Warning: contains finale spoilers for Netflixs Toxic Town.Certain places get inside you, you know? says Aimee Lou Woods character Tracey Taylor in Netflixs Toxic Town. If Jack Thorne were a less sensitive screenwriter, that line might be seen as a gag in a drama about a group of mothers whose infants were poisoned in utero by dust from a mismanaged industrial waste site. Toxins from the former Corby Steelworks clearly did get inside the women whose babies were born with limb differences as a result. Toxic Town is a dramatised version of a landmark real-life court case brought against Corby Borough Council for negligence that led to a cluster of birth abnormalities. Starring Wood, Jodie Whittaker, Claudia Jessie and more as the women affected, the four-parter follows them through 14 years from pregnancy to court. There, the women were subjected to humiliating cross-examination that insinuated their own deep-held fear that they were the ones to blame for what had happened to their kids. Instead, thanks to their work and that of solicitor Des Collins and co., negligence was proven and Corby Borough Council issued a long-awaited apology and financial compensation. Before that though, the council tried to prove that the toxic dust couldnt have spread so far as to reach the Corby mothers. They had an equation from a graph in a research paper on the coal industry on their side, but according to the drama (which is based on real events but contains fictional elements and states as much, as any post-Baby ReindeerNetflix show must), there was a mistake in their maths. A missed-off digit in the councils equation crumpled their defence.That wasnt the only mismanaged statistic. Earlier, an expert in the childrens legal team spots that an official report denying the existence of a cluster of babies born with limb differences in Corby has made an error. The reports birth stats had been double-counted, first counting birth abnormalities in North NorthamptonshireincludingCorby, and then comparing that figure to abnormalities in Corby alone. It threw off the statistical field. Counted correctly, the rate of births with limb differences in Corby is shown to be three times higher than the national average.That, in addition to witness testimony, leads to the case being found in the childrens favour.One of the witnesses on whom much rests in the TV drama is a former council engineer and whistleblower. In episode one, we see his concerns dismissed about uncovered lorries transporting toxic soil and not using the required wheel washing equipment. He leaks tender paperwork showing a value of 0 next to the sections for Health and Safety and PPE. Its the way it has to work, hes told by a colleague. If you want to move forward, you have to cut red tape.Thats a popular sentiment, judging by its repeated use by the UKs current government, during the Brexit debate, and before. Its health and safety gone mad. People in this country have had enough of experts. Red tape stands in the way of progressProgress, or profits?Toxic Townknows which, and tells its urgent story through empathy-machine actors like Jodie Whittaker and Aimee-Lou Wood, to make sure its audience notices the difference. Stats are mishandled and misapplied. An expert is ignored and mocked. Councillors are shown in cahoots with business owners to whom they grant expensive contracts. Public money lines private pockets and the dire human cost of corner cutting is shown as a result. It all starts to feel depressingly familiar.Its no coincidence thatToxic Townwriter Jack Thorne was also behind 2021 Covid dramaHelp, starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham more actors who breathe empathy in and out like its their own planetary atmosphere. The two dramas tell very different true stories about the same things: profits being put before responsibility, experts urging caution being dismissed as killjoy nerds, and lies being told at the highest level, to the detriment of vulnerable people.SkysChernobyldid the same. So did the BBCsThe Salisbury Poisoningsand ITVsMr Bates Vs the Post Office. And so, inevitably, will Peter Kosminskys forthcoming BBC three-part drama on the Grenfell Tower fire. These dramas exist to counter the perfidious narrative that so-called red tape and health and safety regulations only exist to spoil everybodys good time. Theyre here to show that without it, and without experts the epidemiologists and mathematicians who fact-checked the distorted arguments used to deny the people of Corby the truth theres nothing to protect us from venal profiteers willing to sacrifice other peoples lives and wellbeing for the sake of a paycheque.All episodes of Toxic Town are available to stream now on Netflix.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!

Grand spaces and expensive finishes arent enough for the ultra rich anymore, according to the latest trend reports from American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Sothebys International Realty. High-end homeowners want thoughtful, personalized environments that cater to their every need, make daily tasks effortless, and still look like they belong on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Why the sudden focus on whats below the surface? A growing share of these homeowners are Gen-Xers and millennials who define luxury differently. Younger generations are driving the pivot toward accessible, sustainable luxury that prioritizes authenticity and experiences over material excess, the ASID 2025 Trends Outlook Report states. The Sothebys 2025 Luxury Outlook Report notes that this is partly a long-term response to Covid. Gen-X, millennial, and Gen-Z buyers value lifestyle, community, and meaningful connectionsparticularly after years of digital-first interactions, it says.The takeaways: Intuitive technology, spacious gathering areas, indoor-outdoor living rooms, and multifunctional kitchens are as covetable as frivolous (but fun) features like home theaters and game rooms. Sustainability is also a luxury, and additions like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances are in demand. Whether youre looking to elevate your home or just want to see how the other half lives, keep reading for 14 luxury home features to aspire to.For more real estate insights: 1Double Kitchen IslandsShade DeggesTrends like hybrid work definitely are influencing home layouts. Were seeing more and more rooms do double-duty. In the kitchen, that means a shift toward two-island designs, as seen here in this L.A. kitchen designed by Jeremiah Brent. They create separate areas for food prep, dining, and remote work. Tour the Entire Home 2Sculleries and Dirty Kitchens More home buyers are requesting hidden doors, integrated pantries, and tucked-away workspaces to reduce visual clutter. Sculleries like this one from a Memphis kitchen designed by Lindsey Black are popular, functional, and stylish. Tour the Entire Home Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Keeping RoomsThomas KuohA cozy sitting area near the kitchen, a keeping room like this one designed by Emilie Munroe is in demand thanks to social media. Kelly Ladwig, a global real estate adviser at Zeitlin Sothebys International Realty in Nashville, says theyre one of a handful of features that Instagram has popularized. Where they might not have known to ask for one before, now my clients might want a walk-in scullery, a breakfast nook, or a keeping room, she says.Tour the Entire Home4Beverage CentersJoseph BradshawDedicated beverage centers elevate entertaining at home. Options include mixology lounges, coffee bars, and personalized wine cellars, like this one from Peach and Pine designers Chandler and Jeremy Quarles Tennessee home. Climate-controlled storage is a must-haves for luxury homeowners who love to host.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Golf SimulatorsJASON VARNEYDesign elements that evoke joy and positivity are central to luxury interiors. If your idea of happiness is hitting the golf course, you dont necessarily have to leave home to do it. Designers are increasingly fielding requests for simulators like this one in a high-rise apartment designed by Kevin Kaminski and Alexis Pew.Related Story: The Man Cave Is Officially DeadHeres Whats Replacing It6Game Rooms Chris EdwardsMillennials with growing families need more square footage for their kids to hang out with friends. Movie rooms, swimming pools, and increasingly game rooms, like this one in a North Carolina home designed by Charlotte Lucas, can make the house a place for pals young and old to congregate. Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Spa-Like BathroomsMadeline TolleHigh-end bathrooms now rival five-star resorts with heated floors, steam showers, soaking tubs, aromatherapy systems, and ultra-high-end materials for the ultimate relaxation experience. The ultimate luxury just might be his-and-hers bathrooms, like this one in a Beverly Hills home designed by Jaqui Seerman. The shower seen hereon the hers side is outfitted in pink quartz, which is said to have natural healing and calming properties.Tour the Entire House8Infrared SaunasMadeline TolleWith a heightened focus on holistic well-being, luxury homes now feature specific wellness features. Infrared saunas, meditation rooms, human-centric lighting, and biophilic design elements create a sanctuary. This sauna-equipped oasis is the his side of the primary bathroom in the Jaqui Seermandesigned home above.Related Story: The Best Outdoor Saunas for Your BackyardAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Glass Walls and Retractable DoorsMichael CliffordExpansive glass walls and retractable doors, as seen in this Sonoma home by Lauren Nelson, blur the lines between indoors and out as the expansion of living spaces into nature remains a priority. Tour the Entire Home10Outdoor Kitchens Sam FrostDesigners are increasingly incorporating outdoor kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas to promote social engagement and a connection to nature. Weather-resistant entertainment areas, like this outdoor kitchen designed by Lindye Galloway, allow for year-round alfresco experiences.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Pickleball CourtsKevin Dietsch//Getty ImagesIn the ultra-luxury category, buyers not only want but expect fitness amenities. That can mean anything from a home gym to a lap pool to a traditional game court for basketball, tennis, or pickleball. Related Story: 35 Home Gym Ideas Thatll Keep You and Your Space in the Best Shape12Edible Gardens ALI HARPERThis generation of home buyers wants to be more self-sufficient, and that includes planting a gardenor, even better, inheriting one thats established and ripe for the picking. The greenhouse in this Nashville home by architect Erin Cypress of architecture firm Pfeffer Torode and designer Liz Bonesio makes farm-to-table dining easy.Tour the Entire HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Automated Smart Home SystemsCourtesy of TraneThe fusion of luxury and technology is more prominent than ever. One major concern for Gen-X buyers is nabbing the smartest home they can find. The more automated it is, the more it can do for you, the better, says Dennis McCormack, broker and managing partner of Prominent Properties Sothebys International Realty, in the report. Integrated smart home systems allow homeowners to control lighting, climate, security, and entertainment with voice commands or mobile apps, ensuring seamless convenience.14Solar Panels Haris KenjarHybrid homesmeaning those that have sustainable design features like solar panels, rainfall-harvesting systems, and green roofsare increasingly common. This New Jersey townhouse by designer Elaine Santos and Mowery Marsh Architects has solar panels and other features that make it a Passive House. According to Sothebys International Realty agents, eco-friendly design features help lower utility costs over time and add value.Tour the Entire Home

After years going mostly unchanged, Apples Calendar app has started improving quickly over the last few months. And theres one recent feature in particular that Ive long wanted, and its made a big difference for me: integrating Reminders with the Calendar app.Calendar now has a full schedule overview thanks to Reminders integrationThe iPhones Calendar and Reminders apps, until recently, were two entirely separate and siloed apps.But with iOS 18, Apple fully baked Reminders basic functionality into the Calendar app.For me, this has been a very welcome upgrade for one main reason: now I can finally get an accurate overview of my day right inside the Calendar app.Calendars integration with Reminders means you can see all scheduled reminders right alongside your calendar events.And I tend to use scheduled reminders a lot. They provide a helpful way for me to stay on top of various home tasks and work priorities.Before iOS 18, if I wanted to understand what a given days schedule looked like, I would have to open both the Calendar app and Reminders.Looking at Calendar alone wasnt enough, because then Id miss out on important scheduled work throughout my day.But now I can see it all in just one place. All of my scheduled reminders are listed in-line chronologically with calendar events, so with a quick glance at the Calendar app I have an instant understanding of what my full days going to look like.The only drawback: you cant currently enable only certain Reminders lists inside the Calendar app. You have to show either all scheduled reminders (regardless of list), or disable reminders entirely.That limitation aside, merging Reminders with Calendar has been a fantastic change thats made a big difference in my daily use.Do you use Reminders inside Apples Calendar app too? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Theres a new Priority Notifications feature in iOS 18.4 to ensure important messages and alerts get prominent Lock Screen placement. But a different feature entirely was added in a recent iOS updateCritical Messagesthat enables apps to send your iPhone highly important messages via SMS. Heres how it works.New messaging feature involves very specific parameters to prevent spamWith an iPhone update over the last few months, Apple has given developers a new capability to send SMS alerts to users. But its only intended for very specific and critical situations.Heres the description from Apples documentation:The Critical Messaging API provides a way for apps to deliver critical messages to a set of phone numbers. This can serve a number of purposes. For example, if an enterprise wants to receive check-ins from employees working in hazardous or rural environments, being able to automatically message a corporate check-in point may help check the safety of those employees without disrupting their work, or if the employee is unable to access or unlock their iPhone.Since this feature could potentially be abused by some developers, there are very specific conditions Apple has set to ensure that Critical Messages doesnt lead to spamming users with advertising or other unwanted alerts.For example, Apple specifies: You may not use the Critical Messaging API for sending unsolicited messages or for phishing or spamming, including but not limited to engaging in any types of activities that violate anti-spamming laws and regulations, or that are otherwise improper, inappropriate, or illegal.From a users standpoint, its unlikely youll receive Critical Messages often. Similar to the existing Critical-level notifications, theyre expected to be rarely deployed only for very important, time-sensitive notices.If you do find yourself receiving Critical Messages you dont want, theres an opt-out option in iOS that can be applied to individual apps. To opt out, simply open your iPhones Settings app, then go to Privacy & Security Critical Messages. Any apps that have requested permission to send these types of messages will appear here and can be disabled.What do you think of the iPhones Critical Messages feature? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The first metal thingamajig ever 3D printed in space has landed on Earth, where European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are now studying it.In a press release, the ESA announced that the object a round metal demonstration part,produced on the International Space Station, that features a variety of stubby cylindrical objects is now safely in the hands of agency scientists in the Netherlands.At the ESA's European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC), scientists will soon conduct quality analysis experiments to see what differences show up in objects manufactured in zero-gravity environments. A second, similarly 3D-printed object will be brought back to Earth and handed over to the Technical University of Denmark.Just over a year ago, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen successfully installed the Airbus-built metal 3D printer in the Space Station's Columbus module a feat unto itself, given that setting up complicated machinery like that is hard enough on Earth and all the more so without gravity.Soon after, the printer proved its prowess when it printed a curly "S" shape on a flat piece of metal, followed by two full samples including the one now in the hands of ESA scientists at ESTEC.Though this feat will inevitably help pave the way for future off-world manufacturing endeavors, this wasn't the first time an object had been 3D printed in orbit.That distinction occurred more than a decade ago, when NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore the same one who's slated to come back down to Earth in a few weeks after being stuck on the ISS for 10 months longer than expected installed and test-calibrated the first-ever in-orbit 3D printer.That printer could only produce plastic objects, though, which Wilmore used to craft a faceplate for its own casing.While we're still many moons away from building self-sufficient space habitats with objects created in situ, this test is a fascinating look into what humans can build for themselves in zero gravity and a nice reminder that there are broader horizons beyond our Terran foibles.More on space manufacturing: Robot With Large Drill Headed for Surface of MoonShare This Article

Chinese robotics company Unitree has shown off its G1 humanoid robot pulling some gnarly kung fu moves.In a video released this week, the child-sized robot can be seen punching the air and even deliver a swooping roundhouse kick."We have continued to upgrade the Unitree G1's algorithm, enabling it to learn and perform virtually any movement," the company wrote in the video's caption. "What other moves would you like to see. Do share with us in the comments.""Please keep a safe distance from the robot," the company advised.The stunt highlights how far consumer-facing humanoid robotics have come. Unlike its growing number of Western counterparts, including Tesla's Optimus and Figure's 01, Unitree's G1 is already being sold to consumers. Pricing starts at just $16,000, according to the company's website.The robot features anywhere from 23 to 43 joint motors, depending on the configuration, allowing it to walk, hop and evidently dabble in martial arts as well.A previous video shared by the company shows G1 busting out some dance moves, while we are not kidding a human engineer tries to knock it off its feet with what appears to be a padded broom stick. A separate video released last month shows it running down a street and briskly walking over an uneven, rocky surface.YouTuber Sohail Khan recently took the robot for a spin after unpacking it from a large check-in luggage-sized hardcase. He even nudges it to demonstrate the robot's ability to right itself,and shows it lying flat on its back before instructing it to clamber back onto its feet.Apart from bipedal robots, Unitree has also shown off two quadrupedal robot dogs called B2 and Go2. The latter can be bought for less than $2,000, a massive discount over Boston Dynamics' Spot Mini, which can cost as much as $75,000.But when or if these robots will ever be able to defeat a human martial artist or boxer remains to be seen. Considering how easy it is to tip over a Unitree G1 Khan had more than one hair-raising incident while testing the robot's self-balancing limits us humans will likely have plenty of time until we'd have to worry about getting knocked out in hand-to-robot-hand combat.More on humanoid robots: China Is Hosting The Worlds First Foot Race Between Humans and RobotsShare This Article

Madame Web is the worst film of the year.At least that was the pick for that dubious honor by the Razzie Awards, the longest-running bad-movie alternative to the Oscars. Every year the members of the Razzies (which is literally anyone who wants to pay to be a member) votes on their picks for the worst films of the year. And this year the consensus choice for the dregs of cinema was the disastrous Spider-Man spinoff starring Dakoja Johnson as a clairvoyant EMT worker.Johnson herself won the Razzies Worst Actress prize, and the film also won the Worst Screenplay award.The other big Razzie winners of the year (were using that term loosely here,of course) included Jerry SeinfeldsUnfrosted, which was given the awards for Worst Actor (for Seinfeld himself) and Worst Supporting Actress (for Amy Schumer), and the notoriousJoker: Folie Deux, which received the awards for Worst Sequel and for Worst Onscreen Couple for stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.With very few historical exceptions,the winners of the Razzies typically stay away from the ceremony and ignore the awards entirely. But one of this years winners decided to embrace his prize.Thats Francis Ford Coppola, who won the Worst Director Razzie for hisMegalopolis, a costly (but extremely ambitious) sci-fi flop that Coppola financed himself with millions of dollars from his personal fortune after decades of attempts to mount the film through more traditional financing.I am thrilled to accept the Razzie awardwrote Coppola on his Instagram account. In this wreck of a world today, where ART is given scores as if it were professional wrestling, I chose to NOT follow the gutless rules laid down by an industry so terrified of risk that despite the enormous pool of young talent at its disposal, may not create pictures that will be relevant and alive 50 years from now. What an honor to stand alongside a great and courages filmmaker like Jacques Tati who impoverished himself completely to make one of cinemas most beloved failures, PLAYTIME!Let us remind ourselves, Coppola added, that box-office is only about money, and like war, stupidity, and politics has no true place in our future.READ MORE: The Worst Razzie Nominees in HistoryPlaytimenever won a Razzie (the awards werent even created until 1981) but nonetheless I admire Coppolas defiant spirit, just like I admired that same spirit inMegalopolis, even if the movie itself was occasionally incomprehensible and often bizarre. In other words: An easy target for the Razzies but not one of the truly bad films of 2024. (Madame Web, on the other hand, was really and truly terrible.)Heres the full list of winners from this years Razzies:Worst PictureBorderlands Joker: Folie a Deux Madame Web -WINNER Megalopolis ReaganWorst ActorJack Black, Dear SantaZachary Levi, Harold and the Purple CrayonJoaquin Phoenix, Joker: Folie a DeuxDennis Quaid, ReaganJerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted -WINNERDakota Johnson - LA Premiere - Madame Web - 2024 - Sony Pictures - GettyDakota Johnson - LA Premiere - Madame Web - 2024 - Sony Pictures - Gettyloading...Worst ActressCate Blanchett, BorderlandsLady Gaga, Joker: Folie a DeuxBryce Dallas Howard, ArgylleDakota Johnson, Madame Web -WINNERJennifer Lopez, AtlasWorst Supporting ActorJack Black, BorderlandsKevin Hart, BorderlandsShia LaBeouf, MegalopolisTahar Rahim, Madame WebJon Voight, Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land & Strangers -WINNERUNFROSTEDNetflixloading...Worst Supporting ActressAriana DeBose, Argylle and Kraven the HunterLeslie Anne Down, ReaganEmma Roberts, Madame WebAmy Schumer, Unfrosted -WINNERFKA twigs, The CrowWorst DirectorS.J. Clarkson, Madame WebFrancis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis -WINNERTodd Phillips, Joker: Folie a DeuxEli Roth, BorderlandsJerry Seinfeld, UnfrostedWarner Bros.Warner Bros.loading...Worst Onscreen ComboAny Two Obnoxious Characters (But Especially Jack Black), BorderlandsAny Two Unfunny Comedic Actors, UnfrostedThe Entire Cast of MegalopolisJoaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, Joker: Folie a Deux -WINNERDennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller,ReaganWorst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or SequelThe Crow Joker: Folie a Deux -WINNER Kraven the Hunter Mufasa: The Lion King Rebel Moon: Part 2 The ScargiverSonySonyloading...Worst ScreenplayJoker: Folie a Deux Kraven the Hunter Madame Web -WINNER Megalopolis ReaganGet our free mobile appGood Movies That Won Razzie AwardsThe Razzies are supposed to be awards for the worst in cinema. So why did they give awards to these titles?!?

Contra is looking for a results-driven Digital Marketer to develop and execute marketing strategies that drive engagement, leads, and conversions. If you have experience in performance marketing, SEO, and social media advertising, wed love to hear from you!Responsibilities:Develop and implement digital marketing strategies across multiple channels.Manage and optimize paid ad campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.).Conduct SEO research and improve organic reach.Track, analyze, and report key performance metrics to improve campaign results.Create and manage email marketing campaigns to nurture leads.Collaborate with content creators and designers to align marketing efforts with brand messaging.Requirements:Proven experience as a Digital Marketer with a strong portfolio of successful campaigns.Expertise in SEO, PPC, social media advertising, and email marketing.Strong knowledge of Google Analytics, Google Ads, Meta Ads, and other digital tools.Ability to analyze data and optimize marketing strategies accordingly.Strong communication and project management skills.Nice to Have:Experience with marketing automation tools (HubSpot, Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign).Familiarity with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization.Knowledge of influencer marketing and affiliate programs. If you're a data-driven Digital Marketer passionate about growth, apply now!Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now

Contra is looking for a skilled and creative 3D Designer to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design visually compelling 3D models that align with our brand and support our mission of empowering independent work.ResponsibilitiesDesign 3D Models: Create innovative and detailed 3D models for a variety of projects.Collaborate: Work closely with the team to understand project requirements and design goals.Maintain Consistency: Ensure all 3D designs align with Contras brand and visual standards.Refine Designs: Revise and improve designs based on feedback and input from stakeholders.Meet Deadlines: Deliver high-quality 3D assets on time, maintaining attention to detail and precision.Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now

CNET takes stock of the best home internet in Maine.