• Whats open and closed on MLK and Inauguration Day 2025? Banks, stock markets, USPS, Walmart, pharmacies
    www.fastcompany.com
    Today, January 20, 2025, is a day that features two significant national events.The first is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which takes place every year on the third Monday of January (as that day is usually closest to MLKs birthday on January 15) and celebrates the legacy of the slain civil rights leader. The second event is one that takes place every four yearsInauguration Day. Todays Inauguration Day will see Donald Trump sworn in for his second, non-consecutive term as the 47th president of the United States.What is interesting about this pair of days is that Inauguration Day isnt a federally recognized holiday (only government employees in Washington, D.C., usually get off work for Inauguration Day), but MLK Jr Day is one of the 13 recognized federal holidays. So, since both fall on the same day this year, Inauguration Day will see some institutions closed that would normally remain open.NPR notes that its rare for MLK Jr. Day and Inauguration Day to fall on the same day. Since MLK Jr. Day became a Federal holiday in 1980, it has only coincided with Inauguration Day twice, in 1997 and 2013. The two days will not coincide again until 2053.Heres whats open and closed on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025.Are banks open?Most banks will be closed on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. 2025, including major ones like Citi, Chase Bank, and Bank of America. These banks would normally be open on Inauguration Day, but because it coincides with MLK Jr. Day, they will be closed.However, though most physical branches will be closed, online banking should be operating as normal.Are ATMs open?Yes. Though most banks will be closed, ATMs should be operating as normal as long as they are physically accessible, no matter if they are connected to a physical bank branch or outside other locations.Is the post office open?No. Most services will not be operating. MLK Jr. 2025 is a federal holiday, so the United States Post Service (USPS) says it will suspend regular services today, and USPS stores will be closed.The USPS says retail, delivery, and mail collection services will resume again on Tuesday. But its 365-day-a-year service called Priority Mail Express will be operating as usual today.Is mail delivered?No. The USPS will not be making deliveries on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025, with the exception of Priority Mail Express.National Park ServiceAre FedEx and UPS operating?According to FedExs holiday schedule, most FedEx delivery services will be operating in some capacity on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025. FedEx says it will have a modified service today, but its Freight, Office, Critical, and Logistics services will be open as usual.UPS says it will have no pickup or delivery service on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025. It also says its store locations may be closed. However, its UPS Express Critical service is available.Is the stock market open?No. Major U.S. stock markets will be closed on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025. This includes the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).Are schools open?No. Public schools and nearly all private schools will be closed on Inauguration Day and MLK Jr. Day 2025 due to MLK Jr. Day being a federal holiday.Are restaurants open?Many restaurants should be open, including fast food chains like McDonalds, Starbucks, Subway, and Taco Bell. However, note that some franchise locations could be closed. Some locations may also have modified hours, so its best to call ahead.Are retail chain stores open?Most retail chains should be open today. This includes major chains like Target, Costco, and Walmart. Some retail chains will also be offering MLK Jr. Day sales. However, store hours could vary from normal ones today.Are pharmacies open?Pharmacy chains, including Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens, should be open as normal, though they may have altered hours. Its a good idea to check your local pharmacy for its hours if you need a specific medication.Are grocery stores open?Most grocery stores should be open, though they, too, may have reduced hours.
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  • Click and Fold high chair by Cybex
    www.dezeen.com
    Dezeen Showroom: German brand Cybex has created a a wooden high chair for design-conscious parents that is foldable, easy to store and can be adapted for all ages.The Click and Fold high chair is made of solid beechwood and features a mechanism that allows it to be folded and unfolded with one smooth movement.The Click and Fold high chair prioritises elegant designThe materiality and silhouette are designed to blend in with the adult furnishings of a modern household, drawing attention for its clean design and nothing else."The elegant and iconic design of Click and Fold makes this chair a true piece of art, defining outstanding quality and timeless aesthetic for any modern family," said Cybex.It can be easily folded and storedThe Click and Fold chair can be completed with accessories that extend its usability to the earliest months of a child's life, with the bouncer nest and baby seat set.As the child grows, the chair's step can be removed and placed in the position of the seat to adapt the piece for continued use.Product details:Product: Click and Fold high chairBrand: CybexMaterial: beechwoodColours/finishes: All Natural, Stone Blue, Stunning Black, All WhiteDezeen ShowroomDezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.The post Click and Fold high chair by Cybex appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • 10 Best Pocket-Sized Essentials Every Urban Man Needs
    www.yankodesign.com
    In todays world, plastic often dominates product design, making all-metal creations a thing of beauty. They are durable, elegant, and timeless, making them valuable and functional. We have curated a collection of the 10 best all-metal designs, which perfectly showcase form and functionality. These all-metal designs demonstrate the beauty and functionality that metal can bring to everyday products.If youre looking for durability, elegance, or innovation, these designs will offer something for everyone who appreciates the timeless appeal of metal craftsmanship. Dive into this collection of sleek, remarkable, and solid metallic designs. They will add metallic excellence to your life, uplifting your everyday routines and living environment.1. Shift Folder KnifeThe Shift Folder Knife by Koss is a brilliant specimen of craftsmanship. It combines a retractable blade with an all-metal design. This knife features a unique mechanism where the blade moves along a rail built into the handle, snapping securely into open or closed positions. It is made in-house from a blend of titanium and brass, while the blade uses W1-7 high-carbon steel.The materials selected enhance and elevate the knifes aesthetic appeal, functionality, and durability. The knife showcases Koss commitment to quality and innovation, providing a seamless single-handed experience that is stylish and practical.Why is it noteworthy?The Shift Folder Knife showcases a meticulous design and high-quality materials. The use of titanium and brass in the handle provides a perfect balance of stiffness and aesthetic appeal. The brass patinas beautifully with time offering a unique color.The knifes innovative snapping mechanism allows for easy, one-handed operation, offering convenience without compromising safety.What we likeMade from titanium, brass, and high carbon steel for long-lasting performance.The retractable blade offers a secure and convenient single-handed operation.What we dislikeBrass requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and prevent tarnishing.2. TWYST Ballpoint PenThe TWYST Ballpoint Pen is a masterpiece of design and functionality, crafted from a single block of copper with zero plastic parts. This all-metal pen is designed to complement modern technology by providing a tangible and satisfying writing experience. It features an octagonal body that fits comfortably in the hand, and your pocket.It also showcases a smooth twist mechanism that ensures seamless operation. The pens copper and brass construction adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability, making it a timeless writing instrument that will stand the test of time. It makes for a wonderful addition to your workdesk, adding some luxury to your work routine.Click Here to Buy Now: $67$103 (35% off). Hurry, only 2/103 left!Why is it noteworthy?The utilization of copper and brass gives the pen a unique bronze-rose color, which adds a touch of sophistication to your work desk. These materials also showcase antibacterial properties, which provide a practical edge for daily use. The pens weight is perfectly balanced, reminding users of the significance of simplicity and craftsmanship. The pen avoids plastic elements, thereby adopting eco-friendly values, and making it a responsible pick.What we likeMade from copper and brass, ensuring long-lasting durability and elegance.The materials offer a hygienic advantage for everyday use.What we dislikeThe pens heavier weight may not be suitable for prolonged writing sessions.3. Dango M1 Maverick Rail WalletCalled the Dango M1 Maverick Rail Wallet, this EDC is a prime specimen of innovation in the world of everyday carry accessories. It is an all-metal wallet equipped with a precision-machined 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum frame, showcasing a slim and robust design. It is equipped with an RFID-protected side for payment cards.It also includes an RFID-exposed side for transit and ID cards. The wallet features an open-back design, that offers easy access to cards, while a silicone band secures them in place. It is blessed with water and weather-proof construction and is built to withstand the elements. If youre someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, this is a must-have.Why is it noteworthy?The Dango M1 Maverick Rail Wallet is a fine blend of style, security, and functionality. It has an aerospace-grade aluminum frame which ensures durability, while the RFID protection provides peace of mind for cardholders. The wallets innovative design allows for easy organization and access to cards, making it a practical choice for everyday use.What we likeMade from aerospace-grade aluminum with RFID protection for card security.The silicone band allows for carrying multiple cards and banknotes.What we dislikeMay not accommodate as many cards as traditional wallets.4. AirTag CarabinerSay hello to the AirTag Carabiner a compact accessory designed to provide ultimate peace of mind by keeping your belongings secure and easily traceable. It is crafted from Duralumin composite alloy, which is renowned for its lightweight yet sturdy characteristics. This material is commonly used in aircraft, spacecraft, and marine applications.You can effortlessly attach the carabiner to bags, bicycles, or umbrellas, and pair it with an Apple AirTag to ensure you never lose sight of your important possessions. This product seamlessly combines strength, a lightweight design, and the innovative technology of Apples AirTag.Click Here to Buy Now: $119.00Why is it noteworthy?The carabiner is made from high-quality materials, and it offers durability and reliability in various environments. The ability to keep track of your belongings effortlessly makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals. It is a versatile and strong design, making it suitable for both everyday use and more demanding conditions like the great outdoors.What we likeMade from strong, lightweight Duralumin alloy.Compatible with Apple AirTag for easy tracking.What we dislikeRequires an Apple AirTag for full functionality.This may not suit all style preferences.5. Everlasting All-Metal PencilCalled the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil this is a revolutionary writing tool thatthat eliminates the need for sharpening. It is crafted from a special alloy core and an aluminum body, and it mimics the feel of traditional graphite without wearing down quickly. It leaves marks like a regular pencil but offers the durability and convenience of a non-sharpening design.It is for artists, writers, and students, and even serves as a pocket-sized everyday essential for the urban gentleman. The pencil functions as an easily accessible writing tool, ensuring youll run out of ideas before you run out of lead. Whenever an idea strikes you, you can fish out the pencil, and bring your ideas to life.Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95Why is it noteworthy?The Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is a game-changer for those who appreciate efficiency and sustainability. It is equipped with a unique alloy core that leaves marks without the need for sharpening, reducing waste and eliminating the hassle of broken leads. The pencils aluminum body is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for everyday use.What we likeThe alloy core provides a continuous writing experience without the need for sharpening.Made from aluminum, ensuring long-lasting use and easy portability.What we dislikeAvailable in a single metallic finish, which may not suit everyones aesthetic preferences.The innovative design may come at a higher price point compared to traditional pencils.6. FOLD BThe FOLD B Clipboard redefines simplicity with its all-metal design. It is made from a single sheet of stainless steel, and it eliminates the need for traditional clips. It uses two small cylindrical magnets to hold paper in place and is blessed with an elevated rear design that offers enhanced usability.The clipboard is great for those who love to dabble in drawing, writing, or drafting. The FOLD B is a perfect example of how minimalism can meet functionality, offering a unique solution for those who appreciate streamlined design. It has a compact size, which makes it a great everyday essential for the urban gentleman.Why is it noteworthy?The FOLD B Ultra-Minimalist Clipboard adopts an innovative approach to a common office tool. It uses magnets instead of clips, providing a sleek and modern alternative to traditional clipboards. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the minimalist design adds a touch of sophistication to any workspace.What we likeUses magnets instead of clips for a sleek and modern look.Made from stainless steel for long-lasting use.What we dislikeDesigned for single sheets, not suitable for thick stacks of paper.7. Precision Sakura Metal PuzzleNamed the Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle, this exquisite all-metal puzzle captures the essence of Japans iconic cherry blossoms. Crafted from mirror-finish stainless steel, it is designed to challenge your mind with its intricate assembly. The puzzle pieces fit together with a precision of 0.004mm, making the seams nearly invisible.This puzzle offers a satisfying mental challenge and doubles as a stunning decorative piece for your desk or shelf. It is a unique tool that sharpens your mind while adding a textured, artistic element to your space. Its intricate design presents an engaging mental challenge. It is pocket-sized, so you can carry it with you for a quick mental challenge whenever you need it.Click Here to Buy Now: $299.00Why is it noteworthy?The high-quality construction ensures durability, and the nearly invisible lines between pieces enhance its visual appeal. As you complete the puzzle, you feel a sense of accomplishment and the finished piece serves as a beautiful decoration. This puzzle is ideal for those who appreciate both mental stimulation and artistic expression, offering a rewarding experience beyond traditional puzzles.What we likeMade from durable stainless steel with a mirror finish.Serves as a stunning decorative piece once completed.What we dislikeMay be challenging for those new to puzzles.Primarily functions as a mental challenge and decoration.8. WOWSTICKIt is quite popularly said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and the WOWSTICK hand drill surely proves this saying. The miniature pen-shaped hand drill is intended to be a designers best friend. It is an innovative tool that is designed to be the worlds first one-piece miniature electric hand drill. It is produced for creative DIY projects.The hand drill showcases a compact and lightweight construction. It supports an ultra-quiet operation and is blessed with exceptional portability, so you can carry it with you wherever you please. These features make the WOWSTICK an indispensable and essential addition to your toolkit, ensuring it provides value wherever take it.Why is it noteworthy?The WOWSTICK hand drill is perfect for drilling small holes in a variety of materials, including resin, plastic, wood, cardboard, crafts, model making, and even aluminum or copper sheets. It is practical and simple, making it ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and general users. It is powered by a cordless lithium-ion battery and is crafted like a pen, offering ultimate control and precision.What we likeWeighs only 1.6oz and is easy to carry anywhere.Suitable for drilling into various materials, making it ideal for DIY projects.What we dislikeBest suited for small-scale tasks rather than heavy-duty drilling.Being battery-powered, it needs regular charging to maintain functionality.9. ImezingDubbed Imezing, this compact cordless hot glue pen replaces the traditional hot glue gen. It is blessed with a pocked-sized and cordless design that makes it portable and easy to use. The innovative tool is equipped with a lithium battery and can be charged via a USB-C port, making it quite convenient, and of course, portable.The glue pen heats up in fifteen seconds and can tackle a bunch of different materials easily and effortlessly. It is a game-changer, since it frees you from the confines of a power outlet, letting you use the pen whenever and wherever you please. You can carry your creative and DIY projects with you, using the portable gun when needed.Why is it noteworthy?It is blessed with a user-friendly design which makes it one of the most easy-to-use, trouble-free, and versatile glue pens available. Whether youre working on crafts, repairs, or artistic projects, this cordless glue pen helps bring endless creative possibilities to life. It helps with repair work around the house as well, making it essential.What we likeAllows for creative freedom without the need for a nearby power source.Ready to use in just 15 seconds, saving time and enhancing efficiency.What we dislikeRequires regular charging to maintain functionality.May not be suitable for heavy-duty gluing tasks.10. F.100Say hello to the F.100 flashlight another pocked-sized essential you need! It is designed to be the ultimate companion for any outdoor adventure if youre someone who loves spending time out in nature. It features a high-powered 1000-lumen CREED LED, fast charging capabilities, a magnetic lanyard, and an adaptable mounting system.The flashlight is built to go anywhere you go, so it will be by your side always. It is blessed with robust features which make it an excellent and essential tool for camping, hiking, driving, or even everyday use. It offers powerful illumination while also doubling up as a power bank, capable of charging your phone and other devices via its USB-C port, which delivers a 5V 1A supply.Why is it noteworthy?The F.100 flashlight is equipped with a 2600mAh rechargeable battery that can be easily swapped out for additional capacity, offering flexibility for extended use. The latest in fast-charging technology, Power Delivery, allows you to charge the flashlights battery to 50% in just 30 minutes, ensuring youre never left in the dark for long.What we likeCan charge your phone and other devices on the go.Reaches 50% battery in just 30 minutes with Power Delivery technology.What we dislikeSwapping batteries is needed for longer trips without charging access.Regular charging and maintenance is required for optimal performance.The post 10 Best Pocket-Sized Essentials Every Urban Man Needs first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • How to Use Apples Genmoji to Create New Kinds of Emojis
    www.wired.com
    Apple Intelligence lets you generate custom emojis when the default options arent hitting it.
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  • How to tell if an iPhone is locked to a network
    www.macworld.com
    MacworldSome iPhones are locked to single cellular networks, especially iPhones bought in the U.S., while others are unlocked, meaning you can use them with any provider. Its important to know which sort youve got (or are getting), as it could mean the difference between an enjoyable or frustrating experience when you get a new (to you) iPhone or want to switch networks. Outside the U.S. iPhones purchased from Apple or another reseller, are often unlocked by default, so you can use them with any network. In fact in the UK an Ofcom ruling in 2020 banned mobile firms from selling locked handsets. This is great news if you are in the U.K. because iPhones that are unlocked can be used on any network, which makes things a lot easier if you are trying to sell a used handset or pass on your old iPhone to a family member.But in the U.S. iPhones tend to be tied to a particular network, which can make moving networks, handing an older handset down to a family member, or selling a used iPhone tricky. PROMOTIONUnlock iPhone in One Click | EaseUS MobiUnlockHow to unlock an iPhone? Use EaseUS MobiUnlock to remove Apple ID, bypass or unlock every type of screen passcode like digit code, Touch ID, or Face ID, and get access to the locked iPhone soon. In one click, fix issues like iPhone security lockout, iPhone unavailable, and iPhone disabled.Now 25% OFF Exclusive Code: MACWORLD25MOBIUNLOCK FOR IOSMobiUnlock for AndroidIf you are buying a refurbished iPhone it should be made clear whether it is locked to a particular network or not, but this isnt always the case if you use private sellers on eBay or Craigslist, so being able to check is a big help. Its not possible to tell just by looking at the iPhone whether its locked or unlocked: Apple does not allow other phone companies to brand iPhones. (You dont get T:Mobile or Verizon branded iPhones, for example.) To confuse matters even further, some phones are locked when sold, but are unlocked at a later date when the owner finishes paying off the contract. It is also possible to unlock an iPhone so you can use it on any network. But dont worry. Its relatively easy to find out if your iPhone is locked or unlocked, and in this article, were going to show you how.How to check if an iPhone is unlocked in SettingsScreenshotFoundryTheres an easy way to check if an iPhone is locked or unlocked using the Settings app. Heres how to access information about whether an iPhone is locked to a Network Provider. (This information has been available in iOS since iOS 14 arrived in 2020).To access it open Settings. Tab on General. Tap About.Swipe down to Network Provider Lock. If the iPhone is unlocked, it should say that there. How to check if an iPhone is unlocked using a SIM cardSince the iPhone 14 arrived in 2022, all iPhones sold in the U.S. come with dual eSim and no sim tray. So, if the phone you are concerned with doesnt have a sim tray youll need to skip to the next section.If the phone you are concerned with predates the iPhone 13, the quickest way to check if it is unlocked is to simply try inserting a SIM from a different carrier. If a friend uses another network then ask them if you can borrow the SIM for a couple of minutes. Follow these steps to check that the iPhone is unlocked:Power off the iPhone.Use the SIM-card ejector tool (or a paper clip) to eject the SIM card from the iPhone.Insert your new SIM card.Press the Sleep/Wake button to wake up the iPhone.If you see a message along the lines of, The SIM card inserted in this iPhone does not appear to be supported. Only compatible SIM cards from a supported network provider may be used to activate iPhone. Please insert the SIM card that came with your iPhone or visit a supported network providers shop, then the device is locked. Contact your carrierIts not such a quick solution as it may take a while for the carrier to get back to you but if you need to know for sure then it may be worth getting in touch with the network provider youve signed up to and seeing if they can help. Many carriers can check for you if you provide a handsets IMEI.Use an online IMEI checkerYou know how to find your IMEI, right? Once youve got that code, you can go to one of the many IMEI-checking tools online and find out if the handset its assigned to is locked or unlocked. The problem is that most of these services ask for a payment (although generally just a nominal amount).There are free services too: you could try IMEI24.com, which appears legit and has beenrecommended by others. We must stress, however, that we dont know the company and cannot vouch for its services.Get your iPhone unlocked We have a separate tutorial about How to unlock an iPhone. You can sometimes get a carrier to unlock an iPhone by calling them. You could also try a third-party unlocking service such as: Doctor SIM, promises to refund you if the unlock is unsuccessful. Doctor SIM successfully unlocked our phone with no problems and no hidden fees, so we feel confident in recommending them. Get Doctor Sim.Weve reviewed Dr. Fone from Wondershare in our round up of the best iPhone data recovery tools. It incudes an iPhone Unlocker that does more than carrier unlock, it also removes passcodes and touchID. Get Dr. Fone.EaseUSs MobiUnlock is another option. Get MobiUnlock.Further readingNow that you know whether your iPhone is locked or unlocked, youre equipped to take the next step.If you needed this information because you want to sell it, read How to sell an iPhone for more advice. If youre passing it on to a youngster, on the other hand, then How to set up parental controls may be a more useful article. Finally, remember to check out our guide to the best iPhone deals and contracts for advice on your next purchase.
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  • The Download: AIs coding promises, and OpenAIs longevity push
    www.technologyreview.com
    This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.The second wave of AI coding is hereAsk people building generative AI what generative AI is good for right nowwhat theyre really fired up aboutand many will tell you: coding.Everyone from established AI giants to buzzy startups is promising to take coding assistants to the next level. Instead of providing developers with a kind of supercharged autocomplete, this next generation can prototype, test, and debug code for you. The upshot is that developers could essentially turn into managers, who may spend more time reviewing and correcting code written by a model than writing it from scratch themselves.But theres more. Many of the people building generative coding assistants think that they could be a fast track to artificial general intelligence, the hypothetical superhuman technology that a number of top firms claim to have in their sights.Read the full story.Will Douglas HeavenOpenAI has created an AI model for longevity scienceWhen you think of AIs contributions to science, you probably think of AlphaFold, the Google DeepMind protein-folding program that earned its creator a Nobel Prize last year. Now OpenAI says its getting into the science game toowith a model for engineering proteins.The company says it has developed a language model that dreams up proteins capable of turning regular cells into stem cellsand that it has handily beat humans at the task.The work represents OpenAIs first model focused on biological data and its first public claim that its models can deliver unexpected scientific results. But until outside scientists get their hands on it, we cant say just how impressive it really is. Read the full story.Antonio RegaladoCleaner jet fuel: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025New fuels made from used cooking oil, industrial waste, or even gases in the air could help power planes without fossil fuels. Depending on the source, they can reduce emissions by half or nearly eliminate them. And they can generally be used in existing planes, which could enable quick climate progress.These alternative jet fuels have been in development for years, but now theyre becoming a big business, with factories springing up to produce them and new government mandates requiring their use. So while only about 0.5% of the roughly 100 billion gallons of jet fuel consumed by planes last year was something other than fossil fuel, that could soon change. Read the full story.Casey CrownhartCleaner jet fuel is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthrough.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 TikTok is back online in the USThe company thanked Donald Trump for vowing to fight the federal ban its facing. (The Verge)+ The app went dark for users in America for around 14 hours. (WP $)+ AI search startup Perplexity has suggested merging with TikTok. (CNBC)+ Heres how people actually make money on TikTok. (WSJ $)2 Trumps staff has an Elon Musk problemAides are annoyed by his constant contributions to matters he has little knowledge of. (WSJ $)+ A power struggle between the two men is inevitable. (Slate $)+ The great and the good of crypto attended a VIP Trump party on Friday. (NY Mag $)3 AI is speeding up the Pentagons kill listAlthough the US military cant use the tech to directly kill humans, AI is making it faster and easier to plan how to do just that. (TechCrunch)+ OpenAIs new defense contract completes its military pivot. (MIT Technology Review)4 The majority of Americans havent had their latest covid boosterThough they could help to protect youand others. (Undark)+ Its five years today since the US registered its first covid case. (USA Today)5 Europol is cracking down on encryptionThe agency plans to pressure Big Tech to give police access to encrypted messages. (FT $)6 This Swiss startup has created a powerful robotic wormBorobotics wants to deploy the bots to dig for geo-thermal heat in our gardens. (The Next Web)7 Thousands of lithium batteries were destroyed in a massive fireThe worlds largest battery storage plant went up in flames in California. (New Scientist $)+ Three takeaways about the current state of batteries. (MIT Technology Review)8 Amazons delivery drones struggle in the rain Two drones crashed after flying through light rain in Oregon. (Bloomberg $)9 A Ring doorbell captured a meteorite crashing to EarthIts the first known example of a meteorite fall documented by a doorbell cam. (CBS News)10 AI is coming for your wardrobe A wave of new apps will suggest what to wear and what to pair it with. (The Guardian)Quote of the dayTikTok was 100x better than anything youve created.An Instagram user snaps at Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the wake of TikToks temporary US blackout over the weekend.The big storyRunning Tide is facing scientist departures and growing concerns over seaweed sinking for carbon removalJune 2022Running Tide, an aquaculture company based in Portland, Maine, hopes to set tens of thousands of tiny floating kelp farms adrift in the North Atlantic. The idea is that the fast-growing macroalgae will eventually sink to the ocean floor, storing away thousands of tons of carbon dioxide in the process.The company has raised millions in venture funding and gained widespread media attention. But it struggled to grow kelp along rope lines in the open ocean during initial attempts last year and has lost a string of scientists in recent months, sources with knowledge of the matter tell MIT Technology Review. What happens next? Read the full story.James TempleWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Why not cheer up your Monday with the kings of merriment, The Smiths?+ This is fascinating: how fish detect color and why its so different to us humans.+ The people of Finland know a thing or two about happiness.+ Its time to get planning a spring getaway, and these destinations look just fabulous.
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  • Apple Mail on the Mac will get Apple Intelligence sorting with macOS 15.4
    appleinsider.com
    The priority sorting of emails in Apple Mail for iOS will come to the Mac in an update expected around April. Here's what's coming, and whether it'll be useful.Apple Intelligence mail categorization is coming to the MacOne of the most successful elements of Apple Intelligence has been its use in Apple Mail, where alongside message summaries, it can now also categorize mail on the iPhone. For some reason the same feature has not been released for the Mac, but this was always going to change, and now a new report says it will happen in April 2025.According to Bloomberg, the same feature of using Apple Intelligence to sort messages into categories such as Primary or Updates, will be a part of macOS 15.4. The current version of macOS is 15.2, while macOS 15.3 is still in beta testing. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • Do your architecture staff understand your workplace policies? Maybe not, study warns
    archinect.com
    Employers often overestimate how well new hires understand employment terms, new research in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes warns. According to the study, 52% of hiring managers believed their recent hires fully comprehended the terms of their employment, while only 20% of employees felt the same.In a recent Harvard Business Review article, study authors Rachel Schlund (University of Chicago) and Vanessa Bohns (Cornell University) argue that their findings highlight a gap between legal consent and employees' true understanding of workplace policies. While the study did not specifically target the design profession, the issue is particularly relevant in architecture firms, where new hires often not only sign complex agreements, but are introduced to firm-specific approaches to software, file management, and design workflows.Several psychological biases point to the mistakes we make when assessing others subjective experiences, Schlund and Bohns ...
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  • Whats in a Name: Zaha Hadids Legacy and the Business of Branding Architecture
    architizer.com
    Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Zaha Hadid passed away in 2016. But her company, Zaha Hadid Architects, lives on. Clients who want to commission one of her trademark gravity-defying curvilinear buildings are still free to do so. It wont be a real Hadid, of course, but then again, isnt this a question of semantics? Does any building ever really have one sole author anyway? And one cannot say that ZHAs recent projects dont bear the mark of her influence.In any case, ZHA believes that its founders name is very valuable. In fact, they pay a great deal in order to use it. In a recent case settled by the UKs High Court, it was revealed that the architecture firm pays six percent of its revenue each year to the Zaha Hadid Foundation for permission to use its founders name. Since 2018, this has resulted in 21.4 million in fees.MAXXI by Zaha Hadid Architects, Rome, Italy (circa 2010) | Photo by Konstrukt PhotoThe court case was brought by ZHA, which sought to be released from this licensing agreement. They argued that it places an unsustainable burden on their business. The court ruled, however, that the licensing agreement was valid. It was Hadid herself, after all, who set up this arrangement before her death. The Foundation, not the firm, was to be the guardian of her legacy as an artist. For the firm, the name primarily has marketing value and so the court argued it has to pay for it.The companys economic activity has not been sterilized, wrote Judge Adam Johnson. In fact, it has achieved considerable financial success in the period since the licence agreement was entered into.Tom Ravenscroft, writing for Dezeen, reports that According to figures in the judgement, Zaha Hadid Architects revenue was over 60 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The figures showed that revenues had almost doubled since the agreement was signed in 2013.Heydar Aliyev Center by Zaha Hadid Architects, Baku, AzerbaijanThe firms continued success after its founders passing is evidence of the value of Hadids name as a brand. Interestingly, this is the fact that most irked commenters on Ravenscrofts Dezeen article the idea of Hadids aesthetic as a packaged commodity, like a signature. And while I usually hold with the conventional wisdom that one should never read the comments, this comments section was actually quite interesting. Posters debated how the proper names of architects, while valuable in helping us categorize styles and movements, can often result in stylistic stasis, as architecture becomes a matter of different stars and their trademark looks.A poster named Milton Welch wrote, keeping the Zahas [sic] name is, apparently, way to have a client willing to pay as-if-paying-her, for the signature curves that, by now, everybody should be tired of. Milton was jumped on by another poster, Michael Leonard, who defended the curve over orthogonal construction. But Welch explained that curves themselves are not what he takes issue with. Welch argued that Hadids early innovations were stunning, but seeing the same motifs over and over gets tiresome. Seeing Hadid buildings pop up like pre-fab constructions is not true to the spirit of her legacy or really to what modern architecture should be about.Port House by Zaha Hadid Architects, Antwerp, BelgiumAnd this really is the issue with the starchitect system. Key creative visionaries like Hadid made their name by designing buildings that were truly distinctive, structures that expanded the language of architecture. And yet, many of these stars fell into a rut later on, producing what was expected of them rather than venturing into new territory. Clients want to commission a Gehry or a Hadid rather than just an innovative building. Like a Louis Vuitton handbag, they are paying for the name, not the design integrity.I wouldnt totally blame the famous architects for this. The same thing happened to Picasso in his final decades, when collectors would pay huge sums for anything he produced even when it was derivative junk. The problem isnt really about fault. It is about the way branding stifles innovation. No actor likes to be typecast; architects should feel the same way.Perhaps the best thing ZHA could do is let go of the Hadid name and reinvent themselves for a new century. The world needs more original architects like Zaha Hadid not more Hadid buildings.Architects: Want to have your project featured? Showcase your work throughArchitizerand sign up for ourinspirational newsletters.Cover Image: Guangzhou Opera House by Zaha Hadid Architects, Guangzhou, China (circa. 2010)The post Whats in a Name: Zaha Hadids Legacy and the Business of Branding Architecture appeared first on Journal.
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