stairwell to the whole structure and is topped by skylights angled to best take advantage of natural light.A sculptural staircase zigzags up through the atrium and classrooms and research areas were opened up to this circulation space through windows to take advantage of the light from the skylights.Skylights were placed above the atrium. Photo by Corentin LespagnolLibraries, classrooms, and research labs were placed throughout the program, which has floors of various heights on either side of the atrium, according to use.The rooftop holds a double-height events space that leads out into a "biodiverse" rooftop garden.In addition to the visual connection to Parisian infrastructure achieved through the limestone, the structure also connects structurally with the city as a whole, as it houses an underground connection to the Paris subway system.Read: Dezeen Debate features "possibly Studio Gang's best work"The studio also implemented photovoltaic panels on the rooftop to offset the building's energy usage."In alignment with the environmental standards of the City of Paris, the design minimizes the building's carbon footprint while optimizing its energy performance," said the studio.It sits above a regional train lineThe John W Boyer Center is the first French project for the studio after it opened its Paris offices in 2017. Its first European project was a pair of residential buildings completed in Amsterdam in 2022.Recently, Studio Gang completed another mass-timber structure embedded in a concrete podium for a university campus in California.The photography is by Fabrice Fouillet unless otherwise stated.Project credits:Design architects: Studio GangMass timber columns and beams: KLHCross-laminated timber panels: Weisrock Vosges SASMetal/glass curtain wall: HorizonsWood cladding: LignalpesStone screen facade: Polycor FranceWindows: WiconaGlazing: RIOU GlassPhotovoltaic system: Sunpower MaxeonConveyance: OtisThe post Studio Gang completes mass-timber academic building in Paris appeared first on Dezeen.

Apparel brand Carhartt WIP and Japanese furniture brand Nychair X have collaborated on a collapsible chair and ottoman covered in a brown canvas reminiscent of workwear.The chair's silhouette is a signature of Nychair X, which was designed and launched in 1970 by Japanese designer Takeshi Nii.Carhartt WIP and Nychair X have collaborated on a chair and ottoman setThe original chair was designed to be "like the curry rice everybody loves", according to the brand.The collaboration with Carhartt WIP, a streetwear off-shoot of workwear brand Carhartt, features a custom colourway from Carhartt WIP, utilising Carhartt's classic Hamilton Brown.The design takes after the Nychair X folding silhouetteThe dark brown colour is the same as is used in the jackets and other workwear garments made famous by Carhartt although the pieces are covered in Kurashiki sailcloth canvas which Nychair X typically uses for its products.Both pieces rest on crossing stainless steel legs and feature straight, cylindrical armrests made of 100 per cent wood.The chair sits low to the ground and has an angeled backrest for lounge-style seating. Both pieces are "lightweight and foldable" and collapse to sit in between their armrests.The pieces are covered in an exclusive brown colourwayAccording to Nychair X, the set "fits into a floor space around the size of a dinner table"."The chair's minimalist design creates a place to relax without taking up much space," said the brand.Read: Jell-O creates series of inflatable chairs informed by "iconic molds"They also feature a square Carhartt WIP label found throughout the brand's products and clothing.It is only one of a few furniture collaborations carried out by Carhartt WIP, which has produced clothing and some accessories since its first store opened in London in 1994.It is part of Carhartt WIP's Fall/Winter 2024 line.Other recent disciplinary collaborations include a spacesuit by Prada and Axiom Space and an inflatable chair by Jell-O.The images are courtesy of Carhartt WIP.The post Carhartt WIP and Nychair X release foldable chair and ottoman appeared first on Dezeen.

The work of long-time Core77-fave NOOKAfounded by Matthew Waldmanis the subject of a newly-released book, Designing Time, a lavish and time-travel-y chronicle of the brand's evolution and its efforts to make us rethink how we perceive the formal intersection of time and design. "The Future Should Not Look Like the Past" offers a deep dive into NOOKA's journey, from its inception to its impact on the design landscape. Established in the late 1990s, NOOKA was a pioneer in creating timepieces that employed a unique visual language, "making the concept of time more intuitive and accessible." The brand's partnership with Seiko marked the beginning of a new era in watch design, introducing passive intelligent interfaces that enriched the user experience.With ambitions ahead of their time, Waldman's vision was "to promote a universal language through design that transcends cultural and geopolitical boundaries." He created a shorthand for the conceptMindstylewhich "merges interface design with lifestyle aspirations, aiming to foster a better future."Inside the BookSpanning 200+ pages, Designing Time is an absolute treasure trove for design enthusiasts, and an incredible pleasure to meander through. It features an array of contentincluding sketches, renders, and photographsaccompanied by inside stories and process images of unrealized projects. (Always some of the most ambitious!) The book not only highlights NOOKA's groundbreaking products (such as the iconic STRIP belt and futuristic sunglasses), but also delves into the brand's cultural impact during the 2000s. Anyone in the design world at that time will be taking a very enjoyable trip down memory lane with this thing.Launched on Kickstarter Japan in 2022, the book quickly reached its funding goal, reflecting the enduring interest in NOOKA's innovative approach. The first print run sold out, and a second edition [Hard cover only] is set to ship in November 2024, so more of us will be able to get ouir hands on one.Find more info here: https://www.nooka.com/nooka-book/

A motorcyclist riding through rainy weather might coat their visor with a water repellent spray. However, they then have to travel fast enough for wind resistance to blow their visor clear. At slower speeds, their visibility remains compromised.This Bikerguard invention, created by two engineers in Slovenia, is a remote-controlled wiper blade for motorcycle helmet visors. You do have to drive two screws through the top of your visor to attach the mounting base, and you can then pop the Bikerguard on and off as needed. A wireless remote control attaches to your bike's handlebars. The POV demonstration does seem convincing:The developers claim that motorcycle police bodies in Slovenia, Hungary and Germany "are in the process of evaluating BIKERGUARD for potential integration into their motorcycle fleet." In the meantime, they sell these online for 319 (USD $339) a pop. A three-pack of replacement wiper blades runs 25 (USD $27). I wouldn't be surprised if, in the future Oakley develops a visor for runners with one of these attached.

Dubbed the SMouse City Model, this modern dwelling adopts the aesthetic of a traditional shepherds hut. It is equipped with a compact yet comfortable interior, and is also available with optional off-the-grid updates. Shepherds huts are often used in the UK and France as resting spaces for farmers after working in the fields.They are also often used for home offices, tiny homes, and vacations houses. This dwelling is designed by Texas-based SMouse Tiny House Co., and it is supported by a double axle trailer, and features a length of 18 feet. The exterior comprises of white asphalt shingles and cedar shakes, topped by a curving roofline. An exterior storage box is also included.Designer: SMouse Tiny House Co.The interior of the home features a finishing of cork paneling. It is also equipped with a big window that allows natural light to stream in effortlessly. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the kitchen. The kitchen contains a two-burner electric cooktop, a microwave, fridge/freezer, a coffee machine, sink, and cabinetry. The living room is closely located, and it also functions as the main bedroom. This space includes a sofa bed that can be folded out into a double. It also contains a coffee table, TV, and loads of underfloor storage.The opposite end of the house includes the bathroom. The bathroom is compact and snug, featuring a shower, sink and bath. Besides the main sleeping area in the living room, this tiny home also accommodates a bedroom above the bathroom. It is a typical tiny house-style loft space with a double bed and low ceiling. This room can be accessed via a removable ladder.The home is priced at US$84,500, and it is up for rent on Airbnb. An off-the-grid model is also available which is equipped with solar panels, and a composting toilet, and on-board water tanks. The off-the-grid variant is priced at around US$94,500.The post Visually Unique Tiny Home Adopts The Form Of A Traditional Shepherds Hut With A Modern Twist first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wind chimes have a rather understated charm. They can have a very calming effect on you, helping keep anxiety and stress away but what if youre in an enclosed area? You couldnt possibly have a wind-chime in a room that doesnt receive any wind, right? Well, the folks at Fujitsu may have developed the first wind chime to work without windMeet the LIIN, an indoor wind chime that works autonomously by sensing outdoor wind. Designed to work in enclosed environments or in spaces with not much cross-ventilation, the LIINs chime works on cue as soon as you switch it on. In fact, think of it as the audio version of a sun-lamp. A sun-lamp mimics the sun in rooms without sunlight similarly, the LIIN mimics the auditory effects of a breeze, even when there isnt any.Designer: Fujitsu LimitedThe chime works in tandem with an outdoor sensor that detects wind speeds. Switch the chime on and an internal clapper swings gently, ringing against the outer glass bell cover, creating a graceful, pleasant sound. The entire device works on an automated pendulum motion, which goes fast or slow depending on the wind speeds outside. This means you could sit in a cushy air-conditioned office but still enjoy the musical effects of the outdoor breeze!A winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2024, the LIIN is Japanese minimalism at its finest. While most wind-chimes are inherently minimalist, this tabletop objet dart really does have an understated charm. The wooden base sports a simple geometric form that shows off the wood grain wonderfully. Brass elements like the clapper and the switch/knob on front contrast wonderfully against the wood, and the glass bell gives the overall product a light, see-through aesthetic. I imagine the sound produced by the borosilicate glass is just as zen-inducing too!The post This quaint Indoor Wind Chime automatically rings by sensing outdoor wind speeds first appeared on Yanko Design.