President Donald Trump has said he is considering distributing DOGE dividends to American taxpayers, drawing from any cost savings his Department of Government Efficiency achieves through aggressive cuts to federal spending and employment. Congress, however, is skeptical and its not clear that the DOGEs strategy will actually yield anywhere near the savings it projects. Billionaire Elon Musk floated the idea of DOGE dividends, based on a proposal from a user on his social platform X, to Trump last week. By Wednesday, Trump said he was thinking about dedicating 20 percent of DOGEs cost savings to Americans and another 20 percent to paying down the national debt. Trump may see the proposal as a means of boosting his approval ratings, which have slipped since he took office: During his first term, Trump famously signed his name to the wildly popular pandemic stimulus checks sent to Americans.RelatedBut even Republican lawmakers are at this point hesitant to support the proposal, which would have to be approved by Congress as part of ongoing budget negotiations.Some have suggested they would consider it. Business Insider reported Friday that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) wanted to see details before committing, and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said he would prefer seeing DOGE savings redistributed via the child tax credit instead. Other Republicans, however, have been openly critical of the idea, suggesting that paying down the national debt ought to be their priority over sending checks to Americans. They include House Speaker Mike Johnson, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, and Rep. Eric Burlison of Missouri. If you think about our core principles, right, fiscal responsibility is what we do as conservatives. Thats our brand, Johnson said Thursday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). And we have a $36 trillion federal debt, we have a giant deficit that were contending with. I think we need to pay down the credit card, right?Trump cant afford many Republican defections given their narrow majorities in the House and Senate. That makes it unlikely that DOGE dividends will pass, even if DOGE were to save enough money to make them possible. Are DOGEs cost-cutting goals even achievable?The original dividend proposal assumes DOGE will ultimately achieve $2 trillion in savings and that 20 percent of those savings would be passed on to American taxpayers, resulting in a $5,000 tax rebate for each household. Finding $2 trillion to trim, however, would be difficult if not impossible. As of Monday, DOGE claimed to have achieved $55 billion in savings, citing a so-called wall of receipts. However, news organizations including CBS, the New York Times, and Politico have pointed out major accounting errors in the DOGEs calculations that caused it to overstate those savings by billions of dollars. To keep its cost-cutting promises, DOGE would almost certainly have to slash Social Security, Medicare, and the defense budget and find some way to cut interest payments on the national debt. Spending in those categories accounted for more than $4.8 trillion of the $6.9 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2024.Trump previously promised not to touch Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, but he has since endorsed a Republican budget plan that includes deep cuts to Medicaid. Its not clear if he would consider additional cuts to other major entitlement programs to achieve the cost savings goals set by Musk and his team. See More:

GTA 6 fans are not only waiting for a firm release date, but a second trailer, too and one fan may have a pretty good theory for when it'll be shown based on Borderlands 4Tech11:06, 25 Feb 2025Here's hoping we get a new trailer soon(Image: Rockstar)Take-Two Interactive has confirmed in its earnings call that GTA 6 is still slated for this year, but as the weeks tick on, Grand Theft Auto 6 fans are getting antsy as the wait for Trailer 2 goes on.Rockstar's games have slipped before following delays, and that's got fans thinking the same could happen with GTA 6 although at least PC fans have a big upgrade for GTA 5 to help them pass the time.Still, one fan has put together a plausible theory for when we'll get the Trailer 2, potentially with a release date attached, and once again it's tied to the fact Borderlands 4 has a release date. Let us explain.Content cannot be displayed without consentBorderlands 4 developer Gearbox shares a publisher with Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive, and while its September launch seemingly narrows down the date GTA 6 will launch, there was some time between trailers for the loot shooter. Over on X (formerly Twitter), one user suggested that the lack of a second trailer for GTA 6 might not mean it's coming next year, with Borderlands' own trailer dropping around seven months before launch.With fans convinced we'll be playing GTA 6 in October or November of this year, we could see a trailer come the end of March if it follows a similar format to Borderlands."We have no reason to worry. Take-Two just utilises shorter marketing cycles these days," the post adds, and there's definitely something to be said for shorter periods between marketing beats and releases.Other users on X aren't sure, either, with one fan suggesting Rockstar will make an announcement after the upgraded PC version of the game drops on March 4, while others think it'll be delayed.Some even expect preview access for press and creators, but we wouldn't hold our breath considering Rockstar's secretive nature.For more on GTA 6, check out our report about the GTA Online's nostalgic tribute to GTA 5's Los Santos for the night before launch, as well as an update on reports the PC version of GTA 6 would launch in early 2026.Article continues belowFor the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

Silent Hill 2 remake devs did such a good job that Konamis working with them againMichael BeckwithPublished February 25, 2025 2:12pmUpdated February 25, 2025 2:12pm We doubt Bloober Teams going to make the next Bomberman (Konami)While Bloober Team is busy with its own horror project for this year, the studio will be working with Konami again for presumably another Silent Hill game.There was so much doubt surrounding the Silent Hill 2 remake in the run up to its launch. Between the poor trailers and the reputation of The Medium developer Bloober Team, fans didnt have high hopes for it.So, the remake turning out to be an excellent revamp that retained everything great about the original 2001 game was a delightful surprise. Aside from being a hit with fans and critics, its sold more than two million units as of January 2025.Publisher Konami is clearly pleased with the results since its partnering with Bloober Team once again on a new project, most likely another Silent Hill game.Admittedly, thats not been confirmed, with Bloober Team only saying its been tasked to make a new game based on an existing Konami IP. Given the studios experience with horror titles and the success of the Silent Hill 2 remake, its probably safe to assume Bloober Team is sticking with the series for the time being.The real question is whether itll be another remake (perhaps for Silent Hill 3 or even the very first game) or an original project. Whatever it is, Bloober Team wont be discussing the details for a while, especially since its currently busy with another horror game Cronos: The New Dawn thats meant to be launching this year.Our collaboration with Konami has been incredibly fruitful, and the success of Silent Hill 2 speaks for itself, reads a statement by Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno on the studios website. By sharing knowledge and experience, we have been able to create high-quality production together [sic].More TrendingOf course, we cant reveal too many details at this time, but we are confident that fans will be just as excited about our collaboration as we are. We cant wait to share something truly special with players when the time is right.Even if its not Silent Hill related, Konami still has long-term plans for the series, with two other projects still in the works at third party studios: Silent Hill: Townfall by Annapurna Interactive and Silent Hill f by NeoBards Entertainment, the latter of which will serve as the first new mainline entry since 2012.Konamis return to traditional game development has seen it revisit other dormant franchises. The Metal Gear series is making a comeback with this years remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and remasters of the first two Suikoden games will be dropping next week on March 6.Multiple Castlevania games have also seen re-releases, with Konami lending the IP out as crossover material for games like Dead Cells and Vampire Survivors. However, its been rumoured that the company intends on properly reviving the series with a new game. What do you want to see from Bloober Team next? (Konami)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.ArrowMORE: Silent Hill: The Short Message review scare freeGameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Two Point Museum perhaps therell be someBen Stiller DLC (Sega)The memory of Theme Park and Theme Hospital lives on, as the latest Two Point business sim lets you play as Marcus Brody rather than Indiana Jones.Two Point Studios really are a great British success story. Founded by former Bullfrog and Lionhead alumni, who were there for the golden age of Peter Molyneux before his travails at 22Cans, their games have followed whats turning out to be a delightful and entirely replicable formula. The first, 2018s Two Point Hospital, was a charming, mildly eccentric management sim that hid its depth and complexity under dry humour and layers of polish.Two Point University did the same job for further education, taking the original games design principles and Nintendo levels of perfectionism, while turning them to the business of running a university. Patients became students, and hospital departments turned into degree programmes, but the differences were way more than just cosmetic. Theyre both beautifully crafted and thoroughly thought through ecosystems.Its no surprise that Two Point Museum takes precisely the same approach. Starting with an empty building and a dream of becoming a museum curator, youre gently guided through the process of making that a simulated reality. The twin fuels that run your exhibitions are the knowledge and buzz they convey to visitors, the former administered via information stands near individual artefacts and the latter by well maintained and interesting objects to look at.Finding new items to display is a core part of the gameplay loop, and youll regularly be sending groups of staff out into the field in the museums helicopter to plunder fresh antiquities. They return after a few in-game days with a big crate containing whatever theyve found, which you then add to your collection, choosing where to place it in your museum for maximum thematic coherence and adding appropriate decorations, each of which helps it generate more buzz.Expeditions are just one of the things your museums team get up to and each individual has their own specific role to perform day-to-day. Experts keep exhibits in a good state of repair, as well as providing specialist help for more far flung trips in the helicopter; assistants staff the ticket booth and sell trinkets in the gift shop; security guards collect money from donation stands; and janitors tidy up litter, restock vending machines, and mend broken lavatories and machinery.As your museum grows and visitor numbers increase, demands on your staff escalate concurrently, making it important to invest in people. That means recruiting new ones to meet the challenge, and training existing staff to do particular jobs, more of which they can take on as they level up. That requires a fully equipped training room, and a separate staff room where they can relax, recuperate, and recover from injuries sustained on field trips.To steer your progress theres a list of objectives that permanently inhabits the right hand side of the screen. Ticking those off unlocks new decorations, installations, and areas of the map to explore, slowly expanding your horizons. You are of course free to ignore them and do your own thing, but doing so swiftly leads to disaster.Thats because growing your museum is a sedate and cautiously metered business. Spend too much on exhibits, staff or facilities too early, and youll find your gradually growing visitor numbers arent enough to balance the budget, leading to monthly deficits, and eventually running out of cash. Thats not the end of the game, because you can always take out a loan or sell sponsorships, but as in real life both of those measures come with onerous contracts that make your life a little bit harder for their duration.The best path to success is the one the game meticulously lays in front of you, and that includes setting up new museums as you reach certain milestones. Each of those has its own theme, complete with gloriously colourful artefacts and decorations, and in keeping with past outings in the series, none takes itself too seriously. It should come as no surprise that your Museum of the Supernatural involves helicopter sojourns to the netherworld to gather artefacts and apparitions to exhibit.As you collect a greater range of objects, youll start finding more specific requirements for their preservation. Tropical fish need heated aquariums, ghosts prefer their rooms to be decorated in the style of a particular historical era, and if your deep frozen ice age man thaws, hell run amok in your gallery, causing all sorts of chaos for janitors to clear up. All that requires specialist equipment, regular maintenance, and occasional fire extinguishing.Two Points magic is that none of this feels like a burden. Each element is introduced in its own good time and learnings in one museum are often transferable to others, so when you find out that planning your museum around visitor flow, ensuring theres a natural corridor effect around your various themed exhibitions and the gift shop, the more fulfilled each sightseer will be when they leave, resulting in better reviews and higher donations.More TrendingIf there is a criticism its that, especially for the first dozen or so hours, the experience does feel a little on-rails, the procession of objectives effectively limiting your agency; although youre still afforded other avenues for creativity, both decorative and financial. Keeping up with staff salary expectations, whilst managing the prices of food and beverage vending machines, are just two of the many small jobs youll be dealing with as your museum empire expands.Youll also find the series trademark Tannoy announcements and radio DJs have a consistently wry take on life, which adapts to the theme of each museum you found. They do eventually get repetitive, but neither gets annoying, and can be turned down or off if they start to grate. Its the icing on a cake that seems to offer a near infinite number of layers, with fresh sets of objectives popping up to stretch your enterprise in a variety of new directions.Like the heyday of Telltales Walking Dead franchise or Travellers Tales Lego games, Two Point feels like a developer in the right place at the right time, its games offering everything youd want from a well designed and gripping management simulation. Hardcore sim fans might not like the humour and handholding, but more casual players will find a garden of delights that sustains anything from a light dabble to a months long obsession.Two Point Museum review summaryIn Short: Another excellent addition to the Two Point series, bringing the customary levels of refinement and charm to simulating the business of museum creation and management.Pros: A huge game that never feels overwhelming. Funny without being annoying. Lovely art style and controls that work brilliantly with a controller. Not a single bug anywhere.Cons: Youre quite strictly guided at first, with deviation generally punished. Despite looking and sounding so British its prices are in dollars and its cleaners are called janitors.Score: 8/10Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, and PCPrice: 24.99Publisher: SegaDeveloper: Two Point StudiosRelease Date: 4th March 2025 (pre-order early access from 27th February)Age Rating: 3 Exit through the gift shop (Sega)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

You know the expression spend money to save money, right? Samsungs inspired a slight variation on that buy the bundle to save a bundle, because the combo deals theyre offering with the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra tablet are out of this world.See at SamsungStart with the trade-in credit of up to $800 that could bring the price of the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra down to just $400. Atminimum youll get $400 in credit when you trade in any tablet. But the bundle deals are where the real savings are: 50% off the Book Cover Keyboard Slim that transforms the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra into a laptop-like device, and 30% off the Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, or Galaxy Watch Ultra. Add them all up and you could find yourself with a brand-new elite-level Android tablet, another great Samsung device, and over $1,000 in savings.Decisions, DecisionsThe same bundle deals on the Book Cover Keyboard Slim, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and Galaxy Watch7 and Watch Ultra apply if you buy the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra, where the trade-in credit can go as high as $500 and is at least $300 with any tablet trade-in.The only wrong choice here would be tonot take Samsung up on these trade-in and bundle offers attached to their two best Android tablets. Released barely four months ago, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has a 14.6-inch reduced-glare screen with Dynamic AMOLED 2x resolution and 120Hz refresh speed, while the Galaxy Tab S10+ has virtually the same screen in a slightly smaller 12.4-inch size.The Ultras front camera has 12MP ultrawide mode in addition to a 12MP primary mode, while the S10+ has just the 12MP primary mode. The rear cameras are the same: 13MP primary and 8MP ultrawide. The Ultras Wi-Fi 7 is a slight step above the 6E connectivity of the S10+.One Happy FamilyAside from the savings, the best part of adding a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds to your Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra or S10+ purchase is how amazingly well the devices all compliment each other. The Galaxy Watchs formidable workout- and sleep-tracking abilities are displayed on the Galaxy Tab, and streaming on the Tab is best when done with a pair of Galaxy Buds in your ears.The real star of this deal, of course, is the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra or S10+, both armed with the ultra-fast MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor chip, an included S Pen, and all of the same Galaxy AI-powered perks and features. But as long as Samsung is offering these incredible trade-in and bundle deals to go along with the Galaxy Tab, who are we to say no?See at Samsung

Chris Pratt is open to a return to Marvel.Daredevil: Born Again director Justin Benson discusses why the series worked for their grounded approach. Plus, an ominously vague tease for whats coming onSeverance. Spoilers now! Dune: Messiah According to insider Jeff Sneider (via Den of Geek), Jason Momoa will return for Dune: Messiah as Duncan Idahos evil clone, Hayt. Guardians of the Galaxy Chris Pratt discussed his relatively loose terms for potentially returning as Star-Lord in the MCU in conversation with Comicbook.com. Of course, I would love to do it with James [Gunn], hes got a conflict of interest that makes that impossible at the moment of course I dont know, Im open to anything. It would have to be great storytelling and it would be really tough. Hes got big shoes to fill. Avengers: Doomsday During a recent interview with THR, Joe Russo stated he believes Avengers: Doomsday will challenge audiences and be very radical.I think these movies are going to be a surprise to people. We found a way into the story thats very exciting to us, but we think is very radical. I think its going to challenge audiences. The Rule of Jenny Pen IFC Films has released a new trailer for the John Lithgow vs Geoffrey Rush evil puppet psychodrama, The Rule of Jenny Pen. Daredevil: Born Again Series director Justin Benson spoke with Comicbook.com about how the shows grounded approach let him and directing partner Aaron Moorhead return to their roots. Thats why this show is so comfortable, walking into it for us because obviously once you start getting a little bit more into the real world we all live in, very street level, thats the world we shoot our own independent features in. So were able to like kind of dig back in our tool kit of our weird little indie sci-fi horror movies and pepper them in here and make something were extremely proud of. We Come in Peace Variety reports Frank Spotniz (The X-Files) and his production house Big Light haveboarded the Swedish sci-fi miniseries, We Come in Peace, as a co-producer. The six-episode series is said to concern the chaos unleashed when a mysterious jellyfish-like object appears in the sky over Stockholm, sparking widespread panic, fear and confusion among the population. The Dark Tower Stephen King confirmed hes writing material for Mike Flanagans The Dark Tower TV series in a recent interview with IGN. All I can say is its happening. I am writing stuff now and I think thats all I want to say because the next thing you know, Ill stir up a bunch of stuff I dont necessarily want to stir up yet. Im in process right now, and to say too much feels like a jinx. Severance Spoiler TV has a synopsis for Chikhai Bardo, this weeks episode of Severance.The origins of an old romance intersect with a deadly present threat. House of David Finally, humble shepherd David takes on the giant, Goliath, in his own TV series (!) at Amazon Prime- no spoilers here about how it ends, though. Youll have to find out for yourself. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Air Ionization: When Negative Can Be Positive in Built SpacesSave this picture!Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2011, designed by Peter Zumthor. Photo by Walter HerfstIn 1902, physicist Philipp Lenard discovered that the breaking of water droplets in waves, waterfalls, rain, or mist releases negative ions into the air. This occurs because, upon breaking, the droplets separate their electrical charges: electrons, which are smaller and lighter, adhere to suspended particles in the air, while positive charges remain in the water or dissipate quickly. This phenomenon increases the concentration of negative ions in the environment, which can directly influence our body and mind, interacting with neurotransmitters and essential cellular functions. It is no coincidence that many people report feelings of well-being, energy, and mental clarity after spending time at beaches, waterfalls, or forests. In Japan, this connection with nature is explored in the practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," which promotes relaxation and revitalization simply through contact with the natural environment.Save this picture!However, the discovery of negative ions dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1899, German physicists Elster and Geitel were among the first to study air ionization, identifying how ions are formed in the atmosphere. Later research, particularly in the 1930s and 1950s, explored the biological effects of negative ions. Studies by Dr. A. L. Tchijevsky, a Russian scientist, and later by Dr. Flix Sulman, an Israeli biologist, linked negative ions to potential health benefits, such as improved mood, increased oxygen absorption, and air purification.Since then, various studies have suggested that negative ions can play a significant role in improving health and well-being. They help reduce airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, and bacteria by binding to these particles and promoting their removal from the environment. Additionally, environments rich in negative ions have been associated with widely recognized benefits, such as air purification, stress reduction, and mood enhancement. Research indicates that exposure to these ions can increase serotonin levels, promote better sleep quality, and even improve cognitive function, fostering greater alertness and combating fatigue. These effects make negative ions especially valuable in workplaces and educational settings, where mental performance and individual well-being are crucial.Save this picture!How Negative Ionization is Being Integrated into Building DesignWith the proven health and wellness benefits of negative ionization, architecture has been exploring innovative ways to incorporate this technology into building design. This is achieved through integration into HVAC systems and ventilation strategies, creating healthier and more comfortable environments for occupants. Additionally, natural elements such as fountains, indoor waterfalls, and green walls have been used to passively enhance this ionization, promoting a balanced indoor microclimate and fostering a continuous sense of well-being.Save this picture!A study published in MDPI Environments examined the impacts of negative ionization on indoor air quality and human health. Researchers explored how these ions can remove airborne particles, including dust, pollutants, and allergens, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Additionally, the study assessed the ability of these ions to reduce the presence of microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially decreasing the risks of respiratory infections and irritations. Another aspect addressed was the influence of negative ionization on psychological and cognitive well-being.Biophilic architecture, which seeks to strengthen the connection between humans and nature in the built environment, finds in negative ionization a powerful tool to promote well-being and environmental quality. Present in natural environments such as forests and waterfalls, negative ions have been proven to improve air quality and reduce stress. By integrating negative ion generators with biophilic elements such as water features, indoor waterfalls, and abundant vegetation, this approach not only purifies the environment but also reinforces the psychological and physiological benefits associated with nature. Thus, the combination of biophilia and negative ionization emerges as an innovative solution to balance urban environments with natural ecosystems, contributing to healthier, more sustainable, and more livable cities.Save this picture!Save this picture!Additionally, negative ionization has been applied to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation generated by electronic devices, with ionizing panels installed on walls, ceilings, and furniture to neutralize excess positive ions. Innovation also extends to building materials, such as bioactive paints and coatings that continuously emit negative ions, helping to maintain air quality over time. With a growing focus on sustainability and well-being, residential, commercial, and even hospital projects are adopting ionizing purification systems to reduce pathogens and improve environmental quality. As technology advances, negative ionization is expected to become an essential component in designing healthier, more efficient spaces that harmonize with nature.As architects and designers continue to innovate, the buildings of the future may not only shelter us but also enhance our well-being through scientifically supported atmospheric improvements. The increasing demand for wellness-oriented spaces, combined with advances in material science and air purification technologies, suggests that negative ionization may soon become a common feature in sustainable building design. While further research and development are necessary, integrating negative ionization into architecture represents a promising step toward healthier indoor environments.Save this picture!Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorEduardo SouzaAuthorCite: Eduardo Souza. "Air Ionization: When Negative Can Be Positive in Built Spaces" 25 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027118/air-ionization-when-negative-can-be-positive-in-built-spaces&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Netherlands Pavilion at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale Reimagines the Sports Bar Through a Queer LensSave this picture!Multiform by Gabriel Fontana, 2019. Image Iris RijskampNieuwe Instituut, the national museum and institute for architecture, design, and digital culture in The Netherlands, has announced the theme for the Dutch Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. This year, the Giardini pavilion designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1953 will be transformed into a sports bar. Titled "SIDELINED: A Space to Rethink Togetherness", the exhibition was curated by Amanda Pinatih, Design & Contemporary Art Curator at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, in collaboration with social designer Gabriel Fontana. Through a queer lens, the project examines sport as an architectural system that regulates spaces, bodies, and behavior, offering an alternative perspective on societal norms related to gender, identity, and group dynamics.The 2025 Dutch Pavilion exhibition explores the idea that sport, in all its forms, both reflects and shapes societal conventions. While sports are often seen as fostering unity, they can also reinforce division, polarization, and exclusion. "SIDELINED: A Space to Rethink Togetherness" questions how architecture can resist normativity and create environments that encourage new forms of inclusivity and social cohesion.Save this picture!Curator Amanda Pinatih and designer Gabriel Fontana will transform the Rietveld Pavilion into an alternative sports bar, continuing Fontana's investigation of social dynamics through the lens of sport. His work challenges established structures and assumptions by examining sport as an architectural system that dictates spatial organization, bodily movement, and behavioral norms. In the pavilion, Fontana's Multiform and Fluid Field projects, alternative team sports that redefine the rules and spaces of conventional games, reimagine sports as a vehicle for inclusivity, empathy, and solidarity, envisioning a more pluralistic and imaginative future. Related Article Queer Spaces: Why Are They Important in Architecture and the Public Realm? Save this picture!Expanding his exploration from the playing field to architecture, the exhibition examines how built environments can be either hostile or welcoming. By applying queer theories and methodologies to reimagine the traditional sports bar, the pavilion invites new ways of thinking about the relationships between bodies, spaces, and identities. The scenography, designed by Koos Breen and Jeannette Sltter, encourages visitors to engage by playing a game or observing others, to experience how their perception of familiar spaces might shift. In response to the Biennale's curatorial theme, "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective", the pavilion proposes a vision of architecture that is inclusive, diverse, and imaginative, fostering new modes of togetherness.Queer spaces represent a world of possibilities. New perspectives are emerging in architecture, introducing spaces that challenge cis-heteronormative norms. One example is the growing prevalence of gender-neutral washrooms, promoting gender inclusivity in public spaces. Beyond these private-public spaces, queer spaces for entertainment and celebration, such as nightclubs, bars, and dance floors, continue to thrive. However, this is only the beginning. Access to adequate housing and integrated living spaces for queer individuals remains a pressing issue across all age groups. The theme of the Dutch Pavilion aligns seamlessly with the Biennale's overarching invitation, which will bring together over 750 participants to explore the future of architecture at the exhibition running from May 24 to November 23, 2025.We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Venice Biennale.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Antonia Pieiro. "Netherlands Pavilion at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale Reimagines the Sports Bar Through a Queer Lens" 25 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027338/netherlands-pavilion-at-2025-venice-architecture-biennale-reimagines-the-sports-bar-through-a-queer-lens&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Apples toned-down announcement of the iPhone 16e marks a strategic shift in how the company approaches product differentiation within its lineup.Unlike the flagship iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, which will undoubtedly receive a major marketing push later in the year, the 16e appears to be a more pragmatic addition aimed at a specific audience rather than a mass-market spectacle.Pragmatism-Infused Marketing StrategyApple has positioned the iPhone 16e as a lower-cost alternative that retains core iPhone capabilities without the premium features of the higher-end models. This approach aligns with Apples ongoing segmenting user base strategy: high-end users gravitate toward Pro models.At the same time, cost-conscious buyers still get a new option without the need for deep discounts on previous-generation devices.Given the growing demand for mid-range devices, particularly in emerging markets, the iPhone 16e could be Apples answer to a more competitive price segment.The new A18-powered iPhone 16e strategically exposes Apple Intelligence, the companys highly touted AI capability, to entry-level iPhone users.How the iPhone 16e Online Launch FlowedThe prerecorded iPhone 16e unveiling film follows Apples traditional style, making a mid-cycle model feel noteworthy. Still, it was shorter than a typical major Apple smartphone launch, less than 13 minutes.Of course, Apple launched the iPhone 16e via a traditional news release and a keynote-style video. Like a typical WWDC or a September iPhone event, Tim Cook and other Apple staff introduce the device in an organized manner in the video.As a technology analyst who has attended these events, besides getting some hands-on time with anything the company announced at the event, the in-person format has always been less convenient for me, given the challenges of taking notes and writing on a laptop in a cramped seat inside the Steve Jobs Theater inside Apples spaceship headquarters.Not surprisingly, the iPhone 16e videos pacing, transitions, and scripting matched Apples signature presentation style.Apple usually divides its marketing into event presentations and commercials. The former involves Tim Cook and other executives revealing new devices on stage, while the latter has high-production commercial videos demoing products. Apples iPhone 16e video combined both methods. The short product video featured key Apple team members explaining the device on stage at Apple Park, making it feel more like a keynote than an ad. Its a small detail but raises questions regarding Apples product announcement strategy.In fairness to Apple, these short videos do allow it to recreate its keynotes and make the announcement much more substantial than a dry press release.In addition, this style keeps viewers interested longer. Apples method encourages viewers to watch the entire presentation, like a keynote, despite the flood of short, catchy videos on social media.Finally, Apple may be experimenting with a new way to debut mid-cycle products, employing structured videos for lesser releases and full-scale events for major ones.This iPhone 16e launch might be a trial balloon for Apple to use mini-keynotes for products that dont need a full-blown in-person event. Upcoming new iPads, AirPods, and Macs may be announced this way.Testing What Low-End iPhone Consumers Will AcceptIntroducing a new entry-level smartphone has always been a test of what customers are willing to accept from a minimal feature standpoint and wont cannibalize the higher-priced iPhone 16 and 16 Pro.At the product level, Apple may face considerable user backlash over the iPhone 16es limited MagSafe functionality and its reliance on an in-house modem, particularly from those expecting a more uniform experience across the iPhone lineup.MagSafe has become a key ecosystem feature, enabling fast wireless charging and accessory compatibility. By restricting its capabilities in the 16e, Apple risks alienating users who rely on MagSafe for accessories like wallets, battery packs, and car mounts.The more significant challenge, however, could stem from Apples first-generation in-house modem. This feature decision is a massive test for Apple. If performance particularly in areas like signal strength, latency, and power efficiency falls short of Qualcomms established solutions, early adopters might express frustration.Given Apples previous modem struggles and the complexity of network optimization, reliability concerns could deter some buyers.Apples plan to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm depends in part on the performance of the companys in-house developed 16es modem. If the modem performs well, the transition away from Qualcomm will be smooth; if not, Apple may have to continue relying on Qualcomm for longer than anticipated.Apples Long-Term iPhone StrategyApple is keenly aware that a budget-friendly iPhone can eat into sales of its more expensive models. By keeping the 16e announcement low-key, Apple ensures it does not overshadow the upcoming flagship models, maintaining the perception of exclusivity around the Pro line.The smartphone industry is seeing extended upgrade cycles, with consumers holding onto their devices longer. A subdued launch allows Apple to introduce the 16e without pressuring existing customers to upgrade immediately while still appealing to new buyers looking for an affordable entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.Ultimately, Apples understated approach suggests that the 16e is a calculated addition rather than a breakthrough product meant to quietly expand market reach without disrupting its premium branding.It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

The Butterfly Nebula (dying star nebula). Elements of this image furnished by NASA. (Credit: Allexxandar/Shutterstock)NewsletterSign up for our email newsletter for the latest science newsOur sun may be responsible for life on Earth, but stars across the galaxy are also responsible for creating a plethora of elements on the period table. These are some of the building blocks of life as well as the basic material that forms planets and other astral bodies.But how do stars form, evolve, and eventually die?The answer depends in part on the size of the star, and even then, the outcome may differ based on several factors.How are Stars Formed?Most stars form in a similar way. Clouds of dust and gas floating in space called nebulae eventually begin to coalesce into clumps. The larger of these elements start to have stronger gravitational pulls, attracting more and more material. These clumps will then collapse as the density increases, compacting into ever denser cores.As these materials interact, they begin to spin, and friction begins to cause it to heat up. They become hot balls of material with a lot of pressure called protostars, which is converted into a full-fledged star once the interior begins fusing atoms.A star is really born when it gets hot enough in the center that you can hit hydrogen atoms together and they make helium, says Ashley Villar, an astronomer at Harvard University.Stars then mostly just do this for the rest of their lives. Stars spend the vast majority of their lives chugging through hydrogen, Villar says. But what happens next depends highly on the size of the star.Small Stars and Our SunThe smallest stars those smaller than our sun, for example may never get past the hydrogen burning stage. They arent quite hot enough to begin fusing heavier elements, so they just continue on the slow burn path forever. There are some stars of this type, known as red dwarfs, that have been around since nearly the beginning of our universe.They just kind of hang out as stars, Villar says.The next category of stars, which likely includes our sun, will eventually run out of hydrogen, in the core. At the center, the star then begins to fuse their helium into carbon. It grows in size as the hydrogen fusion moves to the outer layers.This expanded star is known as a red giant, which appears as an orange color. According to NASA, our sun is destined to become a red giant in roughly 5 billion years. These outer layers will eventually just dissipate into gas and dust essentially becoming nebulae.The only thing left at this point is a core, which begins to cool off. These can be relatively small, about Earth-sized, but heavy and dense. The gravity is also so strong that it would tear anything apart, even if the temperature wasnt still thousands of degrees in heat, according to Villar.Evolution of Massive StarsThe biggest stars have so much mass that they dont burn out easily. Instead, they go out with a bang. Stars that are more than eight times our suns mass go through the same stages of elements, burning through its hydrogen.Once a big star fuses its helium to carbon, it then burns through this heavier element, fusing it into neon. It then progressively burns that neon into oxygen, then oxygen into silicon, then silicon into iron. The last phase lasts only a few days, and then the energy produced isnt enough to fight its own gravity.It takes more energy to fuse iron than it releases, Villar says. In some cases, the core of these big stars collapses. Its basically a giant atomic bomb thats called a supernova.The dense core that is left over is known as a neutron star. These are much denser versions of white dwarfs, but they are actually smaller, about the size of Manhattan.Our sun is too small to go supernova, but a star like our sun, once it becomes a white dwarf, could go supernova if it smashed into another white dwarf, or another active star.When do Stars Become Black Holes?Not all big stars become neutron stars. After a supernova occurs, some stars can collapse into black holes. This is usually when the stars remnants are too dense that light cant even escape the gravitational pull.A black hole can also form when a neutron star bangs into another neutron star, or bangs into a stellar black hole. This kind of collision produces a dimmer explosion than a supernova known as a kilonova.[The colliding neutron stars] actually drag space time with them, we can actually hear them, Villar says.The Life Cycle of Stars If the supernova, kilonova, or black hole are the climax to the story, there is still a finale, and it has to do with the great cycle of stellar life. When the explosions destroy the star, or when red giants dissipate, the material they leave ends up as nebula a floating cloud of dust and gas that might eventually begin to coalesce once again into a new star. These nebulae can also form after black holes swallow a star.Black holes can eat stars, or part of them, then they burp out part of the stars as an ejection, Villar says.While it might not seem that common, since we are talking about processes that last billions of years, Villar says that supernovae go off in our universe at a rate of one every two seconds or so, even though with current equipment, we only discover about 10,000 per year.Stars are just living and dying every day, she says.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:NASA. Star Types Joshua Rapp Learn is an award-winning D.C.-based science writer. An expat Albertan, he contributes to a number of science publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, New Scientist, Hakai, and others.1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthSubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In1 free articleSubscribeWant more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!SubscribeAlready a subscriber?Register or Log In