Its no surprise that artificial intelligence is transforming the way we learn, but it also has the potential to add a sprinkling of magic to on-the-job training. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary is especially beneficial in the skilled trades. Were already seeing social media inspire the next generation of tradespeople, and AI-based learning programs can help attract, develop, and retain young talent.In the U.S., hiring for skilled roles, including electricians, industrial machinery workers, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, could be more than 20 times the projected annual increase in new jobs from 2022 to 2032.The current pipeline of skilled trades training cant keep up with the demand for workers, and a significant percentage of high school students interested in training programs find themselves on a waiting list. Employer investments in training and upskilling programs are critical in closing the labor gap.AI training requires a foundational knowledgeWe have already seen that AI is effective for advanced learning. It synthesizes information, translates it, and creates more personalized learning experiences. However, leveraging AIs power hinges on one critical ingredienta strong digital foundation. This is where many employers will fall short. They have traditionally relied on job shadowing, the occasional in-person classroom training, or limited online compliance training.Further, there is a common misconception that skilled workers will be able to learn in the field with an AI-enabled device as their primary means of information. These devices are useful for troubleshooting or serving as a quick reference tool, but they should only be used in conjunction with substantive foundational knowledge.The cognitive load while working makes it incredibly challenging to learn efficiently and effectively. Imagine being in a setting with safety risks, noise, and multiple distractions competing for your attention. At the same time, youre supposed to be taking in new information, acting on it, and retaining it.But, if that AI-supported in-the-field training was combined with a robust AI-driven digital foundational program, thats where the magic starts to happen. The most effective training takes place when employees have time to internalize the material, reflect on it, and review it.The need to pair AI with peopleA digital foundation that combines strategic assessments, core course material, bite-size learning, and digital simulations with real-world scenarios can provide the hands-on learning that is essential in the skilled trades. Whats more, all of this can be done in a safe, controlled environment.AI can communicate big ideas and take on the role of mentor, highlighting what is important, assessing skills, offering support, and providing insights into strengths and weaknesses. AI can serve as a personal learning guide, but it cant provide emotional support and wont replace people. Instead, great teachers will use AI along with digital learning to make their emotional interaction more useful.AI is advancing at a rapid pace, and many CEOs are asking themselves what their organization should be doing with AI and when to jump in. The answer is to jump in now. The consequences of not adopting digital learning will only get more severe the longer they wait.Learning is essential for every role and at every age, from the Gen Zers who are increasingly skipping college to existing employees requesting upskilling tailored to their specific needs. A digital foundation is the magicor missing ingredientthat lays the groundwork for CEOs to address labor shortages, reduce risk, and increase operational efficiency within their workforce.Doug Donovan is founder and CEO of Interplay Learning.

In todays evolving workforce, a growing number of individuals are embracing a new identity: the sidepreneur. These are people who, in addition to their traditional jobs, are launching entrepreneurial ventures on the side. Theyre not just taking on additional worktheyre creating new opportunities to pursue passions, build wealth, and gain control over their financial futures. From moonlighting chefs to weekend photographers, tech consultants by day, and digital creators by night, sidepreneurs are the embodiment of resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit.The rise of sidepreneurs isnt just a reaction to economic pressures; its a reflection of how modern workers are redefining what it means to have a career. This movement is a natural response to a shifting economic landscapeone where workers are increasingly turning their skills and passions into new revenue streams. For many, this dual-pronged approach offers not only financial security but also a sense of fulfillment and independence.Who are the sideprepreners?Kivas 2024 U.S. Impact Performance Report revealed that 43% of Kiva borrowers who are U.S. small business owners indicate that their business is a second job or venture. And recent findings from Deputys 2024 State of Hourly Work Report reveal that 27% of U.S. hourly workers now hold two or more jobs, with Gen X leading at 33%, followed by millennials, Gen Z, and boomers. Looking at this from both angles it is clear: The sidepreneur movement is real.This movement reflects a broader, structural change. As financial pressures and the desire for flexibility grow, workers of all ages are embracing a multi-job lifestyle, redefining work norms, and creating a diverse labor landscape. The growth of the sidepreneur movement is supported by the ever-growing gig economy, advances in technology, and an overall shift toward improved mental health and wellbeing. A side business often allows people to blend their passions with professional pursuits, but to succeed they need support. To succeed, sidepreneurs need access to capitalWith unpredictable income and mounting responsibilities, many sidepreneurs struggle to access capital, especially when financial systems remain geared toward traditional credit metrics. Approximately 26 million adults in the U.S. (nearly 10%) are considered credit invisible, lacking the credit history to secure traditional financing.Maria Cortes, founder of Tucson-based, Latina and woman-owned brand Di Luna Candles, is an example of that. In 2020, she turned a hobby into a business, all while she was as an essential worker at a bank. From the start, my mother taught me to be independent, responsible, and to always have a growth mindset, she told Kiva. In order to pursue her dreams, Maria needed capital, which is usually challenging to come by for small startups.This is where Kiva steps in. Kivas microlending platform provides vital financial access to sidepreneurs, who often lack traditional banking resources. Maria received a $5,000 zero-percent interest, zero-fee Kiva loan in July 2022. Being able to get that capital [from Kiva] was the start of it all, Maria shared. My first year, I made about $15,000. My second year, after getting the Kiva loan, I grew that total by about 400%. The third year, I grew it about another 190%.Marias story isnt just a testament to growth; its an illustration of how accessible financing can unlock new pathways to economic opportunity and to power sidepreneurs to succeed. Her story illustrates what Kiva has seen from thousands of borrowers: 83% report improved business success since receiving their loans, and 62% believe Kiva has enhanced their chances of achieving their primary business goals. Additionally, 80% have improved their confidence in managing finances, and 65% report increased revenues.Maria has since opened a Di Luna Candles + Goods storefront in Tucson and is running her thriving business full-time.Navigate the challenges of sidepreneurshipWhile sidepreneurship offers financial opportunities and creative outlets, its not without challenges. Modern-day realities of high costs of living, stagnant wages, and limitations such as access to healthcare often create an environment where innovators must turn to sidepreneurship, in lieu of pursuing their business goals full-time.According to Deputys research, nearly 41% of hourly workers live paycheck-to-paycheck, making the balancing act of multiple jobs even more taxing. Sidepreneurs are reshaping the workforce, and businesses need to get ready for this generational shift. Businesses that offer flexibility, supportive work environments, and training will do much better in attracting this emerging sidepreneur workforce.Embrace the sidepreneur workforceThe rise of sidepreneurs signals a profound shift in the workforceone that forward-thinking leaders cannot afford to ignore. These part-time innovators embody resilience, adaptability, and untapped potential, offering businesses a unique opportunity to engage a motivated, entrepreneurial talent pool. By investing in tools, resources, and policies that empower sidepreneurswhether through flexible work arrangements, financial access, or professional developmentbusinesses can fuel this growing movement and reap the rewards of a more diverse and dynamic workforce. Businesses can foster an economy where part-time entrepreneurs can grow into full-time business owners. Supporting sidepreneurs isnt just good for workers; its a strategic advantage for businesses looking to thrive in the future economy.Vishal Ghotge is CEO of Kiva. Silvija Martincevic is CEO of Deputy and board member of Kiva.

Wood is used to make furniture not apparels. You can argue that with anyone but Vollebak. This London-based mens sportswear and adventure clothing brand is renowned for pushing the boundaries of material innovation to the extreme. A recent example is its wooden jacket, an extraordinary creation from the company founded by twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball.Wood seems like an impossible material for clothing, but Vollebak has done the unthinkable to redefine whats possible in textile innovation. While you may choose to argue, these Londoners have actually built their reputation on such material innovations; whether it is shielding suits that can block out radio waves and render you completely non-existent in the tech-savvy ecosystem, or preparing you for life on the red planet with jackets made of parachutes andaerogel insulation used in rovers touching down on mars. Vollebak has been ahead of the innovative curve.Designer: VollebakFor its new design, the team has turned to a treeextracting wood, a natural material available in abundance, but with no prior experience of usage in textiles. The result is a prototype of a wooden jacket which (as apparent) must be absurdly difficult to create. We have a dearth of information about how it is made or what type of wood is used, but from how it appears in the released images, it must be hard to an adventurers liking but it is only a guess, you should not take that at face value.Besides how stiff it appears; the pictures of the prototype reveal that it is a jacket with a hood and two large pockets on the front. A closer look reveals the jacket has crosshatched mini blocks of wood. It is not apparent what membrane holds them together in the shape of the jacket but a one-way zipper covered by a storm flap with snaps adds to its appeal.The wooden jacket does pique interest but there is no information about when and for how much Vollebak would make it available, though its product page teases with the message coming soononce weve grown it. Going by the insane prices of the companys existent clothing range, we are assuming this to be around the $2,500 mark. If you think you can afford that or a price around about, you can support the quest of one day being able to wear your tree, by joining the waiting list.The post Meet the Worlds First Wooden Jacket that uses Actual Sheets of Flexible Wood Fabric first appeared on Yanko Design.

Downsizing can be quite complex and difficult for a single person or a couple, but it becomes even more complicated when you have a family to accommodate. The Joely addresses this challenge impressively by fitting three bedrooms into its compact design, despite its modest length of just 7.2 meters (23.7 feet). Designed by Havenwood Tiny Homes, the Joely is built on a triple-axle trailer and is available with a finish of either vinyl or practical steel, complemented by a steel roof. An added feature is its optional drop-down porch area, which can be conveniently folded away when not in use.Designer: Havenwood Tiny HomesThe homes sliding glass doors lead directly to the living room, a cozy area that comfortably accommodates a sofa and a TV unit, creating a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment. You can also install a wood-burning stove if youre looking to add some rustic charm to the home. The stove is functional while adding some style to the space.Adjoining the living room is the kitchen, which, is compact and thoughtfully designed to maximize utility and convenience. It features a four-burner stove powered by propane, alongside an oven. The kitchen is equipped with a sink for easy meal preparation and cleanup, and there is additional space to accommodate a few more appliances, providing flexibility for personal culinary preferences.On the opposite side of the house from the living room is the bathroom. This space is efficiently organized to include a vanity sink and a shower. Residents can choose between a traditional flushing toilet or an environmentally friendly composting toilet, depending on their needs and preferences. The bathroom also offers a bit of extra storage, ideal for keeping personal items neatly organized and within reach.The sleeping arrangements offered by the tiny home are quite generous and spacious for a house of this size. One bedroom is located downstairs, right next to the bathroom. This room is equipped with bunk beds, although it could be used as a standard bedroom as a home office, depending upon the needs and requirements of the residents. A cleverly designed, storage-integrated staircase offers access to the main bedroom upstairs. This space is equipped with a comfortable double bed and some shelving for extra storage. A small gangway serves as a versatile element that offers access to a second loft space. This room can be used as a third bedroom for guests, or as an extra storage space to keep the rest of the home uncluttered and organized.The tiny home is currently available for sale at around US$92,000, and it seems like a well-equipped, smartly designed, and excellent option for families.The post This Micro-Living Apartments Three Bedrooms Are Perfect For Nuclear Modern Families first appeared on Yanko Design.

Save $70 on Apple's latest Mac mini with an M4 chip and upgrade to 24GB of memory with this exclusive deal.Save on Apple's M4 Mac mini with 24GB RAM.The M4 Mac mini makes a great addition to an Apple setup thanks to its compact form factor and power of the M4 chip. And with a price point that just got even more aggressive, you can get a whole lot of machine for under $1,000.For a limited time, AppleInsider readers can grab the exclusive price of $929 for the M4 Mac mini with an upgrade to 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage (the latter which can be expanded further through the use of an external SSD). Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Spring 2025 academic term is unfolding, and that means it's time for us to take a look at some of the semester's can't-miss events, exhibitions, and lectures in store for our Archinect Partner Schools SCI-Arc, Pratt Institute, USC, Tulane University, UCLA, Temple University, the University of Oregon, Cranbrook Academy of Art, New York Institute of Technology, and Kansas State University.SCI-ArcPlanet City by Liam Young, currently exhibited at SCI-Arc. Image credit: Liam YoungLectures lined up present Noah Barker (February 12), Doug Aitken (March 3), Rossana Hu (March 17), and Steven Holl (April 11)The continuation of the Liam Young-led exhibition Views of Planet City includes a special panel discussion on February 14 with Angelica LorenziEvent-Cities 5: Poetics welcomes Bernard Tschumi for a book launch and conversation with dean Hernn Daz AlonsoAlso on display are the exhibitions Built Environment: An Alternative Guide to Japan (until February 26) and the upcoming show Dub...

Officially confirmed to be in development back in 2021,Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fatehas had next to no updates in the years since then. Series fans have naturally grown increasingly concerned, though director and series co-creator Yuji Horii has offered assurances that work on the long-awaited RPG continues apace.Speaking during a recent livestream, Horii assured that Square Enix is still working hard on Dragon Quest 12, and that the company hopes to be able to start releasing tidbits of information on the game little by little (via Automaton Media).It was reported in April last year that lead series producer Yu Miyake had stepped down from his position, and thatDragon Quest 12had seen several delays behind-the-scenes. Not long afterward, Horii offered apologies for the lack of updates on the game and its development.Sometime later this year, Square Enix will also release Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remakefor PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

For fans of role-playing games, Obsidian Entertainments brand of RPGs needs no introduction. There arent a lot of studios out there who can claim to have consistently delivered on grand promises of deep and engaging RPGs that revolve around branching stories and player choice, but Obsidian has lived up to those very promises time and time again with its games. Unsurprisingly, anytime it puts out a new RPG release, it turns quite a few heads, and once again, we find ourselves excited about an upcoming Obsidian adventure.Avowedhas looked increasingly (if quietly) promising in the lead up to its release. What started as a vision for aSkyrimsized adventure overtime morphed into a more concise and focused, story-driven game that focuses on the things that Obsidian has always been known to do best. As we count the days down to its imminently release, here, thats exactly what well be discussing, as we go over the five key things that have got us most excited aboutAvowed.SET IN THE PILLARS OF ETERNITY UNIVERSEHardcore RPG fanatics know that Obsidians Pillars of Eternity games are some of the finest CRPGs to be found around, with a richly realized setting with literally volumes worth of backstory and lore to really immerse players in their quest. Avowed takes place in that same universe, tapping into arguably some of the best original world building for an RPG in the last decade or so. Theres an incredible amount of narrative, lore, and thematic heft to Eora (where the Pillars games and Avowed are set), meaning the characters, conflicts, and problems players come across will feel less artificial and more authentic. There is a history there that is built in, after all.The best part is, Obsidian gets to have its cake and eat it too, because Avowed is set in a completely new and relatively lesser known part of the Pillars setting, meaning it will still feel new and fresh in spite of being part of a pre-established universe that many will be coming into with a certain level of familiarity. That familiarity itself is, of course, icing on the cake for existing fans.FACTIONS AND COMPANIONSThis should really come as no surprise to any fan of Obsidians output over the years. Of course a new release by the studio will have good companions and factions. But even given Obsidians track record, there are ways that Avowed promises to stand out in some regards, particularly when it comes to factions. Players are, after all, playing as an envoy of the Aedyr Empire (which Pillars fans should be familiar with) to the Living Lands, the region that Avowed takes place in. As an envoy, you having to curry favour with the various political factions of the land is quite literally built into the narrative. Avowed promises the potential to have players balancing some realpolitik between various factions and entities, while also trying to maintain good relations with your home Aedyr Empire. Thats an interesting set up that could offer some really well written and dynamic scenarios with the factions, if it is executed on well.As for the companions, all four that Obsidian has shown so far look great and, of course, having to balance their proclivities and preferences with not just your own agenda (always a hallmark of Obsidian titles), but also the aforementioned balancing act with the other factions, should add some more delicious drama and stakes to it all. Getting to know well written and fleshed out characters and then experiencing how they impact the story is what many come to Obsidian RPGs for, and based on everything weve seen ofAvowedso far, its core cast might similarly be one of its highlights.COMBATCombat might not be what Obsidians RPGs are known for first and foremost, but fromPillars of EternitytoThe Outer Worlds, the studio has been known to deliver legitimately enjoyable and well-made combat systems nonetheless. And by the looks of it,Avowedseems to be on track to join that list. First-person combat can always go either way, especially in a fantasy setting where you dont have the luxury of using firearms and guns. However,Avowedis making intriguing promises.Firearms are part of the games roster, for instance, while players will, of course, also be able to use magic and melee weapons. Particularly interesting is the games emphasis on combo mechanics, with players being encouraged to combo different spells with different weapons to take out enemies in creative ways- like freezing an enemy into a block of ice with your wand, then using a giant sledgehammer to shatter them into pieces. Add to that dual wielding mechanics and the ability to quickly and seamlessly swap out weapons and weapon combos on-the-fly, and the combat system begins looking that much more intriguing.EXPLORATIONNo,Avowedisnt going to be the gargantuanSkyrim-sized open world behemoth we once thought it would be, with Obsidian instead opting for a smaller scope and design style of something likeThe Outer Worlds. But worlds that are begging to be explored tend to be non-negotiable parts of RPGs for a sizeable portion of the genres fanbase, and thankfully, it doesnt look likeAvowedwill disappoint on that front. More than a few times, the developers have assured that the game will have plenty of room for exploration, for those who want to partake.And for those whore looking for more guided, handcrafted level design rather than just vast, open fields with points of interest scattered everywhere, it looks like thats whatAvowedis looking to deliver. The game is confirmed to feature plenty of sufficiently large and semi-open world locales and maps, but with more authored level design. Expect a greater emphasis on traversal mechanics and environmental interactions, using abilities to open up pathways and solve puzzles, and more.CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE MECHANICSThis is what Obsidian Entertainment has built its reputation on over the course of its long and illustrious history. FromStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2andFallout: New VegastoPillars of Eternityand more. Time and time again, the developer has released games that have made grand promises about player choice and those choices will affect the story, and more often than not, those games have lived up to those promises. Choice and consequence mechanics are tough to pull off for even the most accomplished studios, but Obsidian has a talent for it.Avowedis promising to once again prioritize player choice, whether thats by letting you approach and tackle quests in a variety of different ways or by letting you make choices that impact the story in both large-scale and more intimate ways. How effectively the game will do that remains to be seen thats something you can never know for sure one way or another until you play the game yourself but given Obsidians track record and the promises its been making, theres good reason to believe that Avowedwill follow in the footsteps of the studios past output.

The Dolderbahn is rack railway in the Swiss city of Zurich. It has a length of 1.3km (0.8mi) and is located in Zurich's Hottingen and Fluntern suburbs on the south slope of the Adlisberg mountain. The lower terminus of the line is at Rmerhof, around 1.5km (0.9mi) from the city centre, where it connects with lines 3 and 8 of the Zurich tramway. The upper terminus at Bergstation Dolderbahn is adjacent to the Dolder Grand Hotel and the Dolder recreation area. Two intermediate stations, at Titlisstrasse and Waldhaus Dolder, are also served. This image shows car 1/2 1 from the 1973 SLM rolling stock.Photograph credit: KabellegerRecently featured: Alpine ibexFragaria vescaThe Lost WorldArchiveMore featured pictures

February 11: National Foundation Day in Japan (660BC)UCL Main Building1826 London University, later University College London (pictured), was founded as the first secular university in England.1851 As part of celebrations marking the separation of Victoria from New South Wales, the inaugural first-class cricket match in Australia began at the Launceston Racecourse in Tasmania.1976 The Frente de Liberacin Homosexual made their final public appearance, shortly before the group's dissolution due to political repression after the Argentine coup d'tat.2001 The computer worm Anna Kournikova, which would affect millions of users worldwide, was released by a 20-year-old Dutch student.Thomas Edison (b.1847)Helene Krller-Mller (b.1869)Keith Holyoake (b.1904)Jennifer Aniston (b.1969)More anniversaries: February 10February 11February 12ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout