Warning: contains spoilers for The Mirror and the Light finale.Cromwell kept his composure and shrewdness until the last. Moments from his death, this master of government mastered himself to deliver a final speech the real meaning of which was a secret shared between him and us. Only we could see Wolsey in that scaffold crowd, and so only we understood that when Cromwell prayed heartily aloud for his masters forgiveness, he didnt mean Henry. Stripped of his titles, freedom and life, Cromwell ensured that his last words at least belonged to him and to Wolsey the only man he would ever call father.It was elegantly done, as was the death scene. Instead of seeing the axe fall, or hearing it connect while the horror played out across anonymous faces in the crowd, we heard the sound of a bee buzzing and were transported with Cromwell to Launde Abbey, his little heaven here on Earth. Its the place he told his daughter Jenneke that he wanted to retire when all his work is done, and where hed once imagined her waiting for him in the doorway. She wasnt waiting there in this version of the scene, presumably because this wasnt Cromwells imagination but his final reward.Was all Cromwells work done? Not by half, but his Reformation had lasting effect even during the post-Henry chop-and-change. Wouldnt you know, the former Lord Chancellor was dead right in that soothsaying speech to the vultures at the Tower of London after he was gone, the kings invasions of France and Scotland did drain the countrys coffers. Then, seven short years after Cromwell was killed, Henry died too.On the basis of this drama, good bloody riddance. On the basis of this drama, he should have been the last one ever crowned. Rulers who believe themselves to be Gods envoy on Earth, and who think their every magical wish deserves to be granted are dangerous entities, then and now. It leads to this lives being taken as casually as a sulking child flicks chess pieces off the board in a losing game.What was behind Henry wanting to hear Cromwells letter read aloud a second time? Not his conscience, but his vanity. The pleas for mercy were passed over in favour of a line about Henry living ever-young an idea that clearly appealed to him. However many magic rings Cromwell was rumoured to wear on his hand, he didnt have the power to turn this ageing, impotent, sclerotic king back into a robust roaring boy, which to Henry, was unforgivable. Oh well, Henry, perhaps marrying a teenager will help? No? Shame.Cromwells fate was sealed long before his arrest when Henrys ego was stung by his introduction to Anna of Cleves, or further back during Gardiner and Norfolks horse trading with the French. There was certainly no hope in what he interpreted as hopeful signs. Still, he went down fighting. That glorious 18-minute interrogation scene (eat your heart out, Line of Duty) of him facing his accusers and verbally delivering jabs, crosses and uppercuts to their every allegation was wonderful to watch. ( I cannot always wait for the slow grindings of your brain, my lord is going straight into my email signature) or it would have been if we could have shared his confidence that he still had a future to fight for.Read more Cromwell dominated his attackers, ably defending himself from accusations both ludicrous (the purple doublet, the enchanted ring, the receipt of a pair of gloves) and legitimate (the promise to Catherine, telling Call-Me hed take arms against the king, not succeeding in killing Pole). He missed no chance to threaten, undermine or twist the knife, and as a result, Call-Me looked as though he would vomit at any moment, while Richard Riche shrank to an ant faced with his terrifying former master bellowing LOOK AT ME mid-defence. If thered been a jury, Cromwell would have walked free, with a fat purse for damages.Alas, there was no jury because the verdict had already been decided. Cromwell only realised that when Rafe told him that his London home of Austin Friars was being dissolved, and as a result he was a different man in round two drained and defeated. The shift in tone even forced Norfolk to do something other than hold his nose at Cromwell and call him a plebby poo-pants (this hasnt been one of Timothy Spalls more nuanced performances), when he came out with that strikingly insightful point about Henry seeing them all as merely his hunting dogs. Gardiner too, dropped the schadenfreude for a second and feared for his own safety like a human being instead of a hissing snake.Even condemned, Cromwell still organised and instructed. Son Gregory and nephew Richard were to repudiate him to save themselves. A bruised and bloody Christophe was told not to fight. He even had words of encouragement for his executioner, from one axe-man to another. If dying bravely was his goal, then he achieved it.Crucially, Cromwell didnt die alone. As the birds sang on the morning of his execution, Wolsey returned and granted Thomas the mercy hed been refused by the king. Or perhaps Thomas conscience granted it to himself, depending on how you see the Cardinals apparitions. Either way, the accusation of betrayal that had undone him more than any allegation of treason against the king, was soothed. Well, I dare say daughters sometimes get things wrong, offered Wolsey.Perhaps that was the Light in this moribund episode. Since Dorotheas accusation, Cromwell has been his own painful Mirror reflecting on the man he is and the man he was. His conscience has been pricked by his past, hence those recurring night terrors. Now, hes made right with Wolseys ghost, and given the many parallels between his death and that of Anne Boleyn, maybe with his own life, hes paid his debt there too. The nightmares are over. Its his time to walk in the sweet, quiet air.All episodes of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Like any expression of style or aesthetic sensibility, interior design trends come and go. Right now we're in the grips of Gen Z's obsession with putting bows on everything; next year it will be something else. The trouble is that some of these trends don't go as fast as they came.We all have some skeletons in our wardrobe that remind us of the clothing fads we never should have indulged inand if you are an interior design professional, and you've been at it long enough, some of those skeletons are bound to show up in your living room too. So we asked six brave designers to tell us the design trends they look back on with regret. They stepped up and revealed what makes them cringealong with the styles and pieces that are so timeless, they never go out of style. Related StoriesFurniture Trends Designer Regret Taking Part InHead to Toe Midcentury Modernonurdongel//Getty Images Before you get miffed that midcentury modern furniture is on this list of regrets, just know that the two designers who said this both recognize that the MCM aesthetic has its placeas long as there are other elements mixed in. "About a decade ago, the resurgence of MCM design was everywhere, and for our generation, it felt somewhat nostalgic as we grew up with our grandparents' homes being MCM time capsules," Mark Schubert of Phillip Harrison Interiors says. However, the design market was oversaturated by the look. Vintage pieces were everywhere and then the aesthetic turned up in new collections by high-end and fast-furniture companies alike.Designer Allison Handler agrees. "As my style and aesthetic has evolved, I really cringe at going all in on this style/trend a few years back." However, she says that she'd still include midcentury modern pieces as long as she was able to mix in other design styles and transitional pieces, like warmer fabrics and textures, to soften the lines. Related StoryChevron-Patterned UpholsteryDaniel Cortez//Getty ImagesAnyone alive and coherent in the 2000s likely had a very close relationship with the chevron trend. Designer Amy Elbaum of AE Design sure remembers it. "Looking back on the trend, I completely regret the style because chevron is such a bold pattern and usually includes high-contrast colors that make this type of fabric tire very quickly over time due to its intensity," she explains. She also points out that chevron fabric doesn't easily transition into other design styles because it's such a modern and dominant pattern. Ikat FabricDaniel Cortez//Getty ImagesMikel Welch says that a trend he "dove into with full enthusiasm was Ikat fabric." No vintage piece he found was safe from reupholstery in this bold, intricate fabric. "Today, I cant help but cringe when I see photos of that phasethose loud, busy designs dont resonate with me anymore," he adds. With his more minimalist approach today, the Ikat material simply feels too chaotic and less sophisticated than his preferred aesthetic now. Buddha-inspired FurnitureCavan Images//Getty ImagesWelch adds that another trend he got swept up in early in his design career was Buddha-inspired furniture, including a red Buddha chair he used in a model home project. "Back then, I thought it was a cool, artistic statement, but I didnt fully understand the cultural weight behind it," he explains. "Reflecting on it now, I realize how shallow that choice was, and I cant help but laugh at how misguided it was." Welch parting ways with that project, which he recognizes was probably for the best. "It was a design choice that lacked depth and respect, and Ive learned so much from that experience." Cheap Chrome PiecesKwanchai_Khammuean//Getty ImagesDesigner Ali Budd looks back with regret on the phase in which she used low-quality chrome pieces in clients' homes. Rather than the general price of the items though, what bothers her the most now is the fact that they were typically knock-off versions of iconic furniture. "Its not about trendsits about integrity," she says. Over-the-Top Glam FurnitureVostok//Getty ImagesExcessively glam furniture pieces have fallen out of favor with designer Kristy Turner of Melanie Turner Interiors. "It used to be the go-to for adding instant luxury, but now it feels a bit dated and heavy-handed," she says. The over-the-top shine and ornamentation isn't in style anymorepeople are generally turning to more understated elegance instead, with sleek lines, natural materials, and a timeless vibe. Jewel-Toned Velvet SofasDaniel Cortez//Getty ImagesIt may be a bit controversial, but designer Alicia Held-Morris of Morris Lare Interior Design says that these once-beloved couches have not stood the test of time. "We love a good jewel-tone moment in the right interior, but not all velvets are created equal," she explains. "Some velvets, particularly cotton, crush easily, show wear rapidly, and dont hide any stains." Those issues combined with a rich tone shows every little bit of wear and tear. Button-Tufted Chesterfield SeatsBulgac//Getty ImagesWhile Held-Morris agrees that the Chesterfield sofa is beautiful and classic, the button-tufted versions are frankly a mess. "The button areas can get snagged easily, catch every little bit of dirt and dust, and arent that comfortable to sit on," she says. Rather than the button-tufted backs, she suggests a cushion instead, or putting a button-tufted version in a place that doesn't get a lot of traffic, like an entry hall or at the foot of a bed. And now for the pieces that will never go out of style:Natural MaterialsPatrick BillerBy Allison Willson.Mikel Welch calls out slipcovered sofas in natural fabrics, like linen, for their timelessness. "These pieces not only age well, but also add a sense of comfort and effortless elegance to any room," he says. Weathered WoodJulie SoeferBy Marie Flanigan.Wooden furniture with a natural patina are also on Welch's list of pieces that'll always be in style. As the wood ages, the furniture gains more character and charm, "making them just as relevant today as they were years ago," he adds. Neutral HuesAime MazzengaBy Wendy Labrum.Looking at the color wheel, Amy Elbaum explains that neutral tones and fabrics remain in style more consistently than other more saturated hues. "Having these kinds of pieces means you can evolve your aesthetic over time by changing out accessories, rugs, pillows, and art," she says. Neutral fabrics and color schemes can stand the tests of time better than brighter pieces. Quality antiquesMali Azima"There's something timeless about the craftsmanship and character they bring to a space," says Kristy Turner. From weathered wood to an authentic design, the history and charm of a vintage piece blend effortlessly with many types of contemporary decor. Related StoryHans Wegner Dining ChairsDesign Within Reach"These midcentury chairs are timeless not only for their beauty, but for their comfort," says Alicia Held-Morris. Hans Wegner's designs are simple yet sculptural wooden forms that are "engineering marvels," she says. They're practical, stylish, and comfortableis there anything more timeless than that? Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

With Apple Intelligence requiring an M1 chip or newer, its never been a better time to buy your first MacBook, or upgrade an older MacBook youre still holding on to. MacBooks are more affordable than ever in the Apple Silicon era, with the cheapest options starting below $700. Holiday deals make it a better time than ever to buy a new MacBook without blowing your bank account.M1 MacBook AirApple has launched 3 MacBook Airs since entering the Apple Silicon era, with the M1, M2, and M3 chips. The M1 MacBook Air still utilizes a more familiar wedge design from the Intel era, although a lot of users might prefer that.The M1 MacBook Air, despite being four years old, remains an excellent laptop for its price. It boasts blazing fast performance thanks to the M1 chip, a stunning retina display (though with thicker bezels compared to the newer MacBook Airs), a great keyboard, up to 18 hours of battery life, and it doesnt sound like an airplane thats about to take off when you open it in public.Since the M1 MacBook Air is the oldest on this list, its also the cheapest. One caveat with the M1 MacBook Air is that its harder to find new ones with more than 256GB of storage, so if you need a lot of storage, youll have to buy a newer Air. On the bright side, it does remain to be the only Apple Silicon MacBook to come in a proper Gold color.You can buy the M1 MacBook Air for as low as $649 at Walmart in all 3 colors: Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.13-inch MacBook Air (M1) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: $649 at WalmartM2 MacBook AirIn 2022, Apple introduced the redesigned MacBook Air with a thinner design, a bigger display with slimmer bezels, and reintroduced MagSafe. It also came in new Starlight and Midnight colors in addition to Silver and Space Gray, although Gold was no longer. If youre looking for a modern MacBook but also want to save money, this will be your best bet. Since its not the latest model anymore, it goes on sale quite frequently. Other than it being a little slower than the M3 models, its practically the latest and greatest. They can also come with double the RAM now, with 16GB of unified memory.Theres good deals for the M2 MacBook Air, starting at $749 with 256GB of storage and 8GB of Unified Memory from varying retailers up to $250 off! Models with 16GB are starting at $799.13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 8GB of memory: $749 at Best Buy13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $799 at Best Buy, $799 at AmazonM3 MacBook AirApple refreshed the MacBook Air earlier this year with the M3 chip, and this remains the latest model. It features the same design as the prior MacBook Air, just faster. It wont see an M4 refresh until sometime next year, although there are still some nice deals to look at here if you want the latest chipset. Right now, you can secure up to $250 off, and there are configurations available with 512GB of storage. There are also deals available on the 15-inch version of the M3 MacBook Air.13-inch models with M3 chip:13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $899 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1099 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)13-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1299 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)15-inch models with M3 chip:15-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1099 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1299 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)15-inch MacBook Air with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1499 at Amazon (requires on page coupon)14-inch MacBook ProApple redesigned the MacBook Pro in 2021 with a brand new 14-inch miniLED display with ProMotion, more ports (most notably an HDMI port and SD card reader), as well as bigger batteries and better thermals. It also gained a 1080p webcam for the first time. Although the 14-inch MacBook Pro isnt as affordable as the other MacBooks listed, if you want that amazing display and the extra ports, there are still some good deals to find.Theres two key versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro that well be highlighting, one with the M3 chipset, and the other with the M4 family of chips.The baseline M3 model starts with 8GB of memory, and lacks an extra USB-C port on the right side. While this is a decent compromise, its the cheapest way of getting Apples incredible miniLED display on a laptop.M4 models all start with at least 16GB of memory, and come with the full array of ports. They also feature a 12MP ultra wide camera for Center Stage, making FaceTime calls a lot more fun.Since the M3 model is no longer the latest and greatest, there are some good deals to be found, with up to $300 in savings available. There are also some nice discounts available on new M4 models already.M3 chip models:M3 MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 8GB of memory: $1299 at Best BuyM3 MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1499 at Best BuyM4 chip models:M4 MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1499 at Best BuyM4 MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage, 16GB of memory: $1649 at AmazonM4 Pro MacBook Pro with 512GB of storage, 24GB of memory: $1799 at Best Buy, $1799 at AmazonWhile this isnt a focus of the piece, if youre interested in a 16-inch MacBook Pro, Best Buy has a nice clearance deal on M3 Pro models, starting at $1999.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. 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According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal this morning, Apple is working on two new foldable devices for 2026 and beyond. The report also provides some details on the rumored ultra-slim iPhone 17 model.iPhone 17 Air detailsThe Wall Street Journal corroborated many of the key iPhone 17 Air details, calling it a bid to revive growth after many years of incremental upgrades. The details are as follows:Starting next year, Apple plans to introduce an iPhone that will be thinner than the approximately 8-millimeter profile of current models, said people familiar with the companys plans. The model is intended to be cheaper than Pro models, with a simplified camera system to reduce costs.Initially, many expected the iPhone 17 Air to be Apples most expensive iPhone, costing more than even the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, The Wall Street Journal is now reporting the contrary, stating that itll be cheaper than the Pro models.Currently, iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. This means that iPhone 17 Air could start around the same ~$900 price point as the iPhone 16 Plus that itll be replacing.According to The Wall Street Journal, the iPhone 17 Air will offer an alternative to consumers looking to pick up a sleeker phone and dont mind the compromises. Apple is definitely betting big on the ultra-thin form factor being visually appealing.New foldable devicesOn top of that, were expecting two new foldable devices, an iPhone, and a larger device intended to serve as a laptop. The larger device is expected to have a 19-inch display when unfolded, and largely falls in line with Bloomberg reporting from this morning. This device was initially expected to launch first, but apparently the foldable iPhone is taking priority.In their report, The Wall Street Journal stated that the foldable iPhone would unfold to a display size that would be larger than an iPhone 16 Pro Max, making the display at least 7 inches. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display.Apple was experimenting with displays that would be on the outside of the device when folding, but the company is now favoring an inward facing fold, similar to other devices on the market. The devices have been in development for quite some time, but Apple was facing issues with the hinge and display cover resulting in some delays.Apple executives have been pushing for a 2026 release for the foldable iPhone, though the company may need more time to get things just right.Are you looking forward to a foldable iPhone? Does the iPhone 17 Air sound appealing to you? Let us know in the comments.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Like many others, I recently fled the social media platform X for Bluesky. In the process, I started following many of the people I followed on X. On Thanksgiving, I was delighted to see a private message from a fellow AI reporter, Will Knight from Wired. Or at least thats who I thought I was talking to. I became suspicious when the person claiming to be Knight mentioned being from Miami, when Knight is, in fact, from the UK. The account handle was almost identical to the real Will Knights handle, and the profile used his profile photo. Then more messages started to appear. Paris Marx, a prominent tech critic, slid into my DMs to ask me how I was doing. Things are going splendid over here, he replied to me. Then things got suspicious again. How are your trades going? fake-Marx asked me. This account was far more sophisticated than Knights; it had meticulously copied every single tweet and retweet from Marxs real page over the past few weeks. Both accounts were eventually deleted, but not before trying to get me to set up a crypto wallet and a cloud mining pool account. Knight and Marx confirmed to us that these accounts did not belong to them, and that they have been fighting impersonator accounts of themselves for weeks. They are not the only ones. The New York Times tech journalist Sheera Frankel and Molly White, a researcher and cryptocurrency critic, have also experienced people impersonating them on Bluesky, most likely to scam people. This tracks with research from Alexios Mantzarlis, the director of the Security, Trust, and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech, who manually went through the top 500 Bluesky users by follower count and found that of the 305 accounts belonging to a named person, at least 74 had been impersonated by at least one other account. The platform has had to suddenly cater to an influx of millions of new users in recent months as people leave X in protest of Elon Musks takeover of the platform. Its user base has more than doubled since September, from 10 million users to over 20 million. This sudden wave of new usersand the inevitable scammersmeans Bluesky is still playing catch-up, says White. These accounts block me as soon as theyre created, so I dont initially see them, Marx says. Both Marx and White describe a frustrating pattern: When one account is taken down, another one pops up soon after. White says she had experienced a similar phenomenon on X and TikTok too. A way to prove that people are who they say they are would help. Before Musk took the reins of the platform, employees at X, previously known as Twitter, verified users such as journalists and politicians, and gave them a blue tick next to their handles so people knew they were dealing with credible news sources. After Musk took over, he scrapped the old verification system and offered blue ticks to all paying customers. The ongoing crypto-impersonation scams have raised calls for Bluesky to initiate something similar to Twitters original verification program. Some users, such as the investigative journalist Hunter Walker, have set up their own initiatives to verify journalists. However, users are currently limited in the ways they can verify themselves on the platform. By default, usernames on Bluesky end with the suffix bsky.social. The platform recommends that news organizations and high-profile people verify their identities by setting up their own websites as their usernames. For example, US senators have verified their accounts with the suffix senate.gov. But this technique isnt foolproof. For one, it doesnt actually verify peoples identityonly their affiliation with a particular website. Bluesky did not respond to MIT Technology Reviews requests for comment, but the companys safety team posted that the platform had updated its impersonation policy to be more aggressive and would remove impersonation and handle-squatting accounts. The company says it has also quadrupled its moderation team to take action on impersonation reports more quickly. But it seems to be struggling to keep up. We still have a large backlog of moderation reports due to the influx of new users as we shared previously, though we are making progress, the company continued. Blueskys decentralized nature makes kicking out impersonators a trickier problem to solve. Competitors such as X and Threads rely on centralized teams within the company who moderate unwanted content and behavior, such as impersonation. But Bluesky is built on the AT Protocol, a decentralized, open-source technology, which allows users more control over what kind of content they see and enables them to build communities around particular content. Most people sign up to Bluesky Social, the main social network, whose community guidelines ban impersonation. However, Bluesky Social is just one of the services or clients that people can use, and other services have their own moderation practices and terms. This approach means that until now, Bluesky itself hasnt needed an army of content moderators to weed out unwanted behaviors because it relies on this community-led approach, says Wayne Chang, the founder and CEO of SpruceID, a digital identity company. That might have to change. In order to make these apps work at all, you need some level of centralization, says Chang. Despite community guidelines, its hard to stop people from creating impersonation accounts, and Bluesky is engaged in a cat-and-mouse game trying to take suspicious accounts down. Cracking down on a problem such as impersonation is important because it poses a serious problem for the credibility of Bluesky, says Chang. Its a legitimate complaint as a Bluesky user that Hey, all those scammers are basically harassing me. You want your brand to be tarnished? Or is there something we can do about this? he says. A fix for this is urgently needed, because attackers might abuse Blueskys open-source code to create spam and disinformation campaigns at a much larger scale, says Francesco Pierri, an assistant professor at Politecnico di Milano who has researched Bluesky. His team found that the platform has seen a rise in suspicious accounts since it was made open to the public earlier this year. Bluesky acknowledges that its current practices are not enough. In a post, the company said it has received feedback that users want more ways to confirm their identities beyond domain verification, and it is exploring additional options to enhance account verification. In a livestream at the end of November, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber said the platform was considering becoming a verification provider, but because of its decentralized approach it would also allow others to offer their own user verification services. And [users] can choose to trust usthe Bluesky teams verificationor they could do their own. Or other people could do their own, Graber said. But at least Bluesky seems to have some willingness to actually moderate content on the platform, says White. I would love to see something a little bit more proactive that didnt require me to do all of this reporting, she adds. As for Marx, I just hope that no one truly falls for it and gets tricked into crypto scams, he says.

Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Isaach De Bankhol and AlessandroNivola.THE CINEMATIC EVENT OF THE YEAR Awardswatch ELECTRIFYING Vogue BRILLIANT Indiwire ASTONISHING USA Today VISIONARY Rolling Stone SPECTACULAR Film StageEscaping post-war Europe, visionary architect Lszl Toth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsbet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, Lszl settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren recognizes his talent for building. But power and legacy come at a heavycostWinner of the Silver Lion for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival, The Brutalist has also been nominated for 7 Golden Globes including Best Motion Picture(Drama).Shot in VistaVision widescreen format, the feature is divided into two chapters with an intermission in between, providing a wholly unique and immersive viewingexperience.ArchitectureNow hasthree double-passes to The Brutalist up for grabs. To enter, like ourInstagram post on18December 2024, comment and tag a friend. Good luck! The winner will be drawn at 3 pm, 19 December 2024. Open to New Zealand residentsonly.The BrutalistTrailer:Image: Courtesy of Universal PicturesComparative films include: The Architect, The Post, Tolkien and The Secrets WeKeep.Awards**Official Selection Venice Film Festival** **Winner of the Silver Lion for Best Directing Venice Film Festival** **Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival** **Official Selection New York Film Festival** **Winner Best Film, Best Actor, New York Film CriticsCircle**Nominatedfor 7 GoldenGlobesBest Motion Picture (Drama) Best Director Best Screenplay Best Original Score Best Male Actor (Drama) Best Supporting Female Actor Best Supporting MaleActorCourtesy ofUniversalPictures

Salaries have edged up this year but, with faltering workloads, rock-bottom fees and rising taxes on employers, experts fear they are unlikely to go any higher. Richard Waite looks at the latest data and what it says about the state of the profession It has been a year of small improvements but tougher times are loomingAt first sight, the findings from the latest architectural salary survey, shared exclusively with the AJ by compiler 9B Careers, seem rosy enough. With an average increase of 3.5 per cent, the professions pay is growing faster than UK inflation (currently 2.3 per cent). The across-the-board rise reported by the 2,700 respondents who completed the annual bellwether survey was also larger than in 2023, when salaries went up just 1.3 per cent on average.Source:9B CareersAverage percentage increase in salaries of architectural staff (in practice)Drilling down, a recently qualified architect can now expect to earn 42,850 4.2 per cent more than a year ago. But the latest increases dont look so upbeat seen in a longer-term context. That same architect, if their 2016 wages had kept up with inflation, should be earning 50,300.AdvertisementMeanwhile, an associate architect currently taking home 56,950 is missing out on nearly 15,000, compared with the inflation-tracked salary estimate.As Aga Szedzianis, an associate at DSDHA, wrote for the AJ earlier this month: This is not mere salary stagnation. This is a rapid salary decrease. Whats more, experts are predicting there will be little, if any, growth in pay next year.The profession is facing triple headwinds of unpredictable workloads, squeezed fees and extra practice burdens such as the new National Insurance contribution (NIC) regime for employers and, in particular, the fall in the threshold at which employers start paying NI on an employees salary, down from 9,100 to 5,000. Alex Shall, a partner at accounting and advisory firm Praxis, believes there will be very little growth in architects salaries in the medium term. He says: Having spoken with some [architect] clients, the general view is that practices were already finding the idea of offering a cost-of-living rise in line with inflation very challenging.Now, with an average increase of 2 per cent on the total cost of employing someone as a result of the NIC changes, it is likely that many employers will say there will no increase at all from April 2025, while others may limit the cost-of-living increase to 1 per cent as a way of sharing the pain.AdvertisementSalary levels are intertwined with practice income and the spectre of knockdown fees has risen again in recent weeks.Paul Chappell, recruiter 9B Careers founder and organiser of the survey, believes the fees issue, NIC increases (from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent) and recent redundancies will tilt salary negotiations in favour of the employer and that it would be surprising if salaries continued to grow at the same rate.David Green, former senior economist at the Bank of England and a director at Belsize Architects, agrees there has been relentless pressure on fees. In terms of workloads in 2025, he adds: While there should be increased expenditure from some potential clients, others, like local authorities, remain very stretched.It will take time before the reforms promised by government to unlock development become reality. Our expectation is that downward pressure on at least some salaries is not going to ease any time soon.The squeezed top and the left-behind apprenticesThe survey showed salary increases at almost every level, except for the most senior roles and apprentices. The average expected annual wage for architects with more than 21 years of experience actually dropped from 74,103 in 2023 to 72,969 in 2024. The pay for a woman in this category fell even more.Source:9B CareerAverage salary of those with more than 21 years experienceAn explanation for the top-end squeeze? Some practices are experiencing real financial difficulty. It is unsurprising that the most senior people are choosing to act to secure what in some cases may be the survival of the practice, Green suggests.At the other end of the scale, apprentices also seem to be losing out. Though the pool of apprentice respondents was smaller, it seems their salaries have stalled (or even dipped), especially compared with those doing the same work but who qualified through the traditional route. Emily Foster, programme manager at the Thornton Education Trust and recent graduate of the Level 6 architectural assistant apprenticeship, said: This data is worrying but, unfortunately, not surprising. While these figures arent true for all practices and the sample size is small, it reflects a broader problem of apprentices being particularly vulnerable to exploitation.This disproportionately affects those from lower socio-economic backgrounds who, ironically, chose the apprenticeship route so they would be more financially secure, while also gaining valuable experience.Men paid more at senior levels and unfair bonus handoutsIt has been noticeable and welcome how, over the nine years the survey has been running, the gender pay gap has steadily shrunk. There is now little difference between the salaries of men and women with up to 10 years of practice experience.However, there is a still a near-4,000 gender pay gap for those with 10-20 years experience. This rises to 10,000 at 21 years-plus remarkably, a significant widening of the 6,000 gap reported at this level in 2023. There is also a disparity between the bonuses received by female staff (41 per cent) and those of their male colleagues (48 per cent).Source:9B CareersAverage salaries for men versus women, comparing 2018, 2021 and 2024.This discrepancy has changed very little over the years, though the difference had shrunk to around 5 percentage points in 2020 (33 per cent and 38 per cent respectively).The salary survey findings come in the wake of new research into the talent retention of women in the built environment by the Circle Partnership, in collaboration with Cellence Plus and Laing ORourke. That study revealed women were discouraged by overtly competitive or ambitious behaviour, preferring to earn recognition through consistency, reliability, and quiet competence. It also found that women were more cautious and risk-averse when it comes to career and finance, which could be a key contributor to the ongoing gender pay gap.Sadly, there will be little opportunity to shrink this gap if, as feared, salaries dont change in the next 12 months however well-documented and understood the issues are.Source:9B CareersPercentage of men and women who have received bonus payments2024-12-13Richard Waitecomment and share

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Orvis RecoveryZone FleeceLock Lounger dog bed Best overall dog bed $116 at Orvis Bedsure dog bed Best dog bed for large dogs $24 at Amazon Nest bolstered pet bed Best dog bed for small dogs $99 at Nest Bedding Lay Lo dog bed Best stylish dog bed $119 at Lay Lo Lesure calming dog bed Best washable dog bed $30 at Amazon It's paramount that your dogs get good sleep. After all, restorative sleep is essential for humans, so it goes to reason that our pups need a comfy spot for quality sleep too. To keep them cozy, they deserve the best sheets, pillows, comforters and mattresses.Remember that every dog is different, so choose a bed that suits their needs. What works for one dog, may not work for another. For one thing, larger dogs need more space, and sleeping habits like posture matter too. Some dogs curl up tightly, while others stretch out fully -- consider your dog and how they sleep when buying. And dont forget to factor in practicality. Look for beds that are easy to clean. For example, a bed with a removable cover makes it simple to throw in the washing machine. Opt for materials that incorporate water-resistant liners, which protect it from spills, accidents and odors.Finding the right dog bed at stores like PetSmart can be tough. To help you, weve researched the best options. My black lab, Louie, has tested each bed. Below, you'll find our top recommendations and the types of dogs that will love them.Read More: 13 Necessities for New Dog OwnersWhat is the best dog bed overall? You can even choose to have your dog's name stitched into the bed. Caroline Igo/CNETThe best dog bed on the market right now comes from Orvis RecoveryZone series. While there are many in the collection to choose from, the FleeceLock Lounger dog bed is comfortable, durable and supportive. It's made with two pieces of solid foam -- a layer of Serene Foam that allows for airflow and a low-VOC CertiPUR-US foam base layer. On this bed, my dog has lots of space to either curl up or stretch out, and I know he's supported.Best dog beds of 2024 Caroline Igo/CNET Why we chose the Orvis RecoveryZone FleeceLock Lounger: Orvis is a dependable brand that offers premium-quality products, and its dog beds are no exception. Orvis line of RecoveryZone dog beds are designed to support your dog's joints and help elevate pressure points, just as our mattresses do for us. My dog was able to stretch out on this bed or curl up, securely. I love how soft the fleece is and how comfortable the bed is overall -- even to me. I think I could sleep on it if I had to.The cover is removable and can be easily washed. It also comes with an add-on for personalization, meaning you can get your pets name stitched into the front. Under the cover is a sturdy base of two layers of foam. One layer is an inch of Serene Foam that helps keep your dog temperature-neutral. The second layer is four inches of low-VOC CertiPUR-US foam that acts as a supportive base. It's firmer than the top layer and makes the bed more durable. Although the price tag of this bed is daunting, I think the bed is built to last for years and years -- and it comes with Orvis Great Catch Guarantee.Not sure which Orvis bed is right for your dog? Try the Orvis Dog Bed Selector quiz.Pros:Machine-washable cover and optional personalizationTemperature-regulatingPatented FleeceLock that doesnt pull, pill or leave bare spotsCons:Expensive $116 at Orvis Caroline Igo/CNET Why we chose the Bedsure Dog Bed: If you're looking for a dog bed that's the perfect size for your big dog, the Bedsure dog bed is a great choice. It comes in eight different sizes (and 10 colors). With that many choices, you should be able to find a bed that's wide enough and long enough for your pup. Larger dogs can sometimes require more expensive beds, so the Bedsure dog bed is a great value. The XXL size is still under $100 -- you cant say that about a lot of pet brands. Another great feature is how well these beds fit in crates. The 36 by 27-inch size is perfect for my 75-pound dog and his kennel.The Bedsure dog bed has a removable cover that's machine washable. One side is soft Sherpa fleece, perfect for cold weather, and the other is a textile that wont heat up during the summer. The bed gets its shape from 3-inch egg crate foam that cradles your dogs pressure points. If you think this bed is too thin for your older dog's joints, there are also 3.5-inch and 4-inch foam options.Pros:Washable coverEgg crate foam for pressure-reliefTwo-sided design for all seasonsCons:On the thinner sideOnly one layer of foam $24 at Amazon Caroline Igo/CNET Why we chose the Nest bolstered pet bed: This disc-like bed is perfect for small and medium dogs and those who care for the environment. Its bolstered along all sides, making it a perfect bed for dogs to nestle into. Its also made with a recycled fill, the only dog bed on this list thats extremely eco-friendly. It's similar to a bean bag chair -- your dog can nestle up into a ball and get cozy.Although the Nest bolstered pet bed is available in only one color and three sizes (small, medium and large), the first two sizes are perfect for dogs under 50 pounds. My 75-pound pup nestled into the large size, but his paws did spill over the edge. I wouldnt recommend this bed for dogs larger or heavier than mine. Smaller dogs that love to sleep in a donut position will love this bed. The Nest pet bed is also machine-washable. Pros:100% green waste recycled plastic fillMade with durable, breathable canvas cotton fabricTwo-year warrantyCons:Available in only three sizes: small, medium and largeNot for older dogs that need extra support $99 at Nest Bedding Caroline Igo/CNET Why we chose the Lay Lo dog bed: If you're worried about your pets bed sticking out like a sore paw when it comes to your decor and room design, there are now dog beds made with you in mind. Lay Lo specializes in stylish dog beds that look good and keep your pet comfy. Each modernly designed cover is dig-proof, removable and machine-washable. The orthopedic insert is a combination of poly support foam and a soft polyfill. It's firm and supportive.Lay Lo is unique in that it also offers just single covers. The company encourages you to find old clothes, pillows or bedding to fill the cover with. Instead of buying a whole new pet bed, you can revamp an old one or get more use out of old pillows. I think this is a really cool concept that helps to reduce waste.Pros:Removable, washable coverAround 27 different patternsDig-proof, chew-proof and accident-resistantCons:On the expensive side $119 at Lay Lo Caroline Igo/CNET Why we chose the Lesure calming dog bed: This unique beds flower design has your dog curling up in the middle, amid the pedals. Like the Orvis and Bedsure beds, this product is made with soft, Sherpa-like polyester. While it isnt as soft as Orvis FleeceLock, this bed is completely covered with fuzzy material that's quite cozy -- or at least, thats what my dog thought. This was one of his favorites to curl up into. He sometimes likes to sleep in a donut position, and this bed was the perfect size for him.The Lesure calming dog bed comes in seven different colors and four sizes. My 75-pound dog fits into the largest size, but I cant imagine it being suitable for any dog bigger than him. This bed is best for medium to slightly larger than medium dogs. The best part is that the entire bed can go into the washing machine (so make sure your washing machine is big enough).Pros:Available in seven colors and four sizesVery affordableMade with plush polyester and has an anti-slip bottomCons:Stuffing can become lumpy and unevenNot for older dogs that need extra support $30 at Amazon Best dog beds of 2024 compared Dog bed PriceTrial periodWarrantyOrvis RecoveryZone dog bed $155See Orvis Great Catch guaranteeSee Orvis Great Catch guaranteeBedsure dog bed $2530 daysSee BedsureNest bolstered pet bed $9930 days2 yearsLay Lo dog bed $12030 days1 year, limitedLesure calming dog bed $30See LesureSee Lesure How we tested dog beds Caroline Igo/CNETCNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.The best dog beds were examined similarly to how we test mattresses at CNET. My dog and I assessed key factors like firmness, feel and performance. We also considered price, durability, support, washability, size and design. I tested how strong the beds were by having my dog roll around on each. The feel was tested by having both myself and my dog lie on the bed. Lastly, overall performance was based on what my dog gravitated toward. If he couldnt move the bed around enough to sit down comfortably, it wasnt going to be a good bed for any pet.I ensured that each dog bed on our best list is machine washable, made with quality materials to help comfort dogs, and is of great value. The selected beds come with free shipping and free or low-cost returns.What to look for in a dog bedIf you're searching for the finest dog bed for your best four-legged friend, here's everything you need to keep in mind.FirmnessAlthough you dont want a bed that's hard as a rock, you should look for one that's supportive enough -- especially if you have an older dog or a pet with arthritis. A top layer of support or softer foam is always a plus, as long as the base of the bed is sturdy and supportive enough. If you have an older dog, you dont want a fluffy bed that they can sink into. A fluffier bed is more suitable for puppies and younger dogs.Materialand fill optionsThe material used in a dog bed determines the price, firmness, durability and overall look of the bed. If you're looking for a cheaper bed, one made of polyester is the way to go. It might not look as nice as others, but it's affordable and fluffy. Dog beds made with foam are good for pressure relief and often last longer than those stuffed with various fillings.Size and shapeYour dogs size and sleeping position help determine which dog bed is best. My black lab, Louie, weighs about 75 pounds, and he requires a dog bed that's long and wide enough because he likes to sleep on his stomach, with all four paws stretched out. Large, rectangular beds are best for dogs like him. If you have a smaller dog that likes to sleep in a donut position, then a small, disclike bed may be a great fit.BudgetWhen shopping for the best dog bed, stick to your budget. Some beds out there can get way too expensive. If your young dog normally sleeps on the hard floor and doesnt have any arthritis issues, theres no need to get a pricey bed. Amazon has lots of great-value dog beds, such as the Lesure calming bed and the Bedsure dog bed. Best dog beds FAQs What kind of bed is best for dogs? The best kind of bed for your dog is determined by your pets size, sleeping position and possible health considerations. If your older dog has arthritis, then you need to find a bed that's firmer and supportive. If you have a smaller puppy, theres no need to spend a lot of money on a bed that they'll outgrow. An affordable, fluffy bed that they can cozy into (and that can be washed) might be best. Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds? Older dogs, especially with older joints, might prefer a firmer, more supportive bed. Puppies oftentimes will like softer beds they can burrow into. You should consider firmness, materials, size, shape and your budget when looking for the best dog bed for your pet. Do dogs prefer round or rectangular beds? Some dogs like round beds because they can sleep in a donut position comfortably. Other dogs, like my own, like to sleep on their stomachs, and round beds dont allow them to do that.

Yes, The Witcher 4's Ciri has been recast"We believe she truly brought Ciri to life in a way that is both faithful to the character and exciting for fans."Image credit: CD Projekt News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Dec. 15, 2024 Yes, the rumours are true - CD Projekt Red has indeed recast The Witcher 4's Ciri.Whilst originally it only sounded as though the character's original actor, Jo Wyatt, had been replaced in Witcher 4's reveal trailer, the development studio has now confirmed it.The Witcher IV Cinematic Reveal Trailer | The Game Awards 2024.Watch on YouTube"Ciara Berkeley was cast as Ciri for The Witcher 4 cinematic reveal trailer," the studio said in a statement to TheGamer."Ciara is a talented actress who impressed us with her enthusiasm and vocal acting skills, and in this trailer we believe she truly brought Ciri to life in a way that is both faithful to the character and exciting for fans of the series."The studio did not expand on why Berkeley had been brought in to replace Wyatt, but did confirm to press that Berkeley wasn't only brought in for the trailer, but will portray Ciri in the full game, too.No, your ears were not deceiving you about Geralt, either. That was definitely Geralt voice actor Doug Cockle popping up at the end of the Witcher 4's reveal trailer, and yes, the white-haired monster hunter will absolutely feature in some way in the upcoming game.While many had assumed as much - let's be honest, it is hard to miss the gravelling tones of Cockle's Geralt - developer CD Projekt has now officially confirmed what we all thought.