From Council Bluffs to Iowa City, these are the best providers of internet in Iowa.

Coop Home Goods Body Pillow Best overall $79 at Amazon Sharper Image Full Support Body Pillow Best body pillow for side sleepers $140 at Sharper Image Queen Rose Classic U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow Best U-shaped body pillow $47 at Amazon Leachco Back 'N Belly Chic Supreme Best body pillow for back pain $110 at Amazon Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Body Pillow Best cooling body pillow $89 at Amazon Parachute Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert Best full body pillow $80 at Parachute Home PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow Best maternity body pillow $50 at Amazon Plow & Hearth Black Bear Plush Cuddle Animal Body Pillow Best body pillow for kids (or the kid in you) (update: currently out of stock) $130 at Plow & Hearth A body pillow, sometimes called a maternity pillow, isn't just for expectant mothers. In fact, these larger long pillows can provide extra support, protecting against shoulder pain and providing back support. If you want to improve your sleep quality, try a body support pillow from our list.There are a ton of options on the market if you're looking to buy a body pillow. Just like a bed pillow, body pillows come with varying fills (including shredded foam and polyester fiber), shapes and support levels. Given the number of options out there, finding the best body pillow for you can be quite a task. If you're not settled on a single one, you can get multiple pillows based on your favorite sleeping position or limitations that cause neck pain.To help you decide, I've rounded up some of the best body pillows for full-body support, pressure relief and a good night's sleep. We've included something for everyone, including body pillows with down alternative fills, cooling covers and detachable extensions.Read more:Best Full Mattresses Coop Home Goods The Coop Home Goods Body Pillow is the standout choice for several reasons. It's filled with a hypoallergenic combination of memory foam and microfiber that are cut into little pieces for ultimate adjustability and shapeability. To find your ideal comfort level, you can open the zippered cover and remove as much -- or as little -- foam as you want.Everything is packaged in an ultra-breathable Lulltra fabric (as Coop Home Goods calls it), which is a combination of polyester and rayon made from bamboo that's super comfy and lightweight, so you don't feel too hot when you're cuddling your pillow. With a 100-night sleep trial and a five-year limited warranty, the purchase is practically risk-free. Sharper Image If you're a side sleeper, or you like to relax on your side while you watch TV, the Full Support Body Pillow from Sharper Image is the choice for you. It's 10 feet long, but the U-shape design minimizes its overall footprint and allows you to twist it and shape your body around it any way you want.It's designed to promote proper alignment of your back, neck, hips and spine while you lounge, while also alleviating pressure in these areas. The hypoallergenic polyester fill is also resistant to clumping, so the body pillow retains its shape well, even if you're using it for some serious nighttime cuddling. $140 at Sharper Image Queen Rose While technically classified as a pregnancy pillow, this Queen Rose U-shaped pillow is a top-of-the-line body pillow for all. It has an extra-wide top surface that fully supports your head when lying down or can be propped up to act like a backrest for reading or watching TV.The zippered cover and adjustable polyfill allow you to remove stuffing to make it firmer or softer, depending on what you need at any given time. The cover is removable and machine-washable, so it's easy to clean when you feel like things are starting to get a little funky. $47 at Amazon Leachco If you're on the hunt for a body pillow for back pain, Leachco's got you covered with the Back 'N Belly Chic Supreme. While this body pillow is also marketed toward pregnant women, the contoured, body-hugging design helps alleviate pressure for anyone. In addition to offering extra support for your back, it also has a natural curved shape near the top that supports your neck and shoulders to help with proper spinal alignment.The design makes it especially great if you toss and turn from side to side during the night. The inner contours on both sides follow the natural shape of your body so you don't have to adjust too much to get the right fit or positioning as you move. Amazon If just thinking about cuddling up next to a full-length body pillow at night is enough to make you work up a sweat, you need the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Body Pillow. Made with an extra-breathable micro vented cover that combines mostly bamboo and polyester, this is one of the best body pillows for hot sleepers.Not only does it stay cool -- and keep you cool -- all night by distributing and releasing heat, but it's hypoallergenic, dust mite-resistant and eco-friendly so you can breathe easily while sleeping soundly. The shredded memory foam fill is also nontoxic and certified by CertiPUR-US, so there's no concern about any off-gassing like with other memory foam. $89 at Amazon Parachute Home The Parachute Down Alternative Body Pillow Insert combines comfort with luxury. It's made from super-fine, hypoallergenic microfiber that closely resembles the plushness and the cozy warmth that you get from down. Everything is nicely packaged in a soft 100% cotton shell that's machine-washable, as long as you use the delicate cycle.One thing to note is that this body pillow doesn't come with a cover, so you'll have to purchase one separately (if you want one), but Parachute offers four neutral, desert-inspired options that you can change as your style changes. $80 at Parachute Home Amazon With its U-shaped design, detachable extension and polyfill blend that holds its shape, the PharMeDoc Pregnancy Pillow provides support for your back, hips, knees, neck and head to help alleviate pain and discomfort during pregnancy and beyond. You can use the pillow as-is for full body support or remove the detachable portion to give yourself more space or prop up a book or tablet when you want to sit upright.It also comes with a zippered travel bag so if you need to take it with you on the go -- or to the hospital when it's time to welcome your little one -- it's easy and less cumbersome than others. $50 at Amazon Plow & Hearth Whether you call it a body pillow or an enormous stuffed animal, this pick from Plow & Hearth is the best body pillow for kids and/or young-at-heart adults. Aside from being adorable, the oversized pillow is ideal for sleeping, lounging and/or lying on to read. It's filled with polyester stuffing and covered in faux fur that's soft and plush to the touch, but also dense and built to withstand the most serious cuddling.If bears don't really do anything for you, there are also other animal shapes including a fox, a labrador retriever, a fawn, a cow and a koala. For each of these body pillows sold, Plow & Hearth will donate $1 to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, a no-kill organization that offers shelter and care to animals in need. $130 at Plow & Hearth How we testCNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. They tested these body pillows by spending a significant time sleeping with each one, and looked at key qualities like firmness, feel and comfort.Body pillow FAQs How do I choose a body pillow? You should choose a body pillow based on your specific needs and preferences. C-shaped pillows provide support for your head, neck and knees. U-shaped pillows take up more space but offer ample support for the neck, back, head, knees and the front of your body. A straight pillow can also relieve pressure between the knees and improve back alignment, but it won't support the whole body like a U-shaped pillow. Is it good to sleep with a body pillow? Yes. Body pillows can help relieve back pain, promote a properly aligned spine, improve blood circulation and aid in supporting the body during a woman's pregnancy. Depending on the pillow you choose, it can support your head and neck, while at the same time, relieving pressure between the knees and joints. What's is the best body pillow? We named the following as best body pillows:Coop Home Goods Body PillowPlow & Hearth Black Bear Plush Cuddle Animal Body PillowPharMeDoc Pregnancy PillowParachute Down Alternative Body Pillow InsertSnuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Body PillowLeachco Back 'N Belly Chic SupremeQueen Rose Classic U-Shaped Pregnancy PillowSharper Image Full Support Body Pillow

(Photo credit: Adobe Stock)A new study has found that most social media users share links without clicking on them first, relying only on headlines and short summaries. The analysis, which examined over 35 million public Facebook posts, found that around 75% of shares occurred without users engaging with the full content. Notably, political contentespecially from both extremes of the ideological spectrumwas more likely to be shared without being clicked than neutral content. The findings have been published in Nature Human Behavior.The researchers aimed to understand how and why people share content on social media without reading it first. Social media platforms thrive on sharing, a behavior that drives engagement and allows content to go viral. However, the ease and speed of sharing mean users often act impulsively, spreading links based on superficial cues like headlines or the number of likes. This behavior can inadvertently contribute to the dissemination of misinformation, particularly in the political sphere. Previous research has suggested that people often form opinions from short snippets, creating an illusion of knowledge without truly understanding the content.The inspiration for our research is in understanding the phenomenon of sharing, which in my mind is the single most influential action on social media. Not only does sharing result in the multiplicative effect of information spreading through networks of individuals, it has in recent years fueled the epidemic of online misinformation, said corresponding author S. Shyam Sundar, Evan Pugh University Professor and the James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects at Penn State.I have been interested in fellow online users acting as de facto communication sources ever since my dissertation back in 1995. With sharing features of social media, the ability of ordinary people to serve as sources of news and public affairs information has dramatically increased. What most people do not realize is that their friends and family on social media do not have the journalistic training to vet facts and double-check them before disseminating. We tend to be swayed by whatever they share.In my lab group, we have long been interested in studying how deeply online users process information, how much thought they put into what they read and forward on social media and mobile phones, Sundar told PsyPost. So, when the opportunity arose to study sharing on a large scale with the URL Shares dataset released by Meta, which is the largest social science dataset ever assembled, we were obviously interested in exploring the sheer the volume of the phenomenon of sharing without clicking, which is an indicator of the superficiality of information processing.To investigate this phenomenon, the team analyzed a massive dataset provided by Facebooks collaboration with Social Science One. The dataset included billions of interactions with over 35 million URLs shared on Facebook from 2017 to 2020. The team focused on the top 4,617 domains (such as CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times) and 35 million URLs shared on Facebook during this four-year period.The researchers examined two main areas: the frequency of shares without clicks and the patterns of political content sharing. The data were separated into political and non-political content using a machine learning classifier trained to identify politically relevant keywords. Political content included URLs tied to elections, candidates, and other partisan topics, while non-political content ranged from entertainment to general news.The team analyzed users sharing behaviors across different political leaningsliberal, neutral, and conservativeand examined whether users ideological alignment with the content influenced their likelihood of sharing it without clicking. They also looked specifically at fact-checked URLs to identify patterns in the spread of misinformation.Across all 35 million URLs analyzed, approximately 75% of shares occurred without the users clicking on the link to view its full content. This trend was even stronger for political content, particularly at the ideological extremes. The spread of misinformation was particularly concerning. Fact-checked URLs identified as false were more likely to be shared without being clicked than true content.A key takeaway is that most of the shared links we encounter in Facebook are shared without first being read by the person sharing them, Sundar explained. This tells us that social media users and simply glancing at the headline and the blurb when deciding to blast a news link to their networks. Such dissemination can have a multiplicative effect and result in rapid spread of information to millions of folks online. This can result in vitality of misinformation, spreading fake news and conspiracy theories.The researchers observed another clear pattern: the more politically extreme the content, the more likely it was shared without being clicked. This trend held true for users across the political spectrum. In other words, whether content was strongly liberal or conservative, it attracted more superficial sharing compared to neutral content.Users were more likely to share content that aligned with their political beliefs. For example, liberals were more likely to share left-leaning content without clicking, while conservatives were more likely to share right-leaning content. This suggests that users rely on headlines that confirm their existing biases, potentially bypassing the need to engage with the full content.The more politically extreme the content is, the more it is shared without being clicked upon first, Sundar told PsyPost. This is true for both extreme left and extreme right. As we know, there tends to be a lot of strong opinions and biased commentary on the extremes of the political spectrum. As such, there is more scope for fake news and conspiracy theories masquerading as legitimate news in politically extreme news domains.In the dataset we accessed, there were 2,969 URLs that were fact-checked by a third party and determined to be false. The vast majority of these links were from conservative news domains and so unsurprisingly, we found that conservatives were five times more likely than liberals to share these links, most often without clicking on them and reading the false stories first. This suggests that if politically partisan users see a headline that seems aligned with their political ideology, they will readily share the story without bothering to verify if it is really true.The study highlights a concerning trend in how social media users interact with content. But it does have limitations. The analysis relied on aggregated data, meaning the researchers could not observe individual users behaviors directly. Some shares without clicks might still reflect deliberate actionsfor example, resharing familiar content without revisiting it.Additionally, the study focused only on Facebook, so it remains unclear whether similar patterns exist on other platforms like Twitter or Instagram. Future research could explore these behaviors on a broader scale and examine how different devices, such as mobile phones versus computers, influence users sharing habits.The researchers suggest that these findings have significant implications for both social media platforms and users. Social media interfaces could be redesigned to encourage more deliberate sharing. For instance, platforms could implement prompts reminding users to read an article before sharing it or provide indicators showing whether a link has been clicked. These interventions could reduce the spread of misinformation and promote more thoughtful engagement with news content.If platforms implement a warning that the content might be false and make users acknowledge the danger in doing so, that might help people think before sharing, Sundar said.The study, Sharing without clicking on news in social media, was authored by S. Shyam Sundar, Eugene Cho Snyder, Mengqi Liao, Junjun Yin, Jinping Wang, and Guangqing Chi. Social Media Digital maturity is associated with greater social connectedness among teensDigitally mature teens report feeling more socially connected, which is associated with engaging with real-life friends online and prioritizing compassionate goals. Read moreDetails Developmental Psychology Reducing screen time boosts childrens mental health and prosocial behaviors, study findsReducing leisure screen time for two weeks improved childrens mental health by decreasing emotional and peer-related difficulties while boosting positive social behaviors, highlighting the benefits of taking short breaks from screen media use. Read moreDetails Mental Health Internet use linked to better mental health for older adultsInternet use among adults aged 50 and older is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-reported health, with benefits varying by frequency, duration, and individual or cultural factors. Read moreDetails Racism and Discrimination Groundbreaking hate universe study reveals links to billions in mainstream communitiesDuring the 2020 U.S. election, online hate networks became more interconnected and reached billions in mainstream communities, spreading hate speech further and strengthening their structure through shared content and interactions. Read moreDetails ADHD Beware of #adhdtest: Inaccurate ADHD content is dominating TikTok, study findsA recent study found 92% of TikToks #adhdtest videos were misleading, attracting nearly all user engagement, while accurate content struggled to gain attention, highlighting the platforms role in spreading misinformation. Read moreDetails Autism YouTubes role in shaping autism perceptions explored in new studyYouTube videos on autism primarily provide educational content with balanced perspectives, reducing stigmatization, though viewer comments often remain negative. This highlights YouTubes dual role in improving understanding while revealing persistent public misconceptions. Read moreDetails Social Media People who engage in doomscrolling are more likely to also engage in celebrity worshipA study found that doomscrolling and celebrity worship are linked across cultures, with both behaviors associated with increased anxiety and reduced well-being, suggesting they may reflect shared psychological challenges in media consumption. Read moreDetails Racism and Discrimination Racial bias in social media connections crosses political lines, study findsIn a field experiment on Twitter, researchers discovered that both liberal and conservative users were less likely to follow back Black accounts compared to White ones, challenging common assumptions about political differences in racial bias. Read moreDetails

In BriefPosted:12:42 PM PST December 22, 2024Image Credits:Chip Somodevilla / Getty ImagesTrump says he wants to keep TikTok around for a little whileWith a US TikTok ban scheduled to take effect in less than a month, President-elect Donald Trump said Sunday that hed like to keep the app around, according to Reuters.Were going to have to start thinking because, you know, we did go on TikTok, and we had a great response with billions of views, billions and billions of views, Trump told supporters at an event in Phoenix, Arizona. They brought me a chart, and it was a record, and it was so beautiful to see, and as I looked at it, I said, Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while.Trump reportedly met with TikToks CEO on Monday and said afterward that he has a warm spot in his heart for the app.President Joe Biden signed a bill in April that requires TikToks parent company ByteDance to sell the short-form video app by January 19 of next year (one day before Trump takes office) or else see it banned.ByteDance is fighting the bill in court, and the Supreme Court has agreed hear arguments on January 10.Topics

The Sennheiser Accentum earbuds are a best in class for their price. Jack Wallen/ZDNETWhat's the deal?The Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Earbuds have received a 35% discount on Amazon. At the time of this writing, you can purchase the pair for $130 in either black or white.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds are available on Amazon for $199.These earbuds offer brilliant, rich sound with all-day comfort and excellent active noise canceling.However, they only get around eight hours of playtime (with ANC off).I've been a fan of Sennheiser for a long time, starting decades ago when I bought one of my first audiophile-grade headphones. I loved their high-quality sound and appreciated the engineering that went into a well-made pair of headphones. Since then, however, that relationship has seen its share of ups and downs.Also:The best noise-canceling earbuds: Expert tested and reviewedOne instance involved a less-than-stellar pair of earbuds that offered tinny, hollow sound, too-delicate wires, and lack of substance. But that didn't sour my opinion of the company because every time they hit a home run, it is so far out of the park that the ball is forever lost. details View at Amazon Such is the case with the Accentum True Wireless earbuds. When I opened the package and flipped the lid on the clamshell case, my first impression was that they looked sleek, but there wasn't really anything that stood out design-wise.Then, I connected them to my Pixel 8 Pro and launched "Analog Kid" by Rush, my go-to tune when I test earbuds, earphones, and speakers. It took me eight measures to realize Sennheiser had done it again. These earbuds are just fantastic.More on that in a bit. First, the specs:Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless earbuds tech specsDriver type: 7mm dynamicFrequency response: 5 Hz - 21 KHzSensitivity: 107 dBSpeaker THD: <0,08% (1 kHz / 94 dB)Hybrid noise-canceling circuitry with dual micsTransparency mode to hear external soundsBluetooth 5.3 (with LE audio and Auracast support)aptX, LC3, ACC, SBC decodingIP54 water resistant (earbuds only)Six hours of continuous playback with noise canceling on (eight hours with noise canceling off) and an additional 20 hours from the charging caseWireless charging supportWeight: 0.5 ozI compare every pair of earbuds I test to the Denon PerL Pro, which is still the best-sounding pair I've heard to date, and sells for around $350. Given that the Accentum buds cost roughly $150 less, it was a safe bet they wouldn't stand up to the PerL Pro.They did.I'm not going to say they beat the PerL Pro on every level, but this was as close as any I've tested. The Accentum earbuds offer deep, rich sound with a soundstage to best any earbud at this price point.Also: These $80 earbuds changed my mind about low-cost headphonesUsually, with similarly priced earbuds, I have to install the companion app on my phone to adjust the EQ to get them to achieve a sound profile that accommodates my taste. With the Accentum buds, the default sound was fantastic. They reproduced just the right mixture of lows, mids, and highs to create a state of aural bliss. And no matter what piece of music I threw at these earbuds, they didn't blink and produced smooth and beautiful noise for my ears to enjoy."Analog Kid" by Rush sounded agile, with beautiful separation and tone."Halcyon and On" by Orbital was heavenly."Kingdom" by Devin Townsend was as brutal and dynamic as a prog metal song can be."Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber was just the right amount of heartbreak and zero distortion at the end of the first movement (which is a feat)."The Road Home" by Stephen PaulusI could close my eyes and feel as if I were right there before the choir.I can't praise the sound produced by these earbuds enough. But that wasn't the only thing to catch my attention. If there's one area where the Accentum earbuds outrank the Denon PerL Pro, it's comfort.Also: This small Bluetooth speaker is secretly a powerhouse with room-shaking audioThe Accentum earbuds fit perfectly, and can be worn for extended periods of time without issue. Because of how the Denon earbuds fit, they can put slight pressure on the back of the ear after an hour or two, so I only wear them when I know I'm having a short listening session. On the other hand, the Accentum buds have a natural and relaxed fit, and they feel as comfortable when you take them out as they did when you first put them in.As far as the noise canceling is concerned, I didn't bother testing the transparency mode because the ANC on these earbuds is fantastic. As soon as the music started playing, all sounds were drowned out and it was just me and the tunes. This ANC beats every pair of earbuds I've tested to date (even the Pixel Buds Pro).ZDNET's buying adviceIf you're choosy about how your earbuds' sound and are looking for an unrivaled fit, the Sennheiser Accentum earbuds are the way to go. At a price considerably lower than other earbuds with this high-quality sound, you cannot beat these.Yes, you can certainly find earbuds that sound a bit better than the Accentum buds, but you'll likely be paying at least $100 more for them. If that's not in your budget, you won't be sacrificing much with the Accentum earbuds, and there's no denying these are the most comfortable earbuds out there.Also:I tested Sennheiser's new mid-range headphones and they're so close to perfectThe Accentum buds' only drawback is their battery life. Eight hours is on par with other premium earbuds, but I'd like to squeeze out a little more juice. Still, I'll take an entire day's worth of battery life in exchange for great sound, high-performing noise-canceling tech, and all-day comfort.Featured reviews

Research reveals that certain actions can make you strongly second-guess your relationship, ... [+] propelling you towards divorce.gettyRelationships need to be nurtured, and when they arent, the effects are clear. They thrive on love, intentionality and support, but begin to wither away with neglect.A 2022 study published in Evolutionary Psychology examined these effects and found six primary behaviors that can drive couples to divorce. Alongside the deeply hurtful acts of infidelity, abusive behavior and a lack of personal effort to keep the spark alive, there were three actions that stood out as most harmful to a relationship.Here are the top three behaviours that can irreparably damage a relationship, according to the study.1. When A Partner Is Not CaringParticipants of the study felt that the most harmful behavior in a relationship is a lack of care. This includes acts of neglect, indifference and emotional disconnection, such as:Failing to show interest in a partners feelings or the relationship.Neglecting to spend quality time together.Ignoring a partners needs, preferences or opinions.Taking the partner for granted and failing to express appreciation.Evading emotional or physical intimacy.When one partner feels unseen or undervalued, it can lead to profound feelings of loneliness and resentment. A study published in the Journal of Divorce & Remarriage involving divorcing parents in the U.S. corroborates this, highlighting how insufficient attention from a spouse is a frequent reason for divorce.Neglect also signals a reduced commitment to the relationship, leaving the affected partner sometimes questioning their worth and the future of the marriage. In contrast, when a partner is perceived as caring, responsive and validating, it can enhance relationship satisfaction and strengthen the bond significantly.2. When A Partner Doesnt Treat Your Children WellAnother deeply damaging behavior is when a partner mistreats shared children or fails to fulfill their parental responsibilities. This can include the following:MORE FOR YOUNeglecting to spend time with the children.Exhibiting inappropriate or abusive parental behavior.Undermining the other parents authority or decisions.People worry more about an abusing partner physically harming their children, who are more vulnerable than them, the researchers write.From an evolutionary perspective, the well-being of children is paramount, and is one of the primary reasons why partners choose to be together. Consequently, researchers found that participants would strongly consider ending a relationship if their partner displayed harmful behaviors toward their children.Behavioral acts that indicate a reduced commitment to the relationship as well as a reduced capacity to reliably provide for ones partner and children, will have a negative effect on people, triggering negative emotions such as anger and disappointment, motivating them to reassess their relationships prospects, the researchers add.Loving parents instinctively prioritize their childrens safety, health and happiness, so a partners failure to do the same can create irreparable rifts. In contrast, showing a unified front as co-parents and actively engaging in their childrens lives creates a supportive family environment that can only strengthen the marital bond.3. When A Partner Is ControllingControlling behaviors, such as imposing ones will on the other person, restricting their freedom or manipulating them rank third highest among the most toxic actions in a marriage. In fact, research shows that when a partner is perceived and controlling and neglectful, it is associated with lower relationship satisfaction.Specific instances of such behavior include:Constantly criticizing or blaming a partner.Isolating the partner from friends, family or beloved hobbies and interests.Demonstrating excessive jealousy.Pushing the partner to make decisions prematurely.Control comprises ones sense of autonomy, which is a fundamental human need. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Family Therapy found that when this need is not met, it is strongly associated with relationship dissatisfaction and heightened conflict.Controlling behaviors not only harm the partners well-being but also undermine the mutual respect necessary for a healthy relationship. Over time, for the partner on the receiving end, this dynamic can exacerbate resentment, low self-esteem and a desire to escape.Recognizing and addressing such harmful patterns can potentially pave the way for deeper intimacy and respect. Small, consistent acts of carewhether its sharing moments of gratitude, aligning on parenting approaches or encouraging individual autonomycan rejuvenate a struggling relationship.However, its also important to recognize when your partner isnt willing to put in the inner work to truly change, and make the decision to walk away and prioritize your safety and well-being, and that of your children, if any.At the end of the day, most partners are looking to feel valued, loved and deeply supported in intimate relationships. This is the lifeblood of a long-term relationship, whereas neglect and controlling behavior can only contribute to decay. For their own good, partners in any relationship must make the commitment to growwhether thats together, or apart.Do you experience a lack of control in your relationship? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Relationship Control Scale

Nail The Interview: Answer Why Should We Hire You Like A ProgettyWe just couldnt let him get away from us. This is what we knew after interviewing one of four final candidates for a critical, and highly competitive, senior management role. He (whom well call Greg) framed his responses to all the interview questionsincluding the why should we hire you questionwith our needs in mind.Greg approached the interview questions with an its all about them perspective. And by strategically doing this, he made it so very easy for us to offer him the job. Ive observedand usedthis interview approach time after time, and it wins more job offers than any approach Ive ever seen.Scheduled interview time is valuable time. Getting in the room with decision makers for a job that you really want is, itself, a moment. It means you passed the initial screening stage. It means youve been deemed to have met the qualifications for the job. Many others were qualified for the job too, but (for one reason or another) they wont get invited to a job interview. But you did.More than using the job interview as a time to discuss information the interviewers already have access to such as your work experience, your accomplishments, your education and your credentials, youd do well to spend the time during your job interview letting interviewers know how all of those things position you to best help them.And whether you get asked directly or not, you certainly dont want to walk out of that job interview leaving any doubt about why they should make the decision to hire you.MORE FOR YOUWhy is the Why Should We Hire You Interview Question So Important?Heres the deal. There are really only two (you read that right-2) interview questions that you need to consider. Everything elseall the other possible questions and conversation pointsflows primarily from these two overarching interview questions.What have you failed at lately? andWhy should we hire you?When you prepare your thinking and mindset around these two questionsand maybe only these two questionsyou will indeed be prepared for anything else that comes your way during the job interview.But alternatively, if you try to remember too many scripted answers to too many different questions, you risk missing the mark by being too focused on youwhat youre supposed to say, what youve accomplished, your expertise and what you know instead of showing them how you think and framing your responses around their issues and their needs.How to Answer Why Should We Hire You Like a ProIts important to understand that even though the word you is in the question, every part of your answer should be about them. Think of it this way. When hiring managers and interviewers ask you why should we hire you, theyre really asking you questions that get to whats in it for them to hire you.They are digging to find out how it truly benefits them to add you to the team. So, the best thing you can doif you want to respond like a prois give them precisely what their looking for and make it all about them: their needs, their goals, their pain points, their priorities, their influence, their burdens, their security, their challenges and their struggles.Regardless of the situation, whether persuading someone to your idea, negotiating a deal or responding to job interview questions, you should be aware that the listeners are asking themselvesall along the waywhats in it for me (WIIFM) or whats in it for the organization (WIIFO).The pros know this. We know whenever were interviewing for any job or role, we have to give those with whom we are communicating the WIIFM. Neglect this communication strategy at your own peril.Before you show up to the interview, prepare your mindset and frame your thinking. Youll want to respond to the interview questionsany and all interview questionsby recognizing that the listeners (the hiring managers and/or interviewers) are listening for how your answers are focused on them.Following are ten sets of underlying (and often) unasked questions that pros weave in responses for when answering the why should we hire you question or some other version of it.The pros know that the regardless of the question actually asked, hiring decision makers are secretly thinking one of more of these questions:What makes you different? And how does this difference benefit us?Whats in it for us if we hire you (the organization/division/team)?Whats in it for me if I hire you (the direct supervisor to the role)? Will you make me look good?Can we trust you to care about us; can we trust you to have our backs? Can I trust you to care about me; can I trust you to have my back?Will we be better off if we hire you? How? Will I be better off if I hire you? How?What challenges will you lead us through? What solutions do you offer? What innovations will you help us implement?What burdens will you lighten for me? And will you offer to carry some of my load without complaining about carrying your own?Where will you create, add and demonstrate the most value?What problems are you going to help us solve? What processes will you help us streamline?What strategic priorities will you elevate? Why and how?By applying this approach and framework, youll be ready. Regardless of the interview questions youre asked, you can respond using the thinking and framing that youve already shaped from the ten sets of questions above. Just remember that no matter the question asked, your goal is to respond with answers that provide the listener the WIIFM and/or WIIFO.Remember this. Internalize this, and you wont ever come off rehearsed or scripted in your interviews. And you wont be blindsided by not having a response to a question that you didnt memorize.Most Interview Questions Contain Hidden QuestionsThere is a whole bunch being asked with this single interview question of why should we hire you. And interviewers are looking at a whole bunch of different angles with your answer(s).But thats not the only question where this happens. Most all job interview questions contain hidden questions. Dont be lulled into assuming that the questions youre being asked are as singularly focused as the actual words might suggest. You dont want to be so laser focused on any particular question that you offer up a limited response that fails to address the question(s) beneath the question.Whether in job interviews or anywhere else, contemplate whats actually being asked. Instead of practicing responses to specific questions that you can never really know will be asked, considerwhat is the why of it all? What is the point of the question? andhow you can answer in a way that helps the interviewers perceive your response(s) as adding value, elevating the conversation and demonstrating deep understanding for what they care about.For all interview questions you will ever face, ensure that your responses reflect your understanding of and appreciation for whats actually happening within the organization.Dont Ever Leave Interviewers WonderingWhy Should We Hire You?You have them right there. They are right where you need them to be to have the conversation youve wanted to have. When you have the person or people who will make or finalize the hiring decision directly in front of you, you doggone well better make sure they arent left wondering why they should hire you.Why should we hire you? When youre giving the interviewers the WIIFM, youre doing this right. By framing your responses to the interview questions on them, you expand the dialogue around their needs, their goals, their pain points, their priorities, their influence, their burdens, their security, their challenges and their struggles. This will help you win out much more often than youll ever lose.Related articles:The Most Important Question Successful People Ask In A New Job3 Things Strategic Thinkers Do To Get Hired In Senior Management PositionsHow To Gain Confidence And Get Interviewers To Offer You The Job

Blake Lively filed a legal complaint against her "It Ends with Us" costar, Justin Baldoni.Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber appeared in the complaint.Lively's complaint said Baldoni and his team conspired to damage her reputation.In a new legal complaint, Blake Lively said that her "It Ends with Us" costar, Justin Baldoni, who also directed and produced the film, conspired to damage her reputation and credibility.The complaint also mentions Taylor Swift and Hailey Bieber.Lively named Baldoni and six other defendants in her complaint, including the CEO and cofounder of his production studio, Wayfarer Studios. She also named communications crisis manager Melissa Nathan of The Agency Group PR and Baldoni's publicist, Jennifer Abel.In the complaint, Lively said Baldoni and his team created a "multi-tiered plan" using "social manipulation" to "destroy" her reputation."This plan went well beyond standard crisis PR. What Ms. Nathan proposed included a practice known as 'Astroturfing,' which has been defined as 'the practice of publishing opinions or comments on the internet, in the media, etc. that appear to come from ordinary members of the public but actually come from a particular company or political group,'" according to the complaint.The complaint says that Baldoni and his team discussed controversies around Swift and Bieber as strategic suggestions while conspiring against Lively.Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, said Lively's complaint was a "desperate attempt to 'fix' her negative reputation."Baldoni and his team considered leveraging backlash around Swift and the 'weaponization of feminism,' the complaint says Blake Lively's complaint included a reference to Taylor Swift. Andreas Rentz/TAS24 Nathan's communications company shared a "Scenario Planning" document with Baldoni and others that outlined potential strategies "should [Ms. Lively] and her team make her grievances public," the complaint says.The complaint includes a copy of that document, which Lively's attorneys obtained through a civil subpoena.The planning document discussed what Baldoni's team could do if Lively's husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, publicly defended her against critics. It included a reference to Swift, who is a friend of Lively. The pair have attended Kansas City Chiefs football games together and have been photographed by paparazzi while hanging out."As part of this, our team can also explore planting stories about the weaponization of feminism and how people in BL's circle, like Taylor Swift, have been accused of utilizing these tactics to 'bully' into getting what they want," the planning document says, according to the complaint.The complaint says Baldoni used a social media post about Bieber and bullying as an example strategy Blake Lively's complaint alluded to Hailey Bieber. Karwai Tang/Getty Images Lively's complaint also contained screenshots of text message conversations between Baldoni and his team, which were also obtained through a civil subpoena. According to the complaint, Baldoni sent a text message to his publicist, Abel, in early August."A few days later, on August 5, 2024, Mr. Baldoni set the narrative for the social media campaign, sending Ms. Abel a screenshot of a thread on X that had accused another female celebrity of bullying women," the complaint said. "Mr. Baldoni stated, 'this is what we would need.'"The social media post included two pictures of Bieber and insinuated she had bullied other women. That narrative gained traction on social media in 2023 and resulted in widespread backlash against Bieber.A representative for Lively referred Business Insider to a statement she shared with The New York Times."I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted," she said.Lively also said neither she nor her representatives planted negative stories about Baldoni or Wayfarer Studios.Baldoni's attorney said the accusations in Lively's complaint were "completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media."Representatives for Bieber and Swift did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The upcomingMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydraputs players in the shoes of Captain America and Black Panther as they become uneasy allies to stop the Nazis during WWII. If that wasnt already enticing enough for you, the game comes courtesy of Skydance and Amy Hennig, a director and writer on titles like the first three Unchartedgames andLegacy of Kainseries. Up to now, Marvels crop of triple-A games have all been set in the relative present, but Hennig spoke with Entertainment Weekly about how the game is informed by the WWII setting. As she tells it, it let her and co-writers Marc Bernardin and Todd Stashwick tell a story in the vein of action-adventure films set in that era. Think of a guys on a mission movie where Nazis get killed or beat up, and it sounds like youll have a good idea of what to expect here. The ultimate aim, according to Hennig, is to provide players with the look, feel, and sound [of] watching a great Marvel movie or TV show, but youre driving the action. SinceMarvel 1943is a globe-trotting stories, players will go to a variety of locations, including occupied Paris and Azzuris home nation of Wakanda. In the game, its isolated from the outside world and protected by an impenetrable jungle, but Hennig said the Wakandans are pulled into the war. Much as theyve taken a non-intervention stance, the world is getting smaller, and they have to protect their interests. [] You can shoot down planes that maybe want to fly over Wakanda, but how long can you stay in the shadows? That question will be explored through Azzuri and Steves eyes, plus their respective primary allies, Wakandan spy Nanali and Howling Commando Gabe Jonesall four are said to be playable throughout Marvel 1943,so theyll all likely have something to say on the matter. Marvel Games/Skydance As for Cap and Panther themselves, Hennig said this Steve is still a bit green as a soldier, whereas Azzuris got more experience and maturity under his belt. The trailer from earlier this year gave an idea of how that first meetup will go, but like all guys on a mission movie, theyre united by their concerns about the same events that are transpiring. Nothing brings people together quite like fighting Nazis, which could ultimately be the core message of the game and Marvel stories in general: Good people have to work together to overcome evil. If you separate, then youre not going to succeed. Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is expected to release in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

De Kikker Community School / Dok ArchitectenSave this picture!Courtesy of SolarixSchoolsAmsterdam, The NetherlandsArchitects: Dok ArchitectenYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 Save this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Netherlands' largest coloured solar facade graces De Kikker community school in Amsterdam An icon of sustainability and innovation in Amsterdam. Amsterdam welcomes a new sustainable masterpiece: De Kikker community school, located in Nieuw-West, now features the Netherlands' largest coloured solar facade by Solarix. With 1,444 m of facade panels in vibrant green and yellow tones, finished with textured glass, De Kikker blends a lively aesthetic with advanced solar energy generation. This innovative facade transforms the school into both a visual landmark and a milestone in sustainable energy solutions. Following an extensive renovation, the school building has been transformed into an iconic example of sustainability and innovation. The custom-designed facade panels by Solarix form the heart of this impressive project. Reinier Bosch, Creative Director & Co-founder of Solarix, explained: "New generations deserve colourful and dynamic examples of sustainability. Let's show our children that a cheerful, colourful solar facade not only enhances schools like De Kikker but also contributes to their future and the planet's."Save this picture!About the project - The renovation of De Kikker, originally designed by Liesbeth van der Pol of Dok Architecten, was initiated by the Municipality of Amsterdam. During the summer of 2024, the building underwent a complete transformation. The outdated bright green cladding was replaced with customdesigned, colourful Solarix solar panels. The Municipality involved Dok Architecten to ensure the new facade design, including the solar panels, perfectly matched the revitalised building. The result is a striking, colourful facade made of solar panels in varying shades of green and yellow, finished with textured glass. This new exterior provides the building with a vibrant and cheerful appearance, perfectly aligned with the playful character of the two schools, daycare centre, and public health facilities housed there. At the same time, the design maximises solar energy generation. A total of 1,444 m of facade panels were installed, 160 m of which are dummy panels. Innovation and safety - The solar PV system at De Kikker uses advanced inverters and optimisers from Huawei. To ensure safety, the solar facade incorporates Rapid Shut Down technology, enabling the panels to be de-energised to zero volts in case of an emergency. This system was developed in consultation with the Amsterdam Fire Brigade. The Huawei inverters comply with the new international IEC 63027:2023 standard for arc fault detection, a critical safety feature that prevents fires caused by arc faults. The arc fault detection system, combined with optimisers, was rigorously tested by TNO. This makes De Kikker not only a sustainable but also a safe example project, especially since it involves primary schools. During installation, 507 optimisers were fitted to enhance the performance of each Solarix panel. Kuijpers Installatietechniek managed the entire installation process, including a string design accommodating 20 different panel types. Eight 6000W inverters were installed. While roof-mounted south-facing panels typically yield higher energy output, De Kikker's faade installation generates over 170 kWh of energy on a sunny dayenough to power approximately 22 households.Save this picture!Sustainability and collaboration - For the facade renovation, the Municipality of Amsterdam partnered with Dok Architecten, Kernbouw (main contractor), Kuijpers (PV installation), and Solarix (panel design and development). The focus on sustainable development underscores a commitment to building a better future for the next generations. Staircase artwork As part of the renovation, local residents, students, and artist Robin de Kruiff collaborated on a colourful artwork for the school's outdoor staircase. The piece symbolises teamwork and shared responsibility, aiming to inspire everyone to enjoy and maintain it. Festive opening and community event on 22 November On Friday, 22 November, the transformation of De Kikker and the adjacent square will be celebrated with a festive opening. The event will include the unveiling of the new family centre, FC De Kikker, and the staircase artwork. The neighbourhood celebration will bring together schools, local residents, and all involved parties to honour the sustainable transformation of De Kikker. Come and be inspired by this iconic project, showcasing how sustainability, safety, and beauty can go hand in hand.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Amsterdam, The NetherlandsLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on December 22, 2024Cite: "De Kikker Community School / Dok Architecten" 22 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024876/de-kikker-community-school-dok-architecten&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream