On This Day in HistoryThis Author, Famous for His Rags-to-Riches Stories, Forever Shaped How We Talk About the American DreamHoratio Algers repetitive stories reached their true popularity and became synonymous with social mobility largely thanks to retellings after the writers death An 1889 photograph of author Horatio Alger (right) Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsThe life story of author Horatio Alger, born on January 13, 1832, spent decades shrouded in misconception. Many of his papers were destroyed, and the first biography of him turned out to be a hoax. But that wouldnt keep his work from becoming ubiquitous in conversations about the American dream.Thanks to later biographers, Algers life story has become clearer. He was the son of a minister in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and his early interest in writing led him to study classics at Harvard University. Later, following in his fathers footsteps, he became a minister. However, after he was accused of sexually abusing boys in his parish, he was forced out of the church. His father convinced church leaders to keep quiet and promised Alger would never work in the clergy again. Alger moved to New York City and began writing prolifically.His breakout novel, Ragged Dick, opens with the titular shoe shiner waking up in a wooden box half full of straw, his bed on the New York City streets. The reader quickly gets to know young Dick, who polishes boots and has his vices but works hard. An illustration from theRagged Dickseries Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsThanks to his determination, Dick impresses several well-to-do city gentlemen who help him along financially. What seals the deal, though, is luck: Dick rescues a child who falls off a boat whose father just so happens to be a successful businessman. He gives Dick a job as a clerk, and Dick drops his nickname, instead going by Richard, leaving his early days fully behind.Many of Algers roughly 100 works featured nearly identical plotlines, following often-alliteratively-named boys (like Paul the Peddler and Nelson the Newsboy) who make their way from poverty to stable careers.Alger started his literary career after the end of the Civil War, when most of the rich came from wealthy households: He was writing in the spirit of his time, which was suffused with a longing for social mobility, writes journalist Alissa Quart in Bootstrapped: Liberating Ourselves From the American Dream.The authors fare was relatively popular (though not among literary critics) in his time: Upon his death in 1899, obituaries from the Boston Globe and the Harvard Graduates magazine estimated his books had sold up to a million copies.It was after his death that Algers derivative tales truly took off, selling millions of volumes thanks to a reissuing of cheap editions of his books, wrote historians Gary Scharnhorst and Jack Bales in their 1985 biography of the author, The Lost Life of Horatio Alger Jr. As the historians noted, publishers rarely reprinted novels where protagonists end the story only on the bottom rung of the ladder of respectability, and they edited and abridged the text of the novels they did reprint. As a result, Algers moral hero who becomes modestly successful became instead a successful hero who is modestly moral.After the books fell out of print again in the 1920s, they began to be remembered as tales of economic triumph and their protagonists as budding business tycoons. The stories took on a new cast during World War I and the Great Depression. Portraits of American authors, including Alger (top right) Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsAlger was at last transformed into a patriotic defender of the social and political status quo and erstwhile advocate of laissez-faire capitalism, Scharnhorst and Bales wrote.Though his work wasnt necessarily still being read, Algers name became a common reference in newspapers and magazines. It had become shorthand for the simple story of the American self-made man who used his determination to succeed in a land of equal opportunityignoring the older, wealthy men who usually lent a hand to Algers protagonists.In 1947, the Horatio Alger Association was established and began distributing an award named after the author, lauding those with a story of overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles. With high-profile recipients including President Ronald Reagan and Oprah Winfrey, the award has helped keep Algers name in the national consciousness.Even more than a century after his death, Algers name continues to crop up in discussions of the American dream and social mobilityregardless of whether his work is accurately portrayed or its ideas thought plausible.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Teresa Nowakowski|| READ MORETeresa Nowakowski is a print and multimedia journalist based in Chicago. They cover history, arts and culture, science, travel, food and other topics.Filed Under: American History, American Writers, Books, Literature, New York City, On This Day in History, Writers

Nvidia and Krafton unveiled a groundbreaking on-device AI that will enable smarter AI characters for PUBG and inZoi.Read More

Square Enix updates harassment policy protecting employeesCustomers that harass the firm's employees and partners could face legal actionImage credit: Square Enix News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Jan. 13, 2025 Square Enix has updated its group customer harassment policy that protects its employees and partners.As detailed on its website, customers who harass Square Enix employees could now face legal action as a result of their actions."There are instances where certain customers take actions directly or through our support centers, or towards our group executives, employees, and partners," the firm said."Should Square Enix determine that an individual has engaged in an action against one of our employees or partners that exceeds socially acceptable behaviour or is harmful, we reserve our right to cease providing support services or to refrain from providing our group's products and services."Square Enix reserves its right to protect its employees and partners and to take legal action or criminal proceedings upon consulting the police and/or lawyers."

Astro Bot, Indiana Jones, and Helldivers 2 lead 2025 DICE Awards nominationsBalatro scoops up five alongside Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2Image credit: Team Asobi/Sony News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Jan. 13, 2025 Astro Bot, Helldivers 2, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle led the nominations for the 28th Annual DICE Awards, with each earning six nods.All three were recognised in the Game of the Year category, alongside Balatro and Black Myth: Wukong.Indie breakout hit Balatro was nominated across five categories, including Mobile Game of the Year.Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 also collected five nominations, with Melina Juergens recognised for her portrayal of Senua.Elsewhere, more indie games were listed for top accolades including Animal Well in four categories, Monument Valley 3 in three, and Mouthwashing for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game.The 28th Annual DICE Awards takes place alongside the conference on February 13 at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas.Here is the full list of nominees for the 2025 DICE Awards:Game of the YearAstro BotBalatroBlack Myth: WukongHelldivers 2Indiana Jones and the Great CircleOutstanding Achievement in AnimationAstro BotCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Final Fantasy 7 RebirthNevaWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Outstanding Achievement in Art DirectionBlack Myth: WukongIndiana Jones and the Great CircleLego Horizon AdventuresThe Plucky SquireSenua's Saga: Hellblade 2Outstanding Achievement in CharacterWatcher (1000xResist, Nhi Do)Yuffie Kisaragi (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Suzie Yeung and Yumi Kakazu)Dr. Henry 'Indiana' Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Troy Baker)Indika (Indika, Isabella Inchbald)Senua (Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Melina Juergens)Outstanding Achievement in Original Music CompositionAstro BotHelldivers 2Monument Valley 3Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2Star Wars OutlawsOutstanding Achievement in Audio DesignFrostpunk 2Helldivers 2Monument Valley 3Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2Still Wakes the DeepOutstanding Achievement in Story1000xResistIndiana Jones and the Great CircleMetaphor: ReFantazioStill Wakes the DeepThank Goodness You're HereOutstanding Technical AchievementAstro BotBatman: Arkham ShadowIndiana Jones and the Great CircleSenua's Saga: Hellblade 2Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Action Game of the YearBatman: Arkham ShadowBlack Myth: WukongCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Helldivers 2Stellar BladeAdventure Game of the Year1000xResistAnimal WellIndiana Jones and the Great CircleThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomPrince of Persia: The Lost CrownFamily Game of the YearAstro BotCat Quest 3Little Kitty, Big CityThe Plucky SquireSuper Mario Party JamboreeFighting Game of the YearBlazing StrikeDragon Ball: Sparking ZeroMortal Kombat 1: Khaos ReignsTekken 8UnderdogsRacing Game of the YearF1 24MotoGP 24Night Runners PrologueRole-Playing Game of the YearFinal Fantasy 7 RebirthDragon Age: The VeilguardElden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeLike A Dragon: Infinite WealthMetaphor: ReFantazioSports Game of the YearEA Sports College Football 25EA Sports FC 25MLB The Show 24NBA 2K25Strategy/Simulation Game of the YearBalatroCaves of QudFrostpunk 2Tactical Breach WizardsSatisfactoryImmersive Reality Game of the YearAlien: Rogue IncursionBatman: Arkham ShadowEscaping WonderlandSkydance's BehemothUnderdogsMobile Game of the YearBalatroHalls of TormentMonument Valley 3Paper TrailWuthering WavesOnline Game of the YearCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Diablo 4: Vessel of HatredHelldivers 2Marvel RivalsWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Immersive Reality Technical AchievementAlien: Rogue IncursionBatman: Arkham ShadowSkydance's BehemothStarship HomeUnderdogsOutstanding Achievement for an Independent GameAnimal WellBalatroGrunnIndikaMouthwashingOutstanding Achievement in Game DesignAnimal WellAstro BotBalatroHelldivers 2UFO 50Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction1000xResistAnimal WellLorelei and the Laser EyesRivenThank Goodness You're Here

Time zones: GMT (UTC +0), CET (UTC +1), EET (UTC +2), MSK (UTC +3), CEST (UTC +2), BST (UTC +1), JST (UTC +9), CST (UTC +8), WIB (UTC +7), MMT (UTC +6:30), BST (UTC +6), NPT (UTC +5:45), IST (UTC +5:30), UZT (UTC +5), IRDT (UTC +4:30), GST (UTC +4), WAT (UTC +1), SAST (UTC +2), EAT (UTC +3)Please record a short 3-5 minute Loom video introducing yourself, walking through some code youve written recently and explaining why youre a great fit for the role. Dont forget to include the link with your application :-)About usCheckout Page makes it easy for businesses to sell online with our flexible no-code checkout page builder.Were a small, fully remote team of four: two co-founders, an SEO content writer and a customer support person.We value a calm and stress-free work environment, focusing on growing our company and helping our customers succeed.We're profitable and weve recently received funding from the TinySeed accelerator program, allowing us to grow our team.The roleWere looking for an experienced full-stack javascript developer to help us build new features, maintain existing features, fix bugs and scale our tech stack as we grow.As an early team member, you have the chance to shape our codebase, build features from start to finish and work across the entire stack. Youll be our first developer hire and will be working directly with the co-founders.Checkout Page is built on top of Stripe Connect. Youll regularly work with Stripe APIs.Being a payments platform, stability is extremely important to us and to our customers. We do a lot of manual testing, QA and write tests with Jest.Our stack:Frontend: React, TailwindBackend: NodeJS, Koa, MongoDBMarketing site: NextJS, Sanity CMSYour main tasks will include:Build new features from start to finishWork on UI/UX improvementsWrite test code to ensure stabilityFix bugsSince were a small startup, we need someone ready to take full ownership of the role, learn the codebase quickly, and start contributing from day one.RequirementsAt least 3 years of full-stack software development experienceProficient in React, NodeJS and MongoDBAbility to implement features across the stackGood written and spoken English skillsYour own equipment, including:A MacBookA quiet workspaceFast and reliable internet connectionHoursThis is a full-time contract role, 5 days a week.Our team is based in Europe (GMT+0) and South East Asia (GMT+8). You need to have overlap with both, thus we can not hire anyone based in the Americas.Tools youll be usingCursorGithubStripeSentryNotionSlackLoomInterview processSubmit a 3-5 minute Loom video introducing yourself, walking through some code youve written recently and explaining why youre a great fit for the role.Join a 30-minute call with the co-founders.Complete a 3-day paid trial to show your skills in action.If this sounds like a good fit, we'd love to hear from you!

OverviewWe're looking to hire for our Data Acquisition side of our AI team at Speechify. This role is responsible for all aspects of data collection to support our model training operations. We are able to build high-quality datasets at petabyte-scale and low cost through a tight integration of infrastructure, engineering, and research work. We are looking for a skilled Senior Software Engineer to join us.What Youll DoBe scrappy to find new sources of audio data and bring it into our ingestion pipelineOperate and extend the cloud infrastructure for our ingestion pipeline, currently running on GCP and managed with Terraform.Collaborate closely with our Scientists to shift the cost/throughput/quality frontier, delivering richer data at bigger scale and lower cost to power our next-generation models.Collaborate with others on the AI Team and Speechify Leadership to craft the AI Teams dataset roadmap to power Speechifys next-generation consumer and enterprise products.An Ideal Candidate Should HaveBS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field.5+ years of industry experience in software development.Proficiency with bash/Python scripting in Linux environmentsProficiency in Docker and Infrastructure-as-Code concepts and professional experience with at least one major Cloud Provider (we use GCP)Experience with web crawlers, large-scale data processing workflows is a plusAbility to handle multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.What we offerA fast-growing environment where you can help shape the company and product.An entrepreneurial-minded team that supports risk, intuition, and hustle.A hands-off management approach so you can focus and do your best work.An opportunity to make a big impact in a transformative industry.Competitive salaries, a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and a commitment to building a great asynchronous culture.Opportunity to work on a life-changing product that millions of people use.Build products that directly impact and support people with learning differences like dyslexia, ADD, low vision, concussions, autism, and more.Work in one of the fastest-growing sectors of tech, the intersection of artificial intelligence and audio.What We OfferA dynamic environment where your contributions shape the company and its products.A team that values innovation, intuition, and drive.Autonomy, fostering focus and creativity.The opportunity to have a significant impact in a revolutionary industry.Competitive compensation, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to an exceptional asynchronous work culture.The privilege of working on a product that changes lives, particularly for those with learning differences like dyslexia, ADD, and more.An active role at the intersection of artificial intelligence and audio a rapidly evolving tech domain.

The massive growth in income from the region came as the AJ100 big-hitter broke its annual turnover record for the third year in a row, according to results filed with Companies HouseThe company (Zaha Hadid Ltd) posted a global fee income of 77.3 million for the 12 months to 30 April 2024, up by 7.8 million from the 69.4 million made in 2022. The practice is now generating more than twice the turnover it did in 2013.In its second full year as an employee-owned company, the practice also reported that its profit before taxation had risen by 658,000 to 907,350.AdvertisementHowever, the average number of staff employed by ZHA dipped again. Its workforce totalled 502, having fallen from 507 in 2022-23 and 520 in 2021-22. Turnover per technical employee is up from 153,205 to 177,207.The companys wage bill has returned to 38.6 million per annum the same as in 2022 after dropping to 37.9 million in 2023.Directors pay, split between five individuals, was 4.5 million, with the highest-paid director assumed to be principal Patrik Schumacher taking home 910,958, an increase from the 871,416 reported in 2023.ZHAs income in the Middle East has rocketed more than seven-fold over the last two years. In 2022, its workload in the region only netted the practice 3.5 million.New commissions in the region, such as the Grove scheme at Qatars Qetaifan Island North and the massive waterfront development in Muscat, Oman, have resulted in a boom in fees.AdvertisementElsewhere, fee income in Asia dropped from 42.2 million to 35.6 million and the practices workload in South America ceased entirely.However, there was a near doubling of work in North America, up from 1.2 million to 2.3 million. In May it was announced the practice was behind a new yacht club, nightclub and casino in the Bahamas as part of the Habacoa marina development. Source:Zaha Hadid Architects \ FlyingarchitectureZaha Hadid Architects plans for Habacoa Casino in the BahamasLast month, the High Court ruled that ZHA must continue paying to use the name of the late Zaha Hadid an obligation that has cost the practice 21.4 million since her death in 2016.The practices directors had sought a legal declaration that it should be able to give 12 months notice to terminate a contract with the Zaha Hadid Foundation, the charity set up in her name which promotes the late Iraqi-British architects work.Under an agreement between the practice and the foundation, the practice must hand over 6 per cent of its income annually to use the trademark Zaha Hadid.In the latest battle between the foundation and the practice, lawyers for the companys directors had argued that the licensing agreement was unusual and unreasonable and a restraint on trade. At the same time, the practice told the court that Hadids name had diminishing significance, despite having significant value historically.But High Court judge Adam Johnson dismissed the practices case and said the agreement did not contain a provision enabling the company to end the licensing deal with the foundation.Referring to the practices 2023 turnover of 69.4 million, Johnson argued in his decision: It strikes me as rather counterintuitive to describe [the licensing agreement] as operating in restraint of trade. It looks more like an encouragement to trade.

If you've been training for some time, you might have heard about weightlifting shoes. These have a raised heel -- or a flat sole -- to help with exercises. However, designs vary from one brand to another and so does the way the shoes will fit. To help you find the best option for your weightlifting journey, we tested popular styles and spoke with experts to learn more.So, if you've decided to put some weight into a pair of shoes, below are our top picks. Our Picks Best weightlifting shoes for beginners Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoes View details $91 at Adidas View details Best versatile weightlifting shoes Nobull Black Ivy Trainer View details $139 at Nobull View details Best weightlifting shoes for heavy squats Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 View details $190 at Amazon View details Best minimalist weightlifting shoes Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III View details $105 at Amazon View details Best classic weightlifting shoes Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Tops View details $60 at Converse View details Best alternative cross-training shoes Altra Solstice XT2 View details $130 at Amazon View details Table of Contents What are the best overall weightlifting shoes?The best weightlifting shoes for you will depend on your needs: raised heel or flat sole. We recommend the Adidas Powerlift 5 for beginners or Converse Chuck Taylor Low Tops as a classic go-to.Best weightlifting shoes of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $91 at Adidas Pros Good for beginners Lightweight Made of sustainable materials Flexible Cons Expensive Heel may not be high enough depending on preference Available sizes Men's 4 to 16, women's 5 to 17Heel height 34mmWeight 436gUpper Canvas with mesh ventilation insertsMidsole EVA foamTread RubberColor options 5 options $91 at Adidas Many years ago when I bought my first pair of lifting shoes, I chose an older version of Adidas Powerlift shoes. At the time, the pair I had was stiff and heavy, and the material didn't seem to be the best. This time around, I tested the Adidas Powerlift 5 weightlifting shoes, and I'm happy to report that they've improved in more ways than one. The shoe has some weight to it, which I expected in this style, but it's lighter compared to the older version I had.The shoes do seem to run a little on the small side, so unless you have a narrow or small foot, I'd size up for a more comfortable fit. This shoe has plenty of stability around the ankles and the profile is low, so it technically doesn't have the same high, wedged heel that many weightlifting shoes have. Instead, it has a midfoot stability wedge measuring 34 millimeters, which I think is a safe option if you aren't sure if you're ready to commit to a full heel yet. The upper and toe box is a durable and flexible canvas with mesh ventilation inserts, so it's not stiff and is breathable. A bonus is that, if you're trying to shop more sustainably, you'd be pleased to know that this shoe is made of recycled materials.I tested this shoe during my leg day routine, which usually includes barbell back squats, split squats, deadlifts and hip thrusts. What I liked about these shoes is that they were flexible enough to use for split squats without feeling restrictive. Sometimes toe boxes on weightlifting shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable during exercises where your toes require flexing. I liked that I was able to use this shoe throughout my whole routine without hesitation. Squatting felt comfortable and more natural with a bit of a heel, and my feet felt secure, thanks to the rubber soles. If you're just getting your feet wet in weightlifting, the Adidas Powerlift 5 shoes are a good place to start. $139 at Nobull Nobull launched in 2014 and has since made a name for itself in the weightlifting community. The majority of Nobull's shoes are intended for lifting or training, and they even have lifting pairs with raised heels and running shoes. I tested the Black Ivy Trainer, which is designed to be used for both weightlifting and cross-training.The shoe is stylish, true to size and snug in the toe box, but didn't feel as tight as some of the other shoes I tested. The rubber sole design has a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which makes it flat all around. The upper was my favorite aspect of the shoe design. It's made up of a SuperFabric that claims to be extremely durable, breathable and abrasion-resistant. You can tell that the shoe was made to be able to handle tough workouts and won't fall apart after a few uses. There are also SuperFabric guard plates, placed on a flexible mesh base layer, that look like small dots surrounding the shoe and are intended to create a shield for rope climbs or other exercises that require an exterior grip as part of your workouts.I tested these during both upper-body and lower-body workouts, and my ankles and arches felt extra secure during my lifts. I felt grounded and steady during deadlifts and squats, and the shoe is flexible enough to work for single-leg exercises or plyometrics. I'd recommend these to Converse wearers who are looking to change up their shoes for a similar yet more versatile design.

Our Picks Best compression socks for all-day wear Pro Compression Marathon Compression Socks View details $30 at Amazon View details Best stylish compression socks Lily Trotters Signature Collection View details $42 at Amazon View details Best compression socks for runners Zensah Tech Plus Compression Socks View details $50 at Amazon View details Best compression socks for circulation support Sockwell Elevation Graduated Compression Socks View details $30 at Amazon View details Best short compression socks Pro Compression Midlength Sock View details $20 at Amazon View details Best post-workout compression socks Physix Gear Compression Socks View details $16 at Amazon View details Best cold-weather compression socks Swiftwick Aspire Twelve View details $30 at Swiftwick View details Table of Contents Compression socks can be a game-changer for anyone dealing with tired legs and feet. Whether youre a runner, a nurse or someone who spends long hours standing or sitting, these socks improve circulation, reduce swelling and ease fatigue. Theyre also a lifesaver for long periods of sitting, such as on a cross-continental flight.By applying gentle pressure to your calves and ankles, compression socks help prevent fluid buildup in your lower legs. This improves circulation, minimizes swelling and reduces the risk of blood clots. Additionally, the compression prevents blood vessels from expanding and blood from pooling, which helps protect against varicose veins and weakened veins over time.Whether your goal is to stay on your feet longer or find relief during extended periods of sitting, the right compression socks can make all the difference. After testing more than 15 brands, weve identified the best options for reducing swelling and ensuring comfort, even on the longest flights.What are the best compression socks overall?It depends on your specific needs, such as whether you're using compression socks for work, exercise or something else. For all-day wear, try the Pro Compression Marathoner compression socks, which are easy to put on and provide the perfect amount of compression. In regards to compression levels, you'll mostly want to stick to low or medium compression, especially when starting out.Best compression socks of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $30 at Amazon $35 at Pro Compression Pros Easy to put on Comfortable yet supportive Tons of styles to choose from Cons Somewhat expensive $30 at Amazon $35 at Pro Compression Out of all the pairs of compression socks I tested, the Pro Compression Marathon socks became my go-to. I knew these would become a favorite the instant I put them on partly because they're easier to put on than the others I tried, but they still provide just as much support.The Marathon socks reach just below the knee for full-calf compression. I wore these socks while sitting for hours at a time, doing household chores and yard work, running errands, taking my dog for walks and during workouts. They provided the perfect amount of compression for all activities and I felt comfortable enough to wear them out and about. This is great for pain relief and reduces muscle soreness.These socks come in countless (seriously, there are so many) styles, and in three sizes. You can buy men's or women's socks, but they're a unisex item. At $30, the Marathon compression socks are hardly a budget buy, but I'd happily pay for a few pairs to get me through a week of work.

Now we can convert Maya's AiStandardSurface shaders to Blender's Principled BSDF using this free addon that Robert Rioux developed with ChatGTP (thanks to Tinkerboi for the finishing touches).Source