If youre under 40, ageism probably hasnt crossed your mind muchyet. And thats okay. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I wasnt thinking about it, either. But theres something about entering that sixth decade that makes ageism glaringly real. And unfortunately, its not just someone elses problem; its everyones problem.I recently turned 50, and this topic has become so personal that I realize we need to talk about it more. And more importantly, we need to act on it.A recent study revealed that when recruiting potential employees, 56% of employers said the age where someone was too old to hire depended on the person. But of those who provided a specific age, the median too old age was 58. Frankly, I think thats generous. Based on what Ive heard from my network, the age when someone is considered too old is closer to 49. And a 2024 survey by Resume Now found that 90% of workers over 40 have experienced ageism at work. Yes, 90%!The thing about ageism is that people dont really notice it until it happens to them. Its like asking a 25-year-old, Whats your retirement plan? Theyre not thinking about a 401(k); theyre thinking about paying rent or hitting happy hour with friends. When I was 25, I wasnt worrying about whether the 50-year-old in the office had encountered ageism. Its just not on your radaruntil it is.Work-life balance gets trickier with ageBy the time you hit your 40s or 50s, life is really busy. Some of us are raising kids or putting them through college. Others are caring for aging parents. And all that happens when many of us are at the height of our careers, juggling more responsibilities than ever.And suddenly, your experience and senioritythe things youve worked so hard to buildcan make you a target. When companies start talking about cost-cutting, guess whos most at risk? Older, highly paid employees. Its a short-term cost saving that causes long-term problems. Experienced workers are pushed out and forced to take lower-level jobs, making them senior outcasts in the market.Its demoralizing, and its a waste of talent.Why multigenerational teams are the answerSo, what can we do about it? One solution is developing and supporting multigenerational teams. Why? Because diverse teamsincluding age diversityare better for businesses. They bring a mix of perspectives, skills and life experiences that cant be replicated in a single age group. Its a beautiful balance: the energy and fresh ideas of younger workers paired with the wisdom and resilience of older ones.Ive seen it work firsthand. Recently, I was on an industry panel with people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The insights we shared were incredible because everyones perspective was unique. The audience loved it. And the insights we provided apply to the different age groups most brands want to reach. Why wouldnt companies want to replicate that dynamic internally?Cross-mentorship is one of the best ways to make this happen at work. The stats back it up: 86% of CEOs say mentors were key to their success. Imagine how powerful it could be to create opportunities for mentorship across generations within your workplace. Everyone wins.We need to talk about age without shame or fearWeve been conditioned to hide our ageyes, especially us women. Im not talking about Botox (Im all for it, by the way). Im talking about the reluctance to admit our age at workand beyondout of fear well be seen as less capable or relevant. But hiding doesnt solve anything. In fact, it perpetuates the problem.When I was on that panel, I proudly introduced myself as representing the 50-plus crowd. I did it because we need to normalize talking about our age and proving that it doesnt define our abilities. Were still valuable, relevant and eager to contribute. The more we embrace this openly, the more we can challenge ageist assumptions.One thing Ive learned is that ageism cuts both ways. Its not just about the more visible aspect of it affecting older employees. When I became editor-in-chief of an internet startup at 24, people underestimated me because I was too young. If I were to apply to a similar position at my current age, Id probably be labeled as too old.So lets make a real commitment to stop judging peoples capabilities based on their age. If a 25-year-old applies for a VP role and has the chops, why not give them a chance? And if a 55-year-old wants to pivot into a new role, why not support that too? Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow.Maybe its not a midlife crisismaybe its just burnoutAnother key piece of the puzzle is addressing burnout. Lets be real: A lot of what weve traditionally called midlife crises is probably just exhaustion. Burnout can happen at any age, but by the time youve spent decades working 60-hour weeks while raising a family (or any other serious responsibility), youre bound to feel drained. Then you start yearning or pursuing life changes that make you feel rejuvenated or like youre getting a fresh start.Flexibility can make a huge difference here. And Im not just talking about short-term flexibility, like allowing your team to work from home certain days. I mean comprehensive flexibility over time. For example, sometimes, all it takes is tweaking someones role to better align with their strengths and needs.Personally, I used to love doing sales from start to finish. Now? Not so much. What I love involves a lot of collaboration. My strengths and needs have evolved, and thats a great thing. Now I want younger colleagues in the room with me, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the table. Its not about doing less; its about doing things differently to stay productive and efficient.Unfortunately, companies that prioritize short-term cost-cutting over long-term strategy are missing out on the incredible value that experienced workers bring.If youre a leader, my advice to you is this: Build multigenerational teams, encourage open dialogue about age, and create opportunities for cross-mentorship. Start thinking about how to make your workplace more inclusive of all ages. And if youre older, dont be afraid to show your ageown it, and use it to inspire others.

Business thrives on data. We know that data drives strategy, innovation, and decision making, yet many businesses fail to unlock its full potential. While budgets are allocated and data is gathered and analyzed, a common issue arises: A lot of data remains underleveraged in the long term.When it comes to climate data, this gap is more of a chasm. Despite the growing urgency around sustainability, environmental data is often not being effectively harnessed, particularly in brand communication, since companies want to avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing. This gap is a missed opportunity for businesses across all industries.Youve probably seen countless claims around eco-friendliness, green, and net zero, but the reality behind these terms is often far more complex than the slogans suggest. Too often, the actual data behind these claims is oversimplified or ignored, leaving consumers without the insights they need to make informed decisions.Read on to effectively translate climate data into authentic, actionable marketing messaging, from a tech founder who built a company grounded in science-based climate data and its real-world applications.Enhance granularity and accuracyThere is a reason why tech companies emphasize the importance of detailed and accurate data. For data to be both credible and actionable, it must first achieve a high degree of precisiona solid foundation that allows businesses to make confident decisions.For example, my company Vaayu provides software that enables retail brands and businesses to track their global impact. The technology generates granular, precise data on key areas such as carbon emissions, water usage, and waste through an automated calculation process. This level of detail helps partners identify specific areas where they can make targeted reductions in their footprint and, crucially, communicate to shoppers about it, driving more meaningful sustainability outcomes.By leveraging the most robust data available, businesses gain insights that can be translated into transparent, credible marketing messages that resonate with consumers.Build climate data understandingIn business, data empowers everyone involved. To effectively translate climate data into consumer-facing messaging, its essential to get as many eyes and ears on the data as possible. By involving diverse perspectives throughout the process, the data can be refined into something that is easy to understand while preserving its nuance and detail.In fact, as a lifelong advocate for carbon literacy, Ive found that the most impactful way to drive real change is by involving team members that hail not only from science but across communication, climate strategy, and more. By fostering a shared understanding of data, teams can better collaborate, translate insights into meaningful actions, and communicate transparently with consumers, ultimately building credibility and trust.Let the data tell the storyOnce brands gain clarity on what they can and cannot say, data becomes the perfect storyteller, offering not just accurate conclusions but also persuasive ones. In many cases, this alignment is what drives the most compelling success stories.Take the recent work of Vestiaire Collective, a global online marketplace specializing in buying and selling pre-owned luxury fashion and accessories. Through its collaboration with Vaayu, Vestiaire Collective harnessed the cost-per-wear metric to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of preloved fashion.The data that fueled this campaign came from an extensive consumer survey, drawing insights from over 13,000 respondents globally. To obtain the cost-per-wear metric, we analyzed data from 250,000 transactions, cross-verified and scaled with literature values. We found that preloved luxury items purchased on Vestiaire Collective were 33% more affordable long term than brand new fast fashion, contrary to what most consumers would believe. This unique survey sets the stage for a future where consumers reconsider their fashion investments, with findings indicating that 70% prioritized items with a good resale value, also signaling a shift in consumer behavior.By leveraging Vaayus carbon tracking technology, we have shown that preloved fashion offers both economic and environmental benefits, says Dounia Wone, chief impact officer of Vestiaire Collective. Together, we can transform consumption habits and create a more sustainable world.Trustworthy, accurate data is essential for translating complex climate insights into compelling marketing. Vestiaire Collectives campaign demonstrates that reliable data drives impactful storytelling, highlighting both environmental and financial benefits.The future we need to build isnt just about ticking boxesits about driving a real shift in behavior and practices, aligning profit with purpose. When brands use their data strategically, it has the potential to ignite consumer trust and spark meaningful change. So, as businesses fully embrace climate data, they are not simply participants in the sustainability conversation; theyre leading it.Namrata Sandhu is cofounder and CEO of Vaayu.

As a watch and technology design enthusiast, Ive always been fascinated by how innovation can transform everyday objects into extraordinary experiences. The Veil watch is a perfect example of this transformative power. This avant-garde timepiece has turned my expectations upside down by giving the humble watch strap a revolutionary new purpose.The Veil, crafted by Przemysaw Wolnicki at Argarosa Poland-based design powerhouse known for pushing the boundaries of visualization and prototypingchallenges the very essence of traditional watchmaking. Its futuristic design captivates with a strap that does more than just secure the watch to your wrist; it becomes the display itself.Designer: Przemysaw WolnickiImagine a world where the strap is no longer an afterthought but a key player in the time-telling process. The Veil offers a dual display: a classic digital readout on the dial and a projection of time onto the strap that elegantly runs over the watch face. This dual functionality isnt just about aesthetics; it redefines how we interact with our watches.Now, as a design enthusiast, I cant help but ponder the possibilities of experimenting with different strap materials. Could a leather strap enhance the watchs elegance, or would a silicone strap add a sporty touch? Each material could potentially affect the way the time is displayed, offering a new layer of personalization and style.However, with innovation comes practical considerations. What happens if the strap becomes dirty? In the case of the Veil, cleaning becomes an essential part of maintenance. Fortunately, most modern watch straps are designed to be easily cleaned or even replaced, ensuring that the display remains clear and functional.The Veils vibrant color palette and absence of visible pushers suggest a sleek, streamlined design that prioritizes simplicity and elegance. While it primarily displays time digitally, theres room for additional features like date display, alarm settings, or notifications, hinting at the multifaceted functionality that could be embedded within this innovative device.For me, the Veil isnt just a watch; its a statement piece that reflects the evolving landscape of design and technology. It challenges traditional perceptions and invites us to rethink how we engage with personal timepieces. As it continues to captivate the imagination of watch enthusiasts and design aficionados alike, the Veil underscores the endless possibilities in reimagining everyday objects, making it a truly groundbreaking addition to the world of horology.Argaros, based in Katowice, Poland, specializes in bringing innovative product ideas to life, and Veil is its first foray into watch design. If this is any indication, a wristwatch with a strap display could redefine how watches function in everyday life. Veil is thus a leap in the field that often sees straps as an accessory. While it doesnt aim to compete with the feature-packed smartwatches of today, Veil carves out its own niche one where simplicity, elegance, and rethinking are unified so that we can imagine more possibilities.The post This Rather Clever Watch turns its Woven Strap into a Textured Display first appeared on Yanko Design.

From silicone, metal and leather to transparent, opaque, wireless charging, or shimmering ones; there are endless types of smartphone cases out there. When everything else has found its way onto the smartphone cases, its time a retro marble machine is slapped onto the back of your phone so you can take breaks between social media scrolls and stay entertained even on the flip side of the phone. Now that is a case thatll be a conversation starter, anytime anywhere.The interesting smartphone case, which appears to have been created for iPhone 16 Pro, is meticulously designed and developed by @karakurist, a Japanese YouTuber (channel name: KARAKURI Channel) known for creating mechanical art from scratch. All his creations are unique and this one is right up there, since youll be using the thing for most of the day.Designer: KARAKURI ChannelA marble machine slotted onto the guts of a smartphone case for the iPhone may sound and appear simple, but frankly, after watching the detailed DIY video, I can say, it is no mean feat. This amazing smartphone case with a marble machine is completely 3D printed all the miniature gears and 32 different detail parts are made using the printer. Everything snaps into place with the help of tiny screws and the friction of the gears against each other.What appears to the eyes is a transparent maze with tiny 4mm ball bearings rolling around with the help of complex gears and a built-in motor. Users can play the game as long as the motor is running, which is interestingly powered by the phones own USB-C port Perhaps then no external device or charging is supported in the process when you are enjoying the marble roll. There is a safety mechanism in place so that it spins freely in case the gear gets stuck when the spring stretches.The marble machine is a thoughtful attachment for the 3D printed case, which has a hollowed-out section in the middle and top right, where the attachment snaps in or out in one go. The designer is mindful enough to have a separate slot to store a small charging cable, so you dont have to look around for one. The detachable aspect means you dont permanently have to have the marbles rolling in the back of your phone; you can choose when to shift entertainment from the screen to the flip side!The post Marble Machine-inspired iPhone Case Turns Your Phones Back into an Entertaining Game first appeared on Yanko Design.

The City of Chicago has granted approvals to the new $7 billion RIOS and Field Operations-led redevelopment of spaces surrounding the United Center. The 1901 Project, which covers 55 acres will be conducted in two phases through 2040, adds a new 6,000-seat music hall, 233-key boutique hotel, mixed-used building, and 10-acre public park in its first half followed by more retail, hospitality, office spaces, and a large housing component in the second.The first phase of construction is scheduled to begin this year with a $400 million budget and progress through the end of 2028. Image: Studio Ladder, courtesy RIOSImage: Prolog, courtesy RIOSImage: Prolog, courtesy RIOSImage: courtesy Prolog and RIOS

This edition of Bustler's curated picks of noteworthy architecture and design competitions features four calls seeking the best in housing design, creative artwork by architects and designers, innovative and sustainable proposals for the redesign of State Tax University's Main Campus in Irpin, Ukraine, and student-led conceptual design proposals for structures that utilize one or more of the five platonic solids found in sacred geometry.For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, click here.

The Monarch of the Glen is an oil-on-canvas painting of a red deer stag completed in 1851 by the English painter Sir Edwin Landseer. It was commissioned as part of a series of three panels to hang in the Palace of Westminster in London. As one of the most popular paintings throughout the 19th century, it sold widely in reproductions in steel engraving, and was finally bought by companies to use in advertising. The painting had become something of a clich by the mid20th century, as the "ultimate biscuit tin image of Scotland: a bulky stag set against the violet hills and watery skies of an isolated wilderness", according to the Sunday Herald. The work is now in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.Painting credit: Edwin LandseerRecently featured: Chartres CathedralGarlicCattle tyrant and capybaraArchiveMore featured pictures

January 25: Feast day of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (Eastern Christianity) and Dwynwen (Wales); Tatiana Day (Russia)Nellie Bly1515 FrancisI, a great-great-grandson of CharlesV, was crowned king of France in the Reims Cathedral.1725 Privateer Amaro Pargo was declared a hidalgo, a member of the Spanish nobility.1765 Port Egmont, the first British colony in the Falkland Islands, was founded.1890 American journalist Nellie Bly (pictured) completed a circumnavigation of the globe by land and sea in a then-record-breaking 72 days.1998 The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam detonated a truck bomb at the sacred Buddhist Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, killing 17 people.Mihrimah Sultan (d.1578)Anna Gardner (b.1816)Jane Bathori (d.1970)Seunghee (b.1996)More anniversaries: January 24January 25January 26ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn MoreSeason 4 of a TV show is not something I write about very often, given my focus is video games. But Season 4 of Mythic Quest is another matter. Debuting with the first two episodes on January 29 on Apple TV+, the show brings back the workplace comedy about a video game studio. The ensemble cast returns with stars including Rob McElhenney (as the mercurial creative director Ian Grimm) and Charlotte Nicdao (tech leader Poppy Li) and more. The show is good at skewering the sometimes ridiculous culture of video game industry, and its on the mark as it was originally created by Ubisoft.The show is silly as usual, but I like how one of the opening scenes is about Play Pen, a user-generated content gimmick aimed at reviving the studios core online game. By the second episode, the users are all busy making sex games and the studio has to figure out what to do about it. David enlists the help of the studios ethics committee to find the answer. And, of course, AI is the next big trend that gets skewered in the show. Game tester Rachel (played by Ashly Burch) has now been appointed the head of monetization for the studio. She will be hard-pressed to be more evil than Brad Bakshi (played by Dani Pudi) at making money.The studios boss David Brittlesbee (played by David Hornsby, executive producer) continues to be caught in between the studio leads and the corporate headquarters. Its still all-too-real when it comes to references to silly things in the game industry. Under preview, Ive been checking it out.The opening show, Boundaries, spells out the new responsibilities and boundary lines being drawn by the characters as their lives change. Ian and Poppy have rejoined the studio after striking out on their own. But Poppy, ever the programming workaholic, now isnt working as hard because she has a new boyfriend. Its interesting in that the show recognizes real-world game development problems, like too much crunch, or long work hours, often unpaid. So, of course, Poppy creates an AI version of herself to do work for her and help Ian with his middle-of-the-night strokes of brilliance. The season will have 10 episodes, with the final one dropping on Apple TV+ on March 26. Mythic Quest is executive produced by McElhenney and Charlie Day under their RCG banner, Michael Rotenberg and Nicholas Frenkel on behalf of 3Arts, and Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill, and Grard Guillemot for Ubisoft Film & Television. Hornsby and Megan Ganz also executive produce. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Lionsgate, 3 Arts Entertainment and Ubisoft. The first three seasons of Mythic Quest are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.In the new season, the show also has an expansion of the Mythic Quest universe, Side Quest, which explores the lives of employees, players and fans who are impacted by the game in an anthology format. If you need a rest from CNN/Fox News all the time and our current political landscape, I recommend Mythic Quest as a nice diversion. Daily insights on business use cases with VB DailyIf you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI, from regulatory shifts to practical deployments, so you can share insights for maximum ROI.Read our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

OpenAI used its own o1-preview and o1-mini models to test whether additional inference time compute protected against various attacks.Read More