• 0 Comments ·0 Shares ·23 Views
  • 42 housing markets see home prices fall. Is a bigger shift coming?
    www.fastcompany.com
    Want more housing market stories from Lance LambertsResiClubin your inbox?Subscribeto theResiClubnewsletter.National home prices have risen by 2.1% year-over-year from February 2024 to February 2025, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Thats a deceleration from the 4.6% year-over-year rate last spring. However, not every housing market is seeing rising home prices.Among the 300 largest metro area housing markets, 42 markets are seeing falling home prices on a year-over-year basis. Thats up from last month when just 31 of the nations 300 largest metro area housing markets had falling year-over-year home prices.While home prices continue to rise in regions with tight inventorysuch as much of the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Californiasome housing markets in states like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, where inventory has now surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels, are experiencing modest price corrections.These year-over-year declines are evident in major metros such as Austin (-3.8%); Tampa (-3.6%); San Antonio (-2%); New Orleans (-1.7%); Phoenix (-1.6%); Jacksonville, Florida (-1.5%); Dallas (-1.4%); and Orlando (-1.4%).The markets seeing the most softness, where homebuyers are gaining leverage, are primarily located in Sun Belt regions, particularly the Gulf Coast and Mountain West. These areas saw major price surges during the pandemic housing boom, with home price growth outpacing local income levels. As pandemic-driven migration slowed and mortgage rates rose, markets like Tampa and Austin faced challenges, relying on local income levels to support frothy home prices.This softening trend is further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. Builders are often willing to lower prices or offer affordability incentives to maintain sales, which also has a cooling effect on the resale market. Some buyers, who would have previously considered existing homes, are now opting for new homes with more favorable deals.Will this softening continue this year? A key indicator to watch will be active inventory levels. If weaker markets like Tampa continue to see substantial increases in active inventoryalready above pre-pandemic levelsit may signal ongoing softening, potentially creating more opportunities for homebuyers.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·26 Views
  • How brands can learn to tap into the power of fandoms
    www.fastcompany.com
    Cultivating a loyal fan base is every brands dream. So why not take a page out of the book of companies that have made fandom the foundation of their business?Earlier this month at the Fast Company Grill at SXSW, executives from Weverse, Crunchyroll, and Wattpad/Webtoon spoke about how their companies cultivate and serve their diehard fandomsand how you can apply that approach to your customers.For Joon Choi, president of Weverse, a platform bridging fans to artists, fandom always starts with authenticity, particularly with the artists on the platform. He recognized that special and happy experience of being in a fandom. So if an artist isnt authentically connected to their fanbase, then a platform like Weverse just isnt for them. And that idea, he said, goes for companies trying to connect with their consumers. Aron Levitz, president of Wattpad Webtoon Studios and co-president of Wattpad, noted that part of defining yourself as a brand is figuring out who you are in different channels.Have you ever looked at Build-a-Bears Instagram? It is not what you think it is. Go read it. It is unhinged, he said. But they decided that in that channel they can talk about themselves in a different way than they ever would in a store.The key is to be true to a persona and be ready to experiment to get to that persona, especially on social media where theres a constant churn of content. You can think like a tech company and do some A/B testing to really understand what could your brand be, Levitz said. For Gita Rebbapragada, chief operating officer of anime streaming service Crunchyroll, its about identifying the nuances within your fanbase. When [you] think about a specific fandom as a monolith, you will fail, she said. The beauty of being focused around one specific fandom is the diversity in it.She also mentioned that fans are highly adept at sniffing out inauthentic ploys for monetization from a company. But that there are indeed opportunities to engage with fans in a financial way if its well-aligned with the community. A lot of times we think of monetizing a fan base as kind of an uncomfortable thing to talk about, Rebbapragada said. [But] if you love a story or a game, you want to engage with it in so many different ways. And a company or a brand that gives you a cool product that you want to have in your home or put on your shelf or wear, that is creating value for the person that loves that particular thing. Its really about understanding what the motivations are.Watch the full panel below:
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·25 Views
  • 10 Must-Have Personal Care Products For The Ultimate Urban Gentlemans Grooming Kit
    www.yankodesign.com
    In the fast-paced urban environment, maintaining a polished appearance while balancing a hectic lifestyle is crucial for the modern gentleman. Personal care is not just about looking good; its about feeling confident and ready to take on the world. We have curated a collection of the 10 essential personal care products that every urban man should have in his grooming arsenal. Each product is carefully selected to ensure precision, quality, and sophistication in your daily routine.Each of these products offers unique benefits that cater to the needs of the modern urban gentleman. From precision grooming tools to innovative scent solutions, these essentials ensure you always look, feel, and present your best in any situation. Dive in, and pick the ones that perfectly suit your modern grooming requirements.1. Paper RazorIntroducing the Paper Razor, a unique single-use razor that boasts an innovative all-paper body topped with a metal blade head. Its key feature is a flat-packed design that allows the razor to be easily unfolded and assembled in seconds. By simply folding in the sides, it transforms into a sturdy and ergonomic razor with a grippy handle, ready for use. Especially for the urban man on the go, this paper razor is a versatile solution for their grooming kit.The Paper Razors origami-inspired design offers the same strength and maneuverability as a traditional plastic razor, while significantly reducing plastic usage by up to 98%. This environmentally friendly design makes it ideal for easy flat-packing and shipping, allowing it to be used efficiently before being disposed of responsibly.What we likeThe handle is designed to withstand water temperatures of up to 104F (40C), enabling you to shave comfortably with lukewarm water.It presents an eco-conscious alternative to traditional disposable all-plastic razors, aligning with sustainable living practices.What we dislikeBeing a single-use razor, it is not intended for multiple uses, which may not appeal to those looking for a longer-lasting shaving solution.2. Auger PrecisionCurve ScissorsTrue grooming is an art that requires precision and attention to detail. The Auger PrecisionCurve Scissors are designed for those who value exacting standards in their grooming routine. With ultra-thin curved blades, these scissors offer razor-sharp refinement for sculpting beard lines and defining brows with surgical accuracy.Developed by Kai Corporation, a leader in Japanese blade-making since 1908, these scissors embody the perfect synergy of craftsmanship and modern engineering. They are compact, lightweight, and equipped with a protective cap, making them ideal for both at-home and on-the-go grooming. The sleek and stylish scissors are a perfect fit for the modern man!Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00What we likeThe curved blades allow for targeted accuracy, ensuring clean, controlled trimming without stray hairs.Made from titanium-coated stainless steel, these scissors maintain sharpness and resist corrosion over time.What we dislikePrimarily designed for detailed trimming, they may not be suitable for cutting larger sections of hair.The high-quality materials and craftsmanship might come at a higher cost compared to standard scissors.3. AromaCraft Clothes BrushTransform your wardrobe care routine with the AromaCraft Clothes Brush a luxurious tool that combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern aromatic enhancement. Handcrafted by the Miyakawa Hake Brush Workshop, this brush is designed to clean and refresh fabrics while infusing them with a customizable fragrance. The use of boar bristles and a walnut wood handle speaks to the dedication to quality and detail, offering a tactile and sensory garment care experience.Each brushstroke removes dust and pollen, and also imparts a subtle scent, elevating the simple task of clothing maintenance into a ritual of relaxation and renewal. The AromaCraft Clothes Brush is perfect for the discerning gentleman who appreciates the finer things in life and seeks to maintain his wardrobe in pristine condition.Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00What we likeMade from natural materials and features a biodegradable washi paper insert.Allows personalization with your favorite essential oils for a unique scent.What we dislikePrimarily used for clothing, so it may not serve broader grooming purposes.Additional purchase of oils is necessary for fragrance customization.4. Auger PrecisionFlex Razor (+6 Blade Refills)Shaving is more than just a daily routine its a ritual of self-mastery and refinement. The Auger PrecisionFlex Razor is designed to elevate this ritual, offering effortless control and sharp definition for a clean-shaven look or a sculpted beard line. Featuring an advanced 5-blade system, a 3D pivoting head, and a world-first 30 adjustable head, this razor adapts to every contour with unparalleled flexibility.This razor embodies the essence of masculine refinement through its precision engineering and minimalist sophistication. It ensures every stroke is executed with quiet confidence and precision. Its an essential tool for the modern man who values both performance and elegance in his grooming routine.Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00What we likeThe adjustable head and pivoting mechanism provide a tailored shaving experience.The sculpted handle ensures a secure grip and comfortable use.What we dislikeRegular cleaning is necessary to maintain blade hygiene and performance.The advanced features and technology might be priced above standard razors.5. 3-in-1 Luminous Mirror DiffuserElevate your personal space and daily rituals with the 3-in-1 Luminous Mirror Diffuser, a cutting-edge product that seamlessly integrates customizable lighting, a precision mirror, and soothing aroma diffusion. This multifunctional device is designed for the modern man who values both style and functionality in his personal care environment.Offering shadow-free illumination, a 360 rotatable mirror, and a gentle aroma diffuser, it transforms ordinary routines into elevated experiences. The sleek design complements any modern interior, making it a versatile addition to your home or office. The Luminous Mirror Diffuser is perfect for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere, enhancing both your grooming practices and everyday living.Click Here to Buy Now: $699.00What we likeCombines lighting, reflection, and aroma diffusion for a comprehensive experience.Offers various color temperatures and brightness levels to suit any mood or task.What we dislikeMay require some setup and adjustment to utilize all features effectively.While lightweight, its size might limit portability compared to more compact grooming tools.6. Auger PrecisionGrip TweezersAttention to detail is crucial in achieving a well-groomed look, and the Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers are designed to provide that exact level of precision. These tweezers offer a flawless grip and seamless control, making them essential for any grooming routine focused on perfection. Whether youre shaping brows or removing the finest stray hairs, the Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers ensure impeccable execution with every pluck.Developed by Kai Corporation, these tweezers combine surgical sharpness with an ergonomic grip, offering a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. The sleek, all-black aesthetic reflects a minimalist approach to grooming, emphasizing the importance of subtlety and refinement. The Auger PrecisionGrip Tweezers are a must-have for the urban gentleman who desires precision and durability in his personal care tools.Click Here to Buy Now: $29.00What we likeThe ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue and provides absolute control during grooming.The titanium finish ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear.What we dislikeWhile excellent for precision tasks, they may not be suitable for broader grooming needs.Despite their compact size, the need for careful storage with the protective cap might be a minor inconvenience.7. Legacy Precision Nail FileExperience the timeless art of nail care with the Legacy Precision Nail File from Yoshida Yasuri, a product that embodies the rich heritage of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Celebrating its 120-year legacy, this nail file is crafted from stainless steel using Edo-period metalworking techniques, offering unmatched precision and durability.Its intricate three-stage sharpening process ensures a fine, long-lasting edge that transforms the health and appearance of your nails with just a few minutes of care. Rust-resistant and washable, this nail file is designed to provide gentle yet effective maintenance, preserving the natural structure of your nails.Click Here to Buy Now: $29.00What we likeCrafted from stainless steel, it resists wear and maintains performance over time.The intricate sharpening process ensures precise and gentle nail care.What we dislikeDesigned specifically for nail care, it may not be versatile for other grooming needs.Unlike electric files, it requires manual filing, which might not suit everyone.8. Aroma Fragrance PinAdd a touch of elegance to your everyday attire with the Aroma Fragrance Pin a discreet accessory that allows you to carry your favorite scent wherever you go. Crafted from aluminum and designed to resemble stylish buttons, these pins contain small pieces of cotton infused with essential oils, offering a continuous, refreshing aroma throughout the day.Whether pinned to your clothes or accessories, the Aroma Fragrance Pin seamlessly blends with any outfit, making it a versatile addition to your style. This pin is perfect for the urban gentleman who desires a subtle yet effective way to incorporate fragrance into his daily routine, enhancing his presence with a calming and refreshing scent.Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00What we likeBlends seamlessly with clothing and accessories, offering a subtle fragrance option.Allows you to carry your favorite scent wherever you go with ease.What we dislikeThe scent may need regular reapplication to maintain its intensity.Requires the purchase of essential oils for use.9. Rotating Nail ClipperRevolutionize the way you clip your nails with the Rotating Nail Clipper, a tool designed to eliminate wrist strain and awkward angles. Made from high-carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy, this clipper features a rotating blade that adjusts to any angle, making nail clipping easy and stress-free.Available in maroon and silver, it combines functionality with style, ensuring that maintaining well-groomed nails is a breeze. Whether youre clipping your nails or assisting someone else, this innovative clipper offers convenience and precision, making it a must-have for any grooming kit. The Rotating Nail Clipper is ideal for the modern man who values both efficiency and comfort in his personal care tools.Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00What we likeThe rotating blade offers flexibility and ease of use, reducing wrist strain.Constructed from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.What we dislikePrimarily designed for nail clipping, it may not cater to other grooming tasks.New users might need time to adjust to the rotating mechanism.10. niostemThe niostem smart hair loss wearable is an innovative device designed to address hair loss and promote hair regrowth within 6 months. According to the company, the effectiveness of this wearable was demonstrated in a human trial over six months, where it was shown to increase hair density by an average of 19.3% and hair thickness by 9.1%.Beyond merely preventing further hair loss, the niostem device is engineered to reactivate dormant stem cells, thereby encouraging the natural hair growth cycle to resume. It is quite incredible because it initiates your hairs natural growth process and actively contributes to regrowing hair. It employs advanced stem cell reactivation technology, which not only stimulates hair growth but also adapts to your skins specific needs, offering a personalized treatment approach.What we likeThe device is user-friendly and designed to comfortably fit over your entire scalp, ensuring comprehensive coverage.It operates without disrupting your hormonal balance and is free from negative side effects, providing a safe option for most users.What we dislikeDespite the absence of negative side effects, being a wearable device means it should be used with caution, particularly for those with sensitive skin.The post 10 Must-Have Personal Care Products For The Ultimate Urban Gentlemans Grooming Kit first appeared on Yanko Design.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·28 Views
  • 0 Comments ·0 Shares ·25 Views
  • 0 Comments ·0 Shares ·24 Views
  • The Art of the Perfect Nap
    www.wired.com
    Done wisely, naps can be a valuable way to boost your focus and energy. A sleep researcher explains how to get it right.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·27 Views
  • 17 Best Early Amazon Spring Sale Deals (2025)
    www.wired.com
    Nows your chance to save on headphones, tablets, and home gadgets.
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·26 Views
  • 10 workplace designs we enjoyed this week
    archinect.com
    In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles.Today's top images (in no particular order) are from the board Working Spaces.Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles! Success Academy Offices in New York, NY by MBB Architects; Photo: Magda Biernat Zuellig Pharma Head office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia by Bloom Architecture; Photo: Robert Kleiner Once Once in Tijuana, Mexico by Design Opera Architects Tailong Bank Technology Software Development Office in Hangzhou, China by Damai Interior Design; Photo: Hanmo Vision DOTS Office in New York, NY by Two Street Studio; Interior Design: Sheep+Stone; Photo: Nicole Franzen Primarc Office in Kolkata, India by groupDCA Pearl Izumi in Louisville, CO by Arch11; Photo: Raul Garcia | Astula Bestseller Hangzhou Live Stream Space in Zhe...
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·25 Views
  • Fujifilm GFX100RF review: one sensor, nine cameras
    www.theverge.com
    When Apple introduced the iPhone 15 Pro, Greg Joswiak, the companys senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said the devices three rear cameras would give consumers the equivalent of seven camera lenses in their pocket.We could spend multiple podcasts debating the technical validity of that statement, but what Joswiak was trying to imply was that the iPhone now had sensors with a resolution that was big and high enough that it could crop in to emulate various focal lengths.Now, Fujifilm is trying the same thing.With a 35mm lens stuck to a body shockingly similar to the super-popular X100VI, it would be easy to assume Fujis new GFX100RF is the companys attempt to take a winning strategy and scale it up to medium format.But while most fixed-lens cameras like the X100VI create intentional limitations and encourage you to shoot more than you think, the GFX100RF is all about flexibility and intentionality. Using its high-resolution 102MP sensor, an all-new aspect ratio dial and four different digital zoom modes, Fujifilm aims to replace nine cameras and four lenses with one relatively compact body. 7Verge ScoreFuji GFX 100RF$4899$4899The GoodAspect ratio dial is a fantastic addition102MP sensor gives tons of flexibilityCompact designThe Badf/4 minimum aperture feels limitingNo in-body image stabilizationFilter adapter and lens hood triple size of lensHow we rate and review productsFujifilms GFX100RF is the companys most compact medium-format camera yet. Housing the same sensor as its flagship GFX100II, the $4,900 camera is hugely capable, delivering the same delightful physical controls and rich colors the brand is known for. Theres a reason people love shooting with Fujifilm cameras, and if youre looking for more of that experience, the GFX100RF wont let you down.The new twist this camera adds to the formula is its aspect ratio dial. This physical dial, mounted to the back of the camera, lets you pick from one of nine different formats to frame your image. As someone who still shoots a lot of old film cameras, it had me geeking out big time. Particularly, because the aspect ratios the camera offers are based on real film cameras Fujifilm manufactured decades ago. Its a very fun throwback. You can choose between 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 17:6, 3:4, 1:1, 7:6, 5:4, and, my favorite, 65:24 an homage to Fujifilms legendary TX-1 panoramic camera.Taken on the GFX 100RF.Because Fujifilm didnt include the hybrid optical viewfinder like youll see in the X100VI and X-Pro3, it included three different view modes for composing with those aspect ratios instead. You can see the full scene with frame lines, a 50% opacity mode that lets you see whats outside your frame, or a full blackout mode that only shows the crop youre shooting.After testing this camera for about a month, Ive started to wonder why every camera doesnt have a dial like this. Carrying the camera around Utah, it was a ton of fun to jump around different ratios while composing a photo, and in multiple circumstances, an image that Id only considered good in the full 4:3 mode was upgraded to great once I found the right crop for it.Now obviously, when you crop out a large portion of an image, youre also cropping a decent amount of resolution. But even when using the most-cropped 65x24 ratio, youre still left with a large 50MP file. And if you shoot RAW in addition to JPG and you edit in Adobe Lightroom, RAW files will be ingested pre-cropped with the option to zoom out to the full 4:3 image. I love that.The super-high resolution of the sensor has another benefit, though. The GFX100RF offers four virtual focal lengths, which crop into the center of the sensor to deliver a different field of view. The camera offers 35mm, 45mm, 63mm, and 80mm options, which equate to about 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 63mm in full-frame terms. These zoom modes will also cost you resolution too, though, with the full 80mm focal length cropped to 65x24 spitting out a 9MP image.To make zooming in simple, Fujifilm added a small switch to the front of the camera similar to what youd see on an old camcorder. And right above that, youll find a remappable knurled dial, which strangely wasnt mapped to anything out of the box on my unit.It feels like Fujifilm built this camera to do it all, and in a lot of ways, it defies expectations of what a fixed-lens camera is built to do. But unfortunately, the GFX100RF is also limited in two key ways: a relatively slow f/4 aperture and a lack of optical image stabilization.Taken on the GFX 100RF.An f/4 aperture on Fujifilms medium format sensor equates to about f/3.16 on a full-frame camera, and while that isnt horrible by any means, it felt limiting in my time with it. A slower aperture means less light on the sensor, and less light means pushing up the ISO or pulling down the shutter speed. On a camera like the Fujifilm X100VI with optical image stabilization, I could comfortably drop the shutter speed down to a full second hand-held. But on the GFX100RF, the slowest I could comfortably shoot handheld without getting a shaky image was 1/30 maybe 15th if I was especially steady.As someone who carries around a tripod nearly every time I go take photos, this wasnt a huge deal for me. But Fujifillm is positioning this camera as the best everyday camera on the market, and without a faster lens or optical image stabilization, you might have trouble shooting with this camera once the light gets low, unless you use uncomfortably high ISO values. When I had to shoot in lower light, I often switched to Fujis excellent Acros black and white simulation, which is made to look quite grainy anyway.Its understandable why Fujifilm may not have added optical image stabilization to this camera. The 100RF is only marginally bigger than the Fujifilm X100VI, so it may not have developed a stabilization system compact enough for the body yet. And at $4,899, which is still quite expensive, this camera comes in cheaper than any other GFX body Fujifilm currently sells. Plus, this one includes a lens.Taken on the GFX 100RF.Taken on the GFX 100RF.Taken on the GFX 100RF.But what perplexes me the most about the camera is the decision to use an f/4 aperture. Taken alone, the lens is shockingly small smaller than every dedicated GF lens that Fujifilm sells by a long shot. But Fuji also includes a lens hood and filter adapter ring in the box, and, added together, these accessories just about triple the overall footprint of the lens to the point where its about as big as the lens on the Leica Q3. And at that point, why not just make a bigger, faster lens?Theres no doubt the GFX100RF will be consistently compared to Leicas full-frame Q3 primarily because, until recently, if you wanted an even remotely new fixed-lens camera with a large sensor, the Q3 was pretty much your only option. And while Fujifilm has Leica beat with its new versatile aspect ratio dial and ultra-high resolution, Leica trades those features for a much faster f/1.7 lens and optical image stabilization. Which features matter to you is probably going to depend on what kind of photographer you are. And, at the very least, Im glad theres finally another option available on the market.I really loved my time with this camera. Composing nearly every aspect of your final image in-camera is a real joy, and I have a soft spot in my heart for physical dials. But for a camera that aspires to do it all with one lens, youre going to need a tripod to make that a reality.Photography by David ImelSee More:
    0 Comments ·0 Shares ·23 Views