Google has added an experimental feature to the Discover feed, allowing you to listen to a recap of the days stories as a personalized mini-podcast.

Airbnbs nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, is providing free, temporary housing for Los Angeles residents who have been displaced or forced to evacuate due to the ongoing wildfires.To support residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires, Airbnb.org is working with211 LA, which serves Los Angeles County, to offer free, temporary housing, the company said in a blog post. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hostsmany of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.Devastating wildfires began in the Los Angeles area Tuesday, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and compounded by the fact that much of the region has seen just a quarter of an inch of rain in the last eight months. At least five people were killed and more than 1,000 structures were destroyed as of Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press. The Palisades Firealready the most destructive fire in Los Angeles historyand the Eaton Fire, near Pasadena, have thus far burned more than 25,000 acres.Airbnb.org has offered free, temporary housing to people displaced by several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the war in Ukraine. Los Angeles residents in need can request temporary housing by filling out an intake formwith 211 LA.

In todays hyper-connected world, its wild how often we still get stuck in echo chamberssurrounded by the same opinions, hearing the same narratives on repeat, and, without realizing it, putting false idols and so-called experts on pedestals. Its not just frustrating; its actually dangerous. Whether its blindly trusting a favorite podcast host or falling into the grip of a modern-day cult, these patterns can creep into our lives in ways we dont even notice.Amanda Montells book Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism dives deep into how language can subtly manipulate us into unwavering loyalty. And heres the kicker: Even if you think, That could never be me, the reality is more complicated. The same human needs that draw people to cultsbelonging, certainty, and guidanceshow up in smaller, less obvious ways in our everyday lives, from our workplaces to our personal circles.So how do we avoid falling into these traps? It starts with strengthening our critical thinking, opening ourselves up to different perspectives, and embracing a little intellectual humility. Breaking free from echo chambers isnt easy, but its worth itfor our minds and for the world around us.The pull of charismatic leadershipWhy do we follow certain people or ideas so mindlessly? Montell explains that cultish groups, whether religious, political, or even social, often succeed because they tap into universal human desires: the need for connection, purpose, and certainty. While some groups offer positive community and shared goals, others exploit these needs for control. Take the story of Elizabeth Holmes and the rise and fall of Theranos. Holmess compelling vision of revolutionizing healthcare captured the imaginations of investors, employees, and even patients. Her carefully curated personaa black turtleneck-clad homage to Steve Jobscombined with persuasive storytelling, led people to overlook mounting evidence of deception. The language of certainty and revolutionary promise created an echo chamber where dissenting voices were drowned out.But its not just high-profile cases. In our day-to-day lives, we can fall into the trap of following influencers, leaders, or trends without questioning their validity. The cult of hustle culture, for instance, glorifies overwork while ignoring the mental health costs. Recognizing these patterns is the first step in breaking free.The data on echo chambers and their effects is compelling: A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center found that 64% of Americans say social media platforms have created echo chambers, where people are exposed only to ideas that align with their beliefs. Published research highlights how groupthink in decision-making can lead to poorer outcomes, as dissenting voices are often suppressed in favor of consensus. A study in Psychological Science revealed that exposure to diverse perspectives enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, yet most people gravitate toward information that confirms their biases.These statistics underline the urgency of addressing our susceptibility to echo chambers and cultlike thinking.How to separate charm from truthTo navigate a world rife with misinformation and charismatic false idols, we need a robust framework for developing critical thinking skills and broadening our horizons. Heres how:1. Interrogate the sourceEvery piece of information, every opinion, and every expert claim deserves scrutiny. Ask yourself:Who benefits from this narrative?What evidence supports this claim, and is it peer-reviewed or independently verified?Does this person or group have a track record of integrity, or are they selling certainty at the expense of truth?2. Diversify your social and intellectual circlesEscape your echo chamber by actively seeking out different perspectives. Join groups, attend events, or engage in discussions that challenge your views. As Montell points out, true understanding requires listening to voices outside your immediate circle of influence.For example, instead of following only tech industry leaders, explore thinkers from sociology, anthropology, or philosophy who can provide fresh insights into your field. Platforms like Meetup or even cross-disciplinary conferences can help you find diverse communities.3. Practice intellectual humilityBeing a critical thinker means admitting when youre wrong or when you dont know something. This practice isnt about self-doubt but about being open to growth. As Montell writes, cultish language often relies on certainty to manipulate followers. Combat this by staying curious and questioning even your own deeply held beliefs.4. Challenge charisma with questionsCharisma is powerful, but its not a substitute for credibility. Whether its a manager, public figure, or influencer, ask:Are their ideas grounded in fact, or do they rely solely on inspiring rhetoric?Do they encourage dissent and dialogue, or do they silence criticism?By stepping outside your echo chamber and fostering critical thinking, you make better decisions and enrich your life with diverse ideas and experiences. When you resist the pull of false idols and cultivate intellectual independence, you set the stage for true innovation, resilience, and growth. As Montell eloquently demonstrates in Cultish, the language of certainty and belonging can be intoxicating, but its through embracing complexity and nuance that we truly grow. Whether youre leading a team, navigating your personal life, or engaging with the broader world, the ability to question, challenge, and think critically is the antidote to blind allegianceand the key to transformative progress.

The wildfires raging around the Los Angeles area have now entered their third day. Within that time frame, tens of thousands of acres in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton areas have been consumed by flames while blazes are still taking hold elsewhere, most recently in the Hollywood Hills. So far, five people are confirmed to have died, reports CNN, but more deaths are expected as the fires continue to rage.Besides scorched structures and lives lost, the fires are also leaving behind a humanitarian disaster, as local residents go without shelter and belongings. Thankfully, there are numerous organizations that are helping with relief effortsand you can, too. Here is a list of organizations you can donate to in order to help those affected by the California fires.American Red Cross: Donations will help the group provide relief to those affected by the California wildfires.California Community Foundation: Supports long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by natural disasters.California Fire Foundation: Provides support to firefighters, the families of fallen firefighters, and victims of the wildfires.Community Organized Relief Effort: Distributes masks, hygiene kits, and more.GoFundMe: The fundraising platform has a list of verified fundraisers for people affected by the wildfires.Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Helps equip Los Angeles firefighters with supplies, including emergency shelters and hydration backpacks.Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The organization is accepting food donations at two of is California distribution centers and also accepting monetary donations online.Pasadena Community Foundation: Provides support to local nonprofits that help respond to the fires.Pasadena Humane: Provides emergency resources to animals affected by the fires.Salvation Army Southern California Division: Provides food, shelter, and personal necessities to first responders and victims of the wildfires.United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Provides support to low-income people affected by the fires.World Central Kitchen: Helps support first responders and victims of the disaster by providing them with meals.

Chinese technology brand Lenovo has revealed a "first-of-its-kind" laptop with a "rollable", vertically expanding display at the CES tech fair in Las Vegas.Lenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable was developed in cooperation with the company's innovation arm Lenovo Research and is a production-ready evolution of a concept first showcased two years ago.Lenovo has unveiled the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable at CESIts key innovation is a rollable display that extends from 14 inches to 16.7 inches, adding almost 50 per cent to the total screen size.Users can activate the expanding display by pressing a dedicated key or gesturing in front of the laptop's camera. When not in use, the screen can retract so the device functions like a conventional laptop.The laptop's display expands by almost 50 per centThe product aims to provide enhanced functionality for professionals on the move, combining the portability of a laptop with the multitasking capabilities enabled by a larger screen.The taller screen also has ergonomic benefits, Lenovo claims, as it "encourages better posture, reducing strain for professionals working long hours".Lenovo developed the product for professionals on the moveIn terms of software, the laptop features a proprietary ThinkBook Workspace that enables split-screen functionality and incorporates dedicated widgets that allow users to easily access frequently used apps and tools.Lenovo suggests that the extended vertical display is "ideal for applications such as document review, coding, project management and content creation".Read: Lenovo reveals "industry's first" laptop with transparent displayThe enlarged screen can be configured to display multiple windows, including a second virtual display that can be shared in meetings to reduce the need for external monitors.The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel Arc graphics supporting high-speed performance across a range of applications.The laptop comes with dedicated software that enables split-screen functionalityAI-enabled features such as Lenovo AI Now help to streamline workflows and offer personalised task suggestions, while generative AI software also supports tasks such as content creation and data processing.The result is what Lenovo calls "the world's first rollable display AI PC"."With rollable technology and AI-driven features, this device represents a significant advancement in adaptable design and productivity-enhancing technology, setting a new standard for the future of mobile computing," the company said.The laptop weights 1.7 kilogramsLenovo used this year's CES to debut several AI-powered products for business users, including a redesign of its ThinkPad X9 laptops and a series of high-performance ThinkCentre desktops.Previous innovations developed by the company include a laptop concept with a transparent screen and a folding laptop with two full-sized displays.CES 2025takes place in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. SeeDezeen Events Guidefor an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.The post Lenovo unveils laptop with unrolling display that doubles in size appeared first on Dezeen.

British studio Foster + Partnershas begun construction on two stepped-back towers for the BDO Unibank Inc campus in the Philippines, which will have exoskeletons to support solar shading and achieve structural stability.The studio is transforming five urban plots in Manila to create the campus, with the two towers which are connected by a covered walkway rising above open ground floors.Foster + Partners looked to vernacular architecture for the buildings, which will step back at regular intervals. At each step back, there are triple-storey amenity spaces as well as outdoor terraces.The towers have a stepped-back designThe two towers at BDO Unibank Inc campus will each have an exoskeleton, designed to support woven metal-mesh infill screens. These take visual cues from traditional weaving patterns and will shade the areas that receive the most sunlight.The exoskeletons will also be seismic-resistant, which the studio said is needed in the region."The structure of the buildings is intentionally placed on the outside of their envelopes to actively shade the facades, while achieving an efficient structural design in a seismic zone," Foster + Partners senior partner Roland Schnizer said."The exoskeletons create column-free spaces internally and support external solar shading screens."Artworks will be on display inside the campusAccording to Foster + Partners, the structural system reduces the concrete content of the buildings by more than 65,000 tonnes.Visitors to the campus, which will contain offices, a business centre, a public museum and a canteen, will enter on the ground floor before reaching an elevated reception.Read: Foster + Partners unveils Dubai skyscrapers linked by penthouse swimming poolOn the open ground plane, the campus will feature artworks and plants to "enhance the public realm".An urban farm on the roof of BDO Unibank Inc campus will be used to grow food for the staff canteen, while more than 70 per cent of the campus' potable water will be recycled and reused.An exoskeleton will be used for seismic resistanceThe studio is aiming to achieve Green Mark Super Low Energy, which is the highest certification issued by the green building rating system Green Mark Building.It is awarded to projects that achieve at least 60 per cent energy savings when compared to 2005 building codes. If achieved, it would be the first building in the Philippines with the rating."The new BDO campus offers a new model for the next generation of highly flexible and climatically responsive workplaces in the Philippines," Foster + Partners head of studio Luke Fox said."Our holistic approach encompasses every element of the design from the structural and environmental engineering to the landscaping and interiors allowing us to create something completely bespoke and driven by extensive environmental analysis."Foster + Partners also recently unveiled a pair of Dubai skyscrapers linked by a swimming pool and added a barrel-vaulted structure to a Spanish winery.The post Foster + Partners designs exoskeletons for stepped-back skyscrapers in Manila appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture studio Aedas has completed the Yohoo Museum on an artificial island in Hangzhou, China, which is shaped like an infinity loop.Located within Liangzhu Yohoo Park at the centre of Hangzhou's Yuhang District, the museum is located on an island in an artificial lake, which connects to the over 2,500-year-old Grand Canal.The museum is located on an artificial lake in HangzhouNamed Yohoo Museum, the building has an undulating roof design that takes the form of two interlocking rings. Two circular light wells were created within the interlocking rings that, according to the studio, symbolise the connection between heaven and earth."It symbolises the connection between the culture of Liangzhu and the Grand Canal, serving as a link that bridges the ancient and the modern," Aedas explained.Two interlocking rings form the museumThe two-storey museum has office space on the ground floor with exhibition space on the first floor.The museum is entirely clad in a glass facade and roof that was informed by jade, a rare gem stone in China.A walking path above the lake connects the museum to the nearby parkA translucent multilayer laminated glass, known as "emerald glass", was used to create a bright and evenly lit interior for the museum visitors.According to the studio, the glass's crystal-like quality imitates jade's gentle warmth. Vertical and horizontal framing of the glass panels were organised to create a naturally flowing curvature.Read: Aedas unveils "most twisted tower in the world" in Chongqing"The glass panels resemble the form of jades, optimising a subtle balance of opacity and transparency between the exterior and interior and connecting between history and culture," Aedas global design principal told Ken Wai."Sunlight penetrates the interiors through the translucent glass panels, creating a bright, soft interplay of light and shadow indoors."The edge of the building is lifted up from the ground to form a public plaza and the entrance of the museumBuilt with a steel frame structure, the two ends of the museum were gently raised off the ground without visible support. These elements overhand the entrances to the museum and partially cover a pair of public plazas.Visitors can access the museum via a meandering walkway above the lake on either side that connects to the green land of the park.Other projects recently completed by Aedas include a pair of round-edged towers with bronze fins in Hangzhou, and "most twisted tower in the world" in Chongqing.The photography is by Qianxi Zhang.Project credits:Client: Hangzhou Liangzhu Transportation Investment Group CoDesign collaborator: Power China Huadong Engineering CorporatioThe post Aedas unveils infinity loop-shaped museum in Hangzhou appeared first on Dezeen.

With its deep portfolio, global tractor manufacturer New Holland produces a wide variety of specialty models for different agricultural businesses. A subset of French vineyards, however, presents a unique challenge: The terrain forces them to utilize a narrow style of planting that makes harvesting difficult. New Holland commissioned, surprisingly, Pininfarina to develop a solution. The result is this Straddle Tractor Concept: The Straddle Tractor Concept is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of the narrow vineyards typical of the premium wine growing regions such as Champagne, Mdoc and Burgundy. These operations produce high-quality, high-value wines from grapes grown in rows less than one and a half meter wide, often on steep slopes and on small vineyards. In these conditions, grapes are picked by hand and most of the vine maintenance work is done by means of a tractor travelling overhead the rows. The design of the front of the machine combines function with style. Inspired by the shape of a champagne flute tall, wide at the top and tapering down at the bottom it is a reference to the premium wine growers that are its main customer base. This shape, together with wraparound glass, provides the operator with exceptional visibility on the vines and all around. The overall exterior design stands out for the flowing and dynamic automotive-inspired lines. The exposed frame confers a sporty look. The shape of the cab, angled in the direction of travel, adds to the vehicle's dynamism. The interior, easily accessible thanks to the large single door and rotating seat, offers a supremely comfortable environment. The use of wood contributes to the cab's plush, luxurious feel, and links again to the customer's business linking to the wood of wine barrels. The propulsion method will be (if the concept goes into production) electric, as part of New Holland's Clean Energy Leader strategy.