In a world where innovation drives success, the most valuable asset a company can secure is exceptional people.Great talent is the common denominator across all successful companies.This is particularly true in the investment industry, and always true for hedge funds. Each hedge fund is essentially a team of people betting that they have the smarts to understand the world better than any of their competitors. When aiming to consistently beat the markets, you need to be the best in the world at what you do. Success is developing an understanding and ultimately an edge that others havent cracked yet. Thats the gamezero-sum, and supercompetitive.As the deputy chief investment officer of a leading hedge fund, I am lucky to see firsthand what it takes to have any chance of being the best. We need everyone on our team to be exceptionally bright, to relentlessly challenge any consensus around them, and to be truly obsessed about what they doall while working in an intense culture of collaboration where everyone challenges each other and seeks to constantly improve.Finding talent like that is extremely tough. Bridgewater has prided itself for decades on attracting the best, but doing so requires evolution in our approach, and looking beyond traditional avenues. Outside the boxand sometimes the classroomIts common for elite companies to look to the most prestigious schools as their primary way of recruiting incoming investment classes. Bridgewater leverages this route, too, as such universities are often the home to many brilliant students. But the fact is, most of the worlds best talent is elsewhere. Many of the most brilliant and innovative thinkers come from diverse backgrounds and educational paths.My own experiences have fueled my commitment to expanding our recruiting horizons. I myself am a college dropout. And before making that choice, I remember how troubled I was by the clear disparities of opportunity I saw around me, when growing up in central Illinois. I would hear of students elsewhere having high school teachers with PhDs and receiving expensive elite standardized test tutoring. By the time I got to high school, I had become an avid participant in online communities developed to help other students, and even published an extensive SAT guide online, which helped freely spread best practices to hundreds of thousands of students across the world. Students like me.The democratization enabled by the internet not only allows for students to access otherwise unattainable resources, but it also opens up key opportunities for companies to identify the best talent. While the possibilities here are endless, Bridgewater has already begun to source candidates through Metaculus, a web-based forecasting platform. With Metaculus, we run prediction competitions, where participants leverage their abilities and grit to make logical, thoughtful predictions about what will happen in the future. This allows us to seamlessly leverage technology to tap into a vast pool of talent that extends far beyond conventional recruiting channels, allowing us to discover talent anywhere in the world.This is a deeply meritocratic approach.Last year, in our first contest, we had participation from students at over 140 schools as well as many noncampus candidates, many of whom Bridgewater had never reached with recruitment efforts before. Fifteen hundred people joined the contest,including 700undergraduate students from across the U.S. While Yale came in 134th place and Harvard finished 138th, Northwestern University topped the standings.But the overall winner was an undergraduate from Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college in Iowa.In addition to the Grinnell student, we interviewed dozens of candidates and ultimately made three internship offers from schools we have not historically recruited from. I personally interviewed those three candidates and can confidently say they were among the most exciting, promising candidates Ive ever met.This competition is only one example of the many ways that new recruitment methods through innovative technologies will level the playing field and highlight those who might otherwise be overlooked.To be best positioned moving forward, leading global companies must consider those who can raise the best ideas, regardless of the background that informs them.

At President Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, Detroit pastor Lorenzo Sewell took the stage to pray for the incoming administration, peppering his remarks with ham-fisted allusions to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech from some six decades earlier. That same day, Sewella longtime Trump booster who spoke at the Republican National Convention and hosted the candidate at his church in Junetook the logical next step in his quest for conservative influencer superstardom: launch a meme coin and watch rubes throw their hard-earned money at it.I need you to do me a favor right now. I need you to go buy the official Lorenzo Sewell coin, he said in a video posted on X, promising to never sell on the community but rather just earn fees as our token continues to flourish. After reaching a peak market value of $4.5 million, $LORENZOprepare to be shockedlost 93% of its value in a matter of hours, leaving some traders with five- and six-figure losses. I am guessing Sewells congregants will not be hearing a sermon on the cleansing of the Temple anytime soon.Sewell, though, is only doing what everyone in Trumps orbit, including Trump himself, is doing right now: cashing in as quickly and as often as possible. Days before taking the oath of office, Trump launched his own cryptocurrency meme coin, inviting prospective buyers to join his very special Trump Community and urging them to Have Fun! His eponymous meme coin, $TRUMP, should not be confused with $MELANIA, a separate meme coin launched around the same time by his wife, shortly before she once again became first lady of the United States.The terms and conditions onI swear I am not making this upgettrumpmemes.com warn prospective $TRUMP buyers that they could incur substantial losses, and require anyone who buys to first agree to waive their rights to a jury trial or to participate in any hypothetical future class-action lawsuit, which are generally not signs that you are dealing with blue-chip investment opportunities. When asked by reporters, Trump did not do much to inspire additional confidence in the venture: I dont know much about it, other than I launched it, he said, but noted he did understand that it had been very successful.For now, he is right, and especially compared to $LORENZO: At the time of the inauguration, $TRUMP was the worlds third-largest meme coin, behind only Dogecoin and Shina Ibu. As of Thursday afternoon, The Wall Street Journal estimated the $TRUMP market cap at $7 billion and valued Trumps stake at $28 billion, which would be between three and four times his estimated pre-meme coin net worth all by itself.The ethical challenges of a chief executive with the power to shape cryptocurrency policy engaging in a little light eponymous cryptocurrency profiteering do not require a detailed explanation. But this episode is a mere preview of an administration that will function as a glorified cash cube, where everyone in the White House (and everyone who is sufficiently adjacent to it) will have a chance to grab as much as they can hold before the clock runs out.The political dynamics of Trumps second term are unlike anything that anyone alive has experienced: a term-limited president who is interested in ruling but not governing, who ran for office more or less to avoid the possibility of prison time, and whose position on any given issue depends largely on whichever well-dressed man with a firm handshake pitched him last. Unlike most presidents, Trump does not care about setting up his party for future success, because he has never cared about the GOP beyond its utility to his political ambitions. Nor does he care about using a second term to secure his legacy, because in his mind, exacting electoral revenge on Joe Biden was the only thing he needed to do to accomplish that task.For the next four years, then, all Trump really wants is to bask in the glow of winning an election that the haters insisted he would lose, and enjoy the spoils of victory that come with the office. In previous decades, these perks would have consisted largely of lengthier-than-usual stays at Camp David during the high season. In 2025, they include the right to slap your name (and your wifes name) across a digital token and sell it to anyone who will pay for it.The heads of some of the worlds largest and most powerful corporations, too, realize that the regulatory environment might never be as friendly as it is right now, when a president who is as unapologetically profit-driven as they are is calling the shots. Luminaries of the artificial intelligence industry, who understand that their companies will need staggering amounts of cash to have any hope of delivering on their lofty promises, are flocking to Trump, eager to exploit his disinterest in regulating an industry that needs it badly. Billionaires like Metas Mark Zuckerberg, Amazons Jeff Bezos, and Googles Sundar Pichai similarly understand that showing up in person to kiss the ring is both the cheapest and surest way to protect their bloated monopolies from federal oversight. The quarter-billion that Elon Musk spent to back Trumps reelection campaign is pennies on the dollar next to the value of the government contracts for which his companies now enjoy the inside track. A month ago, TikTok was facing a ban in the U.S.; now that Trump is in power, a few well-placed compliments were enough to keep the lights on and the bottom line intact, for the moment.No industry is going as hard in Washington as the crypto industry, which threw a star-studded celebratory ball the night before Trumps inauguration, complete with performances from Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy. David Sacks, a member of the Silicon Valley reactionary clique, who Trump recently named as his AI and crypto czar, told cheering attendees that Washingtons reign of terror against crypto had at last come to a close. Yes, some industry leaders have criticized Trump for his $TRUMP stunt, but on the whole they have little to complain about: At the very least, a president who is willing to launch his own meme coin right before moving into the White House is unlikely to be a thorn in the side of the crypto industry anytime soon.The cashing-in presidency slows down onlyand even then, only slightlywhen one persons big score threatens that of another. On Tuesday, Trump announced a new AI joint venture, Stargate, billed as a collaboration among OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle that would invest up to half a trillion dollars in OpenAIs work. (Like many things for which Trump takes credit, Stargate was in the works months before his press conference, and since the money is coming from the private sector, his administration does not have to fund it.) But just hours after Trump declared Stargate a resounding declaration of confidence in Americas potential, Musk, who has been feuding with Altman since breaking with OpenAI in 2018and whose xAI product is a rival to OpenAIs ChatGPTpublicly undercut Trumps grand pronouncements. They dont actually have the money, Musk wrote on X. I have that on good authority. As it turns out, Musks purportedly close relationship with the president started fraying the moment he perceived that as enthusiastically as he might be cashing in these days, one of his Silicon Valley rivals was cashing in even harder.The other tech oligarchs with front-row inauguration seats will probably have their loyalties tested soon, too. Zuckerberg, whose company lobbied aggressively for the TikTok ban and stands to gain billions in ad dollars from its enforcement, cannot be happy about Trumps decision to stay the apps execution; Google and Pichai, whose YouTube Shorts product aspires to compete with TikTok, also must have felt the sting of defeat. Earlier this week, Trump expressed interest in the idea of Musk or Oracles Larry Ellison saving TikTok by acquiring the platform from ByteDance. The more Trump picks winners and losers among those competing for his favor, the less valuable these alliances of convenience with the White House will be.Trump is often described as a grifter, or a con man, or some variation thereof, which is in my view a fair characterization of a man who is unable to cite his favorite Bible verses but nevertheless sells officially licensed Trump Bibles for $59.99 and autographed copies for $1,000, a price that somehow does not include shipping. The difference between his first administration and this one is that this time, many of the business leaders who previously distanced themselves from Trump have figured out that ingratiating themselves is the most lucrative path of least resistance in recent memory. When the president is chasing a payday this hard, no one has to be shy about following his lead.

Hexagons have long captivated the human imagination, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practical applications throughout history. The six-sided polygon, known for its geometric precision and efficiency, has been a fundamental element in both natural and human-made structures. In nature, hexagons are celebrated for their ability to create the most efficient use of space and resources, as exemplified by the honeycomb structures built by bees. This natural efficiency has been studied and admired for centuries, influencing various fields from architecture to mathematics. The ancient Greeks were among the first to recognize the hexagons unique properties, using it in their geometric explorations and architectural designs. Its presence in tiling and tessellations in ancient Islamic art further underscores its historical significance as a symbol of both beauty and functionality.In modern times, the hexagon continues to be a source of inspiration and innovation in design. Its resurgence as a leading design trend can be attributed to its ability to bridge traditional aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. The hexagons versatility allows it to adapt seamlessly to a variety of applications, from interior dcor to cutting-edge technology. Designers and architects are drawn to its clean lines and symmetrical form, which offer a fresh, modern aesthetic while maintaining a connection to the natural world. This article explores how the hexagonal form transforms product design, lending an artistic touch, enhancing space efficiency, and creating dynamic visual rhythms. By examining contemporary examples, we can appreciate how this ancient shape continues to influence and inspire, demonstrating its timeless appeal and enduring functionality.1. Lends An Artistic TouchThe hexagonal shape brings an artistic touch to any space by introducing a unique geometric elegance that captivates the eye. Its symmetrical six-sided form creates a harmonious balance, allowing designers to craft visually intriguing patterns and arrangements. Whether used in flooring, wall tiles, or decorative elements, hexagons add a contemporary flair and dynamic rhythm to interiors. Their ability to tessellate seamlessly provides endless possibilities for creative expression, transforming ordinary surfaces into striking focal points. By incorporating hexagonal designs, spaces achieve a modern aesthetic that blends functionality with artistic sophistication, making them both visually appealing and uniquely stylish.Giulia Pesce and Ruggero Bastitas Hexagon, designed for Hans Thyge and Co, is a modular shelving unit inspired by the hexagon shape. The system features metal organizers in various colors and configurations, mounted on a magnetic rail. Its hexagonal design allows for a customizable layout, making it ideal for organizing items in any space like the kitchen or the living room. The striking hexagonal form enhances functionality while providing a stylish and practical design solution.Titled the SoundCube, Eric Guacks concept headphones for Lenovo feature a hexagonal design, including hexagonal ear cups. This boxy yet innovative approach makes them stand out from traditional circular or elliptical headphone designs. The headphones are straightforward, equipped with an on-off switch, and can be used wirelessly or with an auxiliary cable. They charge using contact pins at the base, eliminating the need for unsightly USB ports. This results in a clean, eye-catching design paired with the high sound quality expected from a company like Lenovo.2. Innovative DesignHexagons seamlessly adapt to both transitional and modern design styles, offering versatility in crafting elegant and contemporary spaces. Their geometric precision and clean lines make them ideal for bridging traditional aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Additionally, hexagons are used in electronic gadgets, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics with their sleek, efficient shapes. Given the dominion of circular buttons across gadgets, we would really love to get our hands on some of these concepts to test the efficiency of pressing/clicking on hexagonal buttons.Recent innovations in keyboard design have explored various ways to enhance functionality, from ergonomic splits to integrated touch screens. The K-Bird Spec Project takes a unique approach with its modular design and distinctive use of hexagonal shapes. Unlike traditional keyboards, this concept features hexagonally shaped keys, sliders, and dials across its modular extensions. The modularity allows users to customize their setup with options like a numeric keypad, audio controls, or a drawing area, while the hexagonal form adds a visually striking element. The design supports modules on either side, though it currently favors the right side due to handle placement. This unconventional hexagonal design promises a visually intriguing and potentially ergonomic typing experience.3. Biophilic DesignThe hexagon draws inspiration from nature and is a key element in biophilic design, which seeks to connect people with the natural world. In nature, hexagons are prevalent as the bees use hexagonal honeycombs for their structures, snowflakes form in hexagonal patterns, and lava cools into hexagonal shapes. This natural geometry demonstrates a beautiful relationship between form and function and integrates seamlessly into biophilic design. By incorporating hexagons into spaces, designers can evoke a sense of organic harmony and tranquility, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and enhancing well-being.Reddymade and Ai Weiweis hexagonal extension for a Salt Point, NY home features a striking six-sided design with a metal ribbing and optic white exterior. This contemporary addition seamlessly connects to the existing farmhouse, providing two bedrooms and living space. Its geometric shape and clean lines enhance the rural setting, while the white facade integrates beautifully with the glass corridors and rolling green landscape.4. Creates RhythmHexagonal design introduces a captivating rhythm to any space through its unique geometric pattern and ability to tessellate seamlessly. This six-sided shape allows for the creation of intricate and repetitive patterns that guide the eye and establish a dynamic flow within a room. Whether used in floor tiles, wall coverings, or decorative elements, hexagons break the monotony of traditional straight lines and right angles, adding visual interest and movement. Their interlocking nature creates a sense of continuity and harmony, making spaces feel more cohesive and engaging. By incorporating hexagonal designs, interiors gain a modern, rhythmic aesthetic that enhances both style and functionality.Hives is a collection of hexagonal terracotta bricks by Konstantin Grcic for Mutina, inspired by beehive structures. These bricks feature a distinctive hexagonal form, combining two hexagons to create a three-dimensional effect. This innovative shape allows versatile arrangements for geometric partitions, cylindrical columns, or dynamic surfaces. Measuring 1322.57 cm, the bricks offer excellent thermal and acoustic properties and a warm orange hue. Crafted through artisanal extrusion, each piece is unique and showcases the organic qualities of terracotta.5. Enhances Space EfficiencyThe hexagon enhances space efficiency through its ability to tessellate without gaps, optimizing the use of available area. The hexagon is ideal for designing grids and patterns across various products with its ability to tile seamlessly without leaving gaps. In storage solutions, hexagonal units can be combined seamlessly to form cohesive structures, providing ample storage without wasted space. In architecture, hexagonal floor plans can lead to innovative layouts that efficiently use every square foot. This efficient use of space makes hexagons ideal for applications where maximizing functionality and aesthetics is crucial. By leveraging the hexagons natural efficiency, designers can create spaces that are both practical and visually appealing.The Honeycomb House in Munich, designed by Peter Haimerl Architektur, features hexagon-shaped apartments that maximize space and natural light. With sloping ceilings and multifunctional furniture, each unit offers efficient use of space. The buildings honeycomb design fosters communal living while maintaining privacy, with shared areas and a central hub that encourage interaction. Economically and sustainably built with prefabricated modules, rooftop gardens, and communal kitchens, the Honeycomb House enhances both community and environmental sustainability.6. Stable DesignThe hexagonal shape is renowned for its structural stability, a quality that has made it a favored choice in both natural and engineered designs. This stability arises from the hexagons six equidistant, symmetrical sides, which facilitate even load distribution across the shape. Unlike other polygons, hexagons can tessellate perfectly without leaving gaps, creating a continuous and interlocking pattern that enhances the structural integrity of surfaces. By incorporating hexagonal patterns, designers can achieve a balance of aesthetic appeal and functional strength, making the hexagon an ideal choice for projects requiring both beauty and robustness. This geometric efficiency underpins its enduring popularity in design. Coordination Berlins Lean Tables offer a unique approach to furniture design by incorporating simple hexagonal shapes and traditional craftsmanship. This combination results in a playful and versatile piece that can be configured in countless ways. The modular nature of the Lean Tables allows users to mix and match pieces to suit their specific needs, whether adapting to different spaces or creating new layouts. This flexibility makes the tables ideal for dynamic living environments where furniture needs to be both functional and adaptable. The hexagonal design not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a modern touch that complements various interior styles. With its ability to transform and fit seamlessly into any space, the Lean Tables are a practical and stylish solution, positioning them as the only coffee table youll ever need.7. Geometric DesignThe hexagons geometric design is a standout choice for interior dcor, particularly in creating visually compelling patterns. Its six-sided shape allows for seamless tiling, making it ideal for dynamic and intricate arrangements. The hexagons ability to create harmonious, interlocking patterns transforms areas into striking, artful environments.The Hexaclock is a DIY wall clock and smart lamp with a dynamic hexagonal design. It combines vibrant LED lighting with customizable features, it rivals professional smart lighting systems. While assembly requires a 3D printer and precise cutting of LED strips, all necessary schematics and software are available for free. The Hexaclock offers animated color transitions, dancing patterns, and a light sensor that dims LEDs at night, providing a striking design and functional lighting.The Hexagonal Ruler 2.0 is a must-have addition to any As a stationery enthusiasts collection. This versatile, compact tool is perfect for designers who appreciate both form and function. The set includes three sleek, matte black electroplated stainless-steel rulers, each measuring 72 x 62 mm, and cleverly designed to serve as a compass, protractor, and template ruler. The hexagonal shape not only looks stunning but also enhances the tools functionality. Plus, it comes with a beautifully crafted leather case that makes it easy to carry in style. Unlike traditional sketching tools that can be cumbersome, the Hexagonal Ruler 2.0 is lightweight and portable, allowing me to capture inspiration wherever it strikes. This set is all about embracing creativity on the fly, enabling quick edits and a free flow of ideas that are sometimes hard to achieve on a computer. Its the perfect blend of practicality and elegance for any stationery aficionado.8. Forms A Focal PointThe bold shape of the hexagon makes it a distinct focal point in design. Its unique geometric form naturally draws the eye, creating a central area of visual interest. By utilizing hexagonal patterns or elements, designers can direct attention to specific areas, enhancing the impact and prominence of the focal point.Form Us With Love and Traullit have created striking hexagonal tiles for Baux using Wood Wool, also known as excelsior. These 3D hexagonal tiles are available in various colors, and offer visual appeal and practical benefits like sound dampening, moisture regulation, and flame retardancy. The hexagonal design elevates the material, repurposing it into a unique and functional interior decor element.The Abyss Wall Tiles feature vibrant hexagonal shapes that create a visually striking and tactile wall design. Their bright colors and geometric versatility allow for customizable patterns and arrangements. The tiles are made from sustainable materials and these handcrafted tiles offer a dynamic, eco-friendly decor option with a distinctive, textured appearance.The post These 8 Hexagon Geometry Trends Are Here To Enhance Your Interior Design Aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Grow to Know celebrates the simple power of plants.

OK, cool, now finish The Winds of Winter.

Enable these three anti-theft features on your Android phone right now. Theyll keep your sensitive info private if attackers steal your device while its unlocked.

In case you haven't checked outArchinect's Pinterestboards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various ArchinectFirmandPeopleprofiles.Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the boardKitchen Spaces.Tip:use the handyFOLLOW featureto easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.Westminster Residence inToronto, Canada byBatay-Csorba Architects; Photo: Doublespace Photography Southampton Cottage in New York byLarson Architecture Works Fergie-Whistler Cabin inWhistler, Canada byStudio AR&D Architects West Village Townhouse inNew York, NY byHaute Architecture DPC Longbranch inLongbranch, WA bymwworks architecture + design; Photo:Andrew PogueLake House Interiorin Waccabuc, NY byPlatt Dana Architects Gallery House inQueenstown, New Zealand byBen Hudson Architects SkyBase One inCarvoeiro, Portugal byBespoke Architects; Photo:Joo Morgado Estate Plavu inWayanad, ...

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At a glance, Lok Digital seems like another cute and clever word game, a perfect distraction to keep on your phone for idle moments. But look closer, and its clear something just isnt right. Yes, its a game about creating words to fill out a puzzle board. Except those words arent actually real and they all have special powers. Think of it like an alien take on Scrabble. It takes a while to wrap your head around, but Loks surreal setup makes for an excellent brain-scratching puzzler.There is actually a story of sorts here. Lok takes place in a black-and-white fantasy realm, and your goal is to help little worm-like creatures progress through each level. The stages are grids of squares, and your goal is to turn each one black. (I have no idea how this helps the creatures move, but just stay with me here.) You turn them black by placing letters to spell out words. Completed words will black out squares, and certain words also have the ability to black out even more.It sounds kind of weird at first, and that feeling is only exacerbated by the dictionary of words youre working with. They are gibberish. The game eases you into this fictional language, though, slowly introducing new words that each add a new wrinkle to the puzzles. The word Lok, for instance, lets you black out any square on the board, while Be lets you write the letter of your choice on a blank square. As your selection of words grows, so do the techniques at your disposal.Heres a GIF that gives an idea of how it plays out: Image: Letibus Design and Icedrop GamesI didnt quite understand it at first, but Lok really clicked for me when I stopped thinking of it like other word games, such as Knotwords or Wordle. Its a puzzle game, just one where certain combinations of letters are used to solve problems. You dont need to think of the best words you know; you need to use the existing ones in clever ways to clear out every square. It feels immensely satisfying when you discover the right way to chain together gibberish to solve a puzzle. And while it can be difficult, the game does a great job of easing you along. It ramps up slowly, has a helpful hint system, and also provides an easy-to-reference list of all the words youve uncovered so far.As a puzzler, Lok really nails the balance of challenge and scale, giving you bite-sized problems that still feel good to solve. Its perfect for mobile where you might only have a few minutes to play (though the game is also available on PC and was originally a physical puzzle book). But it also goes a step further in creating an extremely chill vibe, with its lo-fi soundtrack and cozy monochrome visuals. It really does feel like youre dropping into an alien world one where you have to discover a whole new language to make it through.Lok Digital is available now on iOS, Android, and PC.